bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MRI evidence for material‐specific encoding deficits and mesial–temporal alterations in presurgical frontal lobe epilepsy patients
Authors: Doll Anna , Wegrzyn Martin , Woermann Friedrich G. , Labudda Kirsten , Bien Christian G. , Kissler Johanna 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectiveNeuroimaging studies reveal frontal lobe (FL) contributions to memory encoding. Accordingly, memory impairments are documented in frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE). Still, little is known about the structural or functional correlates of such impairments. Particularly, material specificity of functional changes in cerebral activity during memory encoding in FLE is unclear.MethodsWe compared 24 FLE patients (15 right‐sided) undergoing presurgical evaluation with 30 healthy controls on a memory fMRI‐paradigm of learning scenes, faces, and words followed by an out‐of‐scanner recognition task as well as regarding their mesial temporal lobe (mTL) volumes. We also addressed effects of FLE lateralization and performance level (normal vs. low).ResultsFLE patients had poorer memory performance and larger left hippocampal volumes than controls. Volume increase seemed, however, irrelevant or even dysfunctional for memory performance. Further, functional changes in FLE patients were right‐sided for scenes and faces and bilateral for words. In detail, during face encoding, FLE patients had, regardless of their performance level, decreased mTL activation, while during scene and word encoding only low performing FLE patients had decreased mTL along with decreased FL activation. Intact verbal memory performance was associated with higher right frontal activation in FLE patients but not in controls.SignificancePharmacoresistant FLE has a distinct functional and structural impact on the mTL. Effects vary with the encoded material and patients' performance levels. Thus, in addition to the direct effect of the FL, memory impairment in FLE is presumably to a large part due to functional mTL changes triggered by disrupted FL networks.Plain Language SummaryFrontal lobe epilepsy (FLE) patients may suffer from memory impairment. Therefore, we asked patients to perform a memory task while their brain was scanned by MRI in order to investigate possible changes in brain activation during learning. FLE patients showed changes in brain activation during learning and also structural changes in the mesial temporal lobe, which is a brain region especially relevant for learning but not the origin of the seizures in FLE. We conclude that FLE leads to widespread changes that contribute to FLE patients’ memory impairment.
On the fragility of non‐structural elements in loss and recovery: Field observations from Japan
Authors: O'Reilly Gerard J. , Hasegawa Kan , Shahnazaryan Davit , Poveda José , Fukutomi Yu , Kusaka Akihiro , Nakashima Masayoshi 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe role of non‐structural elements (NSEs) in the seismic performance of buildings has been highlighted in past years. Research studies following state‐of‐the‐art methodologies generally find that when the structural collapse is not of significant concern, NSEs tend to dominate the repair costs and financial investment required in a building. This paper examines field observations from interviews and data collected from commercial buildings via structural health monitoring (SHM) following the 2018 Osaka earthquake in Japan. It suggests that fragility functions used in current methodologies for estimating NSE damage may not be entirely representative of the in‐situ reality and possibly underestimate actual damage. Additionally, interviews with building owners/managers indicate that the alarm and financial impact of NSEs was not as critical as anticipated, with much of the observed NSE damage not of serious concern and tolerable in many cases. This article provides discussion and insight into possible causes for these differences before discussing how current methodologies can benefit from these observations. It is believed that many of the fragility functions currently used to estimate NSE damage may not be representative because of differences in installation conditions and loading protocols used in experimental testing, possible interaction with other elements, variability in the quality of workmanship during installation and possible wear, tear and degradation during service. On the other hand, it is seen how SHM data recorded during seismic events may provide valuable data for an alternative means to develop fragility functions. Furthermore, it is seen that when building recovery states (RSs) other than the implicitly assumed ‘full recovery’ state used in guidelines like FEMA P‐58 are explored, the role of NSEs in direct monetary losses significantly reduces. This coincides with the field observations in Japan regarding the impact of NSEs and supports the recent developments in functional recovery on what building owners and occupants are prepared to tolerate post‐earthquake. It indicates that when discussing the relative importance of different building performance groups, it is vital that the expected RS is also stated, as for most decision‐makers following major events, functionality rather than full recovery remains the primary goal; hence, repairs and proactive measures should bear this in mind for more effective use of resources.
The effects of education on mortality: Evidence using college expansions
Authors: Fletcher Jason , Noghanibehambari Hamid 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis paper explores the long‐run health benefits of education for longevity. Using mortality data from the Social Security Administration (1988–2005) linked to geographic locations in the 1940‐census data, we exploit changes in college availability across cohorts in local areas. Our treatment on the treated calculations suggest increases in longevity between 1.3 and 2.7 years. Some further analyses suggest the results are not driven by pre‐tends, endogenous migration, and other time‐varying local confounders. This paper adds to the literature on the health and social benefits of education.
Endoscopic endonasal combined transoral medial approach to the nasopharynx, parapharyngeal space, and jugular foramen
Authors: Mao Song , Tang Ru , Gu Yuelong , Chen Bin , Zhang Weitian 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to validate the feasibility of an endoscopic endonasal combined transoral medial approach for treating lesions in the nasopharynx, parapharyngeal space (PPS), and jugular foramen.MethodsAnatomical and imaging information of six patients who underwent surgery via this approach were reviewed and analyzed.ResultsThe feasibility and advantages of the endoscopic endonasal combined transoral medial approach, which uses an inside‐to‐outside medial surgical corridor, were identified. Total resection was achieved in 3 cases with benign tumors. Safe resection margins were obtained in 2 cases with recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Pathological biopsy of NPC lesion between the Eustachian tube and arterial sheath was achieved. The internal carotid artery (ICA) was accurately located and protected in all cases and no complications occurred.ConclusionLesions in the nasopharynx, PPS, and jugular foramen can be directly assessed via this approach. The ICA can be well identified during the surgery.
Clinical validation of NerveTrend versus conventional i‐IONM mode of NIM Vital in prevention of recurrent laryngeal nerve events during bilateral thyroid surgery: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Barczyński Marcin , Konturek Aleksander 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that use of NerveTrend™ mode of intermittent neuromonitoring (i‐IONM) during thyroidectomy may identify and prevent impending recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury.MethodsA randomized clinical trial. The primary outcome was prevalence of RLN injury on postoperative day 1. In NerveTrend™ group the i‐IONM stimulator was used for trending of amplitude and latency changes from initial vagal electromyographic baseline to tailor surgical strategy.ResultsSome 264 patients were randomized into the intervention versus the control group, 132 patients each. RLN injury was found on postoperative day 1 in 5/264 (1.89%) nerves at risk (NAR) versus 12/258 (4.65%) NAR whereas staged thyroidectomy was used in 0/132 (0.00%) versus 6/132 (4.54%) patients (p = 0.067 and p = 0.029, respectively).ConclusionThe use of NerveTrend™ mode resulted in tendency towards reduced RLN injury on postoperative day 1 and significant decrease of need for a staged thyroidectomy.
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward seasonal influenza vaccine among college students under the COVID‐19 pandemic in South China
Authors: Wu Di , Mai Yuexue , Liu Pan , Long Jie , Liu Qun , Wu Tiantian , Wang Dedong , Hu Xiangzhi , Lin Weiquan , Chen Xuejiao , Zhang Zhoubin , Qin Pengzhe 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe control measures of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic had influenced the activity of the influenza virus, and we were wondering the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward seasonal influenza vaccine among college students were having at the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic.MethodsOnline questionnaire survey of the college students was conducted and the data was collected anonymously, cross‐sectional study were used to describe the distribution of the KAP.ResultsThere were 815 respondents in our study. Most participants have a high recognition of the effectiveness and safety of the influenza vaccine. However, a low awareness rate of influenza vaccine knowledge and vaccination rate (18%) against influenza was observed among college students. The education level and major would have a higher weight on the influence of KAP among the college students. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that the sex (OR = 2.163,p < .001), age (OR = 2.242,p < .001), heard of the influenza vaccine (OR = 2.655,p = .014), and “How necessary do you think vaccinating every year is?” (OR = 3.947,p < .001) of the college students were the main factors that affect the KAP on influenza vaccination.ConclusionsOur study provided an insight into the KAP of influenza vaccine among college students in South China. The vaccination rate and acceptability of influenza vaccine in college students are higher than that in the whole population.
A study exploring the compounded effects of racial trauma across the lifespan of DAEUS citizens and surviving COVID‐19
Authors: Mingo Taryne M. , Haynes Kiauhna 
Published: December 2023

AbstractNeglecting the compounded effects of racial trauma among senior Black Americans is to ignore the inequitable weight of surviving COVID‐19 after a lifetime in the southern United States (US). This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of Descendants of Africans Enslaved in the US and how racial trauma across the lifespan affected their well‐being prior to COVID‐19 vaccine availability. Grounded in Critical Race Theory, findings and future research directions for counseling are discussed.
Utilization of Multi‐Parametric Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Early Diagnosis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Peng Fei , Tang Deqiu , Qing Weipeng , Chen Wei , Li Shuhao , Guo Yingkun , Luo Guanghua , Zhao Heng 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundIt is challenging to diagnose suspected Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients in the very early stage of the disease. More evidence is needed to demonstrate the potential of quantitative MRI (qMRI) in precisely identifying patients before substantial physical decline occurs.PurposeTo assess the early diagnostic performance of multi‐parametric qMRI for DMD patients, and the ability to identify DMD patients with mild functional decline.Study TypeProspective.SubjectsOne hundred and forty DMD subjects (9.0 ± 2.2 years old), 24 male healthy controls (HCs) (9.2 ± 2.5 years old).Field Strength/Sequence3.0 T/3‐point Dixon, T1‐mapping, and T2‐mapping.AssessmentqMRI measurements (fat fraction [FF], T1, and T2) of 11 thigh muscles (rectus femoris [RF], vastus lateralis [VL], vastus intermedius, vastus medialis, gracilis, sartorius, adductor longus, adductor magnus [AM], semitendinosus, semimembranosus, biceps femoris long head [BFLH]) on the right side were conducted. NorthStar ambulatory assessment (NSAA) score used to evaluate the function of DMD patients and divided them into three subgroups: mild (76–100 score), moderate (51–75 score), and severe (0–50 score) functional decline.Statistical TestsIndependent t‐test, ANOVA analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. A P‐value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsCompared with HCs, FF and T2 were significantly higher in the group of all DMD patients, while T1 was significantly lower. The combination of T1 and T2 in RF, VL, AM, and BFLH achieved excellent area under curve (AUCs) (0.967–0.992) in differentiating five DMD patients without abnormal fat infiltration from HCs. Overall, T2 reached higher AUCs than FF and T1 in distinguishing DMD with mild functional decline from HCs, whereas FF achieved higher AUCs than T1 and T2 in distinguishing three DMD subgroups with functional decline.Data ConclusionMulti‐parametric qMRI demonstrate effective diagnostic capabilities for DMD patients in the early stage of the disease, and can identify patients with mild physical decline.Level of Evidence2Technical EfficacyStage 3
Soilless cultivation systems to produce tailored microgreens for specific nutritional needs
Authors: D'Imperio Massimiliano , Bonelli Lucia , Mininni Carlo , Renna Massimiliano , Montesano Francesco Fabiano , Parente Angelo , Serio Francesco 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe awareness of the importance of following dietary recommendations that meet specific biological requirements related to an individual's health status has significantly increased interest in personalized nutrition. The aim of this research was to test agronomic protocols based on soilless cultivation for providing consumers with new dietary sources of iodine (I), as well as alternative vegetable products to limit dietary potassium (K) intake; proposed cultivation techniques were evaluated according to their suitability to obtain such products without compromising agronomic performance.RESULTSTwo independent experiments, focused on I and K respectively, were conducted in a commercial greenhouse specializing in soilless production. Four different species were cultivated using three distinct concentrations of I (0, 1.5 and 3 mg L−1) and K (0, 60 and 120 mg L−1). Microgreens grown in I‐rich nutrient solution accumulate more I, and the increase is dose‐dependent. Compared to unbiofortified microgreens, the treatments with 1.5 and 3 mg L−1 of I resulted in 4.5 and 14 times higher I levels, respectively. Swiss chard has the highest levels of K (14 096 mg kg−1 of FW), followed by rocket, pea and radish. In radish, rocket and Swiss chard, a total reduction of K content in the nutrient solution (0 mg L−1) resulted in an average reduction of 45% in K content.CONCLUSIONIt is possible to produce I‐biofortified microgreens to address I deficiency, and K‐reduced microgreens for chronic kidney disease‐affected people. Species selection is crucial to customize nutritional profiles according to specific dietary requirements due to substantial mineral content variations across different species. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
The effect of data sources on calculating mean temperature and integrated water vapor in Iran
Authors: Rahimi Hassan , Asgari Jamal , Nafisi Vahab 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe weighted mean temperature () plays a crucial role in calculating Precipitable Water Vapor (PWV) and integrated water vapor (IWV) using Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) techniques. Currently, the primary sources for meteorological parameters are radiosonde measurements and Numerical Weather Models (NWMs). This study focuses on assessing the influence of different data sources on the computation of and IWV in Iran. The investigation involved comparing several datasets: ERA5 numerical data with spatial resolutions of 0.125° and 2.5° (ERA5 0.125, ERA5 2.5), ERA‐Interim, NCEP numerical data and results derived from the GPT3 model. Validation of the results utilized data from 12 radiosonde stations situated across Iran. In addition, the precision of the IWV parameter was evaluated by utilizing measurements from the only available IGS station in the region, situated in Tehran. The results revealed that ERA5 0.125 exhibited superior accuracy in estimation compared with the other datasets, showing a discrepancy of approximately 1–2 K. In contrast, the GPT3 model displayed an accuracy of about 3 K. Analysing the results across different months of the year revealed elevated root mean square error (RMSE) values during warmer months, with little variability based on station height in the region for the four datasets. Regarding IWV, the ERA5 0.125 dataset outperformed the other three datasets, demonstrating an accuracy of about 0.07 kg m−2. Notably, RMSE values during summer were approximately 50% higher compared with the annual RMSE.
Similarity searching for anticandidal agents employing a repurposing approach
Authors: Rodríguez‐Villar Karen , Cortés‐Benítez Francisco , Palacios‐Espinosa Juan Francisco , Pérez‐Villanueva Jaime 
Published: December 2023

AbstractFungal infections caused by Candida are still a public health concern. Particularly, the resistance to traditional chemotherapeutic agents is a major issue that requires efforts to develop new therapies. One of the most interesting approaches to finding new active compounds is drug repurposing aided by computational methods. In this work, two databases containing anticandidal agents and drugs were studied employing cheminformatics and compared by similarity methods. The results showed 36 drugs with high similarities to some candicidals. From these drugs, trimetozin, osalmid and metochalcone were evaluated against C. albicans (18804), C. glabrata (90030), and miconazole‐resistant strain C. glabrata (32554). Osalmid and metochalcone were the best, with activity in the micromolar range. These findings represent an opportunity to continue with the research on the potential antifungal application of osalmid and metochalcone as well as the design of structurally related derivatives.
The low‐LET radiation contribution to the tumor dose in diffusing alpha‐emitters radiation therapy
Authors: Epstein Lior , Heger Guy , Roy Arindam , Gannot Israel , Kelson Itzhak , Arazi Lior 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundDiffusing alpha‐emitters Radiation Therapy (“Alpha DaRT”) is a new technique that enables the use of alpha particles for the treatment of solid tumors. Alpha DaRT employs interstitial sources carrying a few Ci of Ra below their surface, designed to release a chain of short‐lived atoms (progeny of Ra) which emit alpha particles, along with beta, Auger, and conversion electrons, x‐ and gamma rays. These atoms diffuse around the source and create—primarily through their alpha decays—a lethal high‐dose region measuring a few millimeters in diameter.PurposeWhile previous studies focused on the dose from the alpha emissions alone, this work addresses the electron and photon dose contributed by the diffusing atoms and by the atoms remaining on the source surface, for both a single Alpha DaRT source and multi‐source lattices. This allows to evaluate the low‐LET contribution to the tumor dose and tumor cell survival, and demonstrate the sparing of surrounding healthy tissue.MethodsThe low‐LET dose is calculated using the EGSnrc and FLUKA Monte Carlo (MC) codes. We compare the results of a simple line‐source approximation with no diffusion to those of a full simulation, which implements a realistic source geometry and the spread of diffusing atoms. We consider two opposite scenarios: one with low diffusion and high Pb leakage, and the other with high diffusion and low leakage. The low‐LET dose in source lattices is calculated by superposition of single‐source contributions. Its effect on cell survival is estimated with the linear quadratic model in the limit of low dose rate.ResultsFor sources carrying 3 Ci/cm Ra arranged in a hexagonal lattice with 4 mm spacing, the minimal low‐LET dose between sources is Gy for the two test cases and is dominated by the beta contribution. The low‐LET dose drops below 5 Gy mm away from the outermost source in the lattice with an effective maximal dose rate of Gy/h. The accuracy of the line‐source/no‐diffusion approximation is for the total low‐LET dose over clinically relevant distances (2–4 mm). The low‐LET dose reduces tumor cell survival by a factor of .ConclusionsThe low‐LET dose in Alpha DaRT can be modeled by conventional MC techniques with appropriate leakage corrections to the source activity. For 3 Ci/cm Ra sources, the contribution of the low‐LET dose can reduce cell survival inside the tumor by up to two orders of magnitude. The low‐LET dose to surrounding healthy tissue is negligible. Increasing source activities by a factor of 5 can bring the low‐LET dose itself to therapeutic levels, in addition to the high‐LET dose contributed by alpha particles, leading to a “self‐boosted” Alpha DaRT configuration, and potentially allowing to increase the lattice spacing.
Strategic contract selection of an online retailer when implementing store branding
Authors: Meng Mingyou , Deng Shiming , Xu He , Zhu Stuart X. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis article investigates the impact of demand uncertainty on online retailers' store branding partnerships with manufacturers. The study examines whether such partnerships, involving service effort to boost demand, are effective under uncertain conditions. The supply chain comprises an intermediary and a manufacturer, with the manufacturer facing a service cost disadvantage. The benchmark case is the manufacturer's sale through the agency (AG) contract with the intermediary. Using a two‐period game‐theoretic model, the study analyzes equilibrium prices, service efforts, and profits for the AG contract and two store branding contracts: original design manufacturer (ODM) and acquisition (AC). Findings show that the intermediary adopts store branding when its service cost advantage is significant. The intermediary exhibits a preference for the ODM contract when the commission fee falls within a moderate range. Conversely, when it deviates from this middle ground, the AC contract becomes more favorable. Within the AC contract framework, with low commission fees, specifically when the service cost advantage is not particularly pronounced and demand variability is high, the intermediary opts to trigger the acquisition option exclusively when the actual demand turns out to be substantial. With high commission fees, the intermediary avoids the acquisition option. These outcomes arise from balancing the double marginalization effect caused by factors like service cost advantage, service decentralization, and wholesale price. Implementing store branding through ODM or AC contracts enhances supply chain profit when it is optimal for the intermediary. We provide insights into online retailers' decision‐making regarding store branding partnerships with manufacturers under demand uncertainty. It highlights the importance of considering factors like service cost advantage, service decentralization, and wholesale prices to determine the optimal store branding strategy. The research contributes to understanding supply chain dynamics and suggests ways to enhance supply chain profit in online retail.