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Although several studies have examined the role of home literacy environment (HLE) in learning to read in Western societies, little is known about the role of HLE in Chinese reading. In addition, the few studies in Chinese have not tested the possible effects of HLE on reading comprehension. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the direct and indirect effects of different aspects of HLE (formal literacy experiences, informal literacy experiences, and access to literacy resources) on reading comprehension in Chinese. One hundred fifty-nine third year kindergarten children (70 girls and 89 boys; Mage = 72.62 months) participated in the study. In kindergarten, they were assessed on emergent literacy skills (vocabulary, phonological awareness, pinyin knowledge, rapid naming), in Grade 1, on word reading, and, in Grade 2, on reading comprehension. In addition, parents filled out a questionnaire on their education and income, the frequency of different HLE activities, the number of children’s books at home, and their expectations, when their children were in kindergarten. Results of structural equation modeling showed that formal literacy experiences predicted reading comprehension through the effects of pinyin knowledge on word reading. Access to literacy resources predicted reading comprehension through the effects of rapid naming, phonological awareness, and vocabulary. Finally, informal literacy experiences did not predict any of the emergent literacy skills or reading outcomes. Our findings provide only partial support of the home literacy model and suggest that the culture in which environmental effects take place may determine what aspects of the home literacy environment contribute to children’s reading performance and what not.

We examined the cognitive predictors of early word reading skills in Japanese syllabic Hiragana and morphographic Kanji. Eighty-three Japanese kindergarten children (M age = 75.6 months, SD = 3.4) were assessed on nonverbal IQ, vocabulary, phonological awareness, rapid automatized naming (RAN), phonological memory, morphological awareness, and visual discrimination at the end of kindergarten (T1). Their word reading fluency in Hiragana was assessed at T1 and reassessed in Grade 1 (T2), and their reading accuracy in Kanji was assessed at T2. Results of path analysis showed that phonological awareness, RAN, phonological memory, and visual discrimination were associated with Hiragana word reading fluency at T1, whereas morphological awareness uniquely predicted Hiragana word reading fluency at T2. Additionally, RAN, morphological awareness, vocabulary, and visual discrimination, but not Hiragana reading accuracy, uniquely predicted Kanji reading at T2. The findings provided evidence that RAN, morphological awareness, and visual discrimination play important roles in early reading development across the two contrastive scripts.

Online language and literacy assessments have become prevalent in research and practice across settings. However, a notable exception is the assessment of handwriting and spelling, which has traditionally been conducted in person with paper and pencil. In light of this, we developed an automated, browser-based handwriting test application ( Online Assessment of Handwriting and Spelling: OAHaS ) for Japanese Kanji (Study 1 ) and examined its psychometric properties (Study 2 ). The automated scoring function using convolutional neural network (CNN) models achieved high recall (98.7%) and specificity (84.4%), as well as high agreement with manual scoring (95.4%). Additionally, behavioral validation with data from primary school children ( N = 261, 49.0% female, age range = 6–12 years) indicated the high reliability and validity of our online test application, with a strong correlation between children’s scores on the online and paper-based tests ( r = .86). Moreover, our analysis indicated the potential utility of writing fluency measures (latency and duration) that are automatically recorded by OAHaS. Taken together, our browser-based application demonstrated the feasibility and viability of remote and automated assessment of handwriting skills, providing a streamlined approach to research and practice on handwriting. The source code of the application and supporting materials are available on Open Science Framework ( https://osf.io/gver2/ ).

The purpose of this study was to examine which of the components of executive functions (EF)—inhibition, shifting, and working memory—predict reading and mathematics achievement and if the effects of these components are the same across two cultures (Western and East Asian). One hundred twenty English-speaking Canadian (65 females, 55 males; Mage = 82.12 months) and 181 Mandarin-speaking Chinese (82 females, 99 males; Mage = 85.85 months) children were assessed on nonverbal IQ, speed of processing, rapid naming, inhibition (Color-Word Stroop), shifting (Planned Connections), working memory (Digit Span Forward and Backward), reading (word identification and reading comprehension), and mathematics (numerical operations and math reasoning). The results of structural equation modeling indicated first that among the EF components only working memory predicted reading and mathematics in the Canadian sample, while inhibition and working memory predicted reading and mathematics in the Chinese sample. The results also showed that inhibition was a stronger predictor of reading and mathematics in the Chinese sample. Taken together, these findings suggest that not all EF components are equally important for reading/mathematics and that culture may influence the relations between specific EF components and academic achievement.

BackgroundIntravenous recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA) with/without endovascular treatment is sometimes not ideally effective for the treatment of acute hemodynamic stroke due to atherosclerotic major artery steno-occlusive disease, and some patients show fluctuation in or progression of symptoms despite intensive medical therapy. Urgent superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) bypass has been reported to be effective in patients with progressing stroke.ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of urgent STA-MCA bypass performed at a single institution for progressing stroke due to hemodynamic compromise caused by atherosclerosis.MethodWe retrospectively reviewed clinical and operative records. Neurological outcomes were assessed with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) with consideration of patient age: more than 2 points on the mRS was regarded as a poor outcome in patients under 80 years old, and more than 3 points was considered a poor outcome in those over 80 years old. The risk factors contributing to poor outcomes were evaluated.ResultsFrom 2008 to 2017, 35 patients underwent urgent STA-MCA bypass for progressing stroke. The average patient age was 70.4 years (range 49–96 years). The mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 5.1 (range 0–24 points) on admission and 7.8 before surgery. After 3 months, 25 patients showed good outcomes. The preoperative NIHSS score contributed to a poor outcome (odds ratio 1.65 (95% confidence interval 1.12–2.90)).ConclusionsUrgent STA-MCA bypass is a treatment option for patients with progressing stroke. The operation should be performed while the NIHSS score is low.

IntroductionAccidental hypothermia (AH) can occur in mild-to-severe cases; however, its management is crucial in severe cases as it can cause ventricular fibrillation and lead to death. Among various rewarming therapies for AH, endovascular catheter rewarming has been the focus of recent studies as a minimally invasive alternative to invasive internal rewarming, such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). However, no study has demonstrated the efficacy and safety of endovascular catheter rewarming therapy. This study aimed to validate the efficacy and safety of endovascular catheter rewarming for patients with AH.Methods and analysesThe intensive care with endovascular catheter rewarming in accidental severe hypothermia (ICE-CRASH II) study is a multicentre, randomised study of patients with AH. This study will include patients with AH (age ≥65 years, core temperature <30°C) with preserved circulation and a target sample size of 88. Patients with cardiac arrest (CA), those who have undergone hospital transfers, and those in whom a central venous catheter could not be accessed through the femoral vein will be excluded from the study. Patients will be assigned to either the endovascular catheter plus conventional rewarming group or the conventional rewarming group based on stratified-substitution block randomisation. Patients will be followed up for 30 days after the initiation of the intervention or until discharge. The primary outcome will be to compare the percentage of patients achieving a rewarming rate ≥1.5°C/hour between the endovascular catheter plus conventional rewarming group and the conventional rewarming group.Ethics and disseminationThis study was approved by the Hokkaido University Certified Review Board (approval number: 024-00013). Written informed consent will be obtained from all the participants or their legally acceptable representatives. The results will be disseminated through publications and presentations.Trial registration numberJapan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCT1012240051).

We performed a broadband magnetotelluric (BBMT) survey and three-dimensional resistivity modeling for the Meakandake volcano in eastern Hokkaido, Japan, where remarkable ground deformation suggests a sill-like intrusion on the northeastern flank from 2016 to 2017. The volcano remained unerupted, and therefore the volcanological meaning of the deformation was unclear, making the evaluation of the “unrest” event difficult. Our 3D MT model has revealed a subvertical low-resistivity column C1 (approximately 1–10 Ωm) extending from 0.5 km BSL (below sea level) to a deeper part of Mt. Meakandake. The conductor C1 was not right on the presumed sill but just beneath the summit craters offset southwest. We performed a sensitivity test in which the bottom limit of C1 was varied, and confirmed that C1 was meaningful down to approximately 30 km BSL. The vertical reach in depth was necessary to reproduce the impedance phases out of quadrant at some sites west of Mt. Meakandake. In addition, we interpreted that the uppermost part of C1 was probably connected to the active vents of Mt. Meakandake through presumed subvertical pathways of heat and fluids, corresponding to the alignment of microearthquakes. On the other hand, we found no remarkable conductivity anomalies beneath the northeastern flank, where the sill-like inflation source was presumed. While our MT data do not suggest a thin sill at depth, it does not exclude the possibility that the ground inflation has been caused by a lateral magmatic or hydrothermal intrusion that branched from a certain depth of the subvertical conductor C1.

To investigate the magma plumbing system beneath the Akan Caldera (Hokkaido, Japan), we conducted broadband magnetotelluric surveys and imaged its three-dimensional resistivity structure to a depth of approximately 30 km. The caldera hosts post-caldera volcanoes, including Mt. Meakandake and Mt. Oakandake, which have recently shown ground inflation and heightened deep low-frequency seismicity. Our main finding is a prominent, westward-dipping conductive column beneath the caldera. This conductor is interpreted as the magma plumbing system of the Akan Caldera, comprising three distinct components, for which we estimated volumes based on the spatial extent of the conductive region: (1) the volatile-rich zone at depths of 2–5 km (~ 10 km 3 , < 10 Ωm), (2) a mushy dacitic magma reservoir beneath the caldera center at depths of 3–15 km (~ 500 km 3 , < 10 Ωm), and (3) a deeper basaltic magma reservoir to the west at depths of 15–30 km (~ 4500 km 3 , < 70 Ωm). The active volcanoes, deformation sources, and earthquake hypocenters are located above or near the conductor edges (2), suggesting that magmatic fluids from the deeper western source (3) preferentially ascend along the column edges. A distinctive feature of the caldera is the flattened upper boundary of conductor (2), which is associated with sill-shaped ground inflation. This geometry may indicate the potential to store large volume of mushy magma, which could become eruptible if magma is directly supplied from greater depths. This study provides new insights into the magma plumbing system beneath the Akan Caldera and enhances our understanding of the mechanisms underlying its volcanic activity. Graphical abstract

Skeletal-related events (SREs) are common in patients with bone metastases from castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Despite advances in prostate cancer treatment, clinically validated predictive models for SREs in CRPC patients with bone metastases remain elusive. This gap in prognostic tools hinders optimal patient management and treatment planning for this high-risk population. This study aimed to develop a prediction model for SRE by investigating potential risk factors and classifying them into different groups. This model can be used to identify patients at high risk of SREs who need close follow-up. Between 2004 and 2013, 68 male patients with bone metastases from CRPC who were treated at our institute were evaluated for survival without SREs and survival without SREs of the spinal cord. The study analyzed clinical data at enrollment to identify risk factors for initial and spinal SREs. Multivariate analysis revealed that a high count of metastatic vertebrae, along with visceral or lymph node metastases, were significant risk factors. Patients were categorized into four subgroups based on the number of vertebral metastases and presence of visceral or lymph node metastases: 1) extensive vertebral and both types of metastases, 2) extensive vertebral without additional metastases, 3) some vertebral with other metastases, 4) some vertebral without additional metastases. The first SRE and spinal SRE occurred significantly sooner in the first subgroup compared to others. Incidence rates at 12 months for the first SRE were 56%, 40%, 27%, and 5%, and for the first spinal SRE were 47%, 40%, 27%, and 0% respectively. Patients with extensive vertebral and additional metastases require vigilant monitoring to mitigate SREs.

The purpose of this study was two-fold: (a) to examine the joint contribution of teachers’ knowledge of foundational language and literacy concepts and their perceived ability to teach reading to their students’ reading growth, and (b) to examine whether the effects of these factors were mediated by teachers’ perceived ability to differentiate instruction. A total of 32 language arts teachers and their 582 Grade 3 to 9 students (48% female) participated in the study. Teachers completed a survey on their knowledge of phonological awareness, phonics and morphology, and also rated their ability to teach different reading skills and to differentiate reading instruction. Children were assessed at the beginning and end of the school year on the Test of Word Reading Efficiency-2 and on the Test of Silent Reading Efficiency and Comprehension. Results of multilevel modeling indicated that teachers’ knowledge had a direct effect on students’ performance at the end of the school year, even after controlling for students’ earlier reading ability. Teachers’ perceived ability did not predict students’ reading growth either directly or indirectly. Taken together, these findings suggest that we need to invest in increasing teachers’ knowledge around foundational literacy skills.