bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex differences in cholinergic signaling affect functional outcomes for theta–gamma coordination in hippocampal subcircuits following experimental febrile status epilepticus
Authors: Kloc Michelle L. , Holmes Gregory L. , Barry Jeremy M. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectiveSex determines cognitive outcome in animal models of early life seizure, where males exhibit impaired hippocampal‐dependent learning and memory compared with females. The physiological underpinnings of this sex effect are unclear. Cholinergic signaling is essential for the generation of hippocampal oscillations, and supplementation of cholinergic precursors prior to status epilepticus in immature male rats prevents subsequent memory deficits. We hypothesized that there are sex differences in acetylcholine circuits and their response to experimental febrile status epilepticus (eFSE).MethodseFSE was induced in male and female rat pups. We transversed the hippocampus of postnatal day >60 control (CTL) and eFSE rats with a 64‐channel laminar silicon probe to assay cholinergic‐dependent theta oscillations under urethane anesthesia. Local field potential properties were compared during (1) baseline sensory stimulation, (2) pharmacological stimulation via acetylcholine reuptake blockade, and (3) sensory stimulation after muscarinic acetylcholine receptor block (atropine).ResultsIn all groups, a baseline tail pinch could elicit theta oscillations via corticohippocampal synaptic input. Following atropine, a tail pinch response could no longer be elicited in CTL male, CTL female, or eFSE female rats. In contrast, induced slow theta power in eFSE males after atropine was not decreased to spontaneous levels. Analysis of oscillation bandwidths revealed sex differences in acetylcholine modulation of theta frequency and slow gamma frequency and power. This study also identified significant effects of both sex and eFSE on baseline theta–gamma comodulation, indicating a loss of coupling in eFSE males and a potential gain of function in eFSE females.SignificanceThere are differences in cholinergic modulation of theta and gamma signal coordination between male and female rats. These differences may underlie worse cognitive outcomes in males following eFSE. Promoting the efficacy of muscarinic acetylcholine signaling prior to or following early life seizures could elucidate a mechanism for the temporal discoordination of neural signals within and between hippocampus and neocortex and provide a novel therapeutic approach for improving cognitive outcomes.
Estimating the likelihood of epilepsy from clinically noncontributory electroencephalograms using computational analysis: A retrospective, multisite case–control study
Authors: Tait Luke , Staniaszek Lydia E. , Galizia Elizabeth , Martin‐Lopez David , Walker Matthew C. , Azeez Al Anzari Abdul , Meiklejohn Kay , Allen David , Price Chris , Georgiou Sophie , Bagary Manny , Khalsa Sakh , Manfredonia Francesco , Tittensor Phil , Lawthom Charlotte , Howes Benjamin B. , Shankar Rohit , Terry John R. , Woldman Wessel 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis study was undertaken to validate a set of candidate biomarkers of seizure susceptibility in a retrospective, multisite case–control study, and to determine the robustness of these biomarkers derived from routinely collected electroencephalography (EEG) within a large cohort (both epilepsy and common alternative conditions such as nonepileptic attack disorder).MethodsThe database consisted of 814 EEG recordings from 648 subjects, collected from eight National Health Service sites across the UK. Clinically noncontributory EEG recordings were identified by an experienced clinical scientist (N = 281; 152 alternative conditions, 129 epilepsy). Eight computational markers (spectral [n = 2], network‐based [n = 4], and model‐based [n = 2]) were calculated within each recording. Ensemble‐based classifiers were developed using a two‐tier cross‐validation approach. We used standard regression methods to assess whether potential confounding variables (e.g., age, gender, treatment status, comorbidity) impacted model performance.ResultsWe found levels of balanced accuracy of 68% across the cohort with clinically noncontributory normal EEGs (sensitivity =61%, specificity =75%, positive predictive value =55%, negative predictive value =79%, diagnostic odds ratio =4.64, area under receiver operated characteristics curve =.72). Group level analysis found no evidence suggesting any of the potential confounding variables significantly impacted the overall performance.SignificanceThese results provide evidence that the set of biomarkers could provide additional value to clinical decision‐making, providing the foundation for a decision support tool that could reduce diagnostic delay and misdiagnosis rates. Future work should therefore assess the change in diagnostic yield and time to diagnosis when utilizing these biomarkers in carefully designed prospective studies.
Comparing environmental impacts of deep‐seabed and land‐based mining: A defensible framework
Authors: Metaxas A. , Anglin C. D. , Cross A. , Drazen J. , Haeckel M. , Mudd G. , Smith C. R. , Smith S. , Weaver P. P. E. , Sonter L. , Amon D. J. , Erskine P. D. , Levin L. A. , Lily H. , Maest A. S. , Mestre N. C. , Ramirez‐Llodra E. , Sánchez L. E. , Sharma R. , Vanreusel A. , Wheston S. , Tunnicliffe V. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe crises of climate change and biodiversity loss are interlinked and must be addressed jointly. A proposed solution for reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and thus mitigating climate change, is the transition from conventional combustion‐engine to electric vehicles. This transition currently requires additional mineral resources, such as nickel and cobalt used in car batteries, presently obtained from land‐based mines. Most options to meet this demand are associated with some biodiversity loss. One proposal is to mine the deep seabed, a vast, relatively pristine and mostly unexplored region of our planet. Few comparisons of environmental impacts of solely expanding land‐based mining versus extending mining to the deep seabed for the additional resources exist and for biodiversity only qualitative. Here, we present a framework that facilitates a holistic comparison of relative ecosystem impacts by mining, using empirical data from relevant environmental metrics. This framework (Environmental Impact Wheel) includes a suite of physicochemical and biological components, rather than a few selected metrics, surrogates, or proxies. It is modified from the “recovery wheel” presented in the International Standards for the Practice of Ecological Restoration to address impacts rather than recovery. The wheel includes six attributes (physical condition, community composition, structural diversity, ecosystem function, external exchanges and absence of threats). Each has 3–5 sub attributes, in turn measured with several indicators. The framework includes five steps: (1) identifying geographic scope; (2) identifying relevant spatiotemporal scales; (3) selecting relevant indicators for each sub‐attribute; (4) aggregating changes in indicators to scores; and (5) generating Environmental Impact Wheels for targeted comparisons. To move forward comparisons of land‐based with deep seabed mining, thresholds of the indicators that reflect the range in severity of environmental impacts are needed. Indicators should be based on clearly articulated environmental goals, with objectives and targets that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time bound.
How relationship norms and task complexity affect consumer perceptions of quality in crowdsourcing
Authors: Shuqair Saleh , Herter Márcia Maurer , Pinto Diego Costa , Mattila Anna S. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAlthough prior research indicates that crowdsourcing is primarily beneficial for companies, this work reveals, across three studies, that quality perceptions of crowd‐sourced (vs. company‐generated) products are shaped by relationship norms: communal norms (vs. exchange norms). Study 1 indicates that developing a communal (vs. exchange) relationship with the company enhances quality perceptions of crowdsourced (vs. company‐generated) products. Study 2 shows that firms' innovation ability works as an underlying mechanism: when consumers develop a communal (vs. exchange) bond with the company, they attribute greater innovation competence to crowdsourcing (vs. company‐generated innovations). Finally, study 3 reveals that the beneficial effects of communal (vs. exchange) norms on perceived quality crowdsourced products only hold when the product innovation lacks complexity, and the effect is mitigated with high‐complexity tasks. By demonstrating the importance of relationship norms and their interaction with innovation complexity, we resolve mixed findings on consumers quality perceptions towards crowdsourcing, contributing to recent studies and further offering important implications for firms seeking to leverage crowdsourcing strategies effectively.
High common‐γ cytokine receptor levels promote expression of Interleukin‐2/Interleukin‐7 receptor α‐chains with implications on T‐cell differentiation and function
Authors: Kim Ju‐Young , Mayatepek Ertan , Seyfarth Julia , Jacobsen Marc 
Published: May 2024

AbstractCytokines of the common‐γ receptor chain (γc) family are crucial for T‐cell differentiation and dysregulation of γc cytokine pathways is involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. There is increasing evidence that the availability of the γc receptor (CD132) for the associated receptor chains has implications for T‐cell functions. Here we studied the influence of differential γc expression on the expression of the IL‐2Rα (CD25), the IL‐7Rα (CD127) and the differentiation of activated naïve T cells. We fine‐tuned the regulation of γc expression in human primary naïve T cells by lentiviral transduction using small hairpin (sh)RNAs and γc cDNA. Differential γc levels were then analysed for effects on T‐cell phenotype and function after activation. Differential γc expression markedly affected IL‐2Rα and IL‐7Rα expression on activated naïve T cells. High γc expression (γc‐high) induced significantly higher expression of IL‐2Rα and re‐expression of IL‐7Rα after activation. Inhibition of γc caused lower IL‐2Rα/IL‐7Rα expression and impaired proliferation of activated naïve T cells. In contrast, γc‐high T cells secreted significantly higher concentrations of effector cytokines (i.e., IFN‐γ, IL‐6) and showed higher cytokine‐receptor induced STAT5 phosphorylation during initial stages as well as persistently higher pSTAT1 and pSTAT3 levels after activation. Finally, accelerated transition towards a CD45RO expressing effector/memory phenotype was seen especially for CD4+ γc‐high naïve T cells. These results suggested that high expression of γc promotes expression of IL‐2Rα and IL‐7Rα on activated naïve T cells with significant effects on differentiation and effector cytokine expression.
Career adaptability among new oncology nurses: A longitudinal exploration
Authors: Liu Man , Liu Lu , Lv Zhuoheng , Mao Yousheng , Liu Yan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAimThis study aims to explore the longitudinal predictive effect of self‐awareness on career adaptability in new nurses at a tumor specialty hospital and the mediating mechanisms of work readiness and transition shock.BackgroundCareer adaptability is crucial for the personal development of nurses and also intricately linked to the retention rates among newcomers in oncology nursing. Inadequate career adaptability contributes to higher turnover, which in turn exacerbates the shortage of qualified nursing personnel in this field. There is a pressing need for dedicated research and interventions that support new nurses, especially in specialized areas like oncology, to promote their well‐being and career advancement. Comprehending these challenges is essential for devising effective strategies that will retain nursing talent and ensure the sustainability of a robust healthcare workforce.MethodsLongitudinal data from four follow‐up surveys were collected from 248 new clinical nurses at the National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College. Mediation analyses using R 4.1.2 were conducted to examine the pathways between self‐awareness, work readiness, transition shock, and career adaptability.ConclusionsSelf‐awareness not only directly predicts career adaptability but also influences it through the bidirectional and chained mediating pathways of work readiness and transition shock.Implications for nursing and health policyThese findings equip nursing managers with flexible strategies to foster and enhance nurses' career adaptability, providing targeted support as nurses assimilate into their clinical roles. This not only strengthens workforce stability but also mitigates turnover, ultimately reinforcing the healthcare workforce.
Enhancing glass property predictions through ab initio‐derived descriptors
Authors: Arendt Felix , Limbach René , Wondraczek Lothar , Sierka Marek 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe performance of ab initio descriptors derived from density functional theory simulations is systematically investigated in comparison to traditional compositional descriptors for the ability to predict glass properties utilizing machine learning algorithms. Two datasets are used for this purpose: an extensive, publicly available database involving a wide range of oxide glasses, and a small in‐house dataset covering a broader collection of inorganic glasses from metallic to non‐metallic materials. For the larger dataset, it was demonstrated that ab initio descriptors offer a substantial reduction in input dimensionality while retaining nearly equivalent predictive performance when compared to the compositional descriptors. The combination of ab initio and compositional descriptors showed an improvement in prediction accuracy. For the smaller dataset, the ab initio‐derived descriptors performed significantly better than the compositional descriptors, providing a valuable tool to improve glass property prediction in settings where the availability of data is limited. Furthermore, ab initio‐derived descriptors are not only computationally inexpensive and allow extrapolation beyond the training composition space but also facilitate model interpretation.
Optimizing the design parameters for chamotte particle‐reinforced geopolymers
Authors: Constâncio Trindade Ana Carolina , McNutt Patrick F. , Sood Sai Shruti , Brandvold Allison S. , Ozer Ali , Kriven Waltraud M. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis study delved into the utilization of chamotte particles in varying contents (0–50 wt%) as reinforcing agents in both fresh and hardened states within potassium‐based geopolymer (KGP) composites. Although the previous research predominantly underscored the high‐temperature stability of chamotte in composites subjected to extreme conditions, this study focuses on expanding their potential applications at ambient temperature. The experimental findings showed that the flowability of the pastes experienced a slight reduction up to 20 wt% chamotte, followed by a substantial decrease, ultimately resulting in complete shape retention at 50 wt%. Squeeze flow and standard rheological tests supported these observations, revealing elevated work‐to‐squeeze values peaking at 1.3 J. X‐ray diffraction data showed that crystallinity prevailed in chamotte, establishing its efficacy as a nonreactive reinforcement. In the hardened state, the inclusion of chamotte enhanced the mechanical properties of the composites, specifically compressive, flexural, and splitting tensile strengths, reaching up to 61.7, 13.2, and 5.6 MPa, respectively. Young's modulus (E) and shear modulus (G) also exhibited an upward trend with increasing chamotte content, reaching values of up to 17.7 and 7.7 GPa at 50 wt%, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis validated particle interlocking and crack‐bridging mechanisms. In general, this study highlights the effectiveness of chamotte particles in improving the mechanical properties of KGP composites at room temperature. It also emphasizes the necessity of considering the mentioned parameters in the design of particulate‐reinforced geopolymer compositions for diverse applications.
Non‐learning Within a Constellation of Communities of Practice: The Case of the EU and Its Democracy Support in the Arab World
Authors: Achrainer Christian , Pace Michelle 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis article addresses the puzzle of why the European Union (EU) struggles to learn from ineffective attempts to support democratization in the Arab world but instead continuously (re‐)produces democracy support malpractices. To better understand this phenomenon, we draw from practice theory and conceptualize EU democracy support as practices performed by a community of insiders who act within a complex constellation of communities of practice. Due to the way in which communities function, decision‐makers do not critically reflect on the background knowledge on which they base their practices and thus do not learn how to improve them. This constellation model offers a unique take on non‐learning within the EU and in (policy‐making) groups more generally. We illustrate the proposed conceptual framework through an empirical analysis of EU democracy support in Egypt, showing that the EU performs practices similar to those before the 2011 Revolution due to its inability to learn.
Misspecified profit functions and full‐cost pricing
Authors: Choné Philippe , Linnemer Laurent 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWe study the behavior of a firm that consistently maximizes a misspecified profit function as the misspecification error remains undetected in equilibrium. Our framework encompasses a price‐taking firm and a cost‐taking firm, which respectively take the unit price and the unit cost as given. At the stable equilibrium for the cost‐taking firm, the price increases with the level of fixed costs, a phenomenon known as full‐cost pricing. We show that the equilibrium price may be lower than the rational price and can be reached by a tatônnement process. We also describe a stochastic version of that process in a dynamic setting with random costs and Bayesian learning. Finally, we endogenize the cost curve. When technology duplication is possible, the cost‐taking firm and the rational firm end up producing the same level of output.
Optimization of production of blanched apple chips using sublimation drying
Authors: Kenzhekhanova Mereke , Mukhametov Almas , Mamayeva Laura 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe aim of the research is to investigate the efficiency of producing blanched apple chips utilizing an innovative technology, namely sublimation drying. Apples of the “Aport Almaty” variety were stored at a temperature of 4°C prior to processing. They were peeled, seeded, sliced into segments of specific thickness, and subjected to drying in a drying chamber at temperatures of 45, 50, and 60°C. Following drying, the samples were analyzed for antioxidant content, phenolics, minerals, and vitamins. For comparative analysis, methods such as sublimation drying, conventional drying, and low‐temperature drying were also employed. Atomic absorption spectroscopy and high‐performance liquid chromatography methods are employed for the analysis of the mineral and vitamin composition. Each group consists of 30 samples. Analysis of variance revealed statistically significant differences in antioxidants (F(3, 116) = 12.48, p < .001), water activity (F(3, 116) = 7.22, p < .01), and phenols (F(3, 116) = 9.85, p < .001) among the drying methods. Sublimation drying demonstrated higher levels of antioxidants and phenols (p < .05). At 45°C, sublimation drying resulted in higher levels of antioxidants (p < .05) and vitamin C, as well as low water activity (p < .05). Dry mass significantly correlated with storage stability (r = −0.75, p < .05). Sublimation drying exhibited superiority in moisture loss (F > 24.17, p < .001). The correlation coefficient between dry mass and moisture content was −0.82 (p < .01). Blanching improved antioxidant activity (75% vs. 65%) and color preservation.Practical applicationsOur study deepened the understanding of sublimation drying processes in apple chip production by determining optimal conditions for achieving high product quality. The obtained results provide valuable recommendations for practical application in the food industry, including optimal temperature regimes and the use of blanching to enhance chip quality. The universality of our study results supports their applicability in various sectors of the food industry that involve the drying of fruits and vegetables. Sublimation drying with blanching demonstrated high effectiveness in preserving the biochemical characteristics of the product, extending shelf life, and enhancing organoleptic properties.
When the bridge is not human: Algorithmic interference in forming social relationships through the manipulation of weak ties
Authors: Norberg Patricia A. , Horne Daniel R. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn recent years, social media applications have grown in number and in user bases. Recommendation algorithms on these platforms refer social others and related content to users. Using Granovetter's tie strength theory and the literature on relationship formation as conceptual foundations, we argue that these social media algorithms can damage a user's ability to establish diverse relationships and the benefits therein, thereby reducing personal, and, when aggregated, societal advantages. We argue that this occurs because the algorithms take on social actor roles and operate as “weak tie imposters” that serve as bridges to like others and content. This work provides a new conceptualization of the role recommendation algorithms play in social relationships, argues how they impact social relationship development and user privacy, and offers potential solutions to the issues related to algorithmic interference.
Evaluation of oral health, taste perception, nutritional status and emotional well‐being in post‐menopausal women
Authors: Sumit Kumar , Vikram Khanna , Rajlaxmi Mitra , Ranjitkumar Patil , Anastasios Grigoriadis , Abhishek Kumar 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundIn postmenopausal women (PMW), vasomotor symptoms, emotional oscillations and sleep disturbances can affect physiological and psychological functioning. However, the effect of menopause on oral health‐related parameters is not been thoroughly studied.ObjectiveTo evaluate oral health, taste perception, eating habits, nutritional status and emotional well‐being in PMW compared with a group of young and healthy pre‐menopausal women (PrMW).Materials and MethodsTwo groups (Group I: PMW and Group II: PrMW) with 30 participants each, participated in the cross‐sectional study. The study proforma contained measures of oral health, taste perception, nutritional status and anxiety levels of the women in both groups using validated and previously used tools were designed and implemented. The data were analysed with student t, Mann–Whitney U, and chi‐squared tests to evaluate the differences between the two groups.ResultsThe cross‐sectional study indicates no major differences in oral health, taste perception, nutritional and emotional status between PMW and PrMW. Nonetheless, there was a significant difference in perception of ‘front teeth lengthening in size’ and change in hot and cold sensations between the groups. Furthermore, the study group with PMW tends to have fewer natural teeth than the reference group.ConclusionOverall, menopause does not appear to affect oral health, taste perception, nutrition or emotional health. It is suggested that oral health and taste perception, as well as nutritional and emotional status, are associated with gradual aging processes that may or may not be affected by menopause.