Language, theory of mind and cognitive skills in Arabic-speaking children with and without autism: Evidence from network and cluster analyses.

Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by impairments in social interactions, social communication, and repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior. Previous studies have reported mixed findings regarding the links between language (i.e.

Photonic Quantum State Tomography Using Free Electrons.

The tomography of photonic quantum states is key in quantum optics, impacting quantum sensing, computing, and communication. Conventional detectors are limited in their temporal and spatial resolution, hampering high-rate quantum communication and local addressing of photonic circuits. Here, we propose to utilize free electron-photon interactions for quantum state tomography, introducing electron homodyne detection with potential for femtosecond-temporal and nanometer-spatial resolutions.

Determination of Molecular Ground State via Short Square Pulses on Superconducting Qubits.

Quantum computing is currently hindered by hardware noise. We present a freestyle superconducting pulse optimization method, incorporating two-qubit channels, that enhances flexibility, execution speed, and noise resilience. A minimal 0.

Understanding the interplay between social isolation, age, and loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Previous studies indicate differences in experiences of loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic but are constricted by limited timeframes and absence of key risk factors. This study explores temporal and inter-individual variations of loneliness in Canadians over the pandemic's first year (April 2020-2021), by identifying loneliness trajectories. It then seeks to provide information about groups overrepresented in high and persistent loneliness trajectories by examining their associations with risk factors: social isolation indicators (living alone, adherence to health measures limiting in-person contacts, and online contacts), young adultood, and the interactions between these factors.

Restart uncertainty relation for monitored quantum dynamics.

We introduce a time-energy uncertainty relation within the context of restarts in monitored quantum dynamics. Previous studies have established that the mean recurrence time, which represents the time taken to return to the initial state, is quantized as an integer multiple of the sampling time, displaying pointwise discontinuous transitions at resonances. Our findings demonstrate that the natural utilization of the restart mechanism in laboratory experiments, driven by finite data collection time spans, leads to a broadening effect on the transitions of the mean recurrence time.

Machine Learning Models for a Novel Optical Memory Approach.

In recent years, there has been growing interest in optical data processing, driven by the demand for high-speed and high-bandwidth data handling in data centers. One of the key milestones for enabling effective all-optical data processing systems is the development of efficient optical memory. Previously, we introduced a novel approach for establishing nonvolatile optical memory, based on the classification of scattering fields generated by gold nanoparticles.

SEAD reference panel with 22,134 haplotypes boosts rare variant imputation and genome-wide association analysis in Asian populations.

Limited whole genome sequencing (WGS) studies in Asian populations result in a lack of representative reference panels, thus hindering the discovery of ancestry-specific variants. Here, we present the South and East Asian reference Database (SEAD) panel ( https://imputationserver.westlake.

Maternal Colonization of Extended-Spectrum-β-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae in Preterm Rupture of Membranes.

Objectives: Maternal colonization by extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) has risen, and the antimicrobial resistance of ESBL-E is significant. We aimed to evaluate the rates of ESBL-E colonization among women with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and of maternal-neonatal vertical transmission. We also aimed to compare obstetrical and neonatal complications among ESBL-E positive versus negative maternal colonization in pregnancies complicated by PPROM.

The effects of intelligence on exposure to combat and posttraumatic stress disorder across multiple deployments.

Introduction: Past work relates intelligence quotient (IQ) to risk for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among soldiers. We gathered data over multiple deployments to assess how IQ relates to the rate of symptom development both directly and through increasing the risk for traumatic combat exposure.

Methods: Male infantry soldiers from a maneuver brigade (N = 582) were followed over the 3-year period of their mandatory military service.

Novel Insights into Enhanced Stability of Li-Rich Layered and High-Voltage Olivine Phosphate Cathodes for Advanced Batteries through Surface Modification and Electron Structure Design.

The design of cathode/electrolyte interfaces in high-energy density Li-ion batteries is critical to protect the surface against undesirable oxygen release from the cathodes when batteries are charged to high voltage. However, the involvement of the engineered interface in the cationic and anionic redox reactions associated with (de-)lithiation is often ignored, mostly due to the difficulty to separate these processes from chemical/catalytic reactions at the cathode/electrolyte interface. Here, a new electron energy band diagrams concept is developed that includes the examination of the electrochemical- and ionization- potentials evolution upon batteries cycling.

Shared decision-making, anxiety, and post-traumatic growth among parents in the context of their child's medical care: The moderating role of parental style.

Aim: The importance of parents' involvement in their child's medical care has been extensively discussed in the literature, and studies have indicated the need to expand the active role of parents in decision-making processes regarding such care. However, parents' actual wish to be active and informed in this context remains underexplored. The aim of the current study was to explore this gap by investigating the association between parents' shared decision-making (SDM) experience and their well-being during the course of their child's medical care, with a focus on parents' clinical decision-making style as a possible moderator.

One-Step Fabrication Process of Silica-Titania Superhydrophobic UV-Blocking Thin Coatings onto Polymeric Films.

Developing a durable multifunctional superhydrophobic coating on polymeric films that can be industrially scalable is a challenge in the field of surface engineering. This article presents a novel method for a scalable technology using a simple single-step fabrication of a superhydrophobic coating on polymeric films that exhibits excellent water-repelling and UV-blocking properties, along with impressive wear resistance and chemical robustness. A mixture of titanium precursors, tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS), hydrophobic silanes and silica nano/micro-particles is polymerized directly on a corona-treated polymeric film which reacts with the surface via siloxane chemistry.

The prediction of the analgesic placebo response is moderated by outward-focused attention: A sham, randomized clinical trial of chronic back pain patients.

The within-subject variability (WSV) of pain-intensity reports has gained attention as a predictor of the placebo response but has demonstrated mixed results. We hypothesized that participants' inward- and outward-directed attention will moderate WSV's prediction of the analgesic placebo response. In this sham randomized clinical trial (protocol number NCT05994118); placebo response was induced in chronic back-pain patients (n=113) through a saline injection plus verbal suggestion.

Direct multi-element analysis of biological samples in dry matrix spots by PIXE.

The dried matrix spot (DMS) method, initially developed for neonatal blood screening, has gained prevalence in various research fields for its efficiency in handling small sample volumes and its adaptability to diverse analytical techniques. This study presents the results of the first systematic investigation of direct multi-element analysis in DMS of human blood and plasma samples with Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE). Internal standard addition was used to address the issue of DMS heterogeneity and to eliminate the need for determining the sample volume equivalent, allowing a single-spot (single-punch) measurement.

Social, environmental, and developmental factors affect the microbiota of barn owls (Tyto alba) in a cross-fostering experiment.

Background: Species host diverse microbial communities that can impact their digestion and health, which has led to much interest in understanding the factors that influence their microbiota. We studied the developmental, environmental, and social factors that influence the microbiota of nestling barn owls (Tyto alba) through a partial cross-fostering experiment that manipulated the social and nest environment of the nestlings. We then examined the nestling microbiota before and three weeks after the exchange of nestlings between nests, along with the microbiota of the adults at the nest and nestlings in unmanipulated nests.

Thyroid Eye Disease and Artificial Intelligence: A Comparative Study of ChatGPT-3.5, ChatGPT-4o, and Gemini in Patient Information Delivery.

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of 3 artificial intelligence language models-GPT-3.5, GPT-4o, and Gemini, in delivering patient-centered information about thyroid eye disease (TED). We evaluated their performance based on the accuracy and comprehensiveness of their responses to common patient inquiries regarding TED.

Pathway metrics accurately stratify T cells to their cells states.

Pathway analysis is a powerful approach for elucidating insights from gene expression data and associating such changes with cellular phenotypes. The overarching objective of pathway research is to identify critical molecular drivers within a cellular context and uncover novel signaling networks from groups of relevant biomolecules. In this work, we present PathSingle, a Python-based pathway analysis tool tailored for single-cell data analysis.

Nudges may improve hazard perception in a contextual manner.

This research investigates the effectiveness of nudge presentation on Hazard Perception (HP) during a computerized Hazard Perception Test (HPT). Three types of nudges were examined: Reminder, Social Norm, and Negative Reinforcement. Their effects on drivers' reaction times, hazard misidentifications (errors), and hazard recognition failures (misses) were analyzed.

Perceived Social Support, Intolerance of Uncertainty, and War-Related Stress: Unraveling the Nexus with Treatment Burden in Adult-Child Caregivers During War.

Adult-child caregivers encounter various challenges due to their array of roles and tasks, often leading to a substantial sense of treatment burden. While previous research has explored factors contributing to treatment burden, much of it has centered on routine periods, leaving a gap in the understanding of this issue during crisis situations characterized by heightened stress and uncertainty. Therefore, this study aims to address this gap by investigating the mediating role of intolerance of uncertainty and war-related stress in the relationship between perceived social support and treatment burden among adult-child caregivers during the Israel-Hamas war.

Diagnosing gastrointestinal infections based on cycle threshold cut-offs of PCR.

This study compared the performance of molecular vs stool culture assays for gastrointestinal infection (GII) detection, with focus on defining cycle threshold (Ct) cut-off values for positive culture results. A total of 6,000 records of patients with suspected GII between October 2022 and February 2023 and registered at Clalit HealthCare Services in Haifa, Israel, were reviewed. Stool samples were collected from all patients with suspected GII.

Characteristics and survival of hospitalized combat casualties during two major conflicts between Israel and Hamas: 2023 versus 2014.

Background: In the complex landscape of modern warfare, understanding combat-related injuries leading to hospitalization is crucial for optimizing injury treatment. This study aims to compare combat casualty characteristics and outcomes during the major conflicts between Israel and Hamas in 2023 and 2014 as a basis for understanding the effectiveness of trauma care practices for wounded soldiers.

Methods: A cohort study of soldiers hospitalized due to combat injuries during two major wars between Israel and Hamas in 2023 and 2014, using data from the Israeli National Trauma Registry.