bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generalized Lipschitz Tracing of Implicit Surfaces
Authors: Bán Róbert , Valasek Gábor
Published: September 2024

We present a versatile and robust framework to render implicit surfaces defined by black‐box functions that only provide function value queries. We assume that the input function is locally Lipschitz continuous; however, we presume no prior knowledge of its Lipschitz constants. Our pre‐processing step generates a discrete acceleration structure, a Lipschitz field, that provides data to infer local and directional Lipschitz upper bounds. These bounds are used to compute safe step sizes along rays during rendering. The Lipschitz field is constructed by generating local polynomial approximations to the input function, then bounding the derivatives of the approximating polynomials. The accuracy of the approximation is controlled by the polynomial degree and the granularity of the spatial resolution used during fitting, which is independent from the resolution of the Lipschitz field. We demonstrate that our process can be implemented in a massively parallel way, enabling straightforward integration into interactive and real‐time modelling workflows. Since the construction only requires function value evaluations, the input surface may be represented either procedurally or as an arbitrarily filtered grid of function samples. We query the original implicit representation upon ray trace, as such, we preserve the geometric and topological details of the input as long as the Lipschitz field supplies conservative estimates. We demonstrate our method on both procedural and discrete implicit surfaces and compare its exact and approximate variants.
Comparative analysis of readmission rates and outcomes: Sleeve gastrectomy with versus without Nissen fundoplication using a National Database
Authors: Afifi Ahmed M. , Qadir Daniyal , Ren Gang , Hsu Justin , Sferra Joseph , Pannell Stephanie , Nazzal Munier
Published: September 2024

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is the most frequently performed bariatric procedure. To study the safety of LSG done with Nissen Fundoplication (NF) in patients affected by obesity and GERD and assess the complication rate. A retrospective cohort study using the Nationwide Readmissions Database from 2016 to 2019. A total of 236111 patients underwent LSG with and without NF. A matched cohort of 1096 without NF and 548 with NF was obtained. The median age of patients was 47 years old. Median length of hospital stay was higher in the LSG with NF group. Median total charge was higher in the LSG with NF group. There was no statistically significant difference in 30‐day readmission rates in patients with obesity and GERD who received LSG with NF compared to those who received LSG alone. Complications after both procedures were low, which highlights the safety of both procedures.
PET/MRI in paediatric inflammatory bowel disease – a prospective accuracy study
Authors: Dalby Sina , Piri Reza , Graumann Ole , Gerke Oke , Andersen Thomas Lund , Walsted Anne‐Mette , Risby Kirsten , Nielsen Rasmus Gaardskær , Linnemann Anders , Høilund‐Carlsen Poul Flemming , Husby Steffen
Published: September 2024

Cross‐sectional imaging supplements endoscopy in detecting disease manifestations in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of PET/MRI in a paediatric population suspected of IBD. This prospective study consecutively included patients aged 8–17 years under diagnostic evaluation for IBD. Forty‐three patients underwent a PET/MRI scan and subsequent ileocolonoscopy, of whom 26 patients diagnosed with IBD participated in a follow‐up scan, hereof 19 with Crohn's disease (CD), five with Ulcerative colitis and two with unclassified IBD. The results of PET alone, MRI alone, and PET/MRI combined were compared to a reference standard of endoscopy and histopathology. Of the 208 intestinal segments analysed, 109 showed inflammation, and 99 had no inflammation. In the per‐segment analysis PET had a sensitivity of 0.83 (95% CI 0.73–0.93), specificity of 0.59 (95% CI 0.47–0.71), and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.73 (95% CI 0.67–0.80). MRI had a sensitivity of 0.52 (95% CI 0.41–0.64), specificity 0.89 (95% CI 0.82–0.96), and AUROC of 0.72 (95% CI 0.66–0.77). PET/MRI had a sensitivity of 0.83 (95% CI 0.74–0.94), specificity of 0.57 (95% CI 0.44–0.69), and AUROC of 0.77 (95% CI 0.71–0.84). At follow‐up, PET and MRI scores decreased, and the change in MRI was able to identify patients with a clinical response. The accuracy of the PET/MRI scan in detecting inflammation in the terminal ileum and colon was moderate and not superior to either modality alone. With technological advances and combined reading, PET/MRI may still be valuable in selected cases.
Personality may modulate learning and memory differences in two taxa of the African striped mouse genus Rhabdomys
Authors: Neves Candice N. , Pillay Neville
Published: September 2024

Different environments place different cognitive demands on constituent taxa. Learning and memory involve cognitive processes with associated costs, and it is expected that different levels of learning will occur in taxa from different environments. Greater memory loads linked to increased environmental complexity require greater learning and memory capacities. We investigated the variation in learning and memory in sister taxa of striped mice (genus Rhabdomys). We studied two populations each of the mesic grassland‐occurring R. d. chakae and the mostly arid‐occurring R. pumilio. We conducted two sets of experiments. (1) In a novel object recognition (NOR) test, we assessed memory by recording the duration of exploration of similar and novel objects by test mice. (2) In an associative learning task, we assessed whether mice could associate specific scents with or without a food incentive or with different quantities of the food incentive in previous training phases. We measured the latency of mice to contact scents in a two‐sample choice in the test phase. In the NOR test, R. pumilio spent less time investigating similar objects in a training trial than R. d. chakae but increased absolute exploration of the novel object when presented with a novel and a familiar object in the retention trial, suggesting a sensitization to the novel object by R. pumilio. In the associative learning experiments, R. pumilio approached the stimuli faster than R. d. chakae, whereas mice from both taxa preferred scents associated with a seed versus no seed and scents associated with 5 seeds versus 1 seed. The data provide evidence of taxon‐level differences in learning and memory, likely related to environmentally modulated personality differences between the taxa.
Morphological and Microbial Diversity of Hydromagnesite Microbialites in Lake Salda: A Mars Analog Alkaline Lake
Authors: Gunes Yagmur , Sekerci Fatih , Avcı Burak , Ettema Thijs J. G. , Balci Nurgul
Published: September 2024

Lake Salda, a terrestrial analog for the paleolake in Jezero Crater on Mars, hosts active, subfossil, and fossil hydromagnesite microbialites, making it an ideal location to study microbialite formation and subsequent processes. Our understanding of this record is still limited by an incomplete knowledge of the macro‐ and mesoscale morphotypes of microbialites, along with their spatial distribution and correlation with microbial and geochemical processes that influence microbialite formation. In this study, we investigated the spatial distribution, morphotypes, mineralogy, geochemistry, and microbial diversity of the microbialites and identified six distinct zones (Zone I to Zone VI) with major microbialite build‐ups in Lake Salda. Newly identified microbialites were classified based on the macro‐ and mesostructures. Our work shows that the lake contains stromatolites, thrombolites, stromatolitic thrombolites, dendrolites, and microbially induced sedimentary structures. At macroscale, Lake Salda microbialites exhibit hemispheres, stacked domes, and laterally linked columnar structures while minicolumns, knobs, mesoclots, laminae, and botryoidal structures are common at mesoscale. The macro‐ and mesoscale distribution of different microbialite types spatially correlates with microbial community composition and water depth. Deep‐growing microbialites with a low abundance of Cyanobacteria (∼1%–4%) and high abundance of Firmicutes (28%–93%) exhibit steeply convex lamination, producing finger‐like minicolumnar mesostructures. In contrast, shallow‐growing microbialites with a low abundance of Firmicutes (0%–5%) and high abundance of Cyanobacteria (11%–37%) have well‐preserved gently convex millimeter‐scale lamination, resulting in cauliflower mesostructures. Palygorskite ((Mg, Al)2Si4O10(OH)) is identified in the diatom‐rich microbial layer of the deep‐growing microbialites. Regardless of the microbialite types, hydromagnesite and aragonite are present in the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS)‐rich zone of the shallow and deep‐growing microbialites. Overall, environmental changes (e.g., water depth and, accommodation space) play a major role in the formation and spatial distribution of different microbialite morphologies at the macro‐ and mesoscale. Differences in the relative abundance of dominant microorganisms between mesostructured types suggest that mesomorphology may be influenced by changes in microbial diversity. Spatial variations in the microbialite morphotypes, along with the abundant presence of entombed biomass (e.g., mineralized filaments), may indicate areas that have a high potential for the preservation of biosignatures.
Microwave‐assisted treatment for the improvement of rice flour properties and rice flour bread quality
Authors: Md Yunos Noor Seribainun Hidayah , Hafid Halimatun Saadiah , Omar Farah Nadia , P. Mohammed Mohd Afandi , Wakisaka Minato , Mustapha Nor Afizah , Samsu Baharuddin Azhari
Published: September 2024

Modification of rice flour by microwave and its effect on bread making performance was evaluated. Rice flour having two different water content (20% and 30%) were exposed to different level of microwave power (600 W, 700 W and 800 W) with 8 min treatment time to assess its influence on amylose content, thermal properties, morphological structure, functional and crystalline structural that affect bread quality. Microwave‐treated rice flour at 600 W showed notable increment in amylose content of 1.03 folds (for both 20% and 30% water content) as compared to untreated rice flour. The microwave treatment destroyed the amorphous region of the rice flour starch, whereas starch crystal structure was slightly increased after treatment. Rice flour maintained its thermal stability even after exposure to high radiation of microwave. The treated rice flour exhibited starch granules with more voids on its surface, indicating the exudation of amylose at higher temperature. The major effect of microwave treatment was observed on the bread for rice flour treated at 800 W with higher specific volume, increase in gas cells pores, softer crumb, low hardness and delayed staling as compared to untreated rice flour. The microwave‐assisted treatment shows a significant potential in improving the rice flour quality led to increase the quality of bread.
The effects of hydrothermal treatment temperature and time on the textural characteristics of Lei bamboo shoots
Authors: Zhong Deirui , Song Jiyuan , Wang Hongyan , Yuan Shaofei , Guo Xiaolei , Zhang Wenfu , Zhang Jian , Zhou Zhaobing
Published: September 2024

This study investigated the effects of hydrothermal treatment temperature and time on the textural characteristics of Lei bamboo (Phyllostachys violascens) shoots. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to analyse changes in chemical structure, crystallinity and microstructure. Mechanical properties, including modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, compressive strength and the bonding strength between bamboo shoot flesh and shell, were also measured. Results indicated that with increasing temperature and treatment duration, hemicellulose and cellulose components in both bamboo shoot shell and flesh degraded, primarily affecting the amorphous regions of cellulose, leading to increased relative crystallinity and alterations in the bamboo shoots' microstructure. The mechanical properties of the bamboo shoots generally decreased with increasing hydrothermal treatment intensity. Optimal softening and minimal mechanical properties were achieved at a hydrothermal treatment temperature of 100 °C for 30 min, with the bonding strength between bamboo shoot shell and flesh reaching a minimum of 3.21 N. These findings provide crucial data support for optimising bamboo shoot processing techniques and developing efficient peeling equipment.
Body structure processing and attentional patterns in infancy and adulthood
Authors: Jubran Rachel , White Hannah , Heck Alison , Chroust Alyson , Bhatt Ramesh S.
Published: September 2024

Infants are sensitive to distortions to the global configurations of bodies by 3.5 months of age, suggesting an early onset of body knowledge. It is unclear, however, whether such sensitivity indicates knowledge of the location of specific body parts or solely reflects sensitivity to the overall gestalt of bodies. This study addressed this issue by examining whether, like adults, infants attend to specific locations where body parts have been reorganized. Results show that adults and 5‐month‐olds, but not 3.5‐month‐olds, allocated more attention to the body joint areas (e.g., where the arm connects to the shoulder) that were reorganized versus ones that were typical. To examine whether this kind of processing is driven by low‐level features, 5‐month‐olds were tested on images in which the head was removed. Infants no longer exhibited differential scanning of typical versus reorganized bodies. Results suggest that 5‐month‐olds are sensitive to the location of body parts, thereby demonstrating adult‐like response patterns consistent with early expertise in body processing. The contrasting failure of 3.5‐month‐olds to exhibit sensitivity to the reorganization suggests a developmental change between these ages.
A scoping review on parental/caregiver challenges in maintaining oral hygiene among children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Mahabala Karuna Yarmunja , Dutt Anuradha , Shenoy Ramya , Lee YingMin , Thimmaiah Charisma , Bhat Sham , Nayak Anupama , Rao Ashwin
Published: September 2024

Background

Dental practitioners must develop feasible and evidence‐based strategies to help parents/caregivers successfully implement daily oral hygiene measures among their children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Aim

This scoping review aimed to explore challenges faced by parents/caregivers while performing routine oral hygiene care among their children with ASD.

Design

A methodological framework recommended by Arksey and O'Malley and reporting guidelines prescribed by PRISMA‐ScR were adopted. A database search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, and ClinicalKey, to identify articles that addressed challenges faced by parents/caregivers while performing routine oral hygiene care for their children with ASD.

Results

The search yielded 4934 articles. Following the inclusion/exclusion criteria, nine articles were included in this scoping review. A qualitative analysis of included articles following the PICOS coding criteria revealed major themes. These consisted of various home oral hygiene practices followed by parents/caregivers, and challenges faced by them during home oral hygiene care owing to underlying sensory, behavioral, physical, and/or functional problems experienced by their children with ASD.

Conclusion

Challenges experienced by parents/caregivers of children with ASD were numerous, which resulted in deviations from routine oral hygiene practices from recommended guidelines for the prevention of dental caries.
Every problem is embedded in a greater whole
Authors: Sturmberg Joachim P. , Mercuri Mathew
Published: September 2024

Peter Drucker pointed out an important distinction between ‘doing things right’ and ‘doing the right thing’, which recognised that all problems are embedded in a context and thus can only be understood within their unique contextual setting. Contemporary research practices in clinical medicine often regards contextual factors as potential confounders that will bias effect estimates and thus must be avoided. However rigorous, research devoid of context ultimately deprives users of understanding of the support factors that make research transferable to policy decisions or managing care of individual patients—it stands in the way of ‘doing the right thing’ in ‘real life’ settings. Appreciating that all problems are embedded in a greater context means that one should not ignore their interconnected and interdependent systemic nature, that is, every variable is simultaneously dependent and independent. This is the reason for the cascading effects and feedback loops witnessed in disease progression and policy efforts. We discuss the need for researchers to a‐priori consider the context of their research question as well as the structural relationships of the variables under investigation, which in turn provides the basis for choosing the most appropriate research design. We have a moral imperative to first ‘do the right thing’—ask questions that address the contextual needs of our patients, and then to ‘do it right’—choose the best research method to answer this contextually framed need. Only then will our research efforts have meaningful and lasting impacts on patient care.
Predicting malnutrition‐based anemia in geriatric patients using machine learning methods
Authors: Göl Mehmet , Aktürk Cemal , Talan Tarık , Vural Mehmet Sait , Türkbeyler İbrahim Halil
Published: September 2024

Background

Anemia due to malnutrition may develop as a result of iron, folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies. This situation poses a higher risk of morbidity and mortality in the geriatric population than in other age groups. Therefore, early diagnosis of anemia and early initiation of treatment is very important. This study aims to predict the diagnosis of anemia with using machine learning (ML) methods in geriatric patients followed in an outpatient clinic.

Methods

In line with the purpose of the study, anemia classification was made by analysing patients' hemogram and biochemistry blood values and medical data such as malnutrition, physical and cognitive activity scores with ML methods.

Results

In our data set consisting of 438 patient observations, the most successful ML algorithm was the J48 algorithm with 97.77% accuracy. In the continuation of the study, the predictive performance of anemia was investigated by excluding blood values and selecting only attributes consisting of malnutrition and physical activity scores. In this case, the most successful prediction was obtained with the Random Forest algorithm with 85.39% accuracy.

Conclusions

The study showed that anemia can be predicted with high accuracy in geriatric patients without hemogram data. Additionally, our geriatric data set was shared with researchers for future research. Thus, it has contributed to the literature by opening a new path for studies on subjects such as comparing classification performances with new methodologies or predicting different diseases in geriatric patients.
Don't skip class: A new conceptual model for examining classism among adolescents and families
Authors: Mello Zena R.
Published: September 2024

This article introduces a new conceptual model for examining classism among adolescents and families. Classism refers to the discrimination that individuals experience because of their social class. For adolescents, social class refers to their family's social class and includes income, education, occupation, and position in society. Despite extensive research that has shown how social class is associated with adolescent development, there remains a gap in the knowledge about how classism might explain this association. To advance scholarship about classism among adolescents and families, I present a new model. This model integrates theories on (a) classism among adults, (b) discrimination among adolescents, (c) family science, (d) social class, and (e) intersectionality. I include hypotheses about the associations between classism and adolescent developmental outcomes and conclude with directions for future research.
Intracerebral hemorrhage risk after adjunct intraarterial thrombolysis in thrombectomy‐treated acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Qureshi Adnan I. , Huang Yilun , Bhatti Ibrahim A. , Gomez Camilo R. , Hanley Daniel F. , Ford Daniel E. , Hassan Ameer E. , Nguyen Thanh N. , Spiotta Alejandro M. , Veznedaroglu Erol , Budzik Ronald F. , Gupta Rishi , Nogueira Raul G. , Krajina Antonin , Bartolini Bruno , English Joey , Baxter Blaise , Liebeskind David S.
Published: September 2024

Background and Purpose

Intraarterial thrombolysis as an adjunct to mechanical thrombectomy is increasingly being considered to enhance reperfusion in acute ischemic stroke patients. Intraarterial thrombolysis may increase the risk of post‐thrombectomy intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in certain patient subgroups.

Methods

We analyzed acute ischemic stroke patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy in a multicenter registry. The occurrence of any (asymptomatic and symptomatic) post‐thrombectomy ICH was ascertained using standard definition requiring serial neurological examinations and computed tomographic scans acquired within 48 hours of the thrombectomy. We determined the risk of ICH in subgroups defined by clinical characteristics and the use of intravenous (IV) thrombolysis.

Results

A total of 146 (7.5%) patients received intraarterial thrombolysis among 1953 acute ischemic stroke patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy. The proportion of patients who developed any ICH was 26 (17.8%) and 510 (28.2%) among patients who were and were not treated with intraarterial thrombolysis, respectively (p = .006). The proportion of patients who developed symptomatic ICH was 4 (2.7%) and 30 (1.7%) among patients who were and were not treated with intraarterial thrombolysis, respectively (p = .34). Among patients who received IV thrombolysis (n = 1042), the proportion of patients who developed any ICH was 9 (16.7%) and 294 (30.7%) among patients who were and were not treated with intraarterial thrombolysis, respectively (p = .028). The risk was not different in strata defined by age, gender, location of occlusion, preprocedure National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, time interval between symptom onset and thrombectomy, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, systolic blood pressure, and serum glucose concentrations.

Conclusions

In patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy, the risk of any ICH and symptomatic ICH was not increased with intraarterial thrombolysis, including in those who had already received IV thrombolytics.
Does the surface conditioning of glass and hybrid ceramics with self‐etching silane present a bond strength similar to that of conventional bonding? Systematic review and meta‐analysis of in vitro studies
Authors: Bento Victor Augusto Alves , de Souza Rolim Pedro Antônio , de Matos José Roberto Vergínio , de Araújo Lemos Cleidiel Aparecido , Pellizzer Eduardo Piza , Guiotti Aimée Maria
Published: September 2024

Purpose

To evaluate, through in vitro studies, the bond strength of vitreous and hybrid ceramics with self‐etching surface treatment compared to conventional treatment.

Methods

This systematic review followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses (PRISMA) and was registered on the open science framework (OSF) platform for in vitro studies. A population, intervention, control, and outcome (PICO) question was formulated: “Does the surface conditioning of glass and hybrid ceramics with self‐etching silane present a bond strength similar to that of conventional bonding?”. A literature search was carried out in the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and ProQuest databases until September 2023. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal guidelines for quasi‐experimental studies were used for risk assessment of bias. The meta‐analysis was based on the inverse variance (IV) method (p < 0.05).

Results

A total of 29 in vitro studies published between 2017 and 2022 were included in this systematic review, totaling 1889 ceramic samples. The meta‐analysis indicated a significant decrease in the bond strength of HF 4%–5% with silane compared to self‐etching (p < 0.05; MD: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.13–0.35; I2 = 3%, p = 0.42), while it indicated that there was no significant difference between self‐etching compared to 9%–10% HF with silane (p = 0.92; MD: 0.02; 95% CI: −0.32 to 0.36; I2 = 14%, p = 0.32).

Conclusion

Self‐etching primer presents bond strength that is superior to or similar to conventional surface treatment on glass and hybrid ceramics.
The genomics and physiology of abiotic stressors associated with global elevational gradients in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Gamba Diana , Lorts Claire M. , Haile Asnake , Sahay Seema , Lopez Lua , Xia Tian , Takou Margarita , Kulesza Evelyn , Elango Dinakaran , Kerby Jeffrey , Yifru Mistire , Bulafu Collins E. , Wondimu Tigist , Glowacka Katarzyna , Lasky Jesse R.
Published: September 2024

Phenotypic and genomic diversity in Arabidopsis thaliana may be associated with adaptation along its wide elevational range, but it is unclear whether elevational clines are consistent among different mountain ranges.

We took a multi‐regional view of selection associated with elevation. In a diverse panel of ecotypes, we measured plant traits under alpine stressors (low CO2 partial pressure, high light, and night freezing) and conducted genome‐wide association studies.

We found evidence of contrasting locally adaptive regional clines. Western Mediterranean ecotypes showed low water use efficiency (WUE)/early flowering at low elevations to high WUE/late flowering at high elevations. Central Asian ecotypes showed the opposite pattern. We mapped different candidate genes for each region, and some quantitative trait loci (QTL) showed elevational and climatic clines likely maintained by selection. Consistent with regional heterogeneity, trait and QTL clines were evident at regional scales (c. 2000 km) but disappeared globally. Antioxidants and pigmentation rarely showed elevational clines. High elevation east African ecotypes might have higher antioxidant activity under night freezing.

Physiological and genomic elevational clines in different regions can be unique, underlining the complexity of local adaptation in widely distributed species, while hindering global trait–environment or genome–environment associations. To tackle the mechanisms of range‐wide local adaptation, regional approaches are thus warranted.
Brassinosteroids in cotton: orchestrating fiber development
Authors: Qanmber Ghulam , Liu Zhao , Li Fuguang , Yang Zuoren
Published: September 2024

Cotton cultivation spans over 30 million hectares across 85 countries and regions, with more than half participating in the global cotton textile trade. The elongated cotton fiber cell is an ideal model for studying cell elongation and understanding plant growth and development. Brassinosteroids (BRs), recognized for their role in cell elongation, offer the potential for improving cotton fiber quality and yield. Despite extensive research highlighting BR's positive impact on fiber development, a comprehensive review on this topic has been lacking. This review addresses this gap, providing a detailed analysis of the latest advancements in BR signaling and its effects on cotton fiber development. We explore the complex network of BR biosynthesis components, signaling molecules, and regulators, including crosstalk with other pathways and transcriptional control mechanisms. Additionally, we propose molecular strategies and highlight key genetic elements for optimizing BR‐related genes to enhance fiber quality and yield. The review emphasizes the importance of BR homeostasis and the hormonal landscape during cotton fiber development, offering insights into targeted manipulation opportunities and challenges. This consolidation offers a comprehensive understanding of BR's multifaceted roles in fiber development, outlining a strategic approach for BR optimization in cotton fiber quality and yield.
A FAIENCE HEAD OF A BEARDED MALE FROM TEL ABEL BETH MAACAH: ICONOGRAPHY, TECHNOLOGY AND CONTEXT
Authors: Yahalom‐Mack N. , Ben‐Ami D.V. , Panitz‐Cohen N. , Mullins R.A. , Brumfeld V. , Eliyahu‐Behar A.
Published: September 2024

A faience head depicting a bearded male was unearthed in a ninth‐century BC context at Tel Abel Beth Maacah, located on the modern Israel‐Lebanese border. During the Iron Age, the site was at the interface between the kingdoms of Israel and Aram‐Damascus and the Phoenician city‐states of Tyre and Sidon. The article discusses the object’s iconography, style, composition and manufacturing technology in comparison to other faience heads, as well as its regional and contextual significance. Despite its unique iconography and high quality, we demonstrate its similarity to at least one other head in manufacturing technology and style. It is suggested that it depicts an ideal elite persona, possibly serving as a votive.
Evaluating the Readability of the iPledge Comprehension Assessment and its Impact on Isotretinoin Accessibility
Authors: Baek Peter , Shah Nidhi , Kirkorian A. Yasmine
Published: September 2024

Isotretinoin, the standard treatment for severe nodular acne, is subject to stringent iPLEDGE regulations due to its teratogenic risks, requiring monthly assessments for patients of childbearing potential. Analysis of the iPLEDGE Comprehension Assessment (iPCA) revealed an average readability score of grade 8.5, exceeding the recommended grade 6 level for optimal patient comprehension. The complex language of iPCA may hinder patients from accessing treatment, contributing to delays and potential discontinuation, especially among female patients. While the overall number of isotretinoin‐exposed pregnancies has decreased since the inception of iPledge, several hundred pregnancies continue to be reported, and simplification of iPCA presents one avenue to improve patient comprehension, safety, and ensuring equitable access to isotretinoin.
Peace and the digital revolution: Toward “cyberpeace?”
Authors: White Paul Antony
Published: September 2024

This article will explore challenges posed by the digital communications revolution to some long‐standing concepts and assumptions around security, warfare, and peace. It will demonstrate the obsolescence of the traditional state‐focused national security paradigm with regards to matters of cybersecurity, as well as the limitations of conventional collective security approaches. It will also outline the Internet's potential as a peacebuilding medium, and the crossroads we currently face between a new era of cyberwarfare or an Internet for “cyberpeace.”
Slurring silences
Authors: Holdier A. G.
Published: September 2024

Silence can be a communicative act. Tanesini (2018) demonstrates how “eloquent” silences can virtuously indicate resistance and dissent; in this paper, I outline one way silence can also be used viciously to cause discursive harm, specifically by slurring victims. By distinguishing between eloquent and “signaling” silences (two kinds of what I call “performative” silences), I show how “slurring” silences — fully quiet discursive moves that signal one's commitment to a slurring perspective — function in a manner that illuminates the pragmatic topography of conversational silence in general.
The role of norms as promoters of social change
Authors: González Roberto
Published: September 2024

Life in society revolves around social norms. These norms play a crucial role in regulating and influencing individuals’ behavior, both at the societal and individual levels. They offer a psychological framework that reduces uncertainty, guides behavior, and aids people in adapting to their social surroundings. Moreover, by observing prevailing social norms, individuals gain insights into societal trends that preserve cherished values and traditions across generations, thus mapping the dynamics of social stability and change. Social change is closely tied to shifts in these norms, which can occur at varying speeds, influenced by factors at multiple levels of analysis, including societal, group, and individual levels. In this article, I analyze the various concepts of social norms found in the literature, with a particular focus on their role in psychology. I describe the main sources of normative influence and illustrate, with multiple examples, how they operate in different social contexts. In this way, I address how these norms guide and facilitate participation in collective actions, their intergenerational transmission, and their role in the emergence of radicalization in social protest contexts. Furthermore, I delve into how group norms are linked to intergroup contact experiences involving both advantaged and disadvantaged group members, as well as the expression of prejudice and affective polarization. I conclude by emphasizing the necessity of adopting a multilevel approach to comprehend the connection between norms and social change.
Molecular Characteristics and Expression of TKTL1 in Germ Cells: Implications for Nontumour Cell Research
Authors: Yuan Xiaole , Kang Huaiyan , Liu Bo , Yu Xiuwei , Zhu Haijing , Chen Shenghui , Du Xiaomin
Published: September 2024

TKTL1 is a crucial regulatory enzyme in the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) and plays a significant role in energy synthesis. It is expressed in various tumour tissues, with its expression level closely associated with tumour invasion, metastasis and prognosis. Recent studies utilising proteomic analysis and other methods have highlighted the noteworthy expression of the TKTL1 gene in germ cells, particularly in spermatogonia and ovarian cells. Consequently, this article reviews the molecular characteristics of TKTL1 and its expression in germ cells to provide a reference for research on TKTL1 beyond tumour cells.
Successful conservation and management of kelp forests requires more ambitious use of international law
Authors: Techera Erika , Valckenaere Jurgen , Filbee‐Dexter Karen , Wernberg Thomas
Published: September 2024

Kelp forests are the world's most extensive vegetated marine ecosystems. They provide critical ecological functions as well as valuable ecosystem services for human societies. Yet, kelp forests have been largely overlooked in international environmental law. There are no specific treaties focused on kelp, and they have only benefited to a limited extent under existing regimes. This article analyses the treatment of kelp in international environmental law and finds that there are few formally listed sites containing kelp forests and that several treaty regimes could be better utilised for their benefit. The article concludes by outlining more ambitious ways in which international environmental law can better contribute to the conservation and management of kelp forests and other marine ecosystems facing similar futures. This research seeks to shed light on kelp forests and in doing so seeks to contribute to the growing body of multi‐disciplinary literature on kelp and the role that law can play in securing its future.
Universal azole prophylaxis for prevention of coccidioidomycosis among lung transplant recipients transferring care to a center within a highly endemic region
Authors: Goodlet Kellie J. , Garcia Rhiannon , Nailor Michael D.
Published: September 2024

Background

Coccidioidomycosis may cause severe disseminated disease and mortality among lung transplant recipients. A strategy of lifelong azole prophylaxis was previously associated with low rates of coccidioidomycosis. Whether lung transplant recipients relocating to the Coccidioides endemic region are also at risk and would benefit from antifungal prophylaxis is unknown.

Methods

Lung transplant recipients transplanted at an outside center with low Coccidioides endemicity before relocating for post‐transplant follow‐up at a transplant center in Phoenix, Arizona from January 2013 to March 2024 were included. The primary outcome was proven or probable coccidioidomycosis per Mycoses Study Group consensus definitions.

Results

Forty lung transplant recipients were included, with 62.5% not receiving antifungal prophylaxis at the time of transfer. The median time from transplant to relocation was 34 months. Of those not on prophylaxis, 96% were initiated on azole therapy at the first clinic visit, with 72% prescribed itraconazole. Coccidioides serologic testing was performed in 30% of the cohort, most often in the context of a broad diagnostic work‐up for suspected infection during hospitalization. After a median follow‐up of 31 months, one case (2.5%) of proven pulmonary coccidioidomycosis was identified, occurring 4.8 years post‐transplant and >2 years post‐transfer in a cystic fibrosis patient who had a pause in fluconazole prophylaxis for >1 month prior to diagnosis due to gastrointestinal intolerance and access issues. The patient was treated and maintained on isavuconazole without complications.

Conclusion

Azole antifungal prophylaxis was associated with a low rate of coccidioidomycosis among lung transplant recipients relocating to the highly endemic region.

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Phylogenomic insights into the diversity and evolution of RPW8‐NLRs and their partners in plants
Authors: Qin Huiyu , Cheng Junyuan , Han Guan‐Zhu , Gong Zhen
Published: September 2024

Plants use nucleotide‐binding leucine‐rich repeat receptors (NLRs) to sense pathogen effectors, initiating effector‐triggered immunity (ETI). NLRs containing RESISTANCE TO POWDERY MILDEW 8 domain (RNLs) function as “helper” NLRs in flowering plants and support the immune responses mediated by “sensor” NLRs in cooperation with lipase‐EP domain fused proteins (EP proteins). Despite their crucial roles in ETI, much remains unclear about the evolutionary trajectories of RNLs and their functional partners EP proteins. Here, we perform phylogenomic analyses of RNLs in 90 plants, covering the major diversity of plants, and identify the presence of RNLs in land plants and green algae, expanding the distribution of RNLs. We uncover a neglected major RNL group in gymnosperms, besides the canonical major group with NRG1s and ADR1s, and observe a drastic increase in RNL repertoire size in conifers. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that RNLs originated multiple times through domain shuffling, and the evolution of RNLs underwent a birth‐and‐death process. Moreover, we trace the origin of EP proteins back to the last common ancestor of vascular plants. We find that both RNLs and EP proteins evolve mainly under negative selection, revealing strong constraints on their function. Concerted losses and positive correlation in copy number are observed between RNL and EP sublineages, suggesting their cooperation in function. Together, our findings provide insights into the origin and evolution of plant helper NLRs, with implications for predicting novel innate immune signaling modules.
Thromboelastography in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy treated with phenobarbital monotherapy
Authors: García R. , Pastor J. , de la Fuente C. , Añor S.
Published: September 2024

Background

Thromboelastography (TEG) is an effective technique to assess the efficiency of coagulation. Phenobarbital (PB) can induce hematological and coagulation disorders in both animals and humans, but its effects on hemostasis have been little investigated and are poorly understood in dogs.

Objectives

The aim of this article was to assess coagulation using TEG in a population of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy treated with PB.

Material and Methods

Prospective observational study. TEG was performed in blood samples from dogs with idiopathic epilepsy that were divided in three groups: Two groups of treated dogs that were on phenobarbital treatment for less or more than 6 months, and a control group of healthy dogs. Duration of treatment, dose, phenobarbital serum concentration and selected hematological and biochemical parameters were evaluated and correlated with the TEG results.

Results

No statistically significant differences were found between groups. None of the animals appeared to be in a hypo‐ or hypercoagulable state, however 9/19 (47,4%) dogs were classified as hyper‐fibrinolytic. A statistically significant negative relationship between MA and G values and increased fibrinolytic activity (LY30) were found. No statistically significant relationship was found between PB dose or PB blood levels and TEG parameters in either group. No bleeding complications were observed.

Discussion

The rise in fibrinolysis might be due to hepatic damage from PB, as indicated by elevated liver enzymes in many dogs with abnormal fibrinolytic patterns. Although TEG showed hyperfibrinolysis in some dogs, the presence of primary or secondary hyperfibrinolysis could not be confirmed due to the lack of D‐dimer measurements and liver biopsy. TEG’s sensitivity compared to other fibrinolysis biomarkers like PAP might also affect results.

Conclusions

TThe cause of hyperfibrinolysis in epileptic dogs treated with phenobarbital remains unclear, with potential links to hepatic effects or handling, and further research is needed to assess its clinical significance.
When Trade Agreements Are Gender-Friendly: Impact on Women Empowerment Using Firm Data
Authors: Karam Fida , Zaki Chahir
Published: September 2024

This paper studies the effect of gender-related provisions in Regional Trade Agreements on under-explored aspects of gender inequality at the plant level, namely the difference in the managerial and ownership status between the two genders. This topic is timely and critical as gender equality considerations are becoming more prominent in new trade agreements, recognizing to different extents that trade policies developed with a gender perspective can help overcome gender inequalities by creating new opportunities for women's equal representation in export jobs and entrepreneurship. We use the World Bank Enterprise Surveys that encompasses data on 195,000 firms in 155 countries in 56 manufacturing and services sectors, and the dataset on gender-related provisions in trade agreements from the World Trade Organization. Our results show that the total number of gender-related provisions in trade agreements, as well their location in articles and in annexes are positively associated with a higher probability of the firm to be owned or managed by a female. This result is robust whether the firm is an exporter, importer, or involved in the global value chain of the sector of interest. When differentiating countries by income level, we find that the positive effect of gender-related provisions in trade agreements on women empowerment holds only for developed countries, pointing out the importance of making South-South agreements more gender friendly.
La comunicación de la ciencia tras bastidores: estudio de caso de un colectivo de arte y ciencia
Authors: Cardona Echavarría Ana Carolina , Escobar Ortiz Jorge Manuel
Published: September 2024

Este trabajo indaga por la construcción de productos de comunicación pública de la ciencia y la tecnología (CPCT), como contraparte a la aproximación prevalente, centrada en la relación de esos productos con el público. El estudio se concentra en las dinámicas de un colectivo de arte y ciencia en Medellín (Colombia). Como principal resultado, se constató que el colectivo se guio por una actitud pragmática, sin un papel significativo de los presupuestos y debates teóricos de la CPCT. Metodológicamente, es un estudio de caso descriptivo apoyado en el enfoque etnográfico, que documenta las prácticas según los análisis de las prácticas en los estudios de laboratorio. Tiene un alcance netamente empírico, sin pretensiones analíticas o generalizaciones a partir de un solo caso, en línea con los estudios médicos y de ciencias naturales que brindan un reporte inicial sobre un fenómeno, como contribución a metaestudios posteriores que generalicen casos semejantes.
Investigation of Viscor and Methanol Spray Dynamics Using Proper Orthogonal Decomposition in Siemens Energy Industrial Atomizers
Authors: Alshahrani Ali , Mohni Izwan , Ajisafe Adesile , Furi Marc , Houde Michel , Sadasivuni Suresh , Engelbrecht Geoffrey Ernest , Bulat Ghenadie , Talibi Midhat , Balachandran Ramanarayanan , Ducci Andrea
Published: September 2024

The demand to reduce carbon emissions has prompted research into alternative fuels that can replace conventional fuels like diesel in industrial gas turbines. Among different potential biofuels and e-fuels, methanol emerges as a sustainable and high-performance alternative to diesel for gas turbine applications. It is well established that the fuel physical properties, spray dynamics, and degree of atomization are strongly correlated and affect the engine performance. In this study, proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) was applied on spatiotemporally resolved images to characterize Viscor, here used as diesel surrogate, and methanol sprays of pressure-swirl atomizers employed in Siemens Energy industrial gas turbine (SGT-400) combustors. The methanol experimental results were then compared against Viscor results at analogous operating conditions, including density-adjusted atomizer pressure drop and ambient pressures. Results confirmed that methanol spray cone angle is slightly wider than Viscor at corresponding operating conditions. The POD analysis allowed to identify dominant spatial oscillation modes and characterize them in terms of oscillation amplitude, wavelength, and onset distance from the atomizer edge for both fuels. Oscillations wavelengths and maximum amplitudes were found to correlate with Weber number, average Sauter mean diameter (SMD), and axial jet velocities.
Prognostics and Health Management for Electrified Aircraft Propulsion: State of the Art and Challenges
Authors: Tang Liang , Saxena Abhinav , Younsi Karim
Published: September 2024

In recent years, the aviation industry has witnessed a transformative wave of innovation in electrified aircraft propulsion (EAP), driven by sustainability and efficiency goals. Integration of novel electrical subsystems, including high-voltage power electronics, motors/generators, and energy storage devices, has introduced intricate complexities. In this context, an intensified focus on prognostics and health management (PHM) is imperative, considering the heightened reliability needs in a transportation propulsion application. This paper extensively analyzes the current state of the art in PHM applicable to various EAP systems and components crucial for the functioning of electric aircraft. Typical fault modes and fault management strategies are analyzed at various levels of systems hierarchy. An integral aspect of our investigation involves the identification of critical gaps within existing PHM frameworks, guiding the research agenda for enhanced reliability and performance. Moreover, the distributed nature and increasing complexity of electric propulsion systems underscore the importance of model-based systems engineering (MBSE). We advocate for the exploration of MBSE not only to inform the design and implementation of PHM solutions but also to facilitate certification and Verification and Validation activities. Additionally, the paper offers insights into existing tools and simulation software packages capable of integrating traditional gas turbine modules with electric subsystems, as well as simulating various faulty conditions in EAP relevant to PHM development. Key gaps in these tools are emphasized, drawing attention to areas that require further refinement and development. This comprehensive exploration aims to pave the way for future advancements in PHM tailored for the unique challenges posed by electric aircraft propulsion systems.