bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic variability of Haemonchus contortus isolates in small ruminants from slaughterhouses in Bangladesh
Authors: Mannan Muhammad Abdul , Chowdhury Sharmin , Hossain Mohammad Alamgir , Kabir Md Hazzaz Bin
Published: October 2023

Haemonchus contortus is a blood-sucking gastrointestinal nematode that infects all ruminants and causes significant economic losses in production. Characterizing the genetic variability of H. contortus populations is crucial for understanding patterns of disease transmission and developing effective control strategies against haemonchosis. This study aimed to identify the genetic variability of H. contortus isolates in small ruminants from slaughterhouses in Bangladesh. During January to December 2015, 400 abomasa samples were collected and 186 were found to be positive for Haemonchus. A 321-bp fragment of the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS-2) of nuclear ribosomal DNA and an 800-bp fragment of the mitochondrial nicotinamide dehydrogenase subunit-4 gene (nad4) were amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and directly sequenced. The results showed 10 genotypes (ITS-2) and 45 haplotypes (nad4) among the 186 worms. The sequences were 98.5 to 100% identical to reference sequences from the GenBank database. ITS-2 sequence analysis revealed four nucleotide substitutions at positions 30, 41, 42, and 216. There was one transition (C/T) at position 42 and three transversions (C/A at position 30, G/C at position 41, and T/A at position 216). The nad4 gene sequences showed 15 substitutions, all of which were transitions. The pairwise distance of ITS-2 between H. contortus populations ranged from 0.005 to 1.477. The nucleotide diversity (μ) among the populations was 0.009524 using ITS-2 and 0.00394 using nad4. This study indicated low genetic deviation among H. contortus populations in Bangladesh.
An early Cambrian post-rift basin within the Baltica–Iapetus passive margin (north-central Scandinavian Caledonides)
Authors: Greiling Reinhard O. , Kathol Benno , Kumpulainen Risto A.
Published: October 2023

Field data from recent geological mapping over a major part of the north-central Scandinavian Caledonides combined with published information give a detailed view of early Cambrian basin successions, comprising the Gärdsjön formation (Gf; Jämtland supergroup) in the Lower Allochthon and autochthonous equivalents (Dividal Group). The Gf comprises ten units of sandstone and siltstone or mudstone (Gf I—X, > 300 m thick). Green siltstones with red layers (Gf VI, c. 521 to 519 Ma) and green–grey siltstones at the top (Gf X, c. 516.5 to 513.5 Ma) are regional key horizons. Gf V, VI, VII, IX, and X deposition may be related to eustatic events. Restoration of Caledonian shortening reveals a major “Hornavan-Vattudal basin” (HVB; > 330 km NW–SE, > 400 km NE-SW) between the Grong–Olden culmination in the S and the Akkajaure–Tysfjord culmination in the N. Published zircon ages imply the latter separated the HVB from those shed from the Timan orogen in the N. The eastern basin margin straddles the present Caledonian erosional margin. Basement highs identified here within the Nasafjället, Bångonåive, and Børgefjellet “basement” windows define the western margin. They separate the HVB from the outer shelf towards the Iapetus Ocean in the W. The onset of sedimentation is time-related with E–W extension at c. 544–534 Ma. NNE–SSW-directed extension occurs after c. 518 Ma, perhaps related with Timan late-orogenic extension. The HVB is distinctly younger (c. 535–513.5 Ma) than Rodinia break-up and Iapetus ocean formation (> 550 Ma), comparable with post-rift basins in inner parts of modern passive margins.

Graphical Abstract
Ventricular CSF proteomic profiles and predictors of surgical treatment outcome in chronic hydrocephalus
Authors: Rostgaard Nina , Olsen Markus Harboe , Lolansen Sara Diana , Nørager Nicolas Hernandez , Plomgaard Peter , MacAulay Nanna , Juhler Marianne
Published: October 2023

Background

By applying an unbiased proteomic approach, we aimed to search for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein biomarkers distinguishing between obstructive and communicating hydrocephalus in order to improve appropriate surgical selection for endoscopic third ventriculostomy vs. shunt implants. Our second study purpose was to look for potential CSF biomarkers distinguishing between patients with adult chronic hydrocephalus benefitting from surgery (responders) vs. those who did not (non-responders).

Methods

Ventricular CSF samples were collected from 62 patients with communicating hydrocephalus and 28 patients with obstructive hydrocephalus. CSF was collected in relation to the patients’ surgical treatment. As a control group, CSF was collected from ten patients with unruptured aneurysm undergoing preventive surgery (vascular clipping).

Results

Mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis of the samples identified 1251 unique proteins. No proteins differed significantly between the communicating hydrocephalus group and the obstructive hydrocephalus group. Four proteins were found to be significantly less abundant in CSF from communicating hydrocephalus patients compared to control subjects. A PCA plot revealed similar proteomic CSF profiles of obstructive and communicating hydrocephalus and control samples. For obstructive hydrocephalus, ten proteins were found to predict responders from non-responders.

Conclusion

Here, we show that the proteomic profile of ventricular CSF from patients with hydrocephalus differs slightly from control subjects. Furthermore, we find ten predictors of response to surgical outcome (endoscopic third ventriculostomy or ventriculo-peritoneal shunt) in patients with obstructive hydrocephalus.
Qualität in der Shuntchirurgie
Authors: Cheseaux Joane , Widmer Matthias K. , Aregger Fabienne , Kohler Corinne
Published: October 2023

Hintergrund

Um die Qualität von Dialysezugängen zu verbessern, müssen Daten von Operationen und deren Langzeitergebnisse systematisch und vollständig dokumentiert werden. In der Schweiz verfügt das Swissvasc-Register 2.0 [1] seit 2019 über einen speziellen Datensatz zur Shuntchirurgie. Nun wurden erstmals diese Daten für ein Tertiärspital ausgewertet.

Methode

Monozentrische, retrospektive Analyse aller prospektiv erfassten primär oder neu angelegten arteriovenösen Zugänge in 2019/2020. Der Beobachtungszeitraum beträgt 12 Monate. Primärer Endpunkt ist die primäre Offenheitsrate. Sekundäre Endpunkte sind die primär-assistierte/sekundäre und funktionelle Offenheit, die Anzahl Reinterventionen sowie postoperative Komplikationen.

Ergebnisse

Sechsundsiebzig AV-Zugänge wurden eingeschlossen. Die primäre Offenheitsrate lag bei 56,5 %. Die primär-assistierte/sekundäre Offenheitsrate betrug 82,9 % resp. 76,3 %. Die funktionelle Offenheitsrate war 51,3 %. Bei 17 (22,4 %) aller Patienten/Patientinnen wurde bereits vor der Operation ein HD-Katheter eingelegt und bei 20 (26,3 %) erfolgte perioperativ eine Einlage.

Schlussfolgerungen

Die Ergebnisse für die primäre, primär-assistierte und sekundäre Offenheit sind im Vergleich zu bereits publizierten Daten vergleichbar. Die hohe Rate an HD-Katheter-Einlagen und die fehlende Dokumentation von Daten zur postoperativen Katheter-Einlage muss Anlass sein, die Katheter-Implantation besser zu monitorisieren und durch ein gutes Timing diese zu verhindern. Um eine hohe Behandlungsqualität zu garantieren, braucht es eine interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit und die Motivation aller Beteiligten eine hohe Qualität der Dialysezugangschirurgie anzustreben, besonders im Langzeitverlauf.
Clubbing in trade policies: How much a threat to the multilateral constitution?
Authors: Dluhosch Barbara , Horgos Daniel
Published: October 2023

Preferential trade agreements (PTAs) have mushroomed over the last decades. However, the various forms of bi- and plurilateral arrangements have always been met with the concern that their proliferation might come at the expense of overall trade freedom because of undermining multilateral governance. This paper starts from the fact that international treaties are notoriously difficult to enforce, as is compliance with (trade) agreements. By focusing on the political economy of how cooperation in trade liberalization is ultimately sustained via the threat of retaliation as institutionalized within the World Trade Organization (WTO), the paper illuminates a novel and completely different channel between PTA membership and multilateral trade liberalization. Exploring their interaction with respect to trade freedom, we explain that PTA membership actually improves on the working of multilateral arrangements that are supposed to ensure cooperation in trade liberalization, thus effectively catering to more open trade.
The Challenge for Successful Self-Help: Side Effects of Discontinuing an Internet-Based Program for Skin Picking Disorder
Authors: Mehrmann Linda M. , Gerlach Alexander L.
Published: October 2023

Background

Research suggests that many people enrolled in internet-based mental health interventions drop out without completing the program. We implemented an efficacious internet-based self-help tool for people affected by skin picking disorder, aiming to evaluate the impact of an early withdrawal in terms of self-efficacy and treatment motivation.

Method

We compared skin picking symptomatology (SPS), skin picking related self-efficacy (SP-SE) and motivation to change (SP-MtC) of 208 completers (52%) vs. 192 non-completers at 12-weeks post-assessment.

Results

The decrease in SPS was significantly greater for completers (n = 208; M = 13.34; SD = 4.72) compared to non-completers (n = 192; M = 14.35; SD = 4.94; Cohen’s d = -.39) at post-assessment. SP-SE increased significantly more for program completers (M = 31.72; SD = 6.50) compared to non-completers (M = 28.25; SD = 6.30; Cohen’s d = .66) at post-assessment. SP-MtC significantly decreased in both groups, with higher scores for completers across all assessments (dpre-post = .06).

Conclusions

Internet-based self-help tools can effectively reduce symptomatology. Participants, who do not complete the program, report lower treatment motivation and treatment-oriented self-efficacy, potentially reducing their help-seeking efforts. Treatment providers need to consider how to address these potentially adverse effects.
Bidirectional Intimate Partner Violence During COVID-19 in Portugal: Prevalence and Psychosocial Correlates
Authors: Cunha Olga , Caridade Sónia , Machado Andreia , Peixoto Maria Manuela
Published: October 2023

Several studies demonstrated that intimate bidirectional violence (BV) is more common than unidirectional IPV. However, little is known about the phenomenon of BV during COVID-19 lockdowns. The present study focuses on BV during the second lockdown in Portugal to characterize the BV rates in an online sample from the community and identify the main psychosocial correlates associated with BV. Three hundred and thirty-six Portuguese adults, with a mean age of 35.02 years (SD = 11.67; 18–68 years), participated in this study. In addition to a sociodemographic questionnaire, IPV (victimization and perpetration), psychological distress, COVID-19-related anxiety, COVID-19 fear, and life satisfaction measures were used. BV (31.3%) emerged as the most reported pattern of violence. The BV group scored higher on psychological distress and depression than the nonviolence group. Being married/living in cohabitation, having a high level of education, working on the front line (during the COVID-19 pandemic), and having psychological distress emerged as important predictors of BV. Results emphasized the role of psychosocial dimensions, particularly marital status/cohabitation and educational levels, as relevant risk factors for BV during a worldwide crisis event. The assessment, prevention, and intervention of IPV should consider the possibility of BV, providing a response congruent with its specificities.
Potential role of SNP rs2071475 in rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease in the East Asian population: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Bo , Xiong Yongqiang , Li Ren , Zhang Shu
Published: October 2023

Background

Previous observational studies have identified an association between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the causal relationship between RA and IBD in the East Asian population remains uncertain.

Methods

The two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted to elucidate the potential causal relationship between RA and IBD. Summary-level data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in the East Asian population were utilized, including RA (n = 19,190) and IBD (n = 6543), including Crohn's disease (CD, n = 5409) and ulcerative colitis (UC, n = 4853). The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was employed as the primary analysis, supplemented by weighted median, weighted mode, simple median, MR-Egger, and MR-PRESSO analyses. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the robustness of the results. Genetic data for RA (n = 22,515) were utilized to validate the findings in the East Asian population.

Results

The IVW method showed no significant association between genetically predicted RA and overall IBD in the East Asian population (OR = 1.028; 95% CI: 0.935–1.129; P = 0.567). The subgroup analysis revealed a positive association between RA and CD (OR = 1.268; 95% CI: 1.108–1.451; P < 0.001), while a negative association was observed with UC (OR = 0.839; 95% CI: 0.710–0.993; P = 0.041). These findings were supported by another set of RA data. Additionally, an SNP rs2071475 was identified to play an important role in CD and UC.

Conclusion

This study revealed a potential increased susceptibility to CD and a decreased susceptibility to UC in the East Asian population with RA. Furthermore, a key SNP rs2071475 was discovered along with its opposite effects in CD and UC. These findings provide new evidence for research on the corresponding molecular mechanisms and offer insights for clinical management of RA-associated IBD.
Long-term application of silver nanoparticles in dental restoration materials: potential toxic injury to the CNS
Authors: Wang Kaimei , Wang Shiqi , Yin Jingju , Yang Qiankun , Yu Yi , Chen Lin
Published: October 2023

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have durable and remarkable antimicrobial effects on pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, in dental plaques. As such, they are widely added to dental restoration materials, including composite resins, denture bases, adhesives, and implants, to solve the problems of denture stomatitis, peri-implant inflammation, and oral infection caused by the long-term use of these dental restoration materials. However, AgNPs can be absorbed into the blood circulatory system through the nasal/oral mucosa, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, skin, and other pathways and then distributed into the lungs, kidneys, liver, spleen, and testes, thereby causing toxic injury to these tissues and organs. It can even be transported across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and continuously accumulate in brain tissues, causing injury and dysfunction of neurons and glial cells; consequently, neurotoxicity occurs. Other nanomaterials with antibacterial or remineralization properties are added to dental restoration materials with AgNPs. However, studies have yet to reveal the neurotoxicity caused by dental restoration materials containing AgNPs. In this review, we summarize the application of AgNPs in dental restoration materials, the mechanism of AgNPs in cytotoxicity and toxic injury to the BBB, and the related research on the accumulation of AgNPs to cause changes of neurotoxicity. We also discuss the mechanisms of neurotoxicity caused by AgNPs and the mode and rate of AgNPs released from dental restorative materials added with AgNPs to evaluate the probability of neurotoxic injury to the central nervous system (CNS), and then provide a theoretical basis for developing new composite dental restoration materials.

Graphical Abstract
Review on remote heart rate measurements using photoplethysmography
Authors: Lee Ru Jing , Sivakumar Saaveethya , Lim King Hann
Published: October 2023

Remote photoplethysmography (rPPG) gains recent great interest due to its potential in contactless heart rate measurement using consumer-level cameras. This paper presents a detailed review of rPPG measurement using computer vision and deep learning techniques for heart rate estimation. Several common gaps and difficulties of rPPG development are highlighted for the feasibility study in real-world applications. Numerous computer vision and deep learning methods are reviewed to mitigate crucial issues such as motion artifact and illumination variation. In comparison, deep learning approaches are proven more accurate than conventional computer vision methods due to their adaptive pattern learning and generalization characteristics. An increasing trend of applying deep learning techniques in rPPG can improve effective heart rate estimation and artifact removal. To consider more realistic disturbances into account, additional vital signs and large training datasets are crucial to improve the accuracy of heart rate estimations. By taking the benefit of contactless and accurate estimation, the application of rPPG can be greatly adopted in real-world activities, especially in precision sports.
Extensions of Harmonic Functions of the Complex Plane Slit Along a Line Segment
Authors: Grigoryan Armen , Michalski Andrzej , Partyka Dariusz
Published: October 2023

Let I be a line segment in the complex plane $$\mathbb C$$
C
. We describe a method of constructing a bi-Lipschitz sense-preserving mapping of $$\mathbb C$$
C
onto itself, which is harmonic in $$\mathbb C\setminus I$$

C
\
I

and coincides with a given sufficiently regular function $$f:I\rightarrow \mathbb C$$

f
:
I
→
C

. As a result we show that a quasiconformal self-mapping of $$\mathbb C$$
C
which is harmonic in $$\mathbb C\setminus I$$

C
\
I

does not have to be harmonic in $$\mathbb C$$
C
.
Stochastic approach to evolution of a quantum system interacting with environment in squeezed number state
Authors: Dąbrowska Anita , Marciniak Marcin
Published: October 2023

We determine filtering and master equations for a quantum system interacting with wave packet of light in a continuous-mode squeezed number state. We formulate the problem of conditional evolution of a quantum system making use of model of repeated interactions and measurements. In this approach, the quantum system undergoes a sequence of interactions with an environment defined by a chain of harmonic oscillators. We assume that the environment is prepared in an entangled state being a discrete analogue of a continuous-mode squeezed number state. We present a derivation of a discrete stochastic dynamics that depends on the results of measurement performed on the field after its interaction with the system. In this paper, we consider a photon counting measurement scheme. By taking a continuous time limit, we finally obtain differential stochastic equations for the system. Analytical formulae for quantum trajectories and exclusive probability densities that allow to fully characterize the statistics of photons in the output field are given.
Coupled Reactive Two-Phase Model Involving Dissolution and Dynamic Porosity for Deformable Porous Media Based on Mixture Coupling Theory
Authors: Abdullah Sulaiman , Ma Yue , Chen Xiaohui , Khan Amirul
Published: October 2023

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) has attracted significant attention owing to its impact on mitigating climate change. Many countries with large oil reserves are adopting CCS technologies to reduce the impact of fossil fuels on the environment. However, because of the complex interactions between multi-phase fluids, planning for CCS is challenging. One of the challenges is the integration of chemical reactions with multi-phase hydro-mechanical relationships in deformable porous media. In this study, a multi-phase hydro-mechanical reactive model for deformable porous media is established by using mixture coupling theory approach. The non-equilibrium thermodynamic approach is extended to establish the basic framework and Maxwell’s relations to build multi-scale coupling. Chemical reaction coupling is achieved through the extent of the reaction and chemical affinity. The developed model can simulate CCS by considering the effect of calcite dissolution on porosity and permeability. It has been found from the simulation that the chemical reaction has a major influence on porosity and permeability change compared to both pressure and mechanical strain effect. Also, as the dissolution reaction takes place, the stress/strain decrease on the solid matrix. The results of this study successfully bridge the knowledge gap between chemical reactions and mechanical deformation. Furthermore, insights from this model hold substantial implications for refining CCS processes. By providing a more accurate prediction of pressure changes and porosity/permeability evolution over time, this research paves the way for improved CCS operation planning, potentially fostering safer, more efficient, and economically feasible climate change mitigation strategies.
Impact of aging-related consumption trend on carbon emission efficiency in China: mediation effect model based on industrial structure adjustment
Authors: Yu Ran , Wang Zhangchi , Li Yan
Published: October 2023

With the deepening of China’s aging process, changes in the age structure of the population affect the industrial structure and consumption structure in different ways and have a knock-on effect on the whole economic system. Therefore, aging is one of the objective factors affecting future carbon emissions in China. This study analyzes the impact mechanism of aging-related consumption trend on carbon emission efficiency (CEE) based on panel data of 30 Chinese provinces from 2000 to 2019. The results show that the aging-related consumption trend is conducive to the improvement of regional CEE, and the mediation transmission mechanism of industrial structure adjustment is obvious, with a coefficient of 0.1496. The core industry closely linked to the demand for aging-related consumption is consumer services. The promotion of the consumption demand of the aging in the eastern region on the CEE and the transmission stimulation of the industrial structure adjustment are the most obvious. The mediation effect in the central and western regions is relatively weak, and the aging-related consumption demand has not formed a positive interaction with the aging industry. Therefore, improving the market construction of products and services for the aging is beneficial to achieve a virtuous cycle of aging-related consumption upgrading and carbon emission efficiency. This research can provide insights for China to promote industrial structure transformation within the aging trend and also help China meet its carbon neutrality target on schedule.
A numerical study on the multi-cycle self-burrowing of a dual-anchor probe in shallow coarse-grained soils of varying density
Authors: Chen Yuyan , Zhang Ningning , Fuentes Raul , Martinez Alejandro
Published: October 2023

Development of self-burrowing probes that can penetrate soils without the aid of external reaction force from drill rigs and trucks would facilitate site characterization activities and deployment of sensors underneath existing structures and in locations with limited access (e.g., toe of dams, extraterrestrial bodies). Successful deployment of self-burrowing probes in the field will require several cycles of expansion, penetration, and contraction motions due to the geometric constraints and the increase in soil strength with depth. This study explores the multi-cycle performance of a dual-anchor self-burrowing probe in granular assemblies of varying density using discrete element modeling simulations. The simulated probe consists of an expandable top shaft, expandable bottom shaft, and a conical tip. The expansion of the shafts are force-controlled, the shaft contraction and tip advancement are displacement-controlled, and the horizontal tip oscillation is employed to reduce the penetration resistance. The performance of the self-burrowing probe in terms of self-burrowing distance is greater in the medium dense specimen than in the dense and loose specimens due to the high magnitude of anchorage force in comparison with penetration resistance. For all three soil densities, most of the mechanical work is done by tip oscillation; however, this accounts for a greater percentage of the total work in the denser specimen. Additionally, while tip oscillation aids in enabling self-burrowing to greater depths, it also produces a greater work demand. The results presented here can help evaluate the effects of soil density on probe prototypes and estimate the work requited for self-burrowing.
Comparing 12-Month Outcomes for Group CBT Versus Group CBT Plus Yoga for Depression and Anxiety: a Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: O’Shea Melissa , Houston Emma E. , Skvarc David , Capon Hannah , McIver Shane , Berk Michael , Harris Jill , Chandler Belinda , Evans Subhadra
Published: October 2023

Emerging research shows yoga, a body-based mindfulness practice, appears to augment the benefits of transdiagnostic group CBT up to 3-month post-treatment, but less is known about longer-term outcomes. This mixed-methods study reports on 12-month findings of a pragmatic preference trial with adults (N = 59) diagnosed with depression or anxiety. It compares longer-term outcomes between adults who completed either a group CBT program or group CBT with an adjunct therapeutic yoga program. A fixed effects linear mixed model explored symptoms of depression and anxiety (DASS-21) between the groups at 12-month follow-up (CBT alone, n = 13; CBT+Yoga, n = 15). Focus groups and semi-structured interviews were also conducted (n = 20) to identify what practices were maintained at follow-up. At 12-month follow-up, participants in the combined CBT+Yoga group had sustained reductions in anxiety and depression, with significantly superior outcomes when compared to those receiving group CBT alone. Qualitative data suggested that therapeutic yoga enhanced longer-term access to CBT concepts and contributed to overall increases in positive feelings and actions. Therapeutic yoga as an adjunct to group CBT appears to augment the longer-term benefits of CBT with sustained therapeutic benefits at 12 months.
Altered stability of dynamic brain functional architecture in primary open-angle glaucoma: a surface-based resting-state fMRI study
Authors: Yang Bingbing , Su Mingyue , Wang Qian , Qu Xiaoxia , Wang Huaizhou , Chen Weiwei , Sun Yunxiao , Li Ting , Wang Yang , Wang Ningli , Xian Junfang
Published: October 2023

Delineating the neuropathological characteristics of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is critical for understanding its pathophysiology. While temporal stability represents a crucial aspect of the brain's functional architecture, the specific patterns underlying its contribution to POAG remain unclear. This study aims to analyze the brain functional abnormalities in POAG using functional stability, a dynamic functional connectivity (DFC) approach based on resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). Seventy patients with POAG and forty-five healthy controls underwent rs-fMRI and ophthalmological examinations. The stability of DFC was calculated as the concordance of DFC over time using a sliding-window approach, and the differences in stability between the two groups were compared. Subsequently, Spearman’s correlation analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between functional stability and clinical indicators. Compared with healthy controls, patients with POAG exhibited significantly decreased functional stability in the visual network, including the early visual center, ventral and dorsal stream visual cortex in both hemispheres. Conversely, stability values increased in the bilateral inferior parietal gyrus and right inferior frontal cortex. In POAG patients, the dynamic stability of the left early visual cortex and ventral stream visual cortex correlated with the mean deviation of visual field defects (r = 0.251, p = 0.037). The evidence from this study suggests that functional stability may provide a new understanding of brain alterations in the progression of POAG.
Increased perivascular space volume in white matter and basal ganglia is associated with cognition in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Donahue Erin Kaye , Foreman Ryan Patrick , Duran Jared Joshua , Jakowec Michael Walter , O’Neill Joseph , Petkus Andrew J. , Holschneider Daniel P. , Choupan Jeiran , Van Horn John Darrell , Venkadesh Siva , Bayram Ece , Litvan Irene , Schiehser Dawn M , Petzinger Giselle Maria
Published: October 2023

Perivascular spaces (PVS), fluid-filled compartments surrounding brain vasculature, are an essential component of the glymphatic system responsible for transport of waste and nutrients. Glymphatic system impairment may underlie cognitive deficits in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Studies have focused on the role of basal ganglia PVS with cognition in PD, but the role of white matter PVS is unknown. This study examined the relationship of white matter and basal ganglia PVS with domain-specific and global cognition in individuals with PD. Fifty individuals with PD underwent 3T T1w magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine PVS volume fraction, defined as PVS volume normalized to total regional volume, within (i) centrum semiovale, (ii) prefrontal white matter (medial orbitofrontal, rostral middle frontal, superior frontal), and (iii) basal ganglia. A neuropsychological battery included assessment of global cognitive function (Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and global cognitive composite score), and cognitive-specific domains (executive function, memory, visuospatial function, attention, and language). Higher white matter rostral middle frontal PVS was associated with lower scores in both global cognitive and visuospatial function. In the basal ganglia higher PVS was associated with lower scores for memory with a trend towards lower global cognitive composite score. While previous reports have shown that greater amount of PVS in the basal ganglia is associated with decline in global cognition in PD, our findings suggest that increased white matter PVS volume may also underlie changes in cognition.
A New Day for Perennialism: the Case for a Perennial Phenomenology, or ‘Soft’ Perennialism
Authors: Taylor Steve
Published: October 2023

This paper argues for a ‘perennial phenomenology’ (or ‘soft’ perennialism) varying from the traditionalist notion of a ‘perennial philosophy.’ Perennial phenomenology offers a more nuanced form of perennialism that focuses on spiritual/mystical experiences rather than the teachings and beliefs of different religions. While teachings and beliefs vary greatly, the mystical experiences associated with different mystical traditions have striking commonalities. I suggest four experiential aspects that support a perennial phenomenology. These aspects also necessitate a reconsideration of the debate between perennialism and constructivism. Significantly, these experiential elements are present when mystical experiences occur outside the context of spiritual traditions, to people who know little or nothing about spirituality and consider themselves non-religious. Treating mystical experiences exclusively in the context or religion and spiritual traditions has been a major failing in debates between constructivists (or contextualists) and perennialists. There is a common landscape of mystical experience that precedes interpretation and conceptualization by spiritual traditions. This paper contributes to a reopening of discussion about perennialism that has been underway in recent years.
MicroRNAs as a Tool for Differential Diagnosis of Neuromuscular Disorders
Authors: Mousa Nahla O. , Abdellatif Ahmed , Fahmy Nagia , El-Fawal Hassan , Osman Ahmed
Published: October 2023

Neuromuscular disorders (NMD) are a class of progressive disorders that are characterized by wasting of the muscles. Some of the disorders like Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD), congenital muscular dystrophies (CMDs), limb-girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMD), and mild spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type III share several presenting clinical features, and hence, diagnosis is usually a challenging task. In this study, the diagnostic potential of some species of microRNAs (miRNAs) that are known to play roles in normal and pathological contexts of myocytes (myomiRs) were evaluated to assess their potential in differential diagnosis of NMDs. In this study, seventy-four patients with different neuromuscular disorders along with thirty age-matched healthy control subjects were enrolled. Peripheral blood samples were collected from enrolled subjects followed by miRNA extraction and reverse transcription followed by quantification of the circulating levels of the studied miRNAs (miR-499, miR-206, miR-208a, miR-223, miR-191, miR-103a-3p, miR-103a-5p), by real-time PCR and statistical analysis. The data indicated that miR-499 level showed high circulating levels in DMD patients as well as in patients with other related disorders such as BMD. However, the levels of miR-499 were much higher in DMD patients and it can be used to diagnose DMD. In addition, miR-206 can selectively differentiate between DMD and all other disorders. The results also revealed that miR-208a and miR-223 were significantly dysregulated in SMA patients, and miR-103a-3p could distinguish DMD from BMD. The expression levels of some miRNA species can be utilized in the process of differential diagnosis of NMDs and can serve as a diagnostic biomarker, and such findings will pave the way towards generating targeted therapies.
Nachhaltigkeit als Thema in der Sozialen Arbeit
Authors: Elsen Susanne
Published: October 2023

Öko-soziale Sozialarbeit und Nachhaltigkeit als Themen der Sozialen Arbeit rücken in Theorie und Praxis vom Rand in die Mitte. Dieser Beitrag zeigt, dass Soziale Arbeit weit zurückreichende Bezüge zu diesen Themen hat und dass sie auch in den aktuellen interdisziplinären Diskursen und Ansätzen zur öko-sozialen Transformation eine deutliche Stimme einnehmen kann.
Thesium schmiedeliae (Santalaceae), a new species from Knersvlakte quartz fields, South Africa
Authors: Zhigila Daniel A. , Schmiedel Ute , Muasya A. Muthama
Published: October 2023

We test the hypothesis that the Thesium (Santalaceae) collection previously known as Thesium sp. D.A.Zhigila & A.M.Muasya 1006 is new to science. We formally describe and name it T. schmiedeliae. The new species is an erect to suberect shrublet, c. 20 cm tall, glaucous in overall appearance, with stems terete in transverse section, and leaves bracts, and bracteoles succulent. Molecular and morphological data support the placement of T. schmiedeliae in subgenus Frisea section Annulata. The new species is endemic to the Knersvlakte Nature Reserve and occurs in the edaphically unique quartz islands. Thesium schmiedeliae is preliminarily assessed for conservation purposes as Vulnerable as it is threatened by drought, severe fragmentation of its quartz-field habitat, small population size, and a small area of occupancy.
Machine learning-based predictive model for the differential diagnosis of ≤ 5 cm gastric stromal tumor and gastric schwannoma based on CT images
Authors: Chen Guoxian , Fan Lifang , Liu Jie , Wu Shujian
Published: October 2023

The clinical symptoms of ≤ 5 cm gastric stromal tumor (GST) and gastric schwannoma (GS) are similar, but the treatment regimens are different. This study explored the value of computed tomography (CT) combined with machine learning (ML) algorithms to find the best model to discriminate them. A total of 126 patients with GST ≤ 5 cm and 35 patients with GS ≤ 5 during 2013–2022 were included. CT imaging features included qualitative data (tumor location, growth pattern, lobulation, surface ulcer status, necrosis, calcification, and surrounding lymph nodes) and quantitative data [long diameter (LD); short diameter (SD); LD/SD ratio; degree of enhancement (DE); heterogeneous degree (HD)]. Patients were randomly divided into a training set (n = 112) and test set (n = 49) using 7:3 stratified sampling. The univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to identify independent risk factors. Five ML algorithms were used to build prediction models: Support Vector Machine, k-Nearest Neighbor, Random Forest, Extra Trees, and Extreme Gradient Boosting Machine. The analysis identified that HDv, lobulation, and tumor growth site were independent risk factors (P < 0.05). We should focus on these three imaging features of tumors, which are relatively easy to obtain. The area under the curve for the SVM, KNN, RF, ET, and XGBoost prediction models were, respectively, 0.790, 0.895, 0.978, 0.988, and 0.946 for the training set, and were, respectively, 0.848, 0.892, 0.887, 0.912, and 0.867 for the test set. The CT combined with ML algorithms generated predictive models to improve the differential diagnosis of ≤ 5 cm GST and GS which has important clinical practical value. The Extra Trees algorithm resulted in the optimal model.
Domain-Specific L2 Grit, Anxiety, Boredom, and Enjoyment in Online Chinese Learning
Authors: Zhao Xian , Wang Danping
Published: October 2023

The shift to emergency remote teaching due to COVID-19 brought diverse psychological, emotional, and academic challenges for second language (L2) learners. Overcoming these challenges necessitated the utilization of grit, a personality trait signifying perseverance and passion to sustain academic progress. While grit and emotions have been explored in English language learning, their interaction remains underexplored in other languages. Despite Mandarin Chinese being widely learned globally, little previous work has been done to investigate learners’ psychological experiences, the function of L2 grit, and the relationship between them in online learning from the perspective of positive psychology. This might lead to an incomplete understanding of this pattern across domains and contexts, thus impeding the development of this discipline. This study uses a structural equation model to analyze the relationship between L2 grit, anxiety, boredom, and enjoyment based on 204 valid responses from Chinese as a Second Language learners in mainland China. Results underscore the importance of one facet of L2 grit, perseverance of effort in online Chinese language learning, and highlight the domain-specific nature of emotions. It also suggests that educators need not be overly concerned about negative emotions in online education, as they can be overridden by positive emotions.
Connectivity in the era of the (I)IoT: about security, features and limiting factors of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces
Authors: Lipps Christoph , Herbst Jan , Klingel Steffen , Franke Lars , Wolff Alexander , Rüb Matthias , Reddy Rekha , Rahm Marco , Schotten Hans Dieter
Published: October 2023

What are the key drivers of the (Industrial) Internet of Things ((I)IoT)? Alongside the interconnection of the various devices, sensors, and actuators, it is above all the data collected and transmitted that is of particular significance, the (I)IoT itself is the source and recipient of various types of data. Within this, there are two main aspects that need to be considered: (i) the transmission of data with appropriate latency and reliability requirements, and (ii) the safeguarding of this data. Both requirements are taken into account during the development of the Sixth Generation (6G) Wireless Systems. This is conceived to deliver higher data rates, reduced cost deployment, and enhanced reliability while providing universal connectivity. Hence, to assist such a vast network domain, (new) 6G-enabling technologies are developed, which include Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RISs), that are capable of modifying and reconfiguring the wireless propagation channels. This work describes concepts on how security, in particular Physical Layer Security (PhySec) methods, can be supported by RISs. Furthermore, an effective impedance surface model is presented, allowing efficient simulation of beamsplitting and shaping properties of RISs. Finally, the applicability of the use cases is mentioned, with a particular focus on Visible Light Communication (VLC).
Immunoglobulin G is a natural oxytocin carrier which modulates oxytocin receptor signaling: relevance to aggressive behavior in humans
Authors: Værøy Henning , Lahaye Emilie , Dubessy Christophe , Benard Magalie , Nicol Marion , Cherifi Yamina , Takhlidjt Saloua , do Rego Jean-Luc , do Rego Jean-Claude , Chartrel Nicolas , Fetissov Sergueï O.
Published: October 2023

Oxytocin is a neuropeptide produced mainly in the hypothalamus and secreted in the CNS and blood. In the brain, it plays a major role in promoting social interactions. Here we show that in human plasma about 60% of oxytocin is naturally bound to IgG which modulates oxytocin receptor signaling. Further, we found that IgG of violent aggressive inmates were characterized by lower affinity for oxytocin, causing decreased oxytocin carrier capacity and reduced receptor activation as compared to men from the general population. Moreover, peripheral administration of oxytocin together with human oxytocin-reactive IgG to resident mice in a resident-intruder test, reduced c-fos activation in several brain regions involved in the regulation of aggressive/defensive behavior correlating with the attack number and duration. We conclude that IgG is a natural oxytocin carrier protein modulating oxytocin receptor signaling which can be relevant to the biological mechanisms of aggressive behavior.
American Foreign Policy and Process
Authors: McCormick James M.
Published: October 2023

This comprehensive text provides a thorough analysis of the values and beliefs that have shaped American foreign policy, exploring how they have evolved over time. Through exploration of presidential administrations from the end of World War II to the present day, American Foreign Policy and Process provides an extensive comparison of policymaking processes during the Cold War, after Vietnam, and after 9/11. This new edition provides an up-to-date evaluation of the Trump and Biden administrations, including updates to reflect the current changes in the actions of important domestic foreign policy institutions. A series of chapters provides assessments of the role of governmental actors and non-governmental actors in affecting the direction of foreign policy. Through the use of supportive maps, key documents, figures, and tables, students will examine the history of American foreign policy and how it has evolved over time, with emphasis on comparing the changing approaches of administrations from Nixon through Biden.
When Nations Can't Default
Authors: Hinrichsen Simon
Published: October 2023

War reparations have been large and small, repaid and defaulted on, but the consequences have almost always been significant. Ever since Keynes made his case against German reparations in The Economic Consequences of the Peace, the effects of transfer payments have been hotly debated. When Nations Can't Default tells the history of war reparations and their consequences by combining history, political economy, and open economy macroeconomics. It visits often forgotten episodes and tells the story of how reparations were mostly repaid - and when they were not. Analysing fifteen episodes of war reparations, this book argues that reparations are unlike other sovereign debt because repayment is enforced by military and political force, making it a senior liability of the state.
Theistic Evolution
Authors: Tabaczek Mariusz
Published: October 2023

In this book, Mariusz Tabaczek develops a contemporary, re-imagined proposal of an Aristotelian-Thomistic perspective on theistic evolution. Deeply rooted in classical philosophy and theology, the volume combines careful textual analysis of ancient, medieval, and contemporary literature with innovative, original, and constructive argumentation and modelling. Tabaczek offers a wide-ranging set of arguments on behalf of those who advocate for the relevance of classical philosophical and theological thought in the context of contemporary science and the dialogue between science and religion. Avoiding simplistic answers to complex questions concerning the origin of species, including the human species, his book inspires critical thinking and a systematic approach to all major philosophical presuppositions and both philosophical and theological repercussions of the theory of evolution. Without contradicting or abandoning the letter of the tradition, Tabaczek echoes the spirit of Aristotle's and Aquinas's philosophy and theology, moving them forward to embrace the evolutionary aspect of the contemporary view of reality.
Pricing the Priceless
Authors: Banzhaf H. Spencer
Published: October 2023

While large literatures have separately examined the history of the environmental movement, government planning, and modern economics, Pricing the Priceless triangulates on all three. Offering the first book-length study of the history of modern environmental economics, it uncovers the unlikely role economists played in developing tools and instruments in support of environmental preservation. While economists were, and still are, seen as scientists who argue in favour of extracting natural resources, H. Spencer Banzhaf shows how some economists by the 1960s turned tools and theories used in defense of development into arguments in defense of the environment. Engaging with widely recognized names, such as John Muir, and major environmental disasters such as the Exxon Valdez oil spill, he offers a detailed examination of the environment, and explains how economics came to enter the field in a new way that made it possible to be “on the side” of the environment.
Patient outcomes following home-based outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy and facility-based outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hasegawa Shinya , Tholany Joseph , Healy Heather , Suzuki Hiroyuki
Published: October 2023

In this systematic literature review and meta-analysis, we did not find a statistically significant difference in readmission and treatment failure rates between home-based and facility-based OPAT. Optimal patient selection for appropriate OPAT location appears to be more important than the location itself for the best OPAT outcome.
The Local Langlands Conjecture for
Authors: Gan Wee Teck , Savin Gordan
Published: October 2023

We prove the local Langlands conjecture for the exceptional group$G_2(F)$whereFis a non-archimedean local field of characteristic zero.
Clinical translational research of liquid biopsy applications in prostate cancer and other urological cancers
Authors: Huang Jingyi , Huang Da , Ruan Xiaohao , Zhan Yongle , Chun Stacia T.-T. , Ng Ada T.-L. , Na Rong
Published: October 2023

The aim of liquid biopsies is to obtain tumor information via the molecular interrogation of liquid samples, including blood and urine. As a minimally invasive procedure, liquid biopsies have attracted attention. A series of studies have reported associations of biomarkers such as circulating tumor DNA, cell-free DNA and extracellular vesicles with urological cancers, especially prostate cancer (PCa), and demonstrated the promising potential of liquid biopsies. In this review, we summarize recent clinical translational studies of liquid biopsies in PCa and other urological cancers, including bladder cancer and renal cell carcinoma. The number of translational studies was limited, and most of the studies focused on PCa. Biomarkers isolated from blood by different detection methods could be applied in clinical practice to predict prognosis and treatment response in advanced PCa. The other applications in urological cancers identified in previous studies remain to be explored further. Current studies are limited due to the lack of ideal standard detection methods for biomarkers. In the future, with advances in methodology, more translational studies will be conducted to identify potential applications of liquid biopsies in urological cancers.