bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep Convolutional Neural Network Compression based on the Intrinsic Dimension of the Training Data
Authors: Hadi Abir Mohammad , Won Kwanghee
Published: May 2024

Selecting the optimal deep learning architecture for a particular task and dataset remains an ongoing challenge. Typically, this decision-making process involves exhaustive searches for neural network architectures or multi-phase optimization, which includes initial training, compression or pruning, and fine-tuning steps. In this study, we introduce an approach utilizing a deep reinforcement learning-based agent to dynamically compress a deep convolutional neural network throughout its training process. We integrate the concept of the intrinsic dimension of the training data to provide the agent with insights into the task's complexity. The agent employs two distinct ranking criteria, L1-norm-based and attention-based measures, to selectively prune filters from each layer as it determines necessary. In the experiments, we used the CIFAR-10 dataset and its subsets (2-class and 5-class subsets) to model the task complexity and showed that the agent learns different policies depending on the intrinsic dimension. The agent, on average, pruned off 78.48%, 77.9%, and 83.12% filters from all the layers of VGG-16 network for CIFAR-10 full, 5-class, and 2-class subsets respectively.
Machine Learning–Driven SERS Nanoendoscopy and Optophysiology
Authors: Chisanga Malama , Masson Jean-Francois
Published: May 2024

A frontier of analytical sciences is centered on the continuous measurement of molecules in or near cells, tissues, or organs, within the biological context in situ, where the molecular-level information is indicative of health status, therapeutic efficacy, and fundamental biochemical function of the host. Following the completion of the Human Genome Project, current research aims to link genes to functions of an organism and investigate how the environment modulates functional properties of organisms. New analytical methods have been developed to detect chemical changes with high spatial and temporal resolution, including minimally invasive surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanofibers using the principles of endoscopy (SERS nanoendoscopy) or optical physiology (SERS optophysiology). Given the large spectral data sets generated from these experiments, SERS nanoendoscopy and optophysiology benefit from advances in data science and machine learning to extract chemical information from complex vibrational spectra measured by SERS. This review highlights new opportunities for intracellular, extracellular, and in vivo chemical measurements arising from the combination of SERS nanosensing and machine learning.
Inulin Reduces Kidney Damage in Type 2 Diabetic Mice by Decreasing Inflammation and Serum Metabolomics
Authors: He Jiayuan , Li Xiang , Yan Man , Chen Xinsheng , Sun Chang , Tan Jiajun , Song Yinsheng , Xu Hong , Wu Liang , Yang Zhengnan
Published: May 2024

This study is aimed at assessing the impact of soluble dietary fiber inulin on the treatment of diabetes‐related chronic inflammation and kidney injury in mice with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The T2DM model was created by feeding the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice a high‐fat diet and intraperitoneally injecting them with streptozotocin (50 mg/kg for 5 consecutive days). The thirty‐six ICR mice were divided into three dietary groups: the normal control (NC) group, the T2DM (DM) group, and the DM + inulin diet (INU) group. The INU group mice were given inulin at the dose of 500 mg/kg gavage daily until the end of the 12th week. After 12 weeks, the administration of inulin resulted in decreased serum levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (CRE). The administration of inulin not only ameliorated renal injury but also resulted in a reduction in the mRNA expressions of inflammatory factors in the spleen and serum oxidative stress levels, when compared to the DM group. Additionally, inulin treatment in mice with a T2DM model led to a significant increase in the concentrations of three primary short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) (acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid), while the concentration of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), a prominent inflammatory factor in diabetes, exhibited a significant decrease. The results of untargeted metabolomics indicate that inulin has the potential to alleviate inflammatory response and kidney damage in diabetic mice. This beneficial effect is attributed to its impact on various metabolic pathways, including glycerophospholipid metabolism, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, and tryptophan metabolism. Consequently, oral inulin emerges as a promising treatment option for diabetes and kidney injury.
Web of Science-Based Scientometric Assessment of the Importance of Filtered Water in Dentistry: Spatiotemporal Dynamics, Emerging Patterns, and Collaboration
Authors: Mauricio Franco , Mauricio-Vilchez Cesar , Galarza-Valencia Diego , Alvitez-Temoche Daniel , Espinoza-Carhuancho Fran , Mayta-Tovalino Frank
Published: May 2024

Objective. The aim of this study was to examine the characteristics of scientific production related to the use of filtered water in the field of dentistry. Material and Methods. A quantitative and descriptive observational study was carried out with a scientometric approach. Data were collected from the Web of Science (WOS) database during the period January 1991 to December 2023. A search strategy incorporating a combination of MeSH terms, including terms and thesauri related to “filtered water” and “dentistry”, was used. R Studio version 4.3.2 and CiteSpace 6.2.R7 were used for data analysis. Results. Over the 32-year study period, 227 scholarly papers from 134 different sources were reviewed. The literature in this field has shown an annual growth rate of 10.44%. During the year 2010, a steady movement in the number of publications and authors was observed, with considerable collaborative interaction. In the year 2020, a large interaction between publications and their citations was found. The “Citation Burst” graph identified three references that have experienced the largest “burst” of citations in an evaluated period. Lotka’s law described the productivity of authors, finding that most authors have published only one paper, while a smaller number of authors have published two papers. Most authors contributed a small number of articles, while a few authors contributed a large amount of the existing literature. Conclusion. A comprehensive overview of the scientific production related to the use of filtered water in dentistry over a span of 32 years is provided. The results highlight the growing interdisciplinarity and international collaboration in this field. Finally, the importance of filtered water in dentistry and its growing relevance in the scientific literature are emphasized.
Effect of Keratin Waste on Poly(ε-Caprolactone) Films: Structural Characterization, Thermal Properties, and Keratinocytes Viability and Proliferation Studies
Authors: Rinaldi Gianluca , Coccia Elena , Ferrentino Nancy , Germinario Chiara , Grifa Celestino , Paolucci Marina , Pappalardo Daniela
Published: May 2024

Keratin extracted (KE) from chicken feathers was used for the production of composite films comprising poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and keratin (PCL/KE films). The process involved the extraction of keratin from chicken feathers using a 0.1 M NaOH solution, followed by characterization via sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The PCL was synthesized through the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of ε-caprolactone (ԑ-CL) with Sn(Oct)2 as a catalyst. Films were prepared via solvent casting, including pure PCL films and those enriched with different weight percentages of KE (10%, 15%, 25%, and 30%). The films were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM analysis revealed a more uniform incorporation of KE within the PCL matrix in the case of the 15% keratin-enriched film (PCL/KE15) as compared to other keratin percentages. The thermal analysis showed a positive influence of keratin on the thermal stability of the films. Keratinocytes viability and proliferation tests on the PCL/KE15 film demonstrated compatibility with cells. Collectively, these results hold relevance for potential biomedical applications of PCL/KE films.
Certain Inequalities Related to the Generalized Numeric Range and Numeric Radius That Are Associated with Convex Functions
Authors: Bani-Ahmad Feras , Rashid M. H. M.
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we delve into the intricate connections between the numerical ranges of specific operators and their transformations using a convex function. Furthermore, we derive inequalities related to the numerical radius. These relationships and inequalities are built upon well-established principles of convexity, which are applicable to non-negative real numbers and operator inequalities. To be more precise, our investigation yields the following outcome: consider the operators A and B, both of which are positive and have spectra within the interval m,M, denoted as σA and σB. In addition, let us introduce two monotone continuous functions, namely, g and h, defined on the interval m,M. Let f be a positive, increasing, convex function possessing a supermultiplicative property, which means that for all real numbers t and s, we have fts≤ftfs. Under these specified conditions, we establish the following inequality: for all 0≤ν≤1, this outcome highlights the intricate relationship between the numerical range of the expression gνAXh1−ν when transformed by the convex function f and the norm of X. Importantly, this inequality holds true for a broad range of values of ν. Furthermore, we provide supportive examples to validate these results.
Common Fixed Point Theorems on S-Metric Spaces for Integral Type Contractions Involving Rational Terms and Application to Fractional Integral Equation
Authors: Saluja G. S. , Nashine Hemant Kumar , Jain Reena , Ibrahim Rabha W. , Nabwey Hossam A.
Published: May 2024

It has been shown that the findings of d-metric spaces may be deduced from S-metric spaces by considering dϖ,ϰ=Λϖ,ϖ,ϰ. In this study, no such concepts that translate to the outcomes of metric spaces are considered. We establish standard fixed point theorems for integral type contractions involving rational terms in the context of complete S-metric spaces and discuss their implications. We also provide examples to illustrate the work. This paper’s findings generalize and expand a number of previously published conclusions. In addition, the abstract conclusions are supported by an application of the Riemann-Liouville calculus to a fractional integral problem and a supportive numerical example.
Flag-Transitive 2-v,5,λ Designs Admitting a Two-Dimensional Projective Group
Authors: Ding Suyun , Wang Yajie , Zhan Xiaoqin
Published: May 2024

The focus of this study is to classify flag-transitive 2-designs. We have come to the conclusion that if D is a nontrivial 2-design having block size 5 and G is a two-dimensional projective special linear group which acts flag-transitively on D with q≢1 (mod 4), then D is a 2-(11, 5, 2) design, a 2-(11, 5, 12) design, a 2-q+1,5,2q−1 design with q≡3 (mod 4) or a 2-q+1,5,q−1/3 design with q=2f (where f>2 is an even).
Long-Term Outcomes of Recipients of Liver Transplants from Living Donors Treated with a Very Low-Calorie Diet
Authors: Wozniak Hannah , Naimimohasses Sara , Goto Toru , Sapisochin Gonzalo , Sayed Blayne , Ghanekar Anand , Cattral Mark , Selzner Nazia
Published: May 2024

The increasing prevalence of steatotic liver disease (SLD) in potential living donors is concerning, as it limits donor’s availability amid rising demand. OPTIFAST very low-calorie diet (VLCD), a meal replacement product, effectively reduces weight and hepatic steatosis before transplantation. However, data on the outcomes of recipients of VLCD-treated donors are lacking. We conducted a single-center, retrospective study on 199 living donor liver transplant recipients at Toronto General Hospital, Canada, between January 2015 and January 2020. We compared the 1-year posttransplant outcomes between recipients who received organs from donors treated with VLCD (N = 34) for either weight loss or steatosis reduction, with those who did not require treatment (N = 165). Our analysis revealed no statistically significant differences in the rates of postoperative complications (23% vs 32.4%, p=0.3) or intensive care unit stays (70.9% vs 70.6%, p=1) between recipients of non-VLCD and VLCD grafts. Following adjusted multivariate logistic regression, receipt of VLCD grafts was not associated with increased hospital length of stay. In addition, one-year mortality did not differ between the two groups (4.2% non-VLCD recipients vs 2.9% VLCD recipients, p=0.6). OPTIFAST VLCD treatment for liver donors demonstrates positive and safe outcomes in recipients, expanding the pool of potential living donors for increased organ availability.
Effect of Quizalofop-p-ethyl + Bentazone and Pendimethalin Herbicides on Weeds, Yield Components, and Yield of Mung Bean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) in Guragie Zone, South Central Ethiopia
Authors: Mekonnen Getachew , Mengesha Worku , Wolde Girma
Published: May 2024

Weeds significantly hinder mung bean production in Ethiopia. A field experiment conducted during the 2022 cropping season in Guragie Zone investigated the impact of pre- and post-emergence herbicides on weed control and mung bean (Vigna radiata (L.)) yield. The experiment utilized a randomized complete block design with three replicates and four treatments. The study revealed that the interaction between location and weed control methods significantly influenced weed density, dry weight, and control efficiency. Additionally, location and weed control methods significantly affected various mung bean growth parameters, including days to flowering and maturity, plant height, pod and seed numbers per plant, and grain yield. Meskan Wordea produced significantly higher pods per plant (14.4) and seeds per pod (9.73). Meanwhile, the weed-free check yielded the maximum number of pods per plant (20.38) and seeds per pod (11.68). Conversely, the weedy check exhibited the lowest values (7.17 pods and 6.43 seeds per pod). The weed-free check also achieved the highest grain yield (1412.9 kg ha−1), aboveground dry biomass (3309.2 kg ha−1), and harvest index (42.94%). Conversely, the weedy check yielded the lowest values. Financial analysis revealed that the combined application of Quizalofop-p-ethyl + Bentazone herbicide in Ezeha location resulted in the highest net profit (33602.3 ETB ha−1). Therefore, for optimal mung bean growth and yield in the study area, we recommend planting the Rasa variety with Quizalofop-p-ethyl + Bentazone herbicide in Ezeha location.
Winegrape Yield and Revenue Variability in Australia
Authors: Puga Germán , Anderson Kym
Published: May 2024

While winegrowers usually want to achieve consistent yield targets, there is a high degree of yield and price (and hence gross revenue) variability in winegrape production. The aim of this study was to determine whether there are differences in yield and revenue variability across climates, varieties, and regions in Australia. This was performed by estimating statistical models of the impact of these three variables on the coefficient of variation of yield and gross revenue per hectare. The results suggest that hotter and drier regions exhibit lower interannual yield variability, something that in the past may have been largely explained by the use of irrigation, but which may change in the future with climate change and higher water prices. The results also showed that there are sometimes differences in yield and revenue variability, not only across regions, but also between varieties.
Data from NCI Cancer Research Data Commons: Core Standards and Services
Authors: Brady Arthur , Charbonneau Amanda , Grossman Robert L. , Creasy Heather H. , Renner Robinette , Pihl Todd , Otridge John , Kim Erika , Barnholtz-Sloan Jill S. , Kerlavage Anthony R.
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The NCI Cancer Research Data Commons (CRDC) is a collection of data commons, analysis platforms, and tools that make existing cancer data more findable and accessible by the cancer research community. In practice, the two biggest hurdles to finding and using data for discovery are the wide variety of models and ontologies used to describe data, and the dispersed storage of that data. Here, we outline core CRDC services to aggregate descriptive information from multiple studies for findability via a single interface and to provide a single access method that spans multiple data commons.

See related articles by Wang et al., p. 1388, Pot et al., p. 1396, and Kim et al., p. 1404
FIGURE 4 from Urolithin-A Promotes CD8+ T Cell–mediated Cancer Immunosurveillance via FOXO1 Activation
Authors: Ginefra Pierpaolo , Hope Helen Carrasco , Chiang Yi-Hsuan , Nutten Sophie , Blum Stephanie , Coukos George , Vannini Nicola
Published: May 2024

UroA-induced FOXO1 transcriptional activity is mitophagy independent. A, Quantification of CD62 L expression level in CD8+ T treated with UroA (5 µmol/L) and in presence of FOXO1 inhibitor (Foxo inh 50 nmol/L) for 48 hours in vitro. Values are expressed as fold change compare with control condition. B, Schematic representation of FOXO1 inhibition in vivo analyzed in C. C, Quantification of naïve CD8+ T population isolated from mice fed with UroA diet and treated with Foxo inh. Values are expressed as fold change compare with control condition (left). Quantification of CD62 L expression level in CD8+ T isolated from mice fed with UroA diet and treated with Foxo inh (right) for 48 hours in vitro. D, Expression level of PGC1α in CD8+ T treated with UroA (5 µmol/L) for 48 hours in vitro. E, Quantification of Mito-QC CD8+ T cells engaging mitophagy under indicated condition in vitro for 24 hours (UroA 5 µmol/L, Foxo inh 50 nmol/L). Quantification of mCherry/GFP ratio from E (right). F, Expression level of PGC1α in CD8+ T cells cultured in presence of Foxo inh (50 nmol/L) or mitophagy blocker (mDivi 10 µmol/L) for 48 hours in vitro. Data are mean ± SEM. Each dot represents a biological replicate. In A, sample size n = 9. In C, sample size n = 8. In D, sample size n = 6. In E, sample size n = 7. In F, sample size n = 3. Data were analyzed by two-sided Student t or ANOVA test followed by multiple comparison test (*, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; ****, P < 0.0001). Representative results of at least two independent experiments or two pooled experiments.
Antiplatelet Treatment in Moyamoya Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kijpaisalratana Naruchorn , Ariyaprakai Chanon , Sriamornrattanakul Kitiporn , Wongsuriyanan Somkiat , Akharathammachote Nasaeng , Susantitaphong Paweena , Suwanwela Nijasri C.
Published: May 2024

Background: Moyamoya disease (MMD) is an uncommon cause of stroke. Antiplatelet treatment is commonly prescribed for patients with MMD despite the lack of strong evidence supporting its efficacy. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate evidence of antiplatelet treatment and clinical outcomes among patients with MMD.

Methods: A systematic literature search was performed to identify studies that evaluated the association between antiplatelet treatment and clinical outcomes, including ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, functional outcome, survival, and bypass patency, in patients with MMD. The following databases were searched: Pubmed, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library, from the inception date to February 2022.

Results: Eight studies were included in this systematic review. Six studies evaluated antiplatelet treatment and ischemic stroke. Most studies did not demonstrate a protective effect of antiplatelet treatment against ischemic stroke. Five studies evaluated antiplatelet treatment and hemorrhagic stroke. All of them did not demonstrate an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke. One study found the benefit of antiplatelet treatment in terms of survival. Regarding the effect of antiplatelet on functional outcome and patency of surgical bypass, the results were inconclusive.

Conclusions: Current evidence suggests that antiplatelet treatment in patients with MMD did not demonstrate a protective effect against ischemic stroke. However, antiplatelet treatment did not increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke in patients with MMD. The well-designed randomized controlled trial should be highlighted.
External laryngeal tremor in adult-onset Alexander disease
Authors: Gazulla José , Rodríguez-Valle Ana , Calatayud-Lallana Leonor Maria , Berciano José
Published: May 2024

Introduction. Alexander disease is caused by mutations in GFAP, the glial fibrillary acidic protein gene. External laryngeal tremor has not been reported in adult-onset Alexander disease (AOAxD). The aims of this work were to report one such case, and to review the literature on palatolaryngeal tremor and AOAxD.
Case presentation. A 43-year-old man experienced involuntary movements at the front of his neck. Continuous, rhythmic vertical movements of the laryngeal skeleton, soft palate and tongue, and lower-limb dysmetria, were observed. The pathogenic GFAP variant, c.994G>A; p.(Glu332Lys) was found. MRI demonstrated spinal cord and medulla oblongata atrophy, and hyperintensities at the cerebellum and cerebral white matter.
Conclusion. External laryngeal and palatopharyngeal tremor, and cerebellar ataxia, constituted a mild phenotype as expected from this variant, herein reported in isolation for the third time. Imaging was consistent with AOAxD, including the so-called tadpole sign. Additional studies are necessary to define this infrequent disease.
Copeptin Stimulation by Combined Intravenous Arginine and Oral LevoDopa/Carbidopa in Healthy Short Children and Children with the Polyuria-Polydipsia Syndrome
Authors: March Christine A. , Sastry Shruti , McPhaul Michael J. , Wheeler Sarah E. , Garibaldi Luigi
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Stimulated copeptin may provide an alternative to water deprivation testing (WDT) in the evaluation of polyuria-polydipsia syndrome (PPS). Though best studied, arginine stimulation alone produces a modest copeptin response in children. We investigated the effectiveness of the arginine + LevoDopa/Carbidopa stimulation test (ALD-ST) for copeptin. Methods: 47 healthy short children (controls), 10 children with primary polydipsia, and 10 children with AVP deficiency received arginine hydrochloride (500 mg/kg intravenously over 30 min) and Levodopa/carbidopa (10:1 ratio; 175 mg of l-Dopa/m2 BSA) orally. Serum copeptin was measured at 0, 60, 90, and 120 min. Results: In controls, ALD-ST increased copeptin from a median of 7.0 pmol/L (IQR 5.0–10.0) to a peak of 44.0 pmol/L (IQR 21.4–181.0) between 60 and 120 min (p < 0.001). Copeptin peak was higher in subjects who experienced nausea or vomiting (57%) than in those who did not (131.0 pmol/L [IQR 42.5–193.8] vs. 22.7 pmol/L [IQR 16.0–33.7], p < 0.001). While subjects with primary polydipsia had similar baseline (8.5 pmol/L [IQR 8.0–11.0]) and stimulated (125.2 pmol/L [IQR 87.6–174.0]) copeptin levels as controls, subjects with AVP deficiency had lower baseline (2.5 pmol/L [IQR 2.0–3.1]) and peak levels (4.6 pmol/L [IQR 2.4–6.0]). A peak copeptin of ≥9.3 pmol/L best predicted absence of complete or partial AVP deficiency with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 80%. Conclusions: ALD-ST induced a robust peak copeptin in healthy short children and children with primary polydipsia. Nausea/vomiting, a side effect of ALD-ST, amplified the copeptin response. The ALD-ST may be a suitable initial screening test in children with PPS.
A linguística e a semiótica no quadro geral das ciências: Naville, Saussure e Peirce
Authors: Nöth Winfried
Published: May 2024

The paper examines the place of semiotics and linguistics, as well as their historical precursors in the framework of the sciences in general. Early classifications of the sciences considered include those of Aristotle, the Scholastics, Francis Bacon, and John Locke. The focus of this paper is on XIXth-century systems. After a cursory glance at André-Marie Ampère’s and Roswell Park’s systems, the study will turn to the classifications of linguistics and semiotics within the systems of Adrien Naville, Ferdinand de Saussure, and Charles S. Peirce. The paper provides a brief survey of XXIst-century views on the place of linguistics in its relation to semiotics before concluding with a study of semiotics among the sciences of the XXIst century.
Uma leitura tensiva do suspense em Continuidade dos parques, de Julio Cortázar
Authors: Zaupa Gabriela , Leite Ricardo Lopes
Published: May 2024

This article examines, under the interpretation of tensive semiotics, the effect of sense of suspense in the short story Continuity of Parks, by Julio Cortázar. It takes as a starting point the ascending canonical tensive scheme of suspense, which foresees, as a tensive cipher, a gradual increase in intensity, while the intelligible dimension of the discourse would tend to decrease. Based on the definition of suspense presented by Claude Zilberberg (2011, p. 136) as "the extensive dilation of an intensive expectation", it is defended, in the analysis of this text, a complexification of the canonical tensive scheme, to the extent that the suspense stems from movements of enunciative positions that overlap in the text and that configure a singular tensive path, in which the intensive subdimensions of tempo and tonicity gain strength at the end of the short story, without, however, compromising the exercise of the presence of the cognitive, intelligible dimension of extensity, which remains active in the discursive field, even in the moment of surprise, thus keeping the reader-enunciatee in a state.
Sex‐Related Differences in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Undergoing Alcohol Septal Ablation
Authors: Alabdaljabar Mohamad S. , Elhadi Mohamed , Geske Jeffrey B. , Klarich Kyle W. , Guerrero Mayra , Eleid Mackram F.
Published: May 2024

Background

Previous studies have shown that women with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HCM) have worse long‐term outcomes irrespective of intervention. However, the outcomes of patients undergoing alcohol septal ablation (ASA) based on sex have not been described. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate pressure changes and long‐term mortality in patients with HCM undergoing ASA based on sex.

Methods and Results

This is a single‐center retrospective study evaluating hemodynamic changes and long‐term mortality in patients with HCM treated with ASA according to sex. A total of 259 patients were included (aged 68.4±11.9 years, 62.2% women). Women had higher age and baseline pressures at the time of ASA, with a greater percent reduction in mean left atrial pressure (men versus women: 2.2% versus 15.9%, respectively;
P
=0.02). Women had better survival (median survival rate of men versus women: 8.6 versus 12.5 years, respectively;
P
=0.011). On Cox multivariable regression, predictors of mortality were age (per group change <60 years, 61–70 years, 71–80 years, and >80 years; hazard ratio [HR], 1.45 [95% CI, 1.10–1.91],
P
=0.008), female sex (HR, 0.59 [95% CI, 0.35–0.99],
P
=0.048), chronic kidney disease (HR, 1.88 [95% CI, 1.06–3.33],
P
=0.031), and left ventricular outflow tract gradient reduction ≤86% (HR, 1.91 [95% CI, 1.14–3.19],
P
=0.014).

Conclusions

Women with HCM undergoing ASA are older and have higher left‐sided baseline pressures compared with men yet have better survival. Further studies exploring the mechanisms of differential outcomes according to sex in patients with HCM undergoing ASA are needed.
Impact of Society Guidelines on Trends in Use of Newer P2Y
12
Inhibitors for Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Mohamed Mohamed O. , Kontopantelis Evangelos , Alasnag Mirvat , Abid Leila , Banerjee Amitava , Sharp Andrew S. P. , Bourantas Christos , Sirker Alex , Curzen Nick , Mamas Mamas A.
Published: May 2024

Background

Over the past decade, major society guidelines have recommended the use of newer P2Y
12
inhibitors over clopidogrel for those undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for acute coronary syndrome. It is unclear what impact these recommendations had on clinical practice.

Methods and Results

All percutaneous coronary intervention procedures (n=534 210) for acute coronary syndrome in England and Wales (April 1, 2010, to March 31, 2022) were retrospectively analyzed, stratified by choice of preprocedural P2Y
12
inhibitor (clopidogrel, ticagrelor, and prasugrel). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine odds ratios of receipt of ticagrelor and prasugrel (versus clopidogrel) over time, and predictors of their receipt. Overall, there was a significant increase in receipt of newer P2Y
12
inhibitors from 2010 to 2020 (2022 versus 2010: ticagrelor odds ratio, 8.12 [95% CI, 7.67–8.60]; prasugrel odds ratio, 6.14 [95% CI, 5.53–6.81]), more so in ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction than non–ST‐segment–elevation acute coronary syndrome indication. The most significant increase in odds of receipt of prasugrel was observed between 2020 and 2022 (
P
<0.001), following a decline/plateau in its use in earlier years (2011–2019). In contrast, the odds of receipt of ticagrelor significantly increased in earlier years (2012–2017,
P
trend
<0.001), after which the trend was stable (
P
trend
=0.093).

Conclusions

Over a 13‐year‐period, there has been a significant increase in use of newer P2Y
12
inhibitors, although uptake of prasugrel use remained significantly lower than ticagrelor. Earlier society guidelines (pre‐2017) were associated with the highest rates of ticagrelor use for non–ST‐segment–elevation acute coronary syndrome and ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction cases while the ISAR‐REACT 5 (Prospective, Randomized Trial of Ticagrelor Versus Prasugrel in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome) trial and later society guidelines were associated with higher prasugrel use, mainly for ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction indication.
Computer Tools for Modeling Swing in a Jazz Ensemble
Authors: Friberg Anders , Gulz Torbjörn , Wettebrandt Claes
Published: May 2024

In a jazz ensemble, the timing patterns within each instrument and between instruments vary systematically depending on the instrument, tempo, style, and other parameters. A set of computer tools is described to modify these timing parameters according to previous measurements, allowing a large flexibility to account for individual differences and preferences. Four different jazz trio recordings were transcribed and annotated, and the tools were then used to recreate or modify the timing patterns in synthesized versions. These tools can be used for pedagogical purposes in which a music example can be played with different timing interpretations. It can also be used as a tool for research in which controlled factorial experiments can be designed.
Time and Distance Perception in Highly Dynamic Environments
Authors: Kaul Robert , Jipp Meike
Published: May 2024

Space- and time-based tasks, like flying airplanes, driving cars, or the manual controlled rendezvous and docking of spacecrafts can be very demanding for pilots, drivers, or astronauts, depending on selected trajectories, approaching speeds, or distracting information. One characteristic of highly dynamic environments is that persons have to consider their spatial position in relation to surrounding elements based on passing time, detected speed, and trajectories to avoid collisions with other objects. An inadequate perception of the own position in relation to other objects and passing time can lead to impaired decision-making processes, resulting in errors or collisions. A framework for the explanation of cognitive processes involved in perception, anticipation, and decision-making in dynamic environments is provided by the concept of situation awareness. Based on this framework persons must perceive relevant elements, integrate them in a coherent mental representation and anticipate the development of the current situation in the near future, to plan safe upcoming maneuvers. Thus, for safe maneuvers anticipation processes are playing a major role in decision-making and action selection. In this paper it is proposed that time and distance perceptions are central features of anticipation processes in dynamic situations. It is suggested to combine theories like the attentional-gate model and time-to-contact with the framework of situation awareness to explain anticipation processes in dynamic environments. The major aim is to develop precise cognitive models of persons acting in dynamic situations. Such cognitive models can be the basis for the development and parameterization of assistance systems, supporting anticipation in dynamic environments.
Reinventing Government at the Federal Level: The Implementations and the Prospects
Authors: Qiao Yuhua , Thai Khi V.
Published: May 2024

The National Performance Review (NPR) was the centerpiece of the Clinton administration. When it came out March 1993. responses to it were various (Gaze 11, 1997). Some saw it as a huge step to improve the federal government. Some regarded it as another fad and others praised it but saw too many obstacles for its successful implementation. This article focuses on the implementation of NPR from the following aspects: its historical roots, major themes, and its differences from the previous government reforms. Then the article discusses the achievements of NPR, its implementation issues, and some concerns for its long-term effect.
Economic Implementation Constraints on Preserving Land from Sprawl: The Case of the Delaware Valley
Authors: Howell-Moroney Michael
Published: May 2024

Urban sprawl is one of the most pressing policy issues facing today's county governments. Most of the policy analysis in this area is limited to international comparisons, focusing on differences in national political structure as determinants of policy success. This paper explores determinants of land preservation outcomes at the sub-national level and hones in on a specific area, examining the implementation of land preservation efforts taken by several counties in the Greater Philadelphia Area. A simultaneous equation model is used to examine the impact of various factors on land preservation outcomes. Findings suggest that differences in the price of land, population growth and funding for land acquisition are all key dimensions of implementation constraint that explain variation in policy outcomes. The model predicts that given population projections, seven of the eight counties will face significant shortfalls in the funds necessary to preserve the amounts of open space prescribed by the local Metropolitan Planning Organization. Given these findings, it is likely that efforts to preserve land will fail without significant increases in funding and more effective controls on land use.
Does E-government guarantee Accountability in public Sector? Experiences in Italy and Japan
Authors: Kudo Hiroko
Published: May 2024

As the cases of public sector reform and e-government projects have shown, e-government can play a role in public sector reform. The article describes Italian and Japanese e-government policy and its status, focusing on the issues raised by the government and by the public. Both countries have implemented series of political and administrative reforms in order to improve accountability. NPM reforms utilize various strategies to manage public policies, and e-government is a public policy that directly affects other policies and leads to radical and structural changes. Its characteristics as public policy are different from those of other policies, especially in relation to public accountability.
A Longitudinal Analysis of the Effects of Service Consolidation on Local Government Expenditures
Authors: Maher Craig S
Published: May 2024

In the current era of fiscal retrenchment local governments are seeking means to provide core services at lower costs. One approach getting increased attention is service consolidation. One of the challenges for policy makers considering alternative service delivery options such as consolidation is the limited number of empirical investigations of the costs and benefits associated with such a difficult endeavor. This study focuses on the identified local governments in Wisconsin that consolidated a service between 1987 and 2009. I found that for communities that consolidated services, overall expenditures increased in some circumstances and expenditure reductions were only associated with one service: capacity management. When I examined protective services, we found limited evidence to suggest that spending increased in those communities following the consolidation.
Quality, Cost, and Coverage: Examining The Federal Employees' Health Insurance Plan
Authors: Chard Richard
Published: May 2024

In this article, the author uses a survey of more that 90,000 members of the Federal Employees' Health Benefits Plan (FEHBP) to examine a population whose health care is provided by a regulated market unlike any other market in the United States. Within the FEHBP, the government defines the market and brings buyers and sellers together, guaranteeing each much more security than either is able to obtain in the open market. For the sellers, there is the promise of having a customer for at least a year. For the consumer, there is the promise of being treated like any other customer in spite of preexisting illness or other special health care needs. To assess the success of this plan, the author examines how the consumers perceive the quality of their plans and their overall level of satisfaction and then compares that information to perceived quality and satisfaction among consumers in the open market.
Regional Variations in Burnout Rates in a Natural Resources Agency
Authors: Ihrke Douglas M. , Johnson Theresa L.
Published: May 2024

This study explores employee burnout within and across the four administrative regions of the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) based on the hypothesis that burnout levels will vary systematically with workload levels. Approximately 1100 District Conservationists (DCs), the front-line operating officers of the NRCS, were surveyed. Results indicate significant variation in workload and burnout levels but no significant association between these two variables within and across regions. Further analysis revealed that a number of important variables help to explain burnout across regions including job design, functional unit cooperation, and adequate staffing. Within regions, the variables that explain burnout are under the categories of leadership, job design, human resource systems, and agency policy. The authors make use of the research findings to develop a set of organization development (OD) recommendations to help the agency deal with burnout within and across regions.
Organizational Characteristics, Financial Performance Measures, and Funding Sources of Faith Based Organizations
Authors: Lampkin Lynne , Raghavan Kamala
Published: May 2024

This study examined the impact of organizational characteristics and financial performance measures of faith based organizations (FBOS) in Pennsylvania and Ohio on the decisions of the funding sources. Organizational characteristics of size, age, and type of service, and financial performance measures such as expense, liquidity, and solvency ratios were gathered from the data on IRS form 990 for 97 FBOS for the period of 1995 to 2004. The study found that the 1996 Charitable Choice provisions and the 2001 Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives have led to increased government funding for FBOS. The results showed that government funding of FBOS is affected positively by age of the FBO, and negatively by its size. For smaller FBOS, savings ratio had a negative relationship to government funding and a positive relationship to direct public support. For social service FBOS government funding was positively affected by age and negatively affected by size and debt ratio, while days-cash-on-hand had a negative impact on direct public support. All of the above relationships were statistically significant.
The Implications of Policy Pre-Post Test Scores for Street-Level Bureaucratic Discretion
Authors: Dorch Edwina L.
Published: May 2024

Substantial reductions in audit error rates observed over the past few years suggest eligibility workers have moved toward an eligibility compliance culture described by Bane and Ellwood. However, the results of this study indicate that social service caseworkers responded correctly to 49% of the targeted policy items at the pre-test stage and 68% at the post-test stage. Such findings provide preliminary support for the hypothesis that, in instances when caseworkers lack policy knowledge, they use their own discretion. Such a finding not only supports Lipsky‘s theory but also supports the notion that administrators should be encouraged to utilize ‘mastery learning’ procedures whereby caseworkers are retained in new-hire and follow-up training classes until they have mastered 100% of targeted policy information. Retention of caseworkers may also reduce federal and local audit errors and errors in crediting the reduction of caseloads to social service policies when in fact significant components of them have not been implemented (learned or utilized). And, most importantly, retention in training classes may increase the appropriate provision of services to the needy.
The Case for Regulatory Reform in the Business and Healthcare Environments
Authors: Younis Mustafa Z. , Barhem Belal , Hamidi Samir , Inungu Joseph , Prater Gwendolyn S. , Okeefe Arthur
Published: May 2024

Government regulations affect corporations and consumers on a daily basis. For example, environmental and safety regulations in the workplace are administrated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) under the Department of Labor. OSHA sets and enforces standards in work environment to ensure the safety and health of workers. Other regulatory agencies, such as the National Highway and Transportation Agency (NHTSA), oversee the transportation and the safety of the automobile and truck industry. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plays a major role in approving new drugs on the market and in monitoring drug safety, and it has the power to remove drugs from the market if they are proved to be safety and health problems to the public. However, the mere existence of these regulations often causes impediments to businesses, and the extent of their ultimate usefulness is examined and analyzed in this paper
Who Gets a Second Chance? An Investigation of Ohio'Sblended Juvenile Sentence
Authors: Cheesman Fred L. , Waters Nicole L. , Hurst Hunter
Published: May 2024

Factors differentiating blended sentencing cases (Serious Youthful Offenders or SYOs) from conventional juvenile cases and cases transferred to the adult criminal court in Ohio were investigated using a two-stage probit. Conventional juvenile cases differed from cases selected for non-conventional processing (i.e., SYO or transfer) according to offense seriousness, number of prior Ohio Department of Youth Services placements, age and gender. Controlling for probability of selection for nonconventional processing, transfers differed from SYOs according to age, gender, and race. Minorities were significantly more likely than Whites to be transfers rather than SYOs, suggesting possible bias in the decision-making process. Objective risk and needs assessments should be used to identify the most suitable candidates for blended sentences and adult transfer and enhanced services should be provided to juvenile offenders given blended sentences.
Adopting Evidence-Based Medically Assisted Treatments in Substance Abuse Treatment Organizations: Roles of Leadership Socialization and Funding Streams
Authors: Blum Terry C. , Davis Carolyn D. , Roman Paul M.
Published: May 2024

This paper examines the organizational adoption of medically assisted treatments (MAT) for substance use disorders (SUDs) in a representative sample of 555 US for-profit and not-for-profit treatment centers. the study examines organizational adoption of these treatments in an institutionally contested environment that traditionally has valued behavioral treatment, using sociological and resource dependence frameworks the findings indicate that socialization of leadership, measured by formal clinical education, is related to the adoption of MAT. Funding patterns also affect innovation adoption, with greater adoption associated with higher proportions of earned income from third party fees for services, and less adoption associated with funding from criminal justice sources. These findings may generalize to other social mission-oriented organizations where innovation adoption may be linked to private and public benefit values inherent in the type of socialization of leadership and different patterns of funding support.
Effects of N-acetylcysteine on the expressions of UCP1 and factors related to thyroid function in visceral adipose tissue of obese adults: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial
Authors: Sohouli Mohammad Hassan , Eslamian Ghazaleh , Ardehali Seyed Hossein , Raeissadat Seyed Ahmad , Shimi Ghazaleh , Pourvali Katayoun , Zand Hamid
Published: May 2024

Background

Evidences have shown that obesity is influenced by various factors, including various hormones such as thyroid hormones and the body’s metabolism rate. It seems that practical solutions such as weight loss diets and common drugs can affect these potential disorders. In this study, we investigate one of these common drugs, N-Acetylcysteine (NAC), on expressions of UCP1 and factors related to thyroid function in adults with obesity.

Methods and analysis

The current investigation was carried out as a randomized clinical trial (RCT) including 43 adults with obesity who were potential candidates for bariatric surgery. These individuals were randomly divided into two groups: 600 mg of NAC (n = 22) or placebo (n = 21) for a duration of 8 weeks. Visceral adipose tissue was utilized in the context of bariatric surgery to investigate the gene expression of UCP1 and thyroid function. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed in duplicate for UCP1, DIO2, DIO3, THRα and β, and 18s RNA (as an internal control) using the provided instructions to investigate the expression of the respective genes.

Results

Our findings revealed that after 8 weeks compared to placebo, NAC caused a significant decrease in the expression of the DIO3 gene as one of the genes related to thyroid function and metabolism. However, regarding other related genes, no statistically significant was found (despite the increase in UCP1, DIO2, and THRα expression and decrease in THRβ expression). In addition, after adjustment of possible confounders, no significant effect was observed on anthropometric factors and serum levels of thyroid hormones.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that, following an 8-week period, NAC effectively decreases the expression of the DIO3 gene in the visceral fat tissue, in comparison to the placebo.