bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of climate and population density on Buxus hyrcana potential distribution and habitat connectivity
Authors: Alipour Shirin , Walas Łukasz
Published: April 2023

Changes in environmental factors, human impact, and interactions between them accelerate the extinction of woody species. Therefore, conservation programs are needed to protect endangered taxa. However, the relationship between climate, habitat fragmentation, and anthropogenic activities and their consequences are still not well understood. In this work, we aimed to evaluate the impact of climate change and human population density on the Buxus hyrcana Pojark distribution range, as well as the phenomenon of habitat fragmentation. Based on species occurrence data throughout the Hyrcanian Forests (north of Iran), the MAXENT model was employed to estimate the potential distribution and suitability changes. Morphological-spatial analysis (MSPA) and CIRCUITSCAPE were used to assess habitat fragmentation and its connectivity. According to the main results obtained from future scenarios, the potential range will significantly decrease due to the lack of suitable climatic conditions. Meanwhile, B. hyrcana may not be able to shift in potentially suitable areas because of human influence and geographic barriers. Under RCP scenarios the extent of the core area would be reduced and the edge/core ratio significantly increased. Altogether, we found negative effects of the environmental change and the human population density on the continuity of habitats of B. hyrcana. The results of the presented work may improve our knowledge connected with in situ and ex situ protection strategies.
Key role of environmental competence in successful use of entomopathogenic fungi in microbial pest control
Authors: Quesada-Moraga Enrique , González-Mas Natalia , Yousef-Yousef Meelad , Garrido-Jurado Inmaculada , Fernández-Bravo María
Published: April 2023

One of the main negative effects of climate change on biological pest control is alteration of relationships between insect pests and their natural enemies (both entomophagous and entomopathogenic). Indeed, environmental conditions can have multiple effects on pest control success when using entomopathogenic fungi (EPF), where conidial depletion, inactivation, and loss in virulence and infectivity can all occur. Appropriate mass production and formulation strategies for EPF can partially solve these problems. However, the only strategy to guarantee high virulence and infectivity is selection of environmentally competent fungal strains that are able to persist in the host environment for the required infection period. This review examines the criteria for selection of environmentally competent EPF. While UV radiation, followed by humidity and temperature, is probably the most important propagule depletion and inactivation factors in epigeal habitats, temperature is most critical for reducing the infectivity and virulence of EPF in epigeal and hypogeal habitats. In addition, geographical origin and other biotic and abiotic factors have an important impact which may guarantee the environmental competence of selected entomopathogenic fungal strains and, therefore, farmer willingness to replace chemicals with mycoinsecticides. To achieve this, it is urgent to promote the development of microbial control solutions adapted to relatively uniform climatic zones through more simplified, targeted, and less costly EPF approval and authorization.
Monte Carlo tree search algorithms for risk-aware and multi-objective reinforcement learning
Authors: Hayes Conor F. , Reymond Mathieu , Roijers Diederik M. , Howley Enda , Mannion Patrick
Published: April 2023

In many risk-aware and multi-objective reinforcement learning settings, the utility of the user is derived from a single execution of a policy. In these settings, making decisions based on the average future returns is not suitable. For example, in a medical setting a patient may only have one opportunity to treat their illness. Making decisions using just the expected future returns–known in reinforcement learning as the value–cannot account for the potential range of adverse or positive outcomes a decision may have. Therefore, we should use the distribution over expected future returns differently to represent the critical information that the agent requires at decision time by taking both the future and accrued returns into consideration. In this paper, we propose two novel Monte Carlo tree search algorithms. Firstly, we present a Monte Carlo tree search algorithm that can compute policies for nonlinear utility functions (NLU-MCTS) by optimising the utility of the different possible returns attainable from individual policy executions, resulting in good policies for both risk-aware and multi-objective settings. Secondly, we propose a distributional Monte Carlo tree search algorithm (DMCTS) which extends NLU-MCTS. DMCTS computes an approximate posterior distribution over the utility of the returns, and utilises Thompson sampling during planning to compute policies in risk-aware and multi-objective settings. Both algorithms outperform the state-of-the-art in multi-objective reinforcement learning for the expected utility of the returns.
Mixed methods evaluation of the inaugural year of the Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network’s (CPCRN) scholars program
Authors: Escoffery Cam , Petagna Courtney N. , Wangen Mary , Flicker Kimberly J. , Noblet Samuel B. , Sakhuja Mayank , Thomson Cynthia A. , Morrato Elaine H. , Adams Swann , Leeman Jennifer , Friedman Daniela B.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

A diverse workforce trained in dissemination & implementation (D&I) science is critical for improving cancer outcomes and reducing cancer-related health disparities. This study aims to describe and evaluate impact of the Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network (CPCRN) Scholars Program in preparing scholars for collaborative careers in cancer control and implementation research and practice, and offers evaluation-driven recommendations for program improvements.

Methods

The CPCRN Scholars Workgroup conducted a sequential, mixed methods evaluation. We collected baseline and follow-up surveys and invited all 20 scholars and ten mentors to participate in an exit interview. We assessed the experience with the Scholar’s program, ratings of D&I competences, progress on their project, feedback about the curriculum, and understanding of implementation science.

Results

Over 86% partially or fully completed their project within 9 months; 78% of scholars engaged with a CPCRN workgroup. Scholars rated the following program components as valuable: the Putting Public Health Evidence in Action (PPHEIA) training (88.9%), D&I training modules (83.3%), and webinars (kickoff webinar-88.9% and selecting theories/models-88.9%). There was an increase in D&I competencies from baseline to posttest, with the greatest in community engagement topics. About 78% reported that they were satisfied with format of the activities and increased confidence in ability to discuss D&I concepts. From the qualitative interviews, the benefit of the program was becoming more knowledgeable about D&I research and networking.

Conclusion

The inaugural year of the program yielded positive results, particularly related to increasing knowledge about D&I science and cancer control. This program builds the capacity of students, researchers and practitioners in D&I science.
Economic complexity and environmental pollution: evidence from the former socialist transition countries
Authors: Bucher Florian , Scheu Lucas , Schröpf Benedikt
Published: April 2023

This study examines the link between economic complexity and environmental pollution by exploiting a massive and unprecedented decline of CO2 emissions and complexity in the former socialist transition countries after the fall of the iron curtain. We refer to the extended theories of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC), stating that environmental pollution follows an inverted u-shaped course with respect to economic complexity. Using comprehensive data of 27 countries for the period 1995–2017, our results show that the EKC can be found for countries whose complexity rose over time. Additionally, since the results for production-based and consumption-based CO2 emissions are similar, we can discard emissions offshoring as a major explaining factor. Consequently, our findings suggest that more complex products have influenced the u-shaped course of the EKC. However, as the turning point is associated with high levels of pollution, our estimates imply that complexity may even exacerbate environmental issues in the short and middle run in less developed countries.
Incident Report and Analysis of the 2021 Cox’s Bazar Rohingya Refugee Camp Fire in Bangladesh
Authors: Flores Quiroz Natalia , Walls Richard , Chamberlain Paul , Tan Genevieve , Milke James
Published: April 2023

According to the UN Refugee Agency, roughly 980,000 people live in the Cox’s Bazar region in Bangladesh, making it the largest and most densely populated refugee camp in the world. The number of fires in this settlement rapidly increased in 2021. On 22 March, a large fire event occurred, where 15 fatalities and 560 injuries were reported, and more than 9500 homes were affected leaving 45,000 homeless. This work seeks to reconstruct this incident based on firefighters’ statements, information found in the media, and satellite imagery. The study shows that (a) the fire spread extremely fast, with linear spread rates between 79 and 310 m/h and an average areal spread rate of 92,850 m2/h estimated, (b) the firefighters performed two main operations, firefighting and the creation of fire barriers, (c) the residents self-evacuated, deciding when and where to evacuate, and (d) the residents’ actions were similar to what has been observed in residential fires, with several people mentioning looking for missing family members. Fire spread is analogous to wildland fires where conflagrations spread across large areas of combustible material. This work can be used in planning for future large-scale fire incidents in tented camps, and proactively seeking ways of mitigating their impact. This is the first detailed documentation of such a large-scale refugee camp incident in the academic literature.
Indigenous nutrient supply, weeding and fertilisation strategies influence on-farm N, P and K use efficiency in lowland rice
Authors: Awio Thomas , Struik Paul C. , Senthilkumar Kalimuthu , Dimkpa Christian O. , Otim-Nape George William , Stomph TjeerdJan
Published: April 2023

Enhancing use efficiency of applied fertiliser increases farmers’ returns on fertiliser investment through reducing nutrient inputs and improving yields. We investigated on-farm how indigenous nutrient supply and management practices affected N, P, and K uptake, agronomic efficiency and recovery efficiency of fertiliser, and physiological efficiency of nutrients taken up, under irrigated lowland rice conditions in Uganda. Treatments included recommended agronomic practices (RAP) without fertilisation, farmers’ practice (FP), farmers’ selected intensification practice (FIP), and RAP with NPK fertilisation (RAP + NPK). Indigenous N, P, and K supply varied greatly among farmers’ fields. N, P, and K uptake were significantly higher under RAP + NPK than under RAP, FP, and FIP; however, physiological efficiency (PE; kg grain kg−1 nutrient uptake) was significantly lower under RAP + NPK by 19% (N), and 12% (P/K), due to a larger effect of NPK application on uptake than on yield, leading to higher tissue concentrations. Indigenous available N reduced apparent N recovery, and agronomic and physiological N efficiencies independent of treatment. Also, P and K PEs decreased with increasing indigenous supply. Delaying weeding beyond recommended time, in interaction with indigenous N supply, decreased agronomic N efficiency, but increased PE of N. Interaction between P rate and timing reduced its PE; K rate and weeding time interaction reduced its PE. The decrease in efficiencies at high indigenous supply and delayed weeding indicates a need for site-specific fertilisation strategies based on naturally available nutrient levels and proper weeding. Weeding and fertilisation timing directly affect nutrient use efficiency, and therefore, fertiliser use efficiency in rice production systems.
Inflammation across the spectrum of hypertrophic cardiac phenotypes
Authors: Lillo Rosa , Graziani Francesca , Franceschi Francesco , Iannaccone Giulia , Massetti Massimo , Olivotto Iacopo , Crea Filippo , Liuzzo Giovanna
Published: April 2023

The hypertrophic cardiomyopathy phenotype encompasses a heterogeneous spectrum of genetic and acquired diseases characterized by the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy in the absence of abnormal cardiac loading conditions. This “umbrella diagnosis” includes the “classic” hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), due to sarcomere protein gene mutations, and its phenocopies caused by intra‐ or extracellular deposits, such as Fabry disease (FD) and cardiac amyloidosis (CA). All these conditions share a wide phenotypic variability which results from the combination of genetic and environmental factors and whose pathogenic mediators are poorly understood so far. Accumulating evidence suggests that inflammation plays a critical role in a broad spectrum of cardiovascular conditions, including cardiomyopathies. Indeed, inflammation can trigger molecular pathways which contribute to cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and dysfunction, extracellular matrix accumulation, and microvascular dysfunction. Growing evidence suggests that systemic inflammation is a possible key pathophysiologic process potentially involved in the pathogenesis of cardiac disease progression, influencing the severity of the phenotype and clinical outcome, including heart failure. In this review, we summarize current knowledge regarding the prevalence, clinical significance, and potential therapeutic implications of inflammation in HCM and two of its most important phenocopies, FD and CA.
Unifying Splitting
Authors: Ebner Gabriel , Blanchette Jasmin , Tourret Sophie
Published: April 2023

AVATAR is an elegant and effective way to split clauses in a saturation prover using a SAT solver. But is it refutationally complete? And how does it relate to other splitting architectures? To answer these questions, we present a unifying framework that extends a saturation calculus (e.g., superposition) with splitting and that embeds the result in a prover guided by a SAT solver. The framework also allows us to studylocking, a subsumption-like mechanism based on the current propositional model. Various architectures are instances of the framework, including AVATAR, labeled splitting, and SMT with quantifiers.
Cryo-electron tomography of intact cardiac muscle reveals myosin binding protein-C linking myosin and actin filaments
Authors: Huang Xinrui , Torre Iratxe , Chiappi Michele , Yin Zhan , Vydyanath Anupama , Cao Shuangyi , Raschdorf Oliver , Beeby Morgan , Quigley Bonnie , de Tombe Pieter P. , Liu Jun , Morris Edward P. , Luther Pradeep K.
Published: April 2023

Myosin binding protein C (MyBP-C) is an accessory protein of the thick filament in vertebrate cardiac muscle arranged over 9 stripes of intervals of 430 Å in each half of the A-band in the region called the C-zone. Mutations in cardiac MyBP-C are a leading cause of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy the mechanism of which is unknown. It is a rod-shaped protein composed of 10 or 11 immunoglobulin- or fibronectin-like domains labelled C0 to C10 which binds to the thick filament via its C-terminal region. MyBP-C regulates contraction in a phosphorylation dependent fashion that may be through binding of its N-terminal domains with myosin or actin. Understanding the 3D organisation of MyBP-C in the sarcomere environment may provide new light on its function. We report here the fine structure of MyBP-C in relaxed rat cardiac muscle by cryo-electron tomography and subtomogram averaging of refrozen Tokuyasu cryosections. We find that on average MyBP-C connects via its distal end to actin across a disc perpendicular to the thick filament. The path of MyBP-C suggests that the central domains may interact with myosin heads. Surprisingly MyBP-C at Stripe 4 is different; it has weaker density than the other stripes which could result from a mainly axial or wavy path. Given that the same feature at Stripe 4 can also be found in several mammalian cardiac muscles and in some skeletal muscles, our finding may have broader implication and significance. In the D-zone, we show the first demonstration of myosin crowns arranged on a uniform 143 Å repeat.
The concept of alterity: its usage and its relevance for critical qualitative researchers in the era of Trump
Authors: Muhammad E. Anthony
Published: April 2023

Alterity is a concept with an extensive yet elusive history. Popularly conceived of as radical difference and Otherness, I identify alterity as the source of much of the virulent forms of racism, sexism, islamophobia, and other dichotomies in society that pit one group against another. Coming out of the tradition of critical qualitative inquiry, I offer a genealogy of the concept of alterity through various contexts and disciplines with a focus on its use in traditional Western philosophy. Within this tradition, the alteric relationship between the Self and the Other was typified by a preeminence bestowed upon the Self and an adversarial, totalizing posture taken toward the Other. Relying on a hermeneutic methodology, I theorize the development of alterity within this tradition as the root of the Eurocentric project of hegemony and subjugation that has culminated in and solidified White supremacy and that manifest today as Trump era articulations of racism and nativism in American society. Detailing the early twentieth century postmodern turn in Western philosophy which rehabilitated the Other from the tyranny of the Self, I use that history as a model for reclaiming the racial, cultural, and religious Others that continue to be marginalized throughout American society. Enlisting the notion of borderlands from border pedagogy, the ethics of care of Emmanuel Levinas, and the tenets of critical qualitative inquiry, I argue for a deliberate and focused project of activist research and critical pedagogy to not only rehabilitate and give voice to marginalized groups but to also deterritorialize the borderlands between the Self of White society and those who have been Othered by White society.
Short-term exposure to particulate matter and effects on emergency hospital admissions for Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease: an ecological study from an aged European metropolis
Authors: Franco Pedro , Gordo Cristina , Marques da Costa Eduarda , Lopes António
Published: April 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) are important neurodegenerative disorders, especially in an aging population context that prevails in high-developed countries and Europe in particular. It is known that exposure to particulate matter (PM) leads to the production and deposition of aggregate clusters of proteins, which are linked to neurological disorders and impediments. Nonetheless, only a few works study the short-term exposure to PM and its association with hospital admissions or mortality due to AD or PD. This study assesses the association between exposure to PM and emergency hospital admissions for AD and PD in an aging metropole, serving as a case study for most European big cities. Daily emergency hospital admissions due to AD and PD data were obtained for the 2012 to 2015 period and multivariate Poisson regression models were used to evaluate the association between PM and admissions while controlling for the day of the week, seasonality, and environmental factors. Furthermore, lagged observations were assessed. Results show that an increase in exposure to PM2.5 resulted in a percentage increase in emergency hospital admissions due to AD and PD. Also, age was an effect modifier for PD admissions. Additionally, greater effects were felt at shorter lags for AD and delayed/longer lags for PD. This study found a relationship between short-term exposure to PM and AD and PD hospital admissions in an urban context, drawing attention to the importance of air pollution for urban health, especially in areas with an aged population structure.
Laparoscopic versus open surgery for gallbladder carcinoma: safety, feasibility, and oncological outcomes
Authors: Wu Xin , Li Binglu , Zheng Chaoji , Liu Wei , Hong Tao , He Xiaodong
Published: April 2023

Background

Gallbladder carcinoma (GC) is a rare malignant tumor. Laparoscopic technology has revolutionized the reality of surgery. However, whether laparoscopic surgery is suitable for GC has not been clarified. We aimed to analyze the safety, feasibility, and oncological outcomes of laparoscopic surgery in GC.

Methods

The medical records of patients with GC treated at our hospital between January 2016 and December 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who underwent laparoscopic and open surgery were compared. Propensity score matched analysis was performed to balance the basic characteristics of the two groups. Kaplan–Meier curves were used to describe and compare the overall and disease-free survival rates between the groups.

Results

A total of 163 patients with GC were included. Cholelithiasis was detected in 64 (39.3%) patients. Seventy patients were matched after propensity score matching. The laparoscopic group was significantly better than the open group in terms of operation time (p < 0.001), blood loss (p = 0.002), drain time (p = 0.001), and hospital stay (p < 0.001). After a median follow-up time of 19 (12, 35) months, there was no significant difference in the cumulative overall (p = 0.650) and disease-free (p = 0.663) survival rates between the laparoscopic and open groups according to Kaplan–Meier curves.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic surgery can reduce the operation time and blood loss, and shorten drain time and hospital stay without increasing the incidence of complications. Patients undergoing laparoscopic and open surgery have a similar prognosis. Laparoscopic surgery is worth promoting in patients with GC.
Application of video frame interpolation to markerless, single-camera gait analysis
Authors: Dunn Marcus , Kennerley Adam , Murrell-Smith Zhane , Webster Kate , Middleton Kane , Wheat Jon
Published: April 2023

In clinic settings, factors such as time, cost, expertise, and technology feasibility limit the use of instrumented biomechanical analysis. Recent advances in commercial markerless motion capture systems can address patient ease-of-use factors, but are high cost and require specialised equipment, dedicated spaces, and technical expertise. As such, they present similar limitations to biomechanical analyses in clinic settings. Single-camera pose estimation techniques have generated cautious optimism for markerless gait analysis. However, parameters derived using low-cost and low-sample rate cameras commonly used in clinic settings are not yet accurate enough to detect change in complex movement systems. Video frame interpolation is a single-step process that artificially increases the sample rate of videos. This study applied video frame interpolation to videos of walking and demonstrates improved precision for step, stance, swing and double support times, as well as marginal improvements to the precision of ankle and knee joint angles, derived by single-camera pose estimation. Video frame interpolation potentially represents a delimiting factor for gait analysis in clinic settings, as limiting factors such as time, cost, technology feasibility and patient ease-of-use can be minimised.
Temporal Relationship between Impairment of Cerebellar Motor Learning and Deterioration of Ataxia in Patients with Cerebellar Degeneration
Authors: Honda Takeru , Matsumura Ken , Hashimoto Yuji , Yokota Takanori , Mizusawa Hidehiro , Nagao Soichi , Ishikawa Kinya
Published: April 2023

Ataxia and impaired motor learning are both fundamental features in diseases affecting the cerebellum. However, it remains unclarified whether motor learning is impaired only when ataxia clearly manifests, nor it is known whether the progression of ataxia, the speed of which often varies among patients with the same disease, can be monitored by examining motor learning. We evaluated motor learning and ataxia at intervals of several months in 40 patients with degenerative conditions [i.e., multiple system atrophy (MSA), Machado–Joseph disease (MJD)/spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), SCA6, and SCA31]. Motor learning was quantified as the adaptability index (AI) in the prism adaptation task and ataxia was scored using the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA). We found that AI decreased most markedly in both MSA-C and MSA-P, moderately in MJD, and mildly in SCA6 and SCA31. Overall, the AI decrease occurred more rapidly than the SARA score increase. Interestingly, AIs remained normal in purely parkinsonian MSA-P patients (n = 4), but they dropped into the ataxia range when these patients started to show ataxia. The decrease in AI during follow-up (dAI/dt) was significant in patients with SARA scores < 10.5 compared with patients with SARA scores ≥ 10.5, indicating that AI is particularly useful for diagnosing the earlier phase of cerebellar degeneration. We conclude that AI is a useful marker for progressions of cerebellar diseases, and that evaluating the motor learning of patients can be particularly valuable for detecting cerebellar impairment, which is often masked by parkinsonisms and other signs.
Quantitative Oculomotor Assessment in Hereditary Ataxia: Systematic Review and Consensus by the Ataxia Global Initiative Working Group on Digital-motor Biomarkers
Authors: Garces Pilar , Antoniades Chrystalina A. , Sobanska Anna , Kovacs Norbert , Ying Sarah H. , Gupta Anoopum S. , Perlman Susan , Szmulewicz David J. , Pane Chiara , Németh Andrea H. , Jardim Laura B. , Coarelli Giulia , Dankova Michaela , Traschütz Andreas , Tarnutzer Alexander A.
Published: April 2023

Oculomotor deficits are common in hereditary ataxia, but disproportionally neglected in clinical ataxia scales and as outcome measures for interventional trials. Quantitative assessment of oculomotor function has become increasingly available and thus applicable in multicenter trials and offers the opportunity to capture severity and progression of oculomotor impairment in a sensitive and reliable manner. In this consensus paper of the Ataxia Global Initiative Working Group On Digital Oculomotor Biomarkers, based on a systematic literature review, we propose harmonized methodology and measurement parameters for the quantitative assessment of oculomotor function in natural-history studies and clinical trials in hereditary ataxia. MEDLINE was searched for articles reporting on oculomotor/vestibular properties in ataxia patients and a study-tailored quality-assessment was performed. One-hundred-and-seventeen articles reporting on subjects with genetically confirmed (n=1134) or suspected hereditary ataxia (n=198), and degenerative ataxias with sporadic presentation (n=480) were included and subject to data extraction. Based on robust discrimination from controls, correlation with disease-severity, sensitivity to change, and feasibility in international multicenter settings as prerequisite for clinical trials, we prioritize a core-set of five eye-movement types: (i) pursuit eye movements, (ii) saccadic eye movements, (iii) fixation, (iv) eccentric gaze holding, and (v) rotational vestibulo-ocular reflex. We provide detailed guidelines for their acquisition, and recommendations on the quantitative parameters to extract. Limitations include low study quality, heterogeneity in patient populations, and lack of longitudinal studies. Standardization of quantitative oculomotor assessments will facilitate their implementation, interpretation, and validation in clinical trials, and ultimately advance our understanding of the evolution of oculomotor network dysfunction in hereditary ataxias.
Analysis and validation of diagnostic biomarkers and immune cell infiltration characteristics in pediatric sepsis by integrating bioinformatics and machine learning
Authors: Zhang Wen-Yuan , Chen Zhong-Hua , An Xiao-Xia , Li Hui , Zhang Hua-Lin , Wu Shui-Jing , Guo Yu-Qian , Zhang Kai , Zeng Cong-Li , Fang Xiang-Ming
Published: April 2023

Background

Pediatric sepsis is a complicated condition characterized by life-threatening organ failure resulting from a dysregulated host response to infection in children. It is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality, and rapid detection and administration of antimicrobials have been emphasized. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic biomarkers of pediatric sepsis and the function of immune cell infiltration in the development of this illness.

Methods

Three gene expression datasets were available from the Gene Expression Omnibus collection. First, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found with the use of theRprogram, and then gene set enrichment analysis was carried out. Subsequently, the DEGs were combined with the major module genes chosen using the weighted gene co-expression network. The hub genes were identified by the use of three machine-learning algorithms: random forest, support vector machine-recursive feature elimination, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator. The receiver operating characteristic curve and nomogram model were used to verify the discrimination and efficacy of the hub genes. In addition, the inflammatory and immune status of pediatric sepsis was assessed using cell-type identification by estimating relative subsets of RNA transcripts (CIBERSORT). The relationship between the diagnostic markers and infiltrating immune cells was further studied.

Results

Overall, after overlapping key module genes and DEGs, we detected 402 overlapping genes. As pediatric sepsis diagnostic indicators, CYSTM1 (AUC = 0.988), MMP8 (AUC = 0.973), and CD177 (AUC = 0.986) were investigated and demonstrated statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) and diagnostic efficacy in the validation set. As indicated by the immune cell infiltration analysis, multiple immune cells may be involved in the development of pediatric sepsis. Additionally, all diagnostic characteristics may correlate with immune cells to varying degrees.

Conclusions

The candidate hub genes (CD177, CYSTM1, and MMP8) were identified, and the nomogram was constructed for pediatric sepsis diagnosis. Our study could provide potential peripheral blood diagnostic candidate genes for pediatric sepsis patients.
Total CroFab and Anavip Antivenom Vial Administration in US Rattlesnake Envenomations: 2019–2021
Authors: Brandehoff Nicklaus , Dalton Alicia , Daugherty Claire , Dart Richard C. , Monte Andrew A. ,   On behalf of the ToxIC Snakebite Study Group
Published: April 2023

Introduction

In 2018, Anavip became available for the treatment of rattlesnake envenomations in the USA. No comparisons between the treatment characteristics of patients have been made since Anavip and CroFab have both been widely available. The objective of this study was to compare the number of antivenom vials administered of CroFab and Anavip during the treatment of rattlesnake envenomations in the USA.

Methods

This was a secondary analysis of rattlesnake envenomations utilizing the North American Snakebite Registry (NASBR) from 2019 through 2021. Frequencies and proportions were used to summarize demographics and baseline clinical characteristics. The primary outcome was total antivenom vials administered during treatment. Secondary outcomes included the number antivenom administration events, total treatment time, and hospital length of stay.

Results

Two hundred ninety-one rattlesnake envenomations were analyzed; most occurred in the Western USA (n = 279, 96 %). One hundred one patients (35%) received only CroFab, 110 (38%) received Anavip only, and 80 (27%) received both products. The median number of vials used was 10 for CroFab, 18 for Anavip, and 20 for both antivenoms. More than one antivenom administration was necessary in thirty-nine (39%) patients that received only CroFab and 76 (69%) patients that received Anavip only. The median total treatment time was 5.5 hours for CroFab, 6.5 for Anavip, and 15.5 hours when both antivenoms were administered. All antivenom groups had a median hospital length of stay of 2 days.

Conclusions

Rattlesnake envenomated patients in the Western USA treated with CroFab had fewer antivenom vials and fewer antivenom administrations compared to patients treated with Anavip.
Nash blowups of toric varieties in prime characteristic
Authors: Duarte Daniel , Jeffries Jack , Núñez-Betancourt Luis
Published: April 2023

We initiate the study of the resolution of singularities properties of Nash blowups over fields of prime characteristic. We prove that the iteration of normalized Nash blowups desingularizes normal toric surfaces. We also introduce a prime characteristic version of the logarithmic Jacobian ideal of a toric variety and prove that its blowup coincides with the Nash blowup of the variety. As a consequence, the Nash blowup of a, not necessarily normal, toric variety of arbitrary dimension in prime characteristic can be described combinatorially.
Perverse schobers and Orlov equivalences
Authors: Koseki Naoki , Ouchi Genki
Published: April 2023

A perverse schober is a categorification of a perverse sheaf proposed by Kapranov–Schechtman. In this paper, we construct examples of perverse schobers on the Riemann sphere, which categorify the intersection complexes of natural local systems arising from the mirror symmetry for Calabi–Yau hypersurfaces. The Orlov equivalence plays a key role for the construction.
Comparison of mechanical properties and structure of Haynes 282 consolidated via two different powder metallurgy methods: laser powder bed fusion and hot pressing
Authors: Maj P. , Bochenek K. , Sitek R. , Koralnik M. , Jonak K. , Wieczorek M. , Pakieła Z. , Mizera J.
Published: April 2023

The development of powder metallurgy methods in recent years has caused traditional casting methods to be replaced in many industrial applications. Using such methods, it is possible to obtain parts having the required geometry after a process that saves both manufacturing costs and time. However, there are many material issues that decrease the functionality of these methods, including mechanical properties anisotropy and greater susceptibility to cracking due to chemical segregation. The main aim of the current article is to analyze these issues in depth for two powder metallurgy manufacturing processes: laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) and hot-pressing (HP) methods—selected for the experiment because they are in widespread use. Microstructure and mechanical tests were performed in the main manufacturing directions, X and Z. The results show that in both powder metallurgy methods, anisotropy was an issue, although it seems that the problem was more significant for the samples produced via LPBF SLM technique, which displayed only half the elongation in the building direction (18%) compared with the perpendicular direction (almost 38%). However, it should be noted that the fracture toughness of LPBF shows high values in the main directions, higher even than those of the HP and wrought samples. Additionally, the highest level of homogeneity even in comparison with wrought sample, was observed for the HP sintered samples with equiaxed grains with visible twin boundaries. The tensile properties, mainly strength and elongation, were the highest for HP material. Overall, from a practical standpoint, the results showed that HP sintering is the best method in terms of homogeneity based on microstructural and mechanical properties.
A thoracoscopic cadaveric teaching model for needle decompression of a tension pneumothorax
Authors: Parra Kristine T. , Gower Jonathan R. , Floan Gretchen M. , Heflinger Megan V. , Sisson William B. , Halbach Jonathan L. , Ignacio Romeo C.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of a cadaveric teaching model for needle compression of pneumothorax simulated by thoracoscopy.

Materials and methods

A standardized didactic instruction was provided to medical personnel participants at a single institution tertiary medical center. A thoracoscope was inserted into cadavers and insufflated to 20 mm Hg for simulation of a tension pneumothorax. The study participants performed six needle decompressions (3 anterior, 3 lateral), which were all directly observed thoracoscopically. Demographic data and post-surveys were obtained. The primary endpoint was participant assessment of this teaching model for a simulated pneumothorax. Secondary endpoints were successful decompression of the pneumothorax, perceived success of each attempt, and injury to intrathoracic structures.

Results

Forty participants completed 240 attempted decompressions. Participants reported that 43% had taken ATLS, and 63% had performed a needle decompression on a simulated patient prior to this study. The rate of successful decompressions was 85.86%. Participants reported a perceived successful completion rate of 82%. 73.7% performed this safely, while 88.5% perceived that they performed it safely. 85.7% stated that they felt more confident and capable after the study.

Conclusion

A simulated model is essential for adequate teaching. Our use of a thoracoscopic cadaveric model provides a realistic simulation of the pneumothorax used for training. Participants had similar rates of actual completion and perceived completion including higher rates of perceived safety. Further use of this model as a teaching tool will potentially improve the success of this life-saving procedure.
Feeling comfortable with a mortgage: The impact of framing, financial literacy and advice
Authors: Thorp Susan , Liu Junhao , Agnew Julie , Bateman Hazel , Eckert Christine , Iskhakov Fedor
Published: April 2023

The family home is the most important asset on household balance sheets, aside from human capital. Choosing a suitable mortgage is therefore critical to financial well-being but households often make costly mistakes. We collect data in an online survey to test borrowers’ comfort with, and understanding of, mortgage debt. We analyze the impact of financial literacy, mortgage broker advice and whether the loan is framed as a lump sum debt or an equivalent stream of repayments. We conjecture that participants’ comfort with loans and their ability to match lump sum debt to equivalent repayment streams will help them to choose a suitable mortgage. Results show that participants with high financial literacy are less comfortable with mortgage debt in general and also less sensitive to framing than those with low financial literacy. Literate participants are better able to match repayment streams with the equivalent lump sums. Endogeneity-controlled regression analysis shows that consulting brokers leads to higher comfort with debt and lower sensitivity to framing. Survey responses also indicate more uncertainty about future house prices among borrowers who intend to consult brokers than among those who do not.
POD-based study of turbulent plane Poiseuille flow: comparing structure and dynamics between quasi-linear simulations and DNS
Authors: Nikolaidis Marios-Andreas , Ioannou Petros J. , Farrell Brian F. , Lozano-Durán Adrián
Published: April 2023

Turbulence in the restricted nonlinear (RNL) dynamics is analysed and compared with direct numerical simulations (DNS) of Poiseuille turbulence at Reynolds number

$R=1650$

. The structures are obtained by proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) analysis of the two components of the flow partition used in RNL dynamics: the streamwise mean flow and fluctuations. POD analysis of the streamwise mean flow indicates that the dominant POD modes, in both DNS and RNL dynamics, are roll-streaks harmonic in the spanwise direction. However, we conclude that these POD modes do not occur in isolation but rather are Fourier components of a coherent roll-streak structure. POD analysis of the fluctuations in DNS and RNL dynamics reveals similar complex structures consisting in part of oblique waves collocated with the streak. The origin of these structures is identified by their correspondence to POD modes predicted using a stochastic turbulence model (STM). These predicted POD modes are dominated by the optimally growing structures on the streak, which the STM predicts correctly to be of sinuous oblique wave structure. This close correspondence between the roll-streak structure and the associated fluctuations in DNS, RNL dynamics and the STM implies that the self-sustaining mechanism operating in DNS is essentially the same as that in RNL dynamics, which has been associated previously with optimal perturbation growth on the streak.
THE REVERSE MATHEMATICS OF
${\mathsf {CAC\ FOR\ TREES}}$
Authors: CERVELLE JULIEN , GAUDELIER WILLIAM , PATEY LUDOVIC
Published: April 2023

${\mathsf {CAC\ for\ trees}}$
is the statement asserting that any infinite subtree of
$\mathbb {N}^{<\mathbb {N}}$
has an infinite path or an infinite antichain. In this paper, we study the computational strength of this theorem from a reverse mathematical viewpoint. We prove that
${\mathsf {CAC\ for\ trees}}$
is robust, that is, there exist several characterizations, some of which already appear in the literature, namely, the statement
$\mathsf {SHER}$
introduced by Dorais et al. [8], and the statement
$\mathsf {TAC}+\mathsf {B}\Sigma ^0_2$
where
$\mathsf {TAC}$
is the tree antichain theorem introduced by Conidis [6]. We show that
${\mathsf {CAC\ for\ trees}}$
is computationally very weak, in that it admits probabilistic solutions.
Cerebrospinal fluid neurofilament light predicts longitudinal diagnostic change in patients with psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders
Authors: Kang Matthew J. Y. , Eratne Dhamidhu , Dobson Hannah , Malpas Charles B. , Keem Michael , Lewis Courtney , Grewal Jasleen , Tsoukra Vivian , Dang Christa , Mocellin Ramon , Kalincik Tomas , Santillo Alexander F. , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Stehmann Christiane , Varghese Shiji , Li Qiao-Xin , Masters Colin L. , Collins Steven , Berkovic Samuel F. , Evans Andrew , Kelso Wendy , Farrand Sarah , Loi Samantha M. , Walterfang Mark , Velakoulis Dennis
Published: April 2023

Objective:

People with neuropsychiatric symptoms often experience delay in accurate diagnosis. Although cerebrospinal fluid neurofilament light (CSF NfL) shows promise in distinguishing neurodegenerative disorders (ND) from psychiatric disorders (PSY), its accuracy in a diagnostically challenging cohort longitudinally is unknown.

Methods:

We collected longitudinal diagnostic information (mean = 36 months) from patients assessed at a neuropsychiatry service, categorising diagnoses as ND/mild cognitive impairment/other neurological disorders (ND/MCI/other) and PSY. We pre-specified NfL > 582 pg/mL as indicative of ND/MCI/other.

Results:

Diagnostic category changed from initial to final diagnosis for 23% (49/212) of patients. NfL predicted the final diagnostic category for 92% (22/24) of these and predicted final diagnostic category overall (ND/MCI/other vs. PSY) in 88% (187/212), compared to 77% (163/212) with clinical assessment alone.

Conclusions:

CSF NfL improved diagnostic accuracy, with potential to have led to earlier, accurate diagnosis in a real-world setting using a pre-specified cut-off, adding weight to translation of NfL into clinical practice.
Design and development of a SLPM-based deployable robot
Authors: Zhang Ze , Zhuang Zheming , Guan Yuntao , Dai Jiansheng
Published: April 2023

With the progress of industry, people are facing more and more complicated tasks, which cannot be completed by conventional rigid robot. For this, a deployable robot based on spherical linkage parallel mechanism was proposed to satisfy relevant requirements for the degrees of freedom in this study. Based on the design of robot model and its control box, a mathematical model for the robot was established, and the relationship between motion space and drive space was deduced accordingly. Subsequently, a control system consisting of the upper and lower computers was introduced. Two control modes, that is, Joystick control and remote control, were developed. The upper computer control interface for the robot was completed by MATLAB construction. At last, the two control modes as well as autonomous detection were demonstrated by motion test. This achievement will further advance the applications of deployable robot in job aid and intelligent exploration.
Bureaucratic secrecy and the regulation of knowledge in Europe over the longue durée: Obfuscation, omission, performance, and policing
Authors: Cuenca Esther Liberman , Siddiqi Asif A.
Published: April 2023

In his now-classic mediation on the sociology of secrecy, Georg Simmel cautioned that while ‘human interaction is conditioned by the capacity to speak, it is [also] shaped by the capacity to be silent’.1 As historians, we are trained to see what is present, what is material, and what has effect. Investigating absence, on the other hand, as rewarding as it can be when we are able to reconstruct the seemingly unknowable, can lead us astray with speculative banalities or even counter-factual histories. Yet, as one manifestation of absence in society – in this case, the absence of knowledge – secrecy has had a fundamental place in the constitution, shaping, and functioning of the premodern and modern worlds. It has operated in many registers and appeared in many forms, such as censorship, coded language, classification regimes, and in oaths promising secrecy. All these modes in which we find practices related to secrecy operated within bureaucracies where the regulation of knowledge was either explicitly or implicitly part of their functioning. In looking at manifestations of absences – in particular, practices designed to regulate and then render knowledge absent – bureaucracies represent an emblematic and instructive site to explore questions on the co-constitution of power and knowledge.2
Oath-taking and the politics of secrecy in medieval and early modern British towns
Authors: Cuenca Esther Liberman
Published: April 2023

In premodern Britain civic officials took oaths in solemn ceremonies in full view of their colleagues and fellow citizens. This article examines oaths ranging from the fourteenth to the seventeenth centuries from 31 towns in England, Scotland, and Ireland to demonstrate how officials were ritually enjoined to keep secrets. Oaths were public acknowledgments that secrets were going to be kept. The act of governing necessitated the keeping of secrets to ensure the protection of the town's interests. But oath-taking was also a concession to the idea that governing required a degree of transparency for the ruling elite and other authorities to appear legitimate and incorruptible.
Fluoroscopy-free, echocardiography-guided hybrid stenting of native aortic coarctation in a 920-grams premature infant
Authors: Tagorti Maha , Benbrik Nadir , Baruteau Alban-Elouen
Published: April 2023

Therapeutic options are limited for the management of extremely low-birth-weight infants with critical aortic coarctation despite high doses of prostaglandin infusion. We report successful hybrid, fluoroscopy-free, echocardiography-guided primary stenting of native aortic coarctation in a 920-grams premature infant.