bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Vocal Flutter of Multiple System Atrophy: A Parkinsonian‐Type Phenomenon?
Authors: Mir Michela J. , Herndon Nicole E. , Wagle Shukla Aparna , Wheeler‐Hegland Karen , McFarland Nikolaus R. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundEarly features of multiple system atrophy (MSA) are similar to those in Parkinson's disease (PD), which can challenge differential diagnosis. Identifying clinical markers that help distinguish MSA from forms of parkinsonism is essential to promptly implement the most appropriate management plan. In the context of a thorough neurological evaluation, the presence of a vocal flutter might be considered a potential feature of MSA‐parkinsonian type (MSA‐P).CasesThis case series describes clinical histories of 3 individuals with MSA‐P. In each case, vocal flutter was detected during neurological and motor speech evaluations. It seemed to be a concomitant feature with the constellation of other signs and symptoms that led to the clinical diagnosis.Literature reviewThe vocal flutter may be described as pitch and loudness fluctuations during phonation. Different from a vocal tremor, the flutter phenomenon has higher oscillation frequencies. The neuropathological underpinnings of vocal flutter may be related to generalized laryngeal dysfunction that is commonly described in MSA‐P.ConclusionVocal flutter may be a unique speech feature in some individuals who have MSA‐P. Future studies using perceptual and acoustic measures of speech are warranted to quantify these observations and directly compare to other MSA variants, PD, and a control group.
The first Chinese intellectual developmental disorder, autosomal recessive 57 patient with two novel MBOAT7 variants
Authors: Li Huimin , Qi Zhan , Xie Limin , Hao Chanjuan , Li Wei 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundIntellectual disability (ID) is a con neurodevelopmental disorder in children. The genetic etiology of ID is complex, but more subtypes are defined due to the broad application of next‐generation sequencing.MethodsWhole‐exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing was applied in a family with ID.ResultsWe report a Chinese 7.5‐year‐old boy, born to non‐consanguineous parents. He showed severe intellectual disability, seizures and autistic features. Two previously unreported variants in MBOAT7, c.669C>G (p.(Tyr223*)) and c.1095C>G (p.(Ser365Arg)) were identified by trio‐WES. His mother is a heterozygous carrier of the c.1095C>G variant. The c.669C>G variant is a de novo variant which was undetected in his parents. By construction of the full‐length cDNA of the patient's MBOAT7, we verified that these two variants were trans‐compound heterozygous variants, which support the genetic etiology of this patient.ConclusionThis patient is the first Chinese case of intellectual developmental disorder (IDD), autosomal recessive 57 (OMIM:617188) with two unreported MBOAT7 variants.
Singularity formation for the relativistic Euler‐Poisson equations with repulsive force and damping
Authors: Li Xingli , Liu Jianli , Yuen Manwai 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we consider the blowup mechanism of regular solutions to the spherically symmetry relativistic Euler‐Poisson equations with repulsive force and damping. By means of a weighted function and the structured functional, we show the regular solution will blow up in finite time.
Comparison of methods for intravoxel incoherent motion parameter estimation in the brain from flow‐compensated and non‐flow‐compensated diffusion‐encoded data
Authors: Jalnefjord Oscar , Björkman‐Burtscher Isabella M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPurposeJoint analysis of flow‐compensated (FC) and non‐flow‐compensated (NC) diffusion MRI (dMRI) data has been suggested for increased robustness of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) parameter estimation. For this purpose, a set of methods commonly used or previously found useful for IVIM analysis of dMRI data obtained with conventional diffusion encoding were evaluated in healthy human brain.MethodsFive methods for joint IVIM analysis of FC and NC dMRI data were compared: (1) direct non‐linear least squares fitting, (2) a segmented fitting algorithm with estimation of the diffusion coefficient from higher b‐values of NC data, (3) a Bayesian algorithm with uniform prior distributions, (4) a Bayesian algorithm with spatial prior distributions, and (5) a deep learning‐based algorithm. Methods were evaluated on brain dMRI data from healthy subjects and simulated data at multiple noise levels. Bipolar diffusion encoding gradients were used with b‐values 0–200 s/mm2 and corresponding flow weighting factors 0–2.35 s/mm for NC data and by design 0 for FC data. Data were acquired twice for repeatability analysis.ResultsMeasurement repeatability as well as estimation bias and variability were at similar levels or better with the Bayesian algorithm with spatial prior distributions and the deep learning‐based algorithm for IVIM parameters and , and for the Bayesian algorithm only for , relative to the other methods.ConclusionA Bayesian algorithm with spatial prior distributions is preferable for joint IVIM analysis of FC and NC dMRI data in the healthy human brain, but deep learning‐based algorithms appear promising.
Needle electromyography does not meaningfully impact findings in MR‐neurography/−myography
Authors: Sondermann Stefan , Boppel Tobias , Fieseler Katharina , Schramm Peter , Bäumer Tobias , Trillenberg Peter 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntroductionMagnetic resonance neurography (MRN) and myography (MRM) are emerging imaging methods for detecting diseases of the peripheral nerve system (PNS). Most patients with PNS diseases also undergo needle electromyography (EMG). This study examined whether EMG led to lesions that were detectable using MRN/MRM and whether these lesions could impair image interpretation.MethodsTen patients who underwent clinically indicated EMG were recruited. MRN/MRM was performed before and 2–6 h after EMG, and if achievable, 2–3 days later. T2 signal intensity (SI) of the tibialis anterior muscle (TA) was quantified, and sizes and SI of the new lesions were measured. Visual rating was performed independently by three neuroradiologists.ResultsT2 lesions at the site of needle insertion, defined as focal edema, were detectable in 9/10 patients. The mean edema size was 31.72 mm2 (SD = 14.42 mm2) at the first follow‐up. Susceptibility‐weighted imaging lesions, defined as (micro) hematomas were detected in 5/10 patients (mean size, 23.85 mm2 [SD = 12.59 mm2]). General muscle SI of the TA did not differ between pre‐ and post‐EMG examinations. Lesions size was relatively small, and the readers described image interpretation as not impaired by these lesions.DiscussionThis study showed that focal edema and hematomas frequently occurred after needle EMG and could be observed using MRN/MRM. As general muscle SI was not affected and image interpretation was not impaired, we concluded that needle EMG did not interfere with MRN/MRM.
Sequential formulation of all‐way coupled finite strain thermoporomechanics for largely deformable gas hydrate deposits
Authors: Kim Jihoon , Lee Joo Yong 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWe develop a numerically stable sequential formulation of thermoporomechanics for largely deformable gas hydrate deposits, extended from the fixed stress split of infinitesimal transformation. Constitutive equations are based on the total Lagrangian approach for both flow and geomechanics, including dynamic full tensor permeability and thermal conductivity updated from the deformation gradient. For space discretization, we take the cell‐centered finite volume and node‐based finite element method for flow and geomechanics, respectively. Then, we propose a sequential implicit method for all‐way coupled thermoporomechanics, where the nonisothermal multiphase flow problem of gas hydrates is solved implicitly first and then the geomechanics problem is solved implicitly at the next step. During solution of the flow problem, we fix the rate of first Pioal total stress for numerical stability as well as apply porosity correction and entropy correction to account for geomechanical effects. We test numerical examples where flow and geomechanics parameters are based on deep oceanic gas hydrate deposits. When applying depressurization, even though the results between the infinitesimal transformation and finite strain geomechanics are similar in the early stages due to small deformation, we find differences between them in the late times as deformation becomes large. Accordingly, permeability and thermal conductivity tensors become nonisotropic full tensors although they are initially isotropic. We identify numerical stability of the developed sequential method from the test cases that exhibit the highly complex coupled gas hydrate systems with large deformation. Thus, the proposed sequential formulation can be applied in largely deformable gas hydrate systems.
Analytical modeling of magnetocaloric effect in dense nanoparticle systems
Authors: Bohra Murtaza , Alman Vidya , Khan Mohd Ataullah , Singh Vidyadhar , Toulkeridou Evropi , Grammatikopoulos Panagiotis 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDetermining the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) in dense nanoparticle systems (DNSs) poses a challenge due to the increased complexity of matter at the nanoscale. Given the interparticle magnetic interactions, diverse particle size and shape distributions, and the presence of inhomogeneous magnetic phases, selecting a suitable phenomenological model is essential to describe the temperature dependence of magnetic behavior in DNSs. Herein, we chose a cost‐effective Ni100‐xCrx DNS with adjustable magnetic transitions to showcase the resilience of the MCE across a broad temperature range (147–614 K). While the hyperbolic tangent model appears more fitting for materials with a single Curie temperature (TC), such as its parent bulk alloys, in the presence of a TC distribution a Gaussian distribution model proves to be better suited for DNSs. The latter model yields a magnetic entropy change, ΔSmax = 0.09–0.15 J kg‐K−1 in the DNS at a tiny field of 0.1T. The correlations between the broadening of the MCE peak and TC distribution are attributed to the particle size distribution and chemical inhomogeneity present in the DNS, paving the way for fine‐tuning MCE‐related properties such as the relative cooling power (13.17–33.45 J kg−1) and adiabatic temperature change (0.03–0.17 K). Our methodology not only enhances the potential for designing innovative MCE materials with broader operating ranges but also validates the universality of our phenomenological model for other families of nanocrystalline/nanogranular oxides/alloys thin films.
School garden and instructional interventions foster children's interest in nature
Authors: Kong Chuwei , Chen Jin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Children's interest in nature is crucial for their understanding and appreciation of the natural environment, as well as for their mental health and biodiversity conservation efforts. To foster this interest, it is important to establish a theoretical framework and explore practical applications. Given the current trend of children spending more time with screens and less time in nature, school gardens offer potential solutions.

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a 4‐month teaching programme conducted in a school garden to promote children's individual interest in nature. 24 Grade‐4 students participated in weekly 40‐min activities, which were divided into three treatments: natural observation with assigned tasks, natural observation with open‐ended tasks and inquiry‐based activities. Participants maintained individual portfolios consisting of questionnaires, nature journals, observation descriptions and interviews. Qualitative and quantitative data were analysed to categorize children into three types: those with initiated interest, those with enhanced interest and those with no significant change. Thematic analysis was used to identify factors influencing children's interest in nature based on qualitative data.

The results showed that 17 out of 24 children were classified as either ‘interest‐initiated’ or ‘interest‐enhanced’, indicating a generally positive outcome. The school garden provided a novel and safe environment that empowered children to learn and explore autonomously. Teacher scaffolding further supported their curiosity towards the garden's organisms, potentially leading to the development of their individual interests in nature.

This study emphasizes the positive impact of involving children in garden‐based activities in primary schools. Implementing a diverse school garden with informative labels and explanation boards, along with teacher support, represents a promising approach to cultivating children's interest in nature. We recommend implementing mini botanical gardens and club activities in schools to bridge formal and informal education.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Hydroxyurea Adherence for Personal Best in Sickle Cell Treatment (HABIT) efficacy trial: Community health worker support may increase hydroxyurea adherence of youth with sickle cell disease
Authors: Green Nancy S. , Manwani Deepa , Aygun Banu , Appiah‐Kubi Abena , Smith‐Whitley Kim , Castillo Yina , Soriano Lucy , Jia Haomiao , Smaldone Arlene M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDespite disease‐modifying effects of hydroxyurea on sickle cell disease (SCD), poor adherence among affected youth commonly impedes treatment impact. Following our prior feasibility trial, the “Hydroxyurea Adherence for Personal Best in Sickle Cell Treatment (HABIT)” multi‐site randomized controlled efficacy trial aimed to increase hydroxyurea adherence for youth with SCD ages 10–18 years. Impaired adherence was identified primarily through flagging hydroxyurea‐induced fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels compared to prior highest treatment‐related HbF. Eligible youth were enrolled as dyads with their primary caregivers for the 1‐year trial. This novel semi‐structured supportive, multidimensional dyad intervention led by community health workers (CHW), was augmented by daily tailored text message reminders, compared to standard care during a 6‐month intervention phase, followed by a 6‐month sustainability phase. Primary outcomes from the intervention phase were improved Month 6 HbF levels compared to enrollment and proportion of days covered (PDC) for hydroxyurea versus pre‐trial year. The secondary outcome was sustainability of changes up to Month 12. The 2020–2021 peak coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic disrupted enrollment and clinic‐based procedures; CHW in‐person visits shifted to virtual scheduled interactions. We enrolled 50 dyads, missing target enrollment. Compared to enrollment levels, both HbF level and PDC significantly ‐ but not sustainably ‐ improved within the intervention group (p = .03 and .01, respectively) with parallel increased mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (p = .05), but not within controls. No significant between‐group differences were found at Months 6 or 12. These findings suggest that our community‐based, multimodal support for youth–caregiver dyads had temporarily improved hydroxyurea usage. Durability of impact should be tested in a trial with longer duration of CHW‐led and mobile health support.
Multifunctional nanocomposites based on a polyamide 6/polyamide 12 blend and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Arnal T. , Eisenberg P. , Abad M. J. , Ares‐Pernas A. , Bernal Celina Raquel 
Published: February 2024

AbstractNanocomposites based on an immiscible blend of polyamide 6 (PA6) and polyamide 12 (PA12) 50/50 wt.% with different contents of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared by extrusion followed by compression molding. These materials have been proved to be electrically conductive in previous investigations for the range of filler content assayed. The morphology of the nanocomposites was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, both on cryo‐fractured and postmortem uniaxial tensile samples. Rheological measurements were performed along with differential scanning calorimetry, to assess the materials microstructure and thermal transitions. Furthermore, uniaxial tensile tests were carried out to determine mechanical properties such as stiffness, strength, and strain at break and to investigate the effect of MWCNTs on these properties. Finally, fracture tests were also conducted to evaluate how incorporating MWCNTs affected nanocomposites toughening capabilities. The obtained results suggest a notable improvement in the mechanical properties in the nanocomposites with low amounts of nanofiller. This expands their potential applications as conductive polymer composites (CPCs) and positions them as promising multifunctional materials.Highlights
CPCs based on a PA blend and MWCNTs were successfully obtained.
CNTs strongly affected the blend morphology and rheological properties.
CNTs significantly modified the crystallization behavior of PA6.
Ductility greatly improved at low CNT contents but decreased at high loadings.
Stiffness increased steadily with increasing CNT content.
A research on mix‐teaching method: Characteristics of employment education teachers on employability of students in Chinese institutions
Authors: Wen Guo , Qing Xie 
Published: February 2024

AbstractStudent employability (SE) is the foremost requirement for current university, especially in the current pandemic situation that business and industry enterprises require more capable employees to survive in a highly uncertain world. There are several characteristics of the teachers such as personalities and ability to use innovative technologies which influences the employability of the students in Chinese universities. Thus, this study investigates the impact of employment education teachers' qualities, such as personalities and the capacity to use new technologies, on SE in Chinese universities, with a particular emphasis on the moderating function of mix‐teaching methods. The research has employed the questionnaires to gather the data from the chosen respondents. The article also applied the smart‐PLS to test the hypotheses of the study. The results revealed that the employment education teachers' characteristics have a positive nexus with SE in Chinese universities. The research clearly shows that the mix‐teaching technique considerably partially mediates the features of employment education teachers and SE in Chinese universities. This research will aid policymakers in implementing guidelines aimed at increasing SE.
Wise feedback and trust in higher education: A quantitative and qualitative exploration of undergraduate students' experiences with critical feedback
Authors: Troy Alexandra , Moua Hnubci , Van Boekel Martin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractUsing quantitative and qualitative methods, we explore students' engagement with critical feedback in an authentic university setting. Findings support the centrality of strong relationships in the feedback process. Study 1 was the first conceptual replication and extension of Yeager et al.'s (2014) wise feedback intervention to test the effectiveness/efficacy in a new setting. Undergraduate students (n = 94) were randomly assigned to receive a wise feedback message (explicitly stated the instructor's high expectations and belief in the student's ability to meet those expectations) or a control message. Although we did not replicate prior findings, we observed high initial levels of institutional and relational trust, which was maintained across the semester for students in both conditions. In Study 2, we conducted interviews with BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) students (n = 6), to explore the underlying assumptions of wise feedback (i.e., attributional ambiguity) and their experiences with critical feedback in higher education. Although these discussions were nuanced, and will be unpacked further, generally students highlighted the role of feedback in bolstering or deteriorating their relationships with instructors. These findings have implications for educators who are tasked with providing critical feedback while simultaneously protecting relational dynamics with students.
Black adolescents' experiences with racial socialization, racial identity, and critical reflection of need for school change of racial inequity
Authors: Griffin Charity B. , Bañales Josefina , Hope Elan C. , Legette Kamilah B. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis preliminary investigation explored associations between Black adolescents' experiences with parental racial socialization (racial pride and racial barrier messages), dimensions of racial identity (centrality and private regard), and critical reflection regarding the need for school change of racial inequity. One hundred fifty‐one (78 girls; 73 boys) high school students from the southeastern United States were sampled for this self‐report cross‐sectional investigation. Findings revealed significant, positive total effects of racial pride and racial barrier socialization on critical reflection. Furthermore, a significant specific indirect relationship between racial pride socialization and critical reflection through centrality (small to medium effect), but not private regard. Unexpectedly, no significant indirect associations of perceived racial barrier socialization on critical reflection through racial identity dimensions were found. Implications for our findings are discussed for school‐based practitioners and policymakers.
Optimal Realization of Yang–Baxter Gate on Quantum Computers
Authors: Zhang Kun , Yu Kwangmin , Hao Kun , Korepin Vladimir 
Published: February 2024

AbstractQuantum computers provide a promising method to study the dynamics of many‐body systems beyond classical simulation. On the other hand, the analytical methods developed and results obtained from the integrable systems provide deep insights on the many‐body system. Quantum simulation of the integrable system not only provides a valid benchmark for quantum computers but is also the first step in studying integrable‐breaking systems. The building block for the simulation of an integrable system is the Yang–Baxter gate. It is vital to know how to optimally realize the Yang–Baxter gates on quantum computers. Based on the geometric picture of the Yang–Baxter gates, the optimal realizations of two types of Yang–Baxter gates with a minimal number of controlled NOT (CNOT) or gates are presented. It is also shown how to systematically realize the Yang–Baxter gates via the pulse control. The different realizations on IBM quantum computers are tested and compared. It is found that the pulse realizations of the Yang–Baxter gates always have a higher gate fidelity compared to the optimal CNOT or realizations. On the basis of the above optimal realizations, the simulation of the Yang–Baxter equation on quantum computers is demonstrated. These results provide a guideline and standard for further experimental studies based on the Yang–Baxter gate.