bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of laser shock peening as a pretreatment on ion nitriding of precipitation hardened stainless steel
Authors: S Avinash , Yadav Vineet Kumar , Duraiselvam Muthukannan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Laser shock peening (LSP) is emerging as an advanced technology to improve the fatigue life of engineering products. Also, this can improve wear and corrosion resistance as add-on benefits to the properties of the materials. In the present investigation, a systematic understanding of the hybrid surface treatment that combines LSP with ion nitriding, also known as plasma nitriding (PN) of precipitated hardened (PH) stainless steel was conducted to improve the effective case hardening layer. The effect of input parameters such as laser spot diameter, the number of superimposed layers, and overlap rate was investigated on the performance characteristics, which include surface morphology, microhardness, and the change in microstructure after the proposed treatment. The surface characterization results reveal that an 80% laser overlap rate modified the surface roughness of PN samples owing to higher surface roughness values induced by ablation during the LSP treatment. The microhardness and optical microscopy (OM) results revealed an increase in the effective hardening layer thickness of about 115% for a 40% overlap rate owing to the absence of blind spots. In addition, XRD analysis revealed the presence of Fe4N and CrN compounds on the surface of the PN samples. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) elemental mapping reveals the presence of a nitrogen-rich phase in the effective hardened layer and increased effective hardened layer thickness owing to grain refinement of LSP pre-processing.
Phonons from density-functional perturbation theory using the all-electron full-potential linearized augmented plane-wave method FLEUR
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Authors: Gerhorst Christian-Roman , Neukirchen Alexander , Klüppelberg Daniel A , Bihlmayer Gustav , Betzinger Markus , Michalicek Gregor , Wortmann Daniel , Blügel Stefan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Phonons are quantized vibrations of a crystal lattice that play a crucial role in understanding many properties of solids. Density functional theory provides a state-of-the-art computational approach to lattice vibrations from first-principles. We present a successful software implementation for calculating phonons in the harmonic approximation, employing density-functional perturbation theory within the framework of the full-potential linearized augmented plane-wave method as implemented in the electronic structure package FLEUR. The implementation, which involves the Sternheimer equation for the linear response of the wave function, charge density, and potential with respect to infinitesimal atomic displacements, as well as the setup of the dynamical matrix, is presented and the specifics due to the muffin-tin sphere centered linearized augmented plane-wave basis-set and the all-electron nature are discussed. As a test, we calculate the phonon dispersion of several solids including an insulator, a semiconductor as well as several metals. The latter are comprised of magnetic, simple, and transition metals. The results are validated on the basis of phonon dispersions calculated using the finite displacement approach in conjunction with the FLEUR code and the phonopy package, as well as by some experimental results. An excellent agreement is obtained.
Better soon than never: climate change induces strong phenological reassembly in the flowering of a Mediterranean shrub community
Authors: Pareja-Bonilla Daniel , Arista Montserrat , Morellato Leonor Patrícia Cerdeira , Ortiz Pedro Luis 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background and Aims
Flowering is a key process in the life cycle of a plant. Climate change is shifting flowering phenologies in the Northern Hemisphere, but studies with long data series at the community level are scarce, especially those considering the consequences of phenological changes for emerging ecological interactions. In the Mediterranean region, the effects of climate change are stronger than the global average and there is an urgent need to understand how biodiversity will be affected in this area.

Methods
In this study, we investigated how the entire flowering phenology of a community comprising 51 perennial species from the south of the Iberian Peninsula changed from the decade of the 1980s to the 2020s. Furthermore, we have analysed the consequences of these changes for flowering order and co-flowering patterns.

Key Results
We have found that the flowering phenology of the community has advanced by ~20 days, which is coherent with the increasing temperatures related to climate change. Individual species have generally advanced their entire flowering phenology (start and end) and increased their flowering duration. The early flowering has resulted in a re-organization of the flowering order of the community and generated new co-flowering assemblages of species, with a slight trend towards an increase of shared flowering time among species.

Conclusions
The advanced flowering phenology and changes in flowering duration reported here were of unprecedented magnitude, showcasing the extreme effects of climate change on Mediterranean ecosystems. Furthermore, the effects were not similar among species, which could be attributed to differences in sensitivities of environmental cues for flowering. One consequence of these changes in flowering times is ecological mismatches, indicated by changes in the flowering order and co-flowering between decades. This new scenario might lead to new competitive or facilitative interactions and to the loss or gain of pollinators.
Pleistocene climatic oscillations influenced the emergence of geographically widespread and restricted genetic lineages in an Andean grasshopper species group
Authors: Guzmán Noelia V , Gandini Luciano M , Castillo Elio R , Fernandez Campón Florencia , Cigliano Maria Marta , Confalonieri Viviana A 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The grasshopper Trimerotropis pallidipennis species complex is distributed across arid and semi-arid environments from North to South America, reaching high altitudes along the Andes Mountain range. Currently, there are four valid species of Trimerotropis in South America. However, some species were found to comprise several genetic lineages. Here, we describe the genetic structure, lineage diversification, and environmental requirements within the Trimerotropis species complex in South America based on sequences from the mitochondrial COI gene, 4048 single nucleotide polymorphisms, and ecological niche modelling. The analyses revealed the existence of at least five lineages: two with a restricted geographical distribution and three with a very wide one. The results provide evidence that glacial cycles promoted not only the presence of refuge areas but also the isolation of widely distributed lineages on the eastern and western sides of the southern Andes, potentially driving the emergence of the Trimerotropis sp. lineage, which can tolerate more temperate habitats. Our results provide evidence for the effects of Pleistocene climatic changes on the diversification history of a South American grasshopper species complex.
How Do Child Welfare Social Workers Assess the Leadership of Their First-line Managers? A 15-Year Perspective
Authors: Norrgård Amanda , Tham Pia , Strömberg Annika , Kåreholt Ingemar 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The study aimed to investigate how child welfare social workers assessed the leadership of their first-line managers over a period of fifteen years and to examine whether the assessments have changed over time. More specifically, the analysis focused on the extent to which social workers perceive the leadership of their first-line managers to be empowering, supportive and fair. Data were collected in the years 2003 (n = 293), 2014 (n = 300) and 2018 (n = 309) using the same questionnaire, mainly based on QPS Nordic, which was distributed to social workers working with investigations of children and youth. The results show that the social workers assessed all measured aspects of their first-line managers’ leadership as better in 2014 compared to 2003 and significantly better in 2018 compared to 2003. In light of previous studies showing that child welfare managers experience less optimal conditions for their leadership, the results are surprising. How is it possible that the first-line managers, despite their own descriptions of a more difficult leadership situation, are seen as more supportive, empowering and fair in their leadership from the social workers’ perspective? Possible explanations for the social workers’ better assessments over the years, such as specialisation, are discussed.
Alpha/beta oscillations reveal cognitive and affective brain states associated with role taking in a dyadic cooperative game
Authors: Flösch Karl-Philipp , Flaisch Tobias , Imhof Martin A , Schupp Harald T 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Social cooperation often requires taking different roles in order to reach a shared goal. By defining individual tasks, these roles dictate processing demands of the collaborators. The main aim of the present study was to examine the hypothesis that induced alpha and lower beta oscillations provide insights into affective and cognitive brain states during social cooperation. Toward this end, an experimental game was used in which participants had to navigate a Pacman figure through a maze by sending and receiving information about the correct moving direction. Supporting our hypotheses, individual roles taken by the collaborators during gameplay were associated with significant changes in alpha and lower beta power. Furthermore, effects were similar when participants played the Pacman Game with human or computer partners. Findings are discussed from the perspective of the information-via-desynchronization hypothesis proposing that alpha and lower beta power decreases reflect states of enhanced cortical information representation. Overall, experimental games are a useful tool for extending basic research on brain oscillations to the domain of naturalistic social interaction as emphasized by the second-person neuroscience perspective.
Taste loss as a distinct symptom of COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hannum Mackenzie E , Koch Riley J , Ramirez Vicente A , Marks Sarah S , Toskala Aurora K , Herriman Riley D , Lin Cailu , Joseph Paule V , Reed Danielle R 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Chemosensory scientists have been skeptical that reports of COVID-19 taste loss are genuine, in part because before COVID-19 taste loss was rare and often confused with smell loss. Therefore, to establish the predicted prevalence rate of taste loss in COVID-19 patients, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 376 papers published in 2020–2021, with 235 meeting all inclusion criteria. Drawing on previous studies and guided by early meta-analyses, we explored how methodological differences (direct vs. self-report measures) may affect these estimates. We hypothesized that direct measures of taste are at least as sensitive as those obtained by self-report and that the preponderance of evidence confirms taste loss is a symptom of COVID-19. The meta-analysis showed that, among 138,015 COVID-19-positive patients, 36.62% reported taste dysfunction (95% confidence interval: 33.02%–40.39%), and the prevalence estimates were slightly but not significantly higher from studies using direct (n = 15) versus self-report (n = 220) methodologies (Q = 1.73, df = 1, P = 0.1889). Generally, males reported lower rates of taste loss than did females, and taste loss was highest among middle-aged adults. Thus, taste loss is likely a bona fide symptom of COVID-19, meriting further research into the most appropriate direct methods to measure it and its underlying mechanisms.
Clinical Impact of Multiplex Molecular Diagnostic Testing in Children With Acute Gastroenteritis Presenting to an Emergency Department: A Multicenter Prospective Study
Authors: Pavia Andrew T , Cohen Daniel M , Leber Amy L , Daly Judy A , Jackson Jami T , Selvarangan Rangaraj , Kanwar Neena , Bender Jeffrey M , Dien Bard Jennifer , Festekjian Ara , Duffy Susan , Larsen Chari , Holmberg Kristen M , Bardsley Tyler , Haaland Benjamin , Bourzac Kevin M , Stockmann Christopher , Chapin Kimberle C , Leung Daniel T 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Multiplex molecular diagnostic panels have greatly enhanced detection of gastrointestinal pathogens. However, data on the impact of these tests on clinical and patient-centered outcomes are limited.

Methods
We conducted a prospective, multicenter, stepped-wedge trial to determine the impact of multiplex molecular testing at 5 academic children's hospitals on children presenting to the emergency department with acute gastroenteritis. Caregivers were interviewed on enrollment and 7–10 days after enrollment to determine symptoms, risk factors, subsequent medical visits, and impact on family members. During the pre-intervention period, diagnostic testing was performed at the clinician's discretion . During the intervention period, multiplex molecular testing was performed on all children, with results available to clinicians. The primary outcome was return visits to a healthcare provider within 10 days of enrollment.

Results
Potential pathogens were identified by clinician-ordered tests in 19 of 571 (3.3%) in the pre-intervention period compared with 434 of 586 (74%) in the intervention period; clinically relevant pathogens were detected in 2.1% and 15%, respectively. In the multivariate model, the intervention was associated with a 21% reduction in the odds of any return visit (odds ratio, 0.79; 95% confidence interval, .70–.90) after adjusting for potential confounders. Appropriate treatment was prescribed in 11.3% compared with 19.6% during the intervention period (P = .22).

Conclusions
Routine molecular multiplex testing for all children who presented to the ED with acute gastroenteritis detected more clinically relevant pathogens and led to a 21% decrease in return visits. Additional research is needed to define patients most likely to benefit from testing.
Clinical Trials Registration. NCT02248285.
Ticagrelor or prasugrel vs. clopidogrel in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for myocardial infarction
Authors: Godtfredsen Sissel J , Kragholm Kristian H , Kristensen Anna Meta Dyrvig , Bekfani Tarek , Sørensen Rikke , Sessa Maurizio , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Bhatt Deepak L , Pareek Manan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Aims
The efficacy and safety of ticagrelor or prasugrel vs. clopidogrel in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) on oral anticoagulation (OAC) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for myocardial infarction (MI) have not been established.

Methods and results
This was a nationwide cohort study of patients on OAC for AF who underwent PCI for MI from 2011 through 2019 and were prescribed a P2Y12 inhibitor at discharge. The primary efficacy outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), defined as a composite of death from any cause, stroke, recurrent MI, or repeat revascularization. The primary safety outcome was cerebral, gastrointestinal, or urogenital bleeding requiring hospitalization. Absolute and relative risks for outcomes at 1 year were calculated through multivariable logistic regression with average treatment effect modelling. Outcomes were standardized for the individual components of the CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores as well as type of OAC, aspirin, and proton pump inhibitor use. We included 2259 patients of whom 1918 (84.9%) were prescribed clopidogrel and 341 (15.1%) ticagrelor or prasugrel. The standardized risk of MACE was significantly lower in the ticagrelor or prasugrel group compared with the clopidogrel group (standardized absolute risk, 16.3% vs. 19.4%; relative risk, 0.84, 95% confidence interval, 0.70–0.98; P = 0.02), while the risk of bleeding did not differ (standardized absolute risk, 5.5% vs. 5.1%; relative risk, 1.07, 95% confidence interval, 0.73–1.41; P = 0.69).

Conclusion
In patients with AF on OAC who underwent PCI for MI, treatment with ticagrelor or prasugrel vs. clopidogrel was associated with reduced ischaemic risk, without a concomitantly increased bleeding risk.
Hospital use of common Z-codes for Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries, 2017–2021
Authors: Chang Ji E , Smith Nate , Lindenfeld Zoe , Weeks William B 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Recognizing the impact of the social determinants of health (SDOH) on health outcomes, in 2016, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recommended the use of International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10), Z-codes to capture patients' health-related social needs. We examined changes in Z-code utilization to document health-related social needs for Medicare fee-for-service recipients among US hospitals between 2017 and 2021 across 5 common SDOH domains. We found that, while 56.9% of hospitals had at least 1 Z-code recorded in at least 1 patient per year, apart from those referring to housing needs, rates of Z-code adoption were low. Additionally, hospitals that were general medical, part of a teaching institution, affiliated with larger health systems, and of medium to large size had greater odds of utilizing Z-codes. Findings from this study highlight the need for continued efforts in promoting the consistent use of standardized SDOH capturing methods like Z-code documentation, such as provider training.
Automated informatics may increase the detection rate of suspicious cases of human trafficking—a preliminary study
Authors: Duke David O , Allard Derin , Dysart Suzanne , Hogan Keenan O , Phelan Suzanne , Rawlings Luke , Stoklosa Hanni 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Worldwide, there is an estimated 40.3 million victims trapped in modern day slavery, including 24.9 million in forced labor and 15.4 million in forced marriage. A majority of labor and sex trafficking survivors report at least one healthcare encounter during their victimization. An approach to an informatics technology solution for identifying trafficked persons in real time, in the hospital / emergency department settings is the primary focus of this paper.

Materials and methods
Octavia, a software application implemented in 3 California hospitals, scanned all patient encounters for social and clinical determinants that are consistent predictors of HT. Any encounter that matched these criteria was forwarded to a specially trained High-Risk Navigator who screened the data and when able, made direct contact in an effort to build rapport and possibly provide victim assistance.

Results
During the observation period, the automated scanning of hospital patient encounters resulted in a notable increase in the detection of persons who had a likelihood of being trafficked when compared to a pre-project baseline.

Discussion
Our experience demonstrated that automated technology is useful to assist healthcare providers in identification of potentially trafficked persons, improving the likelihood of care provision.
Patient and Public Involvement in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research—A Scoping Review
Authors: Elsolh Karam , Li Amy , Hu Malini , Seleq Samir , Neary Emma , Gimpaya Nikko , Scaffidi Michael A , Kishibe Teruko , Khan Rishad , Grover Samir C 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Interest in patient and public involvement in research has grown. Medical, health, and social care research has demonstrated several benefits of patient and public engagement, such as empowering user input and reducing attrition rates in clinical trials. To date, no study has reviewed patient engagement in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We aimed to describe the benefits, challenges, and best practices of patient engagement in IBD research.

Methods
We performed a systematic search on MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane for all clinical IBD research studies in which patients were involved in the research process (1946- 2023). Patient input was considered in: (1) study design, (2) study execution, (3) research dissemination, and/or (4) other domains not specified here. Two authors independently screened and extracted data on type of engaged person(s), format of engagement, author-reported benefits, recommendations, and challenges. For each study, we reported the level of patient engagement and study adherence to standardized reporting guidelines.

Results
After screening 9,355 articles, we included 51 for final analysis. IBD patients were most frequently engaged in study design. Patient engagement in IBD research improved recruitment rates and promoted the creation of user-friendly quality-of-life tools. Selection bias and recruitment difficulties were common challenges in the application of patient engagement. Authors recommended continuous patient involvement to address emerging priorities and cognitive interviewing to improve questionnaire clarity.

Conclusions
Patient engagement represents an important step in promoting patient-centred care. According to study authors, implementing cognitive interviewing techniques, continuous patient involvement, and standardized reporting guidelines may improve future iterations of engagement in IBD.
Choreographed expansion of services results in decreased patient burden without compromise of outcomes: An assessment of the Ontario experience
Authors: Rzadki Kathryn , Baqri Wafa , Yermakhanova Olga , Habbous Steven , Das Sunit 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Neuro-oncology care in Ontario, Canada has been historically centralized, at times requiring significant travel on the part of patients. Toward observing the goal of patient-centered care and reducing patient burden, 2 additional regional cancer centres (RCC) capable of neuro-oncology care delivery were introduced in 2016. This study evaluates the impact of increased regionalization of neuro-oncology services, from 11 to 13 oncology centers, on healthcare utilization and travel burden for glioblastoma (GBM) patients in Ontario.

Methods
We present a cohort of GBM patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2019. Incidence of GBM and treatment modalities were identified using provincial health administrative databases. A geographic information system and spatial analysis were used to estimate travel time from patient residences to neuro-oncology RCCs.

Results
Among the 5242 GBM patients, 79% received radiation as part of treatment. Median travel time to the closest RCC was higher for patients who did not receive radiation as part of treatment than for patients who did (P = .03). After 2016, the volume of patients receiving radiation at their local RCC increased from 62% to 69% and the median travel time to treatment RCCs decreased (P = .0072). The 2 new RCCs treated 35% and 41% of patients within their respective catchment areas. Receipt of standard of care, surgery, and chemoradiation (CRT), increased by 11%.

Conclusions
Regionalization resulted in changes in the healthcare utilization patterns in Ontario consistent with decreased patient travel burden for patients with GBM. Focused regionalization did not come at the cost of decreased quality of care, as determined by the delivery of a standard of care.