bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of In0.7Ga0.3As/Ga0.5As0.5Sb-Based Heterojunction TFET with Ferroelectric Gate Dielectric for Performance and Reliability
Authors: Verma Priyanka , Kumar Satyendra
Published: November 2023

This paper investigates In[Formula: see text]Ga[Formula: see text]As/Ga[Formula: see text]As[Formula: see text]Sb-based Heterojunction Tunnel Field Effect Transistor with ferroelectric dielectric as stack layer, namely Ferroelectric Dual Material Stacked Double Gate Heterojunction TFET (FDMSDG-HJTFET) for the first time for performance and reliability. Ferroelectric gate dielectric has been inculcated in the device design in addition to the doping of Ga[Formula: see text]As[Formula: see text]Sb in the source region and In[Formula: see text]Ga[Formula: see text]As in the drain region, respectively. The performance of the proposed device is quantified in terms of DC electrical parameters and short channel parameters. The reliability analysis of the proposed device has been carried out in terms of influence of variations of interface trap charges, gate-source overlap length and temperature on the device transfer characteristics. From the simulation results, it can be manifested that the proposed device presents superior DC electrical characteristic and reduced short channel effects as compared to the GaSb/Si Dual Material Stacked Double Gate Heterojunction TFET (GaSb/Si DMSDG-HJTFET), under the influence of group III–V materials and ferroelectric gate dielectric. In addition to this, the proposed device depicts elevated immunity to presence of interface trap charges at the interface, variations in gate-source overlap length and temperature variations as well. The implication of TiO2 as dielectric stack over SiO2 provides exceptional capacitive coupling at the interface and thus assists in the improvement of electrical characteristics of the device by enhancing the electric field. The outcome of the simulation results presents that Ga[Formula: see text]As[Formula: see text]Sb/In[Formula: see text]Ga[Formula: see text]As-based Ferroelectric Dual Material Stacked Double Gate Heterojunction TFET (FDMSDG-HJTFET) can prove to be a competitive alternative for high performance applications with improved reliability. The design and simulation of the proposed device structure has been executed using technology computer-aided design (TCAD) tool.
A Data-Driven Autonomous Assessment Framework for Education Quality Based on Multiscale Deep Learning
Authors: Wang Junqiao , Cho Sung-Je , Chen Xiwang
Published: November 2023

Nowadays, computational intelligence-assisted autonomous assessment of education quality has become a more and more general concern in the area of smart education management. As education quality assessment is a complicated process with multiple heterogeneous factors, it remains challenging to make effective assessment using simple information modality and criteria. To deal with this issue, this paper introduces multiscale deep learning, and proposes a novel data-driven autonomous assessment framework for education quality. In particular, four aspects of heterogeneous indicators are selected as the basic indexes and a dilated convolutional neural network structure is formulated to perform multiscale feature extraction. Then, the structural equation is adopted to make multivariate characterization and output the final assessment results. At last, some simulations are carried out on realistic education operation data to evaluate the efficiency of the proposed autonomous assessment framework. Two aspects of findings can be deduced from the results. For one thing, multisource fusion of multiple indicators well makes sense to autonomous education assessment. For another, multiscale deep learning can provide some beneficial promotion to assessment efficiency.
Eigen-Approach for Designing Selective Notch Filters
Authors: Mismar Thabet
Published: November 2023

An innovative method of obtaining the weights for a Finite Impulse Response (FIR) notch filter using the Eigen-approach is proposed. The Eigen-approach was used to identify the frequencies of the source signals by determining the eigenvector corresponding to the minimum eigenvalue of the autocorrelation matrix. The FIR notch filter was constructed by shifting the root corresponding to the desired signal, which filtered out all other undesired signals. The obtained results indicate that using the Eigen-approach to generate a selective FIR notch filter is a viable solution.
ROUGH-HESTON LOCAL-VOLATILITY MODEL
Authors: DALL’ACQUA ENRICO , LONGONI RICCARDO , PALLAVICINI ANDREA
Published: November 2023

In industrial applications it is quite common to use stochastic-volatility models driven by semi-martingale Markov volatility processes. However, in order to fit exactly market volatilities, these models are usually extended by adding a local-volatility term. Here, we consider the case of singular Volterra processes, and we extend them by adding a local-volatility term to their Markov lift by preserving the stylized results implied by these models on plain-vanilla options. In particular, we focus on the rough-Heston model, and we analyze the small-time asymptotics of its implied local-volatility function in order to provide a proper extrapolation scheme to be used in calibration.
A LÉVY-DRIVEN ORNSTEIN–UHLENBECK PROCESS FOR THE VALUATION OF CREDIT INDEX SWAPTIONS
Authors: SHIRAI YOSHIHIRO
Published: November 2023

A Lévy-driven Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process is proposed to model the evolution of the risk-free rate and default intensities for the purpose of evaluating option contracts on a credit index. Time evolution in credit markets is assumed to follow a gamma process in order to reflect the different speed at which credit products are exchanged with respect to securities, such as Treasuries, deemed risk-free. Formulas for the characteristic function, zero coupon bonds, moments of the process and its stationary distribution are derived. Numerical experiments showing convergence of standard numerical methods for the valuation PIDE to analytical and Monte Carlo solutions are shown. Calibration to market prices of options on a credit index is performed, and model- and market-implied summary statistics for the underlying credit spreads are estimated and compared.
A New Class of Partial Orders
Authors: Zhu Huihui , Wu Liyun
Published: November 2023

Let [Formula: see text] be a unital [Formula: see text]-ring. For any [Formula: see text], we apply the [Formula: see text]-core inverse to define a new class of partial orders in [Formula: see text], called the [Formula: see text]-core partial order. Suppose that [Formula: see text] are [Formula: see text]-core invertible. We say that [Formula: see text] is below [Formula: see text] under the [Formula: see text]-core partial order if [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] denotes the [Formula: see text]-core inverse of [Formula: see text]. Characterizations of the [Formula: see text]-core partial order are given, and its relationships with several types of partial orders are also considered. In particular, we show that the core partial order coincides with the [Formula: see text]-core partial order, and the star partial order coincides with the [Formula: see text]-core partial order.
Vietnamese Frontier Worker Across Vietnam: China Border Case Study of Two Provinces Ha Giang and Quang Ninh
Authors: Tran Ngoc Diem , Nguyen Hau Trung , Dang Thuy T.
Published: November 2023

The region along the Vietnam–China border is given particular attention in terms of national security, economic security, financial security, social security, and human security. Presently, a large number of Vietnamese employees cross the border into China to find employment, and a similar number of Chinese workers enter into Vietnam. In order to assess the current state of cross-border labor, the paper chooses a case study technique with two bordering areas, Ha Giang and Quang Ninh, from which comparisons can be made about the degree of development and the direction of labor management. The study confirms that there are inequalities and development gaps that have led to differences in management and solutions in the two localities. As a result, solutions to establish sustainable and equitable development between the two localities — especially in mountainous regions and with a significant number of ethnic minorities — are proposed.
Research on the Functional Relationship among Historical Disasters, Disaster Bearing Bodies and Disaster Reduction Capacity in China
Authors: Wang Fei , Yang Yuzhong , Wu Liyun
Published: November 2023

Through the First National Comprehensive Risk Survey of Natural Disasters, the Three Data of Historical Disasters, Disaster Bearing Bodies and Disaster Reduction Capabilities of 31 provinces (cities, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the central government) in China have been studied. Excluding regional factors, the statistical indicators of the Three Data and their functional relationship are studied by using Origin software. It is found that the three data do not meet the normal distribution, but the Growth/Sigmoidal Functional relationship is satisfied between Two and Three Data, i.e., S-type Growth Function, and the functional equation between the three is obtained.
Fast and Flexible Multiagent Decision-Making
Authors: Leonard Naomi Ehrich , Bizyaeva Anastasia , Franci Alessio
Published: November 2023

A multiagent system should be capable of fast and flexible decision-making to successfully manage the uncertainty, variability, and dynamic change encountered when operating in the real world. Decision-making is fast if it breaks indecision as quickly as indecision becomes costly. This requires fast divergence away from indecision in addition to fast convergence to a decision. Decision-making is flexible if it adapts to signals important to successful operation, even if they are weak or rare. This requires tunable sensitivity to input for modulating regimes in which the system is ultrasensitive and in which it is robust. Nonlinearity and feedback in the decision-making process are necessary to meeting these requirements. This article reviews theoretical principles, analytical results, related literature, and applications of decentralized nonlinear opinion dynamics that enable fast and flexible decision-making among multiple options for multiagent systems interconnected by communication and belief system networks. The theory and tools provide a principled and systematic means for designing and analyzing decision-making in systems ranging from robot teams to social networks.
High Payload Lossless Steganography Using Image Interpolation
Authors: Sharma Raju Pratap , Malik Aruna , Singh Samayveer , Agarwal Saurabh , Kumar Rajeev
Published: November 2023

Interpolation-based reversible data hiding (IRDH) is a method for embedding data in a reversible manner into digital images. It is based on the polynomial interpolation to hide the secret data bit stream in the coefficients of the interpolation polynomial. In this paper, an IRDH method that combines a modified neighbor mean interpolation is presented with a new method for reversibly embedding secret data in interpolated pixels. This method uses log base 2 of the decimal value of the interpolated pixel to replace a corresponding number of bits with the bits of the secret data, allowing for a higher bit stream to be embedded with better image quality. The results from experiments show that the introduced method can implant on average, 1300000 bits of secret data with an average PSNR of 28.5 dB, which is a significant improvement over existing and related works.
Associations of High-Sensitive Cardiac Troponin T in Healthy Newborns and Prolonged Second Stage of Labor, Neonatal and Maternal Factors: A Prospective Study
Authors: Kassem Leena , Athamna Abed , Abu Fanne Rami , Tal Yana , Klein Adi , Freimann Sarit , Haim David , Shapira Maanit , Na’amnih Wasef , Kassem Eias
Published: November 2023

Introduction: High-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) is not used routinely as a diagnostic biomarker in newborns. The high precision of hs-cTnT assays increases the ability to determine small differences in cTnT over time and to detect troponin T elevation; thus, we believe that hs-cTnT assays might improve clinical care. We explored the plausible association between hs-cTnT levels (ng/L) in healthy newborns and prolonged second stage of labor, neonatal, and maternal factors. Methods: A prospective study was performed among healthy newborns in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center in Israel in January–June 2021. The sociodemographic characteristics of the participants, maternal age, gravidity, parity, Pitocin use, epidural analgesia, and neonatal anemia were obtained from the electronic medical records. Gestational age was determined by ultrasound biometric measurements. We classified second-stage labor as normal or prolonged using the WHO guidelines. Samples from umbilical cord blood were drawn using syringes rinsed with anticoagulant by a specialist in pediatrics. The remaining blood was used to determine hs-cTnT levels (ng/L), which was defined as a continuous quantitative variable with the median value and the 25th–75th percentiles. Results: Overall, 184 cord blood samples were performed from healthy newborns (60.6% males) with a median hs-cTnT of 39.03 (25th–75th percentiles = 30.53–54.09) ng/L. A multivariable linear regression model showed no significant association between neonatal anemia and hs-cTnT levels (ng/L) (p = 0.8). Gestational age (B coefficient −4.24, p < 0.001) and gravidity (B coefficient −2.41, p = 0.03) were negatively associated with hs-cTnT levels (ng/L), while Pitocin use (B coefficient 6.91, p = 0.04) and prolonged second stage of labor (B coefficient 18.07, p = 0.02) were positively associated with hs-cTnT levels (ng/L). Conclusions: High hs-cTnT levels (ng/L) were documented in the cord blood of healthy newborns. Hs-cTnT levels were positively correlated with a prolonged second stage of labor and Pitocin use and negatively correlated with longer gestational age and higher gravidity. Hs-cTnT may signify labor-related fetal distress. A larger surveillance study is mandatory to establish this correlation and assess for possible prognostic significance of elevated hs-cTnT in this context.
Accessory Right Hepatic Artery Pseudoaneurysm Resulting in Biliary Obstruction
Authors: Primrose Colin William , Arestis Nikolas
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Visceral pseudoaneurysms are prone to rupture and can cause mass effect on surrounding structures, with extrinsic compression on the biliary tree being a rare but challenging complication. Case Presentation: We report a case of a 48-year-old man with a history of alcohol excess who presented acutely unwell with jaundice. Imaging revealed a pseudoaneurysm of the accessory right hepatic artery extending into an adjacent pancreatic pseudocyst, leading to common bile duct compression. Successful management included pseudoaneurysm exclusion with a stent graft and concurrent alleviation of the biliary obstruction. Conclusion: Managing pancreatic pseudocysts with biliary compression becomes complicated when an accompanying pseudoaneurysm is present, elevating the associated risk. In this case, stent graft exclusion of the pseudoaneurysm was the chosen approach to preserve arterial flow with potential for long-term patency. Delayed pseudoaneurysm diagnosis underscores the importance of comprehensive assessment in complex presentations, such as jaundiced alcoholic patients, where the possibility of pancreatitis episodes necessitates evaluation of the visceral vasculature for pseudoaneurysms.
Current Role of Topoisomerase I Inhibitors for the Treatment of Mesenchymal Malignancies and Their Potential Future Use as Payload of Sarcoma-Specific Antibody-Drug Conjugates
Authors: Schöffski Patrick , Wang Chao-Chi , Schöffski Morris Patrick , Wozniak Agnieszka
Published: November 2023

Background: Topoisomerase I is an enzyme that plays a crucial part in DNA replication and transcription by the relaxation of supercoiled double-stranded DNA. Topoisomerase I inhibitors bind to the topoisomerase I cleavage complex, thereby stabilizing it and preventing the religation of the DNA strands, leading to DNA damage, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis. Various topoisomerase I inhibitors have been evaluated in solid tumors, and irinotecan and topotecan have been approved for the treatment of epithelial malignancies. None of them have been approved for sarcoma, a diverse group of rare solid tumors with an unmet need for effective treatments. Summary: Topoisomerase I inhibitors have been evaluated in preclinical studies as single agents or in combination in solid tumors, some of which have included sarcomas where activity was observed. Clinical trials evaluating topoisomerase I inhibitors for the treatment of sarcoma have shown limited efficacy as monotherapy. In combination with other cytotoxic agents, topoisomerase I inhibitors have become part of clinical routine in selected sarcoma subtypes. Regimens such as irinotecan/vincristine/temozolomide are used in relapsed rhabdomyosarcoma, irinotecan/temozolomide and vincristine/topotecan/cyclophosphamide are commonly given in refractory Ewing sarcoma, and topotecan/carboplatin showed some activity in advanced soft tissue sarcoma. This review provides an overview of key studies with topoisomerase I inhibitors for the treatment of sarcoma. Topoisomerase I inhibitors are currently also being assessed as “payloads” for antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), allowing for the targeting of specific antigen-expressing tumor cells and the delivery of the inhibitor directly to the tumor cells with the potential of enhancing therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity. Here, we also provide a brief overview on topoisomerase I-ADCs. Key Message: Topoisomerase I inhibitors are an important component of some systemic therapies for selected sarcomas and have potent cytotoxic properties and pharmacological characteristics that make them relevant candidates as payloads for the development of sarcoma-specific ADCs. ADCs are antibody-based targeted agents allowing for efficient and specific delivery of a given drug to the tumor cell. Topoisomerase I-ADCs are a novel targeted delivery approach which may have the potential to improve the therapeutic index of topoisomerase I inhibitors in the treatment of sarcoma and warrants investigation in a broad variety of mesenchymal malignancies.
Characterizing Decision-Making Surrounding Exercise in ARVC: Analysis of Decisional Conflict, Decisional Regret, and Shared Decision-Making
Authors: Sweeney Jessica , Tichnell Crystal , Christian Susan , Pendelton Catherine , Murray Brittney , Roter Debra L. , Jamal Leila , Calkins Hugh , James Cynthia A.
Published: November 2023

Background:

Limiting high-intensity exercise is recommended for patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) due to its association with penetrance, arrhythmias, and structural progression. Guidelines recommend shared decision-making (SDM) for exercise level, but there is little evidence regarding its impact. Therefore, we sought to evaluate the extent and implications of SDM for exercise, decisional conflict, and decisional regret in patients with ARVC and at-risk relatives.

Methods:

Adults diagnosed with ARVC or with positive genetic testing enrolled in the Johns Hopkins ARVC Registry were invited to complete a questionnaire that included exercise history and current exercise, SDM (SDM-Q-9), decisional conflict, and decisional regret.

Results:

The response rate was 64.8%. Two-thirds of participants (68.0%, n=121) reported clinically significant decisional conflict regarding exercise at diagnosis/genetic testing (DCS [decisional conflict scale]≥25), and half (55.1%, n=98) in the past year. Prevalence of decisional regret was also high with 55.3% (n=99) reporting moderate to severe decisional regret (DRS [decisional regret scale]≥25). The extent of SDM was highly variable ranging from no (0) to perfect (100) SDM (mean, 59.6±25.0). Those diagnosed in adolescence (≤age 21) reported significantly more SDM (
P
=0.013). Importantly, SDM was associated with less decisional conflict (ß=−0.66, R
2
=0.567,
P
<0.01) and decisional regret (ß=−0.37, R
2
=0.180,
P
<0.001) and no difference in vigorous intensity aerobic exercise in the 6 months after diagnosis/genetic testing or the past year (
P
=0.56;
P
=0.34, respectively).

Conclusions:

SDM is associated with lower decisional conflict and decisional regret; and no difference in postdiagnosis exercise. Our data thus support SDM as the preferred model for exercise discussions for ARVC.
Single‐Cell Atlas of Neonatal Mouse Hearts Reveals an Unexpected Cardiomyocyte
Authors: Shen Junwei , Ma Linlin , Hu Jing , Li Yanfei
Published: November 2023

Background

Single‐cell RNA sequencing is widely used in cancer research and organ development because of its powerful ability to analyze cellular heterogeneity. However, its application in cardiomyocytes is dissatisfactory mainly because the cardiomyocytes are too large and fragile to withstand traditional single‐cell approaches.

Methods and Results

Through designing the isolation procedure of neonatal mouse cardiac cells, we provide detailed cellular atlases of the heart at single‐cell resolution across 4 different stages after birth. We have obtained 10 000 cardiomyocytes; to our knowledge, this is the most extensive reference framework to date. Moreover, we have discovered unexpected erythrocyte‐like cardiomyocyte–terminal cardiomyocytes, comprising more than a third of all cardiomyocytes. Only a few genes are highly expressed in these cardiomyocytes. They are highly differentiated cardiomyocytes that function as contraction pumps. In addition, we have identified 2 cardiomyocyte‐like conducting cells, lending support to the theory that the sinoatrial node pacemaker cells are specialized cardiomyocytes. Notably, we provide an initial blueprint for comprehensive interactions between cardiomyocytes and other cardiac cells.

Conclusions

This mouse cardiac cell atlas improves our understanding of cardiomyocyte heterogeneity and provides a valuable reference in response to varying physiological conditions and diseases.
Heart Disease Mortality in Cancer Survivors: A Population‐Based Study in Japan
Authors: Gon Yasufumi , Zha Ling , Sasaki Tsutomu , Morishima Toshitaka , Ohno Yuko , Mochizuki Hideki , Sobue Tomotaka , Miyashiro Isao
Published: November 2023

Background

Data on the risk of cardiovascular‐related mortality in patients with cancer are limited.

Methods and Results

This retrospective cohort study used data from the Osaka Cancer Registry and vital statistics in Japan between 1985 and 2013. The causes of death were investigated, and the risk of fatal heart disease was analyzed. Standardized mortality ratios were calculated to compare the risk of fatal heart disease between patients with cancer and the general population. Fine and Gray competing risk regression models were used to assess the risk of fatal heart disease among patients with cancer. In total, 682 886 patients with cancer were included in the analysis, and 335 635 patients died during the study period. Heart disease was the leading cause of noncancer deaths, with 10 686 deaths. Among the patients who died of heart disease, 5017 had ischemic heart disease, 3598 had heart failure, 356 had hypertensive disease, and 1715 had other heart diseases. The standardized mortality ratio for heart disease was 2.80 (95% CI, 2.74–2.85). The standardized mortality ratio for ischemic heart disease, heart failure, and hypertensive disease were 3.26 (95% CI, 3.17–3.35), 2.69 (95% CI, 2.60–2.78), and 5.97 (95% CI, 5.38–6.63), respectively. The risk of fatal heart disease increased over time after cancer diagnosis. Men were more likely to die of heart disease than women (subdistribution hazard ratio, 1.08 [95% CI, 1.02–1.16]). The risk of fatal heart disease among cancer survivors has decreased in recent years.

Conclusions

Cancer survivors have a higher risk of fatal heart disease than the general population.
Disability Status and Secondary Prevention Among Survivors of Stroke: A Cross‐Sectional Analysis of the 2011 to 2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Zhou Tianna , de Havenon Adam , Sheth Kevin N. , Ross Joseph S.
Published: November 2023

Background

Among survivors of stroke, adherence to secondary prevention care is associated with decreased risk of recurrent stroke. However, not all survivors of stroke use secondary stroke prevention treatment. We examined the association between the disability status of survivors of stroke and their treatment and control of diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension.

Methods and Results

In a cross‐sectional analysis of the 2011 to 2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we compared diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension treatment and control rates among self‐reported survivors of stroke age ≥20 years with and without disability. Disability was defined as self‐reporting any of 5 physical or 4 functional domains assessed using a structured questionnaire. Logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, race and ethnicity, and history of medical conditions were used to estimate associations between disability status and risk factor treatment and control. The mean age of survivors of stroke was 65.1 years, and 55.5% were female; 76% (95% CI, 72.7%–79.3%) self‐reported at least 1 disability. Age‐standardized treatment rates for diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension were 33.1% (95% CI, 26.9%–39.2%), 67.5% (95% CI, 62.6%–72.3%), and 78.4% (95% CI, 74.6%–82.2%), respectively. Age‐standardized control rates for diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension were 86.8% (95% CI, 83.8%–89.8%), 20.5% (95% CI, 15.0%–25.9%), and 47.1% (95% CI, 42.6%–51.7%), respectively. In adjusted models, those with and without disabilities had similar odds of risk factor treatment and control.

Conclusions

In the United States, three‐quarters of survivors of stroke self‐reported a disability, and these patients had similar odds of diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension treatment and control compared with those without disability.
Varying Definitions of Carotid Intima‐Media Thickness and Future Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Ling Yong , Wan Yiming , Barinas‐Mitchell Emma , Fujiyoshi Akira , Cui Hui , Maimaiti Aikedan , Xu Rong , Li Jing , Suo Chen , Zaid Maryam
Published: November 2023

Background

Carotid intima‐media thickness (cIMT) has been widely used as a predictor of future cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, various definitions of cIMT exist. This study provides a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the associations between different cIMT definitions and CVD.

Methods and results

A systematic review of the different cIMT definitions used in prospective cohort studies was performed. The relationships between cIMT of different definitions (common carotid artery IMT [CCA‐IMT], internal carotid artery IMT [ICA‐IMT], combined segments [combined‐IMT], mean CCA‐IMT, and maximum CCA‐IMT) with future stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), and CVD events were analyzed using random effects models. Among 2287 articles, 18 articles (14 studies) with >10 different cIMT definitions were identified and included in our meta‐analysis. After adjusting for age and sex, a 1‐SD increase in CCA‐IMT was associated with future stroke (hazard ratio [HR], 1.32 [95% CI, 1.27–1.38]), MI (HR, 1.27 [95% CI, 1.22–1.33]), and CVD events (HR, 1.28 [95% CI, 1.19–1.37]). A 1‐SD increase in ICA‐IMT was related to future stroke (HR, 1.25 [95% CI, 1.11–1.42]) and CVD events (HR, 1.25 [95% CI, 1.04–1.50]) but not MI (HR, 1.26 [95% CI, 0.98–1.61]). A 1‐SD increase in combined‐IMT was associated with future stroke (HR, 1.30 [95% CI, 1.08–1.57]) and CVD events (HR, 1.36 [95% CI, 1.23–1.49]). Maximum CCA‐IMT was more strongly related than mean CCA‐IMT with risk of MI, and both measures were similarly associated with stroke and CVD events.

Conclusions

Combined‐IMT is more strongly associated with CVD events compared with single‐segment cIMT definitions. Maximum CCA‐IMT shows a stronger association with MI than mean CCA‐IMT. Further research is warranted to validate our findings and to standardize the cIMT measurement protocol, as well as to explore underlying mechanisms.
Coronary Plaque Characteristics and Underlying Mechanism of Acute Coronary Syndromes in Different Age Groups of Patients With Diabetes
Authors: Suzuki Keishi , Niida Takayuki , Yuki Haruhito , Kinoshita Daisuke , Fujimoto Daichi , Lee Hang , McNulty Iris , Takano Masamichi , Nakamura Sunao , Kakuta Tsunekazu , Mizuno Kyoichi , Jang Ik‐Kyung
Published: November 2023

Background

High cardiovascular mortality has been reported in young patients with diabetes. However, the underlying pathology in different age groups of patients with diabetes has not been studied.

Methods and Results

The aim of this study was to investigate the plaque characteristics and underlying pathology of acute coronary syndrome in different age groups of patients with or without diabetes in a large cohort. Patients who presented with acute coronary syndrome and underwent preintervention optical coherence tomography imaging were included. Culprit plaque was classified as plaque rupture, plaque erosion, or calcified plaque and stratified into 5 age groups. Plaque characteristics including features of vulnerability were examined by optical coherence tomography. Among 1394 patients, 482 (34.6%) had diabetes. Patients with diabetes, compared with patients without diabetes, had a higher prevalence of lipid‐rich plaque (71.2% versus 64.8%,
P
=0.016), macrophage (72.0% versus 62.6%,
P
<0.001), and cholesterol crystal (27.6% versus 19.7%,
P
<0.001). Both diabetes and nondiabetes groups showed a decreasing trend in plaque erosion with age (patients with diabetes,
P
=0.020; patients without diabetes,
P
<0.001). Patients without diabetes showed an increasing trend with age in plaque rupture (
P
=0.004) and lipid‐rich plaque (
P
=0.018), whereas patients with diabetes had a high prevalence of these vulnerable features at an early age that remained high across age groups.

Conclusions

Patients without diabetes showed an increasing trend with age in plaque rupture and lipid‐rich plaque, whereas patients with diabetes had a high prevalence of these vulnerable features at an early age. These results suggest that atherosclerotic vascular changes with increased vulnerability start at a younger age in patients with diabetes.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifiers: NCT04523194, NCT03479723. URL:
https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/
. Unique identifier: UMIN000041692.
Interventions to Attenuate Cardiovascular Calcification Progression: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Murali Shashank , Smith Edward R. , Tiong Mark K. , Tan Sven‐Jean , Toussaint Nigel D.
Published: November 2023

Background

Cardiovascular calcification, characterized by deposition of calcium phosphate in the arterial wall and heart valves, is associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and is commonly seen in aging, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. Whether evidence‐based interventions could significantly attenuate cardiovascular calcification progression remains uncertain.

Methods and Results

We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials involving interventions, compared with placebo, another comparator, or standard of care, to attenuate cardiovascular calcification. Included clinical trials involved participants without chronic kidney disease, and the outcome was cardiovascular calcification measured using radiological methods. Quality of evidence was determined by the Cochrane risk of bias and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations assessment. Forty‐nine randomized controlled trials involving 9901 participants (median participants 104, median duration 12 months) were eligible for inclusion. Trials involving aged garlic extract (n=6 studies) consistently showed attenuation of cardiovascular calcification. Trials involving 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (n=14), other lipid‐lowering agents (n=2), hormone replacement therapies (n=3), vitamin K (n=5), lifestyle measures (n=4), and omega‐3 fatty acids (n=2) consistently showed no attenuation of cardiovascular calcification with these therapies. Trials involving antiresorptive (n=2), antihypertensive (n=2), antithrombotic (n=4), and hypoglycemic agents (n=3) showed mixed results. Singleton studies involving salsalate, folate with vitamin B6 and 12, and dalcetrapib showed no attenuation of cardiovascular calcification. Overall, Cochrane risk of bias was moderate, and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations assessment for a majority of analyses was moderate certainty of evidence.

Conclusions

Currently, there are insufficient or conflicting data for interventions evaluated in clinical trials for mitigation of cardiovascular calcification. Therapy involving aged garlic extract appears most promising, but evaluable studies were small and of short duration.
Incidental visual processing of spatiotemporal cues in communicative interactions: An fMRI investigation
Authors: Atkinson Anthony P. , Vuong Quoc C.
Published: November 2023

The interpretation of social interactions between people is important in many daily situations. The coordination of the relative body movements between them may provide visual cues that observers use without attention to discriminate such social interactions from the actions of people acting independently of each other. Previous studies highlighted brain regions involved in the visual processing of interacting versus independently acting people, including posterior superior temporal sulcus, and areas of lateral occipitotemporal and parietal cortices. Unlike these previous studies, we focused on the incidental visual processing of social interactions; that is, the processing of the body movements outside the observers’ focus of attention. In the current study, we used functional imaging to measure brain activation while participants were presented with point-light dyads portraying communicative interactions or individual actions. However, their task was to discriminate the brightness of two crosses also on the screen. To investigate brain regions that may process the spatial and temporal relationships between the point-light displays, we either reversed the facing direction of one agent or spatially scrambled the local motion of the points. Incidental processing of communicative interactions elicited activation in right anterior STS only when the two agents were facing each other. Controlling for differences in local motion by subtracting brain activation to scrambled versions of the point-light displays revealed significant activation in parietal cortex for communicative interactions, as well as left amygdala and brain stem/cerebellum. Our results complement previous studies and suggest that additional brain regions may be recruited to incidentally process the spatial and temporal contingencies that distinguish people acting together from people acting individually.
Person and Nature in Maxentius the Scythian (fl. ca. 518–523)
Authors: Portaru Marius
Published: November 2023

Although Abbas Maxentius the Scythian (fl. ca. 518–523) played a major role in the post-Chalcedonian debate and his personality is generally appreciated by historians, his specific Christological contribution has remained insufficiently integrated into the narratives of the period. With few exceptions, his activity is reduced to a mere annexe of Justinian’s Church politics. In the present study, after a concise introduction to the life and work of Maxentius and the Cyrillian Chalcedonian tradition of Scythia minor, I analyse Maxentius’ distinction between ‘person’ and ‘nature’ in Christology.
Religious Moderation as Good Life: Two Responses to the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ Directive on Religious Moderation in Indonesia
Authors: Singgih Emanuel Gerrit
Published: November 2023

In 2019, the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia launched the book Moderasi Beragama (“Religious Moderation”) with a supplement in the form of question and answer, followed in 2020 by Peta Jalan Penguatan Moderasi Beragama (“Road Map for Strengthening Religious Moderation”), with Road Map (in English) as the main title. The Ministry of Religious Affairs aimed to establish an official governmental directive for expressing religious convictions and aspirations, both internally and in public. The directive is intended to neutralize religious radicalism through awareness of the religiously plural context of Indonesia, and the fact that all religions of Indonesia have accepted Pancasila as the state ideology. The purpose of this study is to discuss and evaluate the concept of religious moderation proposed by the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The examination will be conducted through a dialogue involving two public Christian responses to Moderasi Beragama.
The Contribution of Croatian Women Philosophers to the Study of Croatian Philosophy
Authors: Boršić Luka , Skuhala Karasman Ivana
Published: November 2023

This text comprises three distinct sections. In the initial part, we give an overview of some specificities of Croatian, i.e., national philosophy. In the subsequent section, five Croatian women philosophers are represented from the perspective of their contributions to Croatian philosophy; we offer an overview of their works and evaluate their overall contributions to Croatian philosophy. Finally, in the concluding section, we provide an explanation for the notably heightened significance of Croatian women philosophers in advancing the exploration of national philosophy in comparison to their male counterparts.
A new species of the genus Eutyphoeus Michaelsen 1900 (Clitellata: Acanthodrilidae) from the North-Eastern Biogeographic Zone, India
Authors: AHMED SHAKOOR , JULKA JATINDER MOHAN , BANERJEE DHRITI , MARIMUTHU NITHYANANDAM
Published: November 2023

A new species of the genus Eutyphoeus is described herein from the material collected from Assam, the North-eastern region of India. The new species Eutyphoeus dhubriensis sp. nov. belongs to a group of avestibulate, metandric species, with bidiverticulate spermathecae, lacking lateral intestinal caecae. The proposed species is distinguished from its congeners by the shape, position of genital markings and associated glands, as well as number and position of ventral intestinal caecae and supra-intestinal glands.
Observations and Estimates of Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature in Varied Microclimates
Authors: Clark Jordan , Konrad Charles E.
Published: November 2023

Wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) is used to assess environmental heat stress and accounts for the influences of air temperature, humidity, wind speed, and radiation on heat stress. Measurements of WBGT are highly sensitive to slight changes in environmental conditions and can vary several degrees Celsius across small distances (tens to hundreds of meters). Relative to observations with an International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-compliant WBGT meter, this work assesses the accuracy of WBGT measurements made with a popular handheld meter (the Kestrel 5400 Heat Stress Tracker) and WBGT estimates. Measurements were made during the summers of 2019–21 in a variety of suburban and urban environments in North Carolina, including three high school campuses. WBGT can be estimated from standard weather station variables, and many of these stations report cloud cover in lieu of solar radiation. Therefore, this work also evaluates the accuracy of clear-sky radiation estimates and adjustments to those estimates based on cloud cover. WBGT estimated with the method from Liljegren et al. from a weather station were on average 0.2°C warmer than Observed WBGT, while the Kestrel 5400 WBGT was 0.7°C warmer. Large variations in WBGT were observed across surfaces and shade conditions, with differences of 0.9°C (0.3°–1.4°C) between a tennis court and a neighboring grass field. The method for estimating clear-sky radiation in Ryan and Stolzenbach was most accurate and the clear-sky radiation modified by percentage cloud cover was found to be within 75 W m−2of observations on average.

Significance Statement

Wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) is a heat stress index that accounts for the effects of air temperature, humidity, wind, and radiation on humans. However, WBGT is not routinely measured at weather stations. This work demonstrated the accuracy of estimating WBGT with methods from Liljegren et al. (2008), finding it to be more accurate than measurements from a popular handheld meter, the Kestrel 5400 Heat Stress Tracker. Variations in WBGT that result in different danger levels were found between measurements over a tennis court and a neighboring grass field, and between sun and shade conditions. Understanding the magnitude of these differences and the biases with WBGT estimates and measurements can inform the planning of outdoor activity to robustly safeguard health.
Team Readiness to Change: Reflexivity, Tenure, and Vision in Play
Authors: Groulx Patrick , Johnson Kevin , Harvey Jean-François
Published: November 2023

How can teams make sense of a complex organizational transformation and be ready to change? These questions must be addressed as organizations turn towards team-based structures to become more reactive. During organizational transformations, we argue team reflexivity enables team members to share interpretations of changes, leading to the development of team change vision—the overarching sense of direction for simultaneous change initiatives. We further argue that team reflexivity is more effective for teams with greater team tenure dispersion and additive team tenure. We tested and found support for our theory using time-lagged, survey-based data from 70 teams at a Canadian governmental organization. Overall, our study contributes to team readiness to change literature by identifying team reflexivity as a central information-processing activity enabling teams to develop a team change vision during an organizational transformation and by clarifying the effect of team tenure on such activity.
A Validity Study of the Digitized Version of the Rapid Automatized Naming Test
Authors: Kim Sohyun An , Gotlieb Rebecca , Rhinehart Laura V. , Pedroza Veronica , Wolf Maryanne
Published: November 2023

Rapid automatized naming (RAN) is a powerful predictor of reading fluency, and many digitized dyslexia screeners include RAN as an essential component. However, the validity of digitized RAN has not been established. Using a sample of 174 second-graders, this study tested (1) the comparability between paper and digitized versions of RAN and (2) the validity of the digitized version. We found that paper and digital versions were highly correlated, and such correlation was consistent across students’ reading levels. Further, the digital RAN predicted children’s word reading proficiency as well as the paper version. Moreover, the constructs measured by paper and digital versions of RAN were comparable. We conclude that the digitized RAN is a valid alternative to the traditional paper version for this age group.
Manager Control Over Outcomes? Nature and Nurture Over Time
Authors: Hager Mark A. , Yoon Nara
Published: November 2023

Recent scholarship on organizational change has de-emphasized environment, core competencies at founding, and structural inertia in favor of the study of strategic management. We encourage renewed consideration of forces over which managers have less control. In a reconsideration and conceptual extension of Hager and Brudney’s nature and nurture influences on nonprofit efforts to recruit volunteers, we introduce central dimensions of organizational ecology theory. We assert that more attention to the tenets of organizational ecology will sensitize the field to the influence of environments in which organizations operate. Consistent with Hager and Brudney, our longitudinal assessment of nonprofits not only records the value of purposeful adjustments of programs but also highlights how the evolution of structural conditions plays an essential role in core organizational outcomes in volunteer management. Beyond the usual validation of strategic management, we emphasize that the influence of environment and structure is an essential determinant of the fates of organizations over time.
Conservation and Individual Worth
Authors: Aitken Gill
Published: November 2023

It is commonly supposed that individual animals are of little relevance to conservation which is concerned, instead, with groups of things or ‘wholes’ such as species, habitats, and the like. It is further contended by some that by prioritising individuals, two of those values that are held dear by conservation – namely natural selection and fitness – are compromised. Taking wildlife rehabilitation as a paradigm case of concern for the individual, it is argued that the latter claim is based upon mistaken assumptions. Then, using red deer culling as a case study, the discord between conservation's holistic values and a concern for individual worth is explored. It emerges that the conservation value of red deer culling is more apparent than real and thus that there is more room for conservationists’ acceptance of individual worth than usually supposed.
Retrospective Phylodynamic and Phylogeographic Analysis of the Bluetongue Virus in Tunisia
Authors: Souiai Oussema , Arbi Marwa , Hanachi Mariem , Sallami Ameny , Larbi Imen , Chaouch Melek , Harigua-Souiai Emna , Benkahla Alia
Published: November 2023

Bluetongue virus (BTV) is an arbovirus considered as a major threat for the global livestock economy. Since 1999, Tunisia has experienced several incursions of BTV, during which numerous cases of infection and mortality have been reported. However, the geographical origin and epidemiological characteristics of these incursions remained unclear. To understand the evolutionary history of BTV emergence in Tunisia, we extracted from Genbank the segment 6 sequences of 7 BTV strains isolated in Tunisia during the period 2000 to 2017 and blasted them to obtain a final dataset of 67 sequences. We subjected the dataset to a Bayesian phylogeography framework inferring geographical origin and serotype as phylodynamic models. Our results suggest that BTV-2 was first introduced in Tunisia in the 1960s and that since 1990s, the country has witnessed the emergence of other typical and atypical BTV serotypes notably BTV-1, BTV-3 and BTV-Y. The reported serotypes have a diverse geographical origin and have been transmitted to Tunisia from countries in the Mediterranean Basin. Interserotype reassortments have been identified among BTV-1, BTV-2 and BTV-Y. This study has provided new insights on the temporal and geographical origin of BTV in Tunisia, suggesting the contribution of animal trade and environment conditions in virus spread.
Approaching Reflexivity in Animated Documentary through a Spatial Taxonomy: An Analysis of Polonia (2023)
Authors: Pater Lukasz
Published: November 2023

Animated documentary has at its core the tension of the filmmaker attempting to represent and speak about the historical world while working in a medium that is wholly constructed and lacking in evidentiary indexicality. Reflexivity – the revelation of animation’s constructedness – is considered by many scholars to be a key element in resolving this tension and granting animation documentary legitimacy. In this article, the author reflects on the reflexive strategies he used in making the animated documentary, Polonia (2023). He posits that the film is the result of the dynamic between the processes of reconstruction – the piecing together of the historical narrative through the collection of testimony and gathering of evidence – and construction – the building of the filmic world. These processes are manifest in the film as distinct aesthetics and a spatial taxonomy – ‘archival’ and ‘cinematic’ spaces that embody the tension between actuality and creative interpretation.