bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical parametric study for ballast assessment using SVM applied to GPR data
Authors: T Ernest Mbubia , Guilbert David , Tissier Jérome , Martin Antoine , Dezert Théo , Fargier Yannick , Ihamouten Amine
Published: November 2024

This study explores novel radar-based methodologies for ballast fouling evaluation and structural anomalies in railway structures. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), coupled with numerical modeling, is utilized to provide insights into ballast condition and structure. Various data processing methods, including the Matrix Pencil Method (MPM) and Full Waveform Inversion (FWI), are investigated for their effectiveness in detecting fouling. Support Vector Machine (SVM)-based machine learning approaches are employed to enhance classification accuracy. The results demonstrate that integrating raw GPR signals with MPM yields the most accurate classification results, facilitating eﬃcient assessment of ballast condition and contributing to improved railway maintenance strategies.
Russian RES and GPR research in Antarctica
Authors: Popov S V
Published: November 2024

Russian (former Soviet Union) investigations of Antarctica by radio-echo sounding (RES) were commenced in 1964. In two years later, ice-penetrating radar has been fixed on board the airplane IL-14 opening the door to future airborne studying of the Antarctic ice sheet and bedrock topography. By present the ground-based profiles and mostly airborne RES flights have covered more than 5.5 mln. sq. km of icy continent. Since 1985 Russian airborne research concentrated to study 60E – 110E sector of East Antarctica carrying out 5-km apart surveys. In the period of 1990s – 2010s ground-based RES research in scientific traverses were concentrated to study Lake Vostok and the Antarctic inland. Systematic Russian ground-penetrating radar (GPR) investigations was commenced in 2010s. Mostly it was a reason to study and revealing of crevasses in the area of logistic traverse route and other safety supply of the logistic operations. As well GPR engineering research used to find a right place to construct a new snow-runway at Mirny Station, also to investigate icy-runway at Novolazarevskaya Station and new snow airfield Zenith, near Progress Station, East Antarctica.
A Study on the Characteristics of Time-lapse Full-Polarimetric GPR for Ice Fractures
Authors: An Yafei , Feng Xuan , Lu Qi , Khuut Tseeulam , Yang Jiarun , Dong Zejun , Zhou Haoqiu , Zhang Minghe , Zhang Yinghao , Enhedelihai
Published: November 2024

Real time detection of ice fractures is crucial for the safety of Antarctic scientific research and understanding the ice cracking process caused by avalanches. Using a full-polarimetric ground penetrating radar (FP-GPR) system to detect ice fractures, the scattering matrix obtained is processed using polarization decomposition. Compared to traditional single polarization radar, we can obtain more comprehensive and intuitive information about ice fractures. This study uses the Time-lapse FP-GPR method to detect ice fractures, and extracts the polarimetric attributes of fracture targets using Pauli decomposition and Freeman decomposition methods. The results indicate that polarimetric target decomposition is an effective method for identifying fractures, and the results in this paper provide important theoretical support and technical guidance for using time-lapse FP-GPR to detect surface ice fractures in practice.
DL-GPRd: Deep Learning for Ground Penetrating Radar Deconvolution
Authors: Roncoroni G. , Forte E. , Pipan M.
Published: November 2024

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is a vital tool for subsurface investigation, but traditional deconvolution methods have limitations. This study explores the integration of Deep Learning (DL) techniques to enhance GPR data processing. The model utilizes Bi-Directional LSTM neurons and synthetic data generation for training. Results show improved resolution and reduced noise compared to classical methods. Computational analysis highlights the efficiency of the approach, with faster prediction times. This DL-based deconvolution offers promising advancements for GPR imaging, enhancing subsurface characterization and exploration capabilities.
Time–lapse monitoring of soil water content by full GPR waveform inversion with Grey Wolf Optimizer
Authors: Zhang M H , Bano M , Feng X
Published: November 2024

Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) has become a powerful geophysical technique for investigating soil water dynamics. In this study, we proposed an inversion scheme based on Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO) to monitor the change of SWC from the time-lapse of the full waveform of GPR data. The scheme was applied to GPR data acquired during a drainage experiment. Five traces at different times were selected in the experiment. The results show that the proposed scheme is very promising for directly and non-invasively monitoring of SWC change from the time-lapse of the full waveform inversion of GPR data based on field scale GWO algorithm.
Mapping engineering communications based on radiovision and augmented reality technologies
Authors: Khmelev Vitaly , Tseplyaev Ilya , Shipilov Sergey , Fedyanin Ivan , Dimov Maxim , Satarov Rail , Romanov Dmitry
Published: November 2024

The article presents a mathematical apparatus of radio wave tomosynthesis for obtaining a radar image using an ultra-wideband multi-channel antenna array. Also presented are the results of processing radar data and the resulting three-dimensional radio tomogram of inhomogeneities in a homogeneous layer. Using the example of restoring the shape of test objects, the possibility of isolating individual layers at the required depth is shown. By combining radio wave and video information, the possibility of implementing augmented reality is shown. This combination provides a more visual interpretation of GPR data in construction and repair tasks.
Early prediction of Li-ion cell failure from EIS derived from current–voltage time series
Authors: Wilson M T , Farrow V , Dunn C J , Cowie L , Cree M J , Bjerkan J , Stefanovska A , Scott J B
Published: November 2024

The ability to reliably detect the forthcoming failure of a rechargeable cell without removing it from its normal operating environment remains a significant goal in battery research. In this work we have cycled in the laboratory a previously-aged 3.2 A h, 3.6 V 18650 INR LiNi
x
Mn
y
Co

1
−
x
−
y

O2 cell for 300 d until failure was apparent, using a current waveform representative of use in an electric vehicle application. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) down to 5 µHz was also performed on the cell as a ‘gold-standard’ measure, at the beginning, end and part way through the cycling. Analysis of voltage and current time series data using both parametric (equivalent circuit model) and non-parametric (wavelet-based analysis) approaches allowed us to successfully reconstruct the EIS data. As the battery aged, impedance gradually increased at frequencies between 10−4 Hz—10−1 Hz. The increase accelerated around 50 d before the battery ultimately failed. The acceleration in rate of change of impedance was detectable while the cycle efficiency remained high, indicating that a user of the cell would be unlikely to detect any change in the cell based on its performance or by common measures of state-of-health. The results imply upcoming failure may be detectable from time series analysis weeks before any noticeable drop in cell performance.
Assessment of seismic liquefaction hazard and ground response in subduction zone: A 1D non-linear effective stress approach
Authors: Raza Hammad , Ahmad Naveed
Published: November 2024

The Makran Subduction Zone (MSZ) represents a convergent plate boundary where the Arabian Plate is subducting beneath the Eurasian Plate. This study assessed liquefaction susceptibility and ground response in Gwadar region, located on the eastern side of MSZ. A comprehensive dataset of seismic records, compatible with Pakistan design code BCP: 2021 rock spectrum, was used as input motions at bedrock. A series of one-dimensional (ID) non-linear effective stress analyses (NL-ESA) was conducted using DEEPSOIL v7 numerical tool. The findings revealed that pore water pressure ratio (ru) exceeded the threshold value for liquefaction onset (ru > 0.8) at various depths within the site profiles. A significant de-amplification of peak ground acceleration values was observed at liquefiable depths in soft soils. The liquefied stratum exhibited a non-linear response, with high shear strain values manifesting plastic deformations. A comparison of computed design spectra with code spectra revealed significant discrepancies. It is demonstrated that BCP: 2021 underestimated site amplification for site class D profiles in the 0.1 to 0.8 s period range, while overestimating it for site class E profiles across the entire period range up to 1.6 s. The findings will benefit infrastructure development in the region, particularly within the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
Humanism Not Mysterious
Authors: Insole Christopher J
Published: November 2024

In the light of recent anthropological fieldwork on humanist groups, the chapter explores tensions in the practices and commitments of contemporary humanism. For humanists, a genuinely secure and ‘permitted’ happiness arises only from contemplating and understanding objective truth. This relates to a generative humanist assumption: that objective truth is, in the end, somehow, good for us, beautiful, and inducive of ethically transformative behaviour. This amounts to a denial that there is any fundamental tension between the subjective and objective perspectives on our lives, which tension, for others, can be a generating source of both religious worship, and of atheistic rebellion. The deepest disagreement in this neighbourhood may not be between humanist and ‘religious’ perspectives, but between approaches that endorse such ‘humanism’ about objective truth, and ‘inhumanists’, such as Albert Camus and Robinson Jeffers, who affirm that to some degree objective truth may be ‘inhuman’.
William James’ Radical Empiricism and Modern Paganism
Authors: Insole Christopher J
Published: November 2024

William James’ radical empiricism is a largely forgotten moment in nineteenth- and twentieth-century philosophy. In contrast to a corrosive and reductive Humean empiricism, ‘radical’ empiricism considers every type of experience to enjoy the same status, qua being an experience, There is no hierarchical ordering, such that some experiences are regarded as ‘representing’ external reality, and others as not doing so. Although James does not take it to such a ‘radical’ space, we might also include experiences such as dreams, imagination, and meditations. William James endorses a type of ‘pluralistic pantheism’ as a manifestation of his radical empiricism. Drawing on the work of the anthropologist Tanya Luhrmann, and the historian of paganism Ronald Hutton, the chapter investigates the extent to which we might find a manifestation of such pluralistic pantheism, grounded in radical empiricism, in the practices and experiences of modern paganism.
Absolute Idealism and Derek Parfit on What Really Matters
Authors: Insole Christopher J
Published: November 2024

The absolute idealist Josiah Royce (1855–1916) recommends a binocular vision, where we are able to see our lives as limited by our finite perspective, but also grasp (without seeing) that they are part of this wider symphonic whole. William James is critical of Royce, accusing him of overlooking the fluid and fragmented nature of our temporal existence. The chapter queries this critique, and shows that James and Royce have considerable common ground: both deny that our experiences and thoughts somehow ‘represent’ an independent reality, and both employ the category of divinity as central to their task of overcoming the distinction between subject and object, and between the subjective and objective perspectives upon ourselves. The chapter concludes by suggesting that there are some affinities between absolute idealism and Derek Parfit’s defence of a non-naturalistic but non-metaphysical notion of the normative, although Parfit, unlike Royce, avoids the category of the divine.
Impact of alcohol use disorder on cognition in correlation with aging: a community-based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Essa Hesham , Ali Hossam M , Min Paul H , Ali Dina N , Lowe Val , Petersen Ronald C , Knopman David S , Lundt Emily S , Mester Carly T , Bormann Nicholas L , Choi Doo-Sup
Published: November 2024

Aims

Excessive alcohol use is associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment. Since increased amyloid plaque burden exacerbates cognitive decline, we sought to assess the potential impact of alcohol use disorder (AUD) on cognition, memory, and amyloid burden corresponding with age.

Methods

We conducted the retrospective analysis with 6036 subjects, including 269 AUD+ subjects. A four-item CAGE (C—Cutting Down, A—Annoyance by Criticism, G—Guilty Feeling, E—Eye-openers) alcohol questionnaire was given during the recruitment to determine AUD in each participant. We assessed cognitive function, focusing on memory using neuropsychological testing. For 1038 participants, including 57 AUD+ subjects, we measured amyloid burden using the 11C Pittsburgh Compound B tracer-based positron emission tomography imaging.

Results

AUD+ was significantly associated with lower scores of cognition and memory function relative to AUD− individuals. No significant association was found with AUD and elevated brain amyloid under the age of 65. However, further analysis showed that those aged ≥65 showed greater odds for abnormal amyloid in AUD+ compared to AUD− participants.

Conclusions

Our results underscore AUD as a risk factor for cognitive decline and diminished memory, particularly in aging populations. The role of AUD in brain amyloid accumulation requires further study.
Multiple Serratus- and High-Oblique LipoTransfer Guided by Ultrasound (Multi-SHOT): Cadaveric and Clinical Study
Authors: Hoyos Alfredo E , Proto Ricardo , Perez Pachon Mauricio E , Borras Osorio Mariana , Castiblanco Maria Paula
Published: November 2024

Background

Body contouring procedures are now increasingly popular among male patients who desire a lean and athletic appearance. Dynamic Definition Liposculpture (HD2) employs a comprehensive, 360° approach to achieve natural-looking results. Several authors have highlighted the efficacy and safety of fat grafting techniques in body contouring, which are strategically applied to enhance muscle definition.

Objectives

The authors are reporting their experience with ultrasound-guided intramuscular fat grafting to the serratus anterior muscles and the superior third of the internal and external oblique muscles (Multi-SHOT) in addition to high-definition liposculpture.

Methods

The authors conducted a retrospective cohort study across 2 specialized plastic surgery centers. This study included adult male patients with ectomorph and mesomorph body biotypes who underwent Multi-SHOT in addition to HD2. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to summarize demographic, surgical, and clinical variables. Given the sample size, high satisfaction rates, and low complication rates, no bivariate analysis was performed.

Results

A total of 81 consecutive male patients underwent high-definition liposculpture combined with the Multi-SHOT technique. The mean age was 40.27 years (SD = 8.34 years), and the mean BMI was 26.79 kg/m2 (standard deviation = 2.47 kg/m2). Additional fat grafting of trunk muscles was performed to enhance the aesthetic outcomes. No complications associated with the technique were reported.

Conclusions

The findings provide valuable insights about the safety and efficacy of the Multi-SHOT technique to enhance the athletic and muscular appearance of the male anterior torso. Further studies with greater sample size are required to support these findings.

Level of Evidence: 3 (Therapeutic)
Phasing nanopore genome assembly by integrating heterozygous variations and Hi-C data
Authors: Zhang Jun , Nie Fan , Luo Feng , Wang Jianxin
Published: November 2024

Motivation

Haplotype-resolved genome assemblies serve as vital resources in various research domains, including genomics, medicine, and pangenomics. Algorithms employing Hi-C data to generate haplotype-resolved assemblies are particularly advantageous due to its ready availability. Existing methods primarily depend on mapping quality to filter out uninformative Hi-C alignments which may be susceptible to sequencing errors. Setting a high mapping quality threshold filters out numerous informative Hi-C alignments, whereas a low mapping quality threshold compromises the accuracy of Hi-C alignments. Maintaining high accuracy while retaining a maximum number of Hi-C alignments can be challenging.

Results

In our experiments, heterozygous variations play an important role in filtering uninformative Hi-C alignments. Here, we introduce Diphase, a novel phasing tool that harnesses heterozygous variations to accurately identify the informative Hi-C alignments for phasing and to extend primary/alternate assemblies. Diphase leverages mapping quality and heterozygous variations to filter uninformative Hi-C alignments, thereby enhancing the accuracy of phasing and the detection of switches. To validate its performance, we conducted a comparative analysis of Diphase, FALCON-Phase, and GFAse on various human datasets. The results demonstrate that Diphase achieves a longer phased block N50 and exhibits higher phasing accuracy while maintaining a lower hamming error rate.

Availability and implementation

The source code of Diphase is available at https://github.com/zhangjuncsu/Diphase
Continuous preperitoneal versus thoracic epidural analgesia in open pancreatoduodenectomy: randomized clinical trial
Authors: Lee Mirang , Jung Ji-Yoon , Han Youngmin , Chae Yoon Soo , Yun Won-Gun , Jung Hye-Sol , Cho Young Jae , Choi Yoo Jin , Lee Ho-Jin , Kwon Wooil , Kim Won Ho , Jang Jin-Young
Published: November 2024

Background

Thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA), once the standard for pain management in major abdominal operations, is associated with postoperative complications, making preperitoneal continuous wound infiltration (CWI) a promising alternative. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of CWI and TEA in managing postoperative pain after open pancreatoduodenectomy.

Methods

In a single-centre, randomized, open-label non-inferiority trial, adult patients undergoing elective open pancreatoduodenectomy were assigned to either CWI or TEA for pain management. The primary outcomes were mean pain scores at rest on the first 3 postoperative days (PODs), using an 11-point numeric rating scale, with a non-inferiority margin of 1 point or less. Secondary outcomes included pain scores at rest and during coughing on PODs 1, 2, and 3; total opioid consumption; incidence of postoperative complications; quality of postoperative recovery; and duration of hospital stay.

Results

Among the 134 patients analysed (CWI 70, TEA 64), CWI was non-inferior to TEA in terms of mean pain scores at rest (mean difference −0.13, 95% c.i. −0.72 to 0.47). Additionally, CWI demonstrated superior pain relief at rest and higher-quality recovery scores on POD 3. Compared with CWI, TEA was associated with significantly decreased total opioid consumption and shortened time to the first passage of flatus, but a higher incidence of postoperative hypotension. No other outcome measures showed significant differences between the two groups.

Conclusion

CWI was non-inferior to TEA during the early postoperative period, and has emerged as a favourable alternative to TEA, offering better pain relief and enhanced recovery on POD 3. Registration number: NCT04375826 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Guidance for delivering surgical procedures outside operating theatres: scoping review
Authors: Osborne-Grinter Maia , Cousins Sian , Ramirez Jozel , Price James R , Lancerotto Luca , Gardiner Matthew , Mouton Ronelle , Hinchliffe Robert
Published: November 2024

Background

This review aimed to examine in-depth the extent and content of guidance related to the delivery of surgical procedures outside of the operating theatre.

Methods

Documents concerning the delivery of surgical procedures in non-operating theatre settings were eligible for inclusion. Guidance documents were identified from three sources: electronic databases (MEDLINE and Embase), professional organization websites and expert knowledge. No time limits were imposed. Endoscopic, interventional radiology/cardiology, dental and obstetric procedures were excluded. Eligible documents were included if specifications on the setting and descriptions of procedures were provided. Study titles, abstracts and full texts were screened for relevance. A standardized data extraction form was developed, focusing on: document type, surgical specialty, rationale for developing the guidance, setting specifications, staffing requirements, patient information and safety; descriptive statistics summarized data where appropriate. Verbatim text extracted was summarized descriptively.

Results

Of 375 documents identified, 173 full manuscripts were reviewed and 17 were included in the scoping review, published between 1992 and 2022. Guidance provided by documents was limited. They typically included information about general procedures, setting specifications and equipment that may be required to deliver appropriate procedures in the non-operating theatre setting. There was significant heterogeneity in the terminology used to describe the non-operating theatre setting. Appropriate procedures were commonly minor procedures performed under local or topical anaesthesia. The non-theatre setting was recommended to be of adequate size for all appropriate equipment and personnel, with considerations for lighting, waste disposal, ventilation and emergency equipment. Documents also described appropriate training for staff and requirements for personal protective equipment, surgical record keeping, and occupational health and safety guidelines.

Conclusions

This scoping review has demonstrated there is significant heterogeneity in guidance documents concerning the delivery of surgical procedures in the non-theatre setting. Standardization of terminology and definitions is required to help inform stakeholders about the development of non-theatre setting practices.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus/AIDS and Coronavirus Disease 2019: Shared Lessons From 2 Pandemics
Authors: Fauci Anthony S , Folkers Gregory K
Published: November 2024

The global experiences with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemics hold important lessons for preparing for, and responding to, future outbreaks of emerging or reemerging infectious diseases. Scores of infectious diseases have emerged or reemerged over the past 4 decades, and future outbreaks are inevitable. The next emerging pathogen likely will again come from unanticipated sources and pose puzzles in terms of microbiology, transmission, natural history, pathogenesis, and epidemiology, and will present challenges to developing countermeasures such as diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines. Although dozens of lessons could be addressed, 8 selected lessons common to HIV/AIDS and COVID-19 are addressed here. Consideration of the commonality of lessons learned from HIV/AIDS and COVID-19, the 2 most devastating pandemics over the past half century, will help us—and those who follow us—to minimize the impact of future outbreaks and prevent them from becoming global pandemics.
Type D personality as a risk factor for 3-year cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease and their spouse: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Yini , Huang Bingji , Sun Mengru , Yu Bo , Lin Ping
Published: November 2024

Aims

Type D personality has been established as an independent psychological risk factor for adverse outcomes in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. However, research on the association between Type D personality and cardiovascular events in couples is limited. This study investigated the correlation between Type D personality and cardiovascular outcomes among CAD patients and their spouses.

Methods and results

This prospective cohort study included 4035 CAD patients for first coronary intervention therapy and their spouses, recruited from January 2017 to July 2020. Type D personality, anxiety, depression, and baseline clinical data were assessed for both partners. The major adverse cardiac event (MACE) rate of both CAD patients and their spouses was analysed after a 3-year follow-up period. A total of 871 CAD patients and 234 spouses developed MACE during the follow-up period. The Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed that the Type D(+) patient/Type D(+) spouse group exhibited the highest risk of 3-year MACE in both patients [hazard ratio (HR), 3.834; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.947–4.987; P < 0.001) and spouses (HR, 2.670; 95% CI, 1.603–4.448; P < 0.001). When analysing Type D as continuous variables, a synergistic interaction between patient and spouse negative affectivity (NA_patient × NA_spouse) was significantly associated with MACE in both CAD patients (HR, 1.746; 95% CI, 1.517–2.010; P < 0.001) and their spouses (HR, 1.992; 95% CI, 1.843–2.152; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study suggests that having Type D personality, either in the CAD patient or their spouse, is associated with an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes in both individuals. Accordingly, the assessment of Type D personality in both partners and the development of tailored, couple-centred interventions are warranted.
Albiglutide and atrial fibrillation in patients with Type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease: insights from the Harmony Outcomes trial
Authors: Krychtiuk Konstantin A , Marquis-Gravel Guillaume , Murphy Shannon , Chiswell Karen , Green Jennifer B , Leiter Lawrence A , Lopes Renato D , Del Prato Stefano , McMurray John J V , Hernandez Adrian F , Granger Christopher B
Published: November 2024

Aims

Atrial fibrillation and flutter (AF) are common in patients with Type 2 diabetes and are associated with worse outcomes.

Methods and results

Harmony Outcomes was a multi-centre, event-driven, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial comparing the effects of albiglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, with placebo on a composite of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs; non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, and cardiovascular death) in 9463 patients aged >40 years with Type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease. Herein, the cardiovascular effects of albiglutide in patients with and without AF, as well as the effects on AF events during follow-up, were analysed. Patients with a history of AF (8.9%) exhibited a higher event rate for the primary composite MACE endpoint during 1.6 years of follow-up {12.7 vs. 6.3 events/100 person-years, adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.41 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14–1.74], P = 0.001}. Treatment with albiglutide reduced the occurrence of the primary endpoint irrespective of history of AF at baseline (history of AF: aHR 0.83 [0.58–1.19], no history of AF: aHR 0.77 [0.66–0.90]; Pinteraction = 0.71). During follow-up, 239 patients (2.5%) experienced an AF event. Overall, albiglutide was associated with numerically fewer AF events [108 vs. 131; hazard ratio 0.82 (0.63–1.06), P = 0.12], irrespective of baseline history of AF (Pinteraction = 0.92).

Conclusion

In patients with Type 2 diabetes, treatment with albiglutide, compared with placebo, reduced the risk of cardiovascular events irrespective of history of AF. Further, albiglutide treatment did not increase AF adverse events but was associated with a trend to a lower rate of AF events during follow-up without reaching statistical significance
Different complex regulatory phenotypes underlie hybrid male sterility in divergent rodent crosses
Authors: Hunnicutt Kelsie E , Callahan Colin M , Keeble Sara , Moore Emily C , Good Jeffrey M , Larson Erica L
Published: November 2024

Hybrid incompatibilities are a critical component of species barriers and may arise due to negative interactions between divergent regulatory elements in parental species. We used a comparative approach to identify common themes in the regulatory phenotypes associated with hybrid male sterility in two divergent rodent crosses, dwarf hamsters and house mice. We investigated three potential characteristic gene expression phenotypes in hybrids including the propensity of transgressive differentially expressed genes toward over or underexpression, the influence of developmental stage on patterns of misexpression, and the role of the sex chromosomes on misexpression phenotypes. In contrast to near pervasive overexpression in hybrid house mice, we found that misexpression in hybrid dwarf hamsters was dependent on developmental stage. In both house mouse and dwarf hamster hybrids, however, misexpression increased with the progression of spermatogenesis, although to varying extents and with potentially different consequences. In both systems, we detected sex chromosome-specific overexpression in stages of spermatogenesis where inactivated X chromosome expression was expected, but the hybrid overexpression phenotypes were fundamentally different. Importantly, misexpression phenotypes support the presence of multiple developmental blocks to spermatogenesis in dwarf hamster hybrids, including a potential role of meiotic stalling or breakdown early in spermatogenesis. Collectively, we demonstrate that while there are some similarities in hybrid expression phenotypes of house mice and dwarf hamsters, there are also clear differences that point toward unique mechanisms underlying hybrid male sterility. Our results highlight the potential of comparative approaches in helping to understand the causes and consequences of disrupted gene expression in speciation.
Combating Ageism with Science: Robert Butler’s Shaping of the National Institute on Aging
Authors: Levy Becca R
Published: November 2024

The physician, scholar, and activist Robert Butler devoted much of his life to trying to end ageism in order to create a society that provides older persons with equal rights and opportunities. His passion for fighting ageism led to his becoming the founding director of the National Institute of Aging (NIA) and set the stage for many of its achievements during the past 50 years. This article explores how Butler first became committed to overcoming ageism, how he made a strong case for setting up NIA as a headquarters to combat ageism with science, and how he launched NIA as a multidisciplinary organization that could draw on research, training, and public policy as weapons against ageism. Finally, this article highlights how Butler, through his anti-ageism activities in later life, personified the possibilities he had done so much to make available to older persons through his launch of NIA.
Lower obstetrician and gynecologist (OBGYN) supply in abortion-ban states, despite minimal state-level changes in the 2 years post-Dobbs
Authors: Strasser Julia , Schenk Ellen , Luo Qian , Chen Candice
Published: November 2024

Since the Dobbs v Jackson Women's Health Organization Supreme Court decision in June 2022, emerging reports suggest that the obstetrician and gynecologist (OBGYN) workforce is moving into states without abortion bans. Using a large national administrative database, we identified OBGYNs enrolling in new states from July 2017 through June 2024. We used difference-in-differences (DID) analyses to estimate the effect of Dobbs on enrollments by state abortion policy (ban vs no ban). Enrollments in ban states were lower than in no-ban states in most academic years (June–July) throughout the study period. In the 2 years post-Dobbs, DID models found no significant differences in enrollments in ban states relative to no-ban states. These findings indicate minimal state-level shifts in the OBGYN workforce following Dobbs. Past research has found that a complex constellation of factors drives physician movement, including state licensure, job availability, income, spousal job opportunities, and social support. While the effect of the Dobbs decision on the workforce are likely to be significant, the full impacts on the workforce will take years to fully unfold.
Comprehensive Assessment of Initial Adaptation of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase–Positive ST131 Escherichia coli to Carbapenem Exposure
Authors: Shropshire William C , Song Xinhao , Bremer Jordan , Seo Seokju , Rodriguez Susana , Selvaraj Anand Selvalakshmi , Dinh An Q , Bhatti Micah M , Konovalova Anna , Arias Cesar A , Kalia Awdhesh , Shamoo Yousif , Shelburne Samuel A
Published: November 2024

Background

It remains unclear how high-risk Escherichia coli lineages, like sequence type (ST) 131, initially adapt to carbapenem exposure in their progression to carbapenem resistance.

Methods

Carbapenem mutation frequency was measured in multiple subclades of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)–positive ST131 clinical isolates using a fluctuation assay followed by whole genome sequencing (WGS) characterization. Genomic, transcriptomic, and porin analyses of the ST131 C2/H30Rx isolate MB1860, under prolonged, increasing carbapenem exposure was performed using 2 experimental evolutionary platforms to measure fast versus slow adaptation.

Results

All 13 ESBL-positive ST131 strains selected from a diverse (n = 184) ST131 bacteremia cohort had detectable ertapenem (ETP) mutational frequencies, with a positive correlation between initial ESBL gene copy number and mutation frequency (r = 0.87, P < 1e-5). WGS analysis of mutants showed that initial response to ETP exposure resulted in significant increases in ESBL gene copy numbers or mutations in Omp genes in the absence of ESBL gene amplification with subclade-specific associations. In both experimental evolutionary platforms, MB1860 responded to initial ETP exposure by increasing blaCTX-M-15 copy numbers via modular, IS26-mediated pseudocompound transposons (PCTns). Increased transcript level of genes present within the PCTn was a conserved expression signal in both experimental evolutionary platforms. Stable mutations in Omp encoding genes were detected only after prolonged increasing carbapenem exposure, consistent with clinical observations.

Conclusions

ESBL gene amplification is a conserved response to initial carbapenem exposure, especially within the high-risk ST131 C2/H30Rx subclade. Targeting such amplification could assist with mitigating carbapenem resistance development.
Business intelligence systems for population health management: a scoping review
Authors: Roorda Els , Bruijnzeels Marc , Struijs Jeroen , Spruit Marco
Published: November 2024

Objective

Population health management (PHM) is a promising data-driven approach to address the challenges faced by health care systems worldwide. Although Business Intelligence (BI) systems are known to be relevant for a data-driven approach, the usage for PHM is limited in its elaboration. To explore available scientific publications, a systematic review guided by PRISMA was conducted of mature BI initiatives to investigate their decision contexts and BI capabilities.

Materials and Methods

PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for articles published from January 2012 through November 2023. Articles were included if they described a (potential) BI system for PHM goals. Additional relevant publications were identified through snowballing. Technological Readiness Levels were evaluated to select mature initiatives from the 29 initiatives found. From the 11 most mature systems the decision context (eg, patient identification, risk stratification) and BI capabilities (eg, data warehouse, linked biobank) were extracted.

Results

The initiatives found are highly fragmented in decision context and BI capabilities. Varied terminology is used and much information is missing. Impact on population’s health is currently limited for most initiatives. Care Link, CommunityRx, and Gesundes Kinzigtal currently stand out in aligning BI capabilities with their decision contexts.

Discussion and Conclusion

PHM is a data-driven approach that requires a coherent data strategy and understanding of decision contexts and user needs. Effective BI capabilities depend on this understanding. Designing public-private partnerships to protect intellectual property while enabling rapid knowledge development is crucial. Development of a framework is proposed for systematic knowledge building.
Case series: effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on the recovery of bilateral muscle injuries after removal of semitendinosus and gracilis grafts in bilateral anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction
Authors: De Castro Pochini Alberto , Bueno Anna Carolina , Mattos Roque Antonio Cury , Ejnisman Benno , Cohen Moises
Published: November 2024

To assess the healing of acute bilateral muscle injury in cases of bilateral anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) after tendon graft removal. The study included 12 cases of bilateral anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using semitendinosus and gracilis (STG) grafts. In the right knee, the STG graft was removed, and saline solution was applied; in the left knee, the graft was removed, and PRP was applied. Patients were evaluated using the visual analog scale, pre and postoperative isokinetic tests (5 months), and muscle area analysis. A slight difference in results was observed at 15 and 30 days on the PRP-treated side, but there was no variation in circumference and muscle strength. Due to the small sample size, the study will be continued to increase the number of cases, aiming for the publication of results.
Benardete Paradoxes, Causal Finitism, and the Unsatisfiable Pair Diagnosis
Authors: Schmid Joseph C , Malpass Alex
Published: November 2024

We examine two competing solutions to Benardete paradoxes: causal finitism, according to which nothing can have infinitely many causes, and the unsatisfiable pair diagnosis (UPD), according to which such paradoxes are logically impossible and no metaphysical thesis need be adopted to avoid them. We argue that the UPD enjoys notable theoretical advantages over causal finitism. Causal finitists, however, have levelled two main objections to the UPD. First, they urge that the UPD requires positing a ‘mysterious force’ that prevents paradoxes from arising. Since such a force is implausible, the UPD is in trouble. Second, they employ recombination or patchwork principles to argue that paradoxical situations would be possible if causal finitism were false. Since such situations are not possible, causal finitism is true, and so a substantive metaphysical thesis is needed to avoid the paradoxes. We argue that the UPD proponent can successfully respond to these objections.
Copacabana: a probabilistic membership assignment method for galaxy clusters
Authors: Esteves J H , Pereira M E S , Soares-Santos M , Annis J , Welch B , Wu H -Y , Palmese A , Farahi A , Andrade-Oliveira F , Lin H , García-Bellido J , Aguena M , Alves O , Bacon D , Bocquet S , Brooks D , Rosell A Carnero , Carretero J , Costanzi M , da Costa L N , De Vicente J , Doel P , Everett S , Flaugher B , Frieman J , Gruen D , Gruendl R A , Gutierrez G , Hinton S R , Hollowood D L , Honscheid K , James D J , Kuehn K , Lidman C , Lima M , Marshall J L , Mena-Fernández J , Miquel R , Myles J , Ogando R L C , Pieres A , Malagón A A Plazas , Romer A K , Sanchez E , Cid D Sanchez , Santiago B , Schubnell M , Sevilla-Noarbe I , Smith M , Suchyta E , Swanson M E C , Weaverdyck N , Wiseman P , Yamamoto M ,   DES Collaboration
Published: November 2024

Cosmological analyses using galaxy clusters in optical/near-infrared photometric surveys require robust characterization of their galaxy content. Precisely determining which galaxies belong to a cluster is crucial. In this paper, we present the COlor Probabilistic Assignment of Clusters And BAyesiaN Analysis (Copacabana) algorithm. Copacabana computes membership probabilities for all galaxies within an aperture centred on the cluster using photometric redshifts, colours, and projected radial probability density functions. We use simulations to validate Copacabana and we show that it achieves up to 89 per cent membership accuracy with a mild dependence on photometric redshift uncertainties and choice of aperture size. We find that the precision of the photometric redshifts has the largest impact on the determination of the membership probabilities followed by the choice of the cluster aperture size. We also quantify how much these uncertainties in the membership probabilities affect the stellar mass–cluster mass scaling relation, a relation that directly impacts cosmology. Using the sum of the stellar masses weighted by membership probabilities ($\rm \mu _{\star }$) as the observable, we find that Copacabana can reach an accuracy of 0.06 dex in the measurement of the scaling relation at low redshift for a Legacy Survey of Space and Time type survey. These results indicate the potential of Copacabana and $\rm \mu _{\star }$ to be used in cosmological analyses of optically selected clusters in the future.
Evaluation of the Effect of Probiotic Supplementation on Intestinal Barrier Integrity and Epithelial Damage in Colitis Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sivri Dilek , Şeref Betül , Şare Bulut Melike , Gezmen Karadağ Makbule
Published: November 2024

Context

Previous reviews have focused on the effects of probiotics on colitis, but there is a need to understand their impact on barrier integrity and tight junction protein improvement in colitis.

Objective

This study aimed to systematically examine the effects of probiotic use on barrier integrity in colitis disease. This study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

Data Sources

A systematic search in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane databases identified 2537 articles.

Data Extraction

As a result of the search, 2537 articles were accessed. Study results were summarized descriptively through discussions by intervention conditions, study population, measurement methods, and key findings. The included studies were independently reviewed and all authors reached consensus on the quality and major findings from the included articles. Forty-six studies that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed within the scope of the systematic review.

Results

Although the study primarily utilized probiotics from the Lactobacillaceae family (notably, L casei, L reuteri, L rhamnosus, L plantarum, and L pentosus) and the Bifidobacteriaceae family (notably, B breve, B animalis, and B dentium), other probiotics also demonstrated positive effects on tight junction proteins. These effects are attributed to the production of bioactive and metabolic compounds, as well as short-chain fatty acids, which combat pathogens and reduce anti-inflammatory agents. However, it was observed that the effects of these probiotics on tight junction proteins varied depending on the strain and dose.

Conclusion

The beneficial effects of probiotics on remission in inflammatory bowel disease are well documented. Studies show that probiotics generally improve intestinal barrier function, but factors such as dose, duration, and bacterial species combinations need further clarification. Additionally, comprehensive studies are needed to understand how improved barrier function affects absorption in individuals.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO registration no. CRD42023452774.
First Operation of a Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber (LArTPC) in the Stratosphere as an Engineering Gamma-Ray and AntiMatter Survey (GRAMS) Balloon Flight (eGRAMS)
Authors: Nakajima R , Arai Shota , Aoyama K , Utsumi Y , Tamba T , Odaka H , Tanaka M , Yorita K , Arai Shintaro , Aramaki T , Asaadi J , Bamba A , Cannady N , Coppi P , De Nolfo G , Errando M , Fabris L , Fujiwara T , Fukazawa Y , Ghosh P , Hagino K , Hakamata T , Hijikata U , Hiroshima N , Ichihashi M , Ichinohe Y , Inoue Y , Ishikawa K , Ishiwata K , Iwata T , Karagiorgi G , Kato T , Kawamura H , Krizmanic J , Leyva J , Malige A , Mitchell J G , Mitchell J W , Mukherjee R , Nakazawa K , Okuma K , Perez K , Poudyal N , Safa I , Sasaki M , Seligman W , Shirahama K , Shiraishi T , Smith S , Suda Y , Suraj A , Takahashi H , Takashima S , Tandon S , Tatsumi R , Tomsick J , Tsuji N , Uchida Y , Watanabe S , Yano Y , Yawata K , Yoneda H , Yoshimoto M , Zeng J
Published: November 2024

Gamma-Ray and AntiMatter Survey (GRAMS) is a next-generation balloon/satellite experiment utilizing a Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber (LArTPC), to simultaneously target astrophysical observations of cosmic MeV gamma rays and conduct an indirect dark matter search using antimatter. Although LArTPCs are widely used in particle physics experiments, they have never been operated at balloon altitudes. An engineering balloon flight with a small-scale LArTPC (eGRAMS) was conducted on July 27, 2023, to establish a system for safely operating an LArTPC at balloon altitudes and to obtain cosmic-ray data from the LArTPC. The flight was launched from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s (JAXA) Taiki Aerospace Research Field in Hokkaido, Japan. The total flight duration was 3 hours and 12 minutes, including a level flight of 44 minutes at a maximum altitude of 28.9 km. The flight system was landed on the sea and successfully recovered. The LArTPC was successfully operated throughout the flight, and about 0.5 million events of cosmic-ray data including muons, protons, and Compton scattering gamma-ray candidates were collected. This pioneering flight demonstrates the feasibility of operating an LArTPC in high-altitude environments, paving the way for future GRAMS missions and advancing our capabilities in MeV gamma-ray astronomy and dark matter research.
Sustainable menstrual solutions: a scoping review of novel eco-friendly materials for reusable menstrual pads
Authors: Rajah Amina Suleiman , Yunusa Umar , Tashi Faiza Tijjani , Abdullahi Sidetu O , Tukuntawa Abdulaziz Suleiman
Published: November 2024

Background

Reusable menstrual pads (RMPs) offer a sustainable alternative, but the effectiveness and properties of novel eco-friendly materials for RMPs remain unclear. The objective of this scoping review is to identify novel eco-friendly materials used for RMPs.

Methods

This review adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. A comprehensive three-step search strategy was employed to locate both published and unpublished studies. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts using the software Covidence. Data were extracted and charted using a standardized form. This search was conducted in February, 2024.

Results

The search yielded 479 studies, 37 studies were assessed for full-text review, which led to inclusion of 16 studies. A diverse array of eco-friendly materials were identified for RMPs. The top layer includes bamboo, banana, organic cotton and other natural fibers. The core layer, focused on absorbency, features materials like cotton terry cloth, hemp, bamboo wadding and bamboo kun. The bottom layer uses water-repellent materials, such as polyester, polyurethane laminate, nylon and bio-plastic sheets.

Conclusion

This review highlights the potential of plant-based fibers as eco-friendly materials for RMPs.
A Portfolio-Balance Model of Inflation and Yield Curve Determination
Authors: Diez de los Rios Antonio
Published: November 2024

We propose a portfolio-balance model of the yield curve in which inflation is determined through an interest rate rule that satisfies the Taylor principle. Because arbitrageurs care about their real wealth, they only absorb an increase in the supply of nominal bonds if they are compensated with an increase in their real rates of return. Since the Taylor principle implies that the real return on nominal bonds positively depends on inflation, inflation increases in equilibrium when there is an increase in the supply of nominal bonds to compensate arbitrageurs for the additional supply they have to hold. (JEL E43, E52, G12, H63)Received: 3 November 2022; Editorial Decision: 6 August 2024Editor: Hui ChenAuthors have furnished an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online.