bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying the phonological backbone in the mental lexicon
Authors: Vitevitch Michael S. , Sale Mary
Published: June 2023

Previous studies used techniques from network science to identify individual nodes and a set of nodes that were “important” in a network of phonological word-forms from English. In the present study we used a network simplification process—known as the backbone—that removed redundant edges to extract a subnetwork of “important” words from the network of phonological word-forms. The backbone procedure removed 68.5% of the edges in the original network to extract a backbone with a giant component containing 6,211 words. We compared psycholinguistic and network measures of the words in the backbone to the words that did not survive the backbone extraction procedure. Words in the backbone occurred more frequently in the language, were shorter in length, were similar to more phonological neighbors, and were closer to other words than words that did not survive the backbone extraction procedure. Words in the backbone of the phonological network might form a “kernel lexicon”—a small but essential set of words that allows one to communicate in a wide-range of situations—and may provide guidance to clinicians and researchers on which words to focus on to facilitate typical development, or to accelerate rehabilitation efforts. The backbone extraction method may also prove useful in other applications of network science to the speech, language, hearing and cognitive sciences.
Predicting firm creation in rural Texas: A multi-model machine learning approach to a complex policy problem
Authors: Hand Mark C. , Shastry Vivek , Rai Varun
Published: June 2023

Rural and urban America have becoming increasingly divided, both politically and economically. Entrepreneurship can help rural communities catch back up by jumpstarting economic growth, creating jobs, and building resilience to economic shocks. However, less is known about firm creation in rural areas compared to urban areas. To that end, in this paper we ask: What factors predict firm creation in rural America? Our analysis, based on a comparative framework involving multiple machine learning modeling techniques, helps addresses three gaps in academic literature on rural firm creation. First, entrepreneurship research stretches across disciplines, often using econometric methods to identify the effect of a specific variable, rather than comparing the predictive importance of multiple variables. Second, research on firm creation centers on high-tech, urban firms. Third, modern machine learning techniques have not yet been applied in an integrated way to address rural entrepreneurship, a complex economic and policy problem that defies simple, monocausal claims. In this paper, we apply four machine learning methods (subset selection, lasso, random forest, and extreme gradient boosting) to a novel dataset to examine what social and economic factors are predictive of firm growth in rural Texas counties from 2008–2018. Our results suggest that some factors commonly discussed as promoting entrepreneurship (e.g., access to broadband and patents) may not be as predictive as socioeconomic ones (age distribution, ethnic diversity, social capital, and immigration). We also find that the strength of specific industries (oil, wind, healthcare, and elder/childcare) predicts firm growth, as does the number of local banks. Most factors predictive of firm growth in rural counties are distinct from those in urban counties, supporting the argument that rural entrepreneurship is a distinct phenomenon worthy of distinct focus. More broadly, this multi-model approach can offer initial, focusing guidance to policymakers seeking to address similarly complex policy problems.
Who behaves more pro-environmental in the national parks: A comparison of the tourist and the hiker
Authors: Zhang Qing , Sun Huazhen , Peng Xiasui , Lin Qiuyan
Published: June 2023

The intention of pro-environmental behavior (PEB) directly affects the sustainable development of protected areas, especially national parks, but few studies have done comparative research on tourist and hiker behaviors. This study explores the intention of tourists’ and hikers’ pro-environmental behavior based on theory of planned behavior (TPB) and norm activation theory (NAM). Researchers surveyed 454 tourists and 466 hikers in Wuyishan National Park a structural equation modeling data analysis method. The results demonstrate that the TPB and the NAM were accurate in describing for tourists’ and hikers’ pro-environmental behavior in national park. However, for specific influencing factors, hikers’ attitude, awareness of consequences, and assumption of responsibility were significantly different from those of the tourists. This study sheds light on how to better comprehend and advocate for PEB in national parks and proposes different management approaches to improve the PEB of tourists and hikers.
Self-reported emotional and behavioral problems among school-going adolescents in Nepal—A cross-sectional study
Authors: Adhikari Sirjana , Ma Jasmine , Shakya Suraj , Brøndbo Per Håkan , Handegård Bjørn Helge , Javo Anne Cecilie
Published: June 2023

Background

Studies on self-reported emotional and behavioral problems (EBPs) among adolescents are still sparse in many low- and middle-income countries. In Nepal, no such studies have been performed on a larger scale, and little is known about self-reported EBPs in the adolescent population.

Methods

This cross-sectional, school-based study on EBPs included 1904 adolescents aged 11–18 years, enrolled in government and private schools located in 16 districts in Nepal. The Nepali version of the Youth Self Report form was used to assess self-reported EBPs, and the Teacher Report Form was used to assess academic performance. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for gender comparisons on adolescents’ EBPs and on academic competence. Multiple regression analysis was done to explore correlates of self-reported EBPs.

Results

The overall prevalence of self-reported EBPs was 14.2%; 15.6% in boys and 12.9% in girls. The mean Total Problems score was 39.27 (standard deviation = 24.16); no gender differences were observed. Boys scored higher on Externalizing Problems and girls scored higher on Internalizing Problems. The effect sizes for gender comparisons were small with Hedges’ g ranging from -0.29 to 0.28. Physical illness and negative/traumatic life events were positively correlated with self-reported EBPs, whereas academic performance was negatively correlated. However, the effect sizes were small (η2 < 0.02).

Conclusion

This study helps to narrow the knowledge gap on the prevalence, magnitude, and types of self-reported EBPs in Nepali adolescents. It demonstrated an association between self-reported EBPs and academic performance and linked self-reported EBPs to other factors such as negative/traumatic life events and physical illness. The findings might assist health authorities in the planning of mental health services and may also provide valuable background information to clinicians dealing with adolescent mental health problems.
Risk factors for medical device-related pressure injury in ICU patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gou Ling , Zhang Zhiqin , A. Yongde
Published: June 2023

Background

Medical device-related pressure injury (MDRPI) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients is a serious issue. We aimed to evaluate the risk factors for MDRPI associated with ICU patients through systematic review and meta-analysis, and provide insights into the clinical prevention of MDRPI.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang Database, and China BioMedical Literature Database (CBM) (from inception to January 2023) for studies that identified risk factors of MDRPI in ICU patients. In order to avoid the omission of relevant literature, we performed a secondary search of the above database on February 15, 2023. Meta-analysis was performed using Revman 5.3.

Results

Fifteen studies involving 4850 participants were selected to analyze risk factors for MDRPI in ICU patients. While conducting a meta-analysis, we used sensitivity analysis to ensure the reliability of the results for cases with significant heterogeneity among studies. When the source of heterogeneity cannot be determined, we only described the risk factor. The risk factors for MDRPI in ICU patients were elder age (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.03–1.10), diabetes mellitus (OR = 3.20, 95% CI: 1.96–5.21), edema (OR = 3.62, 95% CI: 2.31–5.67), lower Braden scale score (OR = 1.22, 95%CI: 1.11–1.33), higher SOFA score (OR = 4.21, 95%CI: 2.38–7.47), higher APACHE II score (OR = 1.38, 95%CI: 1.15–1.64), longer usage time of medical devices (OR = 1.11, 95%CI: 1.05–1.19), use of vasoconstrictors (OR = 6.07, 95%CI: 3.15–11.69), surgery (OR = 4.36, 95% CI: 2.07–9.15), prone position (OR = 24.71, 95% CI: 7.34–83.15), and prone position ventilation (OR = 17.51, 95% CI: 5.86–52.36). Furthermore, we found that ICU patients who used subglottic suction catheters had a higher risk of MDRPI, whereas ICU patients with higher hemoglobin and serum albumin levels had a lower risk of MDRPI.

Conclusion

This study reported the risk factors for MDRPI in ICU patients. A comprehensive analysis of these risk factors will help to prevent and optimize interventions, thereby minimizing the occurrence of MDRPI.
Mass spectrometry imaging of hair identifies daily maraviroc adherence in HPTN 069/ACTG A5305
Authors: Rosen Elias P. , White Nicole , Gilliland William M. , Gerona Roy R. , Gandhi Monica , Amico K. Rivet , Mayer Kenneth H. , Gulick Roy M. , Kashuba Angela D. M.
Published: June 2023

Objective measures of adherence for antiretrovirals used as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are critical for improving preventative efficacy in both clinical trials and real-world application. Current objective adherence measures either reflect only recent behavior (eg days for plasma or urine) or cumulative behavior (eg months for dried blood spots). Here, we measured the accumulation of the antiretroviral drug maraviroc (MVC) in hair strands by infrared matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization (IR-MALDESI) mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) to evaluate adherence behavior longitudinally at high temporal resolution. An MSI threshold for classifying daily adherence was established using clinical samples from healthy volunteers following directly observed dosing of 1 to 7 doses MVC/week. We then used the benchmarked MSI assay to classify adherence to MVC-based PrEP regimens in hair samples collected throughout the 48-week HPTN069/ACTGA5305 study. We found that only ~32% of investigated hair samples collected during the study’s active dosing period showed consistent daily PrEP adherence throughout a retrospective period of 30 days, and also found that profiles of daily individual adherence from MSI hair analysis could identify when patients were and were not taking study drug. The assessment of adherence from MSI hair strand analysis was 62% lower than adherence classified using paired plasma samples, the latter of which may be influenced by white-coat adherence. These findings demonstrate the ability of MSI hair analysis to examine daily variability of adherence behavior over a longer-term measurement and offer the potential for longitudinal comparison with risk behavior to target patient-specific adherence interventions and improve outcomes.
Extraction of use case diagram elements using natural language processing and network science
Authors: Imtiaz Malik Maryam , Azam Sindhu Muddassar , Ayaz Abbasi Rabeeh
Published: June 2023

Software engineering artifact extraction from natural language requirements without human intervention is a challenging task. Out of these artifacts, the use case plays a prominent role in software design and development. In the literature, most of the approaches are either semi-automated or necessitate formalism or make use of restricted natural language for the extraction of use cases from textual requirements. In this paper, we resolve the challenge of automated artifact extraction from natural language requirements. We propose an automated approach to generate use cases, actors, and their relationships from natural language requirements. Our proposed approach involves no human intervention or formalism. To automate the proposed approach, we have used Natural Language Processing and Network Science. Our proposed approach provides promising results for the extraction of use case elements from natural language requirements. We validate the proposed approach using several literature-based case studies. The proposed approach significantly improves the results in comparison to an existing approach. On average, the proposed approach achieves around 71.5% accuracy (F-Measure), whereas the baseline method achieves around 16% accuracy (F-Measure) on average. The evaluation of the proposed approach on the literature-based case studies shows its significance for the extraction of use case elements from natural language requirements. The approach reduces human effort in software design and development.
Towards an objective theory of subjective liking: A first step in understanding the sense of beauty
Authors: Mazzacane S. , Coccagna M. , Manzella F. , Pagliarini G. , Sironi V. A. , Gatti A. , Caselli E. , Sciavicco G.
Published: June 2023

The study of the electroencephalogram signals recorded from subjects during an experience is a way to understand the brain processes that underlie their physical and emotional involvement. Such signals have the form of time series, and their analysis could benefit from applying techniques that are specific to this kind of data. Neuroaesthetics, as defined by Zeki in 1999, is the scientific approach to the study of aesthetic perceptions of art, music, or any other experience that can give rise to aesthetic judgments, such as liking or disliking a painting. Starting from a proprietary dataset of 248 trials from 16 subjects exposed to art paintings, using a real ecological context, this paper analyses the application of a novel symbolic machine learning technique, specifically designed to extract information from unstructured data and to express it in form of logical rules. Our purpose is to extract qualitative and quantitative logical rules, to relate the voltage at specific frequencies and in specific electrodes, and that, within the limits of the experiment, may help to understand the brain process that drives liking or disliking experiences in human subjects.
Evaluation of fetal acidemia during delivery using the conventional 5-tier classification and Rainbow systems
Authors: Magawa Shoichi , Maki Shintaro , Nii Masafumi , Yamaguchi Mizuki , Tamaishi Yuya , Enomoto Naosuke , Takakura Sho , Toriyabe Kuniaki , Kondo Eiji , Ikeda Tomoaki
Published: June 2023

The association between prepartum time-series fetal heart rate pattern changes and cord blood gas data at delivery was examined using the conventional 5-tier classification and the Rainbow system for 229 female patients who delivered vaginally. They were classified into three groups based on the results of umbilical cord blood gas analysis at delivery. The fetal heart rate pattern classifications were based on analysis of measurement taken at 10-min intervals, beginning at 120 min pre-delivery. The relationship between fetal heart rate pattern classification and cord blood pH at delivery changed over time. The 5-tier classification at each interval increased before delivery in the Mild and Severe groups compared with the Normal group. No significant differences were observed between acidemia groups. The Rainbow classification showed a significant differences between the acidemia groups at each interval, particularly during the prepartum period. A relationship between classification and outcome was evident before delivery for both the 5-tier classification and Rainbow system.
An investigation of the performance of parametric functional forms for the Lorenz curve
Authors: Sitthiyot Thitithep , Holasut Kanyarat
Published: June 2023

Given that an excellent performance of any parametric functional form for the Lorenz curve that is based on a single country case study and a limited range of distribution must be treated with great caution, this study investigates the performance of a single-parameter functional form proposed by Paul and Shankar (2020) who use income data of Australia to show that their functional form is superior to the other existing widely used functional forms considered in their study. By using both mathematical proof and empirical data of 40 countries around the world, this study demonstrates that Paul and Shankar (2020)’s functional form not only fails to fit the actual observations well but also is generally outperformed by the other popular functional forms considered in their study. Moreover, to overcome the limitation of the performance of a single-parameter functional form on the criterion of the estimated Gini index, this study employs a functional form that has more than one parameter in order to show that, by and large, it performs better than all popular single-parameter functional forms considered in Paul and Shankar (2020)’s study. Thus, before applying any functional form to estimate the Lorenz curve, policymakers should check if it could describe the shape of income distributions of different countries through the changes in parameter values and yield the values of the estimated Gini index that are close to their observed data. Using a functional form that does not fit the actual observations could adversely affect inequality measures and income distribution policies.
COVID-19 symptom load as a risk factor for chronic pain: A national cross-sectional study
Authors: Romeiser Jamie L. , Morley Christopher P. , Singh Sunitha M.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Emerging evidence suggests that a COVID-19 infection with a high initial severity may be associated with development of long-COVID conditions such as chronic pain. At the population level, it is unknown if severity of a COVID-19 infection might be a new risk factor for chronic pain above and beyond the traditional slate of pre-established risk factors. The purpose of this study is to examine whether COVID-19 severity of infection may be a new risk factor for chronic pain.

Methods

Using data from the 2021 National Health Interview Survey (n = 15,335), this study examined the adjusted odds of experiencing high frequency levels of pain in the past 3 months for those who reported no/mild symptoms from a COVID-19 infection, and those reporting moderate/severe symptoms from COVID-19, compared to those never infected. A 1:1:1 propensity score matched analysis was also performed to examine the odds of pain.

Results

Prevalence of pain was higher in the moderate/severe symptom group compared to the no infection group (25.48% vs 19.44%, p <0.001). Both the adjusted model (odds ratio [OR] = 1.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.09, 1.51) and matched model (OR = 1.45, CI = 1.14, 1.83) revealed higher odds of pain for those with moderate/high COVID-19 symptoms compared to no infection.

Conclusions

A moderate/highly symptomatic COVID-19 infection may be a new risk factor for chronic pain. As the absolute number of severe COVID-19 infections continues to rise, overall prevalence of chronic pain may also increase. While knowledge continues to unfold on long-haul symptoms, prevention of severe infections remains essential.
Advanced gynecological cancer: Quality of life one year after diagnosis
Authors: Jónsdóttir Björg , Wikman Anna , Sundström Poromaa Inger , Stålberg Karin
Published: June 2023

Objective

Gynaecological cancer treatment impacts women’s physical and psychological health. Our objective was to examine quality of life (QoL) in women with advanced gynaecological cancer at diagnosis and one year later, and to identify sociodemographic and clinical characteristics associated with QoL.

Methods

Women with endometrial, ovarian or cervical cancer treated in Uppsala, Sweden 2012–2019 were included. FIGO stage ≥II was considered advanced gynaecological cancer, whereas women in FIGO stage I were used as a control group. QoL was assessed with SF-36. We obtained information on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics from medical records and health questionnaires. Differences in QoL domains were tested with t-tests, a mixed model ANOVA and multiple linear regression analyses.

Results

The study population (n = 372) included 150 (40.3%) women with advanced gynaecological cancer. At diagnosis, women with advanced cancer reported lower physical (71.6 vs 81.8 (mean) p<0.05) and role functioning/physical scores (62.6 vs 77.2 (mean) p<0.05) than women in FIGO stage I. One year later, women with advanced cancer reported higher scores in the mental health domain (78.3 vs 73.2 (mean) p<0.05) than women in FIGO stage I. However, no difference was found in the QoL scores of women with advanced disease one year after diagnoses when stratified by diagnosis. Women with a history of psychiatric illness and higher BMI reported poorer physical and mental QoL at follow-up, while advanced stage, level of education and smoking were not associated with QoL.

Conclusion

Women with advanced gynaecological cancer have equally good QoL one year after diagnosis as women with limited disease. Women with previous psychiatric illness and high BMI, are at risk of impaired physical and mental health.
Adequacy of endoscopic recognition and surveillance of gastric intestinal metaplasia and atrophic gastritis: A multicentre retrospective study in low incidence countries
Authors: Honing Judith , Keith Tan W. , Dieninyte Egle , O’Donovan Maria , Brosens Lodewijk , Weusten Bas , di Pietro Massimiliano
Published: June 2023

Background

Gastric atrophy (GA) and gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM) are precursor conditions to gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) and should be monitored endoscopically in selected individuals. However, little is known about adherence to recommendations in clinical practice in low-risk countries.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate endoscopic recognition and adequacy of surveillance for GA and GIM in countries with low GAC prevalence.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed patients diagnosed with GIM or GA in three centers in The Netherlands and UK between 2012 and 2019. Cases with GIM and/or GA diagnosis at index endoscopy were retrieved through systematic search of pathology databases using ‘gastric’ and ‘intestinal metaplasia’ or ‘atrophy’ keywords. Endoscopy reports were analysed to ascertain accuracy of endoscopic diagnoses. Adequacy of surveillance was assessed following histological diagnosis at the index endoscopy based on ESGE guidelines published in 2012.

Results

We included 396 patients with a median follow-up of 57.2 months. Mean age was 66 years and the rates of antrum-predominant versus extensive GIM were comparable (37% vs 38%). Endoscopic recognition rates were 48.5% for GA and 16.3% for GIM. Surveillance was adequately carried out in 215 of 396 patients (54.3%).

Conclusion

In countries with a low incidence of GAC, the rate of endoscopic recognition of gastric pre-cancerous lesions and adherence to surveillance recommendation are low. Substantial improvement is required in endoscopic training and awareness of guidelines recommendation in order to optimise detection and management of pre-malignant gastric conditions.
Absence of ultimate controller and investment efficiency: Evidence from China
Authors: Qin Jidong , Liu Jiawei , Deng Dan
Published: June 2023

In modern enterprises with a separation of powers, the ultimate controller can effectively influence the implementation of corporate strategy and operational management efficiency, as well as improve corporate governance by monitoring and limiting the management entrenchment effect within enterprises. Based on the information pertaining to ultimate controllers disclosed by enterprises in their annual reports, this study empirically tested whether the absence of the ultimate controller impacts investment efficiency using the data of Chinese A-share listed companies from 2007 to 2020. It was found that the investment efficiency of enterprises without ultimate controllers is relatively lower than those with ultimate controllers. This is reflected in the insufficient investment of enterprises without an ultimate controller. Moreover, the effect is more significant when the financial environment, internal governance environment, and external governance environment of firms are worse. The mechanism analysis demonstrated that the absence of an ultimate controller causes a more severe insider agency problem and a significantly higher degree of financing constraints, which leads to underinvestment and reduces investment efficiency of firms. The economic consequence test also found that the inefficient investment caused by the absence of ultimate controllers would damage the future value of enterprises, but would increase managers’ compensation. Overall, this study suggests that ultimate controllers are an important part of a firm’s internal governance, especially for monitoring management behavior and resolving agency conflicts.
Wheat DOF transcription factors TaSAD and WPBF regulate glutenin gene expression in cooperation with SPA
Authors: Merlino Marielle , Gaudin Jean-Charles , Dardevet Mireille , Martre Pierre , Ravel Catherine , Boudet Julie
Published: June 2023

Grain storage proteins (GSPs) quantity and composition determine the end-use value of wheat flour. GSPs consists of low-molecular-weight glutenins (LMW-GS), high-molecular-weight glutenins (HMW-GS) and gliadins. GSP gene expression is controlled by a complex network of DNA-protein and protein-protein interactions, which coordinate the tissue-specific protein expression during grain development. The regulatory network has been most extensively studied in barley, particularly the two transcription factors (TFs) of the DNA binding with One Finger (DOF) family, barley Prolamin-box Binding Factor (BPBF) and Scutellum and Aleurone-expressed DOF (SAD). They activate hordein synthesis by binding to the Prolamin box, a motif in the hordein promoter. The BPBF ortholog previously identified in wheat, WPBF, has a transcriptional activity in expression of some GSP genes. Here, the wheat ortholog of SAD, named TaSAD, was identified. The binding of TaSAD to GSP gene promoter sequences in vitro and its transcriptional activity in vivo were investigated. In electrophoretic mobility shift assays, recombinant TaSAD and WPBF proteins bound to cis-motifs like those located on HMW-GS and LMW-GS gene promoters known to bind DOF TFs. We showed by transient expression assays in wheat endosperms that TaSAD and WPBF activate GSP gene expression. Moreover, co-bombardment of Storage Protein Activator (SPA) with WPBF or TaSAD had an additive effect on the expression of GSP genes, possibly through conserved cooperative protein-protein interactions.
Optimal length and temporal resolution of dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging for the differentiation between prostate cancer and normal peripheral zone tissue
Authors: Hellstern Marius , Martinez Carlos , Wallenhorst Christopher , Beyersdorff Dirk , Lüdemann Lutz , Grimm Marc-Oliver , Teichgräber Ulf , Franiel Tobias
Published: June 2023

The value of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) in the detection of prostate cancer is controversial. There are currently insufficient peer reviewed published data or expert consensus to support routine adoption of DCE-MRI for clinical use. Thus, the objective of this study was to explore the optimal temporal resolution and measurement length for DCE-MRI to differentiate cancerous from normal prostate tissue of the peripheral zone of the prostate by non-parametric MRI analysis and to compare with a quantitative MRI analysis. Predictors of interest were onset time, relative signal intensity (RSI), wash-in slope, peak enhancement, wash-out and wash-out slope determined from non-parametric characterisation of DCE-MRI intensity-time profiles. The discriminatory power was estimated from C-statistics based on cross validation. We analyzed 54 patients with 97 prostate tissue specimens (47 prostate cancer, 50 normal prostate tissue) of the peripheral zone, mean age 63.8 years, mean prostate-specific antigen 18.9 ng/mL and mean of 10.5 days between MRI and total prostatectomy. When comparing prostate cancer tissue with normal prostate tissue, median RSI was 422% vs 330%, and wash-in slope 0.870 vs 0.539. The peak enhancement of 67 vs 42 was higher with prostate cancer tissue, while wash-out (-30% vs -23%) and wash-out slope (-0.037 vs -0.029) were lower, and the onset time (32 seconds) was comparable. The optimal C-statistics was 0.743 for temporal resolution of 8.0 seconds and measurement length of 2.5 minutes compared with 0.656 derived from a quantitative MRI analysis. This study provides evidence that the use of a non-parametric approach instead of a more established parametric approach resulted in greater precision to differentiate cancerous from normal prostate tissue of the peripheral zone of the prostate.
The influence of tactical positioning on performance in sprint cross-country skiing
Authors: Haugnes Pål , Kocbach Jan , Noordhof Dionne , Talsnes Rune Kjøsen , Ettema Gertjan , Sandbakk Øyvind
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of tactical positioning on performance in the heats of sprint cross-country (XC) skiing among men and women and the consistency of overtaking events over repeated competitions on the same racecourse. Thirty male and thirty female elite to world-class level skiers within each competition [(sprint International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) points: 40 ± 21 vs. 35 ± 24)] performed two repeated world-cup competitions at four different venues (two in the classical and two in the skating style) between 2017 and 2020. The intermediate rankings at five checkpoints were analysed using television broadcasts of the competitions. Sprint time-trial (STT) rank correlated positively with the final rank for the seven men’s (ρ = .54-.82, P < .01) and the eight women’s (ρ = .40-.80, P < .05) competitions, while one of the classical competitions for males did not correlate significantly (P = .23). The strength of the correlation coefficients between intermediate ranks and final ranks during the heats increased gradually from the first to the last checkpoint among both sexes in the classical style (τ = ~0.26 to ~0.70) and in the skating style (τ = ~0.22 to ~0.82), in which the majority of performance-variance was decided before the start of the finish sprint. For both sexes, ~20 and 16 overtaking events were observed in each heat for the classical and skating style, respectively. There was a significant sex-difference in the number of overtaking events in one out of the 16 competitions (P < .01), but no differences across seasons for any competition (P = .051–796). Overall, this study showed the importance of tactical positioning for performance in sprint XC skiing, with the number of overtaking events being relatively consistent for competitions performed on the same racecourse.
Pregnancy bias toward boys or girls: The Japan Environment and Children’s Study
Authors: So Shuhei , Tawara Fumiko , Taniguchi Yu , Kanayama Naohiro ,   the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS) Group
Published: June 2023

The sex of the conceived child is a significant concern for parents. To verify whether there women have pregnancy bias toward boys or girls, we investigated whether the history of continuous same-sex pregnancy was associated with the subsequent child’s sex. We prospectively analyzed data from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study, a birth cohort study. We included all cases of singleton live births (n = 98 412). Women with pregnancy due to infertility treatment were excluded (n = 6255); Similarly, women with a history of miscarriage, artificial abortion, stillbirth, and multiple pregnancies, and those with missing data on the sex of the previous child were excluded. Altogether, 62 718 women were included. For the first live birth, a male-biased sex ratio of 1.055 was observed. Further, no significant difference was found in the sex ratio of the conceived child between women with one boy and those with one girl previously. However, when there were more than two children previously, the subsequently conceived child’s male/female sex ratio was significantly higher among boy-only mothers than among girl-only mothers. The results indicated that several pregnant women are biased toward conceiving either boys or girls.
A malaria parasite phospholipase facilitates efficient asexual blood stage egress
Authors: Ramaprasad Abhinay , Burda Paul-Christian , Koussis Konstantinos , Thomas James A. , Pietsch Emma , Calvani Enrica , Howell Steven A. , MacRae James I. , Snijders Ambrosius P. , Gilberger Tim-Wolf , Blackman Michael J.
Published: June 2023

Malaria parasite release (egress) from host red blood cells involves parasite-mediated membrane poration and rupture, thought to involve membrane-lytic effector molecules such as perforin-like proteins and/or phospholipases. With the aim of identifying these effectors, we disrupted the expression of two Plasmodium falciparum perforin-like proteins simultaneously and showed that they have no essential roles during blood stage egress. Proteomic profiling of parasite proteins discharged into the parasitophorous vacuole (PV) just prior to egress detected the presence in the PV of a lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT; PF3D7_0629300). Conditional ablation of LCAT resulted in abnormal egress and a reduced replication rate. Lipidomic profiles of LCAT-null parasites showed drastic changes in several phosphatidylserine and acylphosphatidylglycerol species during egress. We thus show that, in addition to its previously demonstrated role in liver stage merozoite egress, LCAT is required to facilitate efficient egress in asexual blood stage malaria parasites.
Polyps and colorectal cancer in serrated polyposis syndrome: contribution of the classical adenoma-carcinoma and serrated neoplasia pathways
Authors: van Toledo David E.F.W.M. , IJspeert Joep E.G. , Boersma Hannah , Musler Alex R. , Bleijenberg Arne G.C , Dekker Evelien , van Noesel Carel J.M.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Patients with serrated polyposis syndrome (SPS) have an increased risk to develop colorectal cancer (CRC). Due to an abundance of serrated polyps (SPs), these CRCs are assumed to arise mainly through the serrated neoplasia pathway rather than through the classical adenoma-carcinoma pathway. We aimed to evaluate the pathogenetic routes of CRCs in SPS patients.

Methods

We collected endoscopy and pathology data on CRCs and polyps of SPS patients under treatment in our center. Our primary endpoint was the proportion of BRAF

V600E
mutated-CRCs, indicating serrated-pathway CRCs (sCRCs). CRCs lacking BRAF

V600E
most likely inferred a classical adenoma-carcinoma origin (aCRCs). We assessed patient, polyp and CRC characteristics and stratified for BRAF

V600E
mutation status.

Results

Thirty-five SPS patients harboured a total of 43 CRCs. Twenty-one CRCs (48.8%) carried a BRAF

V600E-mutation, 10 of which lacked MLH1 straining and 17 (81%) were located in the proximal colon. Twenty-two CRCs (51.1%) did not carry a BRAF

V600E
-mutation and were MLH1 proficient. Of these 22 putatively aCRCs, 17 (77.3%) were located distally and one-third (36.4%) harboured a pathogenic KRAS or NRAS mutation. In patients with BRAF

wt
-CRCs a higher ratio of the median number of conventional adenomas versus SPs was found (3.5vs12.5) than patients with BRAF

V600E
-sCRCs (1vs14).

Conclusion

Our study indicates that in SPS patients the ratio of sCRCs:aCRCs on average is fifty:fifty. This elevated sCRC:aCRC ratio in SPS patients, as compared to non-SPS patients, correlates well with the differences in the ratios of the numbers of sessile serrated lesions and conventional adenomas in SPS and non-SPS patients respectively.
An Economic Theory of Disinformation
Authors: HARASHIMA Taiji
Published: June 2023

The impacts of misinformation and disinformation have rarely been studied in economics. In this paper, I examine these impacts using a model constructed on the basis of the concept of ranked information. The value of information is changeable and differs across people; therefore, disinformation can be used as a tool to manipulate people’s behaviors. I first define misinformation and disinformation and then show the mechanism through which disinformation decreases efficiency by manipulating ranked information. Decreases in efficiency are observed as decreases in total factor productivity, lowered success rates of investment, and increased costs of bad speculations. In addition, disinformation generates economic rents and, as a result, increases inequality, possibly by a great deal. Furthermore, disinformation can cause large-scale economic fluctuations.
Agrarian Governance – Who, What, Why, How, Where, When, Price, Level?
Authors: BACHEV Hrabrin
Published: June 2023

The problem of understanding and evaluation of agrarian governance is among the most topical academic and practical tasks. However, there are huge differences in understandings of the governance among scholars, practitioners, official and business documents. Sometimes it is associated with the top management (country, organization); sometimes it is related to government agencies (public administration); sometimes it encompasses the management outside government entities; sometimes it is synonym of Management or a part of Management of organization, while in some case it is more general than Management including a variety of modes. This article adapts the New Institutional Economics methodology and proposes an adequate definition and framework for analyzing the system of agrarian governance. Based on a critical review of publications and experiences, the agrarian governance is understood as a complex system including: agrarian and related agents involved in making management decisions; rules, forms and mechanisms that govern behavior, activities and relationships of agrarian agents; processes and activities related to making governing decisions; a specific social order resulting from functioning of the system. Analysis includes individual elements for the system, different levels and main functional areas, for which adequate methods of institutional approach are suggested. Personal characteristics of participating agents, institutional environment, transaction costs and benefits, comparative efficiency of alternative governing structures, and "time factor" are considered. First holistic assessment found that Governance of Bulgarian agriculture is at moderate level having in mind EU perspective. Highest performance is attained for principles Equity and Solidarity and Good Working Public Sector while in terms of Working Private Sector and Stakeholders Involvements it is lowest.
Influence of integrated nutrient management on physiological parameters of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.)
Authors: Chowdary Alluri Vinay , Saini Neha , Kumar Atin , Kumar Sandeep , Ballabh Jayanti , Bhatt Siddharth Shankar , Bhatt Amit , Prakash Sunil , Patel Aditya
Published: June 2023

During the rabi season of 2021, a field experiment was conducted in the North Western plains of Uttarakhand at Crop Research Centre, School of Agriculture, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun to examine the impact of integrated nutrient management (INM) on lentil growth, yield, and economics (Lens culinaris Medik.). The experiment was laid in Randomized Block Design with seven treatments i.e. T1 (Control, 100% RDF (Recommended Dose of Fertilizers), T2 (75 % NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) + 25 % FYM (Farm Yard Manure), T3 (50 % NPK + 50 % FYM), T4 (75 % NPK + 25 % Azotobacter), T5 (50 % NPK + 50 % Azotobacter), T6 (75 % NPK + 25 % (Vermicompost + Azotobacter)) & T7 (50 % NPK+ 50 % (Vermicompost + Azotobacter)). The treatments T7 with the combination of 50 per cent NPK and 50 per cent vermicompost plus Azotobacter showed maximum LAI (Leaf Area Index) (0.25), NAR (Net Assimilation Rate) (0.0020), chlorophyll content (3.05), dry matter (4.44 g), and protein content (26.99 %) in contrast to other six treatments.
Enhancing resilience to climate change through prospective strategies for climate-resilient agriculture to improve crop yield and food security
Authors: Karri Vasavirama , Nalluri Nirmala
Published: June 2023

It is important to highlight that agriculture is one of the sectors that will be directly affected by climate change scenarios in recent years. There are a number of processes such as drought, floods, temperature, salinity etc along with other forms of biotic factors posing significant impacts on crop yields of various crops due to their fluctuating scenario in the environment. Espousal of smart technologies and practices like smart crop and variety selection, efficient climate-based cropping system, agricultural water management (AWM), balanced fertilization, contingency planning, recarbonization of soils, no-till system, integrated farming system, site specific nutrient management etc are being advised to exercise in many regions for climate-resistant agriculture. These approaches minimize soil disruption and energy usages, enhance soil health and alleviate greenhouse gas discharges, minimize unproductive losses and improve efficiency of land and water use result in greater crop production with reduced fertilizer usage. As a part of this strategy, weather stations and mini-weather lookouts are set up at the village stage to register relevant weather observations like temperature, rainfall, wind speed and relative humidity etc to furnish customized agro-advisories to farmers, which reduce detrimental consequences attributed to the climate. A climate smart approach integrates farmer’s practices with related technologies, plans, institutes, policies and financial packages. So, initiating the choice of site-specific crops, development of customized technologies and tools, diversification of crops, improvement of climate-resistant crop varieties, syndication of forecasting tools and proper management of resources at the community level can effectively enhance climate resilience in agriculture.
Unraveling pathophysiologic mechanisms contributing to symptoms in patients with post‐acute sequelae of COVID‐19 (PASC): A retrospective study
Authors: Dierckx Wendel , De Backer Wilfried , Ides Kris , De Meyer Yinka , Lauwers Eline , Franck Erik , De Backer Jan
Published: June 2023

Patients with post‐acute sequelae of COVID‐19 (PASC) present with a decrease in physical fitness. The aim of this paper is to reveal the relations between the remaining symptoms, blood volume distribution, exercise tolerance, static and dynamic lung volumes, and overall functioning. Patients with PASC were retrospectively studied. Pulmonary function tests (PFT), 6‐minute walk test (6MWT), and cardiopulmonary exercise test were performed. Chest CT was taken and quantified. Patients were divided into two groups: minor functional limitations (MFL) and severe functional limitations (SFL) based on the completed Post‐COVID‐19 Functional Status scale (PCFS). Twenty one patients (3 M; 18 FM), mean age 44 (IQR 21) were studied. Eighteen completed the PCFS (8 MFL; 10 SFL). VO2max was suboptimal in both groups (not significant). 6MWT was significantly higher in MFL‐group (p = 0.043). Subjects with SFL, had significant lower TLC (p = 0.029). The MFL‐group had more air trapping (p = 0.036). Throughout the sample, air trapping correlated significantly with residual volume (RV) in L (p < 0.001). An increase in air trapping was related to an increase in BV5 (p < 0.001). Mean BV5 was 65% (IQR 5%). BV5% in patients with PASC was higher than in patients with acute COVID‐19 infection. This increase in BV5% in patients with PASC is thought to be driven by the air trapping in the lobes. This study reveals that symptoms are more driven by occlusion of the small airways. Patients with more physical complaints have significantly lower TLC. All subjects encounter physical limitations as indicated by suboptimal VO2max. Treatment should focus on opening or re‐opening of small airways by recruiting alveoli.
Evaluation of blood pressure response during dobutamine stress echocardiography in patients without cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Bigdelu Leila , Mahmoudi Meimand Reza , Azadi Nadia , Jarahi Lida , Ghaderi Yoones , Baradaran Rahimi Vafa
Published: June 2023

Dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) is a diagnostic tool for determining coronary artery disease. Considering hypotension and hypertension as important complications of DSE, we aimed to evaluate the blood pressure (BP) responses during DSE. Patients without known cardiovascular diseases who underwent DSE were included. We excluded patients who had hypertension, diabetes mellitus, a known history of cardiovascular diseases, and those taking vasoactive medications. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure were recorded at baseline and peak stress. We included 688 patients with an age of 57.9 ± 12.01 years. During DSE, SBP (+19.72 ± 26.51 mm Hg, p < 0.001), DBP (+5.52 ± 17.35 mm Hg, p < 0.001), and HR (+54.05 ± 22.45 bpm, p < 0.001) significantly increased from baseline to peak stress. The normal cut‐off value was measured between 101–210 mm Hg for SBP and 50–121 mm Hg for DBP. According to this normal cutoff, 11 (1.3%) and 30 (4.4%) patients had hypotensive and hypertensive SBP and 15 (2.2%) and 21 (3.1%) patients had hypotensive and hypertensive DBP, respectively. The hypotensive response was correlated with baseline SBP (r = 0.6, p = 0.001) and atropine (r = −2.18, p = 0.043), and the hypertensive response was correlated with baseline SBP (r = 0.048, p < 0.001). Baseline BP and atropine consumption were the independent variables associated with the outside‐the‐normal range of blood pressure responses.
Schelling’s Clara: Romantic Psychotherapy
Authors: Vater Michael
Published: June 2023

Schelling’s unfinished novella/dialog from the early years of his turn to philosophy of spirit presents arguments for personal immortality, but in a narrative form. Characters that represent nature and mind try to rescue the usually equanimous Clara from psychological crisis occasioned by her husband’s death and consequent intellectual perplexities about personal survival. Their arguments illustrate Schelling’s reformulated Spinozistic metaphysics: expressivism. On this theory, a Wesenheit or creative essence manifests in both physical and psychic dimensions but is itself nothing other than the connection between the two. Clara, doctor, and pastor symbolize these three functions while their personae fashion arguments that psychic and somatic phenomena can never be separated, hence that death must signify a transformation into a more spiritual psychosomatic mode of being. The arguments are problematic at best, but the narrative invokes Romantic tropes such as the limits of conceptual language, the possibility of a natural style of communicating philosophy, and reference to then contemporary ‘empirical’ phenomena such as clairvoyance and hypnotic sleep. The unfinished character of the piece reinforces the impression of ineluctability of the self, which seems to exist only in diaspora as nostalgia or anticipation.