bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heterologous expression of the maize transcription factor ZmbHLH36 enhances abiotic stress tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Dai Zhenggang , Zhao Keyong , Zheng Dengyu , Guo Siyu , Zou Huawen , Wu Zhongyi , Zhang Chun
Published: May 2024

Basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors are widely distributed in eukaryotes, and in plants, they regulate many biological processes, such as cell differentiation, development, metabolism, and stress responses. Few studies have focused on the roles of bHLH transcription factors in regulating growth, development, and stress responses in maize (Zea mays), even though such information would greatly benefit maize breeding programs. In this study, we cloned the maize transcription factor gene ZmbHLH36 (Gene ID: 100193615, GRMZM2G008691). ZmbHLH36 possesses conserved domains characteristic of the bHLH family. RT-qPCR analysis revealed that ZmbHLH36 was expressed at the highest level in maize roots and exhibited different expression patterns under various abiotic stress conditions. Transgenic Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) plants heterologously expressing ZmbHLH36 had significantly longer roots than the corresponding non-transgenic plants under 0.1 and 0.15 mol L−1 NaCl treatment as well as 0.2 mol L−1 mannitol treatment. Phenotypic analysis of soil-grown plants under stress showed that transgenic Arabidopsis plants harboring ZmbHLH36 exhibited significantly enhanced drought tolerance and salt tolerance compared to the corresponding non-transgenic plants. Malondialdehyde contents were lower and peroxidase activity was higher in ZmbHLH36-expressing Arabidopsis plants than in the corresponding non-transgenic plants. ZmbHLH36 localized to the nucleus when expressed in maize protoplasts. This study provides a systematic analysis of the effects of ZmbHLH36 on root growth, development, and stress responses in transgenic Arabidopsis, laying a foundation for further analysis of its roles and molecular mechanisms in maize.
Widespread and active piezotolerant microorganisms mediate phenolic compound degradation under high hydrostatic pressure in hadal trenches
Authors: Ling Hao , Lv Yongxin , Zhang Yu , Zhou Ning-Yi , Xu Ying
Published: May 2024

Phenolic compounds, as well as other aromatic compounds, have been reported to be abundant in hadal trenches. Although high-throughput sequencing studies have hinted at the potential of hadal microbes to degrade these compounds, direct microbiological, genetic and biochemical evidence under in situ pressures remain absent. Here, a microbial consortium and a pure culture of Pseudomonas, newly isolated from Mariana Trench sediments, efficiently degraded phenol under pressures up to 70 and 60 MPa, respectively, with concomitant increase in biomass. By analyzing a high-pressure (70 MPa) culture metatranscriptome, not only was the entire range of metabolic processes under high pressure generated, but also genes encoding complete phenol degradation via ortho- and meta-cleavage pathways were revealed. The isolate of Pseudomonas also contained genes encoding the complete degradation pathway. Six transcribed genes (dmpKLMNOPsed) were functionally identified to encode a multicomponent hydroxylase catalyzing the hydroxylation of phenol and its methylated derivatives by heterogeneous expression. In addition, key catabolic genes identified in the metatranscriptome of the high-pressure cultures and genomes of bacterial isolates were found to be all widely distributed in 22 published hadal microbial metagenomes. At microbiological, genetic, bioinformatics, and biochemical levels, this study found that microorganisms widely found in hadal trenches were able to effectively drive phenolic compound degradation under high hydrostatic pressures. This information will bridge a knowledge gap concerning the microbial aromatics degradation within hadal trenches.
Nanoformulation of dasatinib cannot overcome therapy resistance of pancreatic cancer cells with low LYN kinase expression
Authors: Kaul Marilyn , Sanin Ahmed Y. , Shi Wenjie , Janiak Christoph , Kahlert Ulf D.
Published: May 2024

Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most difficult to treat tumors. The Src (sarcoma) inhibitor dasatinib (DASA) has shown promising efficacy in preclinical studies of PDAC. However, clinical confirmation could not be achieved. Overall, our aim was to deliver arguments for the possible reinitiating clinical testing of this compound in a biomarker-stratifying therapy trial for PDAC patients. We tested if the nanofunctionalization of DASA can increase the drug efficacy and whether certain Src members can function as clinical predictive biomarkers.

Methods

Methods include manufacturing of poly(vinyl alcohol) stabilized gold nanoparticles and their drug loading, dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, Zeta potential measurement, sterile human cell culture, cell growth quantification, accessing and evaluating transcriptome and clinical data from molecular tumor dataset TCGA, as well as various statistical analyses.

Results

We generated homo-dispersed nanofunctionalized DASA as an AuNP@PVA-DASA conjugate. The composite did not enhance the anti-growth effect of DASA on PDAC cell lines. The cell model with high LYN expression showed the strongest response to the therapy. We confirm deregulated Src kinetome activity as a prevalent feature of PDAC by revealing mRNA levels associated with higher malignancy grade of tumors. BLK (B lymphocyte kinase) expression predicts shorter overall survival of diabetic PDAC patients.

Conclusions

Nanofunctionalization of DASA needs further improvement to overcome the therapy resistance of PDAC. LYN mRNA is augmented in tumors with higher malignancy and can serve as a predictive biomarker for the therapy resistance of PDAC cells against DASA. Studying the biological roles of BLK might help to identify underlying molecular mechanisms associated with PDAC in diabetic patients.
Unlocking Innovations: Exploring the Role of Kefir in Product Development
Authors: Manjunatha Vishal , Bhattacharjee Disha , Flores Clara
Published: May 2024

Purpose of Review

The current review explores kefir's role in product development, investigating production methods, microbial composition, and health benefits across traditional and industrial processes. Variations in fermentation techniques and microbial diversity, highlighting milk and water kefir's potential as functional foods catering to diverse consumer preferences, have been evaluated.

Recent Findings

Recent literature underscores the diverse microbial community in kefir grains, which contributes to texture, flavor, and biological properties, including antimicrobial, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. Kefir-based products are diverse and include traditional fermented milk drinks and innovative formulations like kefir cheese and powdered starter cultures, with emerging techniques such as spray drying resolving issues in shelf life and storage stability.

The beneficial aspect of Kefir makes it a promising avenue for innovation in product development by exploiting fermentation matrices and augmenting it with vitamins, minerals, and probiotics thereby enhancing its functional properties for gut health and diverse diet. Emerging technologies have been critical in tackling the challenges of shelf life and packaging costs. Continuing research and innovation addresses kefir's potential as a functional food, catering to the growing demand for health-oriented and sustainable products.
Photodegradation of cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-THC in cannabis plant material
Authors: Bini Arianna , Salerno Sofia , Protti Stefano , Pollastro Federica , Profumo Antonella , Morini Luca , Merli Daniele
Published: May 2024

Δ9-THC, the psychotropic cannabinoid in Cannabis sativa L., for many years has been the focus of all the pharmacological attention as the main promising principle of the plant. Recently, however, cannabidiol (CBD) has brought a sudden change in the scenario, exponentially increasing the interest in pharmacology as the main non-psychotropic cannabinoid with potential therapeutic, cosmetical and clinical applications. Although the reactivity of CBD and Δ9-THC has been considered, little attention has been paid to the possible photodegradation of these cannabinoids in the vegetal matrix and the data available in the literature are, in some cases, contradictory. The aim of the present work is to provide a characterization of the photochemical behaviour of CBD and Δ9-THC in three cannabis chemotypes, namely I (Δ9-THC 2.50%w/w), II (CBD:Δ9-THC 5.82%w/w:3.19%w/w) and III (CBD 3.02%w/w).

Graphical abstract
Physico-chemical and correlation study of ground drinking water of Tonk district of Rajasthan (India)
Authors: Bairwa Avinash Kumar , Gupta Ashok Kumar , Mishra Vivek , Gupta Kalpana
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the qualitative analysis of groundwater obtained from the Tonk district of Rajasthan to determine its suitability as potable water. Around 321 ground drinking water samples were collected and analysed for various physico-chemical characteristics including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solid (TDS), HCO3−, F−, Cl−, SO42−, NO3−, Ca2+, Mg2+, total hardness (TH) and total alkalinity (TA) in Tonk district of Rajasthan (India). The groundwater in the region is a little alkaline and hard. The EC during the pre-monsoon period varies from 434 to 7271 µS/cm, while in the post-monsoon period, it ranges from 356 to 8871 µS/cm. TDS of samples ranged between 285 to 5090 mg/L in the pre-monsoon and 247 to 6140 mg/L post-monsoon seasons. Few samples have EC, TDS, and TH levels higher than the permissible limit, restricts its usage as drinking water. The water quality in the study area varies from soft-fresh to hard-brackish in both pre- and post-monsoon seasons. Anion concentrations in analysed samples followed the order: HCO3− > Cl− > SO42− > NO3− > F−. Notably, the Water quality index (WQI) results for all collected samples fall within the range of 4.55–96.83, indicating they are considered safe and suitable for drinking purposes. Water quality data was analysed by correlation study and geochemical processes. A strong correlation between the Water Quality Index (WQI) and fluoride levels is found in both seasons. The geochemical analysis shows that most of the samples are in the rock water interaction zone, with some in the evaporation zone due to the high content of chloride ions. The groundwater chemistry appears to be influenced by rock-water interaction and evaporation sedimentation. The molar ratio of  Ca2+/Mg2+ denotes calcite dissolution and silicate weathering revealing enrichment of Ca2+ and HCO3− ions in aquifer.
Complex Pythagorean Normal Interval-Valued Fuzzy Aggregation Operators for Solving Medical Diagnosis Problem
Authors: Palanikumar Murugan , Kausar Nasreen , Pamucar Dragan , Khan Salma , Shah Mohd Asif
Published: May 2024

This paper presents a new methodology for solving multiple-attribute decision-making problems (MADMs) using a complex Pythagorean normal interval-valued fuzzy set (CPNIVFS), which is an extended concept of a complex Pythagorean fuzzy set. Four types of different aggregating operations (AOs), including CPNIVF weighted averaging (CPNIVFWA), CPNIVF weighted geometric (CPNIVFWG), generalized CPNIVFWA (CGPNIVFWA), and generalized CPNIVFWG (CGPNIVFWG), are discussed. The scoring function, accuracy function, and operational laws of the CPNIVFS are defined. Algebraic structures, such as associative, distributive, idempotent, bounded, commutativity, and monotonicity properties, are also shown to be satisfied by complex Pythagorean normal interval-valued fuzzy numbers. Furthermore, an algorithm is proposed to solve the MADM problems based on the defined AOs. The proposed approach is then used for a medical diagnosis problem about brain tumors because computer science and machine tool technology are among the most important components of brain tumor research. The five types of brain tumors diagnosed in these patients are gliomas, meningiomas, metastases, embryonal tumors, and ependymomas. Several types of treatments are available, which are often combined as part of an overall treatment plan. Brain tumors can be treated in various ways, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and clinical trials. Based on the comparisons and options gathered, the most suitable treatment can be chosen. In this regard, it is evident that the value of the integer $$\Game $$
⅁
plays a significant role in determining the model. The candidate models under consideration can be validated by comparing them with the previously proposed ones. The proposed technique is compared with the existing method to demonstrate its superiority and validity, and the results conclude that the former is more reliable and effective than the latter. Finally, the criteria are evaluated by expert assessments to determine the most appropriate options.
Deriving the Distribution and Exploring the Utility of Partial $$R^2$$ in the Era of Big Data
Authors: Hawk Gregory S. , Thompson Katherine L.
Published: May 2024

A central goal in the world of statistics and data science is the construction of linear regression models for continuous variables of interest. Often, our objective is to examine the impact of one or more explanatory variables, after adjusting for demographic covariates or other known/relevant factor(s). While the traditional approach is to use hypothesis testing to determine statistical significance, the p-values obtained are heavily dependent on sample size. This is particularly problematic for large datasets or “overpowered” studies, where even the tiniest of effects will appear to be highly significant. Computing capabilities and cloud-enhanced data sharing have revolutionized the way we use data worldwide, from healthcare and investments to manufacturing and retail. While machine learning and artificial intelligence are improving predictive analytics, we need better statistical inference to help understand and translate our models into meaningful and actionable insights. The coefficient of partial determination (or partial$$\varvec{R^{2}}$$

R
2

) is widely used in applied science to supplement hypothesis testing, but little work has been done to understand its statistical properties. In this work, we derive the complete distribution of partial $$R^{2}$$

R
2

and perform simulated and real-world data analyses to show the advantages of adding it to your next analysis of Big Data.
Estimation of Blood Pressure by Image-Free, Wearable Ultrasound
Authors: Amado Rey Ana Belen
Published: May 2024

1.28 billion adults worldwide have high pressure, and only 21% of people have it under control. If high blood pressure (BP) is not diagnosed and treated properly, then there is a high risk for cardiovascular diseases, the main cause of mortality. Ultrasound has emerged as a potential medical imaging system to monitor cardiovascular health. It is comfortable, noninvasive, safe, and a very well-established and well-known technology. However, there are currently no commercial single ultrasound systems to directly quantify vascular parameters, without the need for complex imaging algorithms, additional software-based solutions, and high energy demands that limit portable and prolonged measurements. In this paper, we present the steps to design an image-free novel ultrasound device to continuously extract vital parameters, with a focus on BP. Moreover, as the BP waveforms are amplified toward the periphery (i.e., from the aorta to the radial artery), we applied mathematical models and algorithms, specific to the site of measurement, to accurately extract BP. We validated these algorithms in silico, in vitro, and ex vivo, where tissue and artery phantoms help emulate human physiology. In young subjects, an in silico pulse pressure (PP) correlation of 0.978 and a mean difference of (– 2.85 ± 2.57) mmHg at the radial artery were achieved. The ex vivo PP correlation was 0.986, with a mean difference of (1.72 ± 3.29) mmHg. Soon thereafter, in vivo measurements of BP and stiffness, and their correlation analysis will be performed to corroborate the accuracy of the developed proof-of-concept device.
Learning pains: system design, management, and lessons learned using electronic patient reported outcomes in the QUEST study of chronic post-amputation pain
Authors: Iorio Matthew , Legaspi Rumil , Syed Shah Nemath , Hargus Nick
Published: May 2024

Background

Studying pain clinically can be challenging. Typically, studies use paper diaries and measure pain from baseline and some pre-specified study endpoints. Both can lead to inaccuracies if studying on-demand device use. The QUEST study evaluating the safety and effectiveness of the investigational Altius device for treating chronic post-amputation pain (PAP) became, to our knowledge, the first longitudinal study to capture and validate repeated measurements using electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePRO).

Methods

The system was designed to capture pain episodes, device use, pain medication use and prosthetic use in “real-time.” Subjects received an electronic diary (eDiary) during screening and were required to demonstrate compliant reporting, and requisite pain levels to progress towards device implantation. Data were collected and merged with Altius session data and study visit data for 3 Month Primary Endpoint analysis. Compliance data across Device Treatment and End-of-Day Reports were also collected.

Results

eDiary Eligibility pass rate during screening was 82% (410/497 subjects). Subjects generated 1,773,356 datapoints and 197,952 reports throughout QUEST. A total of 14,337 device uses were captured during Randomized Testing, with 77.0% and 82.7% compliant Device-use Reports and End-of-Day Reports captured, respectively. QUEST results are presented elsewhere (clinicaltrials.gov Identifier NCT 00221934).

Conclusions

Neuros and partner vendors developed a unique system to capture accurate, “real-time” pain and treatment data from subjects with chronic PAP, despite health and technical-related challenges. This system provided a robust data set not yet seen in chronic pain literature and could provide a framework for better understanding chronic pain.

Clinical Trial Information ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT02221934, Registration Date: 2014–08-15.
Characteristics and outcomes of children with SARS-CoV-2 respiratory failure: a matched cohort study
Authors: Cheifetz Ira M. , Dawkins-Henry Onella S. , Kong Michele , Asaro Lisa A. , Napolitano Natalie , Perry-Eaddy Mallory A. , Luckett Peter M. , Kneyber Martin C. J. , Wypij David , Curley Martha A. Q. ,   for the PROSpect COVID-19 Investigative Team, Mallory Palen , Yehya Nadir , Kreml Erin , Schwartz Adam , Wellnitz Kari , Clement Katherine , Cornell Timothy , Henry Emilie , Lee Laurie , Mahapatra Sidharth , Porter Melissa B. , Rowan Courtney , Thomas Neal J. , Ward Shan , Aneja Himanshu , Asencio Jessica , Dowell Jasmine , McMahon Kim , Petrescu Matei
Published: May 2024

Background

There are limited data on the clinical characteristics and outcomes of critically ill children requiring mechanical ventilation for SARS-CoV-2 acute respiratory failure.

Methods

We performed a multicentre prospective matched cohort study of mechanically ventilated paediatric patients aged 2 weeks to 18 years with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 acute respiratory failure, excluding Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome. Cases were matched at 1:4 ratio to a pre COVID-19 pandemic paediatric cohort. Age, paediatric acute respiratory distress (PARDS) category, and organ dysfunction on days 0–1 of mechanical ventilation were used to match patients.

Results

Of 53 COVID-19 subjects, 60% were male, median age was 11.1 years (interquartile range 1.6–15.7), and 89% had moderate to severe PARDS on days 0–1. Compared to 195 matched controls, more children with COVID-19 were obese, cognitively or functionally impaired at baseline, Hispanic/Latino, and had pre-existing respiratory and neurologic conditions. Observed 28-day mortality was not different, but the COVID-19 cohort experienced fewer ventilator-free days and, among survivors, longer PICU stays. More COVID-19 patients were transitioned to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Conclusions

Children with COVID-19 related acute respiratory failure suffered disproportionately from chronic conditions and required more critical care support than children with acute respiratory failure without SARS-CoV-2 related infection.
Automated Sentinel-1 sea ice type mapping and in-situ validation during the CIRFA-22 cruise
Authors: Lohse Johannes , Taelman Catherine , Everett Alistair , Hughes Nicholas Edward
Published: May 2024

We present a fully-automated workflow to map sea ice types from Sentinel-1 data and transfer the results in near real-time to the research vessel Kronprins Haakon (KPH) in order to support tactical navigation and decision-making during a research cruise conducted towards Belgica Bank in April and May 2022. We used overlapping SAR and optical imagery to train a pixel-wise classifier for the required season and region, and implemented a processing chain with the Norwegian Ice Service at MET Norway that automatically classifies all Sentinel-1 images covering the area of interest. During the cruise, classification results were available on KPH within hours after image acquisition, which is significantly faster than manually produced ice charts. We evaluate the results both quantitatively, based on manually selected validation regions, and qualitatively in comparison to in-situ observations and photographs. Our findings show that open water, level ice, and deformed ice are classified with high accuracy, while young ice remains challenging due to its variable small-scale surface roughness. This work presents one of the first attempts to transfer automated ice type classification results into the field in near real-time and contributes to bridging the gap between research and operations in automated sea ice mapping.
The relative clause resisting unification
Authors: Wu Tong , Long Haiping
Published: May 2024

Cinque (2020) presents a unified theory positing that various types of relative clauses (RCs) originate from a single, double-headed universal structure via raising or matching. The Frame Noun-Modifying Clause (FRC) as described and analyzed by Matsumoto et al. (2017a, 2017b) presents a significant challenge to Cinque's framework, as it does not conform to any of Cinque's identified RC types, which include amount RCs, kind(-defining) RCs, restrictive RCs and non-restrictive RCs. The FRC eludes derivation via the proposed matching or raising mechanisms. Determining the semantic link between the head noun and the FRC, as well as its external merger position, remains elusive. One might suggest that inserting additional material into the FRC, which incorporates a plausible internal head, could clarify their connection. This approach falls short of providing a systematic and coherent syntactic criterion, relying instead on semantic intuition that lacks operational reliability.
A novel model of inter-institutional, peer-led, competency-based, interactive workshops for continuing education and professional development of clinical research professionals
Authors: Roth Mary-Tara , Lee-Chavarria Diana , Kolb H. Robert , Damus Karla , Sikov Jennifer , Paranal Rechelle , Luebbers Kimberly
Published: May 2024

Introduction:

Clinical research requires a competent workforce of clinical research professionals (CRPs) who are well-trained to perform varied and complex tasks within their roles. The Joint Task Force for Clinical Trial Competency (JTF) framework established essential domains for conducting high-quality clinical research that can guide professional development of CRPs. The Research Professionals Network (RPN) Workshops were established in 2017 to focus on developing ongoing inter-institutional, peer-led, JTF-centric continuing education for CRPs. Four institutions and their affiliates are part of the collaboration.

Methods:

Workshop participant survey data and other metrics were collected over four academic years. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed to assess participant experience and identify relevant themes.

Results:

Participants demonstrated overall high satisfaction with the workshops and significantly value the interpersonal, inter-institutional collaboration made possible through the workshops.

Conclusions:

These inter-institutional RPN Workshops have evolved into a Community of Practice, which can be expanded into future opportunities.
Navigating the challenges of initiating pediatric device trials – a case study
Authors: Hunter R. Brandon , Willson Richard C. , Haridas Balakrishna , Luk Christine , Toman Kara , Heffernan Michael J. , Fischer Gwenyth , Wettergreen Matthew , Koh Chester J.
Published: May 2024

Introduction:

Pediatric medical devices lag behind adult devices due to economic barriers, smaller patient populations, changing anatomy and physiology of patients, regulatory hurdles, and especially difficulties in executing clinical trials. We investigated the requirements, challenges, associated timeline, and costs of conducting a multi-site pivotal clinical trial for a Class II pediatric physiologic monitoring device.

Methods:

This case study focused on the negotiation of clinical trial agreements (CTAs), budgets, and Institutional Review Board (IRB) processing times for a pediatric device trial. We identified key factors contributing to delays in clinical trial execution and potential best practices to expedite the process while maintaining safety, ethics, and efficacy.

Results:

The total time from site contact to first patient enrollment averaged 14 months. CTA and budget negotiations were the most time-consuming processes, averaging nearly 10 and 9 months, respectively. Reliance and local IRB processing also contributed significantly to the timeline, overall adding an average of 6.5 months across institutions. Nearly half of all costs were devoted to regulatory oversight. The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant slowdowns and delays at multiple institutions during study enrollment. Despite these pandemic-induced delays, it is important to note that the issues and themes highlighted remain relevant and have post-pandemic applicability.

Conclusions:

Our case study results underscore the importance of establishing efficient and standardized processing of CTAs, budget negotiations, and use of reliance IRBs to expedite clinical trial execution for pediatric devices. The findings also highlight the need for a national clinical trials network to streamline the clinical trial process.
Impact of mandatory indications for outpatient antibiotic orders on accurate tracking of antibiotic indications
Authors: Oertli Charles , Staub Milner , Zhang Minhua , Katz Sophie E.
Published: May 2024

Objective:

We sought to evaluate whether implementing mandatory indications for outpatient electronic antibiotic orders or using encounter International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD10) codes more accurately reflected clinicians’ charted diagnosis in encounter notes. Secondarily, we examined the appropriateness of antibiotic prescriptions.

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Methods:

Mandatory indications were added to all outpatient electronic antibiotic orders on May 18, 2022. A randomly selected convenience sample of 1300 outpatient encounters with antibiotics from walk-in clinics was reviewed. Adjusted logistic regression was used to compare the congruence between encounter ICD10 code and charted diagnosis for encounters from July 15 to September 15, 2021 (pre-implementation period) to the congruence between encounter ICD10 code, charted diagnosis, and mandatory indication for encounters from July 15 to September 15, 2022 (post-implementation period). Antibiotic appropriateness based on charted diagnosis was also evaluated.

Results:

Among 1300 outpatient encounters, congruence between charted diagnosis and ICD10 code significantly increased in the post-implementation period (87.7% (565/644)) versus pre-implementation (83.3% (540/648), adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.52; 95% CI 1.03–2.25). Congruence between charted diagnosis and mandatory indication during post-implementation was 95.2% (613/644) and >5 times more likely to be congruent than charted diagnosis and ICD10 code during pre-implementation (aOR 5.45; 95% CI 3.26–9.11). Antibiotic prescribing based on charted diagnosis was twice as likely to be appropriate in the post-implementation period (aOR1.99; 95% CI 1.32–2.98).

Conclusions:

Mandatory indications within antibiotic orders show better congruence with charted diagnosis than ICD10 codes and may increase antibiotic appropriateness and congruence between ICD10 code and charted diagnosis.
A closure mechanism for screech coupling in rectangular twin jets
Authors: Jeun Jinah , Wu Gao Jun , Lele Sanjiva K.
Published: May 2024

The twin-jet configuration allows two different scenarios to close the screech feedback. For each jet, there is one loop involving disturbances which originate in that jet and arrive at its own receptivity point in phase (self-excitation). The other loop is associated with free-stream acoustic waves that radiate from the other jet, reinforcing the self-excited screech (cross-excitation). In this work, the role of the free-stream acoustic mode and the guided-jet mode as a closure mechanism for twin rectangular jet screech is explored by identifying eligible points of return for each path, where upstream waves propagating from such a point arrive at the receptivity location with an appropriate phase relation. Screech tones generated by these jets are found to be intermittent with an out-of-phase coupling as a dominant coupling mode. The instantaneous phase difference between the twin jets computed by the Hilbert transform suggests that a competition between out-of-phase and in-phase coupling is responsible for the intermittency. To model wave components of the screech feedback while ensuring perfect phase locking, an ensemble average of leading spectral proper orthogonal decomposition modes is obtained from several segments of large-eddy simulation data that correspond to periods of invariant phase difference between the two jets. Each mode is then extracted by retaining relevant wavenumber components produced via a streamwise Fourier transform. Spatial cross-correlation analysis of the resulting modes shows that most of the identified points of return for the cross-excitation are synchronised with the guided jet mode self-excitation, supporting that it is preferred in closing rectangular twin-jet screech coupling.
On the efficacy of surface-attached air bubbles as thermal insulators for pressure-driven internal flow
Authors: Shojaee S. Amir , Flynn M.R.
Published: May 2024

There exists much research examining the role of surface-attached air bubbles in drag reduction. Most of this literature considers isothermal flows and so ignores temperature differences, e.g. with the solid boundary. Here, we relax this assumption and ask whether surface-attached air bubbles may prove useful as thermal insulators, e.g. when the solid temperature differs from that of the cargo liquid (water). Theoretical and numerical solutions, e.g. for the variation of the Nusselt number with bubble thickness, are presented for cases characterized by a uniform surface heat flux (USF). We examine channel and pipe flow geometries, and consider instances where the net mass flow rate within the (continuous) air bubble is zero or non-zero. When the thermal boundary condition is changed to uniform surface temperature (UST), our analysis limits attention to numerical solutions. We identify and discuss a remarkable connection between the drag reduction problem and the USF thermal insulation problem: the proportional change of water temperature with bubble thickness is identical to the proportional change of drag. Also, and although our analysis is conducted in the ‘perfect plastron limit’, we can, e.g. by evaluating hydrodynamic and thermal slip lengths, contrast our work against related studies where heat transfer occurs through the ridges or pillars that affix the air layer in place. This comparison indicates that the oft-applied adiabatic interface assumption may prove restrictive in some regions of the parameter space. We conclude by examining the implications of our work in the context of UST micro-channels, which are relevant to various lab-on-a-chip technologies.
Cross-border correlations showing diachronous lithostratigraphic units in the southeastern North Sea Basin during the Early Oligocene (middle-late Rupelian)
Authors: Munsterman Dirk K. , Deckers Jef
Published: May 2024

Wireline log correlation panels of palynologically analysed boreholes illustrate lateral facies transitions within Rupelian age strata of the Dutch Rupel Formation across the southeastern North Sea Basin. The middle to upper part of the Rupel Formation consists of clays and silts of the Boom Member and the overlying sandier Steensel Member. In the Mill and Goirle boreholes in the Dutch Province of North Brabant, the Boom Member is thickly developed and represents the middle to upper Rupelian (biozones NSO3 to NSO5a), while the Steensel Member is rather thinly developed and only comprises the uppermost Rupelian (biozone NSO5a). Borehole log correlations show that towards the south (or more proximal to the palaeo-continent) the Rupel Formation becomes sandier and the clayey Boom Member thins in favour of the sandy superjacent Steensel Member. Palynological analyses confirm that the Boom Member is restricted to the middle Rupelian (biozone NSO3) age here, and that the superjacent Steensel Member is of middle to upper Rupelian age (biozones NSO3 to NSO5a). Geological models constructed for northern Belgium propose that this facies transition occurs rather sharply, along a WSW-ENE oriented zone parallel to the presumed shoreline at that time. The results of this study support this interpretation and extend the trend towards the Netherlands.
Trace fossils from the Maastrichtian chalk of the Isle of Rügen, north-east Germany
Authors: Knaust Dirk , Schnick Hilmar
Published: May 2024

The lower Maastrichtian chalk of the Isle of Rügen was deposited in a pelagic setting in the aphotic zone. Its rich fossil content has attracted research attention for centuries, whereas its ichnological characteristics remain poorly understood, even though horizons with intense bioturbation and occurrences of trace fossils in flint are common. The enhanced colour contrast of smooth chalk faces reveals repeated phases of benthic colonisation; larger burrows are commonly subject to silicification, while flint nodules also can preserve burrows in chalk. A total of 37 ichnogenera, including 47 ichnospecies of bioturbation and bioerosion trace fossils have been recognised; these are here briefly described, in addition to indeterminate material. Many ichnotaxa are recorded for the first time from the Rügen chalk. Bioerosion is restricted mainly to local hardgrounds in the form of biogenic components (such as shells and belemnite guards).
The Politics of Legal Pluralism in a Muslim Society
Authors: Blaydes Lisa
Published: May 2024

Egor Lazarev has offered us a book of uncommon ambition and erudition. At its core, State-Building as Lawfare: Custom, Sharia, and State Law in Postwar Chechnya explores how elites and ordinary citizens pursue their interests by weighing the costs and benefits of using alternative legal frameworks in postwar Chechnya. By describing how politicians encourage nonstate legal remedies to build political coalitions—and how everyday Chechens engage in forum shopping when trying to manage their own legal issues—Lazarev teaches us about the challenges associated with the extension of state legal institutions in the wake of prolonged, nationalist conflict. Although Lazarev treats his exploration of legal pluralism as the theoretical framing for the book, such a reading belies what I view as his primary empirical contribution: a meticulous exploration of gender politics in the North Caucasus. In this review, I describe Lazarev’s arguments about elite and citizen legal strategies, discuss his understanding of gender disputes in a postconflict Muslim society, and offer a provocation for future research that would situate the study of Chechnya in a broader literature on autocratic politics.
What Is Colonialism? The Dual Claims of a Twentieth-Century Political Category
Authors: SULTAN NAZMUL
Published: May 2024

Although a master category of contemporary social and political thought, the conceptual import of colonialism has long been contested. Turning to the political thought of Jawaharlal Nehru, this article reconstructs the surprising, and often surreptitious, intellectual transformations that rendered colonialism into a generic name for European rule over Asia and Africa. It demonstrates how the dual claims of colonialism—a historical reference for the global event of European expansion and a threadbare analytical definition for a particular form of rule—generated a powerful framework in the anticolonial age. While the expanded juridical uses of colonialism in the Cold War era undermined its historical claims, the priority would reverse with its postcolonial re-signification as a shorthand for studying the paradoxes of global modernity. Reframing these debates, this article argues that reflexive navigation between the dual claims of colonialism is key to a capacious appreciation of its historical and normative contentions.
For Example: How to Use Examples in Political Science
Authors: DRYZEK JOHN S.
Published: May 2024

There is a large literature on the use of cases, hardly anything on examples. They are different: cases get analyzed, examples get deployed. Examples can perform clarifying, didactic, persuasive, universalizing, critical, and cogitative functions. These six functions all have their own logic, and a set of guidelines for how to perform each of them well is developed. However, compelling and persuasive examples can also mislead. Following Kahneman’s distinction between system 1 (fast) and system 2 (slow) thinking, good examples both resonate in system 1 terms and invite system 2 scrutiny. The best examples are good in some aspect, flawed in interesting ways in others. A perfect example is a logical impossibility. The author’s interest in convincing the reader and the discipline’s interest in effective inquiry can diverge, a problem overcome if reason in inquiry is seen as essentially dialogical.
Childhood obesity accelerates biological ageing: is oxidative stress a link?
Authors: Subošić Branko , Zdravković Vera , Ješić Maja , Munjas Jelena , Kovačević Smiljka , Guzonjić Azra , Mitrović Jadranka , Saso Luciano , Đuričić Ivana , Kotur-Stevuljević Jelena
Published: May 2024

Obesity is a multifactorial pathophysiological condition with an imbalance in biochemical, immunochemical, redox status and genetic parameters values. We aimed to estimate the connection between relative leucocyte telomere lengths (rLTL) – biomarker of cellular ageing with metabolic and redox status biomarkers values in a group of obese and lean children. The study includes 110 obese and 42 lean children and adolescents, both sexes. The results suggested that rLTL are significantly shorter in obese, compared with lean group (P < 0·01). Negative correlation of rLTL with total oxidant status (TOS) (Spearman’s ρ = –0·365, P < 0·001) as well as with C-reactive protein (Spearman’s ρ = –0·363, P < 0·001) were observed. Principal component analysis (PCA) extracted three distinct factors (i.e. principal components) entitled as: prooxidant factor with 35 % of total variability; antioxidant factor with 30 % of total variability and lipid antioxidant – biological ageing factor with 12 % of the total variability. The most important predictor of BMI > 30 kg/m2 according to logistic regression analysis was PCA-derived antioxidant factor’s score (OR: 1·66, 95th Cl 1·05–2·6, P = 0·029). PCA analysis confirmed that oxidative stress importance in biological ageing is caused by obesity and its multiple consequences related to prooxidants augmentation and antioxidants exhaustion and gave us clear signs of disturbed cellular homoeostasis deepness, even before any overt disease occurrence.
Marx on Leisure: An Aristotelian Interpretation
Authors: Goldstraw Simeon
Published: May 2024

Despite his influence on those interested by leisure, Marx's own conception of leisure is rarely discussed. Insofar as it is, he is generally either thought to see leisure as free time or as indistinct from necessary labour in communist society. In this article, I suggest that by reading Capital and the Grundrisse through an Aristotelian lens, we can find a third potential conception of leisure in Marx, which shares three features in common with Aristotle's. Leisure is distinct from free time simpliciter, it is a “state-condition” people are in when they perform ends in themselves, and it is constitutive of the final end. I conclude that adopting a conception of leisure grounded in this Marxian conception could have implications for contemporary debates around free time and the value of leisure goods like arts and culture.
Prohibiting Political Party Membership as a Condition for Receiving Political Service Retirement Benefits under Ethiopian Law: A Comparison with Kenya and Tanzania
Authors: Tesfay Leake Mekonen
Published: May 2024

This article questions the justification for restricting political party membership as a condition for receiving political service retirement benefits in Ethiopia (a restriction first imposed through the Administration of the President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Proclamation and endorsed in the Rights and Benefits of Outgoing Heads of State and Government, Senior Government Officials, Members of Parliament and Judges Proclamation). After reviewing relevant law, literature and comparative experience from Kenya and Tanzania, the article argues that prohibiting political party membership without a pressing need for non-partisan service is an unjust restriction on the right to freedom of political party membership. Benefits for retiring high-ranking government officials are part of the right to social security and should not be disallowed based on political party membership.
Retroflex and non-retroflex laterals in the Zibo dialect of Chinese
Authors: Dong Bing , Liang Jie , Yao Qing
Published: May 2024

This paper reports on an acoustic study of the retroflex lateral /ɭ/ and non-retroflex lateral /l/, as well as on the schwas following the two laterals in the Zibo dialect. Analyses of formants measured at the temporal midpoint of the lateral and schwa segments show that the retroflex lateral /ɭ/ has a significantly lower F1 as well as a significantly larger C/V duration ratio than the non-retroflex lateral. No significant difference is found in F2 or F3 of the two laterals. Moreover, the schwa following /ɭ/ has a significantly lower F1 than that following /l/, which could play a robust role of cue enhancement in distinguishing the preceding laterals, resulting in an overall enhancement of an otherwise auditorily vulnerable contrast in the laterals. Some inter-speaker variation is observed in the realization of /ɭ/, especially in F3, which may be indicative of a change in progress. These results provide insights into the phonemic status of the retroflex lateral in the Zibo dialect, which are further discussed in light of phonetic and phonological explanations.
‘I am safer in Hong Kong’: Transimperial entanglements in Filipino nationalist explorations
Authors: Chan Catherine S.
Published: May 2024

Between 1907 and 1914, Filipino lawyer, journalist, and nationalist Vicente Sotto found in Hong Kong a sanctuary from the clutches of the Americans. The city also provided him with a space in which to explore alternative ideas for both his own development and the future of the Philippine Islands beyond the confines of pan-Asianism and anti-imperialism. Using Sotto’s experience in Hong Kong as a point of access, this article demonstrates modern Asia’s anti-imperial era as a product of transimperial ‘connectivities’ and ‘ruptures’ wherein new political affinities were forged between like-minded Asians, while interstitial imperial spaces between colony and metropole carved space for radical, yet nuanced and inconsistent, visions of national independence to materialize—at the expense of abutting empires. It serves to decentralize the role of empire, conflating instead the activities of local, colonial, and imperial actors as a singular experience that shaped modern Asia’s revolutionary decades.
Shared and distinct electroencephalogram microstate abnormalities across schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression
Authors: Xue Rui , Li Xiaojing , Deng Wei , Liang Chengqian , Chen Mingxia , Chen Jianning , Liang Sugai , Wei Wei , Zhang Yamin , Yu Hua , Xu Yan , Guo Wanjun , Li Tao
Published: May 2024

Background

Microstates of an electroencephalogram (EEG) are canonical voltage topographies that remain quasi-stable for 90 ms, serving as the foundational elements of brain dynamics. Different changes in EEG microstates can be observed in psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia (SCZ), major depressive disorder (MDD), and bipolar disorder (BD). However, the similarities and disparatenesses in whole-brain dynamics on a subsecond timescale among individuals diagnosed with SCZ, BD, and MDD are unclear.

Methods

This study included 1112 participants (380 individuals diagnosed with SCZ, 330 with BD, 212 with MDD, and 190 demographically matched healthy controls [HCs]). We assembled resting-state EEG data and completed a microstate analysis of all participants using a cross-sectional design.

Results

Our research indicates that SCZ, BD, and MDD exhibit distinct patterns of transition among the four EEG microstate states (A, B, C, and D). The analysis of transition probabilities showed a higher frequency of switching from microstates A to B and from B to A in each patient group compared to the HC group, and less frequent transitions from microstates A to C and from C to A in the SCZ and MDD groups compared to the HC group. And the probability of the microstate switching from C to D and D to C in the SCZ group significantly increased compared to those in the patient and HC groups.

Conclusions

Our findings provide crucial insights into the abnormalities involved in distributing neural assets and enabling proper transitions between different microstates in patients with major psychiatric disorders.
Genies, lawyers, and smart-asses: Extending proxy failures to intentional misunderstandings
Authors: Ullman Tomer D. , Bridgers Sophie
Published: May 2024

We propose that the logic of a genie – an agent that exploits an ambiguous request to intentionally misunderstand a stated goal – underlies a common and consequential phenomenon, well within what is currently called proxy failures. We argue that such intentional misunderstandings are not covered by the current proposed framework for proxy failures, and suggest to expand it.