bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Holocene geoecohydrological floodplain dynamics in NE Belgium: regional drivers of local change
Authors: Hoevers Renske , Broothaerts Nils , Verstraeten Gert 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACTDuring the Late Holocene, the majority of lowland river systems in temperate Europe transformed from low‐energy multi‐channel rivers in strongly vegetated marshy floodplains to more open floodplains characterised by single‐channel meandering rivers with overbank deposits. While the general framework of this transformation in floodplain geomorphology, ecology and hydrology (i.e. geoecohydrology) is widely recognised many uncertainties remain as its timing varies significantly, both among different river catchments and within them. To unravel whether the observed differences in floodplain response can be attributed to differences in the timing and nature of the driving forces or to a difference in sensitivity towards them, we compare long‐term and large‐scale reconstructions of the geoecohydrological floodplain dynamics and of the (climatically and anthropogenically driven) land cover change for two contrasting regions: the central Belgian loess belt and the sandy Campine region. By using a combination of cluster analysis, ordination and Ellenberg indicator scores on a large multi‐proxy and multi‐site dataset, we revealed the major trends in the past geoecohydrological evolution of northeastern Belgian floodplains. These trends are probably determined by changes in floodplain wetness, which can in turn be linked to variations in upland forest cover. The Early and Late Holocene floodplain transformations appear synchronous with the respective increases and decreases in upland forest cover in the vicinity of the sites, largely determining the water availability in the river catchments and thereby their local geoecohydrological conditions. Initially, these evolutions were determined by climate, but during the Middle and especially Late Holocene anthropogenic influence became a far more important factor, causing the evolutions in the two studied regions to increasingly diverge. While marshy floodplains with forested margins can still be found in the sandy Campine region today, these have become rare in the central Belgian loess belt due to the combination of a higher level of human impact and greater erodibility of the soils in this area. Despite the strong spatiotemporal variability of the floodplain transformations, we observe a trend towards increasingly rapid floodplain responses to upland land cover changes over the course of the Holocene, probably related to the growing hillslope–floodplain connectivity. We conclude that the (dis)similarities in Holocene geoecohydrological floodplain change can be largely attributed to the (dis)similarities in (climatically or anthropogenically driven) land cover change in the uplands, although the differences in inherent sensitivity of the locations – linked to factors such as soil type and topography – further complicate the already non‐linear impact–response relationships.
The formation of parasocial relationships in tourism social media: A rational and emotional trust‐building process
Authors: Meng Bo , Zhang Jiena , Choi Kyuhwan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis study examines the effects of parasocial interactions on relationships and behavior in the context of tourism social media. Based on a dual process of trust formation, this study theorizes rational trust and emotional trust as part of a parasocial interaction process to explain the formation of this form of relationship. The study results (N = 424) reveal that information characteristics and influencer characteristics are identified as critical predictors of rational trust and emotional trust by the respondents. Furthermore, trust amplifies parasocial relationships as well as increasing consequent trust behaviors, such as information adoption and word of mouth. This study thus contributes to the literature by illuminating how the trust‐building process forms parasocial relationships. Meanwhile, it also provides insights into the mechanism of parasocial relationship formation for theoretical researchers and has important implications for tourism social media administrators.
Tailored re‐roofing technique for pulsatile tinnitus caused by sigmoid sinus dehiscence or diverticulum
Authors: Lee Jeong Gum , Na Gina , Hur Young Kyun , Yoon Ji Min , Kwak Seung Min , Cho Youn Jin , Kim Minbum , Moon In Seok 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundSigmoid sinus diverticulum/dehiscence (SSD) is one of the treatable causes of venous pulsatile tinnitus. It can be diagnosed using temporal bone computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance angiography/venography (MRA). In cases where patients find their symptoms intolerable, surgical treatment is typically preferred. Here, we have presented a novel surgical technique involving sigmoid sinus re‐roofing and have analyzed its feasibility.MethodsBetween January 2020 and July 2023, approximately 150 patients with pulsatile tinnitus were evaluated at two different tertiary hospitals. Of these, 12 patients were diagnosed with SSD, and seven underwent surgical treatment. Five patients were treated with tailored reroofing (TRR) of the sigmoid sinus and two with transmastoid resurfacing (MRS) of the sigmoid sinus. We compared the Korean tinnitus handicap inventory (K‐THI) score, pure tone audiogram (PTA) threshold, and CT findings before and a month after surgeries for these two techniques. The operation time was also analyzed.ResultsIn TRR cases, the K‐THI score reduced from 55.0 ± 31.4 preoperatively to 4.0 ± 3.0 postoperatively, and the SSD was well‐repositioned and covered by a bone chip postoperatively. In MRS cases, the K‐THI score reduced from 41.0 ± 9.9 preoperatively to 15.0 ± 21.2 postoperatively, and the SSD was well‐covered with bone cement postoperatively. The average surgical time of five TRR and two MRS cases were 77.5 ± 32.5 and 174.0 ± 75.0 min, respectively. No complications were noted.ConclusionsDespite the insufficient number of cases, we noted that TRR requires a reasonable amount of time, involves a smaller incision, and may provide favorable outcomes compared to conventional MRS in cases of pulsatile tinnitus associated with SSD.Level of evidenceIV.
N‐acetylcysteine microparticles reduce cisplatin‐induced RSC96 Schwann cell toxicity
Authors: Kedeshian Katherine , Hong Michelle , Hoffman Larry , Kita Ashley 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectivesCisplatin is known to cause inner ear dysfunction. There is growing evidence that cisplatin‐induced demyelination of spiral or Scarpa's ganglion neurons may play an additional role in drug‐induced ototoxicity alongside afferent neuron injury. As Schwann cells produce myelin, there may be an opportunity to reduce ototoxic inner ear damage by promoting Schwann cell viability. This work describes a cellular model of cisplatin‐induced Schwann cell injury and investigates the ability of the antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine to promote Schwann cell viability. A local delivery system of drug‐eluting microparticles was then fabricated, characterized, and investigated for bioactivity.MethodsRSC96 rat Schwann cells were dosed with varying concentrations of cisplatin to obtain a dose curve and identify the lethal concentration of 50% of the cells (LC50). In subsequent experiments, RSC96 cells were co‐treated with cisplatin and both resuspended or eluted N‐acetylcysteine. Cell viability was assessed with the CCK8 assay.ResultsThe LC50 dose of cisplatin was determined to be 3.76 μM (p = 2.2 x 10−16). When co‐dosed with cisplatin and a therapeutic concentration of resuspended or eluted N‐acetylcysteine, Schwann cells had an increased viability compared to cells dosed with cisplatin alone.ConclusionRSC96 Schwann cell injury following cisplatin insult is characterized in this in vitro model. Cisplatin caused injury at physiologic concentrations and N‐acetylcysteine improved cell viability and mitigated this injury. N‐acetylcysteine was packaged into microparticles and eluted N‐acetylcysteine retained its ability to increase cell viability, thus demonstrating promise as a therapeutic to offset cisplatin‐induced ototoxicity.Level of EvidenceN/A Laryngoscope, 2023.
High‐Performance Integrated Laser Based on Thin‐Film Lithium Niobate Photonics for Coherent Ranging
Authors: Wang Shuxin , Lin Zhongjin , Wang Qi , Zhang Xian , Ma Rui , Cai Xinlun 
Published: May 2024

AbstractFrequency‐modulated continuous‐wave (FMCW) light detection and ranging (LiDAR) has a huge potential for developing the next generation of LiDAR applied in autonomous driving, industrial automation, environmental monitoring, and so on. An ideal laser for the FMCW LiDAR system should simultaneously feature fast chirp repetition frequency, a large chirp bandwidth, high linearity, a compact footprint, and low‐cost. In this study, such a laser based on thin‐film lithium niobate (TFLN) photonics is proposed and demonstrated. The laser can achieve a chirp bandwidth of 3.44 GHz, a tuning efficiency of 574 MHz V−1, and a chirp rate of 3.44 × 107 GHz s−1, which are the best values compared with other TFLN‐based lasers. A FMCW LiDAR system built by their laser is also experimentally demonstrated, showing that it can achieve a ranging precision of 4.9 mm, a velocity precision of 0.054 m s−1, and a sampling rate of 5 MSa s−1.
The Effect of taVNS at 25 Hz and 100 Hz on Parkinson's Disease Gait—A Randomized Motion Sensor Study
Authors: van Midden Vesna , Simončič Urban , Pirtošek Zvezdan , Kojović Maja 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundTranscutaneous electrostimulation of the auricular branch of the vagal nerve (taVNS) has the propensity to reach diffuse neuromodulatory networks, which are dysfunctional in Parkinson's disease (PD). Previous studies support the use of taVNS as an add‐on treatment for gait in PD.ObjectivesWe assessed the effect of taVNS at 25 Hz (taVNS25), taVNS at 100 Hz (taVNS100), and sham earlobe stimulation (sVNS) on levodopa responsive (arm swing velocity, arm range of motion, stride length, gait speed) and non‐responsive gait characteristics (arm range of motion asymmetry, anticipatory postural adjustment [APA] duration, APA first step duration, APA first step range of motion), and turns (first turn duration, double 360° turn duration, steps per turn) in advanced PD.MethodsIn our double blind sham controlled within‐subject randomized trial, we included 30 PD patients (modified Hoehn and Yahr stage, 2.5–4) to assess the effect of taVNS25, taVNS100, and sVNS on gait characteristics measured with inertial motion sensors during the instrumented stand and walk test and a double 360° turn. Separate generalized mixed models were built for each gait characteristic.ResultsDuring taVNS100 compared to sVNS arm swing velocity (P = 0.030) and stride length increased (P = 0.027), and APA duration decreased (P = 0.050). During taVNS25 compared to sVNS stride length (P = 0.024) and gait speed (P = 0.021) increased and double 360° turn duration decreased (P = 0.039).ConclusionsWe have found that taVNS has a frequency specific propensity to improve stride length, arm swing velocity, and gait speed and double 360° turn duration in PD patients. © 2024 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Access to legacy‐oriented interventions at end of life for pediatric oncology patients: A decedent cohort review
Authors: Daniels Sarah , Franqui‐Rios Nelson D. , Mothi Suraj S. , Gaitskill Elizabeth , Cantrell Kathryn , Kaye Erica C. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundLegacy‐oriented interventions have the potential to offer pediatric oncology patients and families comfort at end of life and during bereavement. Certified child life specialists often provide these services, and presently little is known about whether disparities exist in the provision of legacy‐oriented interventions.MethodsIn this retrospective decedent cohort study, we examined demographic and clinical characteristics from a sample of 678 pediatric oncology patients who died between 2015 and 2019. Bivariate analysis assessed differences between patients who received any versus no legacy‐oriented intervention. Uni‐ and multivariable logistic regression models assessed associations of baseline characteristics and likelihood of receiving legacy‐oriented intervention. Further multivariable analysis explored joint effects of significant variables identified in the univariable analysis.ResultsFifty‐two percent of patients received a legacy‐oriented intervention. Older adolescents (≥13 years) were less likely (odds ratio [OR]: 1.73, p = .007) to receive legacy‐oriented interventions than younger ones. Patients with home/hospice deaths were also less likely (OR: 19.98, p < .001) to receive interventions compared to patients who passed away at SJCRH locations. Hispanic patients (OR: 1.53, p = .038) and those in palliative care (OR: 10.51, p < .001) were more likely to receive interventions. No significant race association was noted.ConclusionAll children and adolescents with cancer deserve quality care at end of life, including access to legacy‐oriented interventions, yet nearly half of patients in this cohort did not receive these services. By identifying demographic and clinical characteristics associated with decreased odds of receiving legacy‐oriented interventions, healthcare professionals can modify end‐of‐life care processes to improve access. Introducing legacy‐oriented interventions early and increasing exposure in community spaces may enhance access to legacy‐oriented interventions for pediatric oncology patients.
Heat‐induced structural and chemical changes to a computationally designed miniprotein
Authors: Dudley Joshua A. , Park Sojeong , Cho Oliver , Wells Nicholas G. M. , MacDonald Meagan E. , Blejec Katerina M. , Fetene Emmanuel , Zanderigo Eric , Houliston Scott , Liddle Jennifer C. , Dashnaw Chad M. , Sabo T. Michael , Shaw Bryan F. , Balsbaugh Jeremy L. , Rocklin Gabriel J. , Smith Colin A. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe de novo design of miniprotein inhibitors has recently emerged as a new technology to create proteins that bind with high affinity to specific therapeutic targets. Their size, ease of expression, and apparent high stability makes them excellent candidates for a new class of protein drugs. However, beyond circular dichroism melts and hydrogen/deuterium exchange experiments, little is known about their dynamics, especially at the elevated temperatures they seemingly tolerate quite well. To address that and gain insight for future designs, we have focused on identifying unintended and previously overlooked heat‐induced structural and chemical changes in a particularly stable model miniprotein, EHEE_rd2_0005. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies suggest the presence of dynamics on multiple time and temperature scales. Transiently elevating the temperature results in spontaneous chemical deamidation visible in the NMR spectra, which we validate using both capillary electrophoresis and mass spectrometry (MS) experiments. High temperatures also result in greatly accelerated intrinsic rates of hydrogen exchange and signal loss in NMR heteronuclear single quantum coherence spectra from local unfolding. These losses are in excellent agreement with both room temperature hydrogen exchange experiments and hydrogen bond disruption in replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations. Our analysis reveals important principles for future miniprotein designs and the potential for high stability to result in long‐lived alternate conformational states.
Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy Meets Optical Microscopy: Probing the Local Paths of Charge Transfer Operando in Booster‐Microparticles for Flow Batteries
Authors: Moghaddam Mahdi , Godeffroy Louis , Jasielec Jerzy J. , Kostopoulos Nikolaos , Noël Jean‐Marc , Piquemal Jean‐Yves , Lemineur Jean‐François , Peljo Pekka , Kanoufi Frédéric 
Published: May 2024

AbstractUnderstanding the oxidation/reduction dynamics of secondary microparticles formed from agglomerated nanoscale primary particles is crucial for advancing electrochemical energy storage technologies. In this study, the behavior of individual copper hexacyanoferrate (CuHCF) microparticles is explored at both global and local scales combining scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM), for electrochemical interrogation of a single, but global‐scale microparticle, and optical microscopy monitoring to obtain a higher resolution dynamic image of the local electrochemistry within the same particle. Chronoamperometric experiments unveil a multistep oxidation/reduction process with varying dynamics. On the one hand, the global SECM analysis enables quantifying the charge transfer as well as its dynamics at the single microparticle level during the oxidation/reduction cycles by a redox mediator in solution. These conditions allow mimicking the charge storage processes in these particles when they are used as solid boosters in redox flow batteries. On the other hand, optical imaging with sub‐particle resolution allows the mapping of local conversion rates and state‐of‐charge within individual CuHCF particles. These maps reveal that regions of different material loadings exhibit varying charge storage capacities and conversion rates. The findings highlight the significance of porous nanostructures and provide valuable insights for designing more efficient energy storage materials.
Experimental investigation of dowel action in reinforcing bars using refined measurements
Authors: Pejatović Marko , Muttoni Aurelio 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn typical reinforced concrete design, reinforcement is designed to carry axial forces, but it can also resist transversal forces by dowel action. This is usually neglected for simplicity's sake in the design phase, but it can be accounted for either explicitly in mechanical models or implicitly in empirical relationships. Furthermore, there are cases where the connection between various concrete elements explicitly depends on dowel action, as for example, in connections between precast elements or between two concrete parts cast at different times. On the other side, dowel action can have a negative impact on the fatigue resistance of reinforcing bars subjected to cyclic loading, because of the local stress concentrations near interfaces due to relative movements, either in sliding or in opening of cracks not perpendicular to the bar. For the assessment of the remaining capacity of existing structures, improved models of the behavior are needed, including realistic models of the behavior of concrete, steel and their interfaces. The aim of the present paper is to provide a contribution to a better understanding of dowel action by two test series. The first series focused on the behavior of the dowel: the concrete specimens with the embedded bars were placed in a custom‐made test setup and subjected to monotonic or low stress‐level cyclic actions with a longitudinal and a transversal crack opening component, up to developing the full plastic capacity of the dowel and rupture at the peak of catenary action. The measurement system included tracking the displacement field at the surface of the concrete and the strains in the dowel by optical fibers glued on its surface. The latter measurements allow to derive the internal forces in the reinforcing bar and deformed shape of the bar as well as the contact pressure between the bar and the surrounding concrete. The results show a strong dependency on the test variables: diameter of the bar, imposed crack kinematics and angle between the bar and the crack. The second test series looked more closely at the behavior of concrete underneath the bar, in the presence of a point load introduced at various locations into concrete through a reinforcing bar. A comparison of the test results with existing models shows a general good agreement and some aspects that deserve to be improved.
Enhancing trauma care through innovative trauma and disaster team response training: A blended learning approach in Tanzania
Authors: Osebo Cherinet , Razek Tarek , Deckelbaum Dan , Grushka Jeremy , Khwaja Kosar , Fazlollahi Ali , Vlček Christian , Farber Eadan , Montero Ortiz Johana , Papanastasiou Alexa , Ndeserua Rabi , Mcharo Bryson , Lemnge Anna , Ulimali Albert , Rwanyuma Laurean , Munthali Victoria , Boniface Respicious 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundIn Tanzania, inadequate infrastructures and shortages of trauma‐response training exacerbate trauma‐related fatalities. McGill University's Centre for Global Surgery introduced the Trauma and Disaster Team Response course (TDTR) to address these challenges. This study assesses the impact of simulation‐based TDTR training on care providers' knowledge/skills and healthcare processes to enhance patient outcomes.MethodsThe study used a pre‐post‐interventional design. TDTR, led by Tanzanian instructors at Muhimbili Orthopedic Institute from August 16–18, 2023, involved 22 participants in blended online and in‐person approaches with simulated skills sessions. Validated tools assessed participants' knowledge/skills and teamwork pre/post‐interventions, alongside feedback surveys. Outcome measures included evaluating 24‐h emergency department patient arrival‐to‐care time pre‐/post‐TDTR interventions, analyzed using parametric and non‐parametric tests based on data distributions.ResultsParticipants' self‐assessment skills significantly improved (median increase from 34 to 58, p < 0.001), along with teamwork (median increase from 44.5 to 87.5, p < 0.003). While 99% of participants expressed satisfaction with TDTR meeting their expectations, 97% were interested in teaching future sessions. The six‐month post‐intervention arrival‐to‐care time significantly decreased from 29 to 13 min, indicating a 55.17% improvement (p < 0.004). The intervention led to fewer ward admissions (35.26% from 51.67%) and more directed to operating theaters (29.83% from 16.85%), suggesting improved patient management (p < 0.018).ConclusionThe study confirmed surgical skills training effectiveness in Tanzanian settings, highlighting TDTR's role in improving teamwork and healthcare processes that enhanced patient outcomes. To sustain progress and empower independent trauma educators, ongoing refresher sessions and expanding TDTR across low‐ and middle‐income countries are recommended to align with global surgery goals.
Catholic Liturgy Caught Between Polemics About Differences and Embracing Diversity
Authors: Geldhof Joris 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis chapter starts from the observation that in the Roman Catholic Church the liturgy has been quite a battlefield over the last decades. Many different opinions about it have been uttered, often loaded with affections and attachments to certain ritual forms and shapes. In addition, the liturgy has often been approached from various ideological angles, each one promoting the enhancement of the liturgical life of the faithful and the Church. Ironically, however, very few of these ideologies and opinions have done well to the liturgy itself, or even seriously listened to it. The fundamental reason for that is probably that, whereas ideological schemas tend to function on the basis of binary oppositions, the liturgy cannot be captured by any such dichotomy. Liturgy even invites to undermine binary thinking and reaches out to overcome the blind-sidedness and narrowmindedness that comes along with such schemas. Concretely, four such conceptual oppositions are discussed in this chapter: sacred and profane, liberal and conservative, hierarchical and democratic, and active and contemplative. The goal of disentangling the complexity of being caught in these oppositions is to demonstrate that liturgy does not fall prey to them but instead helps getting beyond them. Moreover, it is shown that liturgy has a unique theological potential not only to further but also to incorporate inclusion and diversity in the Church.