bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cerebral Lateralization During Handwritten and Typed Word Generation: A Functional Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound Study in Left‐Handers and Right‐Handers
Authors: Samsouris Christos , Papadopoulou Konstantina A. , Badcock Nicholas A. , Vlachos Filippos , Phylactou Phivos , Papadatou‐Pastou Marietta 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTCerebral lateralization of written language, much like oral language, is predominantly left lateralized. However, handwriting has been the primary focus in lateralization studies. The cerebral lateralization of typing—a widely used method of writing—remains unexamined. This preregistered study aimed to explore the cerebral lateralization of typing versus handwriting and to investigate possible handedness‐related differences. We hypothesized that (i) cerebral lateralization would not differ between the two writing methods after movement correction and (ii) both handwriting and typing would show weaker lateralization in left‐handers compared to right‐handers. To investigate this, we used functional transcranial Doppler (fTCD) ultrasound, a reliable method for assessing cerebral lateralization during language tasks that remains unaffected by movement artifacts, such as those generated by handwriting and typing. A total of 24 left‐handers and 30 right‐handers participated, performing written word generation through both handwriting and typing on a computer keyboard while undergoing fTCD assessment. We applied a Bayesian framework for our analysis, as it enables us to demonstrate the absence of a difference (i.e., no difference between two variables), which is not possible with the use of p values (estimated under the frequentist framework). Our results provided evidence supporting the absence of a difference in cerebral lateralization between handwriting and typing after movement correction. However, we found no conclusive evidence to either support or refute a difference in lateralization between left‐handers and right‐handers, suggesting that more research is needed to clarify the role of handedness in cerebral lateralization for different writing methods.
Global Variation in Zooplankton Niche Divergence Across Ocean Basins
Authors: McGinty Niall , Irwin Andrew 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTModelling responses to climate change assumes zooplankton populations remain similar over time with little adaptation (niche conservatism). Oceanic barriers, genetic, phenotypic variation and species interactions in cosmopolitan species could drive niche divergence within species. We assess niche divergence among 223 globally distributed species across the seven main ocean basins. There were 357 diverged niches out of 828 ocean basin comparisons. The proportion of diverged niches varied both across and within phyla. Copepoda (156 of 223 species) were used to test for niche divergence between same‐species populations across different environmental gradients. Global niche divergence was found to be more likely for species in colder temperatures and nearshore environments. Opposing temperature responses were found for four comparisons, which may relate to the different connectivity patterns between them. This study demonstrates adaptive potential across environmental‐niche gradients, which must be considered when modelling population responses to climate change.
Pilot CEOs and Corporate Cash Holdings
Authors: Chen Lili , Li Lingwei , Wee Marvin 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThis study examines the effect of a personality trait exhibited by pilot chief executive officers (CEOs), that is, situation awareness, on corporate cash policies. Our results show that firms led by pilot CEOs are more likely to hold higher levels of cash for firms with higher growth opportunities and greater firm risks. The findings suggest that pilot CEOs have greater situation awareness and are more likely to plan ahead to cope with future liquidity needs. We also find that the strength of their situation awareness is associated with pilot certification levels but does not change between the pre‐ and post‐certification periods.
Rationales of Cold Plasma Jet Therapy in Skin Cancer
Authors: Bekeschus Sander , Singer Debora , Ratnayake Gishan , Ruhnau Klaus , Ostrikov Kostya , Thompson Erik W. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTSkin cancer affects millions of patients worldwide, and its incidence is increasing. Current therapies targeting skin tumour subtypes, such as basal cell carcinoma, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma and actinic keratosis, vary in their degree of effectiveness and tolerability, motivating new research avenues on complementing treatment strategies. Cold medical gas plasma is a partially ionised gas operated at about body temperature and generates various reactive oxygen and nitrogen species simultaneously. A range of medical gas plasma devices has proven safe in thousands of patients and is an approved medical product for dermatology conditions, such as nonhealing wounds, in Europe and, more broadly, for clinical trials. Extending potential gas plasma applications in the field of dermato‐oncology is therefore plausible, especially in light of the strong preclinical evidence and early clinical data. This review summarises existing work on gas plasma treatment, focusing on approved jet plasmas in skin cancer and outlining central mechanisms and treatment concepts. It also provides a concrete perspective on integrating medical gas plasma treatment into existing skin cancer therapy schemes, encouraging translational scientists and clinicians to enable gas plasma‐assisted cancer care through clinical research.
Secondary Dispersal of Wetland Plants by Neotropical Otters
Authors: Hoffmann Pedro , Adolfo Andressa , Green Andy J. , Maltchik Leonardo 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

Carnivorous mammals can disperse seeds and other plant propagules through gut passage (endozoochory). Otters are semiaquatic mustelids and opportunistic carnivores that prey on various vertebrates, and their feeding habits can lead to secondary dispersal of plant propagules. However, this secondary dispersal by otters has not previously been investigated. Here, we investigated the internal dispersal of plants by neotropical otters,
Lontra longicaudis
, in southern Brazil.
We collected 31 faecal samples (spraints) from neotropical otters at a Brazilian Ramsar site of the Pampa biome during the wet season of 2022. Intact propagules were separated from each spraint, identified, and their germinability tested where possible. The classes of vertebrate preyed upon in each spraint were identified. We investigated the effects of these prey classes and of spraint mass on the taxonomic richness and abundance of propagules of plants associated with aquatic and/or terrestrial substrates.
We recorded 1206 propagules belonging to 33 plant taxa (one charophyte, four pteridophytes, and 28 angiosperms), representing 18 plant families and including 20 strictly aquatic macrophytes. Seeds from six angiosperm taxa were germinated, with a low overall germination rate of 2%. All spraints contained fish, while 10 also contained remains of reptiles, amphibians, and/or mammals. The taxonomic richness of propagules was positively correlated with spraint weight. Propagule abundance depended on both spraint weight and the diversity of prey classes in the spraint. Spraints with three or four prey classes were larger and had the most propagules.
Most propagules are likely dispersed by “diploendozoochory” involving ingestion first by prey and then by the otters. Neotropical otters have a wide home range, often travelling several kilometres daily, which can promote plant dispersal by carrying propagules between different habitats.
Synthesis: Our results suggest that otters might play an important role in the dispersal of wetland plants, notably aquatic ferns, potentially contributing to the maintenance of these ecosystems. The germination rate, although low, represents opportunities for the successful establishment of some dispersed propagules over longer distances than those provided by otter prey, emphasising the ecological importance of even low‐probability dispersal events. This study underlines the potential role of carnivorous mammals in maintaining ecosystem connectivity.
Recent prevalence and trends of obesity and metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) among US adolescents: 1999 to 2020
Authors: Sun Michael , Sun Hongbing 
Published: February 2025

SummaryBackgroundMetabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously known as non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is understudied among US adolescents despite rising obesity rates.MethodsThis study analysed the prevalence and trends of obesity and MASLD among US adolescents aged 12–17 using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We developed a new screening model utilizing FibroScan‐measured controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) scores, body measurements and blood chemistry data from 2017 to 2020 to assist in analysing MASLD trends from 1999 to 2020.ResultsBetween 2017 and 2020, the prevalence of obesity and MASLD was approximately 20%, with about 70% of obese adolescents affected by MASLD. The condition was more common in boys, particularly among Mexican American adolescents. Additionally, 97.2% of those with NAFLD also had MASLD. Adolescents with MASLD had significantly higher body weight, waist circumference, triglyceride levels and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels, along with lower high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and an increased risk of liver fibrosis. Insufficient physical activity and poor diet quality were key risk factors for developing MASLD. From 1999 to 2020, the prevalence of MASLD rose significantly, paralleling the increasing rates of obesity.ConclusionsThe study underscores the pressing need to screen at‐risk adolescents for metabolic issues associated with steatotic liver diseases, given the rising obesity rates among adolescents. The high overlap between MASLD and NAFLD diagnoses indicates that the transition from NAFLD to MASLD can be effectively integrated into paediatric practice.
Molecular Analysis of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Group B Strains Isolated in Kenya Before and During the Emergence of Pandemic Influenza A/H1N1
Authors: Wangui Julia , Gachara George , Mobegi Victor , Agoti Charles , Otieno James , Opanda Silvanos , Opot Benjamin , Ngeranwa Joseph N. , Njeru Regina , Bulimo Wallace 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundWe conducted a retrospective study to explore molecular insights into human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) group B strains among patients attending outpatient clinics at government medical facilities both prior and during the onset of Influenza A/H1N1/2009 pandemic outbreak.MethodsWe screened 2300 nasopharyngeal swabs using multiplex real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. We amplified a segment of the first and second hypervariable regions, as well as the conserved portion of the third domain of the G‐gene using HRSV‐B specific primers, sequenced by Sanger di‐deoxy chain termination method and thereafter analyzed the sequences.ResultsWe characterized the circulating strains into three known genotypes: SAB4 (1.4%), BA7 (1.4%), and multiple variants of BA9 (97.2%). The majority of BA9 viruses were uniquely Kenyan with only 4% aligning with BA9 lineages found elsewhere. The mean evolutionary rate of the HRSV‐B was estimated to be 3.08 × 10−3 substitutions per site per year.ConclusionOur findings indicate that the circulating HRSV‐B viruses in Kenya underwent a slower evolution during the period of 2007–2010. Additionally, our findings reveal the existence of a unique lineage as well as new variants that have not been reported elsewhere to date.
Caring for Patients Experiencing Itching After Burns: Phenemonological Analysis of Nurses' Views
Authors: Azizoğlu Hatice 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTPost‐burn itching is an important problem that disturbs patients during the treatment and rehabilitation process of burns. This study aims to reflect the clinical views of nurses caring for patients with post‐burn itching and to contribute to the healing process and treatment process by contributing to the care process of patients with post‐burn itching. This study was conducted with 10 nurses working in the burn unit using a phenomenological design, one of the qualitative research types. The data were collected face‐to‐face between August and October 2023 using individual in‐depth interviews. The data were analysed by the researchers using thematic analysis. Six main themes and 23 sub‐themes were identified in the study. Main themes: types of burns with itching, anatomical regions, itching process, problems experienced in care, methods used to relieve itching, and suggestions for dealing with itching. The results of this study reveal the views of nurses on the management of itching after burns. The findings will contribute to the development of more effective care strategies and increase patient satisfaction by increasing the knowledge and awareness of nurses in the clinic regarding itch management.
Ideology and Oppression: Dr. Flint as the Antagonist in Harriet Jacobs's Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl
Authors: Brown Eric 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTHarriet Jacobs's Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, originally published in 1861, is a seminal work that provides a profound and emotive account of an enslaved Black woman's struggle for freedom and self‐determination. This paper explores the role of ideology and representation in Jacobs's portrayal of Dr. Flint, the primary antagonist, through the lenses of Louis Althusser's and Jacques Lacan's theories. By analyzing the narrative techniques and symbolic language employed by Jacobs, this study reveals how Dr. Flint embodies the systemic oppressive forces of slavery. The paper argues that Jacobs's depiction of Dr. Flint not only underscores the dehumanizing nature of slavery but also serves as a tool of ideological resistance, highlighting the unique challenges faced by enslaved women. This analysis contributes to a deeper understanding of how literary devices in slave narratives can illuminate the broader social and power dynamics of the antebellum South. Ultimately, this paper aims to shed light on the complexities of Jacobs's narrative strategies and their impact on both contemporary and modern readers.
A Collection of Children's Artworks as Imaginative Openings
Authors: Schroeder Yu Geralyn (Gigi) 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThis article describes preservice art education students who curated an exhibition for a university gallery, using description and analysis as aesthetic inquiry processes. The students curated an exhibition that placed 1977 Central and Latin American and contemporary children's artworks in dialogue with each other. They constructed themes that facilitated visual comparisons between contexts and narratives and generated questions to inspire imaginative thinking for viewers. The process was inspired by the Prospect School's descriptive review process, which emphasizes suspending judgment and resisting the urge to critique children's artworks, allowing for expanded inquiries (Carini, 2001). Curating is described as a form of aesthetic inquiry where students engage their imagination and develop critical thinking skills through collecting, analyzing, categorizing, constructing, and creating opportunities for viewers to experience children's artworks. The exhibition displays historical and contemporary children's artworks, likening to a dialogue, with the preservice art education students taking on the role of facilitators of the discussion. The questions they generated served as imaginative openings to perceive children as artists and producers of their own cultural images.
Novel Candidate Genes Detection Using Bayesian Network‐Based Genome‐Wide Association Study of Latent Traits in F2 Chicken Population
Authors: Manzoori Siavash , Torshizi Rasoul Vaez , Masoudi Ali Akbar , Momen Mehdi 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTIn chickens, economically important traits are commonly controlled by multiple genes and are often correlated. The genetic mechanisms underlying the correlated phenotypes likely involve pleiotropy or linkage disequilibrium, which is not handled properly in single‐trait genome‐wide association studies (GWAS). We employed factor analytical models to estimate the value of latent traits to reduce the dimensionality of the adjusted phenotypes. The dataset included phenotypes from 369 F2 chickens, categorised into six observable classes, namely body weight (BW), feed intake (FI), feed efficiency (FE), immunity (IMU), blood metabolites (BMB), and carcass (CC) traits. All birds were genotyped using a 60K SNP Beadchip. A Bayesian network (BN) algorithm was used to discern the recursive causal relationships among the inferred latent traits. Multi‐Trait (MT) and Structural Equation Model (SEM) were applied for association analysis. Several candidate genes were detected across six phenotypic classes, namely the IPMK gene for BW and FI, and, the MTERF2 gene for BW and FE. The rs14565514 SNP, close to genes IPMK, UBE2D1, and CISD1, was recognised as a pleiotropic marker by both models. The NRG3 gene, located on chromosome 6, was associated with FI. CRISP2, RHAG, CYP2AC1, and CENPQ genes, located on chromosome 3, were detected for BMB through both MT‐ and SEM‐GWAS. In general, the results indicated that the SEM‐GWAS is superior to MT‐GWAS due to considering the causal relationships among the traits, correcting the effects of the traits on each other, and also leading to the identification of pleiotropic SNP markers.
Unravelling the Computational Thinking and Spatial Thinking Development: An Exploration of a Virtual Robot Programming Environment
Authors: Gong Xin , Xu Weiqi , Qiao Ailing , Li Zhixia 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundRobot programming can simultaneously cultivate learners' computational thinking (CT) and spatial thinking (ST). However, there is a noticeable gap in research focusing on the micro‐level development patterns of learners' CT and ST and their interconnections.ObjectivesThis study aims to uncover the intricate development patterns and interrelations between learners' CT and ST at a micro level within a robot programming environment.MethodsThirty middle school students participated in the study and completed SOLO robot programming tasks. Process data on their online programming behaviour were collected through programming platform log data, screen recordings and synchronised think‐aloud audio, while result data were obtained through CT and ST standardised tests. The data were then analysed using cluster analysis, process mining techniques, Kruskal–Wallis, and Spearman analysis.Results and ConclusionsThe results revealed three clusters of learner types (i.e., masters, debuggers and beginners). Masters skilfully employed both CT and ST, while debuggers effectively activated ST through feedback. Beginners, however, showed lower proficiency in both. Notably, their CT structures demonstrated bidirectional thinking, top‐down systematic programming and bottom‐up debugging methods. The intrinsic developmental structure of ST shifted from direction language to spatial behaviour. Furthermore, ST and CT were mutually enhanced and mental rotation in ST is positioned as a foundational skill for CT.ImplicationsThese findings contribute to a deeper understanding of learners' intrinsic thinking processes and offer essential guidance for optimising programming education.
Awareness of Financial Conflicts of Interest in Selecting Clinical Practice Guidelines Among Nepalese Oncologists: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Shrestha Rajeev , Ozaki Akihiko , Saito Hiroaki , Tsubokura Masaharu , Tanimoto Tetsuya , Ghimire Bikal , Prasad Singh Yogendra , Sapkota Simit , Shrestha Sunil 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundFinancial conflicts of interest (FCOIs) between pharmaceutical companies and clinical practice guideline (CPG) authors can influence guideline recommendations, posing challenges to patient care. Despite global concerns, limited research exists on FCOI awareness among healthcare professionals in lower‐middle‐income countries like Nepal.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study, conducted between June 2020 and January 2021, aimed to assess FCOI awareness among Nepalese oncologists and identify associated factors. Data were collected through an online survey of 102 oncologists selected from three medical societies. Descriptive statistics and Fisher's exact tests were used for analysis.ResultsOf the participants, 64 (63%) considered FCOIs between pharmaceutical companies and CPG authors when implementing guidelines. Significant associations were found between FCOI consideration and three factors: type of CPGs used, with higher consideration among users of national (80%) and international guidelines (69%) compared with local guidelines (44%) (p = 0.04); place of medical education, with higher consideration among Nepal‐trained physicians (77%) compared with those trained abroad (61%) or both (44%) (p = 0.012); and experience in cancer field, with higher consideration among those with less than 10 years of experience (75%) compared with those having 10‐20 years (49%) or more than 20 years (63%) of experience (p = 0.033).ConclusionWhile nearly two‐thirds of Nepalese oncologists consider FCOIs when implementing CPGs, enhancing awareness among the remaining one‐third is crucial. The findings suggest the need for targeted educational programs and stronger FCOI disclosure mechanisms, particularly as Nepal develops its own CPGs.
Reference line lengthening on resting‐state magnetic resonance imaging in patients with pelvic organ prolapse seeking surgical treatment
Authors: Okada Yoshiyuki , Nakagawa Chie , Kurokawa Ippei , Shigeta Miwa , Nomura Yukiko , Inoue Eisuke , Yoshimura Yasukuni 
Published: February 2025

AbstractAimInjury to and laxity of the pelvic floor muscles are highly important factors in the etiology of pelvic organ prolapse. When women with pelvic organ prolapse perform the Valsalva maneuver, progressive descent and widening of the levator ani muscle are observed on dynamic magnetic resonance images. However, physical examination of such women often reveals pelvic floor laxity, even in a relaxed state. Therefore, we aimed to verify the hypothesis that sagging of the pelvic floor can be detected on resting‐state magnetic resonance images in the supine position.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated resting‐state magnetic resonance imaging findings in women with (n = 193; all underwent surgical treatment) and without (controls; n = 193) pelvic organ prolapse who had at least one prior vaginal delivery. We compared the lengths of the pubococcygeal line, H‐line, and M‐line between the groups.ResultsThe median lengths (interquartile ranges) for the prolapse and control groups were 98.3 (91.9–104.0) and 95.1 (90.3–101.4) mm (p = 0.0011), respectively, for the pubococcygeal line; 61.5 (56.0–67.9) and 51.1 (47.2–55.6) mm (p < 0.0001), respectively, for the H‐line; and 24.6 (20.4–29.0) and 8.6 (3.9–13.0) mm (p < 0.0001), respectively, for the M‐line. Similarly, in the multiple regression analysis adjusted for age, height, body mass index, a history of operative vaginal delivery, and a history of hysterectomy, the pubococcygeal line, H‐line, and M‐line were significantly longer in the prolapse group.ConclusionsIn women with pelvic organ prolapse, the H‐line and M‐line are significantly longer on resting‐state magnetic resonance images, allowing for the detection of pelvic floor relaxation.