bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
What are the characteristics of disposable electronic cigarettes users in Switzerland? A quantitative study among 14–25 year olds
Authors: Chok Lorraine , Fernandes-Palhares Diana , Cros Jérémy , Lebon Luc , Zürcher Karin , Dubuis Alexandre , Berthouzoz Cathy , Barrense-Dias Yara 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionDisposable electronic cigarettes (DEC) appeared in Switzerland in 2020. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of DEC use among youth (14–25 year olds) living in French-speaking Switzerland and their characteristics.MethodsData were obtained from a web‐based survey conducted in August 2022. Participants were divided into four DEC user groups according to and were compared on sociodemographic data, substance use, family substance use and advertising viewing. Additional questions such as purchase methods and motivations were asked to the user groups.ResultsAmong the 1362 participants, 41.2% had never used a DEC (NEVER), 14.4% once (ONCE), 15.1% several times but not in the last 30 days (PAST) and 29.2% several times in the last 30 days (CURRENT). At the multivariate level, compared with the NEVER group, participants in the CURRENT group were more likely to have used cigarettes and cannabis in the last 30 days, to report family electronic cigarettes use and to have seen online advertising for DEC. Among DEC users, compared with the ONCE group, those in the CURRENT group were less likely to be cisgender males, to have acquired their last DEC through peers or family and to use DEC out of curiosity.ConclusionsAlthough most youth do not consume DEC regularly, these results raise concerns about growing exposure of young people to highly addictive products. They underline the importance of monitoring products availability, marketing and prevalence. They also confirm the necessity to inform the public, denormalise use and strengthen regulations.
Washout processes in post-sphaleron baryogenesis from way-out-of-equilibrium decays
Authors: Racker J. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWe study washout processes in post-sphaleron baryogenesis, a mechanism where the matter–antimatter asymmetry is generated in the decay of exotic particles after the electroweak phase transition. In particular we focus, in a quite model independent way, on those scattering processes that have an amplitude proportional to the CP asymmetry. We find that when the scatterings involve only massless particles, the washouts are very severe for light decaying particles (with masses below a few hundred of GeV) and successful baryogenesis is only possible in a small portion of parameter space. Instead, if even a very light particle participates in these processes, the allowed region of parameter space opens considerably, although the final amount of baryon asymmetry may differ significantly from the expression which is typically used and neglects washouts. Furthermore, we analyze washouts from the non-thermal spectrum of energetic particles produced in cascade decays and indicate in which models they can be relevant.
Probing gauge-Higgs unification models at the ILC with quark–antiquark forward–backward asymmetry at center-of-mass energies above the Z mass
Authors: Irles A. , Márquez J. P. , Pöschl R. , Richard F. , Saibel A. , Yamamoto H. , Yamatsu N. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe International Linear Collider (ILC) will allow the precise study of $$e^{-}e^{+} \rightarrow q\bar{q}$$

e
-

e
+

→
q

q

¯

interactions at different center-of-mass energies from the $$Z$$
Z
-pole to 1 TeV. In this paper, we discuss the experimental prospects for measuring differential observables in $$e^{-}e^{+} \rightarrow b\bar{b}$$

e
-

e
+

→
b

b

¯

and $$e^{-}e^{+} \rightarrow c\bar{c}$$

e
-

e
+

→
c

c

¯

at the ILC baseline energies, 250 and 500 GeV. The study is based on full simulation and reconstruction of the International Large Detector (ILD) concept. Two gauge-Higgs unification models predicting new high-mass resonances beyond the Standard Model are discussed. These models predict sizable deviations of the forward–backward observables at the ILC running above the Z mass and with longitudinally polarized electron and positron beams. The ability of the ILC to probe these models via high-precision measurements of the forward–backward asymmetry is discussed. Alternative scenarios at other energies and beam polarization schemes are also discussed, extrapolating the estimated uncertainties from the two baseline scenarios.
Influence of welding parameters on the formation of U-rib fillet welds in single-sided welding of steel bridge panels
Authors: Nie Xiao , Li Ruifeng , Zhang Xiaoqiang , Li Taotao , Liu Zhigang , Yang Liang , Xue Zheyan 
Published: May 2024

It is difficult to reach the requirement of 80% U-rib weld penetration in the practical application of single-sided welding of steel bridge panels. Meanwhile, full penetration has to be avoided. In this study, efforts are made in order to achieve fillet welds with 80% and above penetration consistently. The effect of welding parameters on the formation of single-sided U-rib fillet welds is investigated. This work has revealed that U-rib fillet weld penetration is presenting an upward trend as the welding current increases under specific welding conditions, and full penetration was observed at the current of 325 A. With the increasing distance between the filler wire and the root of the weld, the U-rib penetration reduces. As the torch angle increases during ship position welding, the U-rib penetration will first increase and then decrease. The weld formation of flat position welding is more stable and the U-rib weld penetration has been significantly improved. The optimum U-rib weld with penetration of 84.8% is achieved under the conditions of flat position welding with 285 A welding current, 44∘ torch angle, and 2[Formula: see text]mm distance between the wire and the root.
Lack of Prognostic Value of T‐Wave Alternans for Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillator Benefit in Primary Prevention
Authors: Pelli Ari , Kenttä Tuomas V. , Junttila M. Juhani , Huber Cynthia , Schlögl Simon , Zabel Markus , Malik Marek , Willems Rik , Vos Marc A. , Harden Markus , Friede Tim , Sticherling Christian , Huikuri Heikki V. ,   the EU‐CERT‐ICD Study Investigators
Published: May 2024

Background
New methods to identify patients who benefit from a primary prophylactic implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) are needed. T‐wave alternans (TWA) has been shown to associate with arrhythmogenesis of the heart and sudden cardiac death. We hypothesized that TWA might be associated with benefit from ICD implantation in primary prevention.

Methods and Results

In the EU‐CERT‐ICD (European Comparative Effectiveness Research to Assess the Use of Primary Prophylactic Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillators) study, we prospectively enrolled 2327 candidates for primary prophylactic ICD. A 24‐hour Holter monitor reading was taken from all recruited patients at enrollment. TWA was assessed from Holter monitoring using the modified moving average method. Study outcomes were all‐cause death, appropriate shock, and survival benefit. TWA was assessed both as a contiguous variable and as a dichotomized variable with cutoff points <47 μV and <60 μV. The final cohort included 1734 valid T‐wave alternans samples, 1211 patients with ICD, and 523 control patients with conservative treatment, with a mean follow‐up time of 2.3 years. TWA ≥60 μV was a predicter for a higher all‐cause death in patients with an ICD on the basis of a univariate Cox regression model (hazard ratio, 1.484 [95% CI, 1.024–2.151];
P
=0.0374; concordance statistic, 0.51). In multivariable models, TWA was not prognostic of death or appropriate shocks in patients with an ICD. In addition, TWA was not prognostic of death in control patients. In a propensity score–adjusted Cox regression model, TWA was not a predictor of ICD benefit.

Conclusions
T‐wave alternans is poorly prognostic in patients with a primary prophylactic ICD. Although it may be prognostic of life‐threatening arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in several patient populations, it does not seem to be useful in assessing benefit from ICD therapy in primary prevention among patients with an ejection fraction of ≤35%.
Interaction Rules Supporting Effective Flocking Behavior
Authors: Milano Nicola , Nolfi Stefano 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Several simulation models have demonstrated how flocking behavior emerges from the interaction among individuals that react to the relative orientation of their neighbors based on simple rules. However, the precise nature of these rules and the relationship between the characteristics of the rules and the efficacy of the resulting collective behavior are unknown. In this article, we analyze the effect of the strength with which individuals react to the orientation of neighbors located in different sectors of their visual fields and the benefit that could be obtained by using control rules that are more elaborate than those normally used. Our results demonstrate that considering only neighbors located on the frontal side of the visual field permits an increase in the aggregation level of the swarm. Using more complex rules and/or additional sensory information does not lead to better performance.
Marxism and the Critique of Antisemitism
Authors: Englert Sai , de Jong Alex 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Antisemitism is an increasingly prevalent aspect of public life in the West, both as a consequence of the growth of the far right across the board and through its mobilisation against Palestinian liberation and Palestine solidarity activism. While synagogues are targeted and far-right politicians revive ideas of Jewish global power, it is the left, Muslims, and Palestinians that are continuously constructed as the source of the current rise in hatred and violence against Jews. If historically the Marxist tradition engaged actively with the so-called Jewish question, in recent decades the subject has receded from focus. This shift took place as other forms of racism – directed at Muslims, Black populations, or migrants – became the basis for reactionary politics in the West. This article argues that while some of the assumptions that underwrote classical Marxist texts on the issue have been found wanting – perhaps most notably the inevitable (or desirable) character of the trend towards assimilation – they remain important starting points for making sense of our present, both by their method and their political commitment to liberation.
Effects of an Auditory Versus Visual Stimulus on Reaction and Response Time During Countermovement Jumps
Authors: Lowell Russell , Saucier David , Chander Harish , Burch Reuben , Gillen Zachary 
Published: May 2024

Reacting and responding to an external stimulus is an important component of human performance, and they inform us about a participant’s neurophysiological capabilities. Our purpose in this study was to determine whether reaction times (REACT), response times (RT), and countermovement jump (CMJ) performance differ when responding to an auditory (AUD) versus visual (VIS) stimulus. Participants were 17 college-aged volunteers (6 females and 11 males; M age = 23.0, SD = 3.4 years; M height = 174.57, SD = 10.37 cm; M body mass = 73.37, SD = 13.48 kg). Participants performed CMJs on force plates immediately upon receiving an AUD or a VIS stimulus. The AUD stimulus was a beep noise, while the VIS stimulus was a light on a screen in front of the participants. We determined REACT for the tibialis anterior (TA), medial gastrocnemius (GM), vastus lateralis (VL), and biceps femoris (BF) muscles to be the amount of time between stimulus onset and the initiation of the muscle’s electromyographic (EMG) signal. We determined RT to be the amount of time between stimulus onset and the beginning of the participant’s force production. We assessed CMJ performance via ground reaction forces during the unweighting, braking, and propulsive phases of the jump. We quantified EMG amplitude and frequency during each CMJ phase. We found RT to be faster to the AUD versus the VIS stimulus ( p = .007). VL and BF muscles had faster REACT than TA and GM muscles ( p ≤ .007). The AUD stimulus was associated with faster CMJ unweighting phase metrics ( p ≤ .005). Thus, individuals may react and respond faster to an AUD versus VIS stimulus, with limited improvements in their subsequent physical performance.
Tripping into the unknown: Exploring the experiences of first-time LSD users through global drug survey insights
Authors: Baxter Luke , Puljević Cheneal , Piatkowski Tim , Ferris Jason , Davies Emma L , Barratt Monica J , Winstock Adam 
Published: May 2024

Background: The recreational use of LSD, a synthetic psychedelic drug, has surged in recent years, coinciding with a renewed research focus on its potential psychotherapeutic properties. Aim: This study aims to describe the experiences and perceptions of individuals engaging in LSD use for the first time, derived from a large international sample. Methods: This study utilised 2018 Global Drug Survey data collected from 6 November 2017 to 10 January 2018. Participants who initiated LSD use in the preceding 12 months answered questions on their experiences, social settings, harm-reduction behaviours, and demographics. Descriptive statistics were employed, and characteristics of those seeking emergency medical treatment (EMT) and those not planning further LSD use were compared with other respondents. Results: Among 3340 respondents who used LSD in the past year, their first-time experiences generally exceeded expectations, with 97.7% expressing excitement. Adverse and unwanted side effects were rarely reported, and only 17 individuals needed EMT. Feelings of fear were reported by most (64.1%), but only very mildly and not enough to put them off from wanting to use LSD again. Discussion: Although the occurrence of unwanted side effects seems low and the LSD experience is generally pleasurable, vigilance amid the rising illicit use of LSD through harm-reduction education is still important in preventing possible risks.
The use of an anterior-posterior atrophy index to distinguish Alzheimer's disease from frontotemporal disorders: an automated volumetric MRI Study
Authors: Gerlach Leah R. , Prabhakaran Vivek , Antuono Piero G. , Granadillo Elias 
Published: May 2024

Background Alzheimer's disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) require different treatments. Since clinical presentation can be nuanced, imaging biomarkers aid in diagnosis. Automated software such as Neuroreader (NR) provides volumetric imaging data, and indices between anterior and posterior brain areas have proven useful in distinguishing dementia subtypes in research cohorts. Existing indices are complex and require further validation in clinical settings. Purpose To provide initial validation for a simplified anterior-posterior index (API) from NR in distinguishing FTD and AD in a clinical cohort. Material and Methods A retrospective chart review was completed. We derived a simplified API: API = (logVA/VP-μ)/σ where [Formula: see text] is weighted volume of frontal and temporal lobes and [Formula: see text] of parietal and occipital lobes. [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are the mean and standard deviation of logVA/VP computed for AD participants. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and regression analyses assessed the efficacy of the API versus brain areas in predicting diagnosis of AD versus FTD. Results A total of 39 participants with FTD and 78 participants with AD were included. The API had an excellent performance in distinguishing AD from FTD with an area under the ROC curve of 0.82 and a positive association with diagnostic classification on logistic regression analysis (B = 1.491, P < 0.001). Conclusion The API successfully distinguished AD and FTD with excellent performance. The results provide preliminary validation of the API in a clinical setting.
The Effect of Anesthesia on Passive Ankle Dorsiflexion
Authors: Tucker William , Saltzman Hanna M. , Kapron Claire , Trice Will , Simister Samuel K. , Swenson Jeffrey , Saltzman Charles L. 
Published: May 2024

Background: Equinus contractures can commonly be due to contractures of gastrocnemius muscle or combined contractures of the gastrocnemius-soleus Achilles tendon complex. The decision to release part or all of the gastrocnemius-soleus Achilles tendon complex is often assessed intraoperatively while the patient is under anesthesia. It remains unknown whether the administration of general anesthesia affects the measurement of passive ankle dorsiflexion. Methods: The unaffected, nonoperative limb on 46 foot and ankle patients underwent a Silfverskiold test measuring passive ankle dorsiflexion preoperatively and intraoperatively after administration of general anesthesia using an instrumented force-angular displacement goniometer. To determine clinical significance, we surveyed experienced surgeons to estimate the perceived minimally detectable clinical accuracy for measuring passive ankle dorsiflexion. Results: Forty-six subjects were included with mean age of 42 ± 14.8 years, mean body mass index of 26.2 ± 4.9, and 52% female. The mean change in dorsiflexion values from before anesthesia to after the administration of general anesthesia was 1.9 degrees with 10 lb of pressure with knee extended (E10), 2.3 degrees with 20 lb of pressure with knee extended (E20), 2.8 degrees with 10 lb of pressure with knee flexed (F10), and 2.3 degrees with 20 lb of pressure with knee flexed (F20) (all P < .001). Thirty-three of 45 (73%) surgeons responded to the survey; all thought their minimally detectable clinical accuracy was 5 degrees or greater. Conclusion: After the administration of general anesthesia, a small but likely not clinically detectable increase in passive ankle dorsiflexion occurs. The common clinical practice of making intraoperative treatment decisions regarding the presence of a gastrocnemius-soleus driven equinus contractures after general anesthesia without use of paralytic agents appears reasonable given the magnitude of the changes identified in this study.
The role of multimodal imaging in characterization and monitoring of choroidal neovascularization secondary to angioid streaks
Authors: Kilani Adnan , Vogt Denise , Wolf Armin , Vounotrypidis Efstathios 
Published: May 2024

Background To characterize and monitor choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) secondary to angioid streaks (AS) using multimodal imaging and to compare the results with conventional fluorescein angiography (FA). Methods A total of 11 eyes with CNV secondary to AS were included in this retrospective study. Multimodal morphological and functional assessment, including spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), spectral-domain optical coherence tomography angiography (SD-OCTA), and fundus autofluorescence (FAF), were used to assess for evidence of CNV activity and compared with conventional FA. Morphological features of CNV were analyzed and treatment was continuously monitored using SD-OCT and SD-OCTA. Results Our results showed that SD-OCTA provided reliable results for the detection of secondary CNV in AS that were comparable to conventional FA. With SD-OCTA, a total of 13 CNVs were detected in 11 eyes and analyzed by means of outer retinal choriocapillaris depth (ORCC) segmentation and the corresponding B-scans. Twelve of the 13 CNVs were classified as active and therefore required treatment. For treatment monitoring during intravitreal therapy (IVT), SD-OCTA was found to be a valuable diagnostic tool over a mean follow-up of 76 weeks. Conclusions Our study demonstrates that SD-OCTA can be routinely used to identify ill-defined CNV without dye-based angiography, especially in cases of CNV secondary to AS, where Bruch's membrane (BM) defects limit the diagnostic value of FA. Our results showed that non-invasive multimodal imaging facilitates sufficient CNV monitoring and treatment guidance. Further studies are warranted to provide more evidence in this rare retinal disease.
Breast carcinoma metastasis to the submandibular gland: Clinical, sonographic and pathological findings of a rare entity
Authors: Salman Lamees , Ali Zainab Al Shiekh , Howlett David C 
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Metastatic disease to the submandibular gland is a rare phenomenon with limited information available on related imaging findings. Case Presentation: We report a 59-year-old female who presented with a palpable nodule in the right submandibular gland 6 years after treatment for breast carcinoma. Ultrasound findings were concerning for distant metastatic disease from breast cancer recurrence. The histopathological analysis of the biopsied tissue confirmed infiltration of the right submandibular gland with an adenocarcinoma from a breast primary. Discussion: Metastatic spread to the major salivary glands is relatively uncommon with a predilection to the parotid gland owing to its extensive intraglandular lymphatic system. Conversely, metastasis to the submandibular gland, which lacks intraglandular lymph nodes, is rare. Ultrasound is the optimal first-line imaging modality to aid in the assessment of submandibular gland disease. Malignant lesions often appear hypoechoic with heterogenous internal architecture and ill-defined borders. However, some low-grade malignancies, can have apparently benign features particularly when smaller in size. Where a focal submandibular gland lesion is identified and neoplasm is suspected, the early use of ultrasound-guided core biopsy is recommended to improve diagnostic yield for histological assessment. Conclusion: While submandibular metastasis is rare, clinical assessment, sonographic findings and use of core needle biopsy aid in prompt diagnosis and management.
Safety and efficacy of bronchial thermoplasty in refractory asthma with severe obstructive respiratory dysfunction
Authors: Inoue Takahiro , Isogai Sumito , Yamamoto Naoki , Hiramatsu Noriko , Niwa Yoshikazu , Takahashi Hideaki , Kimura Yutaro , Horiguchi Tomoya , Goto Yasuhiro , Hashimoto Naozumi , Imaizumi Kazuyoshi 
Published: May 2024

Background: Bronchial thermoplasty (BT) is a recently developed non-pharmacological therapy for refractory bronchial asthma. Although increasing evidence has suggested that BT is effective for various phenotypes of severe asthma, its safety and efficacy in patients with severe irreversible impaired lung function are unclear. Objectives: To assess the efficacy and safety of BT in patients with refractory asthma, including patients with a severely impaired forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1). Design: This was a single-center, retrospective, observational cohort study. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 15 patients with refractory asthma (Global Initiative for Asthma step 4 or 5), including patients with severely impaired airflow limitation (% predicted pre-bronchodilator FEV1 <60%), who had undergone BT between June 2016 and January 2022. We analyzed the efficacy (change in asthma symptoms, exacerbation rate, pulmonary function, asthma medication, and serum inflammatory chemokine/cytokines before and after BT) and complications in all patients. We compared these data between patients with severe obstructive lung dysfunction [group 1(G1)] and patients with FEV1 ⩾ 60% [group 2 (G2)]. Results: Six patients were in G1 and nine were in G2. Clinical characteristics, T2 inflammation, and concurrent treatment were equivalent in both groups. BT significantly improved asthma-related symptoms (measured using the Asthma Control Test and Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire scores) in both groups. FEV1 was significantly improved in G1 but not in G2. Four patients in G2, but none in G1, experienced asthma exacerbation requiring additional systemic corticosteroids (including two requiring prolonged hospitalization) after BT. Long-term responders (patients who reduced systemic or inhaled corticosteroid without newly adding biologics in a follow-up > 2 years) of BT were identified in G1 and G2 ( n = 2, 33.3% and n = 4, 44.4%, respectively). Conclusion: BT in patients with refractory asthma and severe airflow limitation is equally safe and efficacious as that in patients with moderate airflow limitation.