bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
5. Illustrations of political resentment among disadvantaged people
Authors: van der Does Ramon , Amara-Hammou Kenza , Talukder David
Published: September 2024

People who face socio-economic disadvantages tend to be underrepresented in politics. Existing research suggests that this should make them particularly resentful towards politics. Yet, empirical studies on how resentment might express itself among them remains rare. This chapter seeks to address this gap in the literature through the analysis of survey data as well as focus groups conducted among socio-economically disadvantaged people in Brussels, Belgium. The survey results show that socio-economically disadvantaged people are generally more resentful, but also underline the difficulty to reach this population and the necessity to combine it with qualitative research methods. Our analyses of the focus groups show, first, that the objects of participants’ resentment were mostly local actors and that expressions of resentment seemed tied to the experience of concrete problems. Second, even though resentment manifested itself in frustration, disappointment, and, at times, indifference towards politics, it also went hand in hand with at least some hope that politics could offer a solution to societal challenges. Most of all, participants wanted to be heard and they generally wanted local politicians and bureaucrats to just come to talk to them. We discuss the implications these findings have for the empirical study of political resentment among people experiencing socio-economic disadvantages.
10. What do resentful citizens want from democracy?
Authors: Verhaegen Soetkin , Van Ingelgom Virginie , Knops Louise , Celis Karen , Amara-Hammou Kenza
Published: September 2024

Political resentment is increasingly discussed, especially in the context of citizens’ dissatisfaction with the current political system as expressed on social media, in the streets, and through support for populist parties. Political resentment is posited as the reflection of a deep discontent with representative democracy, leading to a longing for change. While it is often assumed that the change that the politically resentful look for lies outside the realm of democratic institutional arrangements, there are many alternatives to the current institutional design of democracies that may offer alternatives. This chapter asks two sets of questions. First, the chapter inquires what resentful citizens identify as problematic in the current functioning of democracy, and what they are resentful about. Second, the chapter asks what resentful citizens’ (anti-)democratic preferences are, and what alternative (democratic) institutional designs they prefer. These questions are answered using a mixed-methods design integrating survey data of representative samples of Flemish and Walloon citizens, focus groups with Belgian citizens, and democratic theory. Drawing on survey data and qualitative insights from focus groups discussions, the analyses show that citizens with higher levels of political resentment show lower satisfaction with the way in which democracy works, hold more populist attitudes, are more likely to vote blank or abstain, and are more supportive of referenda and citizen fora. The latter democratic innovations may attract the support of resentful citizens because of their perceived novelty and shift away from the ‘distrusted representatives’. Remaining hope and expectations vis-à-vis representatives, however, also calls for reflections on how to improve representative relationship in a way that responds to the resentful citizens’ concerns. Recursive and reflexive representative relationships are discussed as a way forward in that respect.
Observed Associations between Fire Danger and Climate Modes and Their Representation in ACCESS-S2
Authors: Taylor Rachel , Marshall Andrew G. , Crimp Steven , Cary Geoffrey J. , Gregory Paul , Harris Sarah
Published: September 2024

The increasing frequency and severity of wildfires in Australia, driven by climate change, pose a significant threat to ecosystems, lives, and property. This study examines the impact of climate drivers, specifically El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), Indian Ocean dipole (IOD), Southern Annular Mode (SAM), Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO), and two modes of persistent high pressure in the Australia–Pacific region, on extreme fire danger. By analyzing observed and simulated fire danger in relation to these climate drivers, we aim to enhance our understanding of climate–fire mechanisms and contribute to Australia’s bushfire preparedness. Our findings indicate that all assessed drivers influence extreme fire danger, with key influences related to the drivers’ established relationships with rainfall and temperature. El Niño, positive IOD, and negative SAM events generally increase extreme fire danger across most of Australia and in most seasons. The two modes of Australian blocking exhibit similar effects, varying spatially. Specific phases of the MJO have significant seasonal relationships with fire danger. In some instances, increased fire danger is not directly linked to temperature or precipitation changes but rather driven by remote teleconnections, airflow, or pressure anomalies. Evaluating the accuracy of weather and climate forecasting systems in representing these relationships is crucial for the effective prediction and mitigation of fire hazards. The leading Australian climate simulation model effectively reproduces observed relationships but reveals biases in capturing certain aspects of climate variability. Advancements in this field would enhance fire weather forecasts, including those by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology with lead times of up to 4 months.

Significance Statement

This assessment of climate–fire relationships and modeling accuracy is pivotal in understanding the factors behind severe fire events and improving future predictions and mitigation. Prior research has already established links between elevated fire weather conditions and these climate drivers, highlighting their potential for predicting severe fire events. This study aims to deepen our comprehension of the factors driving severe fire events and facilitate improved bushfire risk management in Australia.
Evaluation of Norm-Constrained Capon Method on Improving Doppler Peak Localization of Antenna-Arrayed High-Frequency Coastal Radar
Authors: You Zhen-Xiong , Dao Duy-Toan , Lee Cheng-Da , Tsai Li-Hung , Chien Hwa
Published: September 2024

Antenna-arrayed high-frequency coastal radar is widely used to monitor the ocean and obtain metocean parameters such as sea surface current, sea wave height, and surface wind. However, the accuracy of these parameters can be significantly influenced by the spectral width and Doppler velocity of the sea echo signals across azimuthal directions, and insufficient spectrum resolution increases uncertainties in the estimates of spectral width and Doppler velocity. To address this, we demonstrate an alternative approach to beamforming by utilizing the norm-constrained Capon (NC-Capon) method to enhance the Doppler spectral resolution and improve the localization accuracy of the spectral peaks. The efficacy of the NC-Capon method is exemplified through an application to a coastal radar dataset collected from 16 receiving channels, operated at a central frequency of 27.75 MHz. A comparative investigation of the NC-Capon beamforming method with the conventional Fourier beamforming method showed that the widths of the spectral peaks at different range cells and azimuthal angles are noticeably improved at lower signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) conditions. Given this, the NC-Capon beamforming method exhibits more robustness to noise and could effectively enhance the concentration of the radar sea echo signals in the Doppler frequency spectrum, thereby reducing the uncertainties of the spectral width and Doppler/radial velocity of the first-order sea echoes. These characteristics are substantiated by the comparative analysis of spectral parameters between the two beamforming methods across various ranges, beamforming angles, and SNR levels. Finally, the computed radial velocities are benchmarked against in situ measurements obtained from a bottom-mounted acoustic current profiler to confirm the validity of the NC-Capon method.

Significance Statement

We have recently implemented a high-frequency coastal radar equipped with an antenna array to monitor metocean variables within the offshore waters adjacent to Taichung Harbor in Taiwan. Our study focuses on enhancing the Doppler spectral resolution of radar sea echoes by employing an adaptive beamforming technique known as the norm-constrained Capon method. In comparison with the traditional linear beamforming approach, the norm-constrained Capon method demonstrates superior noise resilience. We anticipate that the norm-constrained Capon method holds promise as a dependable approach for refining the accuracy of metocean parameters obtained from antenna-arrayed high-frequency coastal radar systems.
Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing: The Autocratic Subversion of Brazil’s Fourth Estate
Authors: Monetti Luiza
Published: September 2024

This article investigates the strategies modern-day autocrats use to delegitimate the press as a means of consolidating power, including in democratic states. Using content analysis and Brazil as a case study, I examine Bolsonaro’s online discourse on X and YouTube, during the second half of his administration (January 2021–December 2022). I argue that Bolsonaro endeavors to promote an image of the press that centers on three elements: unreliability, obsolescence, and being an enemy to the people. The delegitimation of the press through discursive, insidious means suggests a change in the way autocrats exercise power. Rather than deploying the repressive tactics of old, modern autocrats are updating their toolbox to monopolize power while enjoying the legitimacy normally granted by democratic norms. These findings raise questions about the dispersion of authoritarian practices in supposed democracies.
Impact of Crisis Communication Strategies by Muslim Organizations in the Aftermath of Islamist Terrorist Attacks: An Experimental Eye Tracking Study
Authors: Durmaz Elif , Hegner Sabrina , Schilling Leoni , Hirschfeld Gerrit
Published: September 2024

Muslim organizations play important roles in shaping the publics’ reaction to terrorist attacks with Islamist background. The present study uses methods and models from the Situational Crisis Communication Theory to investigate whether and which response strategies affect attitudes toward Muslims and attention to positive and negative information about Muslims. Specifically, an eye tracking experiment was conducted with 202 residents of Germany. We found more positive attitudes after active vs. passive response styles. Effects on attention as measures with eye tracker were not observed. Across all experimental conditions, negative information about Muslims was inspected longer than positive information. The findings are discussed with regard to SCCT and possible ways to improve the media coverage in the aftermath of terrorist attacks.
Revisiting the Tourism-led Growth Hypothesis: The Case of Tonga using the FARDL Model and Fourier TY Causality Test
Authors: Kumar Nikeel Nishkar , Patel Arvind , Prasad Navneel Shalendra
Published: September 2024

In this study, we revisit the tourism-led economic growth hypothesis for Tonga using the Fourier autoregressive distributed lag (FARDL) and Fourier Toda–Yamamoto (TY) causality test, using quarterly data over the sample from 1995Q1 to 2019Q4. The flexible Fourier form allows for incorporating the gradual effect of structural breaks without requiring structural break dummy variables, which are subject to the overfitting problem. The FARDL estimates indicate that tourism contributes positively to long-run growth. The Fourier TY causality test suggests unidirectional causality from tourism to economic growth. The results are robust after additional control variables, such as government expenditure, total trade, remittances, financial development and interaction effects between remittances and financial development. Appropriate attention is paid to remedying endogeneity biases by re-estimation with the generalised method of moments (GMM) estimator.

JEL Codes: C22, Z23
Depicting variability and uncertainty using intervals and error bars
Authors: Altman Naomi , Krzywinski Martin
Published: September 2024

Variability is inherent in most biological systems due to differences among members of the population. Two types of variation are commonly observed in studies: differences among samples and the “error” in estimating a population parameter (e.g. mean) from a sample. While these concepts are fundamentally very different, the associated variation is often expressed using similar notation—an interval that represents a range of values with a lower and upper bound. In this article we discuss how common intervals are used (and misused).
Re-examining Willingness to Fight for One’s Country: Exploring Nature of Conflict and Citizenship Status Effects in the United States and Canada
Authors: Simon Christopher A. , Lovrich Nicholas P. , Verboncoeur Kenneth G. , Moltz Michael C.
Published: September 2024

Individuals’ willingness to fight for their country has garnered significant attention in research; yet, the intricate connection between such willingness with individual identity, conflict type, and personal values remains underexplored. Through deductive exploratory quantitative analysis, this study examines two potentially interrelated factors—social identity and nature of conflict concerns—in the context of two multi-ethnic, immigrant-rich Western democracies in the 21st century. Using cross-sectional national survey data and a social identity framework, a quantitative comparative analysis of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) member nations Canada and the United States reveals a relationship between conflict concerns, immigrant identity, and willingness to fight; generally speaking, immigrants are more willing to fight for their host nations than the native-born individuals.
Distributed IMM-information Kalman filter based on consensus filter for maneuvering target tracking in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Zamani Zahra , Safarinejadian Behrouz
Published: September 2024

This paper discusses distributed estimation in discrete linear systems for target tracking by wireless sensor networks. First, a distributed Kalman filter is presented in the form of an information filter based on consensus theory. In the distributed approach, each sensor node communicates only with its neighbors and there is no central node. In the next step, considering the maneuverability of the target and the absence of a single motion model, the algorithm of the interactive multiple model (IMM) based on the distributed information filter (DIMMIKF) is designed. Moreover, the Lyapunov stability of the proposed algorithm is proved. Finally, the simulation results show that this algorithm performs better than similar algorithms.
Reflections on an Inclusive Boundary Worker
Authors: Oudshoorn Nelly
Published: September 2024

This essay is part of a Thematic Collection of Science, Technology & Human Values on the work of Adele E. Clarke (1945–2024).
Safety and feasibility of conversion from venoarterial to venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in pediatric patients: A case series
Authors: Maselli Kathryn M , Shah Nikhil R , Williams Keyonna , Spencer Brianna , Gadepalli Samir K , Thirumoorthi Arul S
Published: September 2024

Introduction

In children requiring venoarterial (VA) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for long durations, conversion to venovenous (VV) support may be advantageous. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of conversion from VA to VV ECMO.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of all children who underwent conversion from VA to VV ECMO at a single institution, from 2015 to 2022. Indications for and methods of conversion were examined as well as adverse events including re-operation, ischemic complications, renal failure, and mortality.

Results

Of 422 pediatric patients on initial VA ECMO, 4 children (0.9%) underwent conversion from VA to VV support. The indications for cannulation were: respiratory failure due to COVID19, respiratory failure due to congenital diaphragmatic hernia, cardiac dysfunction following heart transplant, and sepsis with associated left ventricular dysfunction. The indications for conversion were bleeding from the arterial cannula and ongoing respiratory failure. The median time to conversion was 6.5 days (range 4–54 days) and the median length of ECMO run was 34.5 days. Three patients required renal replacement therapy with two progressing to long-term dialysis. There were no ischemic limb complications although one patient developed a femoral artery pseudoaneurysm that required re-operation. Three patients survived to discharge. One patient was unable to be decannulated after conversion and mechanical support was withdrawn.

Conclusions

Conversion to VV ECMO from initial VA ECMO cannulation is feasible but a rare event. For patients with cardiac stability but continued need for respiratory support, conversion to VV ECMO can be considered.
The evolution of regional policy in Switzerland: From a growth oriented to a challenge-led policy?
Authors: Meili Rahel , Mayer Heike
Published: September 2024

Switzerland is the only central European country that is not a member of the EU. While the country engages in several bilateral treaties and programs, its regional policy neither follow the EU Cohesion Policy framework nor do they explicitly adopt concepts such as the smart specialization strategy. In this In perspective paper, we explore the evolution of Swiss regional policy within the broader context of shifting paradigms in regional development. While much attention has been given to regional policies within the European Union, there is a notable gap in scholarly analysis concerning Switzerland’s unique approach, particularly in relation to contemporary societal challenges and regional policy debates. This paper seeks to fill that gap by providing a comprehensive examination of Switzerland’s regional policy evolution, which has been developed independently of EU influence.
Comparison of Mini-implants Placed at Different Heights and Angulations for Retraction and Intrusion of Maxillary Incisors: A Finite Element Model Study
Authors: Sharma Varsha , Singla Anil , Jaj Harupinder Singh , Mahajan Vivek , Thakur Shikha , Nadda Parishrut
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Space closure is the most common treatment mechanic used in orthodontics in clinical practice. It can be done with friction and frictionless mechanics, and nowadays by using mini-implants. These mini-implants provide an absolute source of anchorage to obtain dental and soft tissue changes that are desired, thus helping to improve the patient’s profile.

Aims and Objectives

To evaluate the stress distribution patterns in the tooth, bone, and periodontal ligament in mini-implants placed at different heights and angulations for retraction and intrusion of maxillary incisors using finite element model (FEM).

Materials and Methods

FEMs of maxillary teeth and periodontal ligament housed in alveolar bone with the first premolars extracted were constructed. These models were further divided into two groups based on the number of implants. In group I, two implants were placed bilaterally between the second premolar and first molar at variable heights (7, 10, and 13 mm) and at different angulations (45° and 60°) to the long axis of the occlusal plane. In group II, along with the two bilateral mini-implants, an additional mid-implant was placed between two central incisors. These models were simulated using ANSYS 19.2 version software.

Results

The maximum distribution of stress (MPa) in hard bone, soft bone, and implant was seen in the FEM 7 model and was 17.65, 0.210, and 61.62 MPa, respectively, during the retraction and intrusion of maxillary anterior teeth. The highest stress distribution (MPa) was seen in the lateral incisor tooth in FEM 7 model (0.748 MPa) and also in the periodontal ligament around the lateral incisor in FEM 7 model (0.684 MPa).

Conclusion

The stress distribution was found to be highest in the lateral incisor tooth, periodontal ligament of the lateral incisor, and hard bone. The stress distribution pattern showed variation with different heights and angulations of the mini-implant. As the angle of insertion of the mini-implant to the long axis of the occlusal plane increases, the stresses generated in the bone decrease.
Mapping the Literature on Job Evaluation: A Scoping Review
Authors: Glind Irene van de , Mulder Roos , Akkerman Agnes , van der Biezen Mieke , Bootsma Jael , Finnema Evelyn , Heerma van Voss Lex , Mouter Niek , van Rooij Jos , van de Ven Geertje
Published: September 2024

Since the 1940’s, job evaluation methods are being used to establish the relative value of jobs within organizations in order to determine salaries. Job evaluation methods have been studied, but there has not been much systematic reflection on the research conducted so far. This scoping review of 199 articles demonstrates that topics changed over decades, starting with methodological questions in the 1940’s, reflecting a start-up period. Historic overviews on wage policies appeared in the 1960’s, and the topic of gender wage inequality in the 1980’s. Guidelines were published in the 1990’s. From 2000 onwards, the main topic was adapting job evaluation methods to specific contexts. Research declined since 2010. There was hardly any research on appending changes in job evaluation methods and criteria. Given the ever-changing nature of work and the upcoming demographic changes, we recommend to revive scientific research on job evaluation and propose an agenda with research questions.
Identification of Novel Candidate Targets  for Fascaplysin through In Silico and In Vivo Analyses of Shared Targets among  Structurally Similar Compounds
Authors: Park Ki-Hoon , Jung Junyang , Jeong Na Young
Published: September 2024

Background:

The discovery of new drug targets is a critical and challenging aspect of drug development. Fascaplysin, a marine natural product, has shown potential in various biological applications, but identifying suitable protein targets for such compounds remains a complex task.

Purpose:

This study aims to identify new candidate protein targets for fascaplysin by analyzing the expected targets of structural analogs, utilizing both molecular docking analysis for prediction and in vivo experiments for validation.

Methods:

We utilized a public database to classify structurally similar analogs to fascaplysin into four groups based on their scaffold structures. The predicted protein targets were organized by scaffold structure and assessed for potential binding with fascaplysin through molecular docking analysis. In adult zebrafish, we employed quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to detect expression changes in downstream signaling genes of the selected candidate targets, providing a predictive measure of interaction and biological effect.

Results:

A total of 93 common targets were identified across all groups, categorized based on protein characteristics. The molecular binding affinities between fascaplysin and 37 selected candidates, comprising 14 kinases and 23 receptors, were quantified. Molecular docking analyses highlighted MAPK8, MAP2K1, ERBB2, and JAK3 as novel drug target candidates. In adult zebrafish, fascaplysin modulated expression changes in downstream genes of these targets. This indicates the applicability of fascaplysin in treating diseases associated with these targets, revealing promising therapeutic potential.

Conclusion:

The in silico analysis method used in this study provides an efficient and cost-effective way to identify protein target candidates for drugs, using structural similarities and molecular docking to make the target validation process in drug development faster and easier. Integration of in vivo observations in adult zebrafish, specifically the modulation of downstream gene expression of candidate targets, complements in silico findings, enhancing the reliability of target identification. These results not only identify specific targets for fascaplysin but also establish a flexible framework that can be applied to other compounds, potentially expediting the drug discovery process.
Anthelmintic Activity of Alcoholic Leaf Extract of Tectona grandis
Authors: Nair Devu B. , S. Sujith , Rajaselvi Divya , Sivapriya Aparna S. , Shajan Nikitha , R. Nisha A. , N. Priya M.
Published: September 2024

Background

Helminthiasis is a major concern in the livestock sector due to the immense afflictions in the production and economy of the farmer. Chemical anthelmintics are used to combat them and parasites are acquiring resistance against these drugs. Hence, the development of new drugs or alternatives is the need of the hour for combating such infestations. This study was undertaken to determine the effect of methanolic leaf extract of Tectona grandis on strongyles.

Materials and Methods

The dried leaves of Tectona grandis were subjected to Soxhlet extraction using methanol, and the extract was tested for its anthelmintic activity in vitro using egg hatch assay and larval motility assay. A dose of 250, 125, 62.5, 31.25, 15.625, and 7.8125 mg/ mL was used for the study. Fresh strongyle ova were exposed to different concentrations of the extract and observed after 48 hours for the hatch. L3 larvae obtained from coproculture were subjected to treatment with extract at different concentrations, and mortality per unit time was calculated. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis and Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) were performed to identify the chemical nature of the extract.

Results

There was a dose-dependent inhibition of hatch and larval mortality with a maximum inhibition of hatch at 250 mg/mL. There was a cent percent hatch in control wells and no loss of progressive motility in the larval motility test. On exposure to the extract, the larvae progressively lost their motility, and finally, there were caesurae of movement which indicated their death. The extract at 250 mg/mL killed all the larvae by 30 min, whereas, at 31.25 mg/mL, the mortality was 66.6% after 2 hr.

Conclusion

The results suggest that methanolic extract from Tectona grandis leaves has a promising anthelmintic property and further studies are required for the isolation of active molecules.
The Acute Kidney Intervention and Pharmacotherapy (AKIP) List: Standardized List of Medications That Are Renally Eliminated and Nephrotoxic in the Acutely Ill
Authors: Barreto Erin F. , Gaggani Alexis M. , Hernandez Brandy N. , Amatullah Nabihah , Culley Colleen M. , Stottlemyer Britney , Murugan Raghavan , Ozrazgat-Baslanti Tezcan , Bihorac Azra , Kellum John A. , Kashani Kianoush B. , Rule Andrew D. , Kane-Gill Sandra L. ,   For the MEnD-AKI Study Group
Published: September 2024

The objective of this project was to develop a standardized list of renally eliminated and potentially nephrotoxic drugs that will help inform initiatives to improve medication safety. Several available lists of medications from the published literature including original research articles and reviews, and from regulatory agencies, tertiary references, and clinical decision support systems were compiled, consolidated, and compared. Only systemically administered medications were included. Medication combinations were included if at least 1 active ingredient was considered renally dosed or potentially nephrotoxic. The medication list was reviewed for completeness and clinical appropriateness by a multidisciplinary team of individuals with expertise in critical care, nephrology, and pharmacy. An initial list of renally dosed and nephrotoxic drugs was created. After reconciliation and consensus from clinical experts, a standardized list of 681 drugs is proposed. The proposed evidence-based standardized list of renally dosed and potentially nephrotoxic drugs will be useful to harmonize epidemiologic and medication quality improvement studies. In addition, the list can be used for clinical purposes with surveillance in nephrotoxin stewardship programs. We suggest an iterative re-evaluation of the list with emerging literature and new medications on an approximately annual basis.
Agreement and Divergence in Predicting Human Phishing Classification Decisions
Authors: Kuikel Shova , Ferreira Maria José , Singh Kuldeep , Aggarwal Palvi , Gonzalez Cleotilde
Published: September 2024

Despite enormous efforts to develop defenses against phishing attacks, humans still struggle to detect phishing emails given the constantly evolving attacker strategies. This paper aims to test the predictive capabilities of a cognitive model that represents the individual susceptibility to phishing emails. We developed an instance-based learning model (IBL) that captures the frequency, recency, and familiarity aspects of decision-making and explores its potential for personalized anti-phishing training. We investigate the same cognitive model using three different methods. At the same time, we compare the performance of these three models to human classification of phishing and ham emails and determine the synchronization rates with human participants in a Phishing Training Task. Our results reveal that using prior human experience and optimizing parameters improves model accuracy. These findings suggest significant advances in modeling human decision-making patterns and cognitive processes, demonstrating strong alignment with human decisions during training.
Output-constrained control of beam-swing dynamics of tower cranes with elastic jibs
Authors: Gao Ruiqi
Published: September 2024

Tower crane jibs are prone to vibration due to their lightweight structure. The complex dynamics of coupled vibrations pose significant challenges in designing effective damping control systems. This study addresses the vibration suppression problem for a nonlinear tower crane model with a flexible jib undergoing slewing motion. We derive the fully coupled differential equation for the crane system by utilizing Euler–Bernoulli beam theory and Lagrange’s equations. The effect of the parameters on the vibration characteristics is analyzed and verified by experiments. Furthermore, we propose a novel boundary control method to suppress distributed deformation as the jib approaches the desired angle. Applying the Barrier Lyapunov Function (BLF) can keep the output states within the designed range. Finally, we conduct numerical simulations to verify the effectiveness of the designed control strategy.
Ultrasound-guided short-axis out-of-plane versus long-axis in-plane technique of Posterior Tibial Artery Cannulation in adult patients: The POTACUT (POsterior Tibial Artery Access with Ultrasound Trial) Randomized Trial
Authors: Sultana Shereen , Sharma Ankur , Mukesh Arun , Goyal Shilpa , Rathod Darshna , Kumari Kamlesh , Meshram Tanvi , Bhatia Pradeep , Kothari Nikhil , Goel Akhil Dhanesh
Published: September 2024

Background:

No research has been conducted to compare long-axis in-plane and short-axis out-of-plane techniques for ultrasound-guided posterior tibial artery cannulation in adults. This study compared these two procedures for cannulating the posterior tibial artery.

Methods:

This prospective randomized trial included 236 adult patients undergoing general anesthesia who required arterial cannulation. The posterior tibial artery was cannulated using either the long-axis in-plane technique (group LAIP) or the short-axis out-of-plane method (group SAOP) with an ultrasound machine. First-attempt cannulation success, the number of cannulation attempts required to achieve successful cannulation, ultrasound localization time, cannulation time, and perioperative complications in these two groups were analyzed.

Results:

The LAIP group demonstrated a significantly higher first-attempt success rate (40.7% vs 18.6%, p < 0.001), shorter ultrasound localization time (36.5 [30, 60] s vs 50 [35, 80] s, p < 0.001), and faster cannulation time (80 [55, 100] s vs 110 [70, 180] s, p < 0.001). LAIP group showed a significantly higher overall success rate (92.4% vs 81.4%, p = 0.012). The median number of cannulation attempts in the LAIP and SAOP groups were 2 [1, 2] and 2 [2, 3], respectively ( p < 0.001). Complications were comparable between groups ( p = 0.248).

Conclusions:

The LAIP group demonstrated higher first-attempt and overall success rates compared to the SAOP group for ultrasound-guided posterior tibial artery (PTA) cannulation in adult patients.
Peritoneal dialysis catheterization with an upward tunnel and exit site: An observational study
Authors: Yaxley Julian , Scott Tahira , Hakim Harris , Wilkinson Catherine , Mantha Murty
Published: September 2024

Background:

The preferred techniques for peritoneal dialysis catheterization are uncertain. Catheter implantation with formation of an inferiorly-directed tunnel and exit site is widely recommended to reduce the risk of infective complications. We aimed to compare percutaneous peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion using an upwardly-directed tract to catheter insertion using a downwardly-directed tract.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study was performed on consecutive peritoneal dialysis catheterizations over a 10-year period at a single centre. Participants were classified into two groups: catheter insertion with an upward tunnel and exit site versus insertion with a downward tunnel and exit site. The primary outcome was peritoneal dialysis catheter survival.

Results:

There were 247 peritoneal dialysis catheters inserted during the study period. The median catheter survival was 18 months, with no difference between the two groups ( p = 0.23). The 12-month catheter patency rates were 76% for catheters with an upward tract and 79% for catheters with a downward tract ( p = 0.15). Multivariate analysis identified no clinical factors predictive of catheter survival. A downward catheter tunnel and exit site was associated with an increased incidence of peritonitis (0.23 vs 0.11 episodes per year; p ⩽ 0.01).

Conclusion:

In this study, percutaneous peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion with an upward tunnel and exit site demonstrated similar catheter survival to insertion with a downward tunnel and exit site and was not associated with increased infections.
Identification of Hub of the Hub-Genes From Different Individual Studies for Early Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Therapies of Breast Cancer
Authors: Alam Md Shahin , Sultana Adiba , Kibria Md Kaderi , Khanam Alima , Wang Guanghui , Mollah Md Nurul Haque
Published: September 2024

Breast cancer (BC) is a complex disease, which causes of high mortality rate in women. Early diagnosis and therapeutic improvements may reduce the mortality rate. There were more than 74 individual studies that have suggested BC-causing hub-genes (HubGs) in the literature. However, we observed that their HubG sets are not so consistent with each other. It may be happened due to the regional and environmental variations with the sample units. Therefore, it was required to explore hub of the HubG (hHubG) sets that might be more representative for early diagnosis and therapies of BC in different country regions and their environments. In this study, we selected top-ranked 10 HubGs ( CCNB1, CDK1, TOP2A, CCNA2, ESR1, EGFR, JUN, ACTB, TP53, and CCND1) as the hHubG set by the protein-protein interaction network analysis based on all of 74 individual HubG sets. The hHubG set enrichment analysis detected some crucial biological processes, molecular functions, and pathways that are significantly associated with BC progressions. The expression analysis of hHubGs by box plots in different stages of BC progression and BC prediction models indicated that the proposed hHubGs can be considered as the early diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Finally, we suggested hHubGs-guided top-ranked 10 candidate drug molecules (SORAFENIB, AMG-900, CHEMBL1765740, ENTRECTINIB, MK-6592, YM201636, masitinib, GSK2126458, TG-02, and PAZOPANIB) by molecular docking analysis for the treatment against BC. We investigated the stability of top-ranked 3 drug-target complexes (SORAFENIB vs ESR1, AMG-900 vs TOP2A, and CHEMBL1765740 vs EGFR) by computing their binding free energies based on 100-ns molecular dynamic (MD) simulation based Molecular Mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area (MM-PBSA) approach and found their stable performance. The literature review also supported our findings much more for BC compared with the results of individual studies. Therefore, the findings of this study may be useful resources for early diagnosis, prognosis, and therapies of BC.
RhizoBindingSites v2.0 Is a Bioinformatic Database of DNA Motifs Potentially Involved in Transcriptional Regulation Deduced From Their Genomic Sites
Authors: Taboada-Castro Hermenegildo , Hernández-Álvarez Alfredo José , Castro-Mondragón Jaime A , Encarnación-Guevara Sergio
Published: September 2024

RhizoBindingSites is a de novo depurified database of conserved DNA motifs potentially involved in the transcriptional regulation of the Rhizobium, Sinorhizobium, Bradyrhizobium, Azorhizobium, and Mesorhizobium genera covering 9 representative symbiotic species, deduced from the upstream regulatory sequences of orthologous genes (O-matrices) from the Rhizobiales taxon. The sites collected with O-matrices per gene per genome from RhizoBindingSites were used to deduce matrices using the dyad-Regulatory Sequence Analysis Tool (RSAT) method, giving rise to novel S-matrices for the construction of the RizoBindingSites v2.0 database. A comparison of the S-matrix logos showed a greater frequency and/or re-definition of specific-position nucleotides found in the O-matrices. Moreover, S-matrices were better at detecting genes in the genome, and there was a more significant number of transcription factors (TFs) in the vicinity than O-matrices, corresponding to a more significant genomic coverage for S-matrices. O-matrices of 3187 TFs and S-matrices of 2754 TFs from 9 species were deposited in RhizoBindingSites and RhizoBindingSites v2.0, respectively. The homology between the matrices of TFs from a genome showed inter-regulation between the clustered TFs. In addition, matrices of AraC, ArsR, GntR, and LysR ortholog TFs showed different motifs, suggesting distinct regulation. Benchmarking showed 72%, 68%, and 81% of common genes per regulon for O-matrices and approximately 14% less common genes with S-matrices of Rhizobium etli CFN42, Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae 3841, and Sinorhizobium meliloti 1021. These data were deposited in RhizoBindingSites and the RhizoBindingSites v2.0 database ( http://rhizobindingsites.ccg.unam.mx /).
In a glass darkly: landscapes, mirrors and Lacanian absences
Authors: Strohmayer Ulf , de Búrca Miriam
Published: September 2024

This paper engages with a key trope of landscapes as representation: their mirroring capacity. Contextualising the concept of ‘landscape’ within art history, the paper invokes several technologies that have been functional in the recognition of landscapes while themselves remaining invisible. One such technology is a 17th century technology known as the ‘Claude Glass’, which is analysed with the help of Lacanian concepts. The aim of the ensuing analysis is to advance the use of landscapes in public discourses, better to understand the work done by landscapes in different contexts. To illuminate this work, the paper deploys material landscapes formed in Ireland around so-called cilliní – unmarked graves of what were undesirable bodies in bygone decades.
Gender Differences in the Concentration of Individual Performance: Evidence From Track and Field Athletics
Authors: Frick Bernd
Published: September 2024

Until recently, the under-representation of women in top management and government positions has been attributed to discriminatory hiring and promotion policies. A rather new perhaps competing explanation is that women tend to avoid competitive settings due to mental dispositions and personality traits that are different from those of men. In this article, the performance of female and male elite athletes in one of the traditional Olympic sports, track and field athletics, is analyzed over an extended period (2001–2021). Since elite athletes have self-selected into a highly competitive environment, significant differences between the genders in terms of their observable collective behavior, that is the homogeneity of the individual performances, are highly unlikely. The empirical analyses show that the gender gap in competitive intensity, that is the dispersion in elite performances, is already quite small and will have completely disappeared in a few years.
Sin lugar: How Intragroup Microaggressions Impact Afro-Latina Graduate Students
Authors: Jones Angel M.
Published: September 2024

Although research has explored the experiences of Black and Latina students with racial microaggressions, there is a gap in the literature regarding the unique experiences of AfroLatinas in higher education. In response, this qualitative study examined the impact of intragroup racial microaggressions on nine AfroLatina graduate students at historically white institutions. Using Critical Race Theory and Critical Race Feminism as frameworks, as well as counterstorytelling, this study also explored the impact of the experiences on their sense of belonging within the Black and Latine communities. Data show that the microaggressions they experienced, which were influenced by anti-Blackness and stereotypical notions of Latinidad, resulted in self-doubt, loneliness, and a decreased sense of belonging. Implications for practice and recommendations for future research are provided.
Context and semantic object properties interact to support recognition memory
Authors: Pandya Shirley , Nicholls Victoria I , Krugliak Alexandra , Davis Simon W , Clarke Alex
Published: September 2024

We have a great capacity to remember a large number of items, yet memory is selective. While multiple factors dictate why we remember some things and not others, it is increasingly acknowledged that some objects are more memorable than others. Recent studies show semantically distinctive objects are better remembered, as are objects located in expected scene contexts. However, we know little about how object semantics and context interact to facilitate memory. Here we test the intriguing hypothesis that these factors have complementary benefits for memory. Participants rated the congruency of object-scene pairs, followed by a surprise memory test. We show that object memory is best predicted by semantic familiarity when an object-scene pairing was congruent, but when object-scene pairings were incongruent, semantic statistics have an especially prominent impact. This demonstrates both the item and its schematic relationship to the environment interact to shape what we will and will not remember.
Reading the history of the Chinese internet through metaphors
Authors: Negro Gianluigi
Published: September 2024

This essay examines the history of Chinese digital media, specifically the internet, through social imaginaries and metaphors. The text identifies three different set of metaphors that reflects the roles of the government, business sector, and civil society in the last 30 years of the Chinese internet.
Adolescent Substance Use Disorder in Primary Care: Challenges in Treatment Referral Beyond Access Availability
Authors: Lai Benjamin , Good Jonathan , Singh Gagandeep , Deyo Meghan , Marshall Rachel , Oesterle Tyler
Published: September 2024

Objective:

Fatal overdoses are the third leading cause of death in the pediatric population. Substance use disorders (SUD) screening is not routinely done in primary care practices. Early screening and intervention for adolescent SUD could mitigate future harm.

Methods:

We conducted a 3-month pilot adapting universal screening using the CRAFFT tool in patients aged 12 to 17 presenting to an urban and a rural primary care practice during well-child and acute/sick-child visits. We collaborated with our pediatric addiction service to ensure access availability for further assessment and treatment for all positively screened patients; this was broadly communicated to primary care providers.

Results:

There was a higher CRAFFT completion rate in the urban site (90%, vs 52.6% in our rural site). The majority of CRAFFT questionnaires were completed during acute/sick-child visits in both study sites. Moreover, we found a higher positive screen rate in our rural practice (14.6%, vs 2.4% in our urban practice). Only 27% of positively screened patients had substance use addressed by their providers. No pediatric addiction referrals were made.

Conclusions:

Findings suggest provider-level barriers exist despite having adequate specialty referral sources and institutional encouragement. Future work is needed to explore these barriers.
Impact of Atrioventricular Valve Intervention at Each Stage of Single Ventricle Palliation
Authors: Vossler John D. , Eckhauser Aaron W. , Griffiths Eric R. , Hobbs Reilly D. , Lambert Linda M. , Tani Lloyd Y. , Parsons Niharika , Habib Robert H. , Jacobs Jeffrey P. , Jacobs Marshall L. , Husain S. Adil
Published: September 2024

Background: Significant atrioventricular valve dysfunction can be associated with mortality or need for transplant in functionally univentricular heart patients undergoing staged palliation. The purposes of this study are to characterize the impact of concomitant atrioventricular valve intervention on outcomes at each stage of single ventricle palliation and to identify risk factors associated with poor outcomes in these patients. Methods: The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database was queried for functionally univentricular heart patients undergoing single ventricle palliation from 2013 through 2022. Separate analyses were performed on cohorts corresponding to each stage of palliation (1: initial palliation; 2: superior cavopulmonary anastomosis; 3: Fontan procedure). Bivariate analysis of demographics, diagnoses, comorbidities, preoperative risk factors, operative characteristics, and outcomes with and without concomitant atrioventricular valve intervention was performed. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify predictors associated with operative mortality or major morbidity. Results: Concomitant atrioventricular valve intervention was associated with an increased risk of operative mortality or major morbidity for each cohort (cohort 1: 62% vs 46%, P < .001; cohort 2: 37% vs 19%, P < .001; cohort 3: 22% vs 14%, P < .001). Black race in cohort 1 (odds ratio [OR] 3.151, 95% CI 1.181-9.649, P = .03) and preterm birth in cohort 2 (OR 1.776, 95% CI 1.049-3.005, P = .032) were notable predictors of worse morbidity or mortality. Conclusions: Concomitant atrioventricular valve intervention is a risk factor for operative mortality or major morbidity at each stage of single ventricle palliation. Several risk factors are associated with these outcomes and may be useful in guiding decision-making.