bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of location and geometric properties of landslides caused by rainstorms and earthquakes
Authors: Qiu Haijun , Su Lingling , Tang Bingzhe , Yang Dongdong , Ullah Mohib , Zhu Yaru , Kamp Ulrich 
Published: March 2024

AbstractLandslides triggered by rainstorms and earthquakes are prominent geological hazards that exhibit distinctive spatial and morphological characteristics due to diverse instability mechanisms. However, studies on differences between the two types of landslides remain limited. In this study, we explored differences in location and geometric properties between rainstorm‐induced landslides in Qinzhou, Longchuan and Fukuoka and earthquake‐induced landslides in Lushan, Iburi and Kaikōura. We normalized the location of landslides across the slope and quantified the landslide polygons using four geometric properties. Findings revealed that both location and geometric properties are specific to landslide type and differ between them. Earthquake‐induced landslides are more common near the ridge of a slope, while rainstorm‐induced landslides are more frequent in the valley or near streams. The quantitative analysis of geometric properties showed that earthquake‐induced landslides are generally larger and have a more compact, rounded and less complex shape. The two landslide types present different hazards, particularly in their runout zones, where dispersion of materials occurs. Insights from our quantitative approach serve as a critical foundation for informed decision‐making in emergency scenarios and contribute to enhancing landslide hazard management.
Joint switch controlling and subvectors permutation for quadrature index modulation with hybrid constellations
Authors: Yu Ping 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn this paper, the switch and permutation index domains are developed for improving the spectral efficiency (SE) and the reliability of wireless communication. Firstly, a new schematic of quadrature index modulation with hybrid constellation (QIM‐HC) is proposed to exploit the switch index domain. In the QIM‐HC system, all transmit antennas (TAs) are divided into multiple groups. In each group, with the control of one Switch, the symbol index bits are fed into the specific modulator and mapped into a data symbol. Then, the real and imaginary parts of the data symbol are respectively modulated by two selected antenna index (AI) vectors with two blocks of AI bits, resulting in the transmit vector. Furthermore, another new design, jointing permutation index and hybrid constellation for the QIM system (JPQIM‐HC), whose each group transmits different number of data symbols with the control of different number of switches, is proposed to develop the permutation index domain for further improving the SE. Finally, the analysis of the SE and the bit error probability are analyzed. Simulation results show a close match with theoretical results at the high signal noise ratio (SNR) region, and show the improvement of the bit error rate (BER) performance for the the proposed systems as compared with the other schemes such as signed quadrature spatial modulation.
Infant sleep and anxiety disorders in early childhood: Findings from an Australian pregnancy cohort study
Authors: MacMillan Kelli K. , Bourke Declan , Watson Stuart J. , Lewis Andrew J. , Teti Douglas M. , Ball Helen L. , Galbally Megan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractEmphasis on continuous infant sleep overnight may be driven by parental concern of risk to child mental health outcomes. The Mercy Pregnancy and Emotional Wellbeing Study (MPEWS) examined whether infant sleep at 6 and 12 months postpartum predicts anxiety disorders at 2–4 years, and whether this is moderated by maternal depression, active physical comforting (APC) or maternal cognitions about infant sleep. Data included 349 women and infants. Infant sleep was measured using the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire and child anxiety disorders by the Preschool Age Psychiatric Assessment. The risk of developing generalised anxiety or social phobia disorders at 3–4 years was reduced by 42% (p = 0.001) and 31% (p = 0.001), respectively, for a one standard deviation increase in total sleep at 12 months. No other infant sleep outcomes were associated. Maternal depression, APC and cognitions about infant sleep did not significantly moderate these relationships. Focus may need to be on total infant sleep, rather than when sleep is achieved.Highlights
To assess whether infant sleep outcomes (i.e., frequency of nocturnal wakes; nocturnal wakefulness and total sleep per day) at 6 and 12 months predict early childhood anxiety disorders at 3–4 years of age.
Maternally reported infant sleep outcomes were not associated with the risk of developing early childhood anxiety disorders at 3–4 years.
It may be total infant sleep, irrespective of when sleep occurs or night waking and, independently, active physical comforting that requires further investigation.
How do the reserve currency and uncertainties in major markets affect the uncertainty of oil prices over time?
Authors: Kocaarslan Baris , Soytas Ugur 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis research aims to understand how certain events, like the global financial crisis, the post‐global financial crisis period, the COVID‐19 pandemic, and the Russia‐Ukraine war, along with changes in the value of the US dollar and uncertainty in gold, currency, and stock markets, affect the uncertainty in oil prices. We are particularly interested in looking at positive and negative changes in these factors when oil price uncertainty is either high or low. To achieve this, we use a quantile regression method, which allows us to analyse different levels of oil price uncertainty effectively. Throughout the whole timeframe we looked at, the initial findings suggest that when there is much uncertainty in the oil market, the US dollar and uncertainty in major markets have a bigger influence on making the oil market more uncertain, compared to times when there is not much uncertainty about oil prices. We also noticed that the impacts of negative and positive changes in the reserve currency, and uncertainties are quite different when crises happen. To cite an example, when there is much uncertainty about oil prices, positive expectations about economic activity (because the reserve currency is weaker) and confidence in the stock market (less worry about a shock in the stock market) have a stronger impact, reducing uncertainty in oil prices during the global financial crisis. On the other hand, more negative effects from pessimistic expectations (due to a stronger US dollar and increased fear of a shock in the stock market) lead to higher oil price uncertainty during the COVID‐19 pandemic. According to what we have discovered in our analysis, policymakers and investors should evaluate how both negative and positive shifts in the reserve currency (US dollar) and uncertainties in gold, currency, and stock markets separately affect the uncertainty in oil prices. It is important to understand that these effects vary depending on the level of uncertainty in oil prices and the direction (positive or negative) and timing of the changes.
Intertemporal comparison of cost and technical efficiencies using a base period approach for the Korean rice industry
Authors: Kim Jeongseung , Chung Chanjin 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectives of our study are to develop a procedure for intertemporal comparison of both technical and cost efficiency and estimate farm efficiency for the Korean rice industry from 2003 to 2017. The newly developed base‐year procedure excludes frontier shift and price effects from the standard procedure for intertemporal comparison. An adjusted central limit theorem for sample T‐tests is applied to avoid potential bias from efficiency scores by the Data Envelope Analysis. Our empirical results show that the two procedures yield different scores and trends. The standard approach indicates declining efficiency, while the base‐year method shows overall improvement in farm efficiency.
Creative Activities Among Older Adults and People With Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Rodriguez Francisca S. , Ross Sabrina , Fruck Josefin , Jaarsveld Saskia , Lachmann Thomas 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTLittle is known about creativity in old age. The aim of this study was to investigate to what extent the intensity of engaging in creative activities differs between older and younger people as well as older people with and without cognitive impairment. Moreover, we evaluated associations of creative activities with specific cognitive abilities. For this cross‐sectional study, groups of younger people (n = 24), older cognitively healthy people (n = 24), and older cognitively impaired people (n = 23) were recruited via convenience sampling. Creative activities were assessed via the creative behavior inventory (CBI). Cognitive abilities were assessed via trail making test (TMT), standard progressive matrices (SPM), creative reasoning task (CRT), test of creative thinking‐drawing production (TCT‐DP), and alternate uses task (AUT). The intensity of engaging in creative activities was higher among younger people but was not significantly associated with being cognitively impaired. Only two cognitive abilities, the creative thinking scores CRT‐Components and TCT‐DP‐Original, predicted creative activities. Both did not differ significantly between cognitively healthy and cognitively impaired older adults. The findings suggest that cognitively impaired older people still engage in creative activities, which might be due to their relatively sound creative thinking. Further studies should investigate whether engaging in creative activities can mitigate cognitive decline.
Drought stress during maize flowering may cause kernel abortion by inhibition of plasma membrane H+‐ATPase activity
Authors: Hütsch Birgit W. , Faust Franziska , Jung Stephan , Schubert Sven 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundDrought stress during flowering of maize (Zea mays L.) frequently results in decreased kernel setting, leading to grain yield depressions. Plasma membrane (PM) H+‐ATPase was identified as a key enzyme responsible for supply of assimilates to the developing maize kernels shortly after pollination. The activity of this enzyme was strongly inhibited under salt stress, pointing to an involvement in kernel abortion.AimsThis study aimed to determine whether also drought stress causes inhibition of PM H+‐ATPase in developing maize kernels shortly after pollination, leading to diminished hexose uptake and finally kernel abortion. The key questions are as follows: What are the limiting factors for grain yield production of maize plants facing drought? Are physiologically relevant parameters, quantified at flowering, reflected by yield determinants at maturity?MethodsMaize plants were cultivated using the container technique, and drought stress was imposed during 3 weeks bracketing flowering compared to well‐watered conditions throughout the entire growth period. The developing kernels were harvested 2 days after pollination, and PM vesicles were isolated and purified using two‐phase partitioning.ResultsWater deficit caused a significant decrease in grain yield at maturity (−35%), which was determined by a reduced kernel number (−42%). Source limitation in the developing kernels under stress could be excluded. Acid invertase activity was unaffected by water deficit. Hexose availability was also no limiting factor for kernel setting and development. However, Vmax of in vitro hydrolytic activity of PM H+‐ATPase was significantly decreased in the developing maize kernels under drought stress and the maximal pH gradient at the PM was also significantly reduced. The observed inhibiting effects on PM H+‐ATPase were mainly of quantitative nature, as a lower number of proton pumps was present in the kernel PM. Qualitative changes of the enzyme (activation energy Ea, Michaelis constant Km) due to drought were not observed.ConclusionsThe lower pH gradient probably decreased the proton‐driven transport of hexoses by carriers into the cytosol of the kernel cells, leading to kernel starvation and eventually contributing to kernel abortion.
Sporadic deficient mismatch repair in colorectal cancer increases the risk for non‐colorectal malignancy: A European multicenter cohort study
Authors: Gkekas Ioannis , Jan Novotny , Kaprio Tuomas , Beilmann‐Lehtonen Ines , Fabian Pavel , Tavelin Björn , Böckelman Camilla , Edin Sofia , Strigård Karin , Svoboda Tomas , Hagström Jaana , Barsova Lucie , Jirasek Tomas , Haglund Caj , Palmqvist Richard , Gunnarsson Ulf 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesDisparities between tumors arising via different sporadic carcinogenetic pathways have not been studied systematically. This retrospective multicenter cohort study evaluated the differences in the risk for non‐colorectal malignancy between sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC) patients from different DNA mismatch repair status.MethodsA retrospective European multicenter cohort study including in total of 1706 CRC patients treated between 1996 and 2019 in three different countries. The proficiency (pMMR) or deficiency (dMMR) of mismatch repair was determined by immunohistochemistry. Cases were analyzed for tumor BRAFV600E mutation, and BRAF mutated tumors were further analyzed for hypermethylation status in the promoter region of MLH1 to distinguish between sporadic and hereditary cases. Swedish and Finish patients were matched with their respective National Cancer Registries. For the Czech cohort, thorough scrutiny of medical files was performed to identify any non‐colorectal malignancy within 20 years before or after the diagnosis of CRC. Poisson regression analysis was performed to identify the incidence rates of non‐colorectal malignancies. For validation purposes, standardized incidence ratios were calculated for the Swedish cases adjusted for age, year, and sex.ResultsOf the 1706 CRC patients included in the analysis, 819 were female [48%], median age at surgery was 67 years [interquartile range: 60–75], and sporadic dMMR was found in 188 patients (11%). Patients with sporadic dMMR CRC had a higher incidence rate ratio (IRR) for non‐colorectal malignancy before and after diagnosis compared to patients with a pMMR tumor, in both uni‐ (IRR = 2.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.89–3.31, p = 0.003) and multivariable analysis (IRR = 2.24, 95% CI = 1.67–3.01, p = 0.004). This association applied whether or not the non‐colorectal tumor developed before or after the diagnosis of CRC in both uni‐ (IRR = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.28–2.98, p = 0.004), (IRR = 2.45, 95% CI = 1.72–3.49, p = 0.004) and multivariable analysis (IRR = 1.67,95% CI = 1.05–2.65, p = 0.029), (IRR = 2.35, 95% CI = 1.63–3.42, p = 0.005), respectively.ConclusionIn this retrospective European multicenter cohort study, patients with sporadic dMMR CRC had a higher risk for non‐colorectal malignancy than those with pMMR CRC. These findings indicate the need for further studies to establish the need for and design of surveillance strategies for patients with dMMR CRC.
Correcting for Rater Effects in Operating Room Surgical Skills Assessment
Authors: Chou Ryan , Naz Hajira , Boahene Kofi D.O. , Maxwell Jessica H. , Wanamaker John R. , Byrne Patrick J. , Papel Ira D. , Kontis Theda C. , Hager Gregory D. , Ishii Lisa E. , Malekzadeh Sonya , Vedula S. Swaroop , Ishii Masaru 
Published: March 2024

ObjectiveTo estimate and adjust for rater effects in operating room surgical skills assessment performed using a structured rating scale for nasal septoplasty.MethodsWe analyzed survey responses from attending surgeons (raters) who supervised residents and fellows (trainees) performing nasal septoplasty in a prospective cohort study. We fit a structural equation model with the rubric item scores regressed on a latent component of skill and then fit a second model including the rating surgeon as a random effect to model a rater‐effects‐adjusted latent surgical skill. We validated this model against conventional measures including the level of expertise and post‐graduation year (PGY) commensurate with the trainee's performance, the actual PGY of the trainee, and whether the surgical goals were achieved.ResultsOur dataset included 188 assessments by 7 raters and 41 trainees. The model with one latent construct for surgical skill and the rater as a random effect was the best. Rubric scores depended on how severe or lenient the rater was, sometimes almost as much as they depended on trainee skill. Rater‐adjusted latent skill scores increased with attending‐estimated skill levels and PGY of trainees, increased with the actual PGY, and appeared constant over different levels of achievement of surgical goals.ConclusionOur work provides a method to obtain rater effect adjusted surgical skill assessments in the operating room using structured rating scales. Our method allows for the creation of standardized (i.e., rater‐effects‐adjusted) quantitative surgical skill benchmarks using national‐level databases on trainee assessments.Level of EvidenceN/A Laryngoscope, 134:3548–3554, 2024
Abnormalities of the Descending Inhibitory Nociceptive Pathway in Functional Motor Disorders
Authors: Squintani Giovanna , Geroin Christian , Pasquali Alessia , Cavazzana Eleonora , Segatti Alessia , Lippolis Marianna , Bonetto Chiara , Antelmi Elena , Tinazzi Michele 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundPain is a common disabling non‐motor symptom affecting patients with functional motor disorders (FMD).ObjectiveWe aimed to explore ascending and descending nociceptive pathways with laser evoked potentials (LEPs) in FMD.MethodsWe studied a “bottom‐up and top‐down” noxious paradigm applying a conditioned pain modulation (CPM) protocol and recorded N2/P2 amplitude in 21 FMD and 20 controls following stimulation of both right arm and leg at baseline (BS) (bottom‐up), during heterotopic noxious conditioning stimulation (HNCS) with ice test (top‐down) and post‐HNCS.ResultsWe found a normal ascending pathway, but reduced CPM response (lower reduction of the N2/P2 amplitude) in FMD patients, by stimulating both upper and lower limbs. The N2/P2 amplitude ratio*100 (between the HNCS and BS) was significantly higher in patients with FMD than HC.ConclusionsOur results suggest that pain in FMD possibly reflects a descending pain inhibitory control impairment, therefore, providing a novel venue to explore the pathophysiology of pain in FMD. © 2025 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
In vivo B1+ enhancement of calf MRI at 7 T via optimized flexible metasurfaces
Authors: Jacobs Paul S. , Wilson Neil , Brink Wyger , Swain Anshuman , Armbruster Ryan , Hanumapur Aniketh , Tisdall M. Dylan , Detre John , Nanga Ravi Prakash Reddy , Elliott Mark A. , Reddy Ravinder 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPurposeUltrahigh field (≥7 T) MRI is at the cutting edge of medical imaging, enabling enhanced spatial and spectral resolution as well as enhanced susceptibility contrast. However, transmit () field inhomogeneity due to standing wave effects caused by the shortened RF wavelengths at 7 T is still a challenge to overcome. Novel hardware methods such as dielectric pads have been shown to improve the field inhomogeneity but are currently limited in their corrective effect by the range of high‐permittivity materials available and have a fixed shelf life. In this work, an optimized metasurface design is presented that demonstrates in vivo enhancement of the field.MethodsA prototype metasurface was optimized by an empirical capacitor sweep and by varying the period size. Phantom temperature experiments were performed to evaluate potential metasurface heating effects during scanning. Lastly, in vivo gradient echo images and maps were acquired on five healthy subjects on a 7 T system. Dielectric pads were also used as a comparison throughout the work as a standard comparison.ResultsThe metasurfaces presented here enhanced the average relative SNR of the gradient echo images by a factor of 2.26 compared to the dielectric pads factor of 1.61. Average values reflected a similar enhancement of 27.6% with the metasurfaces present versus 8.9% with the dielectric pads.ConclusionThe results demonstrate that metasurfaces provide superior performance to dielectric padding as shown by maps reflecting their direct effects and resulting enhancements in image SNR at 7 T.
Description of a national, multi‐center registry of patients with sickle cell disease and SARS‐CoV‐2 infection: Data from the Pediatric COVID‐19 United States Registry
Authors: Dain Aleksandra S. , Diorio Caroline , Fisher Brian T. , Hankins Jane S. , Witmer Char M. , Boustany Mickael , Burton Madeline , Ferrolino Jose , Sadaf Salma , Ross Hailey S. , Maron Gabriela ,   Pediatric COVID‐19 US Registry
Published: March 2024

AbstractChildren with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at risk of complications from viral infections, including SARS‐CoV‐2. We present the clinical characteristics and outcomes of pediatric patients with SCD from the Pediatric COVID‐19 United States Registry who developed acute COVID‐19 due to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection (n = 259) or multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS‐C; n = 4). Nearly half of hospitalized children with SCD and SARS‐CoV‐2 infection required supplemental oxygen, though children with SCD had fewer intensive care (ICU) admissions compared to the general pediatric and immunocompromised populations. All registry patients with both SCD and MIS‐C required ICU admission. Children with SCD are at risk of severe disease with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, highlighting the importance of vaccination in this vulnerable population.
Dysregulated proteome and N‐glycoproteome in ALG1‐deficient fibroblasts
Authors: Budhraja Rohit , Joshi Neha , Radenkovic Silvia , Kozicz Tamas , Morava Eva , Pandey Akhilesh 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAsparagine‐linked glycosylation 1 protein is a β‐1,4‐mannosyltransferase, is encoded by the ALG1 gene, which catalyzes the first step of mannosylation in N‐glycosylation. Pathogenic variants in ALG1 cause a rare autosomal recessive disorder termed as ALG1‐CDG. We performed a quantitative proteomics and N‐glycoproteomics study in fibroblasts derived from patients with one homozygous and two compound heterozygous pathogenic variants in ALG1. Several proteins that exhibited significant upregulation included insulin‐like growth factor II and pleckstrin, whereas hyaluronan and proteoglycan link protein 1 was downregulated. These proteins are crucial for cell growth, survival and differentiation. Additionally, we observed a decrease in the expression of mitochondrial proteins and an increase in autophagy‐related proteins, suggesting mitochondrial and cellular stress. N‐glycoproteomics revealed the reduction in high‐mannose and complex/hybrid glycopeptides derived from numerous proteins in patients explaining that defect in ALG1 has broad effects on glycosylation. Further, we detected an increase in several short oligosaccharides, including chitobiose (HexNAc2) trisaccharides (Hex‐HexNAc2) and novel tetrasaccharides (NeuAc‐Hex‐HexNAc2) derived from essential proteins including LAMP1, CD44 and integrin. These changes in glycosylation were observed in all patients irrespective of their gene variants. Overall, our findings not only provide novel molecular insights into understanding ALG1‐CDG but also offer short oligosaccharide‐bearing peptides as potential biomarkers.