bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lateral asymmetry in the articulation of British English speech sounds: An electropalatographic study
Authors: Miller Naomi , Reyes-Aldasoro Carlos , Verhoeven Jo 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This study investigated lateral asymmetry in the linguopalatal speech sounds of British English by means of electropalatography. This instrumental technique visualizes tongue–palate contact during speech production and allows for the quantification of contact patterns. The first and main objective of the study was to establish a method of measuring asymmetry that would be more sensitive than the approach used previously and would facilitate statistical analysis. The method employed a modified index of asymmetry and controlled for the overall amount of tongue–palate contact. The secondary objective was to use the proposed method to quantify asymmetry in the production of the linguopalatal consonants of British English, focusing on asymmetry observed in the region of the palate corresponding to the place of articulation. Regression analysis of 22,004 speech sounds, produced by four native speakers, indicated that the approximant /l/ is the most asymmetrical speech sound, followed by the central approximants /j, r/. Although fricatives had been hypothesized to be highly asymmetrical, they were not consistently more asymmetrical than plosives. In terms of the place of articulation of speech sounds, velar sounds were less asymmetrical than alveolars. It was possible to account for some of these findings by referring to the unilateral productions of approximants.
Adapting to the emotional complexity of palliative care communication: Palliative care clinicians’ experiences
Authors: Niederhauser Anna , Egloff Martina , Eychmueller Steffen , Zambrano Sofia C. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objectives
Communication is essential to medical care and is key in improving patient outcomes. We aimed to understand clinicians’ emotions when communicating with patients in palliative care (PC) and the evolution of their communication skills.

Methods
Between October and November 2021, 231 Swiss PC clinicians participated in an online cross-sectional survey (65% nurses, 35% physicians). Three questions invited participants to reflect on the development of their communication skills and on their emotions when communicating with patients in PC. Answers to these questions were analyzed thematically.

Results
Constantly adapting to complex emotions in communication was the overarching theme. Three main themes further allowed for an understanding of different communication challenges: emotions as a dynamic compass, not always under control, and evolving comfort and competence through personal and professional growth. In evolving comfort and competence, 6 strategies helped clinicians overcome fears and improve their confidence in communication: learning by doing and formal training, integrating life experiences and gaining insight from private life, taking time, collaborating and connecting with peers, acknowledging individuality, and connecting with one’s own and patients’ emotions.

Significance of results
Participants described powerful emotional experiences when communicating with patients in PC, underscoring the emotional labor involved in PC communication. Our study highlights the need to re-conceptualize emotions as a valuable resource rather than a hindrance in clinical practice. The interplay between personal and professional identities in shaping communication skills, emphasizes the importance of emotional competence as a core professional skill. As clinicians often develop these skills individually, our findings suggest a need for earlier integration of emotional competence training in medical education, along with ongoing support through collaboration, and improved allocation of time resources, to enhance clinician well-being and patient care.
When death is desired: A case of MAiD & the CL psychiatrist
Authors: Ganguly Amvrine , James Monique , Alici Yesne 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objectives
Since physician-assisted dying (PAD) has become a part of the clinical dialogue in the United States (US) and other Western countries, it has spawned controversy in the moral, ethical, and legal realm, with significant cross-country variation. The phenomenon of PAD includes 2 practices: Euthanasia and medical aid in dying (MAiD). Although euthanasia has been allowed in different parts of the world, in the US it is illegal. MAiD has been enacted into law in some jurisdictions. As the practice involves people at the end of life (EOL), often with cancer, and sometimes struggling with psychiatric symptoms; they gain added salience in the field of Consultation-Liaison (CL) Psychiatry in general and Psycho-Oncology in particular.

Methods
The current paper reviews a case where a patient did request for MAiD and successfully carried it through, this case became more salient, as the CL Psychiatry department was intimately linked at various stages of care for the patient.

Results
In describing the case several other aspects of EOL care issues were touched upon, and the various debates as well as treatment modalities, for an individual requesting for medical aid in dying were described.

Significance of results
MAiD will possibly remain a sensitive and controversial topic of discussion across the spectrum of healthcare, and as responsible and compassionate advocates for the patients, clinicians need to engage more with the debate surrounding it and facilitate informed decision making. We believe that the present case will throw light on to this enigmatic practice and help in furthering the dialogue surrounding MAiD.
Exploring hope and expectations amidst the shadows: Navigating through the hearts of cancer patients admitted to a palliative care unit
Authors: Nikoloudi Maria , Thanasko Florian , Tsatsou Ioanna , Mantoudi Alexandra , Mystakidou Kyriaki 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objectives
The objective of this study is to conduct an in-depth exploration of the psychological well-being, hope, and expectations of cancer patients receiving care in a palliative care unit, utilizing a qualitative research approach.

Methods
We employed the methodology of interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Our data collection involved conducting 1-hour semi-structured interviews with the patients. In the subsequent data analysis, we applied investigator triangulation to ensure rigor and reliability.

Results
Understanding patients’ hope and expectations from palliative care is crucial as it can serve as an indicator of the quality of care and motivate care providers to fulfill these expectations as much as possible. Throughout the IPA, 3 superordinate themes emerged from the qualitative data: cancer diagnosis and the spectrum of emotions, hope and cancer patient, and oncology patient expectations of palliative care.

Significance of results
From the patient’s perspective, making sense of their cancer experience involves managing symptoms, redefining their understanding of illness, adapting to functional changes, and fostering open communication among themselves, their families, physicians, and the palliative care team. This underscores the crucial necessity for an interdisciplinary approach and emphasizes the importance of reinforcing positive support systems. In essence, our study delves into the multifaceted psychological aspects of cancer patients in the context of palliative care, shedding light on their hope and expectations as they navigate the challenging terrain of cancer treatment and palliative support.
The role of culture as an informal institution in cross-border venture capital investments
Authors: Mahn Daniel , Poblete Carlos , Wang Cong , Heaton Chris 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Grounded in Hofstede cultural dimensions theory, we examine how informal institutional factors shape cross-country venture capital (VC) flows. Separating VC activity into flows, our method studies how an increment in inflows supports ventures, and an increment in outflows more investing activity. Results suggest that (1) uncertainty avoidance negatively affects investors and ventures (the last with a larger effect), (2) individualistic attitudes equally support both investors and ventures, and (3) a higher level of power distance contributes to a larger private investors sector, an effect that is greater under strong formal institutions (FIs). Effects of masculinity, long-term orientation, and indulgence are inconclusive. Results are robust to various specifications, use of instruments, and endogeneity treatments. The implication is that the optimal characteristics of informal institutions for fostering VC activity differ depending on the level of FIs, as both institutions interact to affect both investors and ventures.
Early maternal undernutrition induces sex-related metabolic changes in adult offspring
Authors: Guergolette Rhauany P. , Aguiar Danielly D. , Stopa Larissa R.S. , Souza Camila F. , Wunderlich Ana Luiza M. , Zaia Dimas A.M. , Zaia Cássia Thais B.V. , Leite Cristiane M. , Uchoa Ernane T. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Nutritional status during the developmental periods leads to predisposition to several diseases and comorbidities, highlighting metabolic and reproductive changes throughout adult life, and in the next generations. One of the experimental models used to induce undernutrition is litter size expansion, which decreases the availability of breast milk to pups and delays development. This work evaluated the effects of maternal undernutrition induced by litter size expansion, a maternal undernutrition preconception model, on the metabolic and reproductive alterations of the offspring. For this, metabolic and reproductive parameters were evaluated in male and female offspring of female rats reared in normal (NL - 10 pups: 5 males and 5 females) and large (LL - 16 pups: 8 males and 8 females) litters. Male and female offspring of LL mothers presented higher food intake than the offspring of NL mothers. Male offspring from undernourished females showed reduced body weight from lactation to adulthood, nasoanal distance in childhood, increased nasoanal distance, and decreased Lee index in adult life, while female offspring showed decreased nasoanal distance in childhood. The male offspring from LL mothers showed increased insulin plasma levels and glucose tolerance, and reduced triglycerides plasma levels, without changes in the female offspring. These results indicate that neonatal undernutrition in females predisposes their male and female offspring to develop metabolic alterations, without reproductive repercussions, and male offspring seems to be more susceptible to present these metabolic changes than females. Thus, there are sexual differences in the metabolic responses of the offspring elicited by maternal preconceptional undernutrition.
Effects of Rock Fragment Cover on the Sediment Transport Capacity of Overland Flow
Authors: Dong Lixia , Fu Suhua , Liu Baoyuan 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe reliable prediction of sediment transport capacity (Tc) is essential for soil erosion models. Although rock fragments are a common surface cover type, quantitative studies on their relationship with Tc are limited. Tc typically follows a power function with slope gradient (S) and flow discharge (q) under bare flumes, but varying exponents complicate practical application. This study aims to investigate the effect of rock fragment cover on Tc, explore the interactive effects of S, q, and cover on Tc, and ultimately develop a universal Tc prediction equation and assess its feasibility for different scenarios. Flume experiments on Tc with rock fragment cover have been conducted, and many existing Tc prediction equations have been reviewed. The results revealed that the effects of S and q on the relationship between rock fragment cover and Tc were minor and that the impact of rock fragment cover on the relationships of S and q with Tc was also not significant. Consequently, a new universal equation for Tc incorporating cover was developed. This equation featured fixed exponents of 1.66 for S and 1.22 for q and was applicable across various slope gradient, flow discharge, coverage and cover type conditions. Moreover, the impact of rock fragment cover on Tc reduction was significantly less than those of litter cover and stem basal cover (P < 0.05). Therefore, the role of rock fragments should be considered separately in soil erosion models. These findings could significantly advance the practical application of the Tc prediction equation.
Identification of glutamine as a potential therapeutic target in dry eye disease
Authors: Chen Xiaoniao , Zhang Chuyue , Peng Fei , Wu Lingling , Zhuo Deyi , Wang Liqiang , Zhang Min , Li Zhaohui , Tian Lei , Jie Ying , Huang Yifei , Yang Xinji , Li Xiaoqi , Lei Fengyang , Cheng Yu 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Dry eye disease (DED) is a prevalent inflammatory condition significantly impacting quality of life, yet lacks effective pharmacological therapies. Herein, we proposed a novel approach to modulate the inflammation through metabolic remodeling, thus promoting dry eye recovery. Our study demonstrated that co-treatment with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4) yielded the best therapeutic outcome against dry eye, surpassing monotherapy outcomes. In situ metabolomics through matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) revealed increased glutamine levels in cornea following MSC + Tβ4 combined therapy. Inhibition of glutamine reversed the anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and homeostasis-preserving effects observed with combined therapy, highlighting the critical role of glutamine in dry eye therapy. Clinical cases and rodent model showed elevated expression of glutaminase (GLS1), an upstream enzyme in glutamine metabolism, following dry eye injury. Mechanistic studies indicated that overexpression and inhibition of GLS1 counteracted and enhanced, respectively, the anti-inflammatory effects of combined therapy, underscoring GLS1’s pivotal role in regulating glutamine metabolism. Furthermore, single-cell sequencing revealed a distinct subset of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic corneal epithelial cells in the dry eye model, while glutamine treatment downregulated those subclusters, thereby reducing their inflammatory cytokine secretion. In summary, glutamine effectively ameliorated inflammation and the occurrence of apoptosis by downregulating the pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic corneal epithelial cells subclusters and the related IκBα/NF-κB signaling. The present study suggests that glutamine metabolism plays a critical, previously unrecognized role in DED and proposes an attractive strategy to enhance glutamine metabolism by inhibiting the enzyme GLS1 and thus alleviating inflammation-driven DED progression.
Enhancing concealed object detection in active THz security images with adaptation-YOLO
Authors: Cheng Aiguo , Wu Shiyou , Liu Xiaodong , Lu Hangyu 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The terahertz (THz) security scanner offers advantages such as non-contact inspection and the ability to detect various types of dangerous goods, playing an important role in preventing terrorist attacks. We aim to accurately and quickly detect concealed objects in THz security images. However, current object detection algorithms face many challenges when applied to THz images. The main reasons for the detection difficulty are that the concealed objects are small, the image resolution is low, and there is back-ground noise. Many methods often ignore the contextual dependency of the objects, hindering the effective capture of the object’s features. To address this task, this paper first proposes an adaptive context-aware attention network (ACAN), which models global contextual association features in both spatial and channel dimensions. By dynamically combining local features and their global relationships, contextual association information can be obtained from the input features, and enhanced attention features can be achieved through feature fusion to enable precise detection of concealed objects. Secondly, we improved the adaptive convolution and developed the dynamic adaptive convolution block (DACB). DACB can adaptively adjust convolution filter parameters and allocate the filters to the corresponding spatial regions, then filter the feature maps to suppress interference information. Finally, we integrated these two components to YOLOv8, resulting in Adaptation-YOLO. Through wide-ranging experiments on the active THz image dataset, the results demonstrate that the suggested method effectively improves the accuracy and efficiency of object detectors.
Exposure of insects to current use pesticide residues in soil and vegetation along spatial and temporal distribution in agricultural sites
Authors: Honert Carolina , Mauser Ken , Jäger Ursel , Brühl Carsten A. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Current use pesticides (CUPs) are recognised as the largest deliberate input of bioactive substances into terrestrial ecosystems and one of the main factors responsible for the current decline in insects in agricultural areas. To quantify seasonal insect exposure in the landscape at a regional scale (Rhineland-Palatine in Germany), we analysed the presence of multiple (93) active ingredients in CUPs across three different agricultural cultivation types (with each three fields: arable, vegetable, viticulture) and neighbouring meadows. We collected monthly soil and vegetation samples over a year. A total of 71 CUP residues in different mixtures was detected, with up to 28 CUPs in soil and 25 in vegetation in single samples. The concentrations and numbers of CUPs in vegetation fluctuated over the sampling period, peaking in the summer months in the vegetation but remaining almost constant in topsoil. We calculated in-field additive risks for earthworms, collembola, and soil-living wild bees using the measured soil concentrations of CUPs. Our results call for the need to assess CUP mixture risks at low concentrations, as multiple residues are chronically present in agricultural areas. Since this risk is not addressed in regulation, we emphasise the urgent need to implement global pesticide reduction targets.
Dengue dynamics, predictions, and future increase under changing monsoon climate in India
Authors: Sophia Yacob , Roxy Mathew Koll , Murtugudde Raghu , Karipot Anand , Sapkota Amir , Dasgupta Panini , Baliwant Kalpana , Saunik Sujata , Tiwari Abhiyant , Chattopadhyay Rajib , Phalkey Revati K. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The global burden of dengue disease is escalating under the influence of climate change, with India contributing a third of the total. The non-linearity and regional heterogeneity inherent in the climate-dengue relationship and the lack of consistent data makes it difficult to make useful predictions for effective disease prevention. The current study investigates these non-linear climate-dengue links in Pune, a dengue hotspot region in India with a monsoonal climate and presents a model framework for predicting both the near-term and future dengue mortalities. Dengue mortality and meteorological conditions over a twelve-year period (2004–2015) are analyzed using statistical tools and machine learning methods. Our findings point to a significant influence of temperature, rainfall, and relative humidity on dengue mortality in Pune, at a time-lag of 2–5 months, providing sufficient lead time for an early warning targeted at curbing dengue outbreaks. We find that moderate rains spread over the summer monsoon season lead to an increase in dengue mortality, whereas heavy rains reduce it through the flushing effect, indicating the links between dengue and monsoon intraseasonal variability. Additionally, warm temperatures above 27°C and humidity levels between 60% and 78% elevate the risk of dengue. Based on these weather-dengue associations, we developed a machine-learning model utilizing the random forest regression algorithm. The dengue model yields a skillful forecast, achieving a statistically significant correlation coefficient of r = 0.77 and a relatively low Normalized Root Mean Squared Error score of 0.52 between actual and predicted dengue mortalities, at a lead time of two months. The model finds that the relative contributions of temperature, rainfall, and relative humidity to dengue mortality in Pune are 41%, 39%, and 20%, respectively. We use the dengue model in conjunction with the climate change simulations from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 for the future dengue mortality projections under a global warming scenario. In a changing climate, dengue-related mortality in Pune is projected to rise by 13% in the near future (2021–2040), 23–40% in the mid-century (2041–2060), and 30–112% in the late century (2081–2100) under low-to-high emission pathways in response to the associated increase in temperature and changes in monsoon rainfall patterns.
Optimizing the graft size in the Evans osteotomy to minimize the calcaneocuboid joint pressure by highly realistic in-silico analysis
Authors: Quagliato Luca , Lim Youngbin , Choi Yunjeong , Lee Kyoung Min , Kim Sewon , Lee Taeyong 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This contribution details a new high-fidelity finite element analysis (FEA) methodology for the investigation of the effect of the graft size on the pressure distribution developing at the calcaneocuboid joint after the Evans osteotomy procedure. The FEA model includes all 28 bones of the foot up to the distal end of fibula and tibia as well as soft tissues, tendons, and muscles. The developed FEA model was validated by comparing the in-vivo pressure distribution on the foot plantar with the in-silico results, resulting in a low deviation equal to 7.8%, and with the deformed foot shape caused by the body weight in static standing position measured by a high-precision lidar scanning, for an average shape error of 5.3%. The developed FEA was then employed to investigate the effect of the graft size on the calcaneocuboid joint pressure and improvement in the medial-longitudinal arch for a flat foot patient, where the soft and hard tissues’ geometries were acquired by a CT scan. The results quantitatively demonstrated that the maximum pressure at the calcaneocuboid joint follows a quadratic trend where the minimum point also represents the best compromise to alleviate the flat foot condition while avoiding excessive pressure.
Relative anterior spinal overgrowth in mild and moderate adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Haoyang , Ye Xin , Wu Hongjiao , Shen Yi , Pan Yingsen , Ying Xiaoming , He Jiaying 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
To determine whether relative anterior spinal overgrowth (RASO) occurs regardless of scoliosis segments and severity, and to explore the pattern of vertebral body height changes in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). A total of 125 AIS and 179 non-scoliotic adolescents were enrolled. The anterior vertebral body height (VBHa) and posterior vertebral body height (VBHp) were measured on lateral spine radiographs, and the VBHa/VBHp ratio was calculated. The ratios were compared between the two groups and across scoliosis segments in the AIS group. The correlation between scoliosis severity and vertebral ratios, as well as the relationship between the apex vertebra’s ratio and Cobb angle, was analyzed. Results showed that the VBHa/VBHp ratios were higher in the AIS group than the control group from T6 to L5 (P < 0.001), with increasing ratios from T7 to T10 and L1 to L5. No significant differences were found across scoliosis segments. Pearson analysis showed positive correlations between scoliosis severity and ratios at T7, T8, and T11 (P < 0.05), and a negative correlation at L5 (P < 0.05). No correlation was found between the apex vertebra’s ratio and the Cobb angle. In conclusion, RASO is common in mild to moderate AIS and may help maintain spinal function.