bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal evolution of post-seismic deformation caused by large earthquakes around the Pacific and its impact on plate movement
Authors: Fu Guangyu , Zhao Junzhe , Liu Tai , Gao Shanghua , Wang Zhenyu
Published: October 2024

The fully relaxed deformation caused by an earthquake refers to the total deformation of the earth caused by the earthquake, including the coseismic deformation and the total effect of post-seismic stress relaxation in the mantle on crustal deformation. An in-depth investigation into post-seismic and fully relaxed deformation resulting from large earthquakes is conducive to comprehending the feedback effect of earthquakes on plate motion. In this paper, we first calculated theoretically the coseimic, post-seicmic and fully relaxed deformations caused by the Tohoku-Oki Mw9.0 earthquake using the spherical dislocation theory. The post-seismic displacement caused by the great earthquake leads to the continuous convergence of plates on both sides of the seismogenic fault, which will certainly facilitate the downward insertion of the subduction plate. As time goes by the influence range of seismic deformations becomes larger and larger. The Tohoku-Oki Mw9.0 earthquake can produce >5 cm of cumulative post-seismic horizontal displacement at a far place like the East Pacific Rise over 100 millenniums. Then, we built slip models of 375 earthquakes with Mw7.0 and above in the circum-Pacific seismic belt, calculated the cumulative post-seismic deformations of them, and found that significant post-seismic horizontal displacements covered the entire Pacific Ocean. The post-seismic deformation field caused by the 2011 Tohoku-Oki Mw9.0 earthquake, the 2010 Chile Mw8.8 earthquake, the 1964 Prince William Sound Mw9.1 earthquake and the 1960 Chile Mw(9.3–9.4) earthquake determines the overall distribution pattern of the deformation field in the Pacific region. Those large earthquakes around the Pacific make the total Pacific Plate present a tension strain in the northwest–southeast direction. The one at the East Pacific Rise reaches 300–400 nstr, with orientation of principle strain approximately perpendicular to the Rise. This tensile strain is bound to encourage transverse expansion of the mid-ocean ridge. By a logical extension, the post-seismic stress relaxation in the mantle caused by past earthquakes should be an important driving force for the current plate movement, in addition to the classic driving force like negative buoyancy and plate material phase transition. This study proves theoretically that there is a two-way relationship between great earthquakes and plate movement, and the viscous structure of mantle plays a key role in the relationship.
No accelerated progression of subclinical atherosclerosis with integrase strand transfer inhibitors compared to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors
Authors: García-Abellán Javier , García José A , Padilla Sergio , Fernández-González Marta , Agulló Vanesa , Mascarell Paula , Botella Ángela , Gutiérrez Félix , Masiá Mar
Published: October 2024

Background

The role of integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTI) in the cardiovascular risk of people with HIV is controversial.

Objectives

To assess the association of INSTI to subclinical atherosclerosis progression measured with the carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT).

Methods

Prospective study in virologically suppressed people with HIV receiving INSTI- or NNRTI-based regimens. cIMT was measured at baseline, 48 and 96 weeks. cIMT progression was analysed both as a continuous and categorical variable, defined as cIMT increase ≥ 10% and/or new carotid plaque. Adjustments through Cox proportional hazard regression and linear mixed models, and propensity score matching were conducted.

Results

190 participants were recruited and 173 completed the 96 week follow-up. 107 (56.3%) were receiving an INSTI-containing, 128 (67.4%) a NNRTI-containing and 45 (23.7%) a NNRTI plus an INSTI-containing regimen. The overall median (IQR) 2-year change of cIMT was 0.029 (−0.041 to 0.124) mm; 87 (45.8%) participants experienced a cIMT increase ≥ 10%, of whom 54 (28.4%) developed a new carotid plaque. Adjusted Cox regression showed no differences between INSTI and NNRTI groups in the categorical 2-year progression of cIMT, both including or excluding participants receiving INSTI + NNRTI. Similar results were observed for the continuous cIMT increase through adjusted linear mixed models. Propensity score matching showed no significant differences in the 2 year cIMT change between treatment groups [0.049 mm (−0.031–0.103) in the INSTI group versus 0.047 mm (−0.023–0.115) in the NNRTI group; P = 0.647]. cIMT progression was associated with traditional cardiovascular risk factors.

Conclusions

INSTI-based regimens are not associated with increased progression of subclinical atherosclerosis when compared to NNRTI.
Monitoring community antibiotic consumption in Belgium: reimbursement versus retail data (2013–22)
Authors: Damian Elena , Bonacini Laura , Kelly Moira , Allaoui El Maati , Maertens De Noordhout Charline , Coenen Samuel , Deckers Ivo , De Clercq Sarah , De Falleur Marc , Versporten Ann , Catry Boudewijn , Catteau Lucy
Published: October 2024

Background and objectives

In Belgium, monitoring antibiotic consumption relies on reimbursement data, which is obtained with a time delay and does not account for over-the-counter or nonreimbursed products. This study aims to bridge this gap by comparing reimbursement and retail data for primary care to understand variations and assess the accuracy of current surveillance methods.

Method

Reimbursement data were obtained from the National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance, and retail data were obtained from IQVIA for the period 2013–22. The community consumption of systemic antibiotics was expressed in defined daily doses (DDD—WHO ATC/DDD Index 2023) per inhabitants per day (DID). Relative differences in DID (RDs) based on the two data sets were computed and validated through Bland–Altman plots and correlation analysis.

Results

The sales of antibiotics declined from 22.89 DID (2013) to 20.50 (2022), with a steep drop during the COVID-19 pandemic—from 21.31 DID in 2019 to 16.55 DID in 2020—and a subsequent rebound. Reimbursement data slightly underestimated consumption compared to retail data, with RDs ranging from 2% (2013) to 9% (2022) when including quinolones and from 2% to 4% when excluding them. Bland–Altman plots showed high agreement between reimbursement and retail estimates, identifying quinolones as outliers.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that reimbursement data are generally reliable for monitoring antibiotic consumption, but incorporating retail data is crucial for accurate assessments. The use of retail data can facilitate timely interventions and inform public health strategies to effectively address antimicrobial resistance.
Long-term estrogen-deprived estrogen receptor α-positive breast cancer cell migration assisted by fatty acid 2-hydroxylase
Authors: Kanamaeda Koki , Hirao-Suzuki Masayo , Kobayashi Takanobu , Sato Yuhki , Ohara Masahiro , Takeda Shuso
Published: October 2024

The risk of breast cancer (BC) recurrence is high in postmenopausal women, though the underlying molecular mechanisms are not yet fully understood. We developed a long-term estrogen-deprived (LTED) cell line from MCF-7 cells, which we used as an in vitro model for aromatase inhibitor (AI)-resistant estrogen receptor α (ERα)-positive postmenopausal BC. We also describe the involvement of fatty acid 2-hydroxylase (FA2H) in the modulation of LTED cell migration. Small interfering RNA specific to FA2H (siFA2H) could reduce cell migration, whereas the introduction of plasmid expressing FA2H, but not its inactive mutant, resulted in enhanced migration. Moreover, proliferation of the LTED cells was not affected by modulation of FA2H expression. Fulvestrant (FUL), a selective estrogen receptor degrader used to treat AI-resistant ERα-positive postmenopausal BC, was found to induce degradation of ERα together with a decrease in ER-mediated transcription; however, FA2H protein expression and migration remained unchanged. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that FA2H is one of the drivers of LTED cell migration, and that LTED cells resistant to FUL therapy may be involved in malignancy and metastatic mechanisms.
Ganoderma lucidum triterpenoids investigating their role in medicinal applications and genomic protection
Authors: Raza Sayed Haidar Abbas , Zhong Ruimin , Li Xiangmei , Pant Sameer D , Shen Xing , BinMowyna Mona N , Luo Lin , Lei Hongtao
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Ganoderma lucidum (GL) is a white rot fungus widely used for its pharmacological properties and health benefits. GL consists of several biological components, including polysaccharides, sterols, and triterpenoids. Triterpenoids are often found in GL in the form of lanostane-type triterpenoids with quadrilateral carbon structures.

Key findings

The study revealed that triterpenoids have diverse biological properties and can be categorized based on their functional groups. Triterpenoids derived from GL have shown potential medicinal applications. They can disrupt the cell cycle by inhibiting β-catenin or protein kinase C activity, leading to anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic effects. They can also reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines, thus mitigating inflammation. Additionally, triterpenoids have been found to enhance the immune system’s defenses against various health conditions. They possess antioxidant, antiparasitic, anti-hyperlipidemic, and antimicrobial activities, making them suitable for pharmaceutical applications. Furthermore, triterpenoids are believed to afford radioprotection to DNA, protecting it from radiation damage.

This review focuses on the types of triterpenoids isolated from GL, their synthesis pathways, and their chemical structures. Additionally, it highlights the pharmacological characteristics of triterpenoids derived from GL, emphasizing their significant role in various therapeutic applications and health benefits for both humans and animals.
Brazilian red propolis synergistically with imipenem modulates immunological parameters and the bactericidal activity of human monocytes against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
Authors: Ripari Nicolas , Honorio Mariana da Silva , Sartori Arthur Alves , de Oliveira Larissa Ragozo Cardoso , Bastos Jairo Kenupp , Sforcin José Maurício
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Propolis is a bee product found all over the globe and has a well-known antibacterial activity. Previous findings of our group revealed that the combination of Brazilian red propolis (BRP) with a lower concentration of imipenem (IPM) exerted a bactericidal action against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in vitro. Here, we aimed at investigating the effects of BRP in combination or not with IPM on human monocytes to assess a possible immunomodulatory action.

Methods

Monocyte metabolic activity was analysed by MTT assay, cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10) by ELISA, and the expression of cell markers (TLR-2, TLR-4, HLA-DR, and CD80) by flow cytometry. The bactericidal activity of monocytes over MRSA was determined by colony-forming units’ count.

Key findings

BRP alone or in combination with IPM exerted no cytotoxic effects on monocytes. BRP downregulated TLR-2 expression and inhibited TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 production, while BRP + IPM stimulated these parameters. BPR alone or in combination increased the bactericidal activity similarly to LPS-activated monocytes.

Conclusions

Data indicated the potential of BRP as an anti-inflammatory agent increasing the bactericidal activity of monocytes against MRSA. The combination of BRP + IPM exhibited a stimulatory profile that may be potentially useful in treating patients with MRSA infection.
The distorting effects of the for-or-against binary in the representation of European refugee hosting societies in 2015–6
Authors: Michail Eugene
Published: October 2024

European receiving societies’ reactions to the increased refugee arrivals of 2015–6 were represented through a for-or-against binary, which focused on whether locals were hospitable or hostile to refugees. This article offers a critical examination of the making and effects of this binary, examining its discursive unfolding in the Greek island of Chios. Its findings show that the repeated use of the for-or-against framing by different actors resulted in the acceleration of the polarization that this representational scheme was purporting merely to describe, benefiting anti-refugee actors on the ground, obscuring a more complex understanding of the root causes of the developing ‘crisis’, and closing down the possibility of host societies imagining a future with refugees. This research contributes to a clearer understanding of the way host societies have been represented in recent years and of how radical political actors took advantage of these discursive practices to claim a central political role.
Arabidopsis METHYLENETETRAHYDROFOLATE REDUCTASE 2 functions independently of PENETRATION 2 during primary immunity against rice blast
Authors: Sultan Eram , Pati Debasish , Kumar Sanjeev , Sahu Binod Bihari
Published: October 2024

Non-host resistance (NHR) is the most durable and robust form of innate immunity, with a surge of interest in its role in crop improvement. Of the NHR genes identified against rice blast, a devastating disease caused by Magnaporthe oryzae, Arabidopsis PEN2 is indispensable for pre-penetration resistance to M. oryzae, while a consortium of genes orchestrates post-penetration resistance via lesser known mechanisms. We identified M. oryzae-susceptible mosA (mthfr2 pen2-3) from a randomly mutagenized Arabidopsis pen2-3 population using forward genetics. Analysis of T-DNA-inserted mthfr2 lines and pen2-3-complemented mosA lines revealed that MTHFR2-dependent resistance to M. oryzae is independent of PEN2. MTHFR2-defective plants exhibited higher accumulation of reactive oxygen species and expression of salicylic acid-dependent defense markers. MTHFR2–ligand docking revealed that A55V non-synonymous substitution in mosA altered ligand binding efficiency. This further affected the metabolomic profile of mosA, effectively allowing in vitro germination and development of M. oryzae conidia. Moreover, the loss-of-function mutation in mthfr2 (involved in the 1C metabolic pathway) potentiated mosA immunity against Pst DC3000. In conclusion, our findings showed that MTHFR2 is a positive modulator of NHR against M. oryzae. This work documents another layer of conserved yet divergent metabolomic defense in Arabidopsis regulated by folate-mediated 1C metabolism that has the potential to revolutionize crop improvement.
General Priority Rule: Nemo Dat (First in Time to be Created Wins)
Authors: Bridge Michael , Gullifer Louise , Lomnicka Eva
Published: October 2024

This chapter explains the principle of nemo dat quod non habet and the fact that there are many exceptions to that principle (which are discussed in detail in chapter 14). It focuses on operation of the nemo dat principle in a number of factual situations concerning different security, quasi-security, and absolute interests, and considers its application in relation to the way in which priority questions between competing interests would be decided. The importance of whether the interests are registered is highlighted where appropriate.The concept and significance of a purchase money security interest is also discussed.
Obstetric Management of Labor and Vaginal Delivery
Authors: David Marianne , Ho Geoffrey , Fisher Daniel , Roland Laura , Chu Everett , Burnette Michelle S.
Published: October 2024

This chapter provides a review of the four stages of labor, including normal versus abnormal labor and the potential complications at each stage. The failure of the placenta to separate after delivery is discussed, as well as postpartum hemorrhage. This chapter discusses the risk factors and management of postpartum pain, as well as predictors of postpartum depression. It also reviews both the obstetric considerations and anesthetic management of trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) and vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), multiple gestation, and external cephalic version (ECV). This chapter is written for residents, advanced providers, and practicing physicians in the fields of anesthesia and obstetrics.
Characteristics and impact of social cognitive deficits
Authors: Baune Bernhard T.
Published: October 2024

Characteristics and impact of social cognitive deficits describes dysfunctional social cognition as an important symptom of major depressive disorder (MDD). It informs that social cognition relates closely to various aspects of perception of emotional states in oneself and in others, and it applies to complex social interactions. It supports the observation that patients with MDD show a negative bias towards ambiguous emotional information across all domains of social perception. It highlights that social cognitive function exerts important effects on the course of treatment outcomes and illness trajectory in MDD patients although it is perceived that social cognitive dysfunction in MDD often presents as a subtle phenomenon.
Robust constraints on the physics of the MeV emission line in GRB 221009A from optical depth arguments
Authors: Yi Shu-Xu , Zhang Zhen , Yorgancioglu Emre Seyit , Zhang Shuang-Nan , Xiong Shao-Lin , Zhang Yan-Qiu
Published: October 2024

The brightest-of-all-time gamma-ray burst (GRB), GRB 221009A, is the first GRB observed to have emission line (up to 37 MeV) in its prompt emission spectra. It is naturally explained as $e^-/e^+$ annihilation line that was Doppler boosted in the relativistic jet of the GRB. In this work, we repeatedly apply the simple optical depth argument to different physical processes necessary to produce an observable $e^-/e^+$ annihilation line. This approach results in robust constraints on the physics of the line: We conclude that in GRB 221009A, the $e^-/e^+$ pairs were produced at a radius greater than $4.3\times 10^{15}$ cm from the central engine, and annihilated in a region between $1.4\times 10^{16}$ and $4.3\times 10^{16}$ cm. From these constraints, we established a self-consistent picture of $e^-/e^+$ production, cooling, and annihilation. We also derived a criterion for pair production in the GRB prompt emission: $E_{\rm {iso}} \gtrsim 3.3\times 10^{53} E_{\rm {peak},100} (1+z) R^2_{\rm {prod},16}~\text{erg}$. Using this criterion, we find tens of candidate GRBs that could have produced $e^-/e^+$ in prompt emissions to annihilate. GRB 221009A is with the highest likelihood according to this criterion. We also predict the presence of a thermal radiation, with a time-evolving blackbody temperature, sweeping through soft X-ray during the prompt emission phase.
Magnetic fields in the Large Magellanic Cloud and their connection to the Magellanic System
Authors: Livingston J D , McClure-Griffiths N M , Ma Y K , Bustard C , Mao S A , Gaensler B M , Kaczmarek J
Published: October 2024

Studying the Magellanic System can help us understand the role that magnetic fields play in the evolution and structure of interacting low-mass galaxies. We have measured the Faraday rotation measure (RM) of 185 extra-galactic radio sources behind the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) to determine the structure of the magnetic field of the LMC. These observations were conducted with the CSIRO Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) with a frequency range of 1.6–3.0 GHz. Our observations double the density of the grid of RMs for the LMC. With these new RM observations in conjunction with previous measurements, we find that the |RM| on the east side of the LMC is greater than the west. Using dispersion measure information from known LMC pulsars, we find that the magnitude of the coherent line-of-sight (LOS) magnetic field, $B_{||}$, is weakest to the north-west of the LMC, and the random LOS magnetic field is stronger in the east side. We find that $B_{||}$ traces neutral hydrogen arm-like structures within the LMC. Overall, the LMC does not appear to have a magnetic field like that of the Small Magellanic Cloud and Magellanic Bridge, indicating that the LMC is not directly part of the ‘pan-Magellanic’ magnetic field.
Polarization position angle standard stars: a reassessment of θ and its variability for seventeen stars based on a decade of observations
Authors: Cotton Daniel V , Bailey Jeremy , Kedziora-Chudczer Lucyna , Bott Kimberly , De Horta Ain Y , Filcek Normandy , Marshall Jonathan P , Melville Graeme , Buzasi Derek L , Boiko Ievgeniia , Borsato Nicholas W , Perkins Jean , Opitz Daniela , Melrose Shannon , Grüning Gesa , Evensberget Dag , Zhao Jinglin
Published: October 2024

Observations of polarization position angle ($\theta$) standards made from 2014 to 2023 with the High Precision Polarimetric Instrument (HIPPI) and other HIPPI-class polarimeters in both hemispheres are used to investigate their variability. Multiband data were first used to thoroughly recalibrate the instrument performance by bench-marking against carefully selected literature data. A novel co-ordinate difference matrix (CDM) approach – which combines pairs of points – was then used to amalgamate monochromatic ($g^\prime$ band) observations from many observing runs and re-determine $\theta$ for 17 standard stars. The CDM algorithm was then integrated into a fitting routine and used to establish the impact of stellar variability on the measured position angle scatter. The approach yields variability detections for stars on long time-scales that appear stable over short runs. The best position angle standards are $\ell$ Car, o Sco, HD 154445, HD 161056, and $\iota ^1$ Sco, which are stable to $\le$0.123$^\circ$. Position angle variability of 0.27–0.82$^\circ$, significant at the 3$\sigma$ level, is found for 5 standards, including the Luminous Blue Variable HD 160529 and all but one of the other B/A-type supergiants (HD 80558, HD 111613, HD 183143, and 55 Cyg), most of which also appear likely to be variable in polarization magnitude (p) – there is no preferred orientation for the polarization in these objects, which are all classified as $\alpha$ Cygni variables. Despite this we make six key recommendations for observers – relating to data acquisition, processing and reporting – that will allow them to use these standards to achieve $\lt $ 0.1$^\circ$ precision in the telescope position angle with similar instrumentation, and allow data sets to be combined more accurately.
The policy-making hypothesis
Authors: Heinkelmann-Wild Tim , Rittberger Berthold , Zangl Bernhard , Kriegmair Lisa
Published: October 2024

This chapter introduces the policy-making hypothesis, which holds that different types of EU policy making affect the type of blame game that resonates in the European public. According to the policy-making hypothesis, the attribution for responsibility for EU performance failures tends to be straightforward in cases of supranational and intergovernmental policy making, giving rise to scapegoat and renegade games respectively. Diffusion games only emerge in cases where supranational EU institutions and member states are jointly involved in policy making. The chapter probes this policy-making hypothesis with two pair-wise comparisons: First, it compares the EU’s intergovernmental financial assistance programmes with the European Central Bank’s supranational sovereign bonds programme. It then compares the EU’s failed external border control policy, an instance of shared policy making, with the controversy over the enactment of EU’s welfare entitlements policy, in which the European Commission played a central policy making role.
Synopsis
Authors: Gill Ann-Katrin , Smith Mark
Published: October 2024

This chapter provides a complete line-by-line hieroglyphic synopsis of all known versions of the sixteen spells of the Glorification Recited on Each Due Occasion of the Embalming Place. In addition to the five extant copies known of this text, the synopsis also includes all parallels known to the authors from contemporary ritual texts which share material with our collection of spells. These include individual sentences or longer passages, as well as parallels in ritual texts of earlier periods, extending back to the Old Kingdom. This will permit users of the book to see both the synchronic and the diachronic relationships of the spells, and to trace how they developed over time. The synopsis is likewise essential if one wishes to study the spells for comparative purposes.
Online Hip Hop Feminism, Rap Music Videos, and Gender in YouTube Comments
Authors: Gamble Steven
Published: October 2024

Chapter 5 spotlights a new wave of Black women rappers—including Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, and Cardi B—making mainstream rap music aligned with hip hop feminism. This chapter demonstrates how hip hop feminism has been a powerful force in the culture and considers how it has been received in online spaces. It details how these rappers, often identifying as ‘hot girls’ or ‘bad bitches’, flip the script on the traditional sexualization of women in hip hop music videos, providing more diverse and authentic representations of Black womanhood. The chapter includes analysis of a big data set of YouTube comments divided by user gender, discovering gendered themes in the online reception of Black women rappers’ music videos. The main thrust of the chapter is to better understand how patriarchy and misogynoir are sustained online and therefore how they can be challenged.
Houthis and the “Flying Lawnmowers”
Authors: Sankaran Jaganath
Published: October 2024

In 2015, the Saudis and Emiratis expected a quick victory over Houthi rebels in Yemen. However, more than eight years later, the Saudis and the Emiratis are now looking for an exit ramp to extricate themselves from Yemen. The Houthis have hit Saudi and Emirati oil and petroleum facilities, oil shipping routes, and other vital economic targets such as airports and major cities with missiles and drones. The continued strikes on oil facilities have heightened fears of the potential for future attacks to cause much greater havoc and economic shocks. Despite massive investments in missile hunting and defense, the Houthi bombardment has not decreased. The Houthis have succeeded in diminishing the resolve of the Saudi-led Coalition and appear to have coerced it into a negotiated settlement that accepts the status quo in Yemen.
The Caroline Islands Script
Authors: de Voogt Alex
Published: October 2024

The development of writing systems in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries has occasionally provided detailed information about the inception of a script, including its system of writing, and the value and shape of individual signs. The Caroline Islands script was studied in detail by Riesenberg and Kaneshiro (1960), and their work has already presented this script as part of debates in the history of writing systems. Recent discussions about script history and developments in the Caroline Islands after the 1950s has created unique illustrations of at least five debates that concern our understanding of ancient and modern script histories.
The Rongorongo ‘Lunar Calendar’ of Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and the Type of Script
Authors: Valério Miguel
Published: October 2024

The Rongorongo script of Rapa Nui (Easter Island) may represent one of the few cases of independent writing in the world. Still, it is hard to situate as a code, because it remains undeciphered. Rongorongo Tablet C bears a sequence of text that most scholars agree can be interpreted to some extent. It most probably contains a ‘calendar’ with the list of ‘the nights of the moon’ that made up the Polynesian month, and whose Rapanui variety is known from oral tradition. If this identification is correct, then this ‘list of nights’ is crucial for decipherment. In this chapter, I propose that revisiting some older views on Rongorongo through a new look at Tablet C can help us understand where Rongorongo is situated in terms of typology. It is argued that it is a form of logo-phonetic notation that largely omitted grammatical words, and whose individual and combined glyphs represented polysyllabic morphemes—not syllables, as the most widespread view today holds. Readings of certain glyphic sequences of Tablet C as names of nights of the month and astronomical or time-reckoning phrases are proposed.
Vector and Complex Calculus
Authors: Waleffe Fabian
Published: October 2024

Vector and complex calculus are essential for applications to electromagnetism, fluid and solid mechanics, and the differential geometry of surfaces. The standard multivariable calculus courses are largely limited to `xyz’ calculus, but vector calculus is about geometric concepts invariant under coordinate transformations. This textbook takes the students from the geometry and algebra of vectors, to the key concepts and tools of vector calculus, including differential geometry of curves and surfaces, curvilinear coordinates, and capping off with a study of the essential elements of the calculus of functions of one complex variable. The book develops vector and index notation and is richly illustrated to help the student develop a solid visual understanding of the material. Every chapter is accompanied with many exercises that lead the student to practice key concepts and explore further interesting results. The development of this textbook was informed by the author’s teaching of many upper level applied mathematics and engineering physics courses at MIT and UW-Madison.
From the Streets to the Voting Booth: The Electoral Effect of Grassroots Mobilization Against the Far Right
Authors: Colombo Francesco , Ferrara Alessandro , Dinas Elias , Vassou Foteini-Maria , Bernardi Fabrizio
Published: October 2024

Is anti-far-right grassroots mobilization effective? Scholars studying the far right have focused extensively on the causes and consequences of far-right success but have paid little attention to what citizens and civil society can do to tackle this phenomenon. Focusing on the surge of Sardine (the Sardines), an anti-far-right social movement, during the 2020 Italian regional elections, we test whether grassroots mobilization is an effective tool to curb far-right parties’ electoral performance. Employing municipality-level data on electoral results, Sardines rallies, and far-right events, we exploit a difference-in-differences design to identify the effect of local exposure to Sardine mobilization on the municipal electoral performance of far-right parties. The results suggest that local exposure to a Sardines event has a strong negative effect on far-right electoral results.
Short-Term Powered Mobility Intervention Is Associated With Improvements in Development and Participation for Young Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Feldner Heather A , Logan Samuel W , Otieno Sango , Fragomeni Anna , Kono Carissa , Riordan Katie , Sloane Bethany , Kenyon Lisa K
Published: October 2024

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of 2 short-term powered mobility interventions across developmental domains, participation, and perceptions of intervention implementation for young children with cerebral palsy and their families.

Methods

This randomized, crossover clinical trial compared 2 powered mobility interventions: the Explorer Mini (Permobil AB, Timra, Sweden) and an adapted ride-on toy car. Analyses included 24 children aged 12 to 36 months, recruited from 3 sites. Each device was trialed in the home for an 8-week period for a total of 16 weeks. Three in-person study visits took place at baseline, crossover, and study completion, and 2 additional virtual check-ins were conducted for each device trial period. Outcome measures included all domains of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Fourth Edition (Bayley-4); Child Engagement in Daily Life (CEDL) participation questionnaire; and t3 perceptual implementation measures: Acceptability of Intervention Measure, Intervention Appropriateness Measure, and Feasibility of Intervention Measure. Analyses included descriptive statistics, 2 by 3 group × time analysis of variance, and post hoc t tests as warranted.

Results

Statistically significant mean improvements were observed in all domains of the Bayley-4 and in the self-care subscale of the CEDL regardless of device order. Caregivers ranked both devices as acceptable and feasible to implement, although the Explorer Mini was ranked slightly more favorably than the adapted ride-on toy car, with a device order effect being observed.

Conclusion

Short-term powered mobility intervention may advance multiple domains of development and participation for young children with cerebral palsy. Caregivers rated 2 different powered mobility devices favorably as part of their child’s early intervention strategies.

Impact

This study enhances the quality of evidence available to clinicians and families to support decision-making about powered mobility intervention for young children with motor disabilities, especially those who may be reluctant to begin powered mobility due to stigma or concern for motor skill development.

Lay Summary

In this study, children with cerebral palsy used 2 different powered mobility devices over 16 weeks. The goal of the study was to understand how powered mobility device use affected the children’s movement, communication, learning, and social interactions. The goal was also to understand how caregivers felt about the intervention and device options.
Effectiveness of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Versus Placebo in Subjects at Ultra-High Risk for Psychosis: The PURPOSE Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Winter-van Rossum Inge , Slot Margot I E , van Hell Hendrika H , Bossong Matthijs G , Berger Gregor , Aschauer Harald , Maat Arija , Walitza Susanne , Lavan Orly , Baeza Inmaculada , Dolz Montserrat , Monducci Elena , Fiori Nastro Paolo , Kroken Rune Andreas , Lawrie Stephen M , Díaz-Caneja Covadonga Martinez , Renner Tobias , Schlögelhofer Monika , Scharinger Christian , Spalletta Gianfranco , Banaj Nerisa , Otero Soraya , Schipper Maria , Kwakkel Dorieke Brink- ,   the PURPOSE Study Group, Ayora Miriam , Bjarke Jill , Aaberg Linn Marie Elise , Haugen Egil Anders , Ciullo Valentina , Ferrara Mauro , Maffucci Alessia , Mammarella Valeria , Piras Federica , Vecchio Daniela , Corredera Margarita Miguel , Gomez Jana Gonzalez , Ayesa-Ariola Rosa , Galvañ Joaquín , Durán-Cutilla Manuel , Apter Alan , Baldinger Liem , Müller Elena , Conzelmann Annette , Barth Gottfried Maria , Probst Fabian , de la Serna Elena , Sugranyes Gisela , Fortea Adriana , Fabra Jordina Tor , Aschauer Elena , Kollndorfer Kathrin , Györbiro Klara , Kahn Rene S
Published: October 2024

Background and Hypotheses

In the past 2 decades, substantial effort has been put into research on therapeutic options for people at ultra-high risk (UHR) for developing a first episode of psychosis (FEP), focusing on omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in preventing transition to psychosis. Despite an initial positive finding, subsequent studies failed to find a beneficial effect. The current study aimed to further investigate the effect of omega-3 PUFAs in UHR, to determine whether this line of research is worth pursuing.

Study Design

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study testing the efficacy of 6-month treatment with omega-3 PUFAs in 135 subjects at UHR for FEP, aged 13 to 20 years on the prevention of a transition to psychosis, followed up for 18 months post-treatment. The trial was conducted at 16 general hospitals and psychiatric specialty centers located in 8 European countries and Israel.

Study Results

There was no beneficial effect of treatment with omega-3 PUFAs compared to placebo; the rate of transition over 2 years did not differ between treatment arms nor was there a difference in change in symptom severity after 6-month treatment. Dropout rates and serious adverse events were similar across the groups.

Conclusions

This is the third study that fails to replicate the original finding on the protective effect of omega-3 PUFAs in UHR subjects for transition to psychosis. The accumulating evidence therefore suggests that omega-3 PUFAs do not reduce transition rates to psychosis in those at increased risk at 2 years follow-up.

Clinical Trials

This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02597439; Study Details | Placebo-controlled Trial in Subjects at Ultra-high Risk for Psychosis With Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Europe | ClinicalTrials.gov).
The Moral Foundations of Christian Nationalism
Authors: Goff Kerby , Silver Eric , Iceland John
Published: October 2024

Why does Christian Nationalism (CN) resonate with some Americans but not others? We employ Moral Foundations Theory (MFT) to fill this gap. MFT posits that individuals possess a moral matrix made up of concerns for group cohesion (authority, loyalty, and sanctity), egalitarian ideals (care and fairness), and individual autonomy (liberty). Using a nationally representative survey (N = 1,125), we find that support for CN is largely motivated by concerns for in-group loyalty and sanctity but not authority, while opposition is motivated by concerns for fairness, but not care. We also find that moral foundations map onto each of the commonly used CN survey measures in two distinct patterns, one statist and the other akin to civil religion, where the former is linked to loyalty and the latter to liberty. These results suggest that controversy over Christianity’s place in politics is driven by disagreement over foundational moral concerns, but not always in the ways we expect.
Phylogenetic Tree Instability After Taxon Addition: Empirical Frequency, Predictability, and Consequences For Online Inference
Authors: Collienne Lena , Barker Mary , Suchard Marc A , Matsen Frederick A
Published: October 2024

Online phylogenetic inference methods add sequentially arriving sequences to an inferred phylogeny without the need to recompute the entire tree from scratch. Some online method implementations exist already, but there remains concern that additional sequences may change the topological relationship among the original set of taxa. We call such a change in tree topology a lack of stability for the inferred tree. In this article, we analyze the stability of single taxon addition in a Maximum Likelihood framework across 1000 empirical datasets. We find that instability occurs in almost 90% of our examples, although observed topological differences do not always reach significance under the approximately unbiased (AU) test. Changes in tree topology after addition of a taxon rarely occur close to its attachment location, and are more frequently observed in more distant tree locations carrying low bootstrap support. To investigate whether instability is predictable, we hypothesize sources of instability and design summary statistics addressing these hypotheses. Using these summary statistics as input features for machine learning under random forests, we are able to predict instability and can identify the most influential features. In summary, it does not appear that a strict insertion-only online inference method will deliver globally optimal trees, although relaxing insertion strictness by allowing for a small number of final tree rearrangements or accepting slightly suboptimal solutions appears feasible.
New mechanisms in diisocyanate-mediated allergy/toxicity: are microRNAs in play?
Authors: Lin Chen-Chung , Law Brandon F. , Hettick Justin M.
Published: October 2024

Purpose of review

To describe recent findings of diisocyanate-mediated mechanisms in allergy and toxicology by addressing the role of microRNA (miR) in immune responses that may contribute to the development of occupational asthma (OA).

Recent findings

Studies of diisocyanate asthma have traditionally focused on the immune and inflammatory patterns associated with diisocyanate exposures; however, recognized knowledge gaps exist regarding the detailed molecular mechanism(s) of pathogenesis. Recent studies demonstrate the critical role endogenous microRNAs play as gene regulators in maintaining homeostasis of the human body, and in the pathophysiology of many diseases including asthma. Given that diisocyanate-OA shares many pathophysiological characteristics with asthma, it is likely that miR-mediated mechanisms are involved in the pathophysiology of diisocyanate-OA. Recent reports have shown that changes in expression of endogenous miRs are associated with exposure to the occupationally relevant diisocyanates, toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI). Continued mechanistic study of these relevant miRs may lead to the development of novel biomarkers of occupational exposure and/or provide efficacious targets for therapeutic strategies in diisocyanate asthma.

The molecular mechanisms underlying diisocyanate-OA pathophysiology are heterogeneous and complicated. In this review, we highlight recent research into the roles and potential regulation of miRs in diisocyanate-OA.
Prediction of visual outcomes using virtual implantation of a trifocal intraocular lens in presbyopic lens exchange patients
Authors: Schallhorn Steven C. , Fernández Joaquín , Kaymak Hakan , Gerlach Mario , Kirchner Friedrich O.
Published: October 2024

Purpose:

To assess the reliability of a new virtual intraocular lens (IOL) implantation device to predict the outcomes of a trifocal IOL.

Setting:

Clinical sites in Spain and Germany.

Design:

Prospective multicenter study.

Methods:

Preoperative measurements obtained by the virtual implantation of AT LISA tri 839MP IOL with Virtual IOL (VirtIOL) device were compared with postoperative (month 3) outcomes after the IOL implantation. The evaluated metrics were defocus curve, contrast sensitivity (CS) (both in photopic conditions), and visual phenomena (visual angle size of burst and annular pattern) in mesopic conditions.

Results:

45 presbyopic noncataract patients (mean age 56.16 ± 5.03 years) were included in this study. The VirtIOL device reasonably predicted the shape of the defocus curve, especially in the intermediate vision range, but underestimated postoperative visual acuities (VAs) mainly at the defocus range between +1.0 diopters (D) and −3.5 D. The difference between predicted and achieved VA was −0.11 ± 0.13 logMAR (P < .001) for 0.0 D defocus and −0.16 ± 0.15 D logMAR (P < .001) for −2.50 D defocus. The shape of the CS curve was almost identical for predicted and achieved measurements, but the device underestimated the values by ≈0.3 logCS units for each spatial frequency. Visual phenomena were similar between the predicted and achieved outcome (predicted vs achieved: burst pattern 2.65 ± 0.97 degrees vs 2.74 ± 0.95 degrees, P = .63; annular pattern: 0.88 ± 0.42 degrees vs 0.93 ± 0.49 degrees, P = .59).

Conclusions:

The device reasonably predicted the pattern of measured variables. VA/CS reduction might be attributed to viewing the objects through a more complex optical system and would need to be accounted for in clinical studies.
Lower Perceived Social Support Associated With Greater Hopelessness in Patients After an Acute Ischemic Heart Disease Event
Authors: Goodyke Madison P. , Tintle Nathan , Collins Eileen , DeVon Holli A. , Bronas Ulf G. , Baynard Tracy , Dunn Susan L.
Published: October 2024

Background

Hopelessness is present in up 52% of patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Lower perceived social support (PSS) has been associated with greater hopelessness in a pilot study of patients with IHD reporting moderate-severe hopelessness but has not been examined in a larger sample reporting none-severe levels of hopelessness and while controlling for covariates.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between PSS and hopelessness in patients with IHD.

Methods

Using a cross-sectional design, 178 participants were enrolled while hospitalized for an IHD event at 1 large hospital in the United States. Data collection occurred 2 weeks after hospital discharge using the State-Trait Hopelessness Scale, ENRICHD Social Support Inventory, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, a demographic form, and a medical record abstraction form. Linear models were used to assess the association between variables in unadjusted models and models adjusted for demographic and medical history.

Results

Most participants were male (67%), married (67%), and non-Hispanic White (92%) and underwent coronary artery bypass surgery (61%). There was a moderate inverse correlation between PSS and state (r = −0.31, P < .001) and trait (r = −0.28, P < .001) hopelessness in unadjusted models. The relationships remained significant in adjusted models and did not differ by sex, type of IHD event, or marital status.

Conclusions

Lower PSS was associated with greater hopelessness in patients with IHD. Assessing PSS and hopelessness during hospitalization for an IHD event may enable clinicians to provide targeted interventions to reduce risk of hopelessness and improve secondary prevention in patients with IHD.
A Canadian Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner’s Personal Reflection and Ongoing Questioning of Vicarious Trauma
Authors: Caporiccio Diana Rose , Kent-Wilkinson Arlene , Peternelj-Taylor Cindy
Published: October 2024

Vicarious trauma (VT) is a concept that has been recognized in nursing. Although research has extensively explored signs, symptoms, and risks associated with VT, there is a notable gap in the literature concerning the personal lived experiences of sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs).

Objective

The objective of this article was to provide a first-person account of the vulnerable aspects of my life where I questioned if VT had influenced my thought processes and to uncover the potential health risks associated with exposure to patients' repeated stories of trauma. I questioned whether I was experiencing VT or other disorders such as burnout, posttraumatic stress disorder, or compassion fatigue. The scholarly literature was reviewed after my personal reflection to analyze my personal experiences and to gain clarity on how VT and/or other related concepts may impact the professional and personal lives of SANEs.

Methods

Methods used to produce my personal stories have been done via self-reflection and journaling. Three stories that I believe may resemble VT are shared and analyzed vis-à-vis the literature. My personal vignettes are compared with signs and symptoms of VT and illustrate how they may manifest in the daily lives of SANEs.

Implications

To date, researchers have neglected to explore concrete examples of the personal depth VT may exhibit in an individual's life. By disclosing and synthesizing my personal stories, I hope to encourage SANEs to be open about their experiences, spread awareness and prevention strategies regarding VT, and, ultimately, further enhance well-being and promote increased longevity in their careers.