bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A dose-response characterization of transcranial magnetic stimulation intensity and evoked potential amplitude in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex
Authors: Krile Louisa , Ensafi Elnaz , Cole Jaeden , Noor Mah , Protzner Andrea B. , McGirr Alexander 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBy combining transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with electroencephalography, human cortical circuits can be directly interrogated. The resulting electrical trace contains TMS-evoked potential (TEP) components, and it is not known whether the amplitudes of these components are stimulus intensity dependent. We examined this in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in nineteen healthy adult participants and extracted TEP amplitudes for the N40, P60, N120, and P200 components at 110%, 120%, and 130% of resting motor threshold (RMT). To probe plasticity of putative stimulus intensity dose-response relationships, this was repeated after participants received intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS; 600 pulses, 80% RMT). The amplitude of the N120 and P200 components exhibited a stimulus intensity dose-response relationship, however the N40 and P60 components did not. After iTBS, the N40 and P60 components continued to exhibit a lack of stimulus intensity dose-dependency, and the P200 dose-response was unchanged. In the N120 component, however, we saw evidence of change within the stimulus intensity dose-dependent relationship characterized by a decrease in absolute peak amplitudes at lower stimulus intensities. These data suggest that TEP components have heterogeneous dose-response relationships, with implications for standardizing and harmonizing methods across experiments. Moreover, the selective modification of the N120 dose-response relationship may provide a novel marker for iTBS plasticity in health and disease.
Performance comparison of instrument automation pipelines using different programming languages
Authors: Kumar Ankur , Goswami Mayank 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe article presents a performance analysis of fully automated, in-house developed 2D ultrasound computerized tomography systems using different programming languages. The system is fully automated in four programming languages: LabVIEW, MATLAB, C and Python. It includes codes for sensors, instruments interfacing, real-time control, synchronized data acquisition, simultaneous raw data processing and analysis. Launch performance, eight performance indices and runtime performance are used for the analysis. It is found that C utilizes the least processing power and executes fewer I/O processes to perform the same task. In runtime analysis (data acquisition and real-time control), LabVIEW (365.69 s) performed best in comparison to MATLAB (623.83 s), Python (1505.54 s), and C (1252.03 s) to complete the experiment without data processing. However, in the experiment with data processing, MATLAB (640.33 s) performed best in comparison to LabVIEW (731.91 s), Python (1520.01 s) and C (1930.15 s). Python performed better in establishing faster interfacing and RAM usage. The study provides a methodology to select optimal programming languages for instrument automation-related aspects to optimize the available resources.
Study on the influence of discharge voltage on the performance of Hall propulsion system
Authors: Zheng Yusong , Zhang Wanting , Li Mengdie , Li Zhixin , Wang Youmei 
Published: October 2023

The discharge characteristics of the Hall thruster are numerically studied at different discharge voltages when the magnetic field does not change based on the particle in cell plus Monte Carlo collision methods. The distributions of electrons and Ar+ ions densities at different discharge voltages show that the change of the discharge voltage significantly influences the distribution of electrons and Ar+ ions. The electron density is relatively large when the discharge voltage is 100 V, up to 6.01 × 1018 m−3. At a discharge voltage of 400 V, the high-density region formed by electrons is significantly smaller than in other cases. The ion density rises less when reaching a steady state with increasing discharge voltage. The Ar+ ions density decreases after the discharge voltage reaches 400 V, up to 4.42 × 1018 m−3. After calculation, it was found that under a specific mass flow, the discharge voltage significantly impacts the thrust of the Hall thruster. The results have reference values for the performance testing and application of Hall thrusters.
A community of practice to address system-based issues and promote clinical leadership among trainee medical officers in a large public health service: an evaluation of a trainee-led forum
Authors: Koopowitz Samuel M. , Arnold Matthew , Inglis Joshua M. , Hon Kay , Vanlint Andrew , Koopowitz Leslie F. , O’Callaghan Gerry 
Published: October 2023

Clinical leadership is necessary to improve the performance of large public hospitals. Trainee medical officers (TMOs) are important stakeholders in organisation-wide initiatives that affect the medical workforce and support clinician engagement. This case study describes the development of a representative body known as the ‘TMO Forum’ within the Central Adelaide Local Health Network as a mechanism to promote engagement between medical trainees and the hospital executive to facilitate escalation and discussion of system-based issues. Over the past 8 years, this group has evolved into a community of practice with steady and sustained growth since inception. Trainees have fostered relationships with the executive, and have engaged in leadership and quality improvement initiatives. Here we explore the evolution, value and barriers to success of the TMO Forum. Our discussion is supplemented with findings from anonymous online evaluation surveys of both the TMO and executive stakeholder groups. We propose that initiatives such as the described may offer reciprocal benefits to both constituent groups regarding communication, and that the development of a dedicated community of practice will enhance engagement of TMOs in health service improvement initiatives and advocacy. However, there are obstacles to overcome in order to attract a greater number of trainees and maximise the benefits from this initiative.
Age at weaning of lambs raised in an intensive production system
Authors: de Souza Terezinha T. , Vicente Ana C. S. , Ferraz Junior Marcos V. C. , de Assis Rhaíssa G. , Sturion Thamires U. , Carlis Matheus S. P. , Cunha Ancelmo R. , da Silva Taylon A. S. , Polizel Daniel M. , Comelli Jamile H. , Biava Janaina S. , Pires Alexandre V. , Ferreira Evandro M. 
Published: October 2023

Context Early weaning is an alternative that may shorten the production time, and improve growth, and carcass quality. Aims The effects of different weaning ages on growth performance and carcass characteristics of Dorper × Santa Inês lambs were evaluated. Methods Initially, 33 crossbred lactating ewes Dorper × Santa Inês with initial bodyweight (BW) of 53.16 ± 9.17 kg (mean ± s.d.) were penned individually with their lambs (nine females and 36 males; 6.59 ± 0.30 kg of initial BW and 10 ± 2.22 days of age) 10 days after birth and used in a randomised complete block design (three treatments and 11 blocks). Each pen was individually equipped with a creep feed system for the lambs. The lambs received the initial diet, and the ewes were confined and received a diet with 400 g/kg of roughage and 600 g/kg of concentrate. Lambs were weaned at ages of either 45 days (W45), 60 days (W60) or 75 days (W75). At weaning, the ewes were removed from the pens and the lambs remained in the same pen for 15 days, receiving the initial diet. After 15 days of weaning, only the males continued received the finishing diet until 165 days of life. After the finishing period, the lambs were slaughtered to measure the carcass characteristics. Key results There was no influence of weaning age on BW, body condition score, dry-matter intake, and milk production and composition of ewes. Additionally, there was no effect of treatments on the lambs‘ performance. Conclusion In an intensive production system, weaning at 45, 60, and 75 days provided similar growth performance and carcass characteristics. Implications Therefore, weaning at 45 days may be an option for farmers.
Language shift and maintenance of the Korean community in Australia
Authors: Jung Sin Ji 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
This study is a follow-up study of Shin and Jung’s (2016, 2018) research that has examined language shift and maintenance of the Korean community in Australia reflected in the previous Australian Censuses from 2006 to 2016. The present study analysed the 2021 Census and updated the Korean community’s language shift and maintenance with the latest census data. It examined the community’s language shift by various sociodemographic factors such as generation, age, gender, education, and religion and compared the results of the analyses with the previous studies’ findings. The results of this study revealed that in the 2021 Census, the shift to English in the first generation increased from the 2016 Census, possibly due to the restricted migration of Koreans during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results confirmed that the inter-generational language shift (i.e., the increase in language shift by generation) is taking place in the Korean community in Australia, and that it is progressing further. The results showed similar patterns and trends in the extent of language shift by different sociodemographic factors and variable that had been observed in the previous censuses. Language shift was higher in females than in males in the first generation, but the pattern was reverse in age groups younger than 35 years old. Those with certain educational qualifications (e.g., a graduate diploma or certificate) had a higher shift rate. On the other hand, lower shift was observed among those affiliated with the religions/denominations with a strong presence of Korean immigrants in the community. These findings provide valuable insights to the community’s language shift to English and its maintenance of the Korean language regarding its unique temporal and locational circumstances such as the temporary stop of the influx of South Koreans in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic and its language practice.
Perturbations in lipid metabolism and gut microbiota composition precede cardiac dysfunction in a mouse model of thalassemia
Authors: Liu Ying , Fillebeen Carine , Forest Anik , Botta Amy , Varin Thibault V. , Marette André , Burelle Yan , Des Rosiers Christine , Pantopoulos Kostas , Sweeney Gary 
Published: October 2023

AbstractCardiomyopathy is a major complication of thalassemia, yet the precise underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. We examined whether altered lipid metabolism is an early driving factor in the development of cardiomyopathy using the Th3/+ mouse model of thalassemia. At age 20 weeks, male and female Th3/+ mice manifested anemia and iron overload; however, only males displayed metabolic defects and altered cardiac function. Untargeted lipidomics indicated that the circulating levels of 35 lipid species were significantly altered in Th3/+ mice compared to wild‐type controls: triglycerides (TGs) with saturated fatty acids (FAs; TG42:0 and TG44:0) were elevated, while TGs with unsaturated FAs (TG(18:2_20:5_18:2 and TG54:8)) were reduced. Similarly, phosphatidylcholines (PCs) with long chain FAs (palmitic (16:0) or oleic (18:1)) were increased, while PCs with polyunsaturated FAs decreased. Circulating PC(16:0_14:0), GlcCer(d18:1/24:0) correlated significantly with iron overload and cardiac hypertrophy. 16S rRNA gene profiling revealed alterations in the intestinal microbiota of Th3/+ mice. Differentially abundant bacterial genera correlated with PC(39:6), PC(18:1_22:6), GlcCer(d18:1/24:1) and CE(14:0). These results provide new knowledge on perturbations in lipid metabolism and the gut microbiota of Th3/+ mice and identify specific factors which may represent early biomarkers or therapeutic targets to prevent development of cardiomyopathy in β‐thalassemia.
A life-threatening encounter: an uncommon case of ruptured hydatid cyst presenting as anaphylactic shock and respiratory distress in a 12-year-old boy
Authors: Vantankhah Abulfazl , Taqanaki Pegah Bahrami , Rahmanian Mohsen , Ameri Leila , Atqiaee Khashayar , Mashhadi Mahdi Parvizi 
Published: October 2023

Introduction and importance:
Although rare, the spontaneous rupture of a lung hydatid cyst or its perforation into the pleural cavity can give rise to an abrupt onset of symptoms, including cough, fever, hemoptysis (coughing up blood), and hypersensitivity reactions, and can ultimately lead to respiratory failure.

Case presentation:
A 12-year-old boy was brought to the emergency room with a loss of consciousness. Symptoms included tachypnea, fever, low blood pressure, and overall respiratory distress. After resuscitation, a chest X-ray revealed a distinct, well-defined round opacity located in the lower region of the right lung, leading to mediastinal displacement. After confirmation of the disease, the child was hospitalized in the ICU care and consequently underwent surgery. Treatment was successful and there was no recurrence on the follow-up.

Clinical discussion:
Studies have demonstrated that the right lower lobe of the lung is the most frequently affected area of the lung by hydatid cysts. Symptomatic and complicated hydatid cysts are a rare concept in children, and only a small percentage, are diagnosed in patients younger than 16 years. Surgery remains the preferred treatment for the majority of patients with pulmonary hydatid disease. It is important to note that combined surgery and chemotherapy represents the current gold standard in managing pulmonary hydatid cyst.

Conclusion:
Although anaphylactic shock caused by a ruptured lung hydatid cyst is rare, it should be taken into consideration by physicians as a differential diagnosis in patients who also have respiratory symptoms, particularly in endemic areas.
Management of Acute Appendicitis in Children in a University Hospital
Authors: Mekitarian Filho Eduardo , Horita Sérgio Massaru , dos Santos Clara Oliveira Gomes , Pelosi Carla Scarabel , Laurentino Larissa Pedreira , Galotti Bruno Luís 
Published: October 2023

Objective
Little is known about the positive predictive value of diagnostic tools for severe acute appendicitis (AA). Our objective was to study a retrospective cohort of patients with AA, emphasizing its laboratory and radiologic features, to establish risk factors for more severe cases of AA.

Methods
A retrospective cohort study with patients with AA confirmed by biopsy was performed. In each case, examinations were reviewed, data were compared, and laboratory and radiologic findings were established to identify risk factors for severe AA.

Results
During the studied period, 405 children, with a mean age of 120 months, were evaluated. Most of the patients were boys (63.2%). C-reactive protein was the best parameter for the diagnosis of perforated AA, with a sensitivity of 88% for values above 173 mg/dL. A total of 64.4% of the patients underwent abdominal ultrasound, and 26% had normal results.

Conclusions
Acute appendicitis is a disease with a wide spectrum of complications; thus, it is important to recognize the markers associated with severe cases of AA. High levels of C-reactive protein were the best markers associated with perforated appendicitis, and ultrasound was requested in most of the cases but was not helpful in most of them.
Sodium Hydrosulfide Treatment During Porcine Kidney Ex Vivo Perfusion and Transplantation
Authors: Agius Thomas , Songeon Julien , Lyon Arnaud , Longchamp Justine , Ruttimann Raphael , Allagnat Florent , Déglise Sébastien , Corpataux Jean-Marc , Golshayan Déla , Buhler Léo , Meier Raphael , Yeh Heidi , Markmann James F. , Uygun Korkut , Toso Christian , Klauser Antoine , Lazeyras Francois , Longchamp Alban 
Published: October 2023

Background.
In rodents, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) reduces ischemia-reperfusion injury and improves renal graft function after transplantation. Here, we hypothesized that the benefits of H2S are conserved in pigs, a more clinically relevant model.

Methods.
Adult porcine kidneys retrieved immediately or after 60 min of warm ischemia (WI) were exposed to 100 µM sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) (1) during the hypothermic ex vivo perfusion only, (2) during WI only, and (3) during both WI and ex vivo perfusion. Kidney perfusion was evaluated with dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI. MRI spectroscopy was further employed to assess energy metabolites including ATP. Renal biopsies were collected at various time points for histopathological analysis.

Results.
Perfusion for 4 h pig kidneys with Belzer MPS UW + NaHS resulted in similar renal perfusion and ATP levels than perfusion with UW alone. Similarly, no difference was observed when NaHS was administered in the renal artery before ischemia. After autotransplantation, no improvement in histologic lesions or cortical/medullary kidney perfusion was observed upon H2S administration. In addition, AMP and ATP levels were identical in both groups.

Conclusions.
In conclusion, treatment of porcine kidney grafts using NaHS did not result in a significant reduction of ischemia-reperfusion injury or improvement of kidney metabolism. Future studies will need to define the benefits of H2S in human, possibly using other molecules as H2S donors.
The defined TLR3 agonist, Nexavant, exhibits anti-cancer efficacy and potentiates anti-PD-1 antibody therapy by enhancing immune cell infiltration
Authors: Lee Seung-Hwan , Choi Young-Ho , Kang Soon-Myung , Lee Min-Gyu , Debin Arnaud , Perouzel Eric , Hong Seung-Beom , Kim Dong-Ho 
Published: October 2023

AbstractNexavant has been reported as an alternative to the TLR3 agonist of Poly(I:C) and its derivatives. The physicochemical properties, signaling pathways, anti-cancer effects, and mechanisms of Nexavant were investigated. Nexavant’s distinct nature, compared to Poly(I:C), was evident through precise quantification, thermostability, and resistance to RNase A. Unlike Poly (I: C) which activates TLR3, RIG-I and MDA5, Nexavant stimulates the signaling through TLR3 and RIG-I but not MDA5. Intratumoral Nexavant treatment led to a unique immune response compared to Poly(I:C), immune cell infiltration, and suppression of tumor growth in various animal cancer models. Nexavant therapy outperformed anti-PD-1 antibody treatment in all tested models and showed a synergistic effect in combinational therapy, especially in well-defined cold tumor models. The effect was similar to Nivolumab in a humanized mouse model. Intranasal instillation of Nexavant recruited immune cells (NK, CD4+ T, CD8+ T) to the lungs, suppressing lung metastasis and improving animal survival. Our study highlighted Nexavant’s defined nature for clinical use, unique signaling pathways, and its potential as a standalone anti-cancer agent or in combination with anti-PD-1 antibody.Simple SummaryNexavant, a newly reported TLR3 agonist, has advantages over Poly(I:C) in quality control and pre-clinical efficacy. Here, we further investigated Nexavant’s physicochemical properties, downstream signaling pathways, anti-cancer efficacy, and mechanism of action. Nexavant was homogenous in solution, less sensitive to RNase A, and showed thermostability compared with Poly(I:C). Unlike Poly(I:C), the TLR3, RIGI, and MDA5 activator, Nexavant only activated TLR3 and RIG-I but not MDA5. Administration of Nexavant either by intratumoral or intranasal route suppressed tumor growth in various cancer models. Combination therapy with anti-PD-1 antibody exhibited synergistic tumor growth inhibition than the respective monotherapies. This study demonstrated that Nexavant could be more suitable for clinical use over Poly(I:C) and applied as an anti-cancer agent in the presence or absence of an anti-PD-1 antibody.
Coarctation duration and severity predict risk of hypertension precursors in a preclinical model and hypertensive status among patients
Authors: Ghorbannia Arash , Jurkiewicz Hilda , Nasif Lith , Ahmed Abdillahi , Co-Vu Jennifer , Maadooliat Mehdi , Woods Ronald K. , LaDisa John F. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundCoarctation of the aorta (CoA) often leads to hypertension (HTN) post-treatment. Evidence is lacking for the current >20 mmHg peak-to-peak blood pressure gradient (BPGpp) guideline, which can cause aortic thickening, stiffening and dysfunction. This study sought to find the BPGpp severity and duration that avoid persistent dysfunction in a preclinical model, and test if predictors translate to HTN status in CoA patients.MethodsRabbits (N=75; 5-12/group) were exposed to mild, intermediate or severe CoA (≤12, 13-19, ≥20 mmHg BPGpp) for ∼1, 3 or 22 weeks using dissolvable and permanent sutures with thickening, stiffening, contraction and endothelial function evaluated via multivariate regression. Relevance to CoA patients (N=239; age=0.01-46 years; median 3.7 months) was tested by retrospective review of predictors (pre-operative BPGpp, surgical age, etc.) vs follow-up HTN status.ResultsCoA duration and severity were predictive of aortic remodeling and active dysfunction in rabbits, and HTN in CoA patients. Interaction between patient age and BPGpp at surgery contributed significantly to HTN, similar to rabbits, suggesting preclinical findings translate to patients. Machine learning decision tree analysis uncovered that pre-operative BPGpp and surgical age predict risk of HTN along with residual post-operative BPGpp.ConclusionsThese findings suggest the current BPGpp threshold determined decades ago is likely too high to prevent adverse coarctation-induced aortic remodeling. The results and decision tree analysis provide a foundation for revising CoA treatment guidelines considering the interaction between CoA severity and duration to limit the risk of HTN.
Transmission of risk to China's construction industry due to international interest rate fluctuations
Authors: Zhang Kai , Chen Lingfei , Zhou Xinmiao 
Published: October 2023

PurposeUnder the trend of global economic integration and the new context of stagflation, frequent fluctuations in international interest rates are exerting far-reaching impacts on the world economy. In this paper, the transmission mechanism of the impact of fluctuations in international interest rates (specifically, the American interest rate) on the bankruptcy risk in China's pillar industry, the construction industry (which is also sensitive to interest rates), is examined.Design/methodology/approachUsing an improved contingent claims analysis, the bankruptcy risk of enterprises is calculated in this paper. Additionally, an individual fixed-effects model is developed to investigate the mediating effects of international interest rates on the bankruptcy risk in the Chinese construction industry. The heterogeneity of subindustries in the industrial chain and the impact of China's energy consumption structure are also analysed in this paper.FindingsThe findings show that fluctuations in international interest rates, which affect the bankruptcy risk of China's construction industry, are mainly transmitted through two major pathways, namely, commodity price effects and exchange rate effects. In addition, the authors examine the important impact of China's energy consumption structure on risk transmission and assess the transmission and sharing of risks within the industrial chain.Originality/valueFirst, in the research field, the study of international interest rate risk is extended to domestic-oriented industries. Second, in terms of the research content, this paper is focused on China-specific issues, including the significant influence of China's energy consumption structure characteristics and the risk contagion (and risk sharing) as determined by the current development of the Chinese construction industry. Third, in terms of research methods a modified contingent claim analysis approach to bankruptcy risk indicators is adopted for this study, thus overcoming the problems of data frequency, market sentiment and financial data fraud, which are issues that are ignored by most relevant studies.