bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of input data modality choices on functional gene embeddings
Authors: Brechtmann Felix , Bechtler Thibault , Londhe Shubhankar , Mertes Christian , Gagneur Julien
Published: November 2023

Functional gene embeddings, numerical vectors capturing gene function, provide a promising way to integrate functional gene information into machine learning models. These embeddings are learnt by applying self-supervised machine-learning algorithms on various data types including quantitative omics measurements, protein–protein interaction networks and literature. However, downstream evaluations comparing alternative data modalities used to construct functional gene embeddings have been lacking. Here we benchmarked functional gene embeddings obtained from various data modalities for predicting disease-gene lists, cancer drivers, phenotype–gene associations and scores from genome-wide association studies. Off-the-shelf predictors trained on precomputed embeddings matched or outperformed dedicated state-of-the-art predictors, demonstrating their high utility. Embeddings based on literature and protein–protein interactions inferred from low-throughput experiments outperformed embeddings derived from genome-wide experimental data (transcriptomics, deletion screens and protein sequence) when predicting curated gene lists. In contrast, they did not perform better when predicting genome-wide association signals and were biased towards highly-studied genes. These results indicate that embeddings derived from literature and low-throughput experiments appear favourable in many existing benchmarks because they are biased towards well-studied genes and should therefore be considered with caution. Altogether, our study and precomputed embeddings will facilitate the development of machine-learning models in genetics and related fields.
Tumor and immune cell types interact to produce heterogeneous phenotypes of pediatric high-grade glioma
Authors: DeSisto John , Donson Andrew M , Griesinger Andrea M , Fu Rui , Riemondy Kent , Mulcahy Levy Jean , Siegenthaler Julie A , Foreman Nicholas K , Vibhakar Rajeev , Green Adam L
Published: November 2023

Background

Pediatric high-grade gliomas (PHGG) are aggressive brain tumors with 5-year survival rates ranging from <2% to 20% depending upon subtype. PHGG presents differently from patient to patient and is intratumorally heterogeneous, posing challenges in designing therapies. We hypothesized that heterogeneity occurs because PHGG comprises multiple distinct tumor and immune cell types in varying proportions, each of which may influence tumor characteristics.

Methods

We obtained 19 PHGG samples from our institution’s pediatric brain tumor bank. We constructed a comprehensive transcriptomic dataset at the single-cell level using single-cell RNA-Seq (scRNA-Seq), identified known glial and immune cell types, and performed differential gene expression and gene set enrichment analysis. We conducted multi-channel immunofluorescence (IF) staining to confirm the transcriptomic results.

Results

Our PHGG samples included 3 principal predicted tumor cell types: astrocytes, oligodendrocyte progenitors (OPCs), and mesenchymal-like cells (Mes). These cell types differed in their gene expression profiles, pathway enrichment, and mesenchymal character. We identified a macrophage population enriched in mesenchymal and inflammatory gene expression as a possible source of mesenchymal tumor characteristics. We found evidence of T-cell exhaustion and suppression.

Conclusions

PHGG comprises multiple distinct proliferating tumor cell types. Microglia-derived macrophages may drive mesenchymal gene expression in PHGG. The predicted Mes tumor cell population likely derives from OPCs. The variable tumor cell populations rely on different oncogenic pathways and are thus likely to vary in their responses to therapy.
Endogenous learning in international environmental agreements: the impact of research spillovers and the degree of cooperation
Authors: André Francisco J , Finus Michael
Published: November 2023

We consider an endogenous learning-by-doing process where countries can invest in research that reduces the systematic uncertainty about climate change damages. We analyse a coalition model in which countries decide whether to join a treaty and then choose their level of research and abatement. Countries can cooperate on research and abatement or only on one of these items. We consider the entire range of possible research spillovers. Cooperation on all issues and large research spillovers are generally welfare improving, but lead to smaller coalitions, as they encourage free-riding. However, on balance, in equilibrium, we find that cooperation should not be confined to research and should include abatement, and research findings should freely travel.
Departmental Organization, Treasurer, House Servants, and Tradesmen
Authors: Milhous Judith , Dideriksen Gabridla , Hume Robert D
Published: November 2023

Turning from the physical premises to their inhabitants, we need to ask how the company was organized and how it conducted its operations. A flow chart would show Bedford and Salisbury as the concealed proprietors, linked to their minion O’Reilly by Sheldon. The company proper consisted of at least seven distinct ‘departments’: opera, ballet, costume, scenery, properties, lighting, and the treasurer’s office (which oversaw admission and housekeeping). The extent to which these were essentially separate and self contained units may surprise those accustomed to the concept of an ‘artistic director’ and present-day notions of opera-house management.
Canada
Authors: Djwa Sandra
Published: November 2023

In the past thirty years Canadian writing in English (with which I shall be exclusively concerned here: Quebec literature has a tradition of its own) has come of age. Up until the 1950s the major genre was poetry; the 1960s saw the rise of the novel; drama emerged in the 1970s; after 1980 there was a flurry of autobiographical writing. Nor should one forget literary criticism, strong in Canada thanks to the influence of two leading figures: Marshall McLuhan (1911-80), who was hailed as a guru of the new ‘information age’ after publication of The Gutenberg Galaxy (1962) and The Meium is the Message (1967); and Northrop Frye (1912-91), whose work has been extraordinarily influential, largely because of the synoptic intelligence of books such as his Anatomy of Criticism (1957), The Great Code (1982), and the ‘Conclusion’ to the first Literary History of Canada (1965), in which Frye established a paradigm for Canadian criticism when he asserted that the country’s poetry (and, by extension, writing) was characterized by a ‘deep note of terror’ and a ‘garrison mentality’-the response of the pioneer to the wilderness.
China, Taiwan, And Hong Kong
Authors: Bailey Alison
Published: November 2023

PRIOR to 1949, Chinese literature emanated from one major source: the Chinese mainland. After 1949, once the Communists had taken control of the mainland, the Nationalists fled to Taiwan. Radical ideological and cultural divergences between the rival Chinese states then played a significant role in the development of two literatures, even if there are, also, remarkable similarities, founded on responses to a shared heritage. Hong Kong represents yet a third source of Chinese literature, both creatively and as a conduit through which writing unobtainable elsewhere can be published or bought. Finally, after the Tiananmen Massacre in 1989, a new avenue for Chinese literature opened up through exile.
New Zealand
Authors: Sharp Iain
Published: November 2023

Before 1980 the literary forms at which New Zealand writers excelled were miniaturist—the short lyric poem and the short story. Consequently, much of the best writing of those years can be found within the covers of a single volume, The Oxford Anthology of New Zealand Writing since 1945 (1983). Since 1980 New Zealand writing has burgeoned, however, and the significant works of the 1980s and 1990s require a full shelf.
Wales
Authors: Thomas Ned
Published: November 2023

To understand contemporary writing in Wales requires a complex cultural map. We have to deal with two languages that are used in varying degrees across the whole country. An outsider might think that what is written in the more generally accessible language of the two, English, offers a way into the hidden world of the Welsh language, but that is seldom the case. Many Welsh writers in English have little knowledge of Welsh history, language, or tradition; others are steeped in them, but even they cannot be regarded as simple interpreters of Welsh-language culture, for languages and literary traditions are themselves important shaping elements, irrespective of the way individuals may use them for their own literary purposes. To this may be added the difficulty of defining a Welsh literature in English. Writing in Welsh defines itself by the medium used-a novel may be set in Prague or Italy and be no less Welsh in that sense; but what makes a novel written in English ‘Welsh’? Usually the fact that it deals with Wales.
Global warming in the pipeline
Authors: Hansen James E , Sato Makiko , Simons Leon , Nazarenko Larissa S , Sangha Isabelle , Kharecha Pushker , Zachos James C , von Schuckmann Karina , Loeb Norman G , Osman Matthew B , Jin Qinjian , Tselioudis George , Jeong Eunbi , Lacis Andrew , Ruedy Reto , Russell Gary , Cao Junji , Li Jing
Published: November 2023

Improved knowledge of glacial-to-interglacial global temperature change yields Charney (fast-feedback) equilibrium climate sensitivity 1.2 ± 0.3°C (2σ) per W/m2, which is 4.8°C ± 1.2°C for doubled CO2. Consistent analysis of temperature over the full Cenozoic era—including ‘slow’ feedbacks by ice sheets and trace gases—supports this sensitivity and implies that CO2 was 300–350 ppm in the Pliocene and about 450 ppm at transition to a nearly ice-free planet, exposing unrealistic lethargy of ice sheet models. Equilibrium global warming for today’s GHG amount is 10°C, which is reduced to 8°C by today’s human-made aerosols. Equilibrium warming is not ‘committed’ warming; rapid phaseout of GHG emissions would prevent most equilibrium warming from occurring. However, decline of aerosol emissions since 2010 should increase the 1970–2010 global warming rate of 0.18°C per decade to a post-2010 rate of at least 0.27°C per decade. Thus, under the present geopolitical approach to GHG emissions, global warming will exceed 1.5°C in the 2020s and 2°C before 2050. Impacts on people and nature will accelerate as global warming increases hydrologic (weather) extremes. The enormity of consequences demands a return to Holocene-level global temperature. Required actions include: (1) a global increasing price on GHG emissions accompanied by development of abundant, affordable, dispatchable clean energy, (2) East-West cooperation in a way that accommodates developing world needs, and (3) intervention with Earth’s radiation imbalance to phase down today’s massive human-made ‘geo-transformation’ of Earth’s climate. Current political crises present an opportunity for reset, especially if young people can grasp their situation.
Big Little Election Lies: Cynical and Credulous Evaluations of Electoral Fraud
Authors: Norris Pippa
Published: November 2023

The ‘Big Lie’ in American politics has sparked intense concern about the erosion of public confidence in the integrity of US elections—raising questions about the legitimacy of the authorities, institutions, and principles of democratic governance. Cynicism generated from misinformation about trustworthy elections has attracted a growing body of individual-level social-psychological research in America and Europe. Another common problem found around the world, however, which has received far less attention, concerns credulous citizens who express considerable faith and confidence in flawed contests. This study theorises that at macro-level, the accuracy of any public judgments about trustworthy elections is likely to be mediated by the information environment in open and closed societies, as well as by the type of regime. To understand these issues, Part I summarises the conceptual and theoretical argument about trust and trustworthiness. Part II describes the sources of evidence. To apply the theory, data on public opinion is drawn from around 85 societies around the globe included in Waves 6 and 7 of the World Values Survey (2010–2022), with measures of electoral trust and subjective perceptions of electoral integrity among ordinary citizens. Institutional electoral performance indices are drawn from the Varieties of Democracy project (V-Dem 12.0). Part III analyses how far these independent estimates match public judgments of the trustworthiness of elections in each country – and how far such relationships are conditioned by the type of information society as well as by the type of regime. Part IV highlights the key findings and considers their broader implications for understanding the macro-level conditions for trust and trustworthiness.
The changing nitrogen landscape of United States streams: Declining deposition and increasing organic nitrogen
Authors: Lin Jiajia , Compton Jana E , Sabo Robert D , Herlihy Alan T , Hill Ryan A , Weber Marc H , Brooks J Renée , Paulsen Steve G , Stoddard John L
Published: November 2023

Air quality regulations have led to decreased nitrogen (N) and sulfur deposition across the conterminous United States (CONUS) during the last several decades, particularly in the eastern parts. But it is unclear if declining deposition has altered stream N at large scales. We compared watershed N inputs with N chemistry from over 2,000 CONUS streams where deposition was the largest N input to the watershed. Weighted change analysis showed that deposition declined across most watersheds, especially in the Eastern CONUS. Nationally, declining N deposition was not associated with significant large-scale declines in stream nitrate concentration. Instead, significant increases in stream dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and total organic N (TON) were widespread across regions. Possible mechanisms behind these increases include declines in acidity and/or ionic strength drivers, changes in carbon availability, and/or climate variables. Our results also reveal a declining trend of DOC/TON ratio over the entire study period, primarily influenced by the trend in the Eastern region, suggesting the rate of increase in stream TON exceeded the rate of increase in DOC concentration during this period. Our results illustrate the complexity of nutrient cycling that links long-term atmospheric deposition to water quality. More research is needed to understand how increased dissolved organic N could affect aquatic ecosystems and downstream riverine nutrient export.
Effectiveness of cloth face masks to prevent viral spread: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zeilinger Elisabeth L , Brunevskaya Nadine , Wurzer Jana , Oberleiter Sandra , Fries Jonathan , Fuchs Amelie , Herscovici Alma , Kum Lea , Masel Eva K , Pietschnig Jakob
Published: November 2023

Background

The effectiveness of cloth face masks to prevent viral spread has not yet been conclusively established. In this meta-analysis, we evaluate their effectiveness in comparison to standard medical/surgical and N95-typed masks against viral spread.

Methods

We identified literature through a systematic search in three databases and meta-analytically synthesized relevant studies by means of random-effects as well as multilevel modelling.

Results

Twelve studies comprising k = 28 effect sizes (N = 338) were included. Medical/surgical and N95-typed masks outperformed cloth masks, yielding a large effect (g = 1.40). This effect remained robust when data were grouped according to comparisons with medical/surgical masks (g = 1.25) and N95-typed masks (g = 1.29). However, effects were differentiated according to mask fit, indicating reversals of signs when cloth mask effects were compared with ill-fitting medical/surgical and N95-typed masks (gs = −12.50 and − 10.90, respectively).

Conclusions

Cloth face masks were found to have significantly poorer filtering performance than medical/surgical masks and N95 masks, but only if non-cloth masks were properly fitted. Our results illustrate the necessity of using well-fitting medical/surgical or N95-typed masks to prevent viral spread, although some allowance should be made in circumstances where higher compliance with cloth mask mandates are expected.
Interaction between hepatitis B, hepatitis C and smoking in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shadi Yahya , Heshmati Bahram , Poorolajal Jalal
Published: November 2023

Background

This meta-analysis reports the relationship between hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), smoking and their combined impact on the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases up to 15 July 2023. Observational studies investigating the association between HBV, HCV and smoking in the development of HCC were included. We assessed between-study heterogeneity using the I2 statistics. The effect sizes were estimated as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using a random-effects model.

Results

Out of 20 794 studies identified in the initial search, 32 observational studies involving 22 282 participants met the inclusion criteria. Our meta-analysis showed that the combined impact of HBV and smoking was associated with an OR of 19.81 (95% CI: 14.77, 26.58), HCV and smoking was associated with an OR of 24.86 (95% CI: 12.41, 49.79), and coinfection of HBV and HCV was associated with an OR of 32.58 (95% CI: 20.57, 51.60).

Conclusions

Our findings indicate a significant interaction between HBV, HCV and smoking in the development of HCC and highlight the importance of addressing smoking cessation and viral hepatitis prevention and treatment as potential strategies for reducing HCC.
Micrometre-sized ice particles for planetary science experiments – CoPhyLab cryogenic granular sample production and storage
Authors: Kreuzig C , Bischoff D , Molinski N S , Brecher J N , Kovalev A , Meier G , Oesert J , Gorb S N , Gundlach B , Blum J
Published: November 2023

In this work, we present a comprehensive investigation into the production, characteristics, handling, and storage of micrometre-sized granular water-ice. The focus of this research is to provide well-characterized analogue samples for laboratory experiments simulating icy bodies found in the Solar system, particularly comets. These experiments are conducted as part of the Comet Physics Laboratory (CoPhyLab) project, an international collaboration aimed at studying cometary processes to gain insights into the underlying physics of cometary activity. Granular water-ice, along with other less abundant but more volatile ices, plays a crucial role in the ejection of gas and dust particles when comets approach the Sun. To facilitate large-scale laboratory experiments, an ice-particle machine was developed, capable of autonomously producing sufficient quantities of granular water-ice. Additionally, a cryogenic desiccator was designed to remove any residual moisture from the ice using liquid nitrogen. The resulting ice particles can be mixed with other materials and stored within the desiccator or a cryogenic transport can, enabling easy shipment to any laboratory, including via air transport. To analyse the ice grains, cryogenic scanning electron microscopy was employed to determine their particle shape and size-frequency distribution. These analyses contribute to a better understanding of the properties of granular water-ice and its behaviour under cryogenic conditions, supporting the objectives of the CoPhyLab project.
Lessons learned from the 1st Ariel Machine Learning Challenge: Correcting transiting exoplanet light curves for stellar spots
Authors: Nikolaou Nikolaos , Waldmann Ingo P , Tsiaras Angelos , Morvan Mario , Edwards Billy , Yip Kai Hou , Thompson Alexandra , Tinetti Giovanna , Sarkar Subhajit , Dawson James M , Borisov Vadim , Kasneci Gjergji , Petković Matej , Stepišnik Tomaž , Al-Ubaidi Tarek , Bailey Rachel Louise , Granitzer Michael , Julka Sahib , Kern Roman , Ofner Patrick , Wagner Stefan , Heppe Lukas , Bunse Mirko , Morik Katharina , Simões Luís F
Published: November 2023

The last decade has witnessed a rapid growth of the field of exoplanet discovery and characterization. However, several big challenges remain, many of which could be addressed using machine learning methodology. For instance, the most prolific method for detecting exoplanets and inferring several of their characteristics, transit photometry, is very sensitive to the presence of stellar spots. The current practice in the literature is identifying the effects of spots visually and correcting them manually or discarding the affected data. This paper explores a first step towards fully automating the efficient and precise derivation of transit depths from transit light curves in the presence of stellar spots. The primary focus of the paper is to present in detail a diverse arsenal of methods for doing so. The methods and results we present were obtained in the context of the 1st Machine Learning Challenge organized for the European Space Agency’s upcoming Ariel mission. We first present the problem, the simulated Ariel-like data and outline the Challenge while identifying best practices for organizing similar challenges in the future. Finally, we present the solutions obtained by the top five winning teams, provide their code, and discuss their implications. Successful solutions either construct highly non-linear (w.r.t. the raw data) models with minimal pre-processing – deep neural networks and ensemble methods – or amount to obtaining meaningful statistics from the light curves, constructing linear models on which yields comparably good predictive performance.
The epidemiology of psoriatic arthritis in the UK: a health intelligence analysis of UK Primary Care Electronic Health Records 1991–2020
Authors: Druce Katie L , Yimer Belay Birlie , Humphreys Jennifer , Njuki Lucy N , Bourke Darryl , Li Michael , Ellis Benjamin , Zhang Yuanyuan , Bravo Ramiro , Hyrich Kimme L , Verstappen Suzanne M M , Dixon William G , McBeth John
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Epidemiological estimates of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) underpin the provision of healthcare, research, and the work of government, charities and patient organizations. Methodological problems impacting prior estimates include small sample sizes, incomplete case ascertainment, and representativeness. We developed a statistical modelling strategy to provide contemporary prevalence and incidence estimates of PsA from 1991 to 2020 in the UK.

Methods

Data from Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) were used to identify cases of PsA between 1st January 1991 and 31st December 2020. To optimize ascertainment, we identified cases of Definite PsA (≥1 Read code for PsA) and Probable PsA (satisfied a bespoke algorithm). Standardized annual rates were calculated using Bayesian multilevel regression with post-stratification to account for systematic differences between CPRD data and the UK population, based on age, sex, socioeconomic status and region of residence.

Results

A total of 26 293 recorded PsA cases (all definitions) were identified within the study window (77.9% Definite PsA). Between 1991 and 2020 the standardized prevalence of PsA increased twelve-fold from 0.03–0.37. The standardized incidence of PsA per 100 000 person years increased from 8.97 in 1991–15.08 in 2020, an almost 2-fold increase. Over time, rates were similar between the sexes, and across socioeconomic status. Rates were strongly associated with age, and consistently highest in Northern Ireland.

Conclusion

The prevalence and incidence of PsA recorded in primary care has increased over the last three decades. The modelling strategy presented can be used to provide contemporary prevalence estimates for musculoskeletal disease using routinely collected primary care data.
The Oklo phenomenon, the discovery, first questions and first answers
Authors: Gauthier-Lafaye François , Gall Benoît , Bentridi Salah-Eddine
Published: November 2023

The discovery in Nature of 16 reactions zones where sustained fission chain reaction occurred 1.95 b.y ago raised numerous questions in many scientific fields. Fifty years later, some of them are still unanswered. This article recalls the history of this discovery and the scientific facts before discussing the present-day understanding of this complex phenomenon.
The influence of some rare earth elements as neutron absorbers on the inception of Oklo natural nuclear reactors
Authors: Bentridi Salah-Eddine , Gall Benoît , Nuttin Alexis , Hidaka Hiroshi
Published: November 2023

A totally reflected core model was built to estimate the infinite multiplication factor ${{k}}_{{\infty}}$ as a parametric function using MCNP code. Thus, it was possible to evaluate the influence of a specific physical parameter on the criticality occurrence of the Oklo phenomenon, namely initial Poisons (IP: Gd, Sm and Nd). In fact, these rare earth elements, prior to criticality occurrence in Oklo reaction zones (RZs), are considered as a key parameter in the present study. Thus, it was possible to construct isocritical lines, ${{k}}_{{\infty}}\left({{V}}_{{UO}{2}},{{\varPhi}}_{{C}}\ \right)\cong{1}$, over a significant range of Uraninite volume fraction: ${{V}}_{{UO}{2}}\left[\%\right]{\in}\left[{0};{40}\right]$. The corresponding critical porosity ${{\varPhi}}_{{C}}$ is obtained for a given value of ${{V}}_{{UO}{2}}$ by Python-driven MCNP5 calculations. By including realistic measurements of IP for different RZs, it was possible to distinguish the corresponding inception circumstances for the natural RZs considered here.
Estimation of radiation dose due to thoron and progeny inhalation in high background natural radiation area of Odisha, India
Authors: Ramola Rakesh C , Prasad Mukesh , Sahoo Sarata K , Tokonami Shinji
Published: November 2023

Results of the preliminary measurements of indoor radon, thoron and progeny concentrations showed very high values of thoron concentrations in the eastern coastal region of Odisha, India. Therefore, measurements of thoron and its progeny concentrations were extended to a larger number of houses in this area for the assessment of the radiation dose received by the public. The measured values of thoron concentrations were used for the calculation of annual effective doses. The estimated values of the annual effective dose due to thoron exposure were observed in the range of 0.2–14.7 mSv. The estimated radiation doses responsible for thoron exposure were observed considerably high in the region. The results obtained are compared with those obtained in other studies performed so far in the study area and a review of different studies involving different measurement techniques is presented in the paper. The results of this study support the preliminary studies showing high values of thoron levels in the study area.
Site-specific dose conversion factors for radon progeny based on ambient aerosol characteristics in an outdoor environment and a tourist cave
Authors: Tamakuma Yuki , Kiso Mizuki , Sampei Aoi , Hashimoto Hiroki , Kranrod Chutima , Hosoda Masahiro , Ooka Sohei , Furukawa Masahide , Tokonami Shinji
Published: November 2023

Site-specific Dose Conversion Factors (DCFs) for radon progeny were estimated based on the aerosol measurement results in an outdoor environment and a tourist cave. The Activity Median Diameter (AMD) and unattached fraction were measured and used to calculate the effective dose per unit intake of radon progeny. The AMDs in the outdoor environment was in the range of 0.24–0.71 μm with the unattached fraction of 0.17. In the tourist cave, two peaks were found in the aerosol size distribution at nucleation and accumulation modes and the unattached fraction was measured to be 0.69 with a range of 0.36–0.85. The DCFs at the outdoor environment did not differ from those from the publication of the International Commission on Radiological Protection; however, the DCF in the tourist cave was significantly higher due to the discrepancy in the unattached fraction and the aerosol size distribution. It was found that these two factors would significantly affect the DCF so that we should be aware of it.
Improvement of spectral analysis using a NaI(Tl) scintillation spectrometer to evaluate ambient gamma dose rates from primordial radionuclides
Authors: Omori Yasutaka , Sorimachi Atsuyuki , Hosoda Masahiro , Sahoo Sarata Kumar , Kavasi Norbert , Kurihara Osamu , Tokonami Shinji , Ishikawa Tetsuo
Published: November 2023

In-situ measurements by gamma-ray spectrometry using a NaI(Tl) scintillation spectrometer are performed to discriminate primordial and artificial radionuclides contributing to ambient gamma dose rates in the living environment to quantify prolonged influence of nuclear accidents. However, low energy resolution of the spectrometer causes poor discrimination in the measurements at high-dose-rate points, which leads to overestimation of ambient gamma dose rate from the primordial radionuclides. The present study clarified that photon fluxes originating from 40K and 214Bi were affected by the presence of 134Cs, whereas those from 208Tl were independent of it. In addition, the absorbed dose rates in air were strongly correlated with the 208Tl photon fluxes. These findings indicate that 208Tl photon fluxes can be used to evaluate absorbed dose rates in air from the primordial radionuclides. When estimated from the 208Tl photon fluxes only, the absorbed dose rates in air in Namie Town and Okuma Town, locations affected by the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, were 19–71 and 20–47 nGy h−1, respectively.
The Administrative Burden Framework: A New Horizon for Research and Practice in Social Work?
Authors: Tarshish Noam
Published: November 2023

Social work is widely recognized as a human rights profession. The commitment to protect and advocate for social and economic rights has been incorporated into official definitions and codes of ethics of the profession globally, undergirding social work models and services. However, despite the overwhelming recognition of the importance of social work advocacy, a unified framework for research and practice has not been agreed upon, and new challenges to welfare states have somewhat contested the existing, primarily European advocacy framework built on the literature on take-up of social and economic rights. The purpose of this integrative context review is to introduce the administrative burden (AB) literature as a potential framework for meeting social work advocacy challenges by emphasizing a subjective viewpoint, a multifaceted understanding of the bureaucratic encounter, and the secondary effects of burden. The article concludes by identifying directions for future research and practice concerning the nexus between AB and social work.
Self-Differentiation, Psychological Flexibility, and Difficulties in Practice in Social Workers and Social Work Students
Authors: Gur Ayelet , Egozi Sharon , Schweitzer Yoav
Published: November 2023

Practicing social work involves unique difficulties, which may vary with seniority. This study aimed to identify these difficulties among social workers and social work students and to examine the associations between psychological flexibility (PF), self-differentiation (SF), and difficulties in practice in both groups. Ninety-one social work students and seventy-five social workers completed the following questionnaires: Difficulties in Practice, the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire–II, and Differentiation of Self Inventory. Results showed higher difficulties among social work students regarding their professional competence. Social workers demonstrated higher levels of PF, while no significant difference was found in SF. SF and PF were positively correlated, and both were negatively correlated with difficulties in practice in both groups. Among social work students, a moderating effect of PF was found for the association between SF and difficulties in practice. The current study emphasizes the importance of developing SF and cultivating PF during social work education to enhance professional competence and reduce difficulties in practice.
Grape seed proanthocyanidin improves intestinal inflammation in canine through regulating gut microbiota and bile acid compositions
Authors: Zhang Mingrui , Mo Ruixia , Wang Haotian , Liu Tianyi , Zhang Gang , Wu Yi
Published: November 2023

Although certain progress has been made in treating canine inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a large proportion of dogs have a poor prognosis and may develop resistance and side effects. Therefore, it is of great significance to prevent or alleviate canine IBD through nutritional intervention. Plant polyphenol can interact with intestinal bacteria and has important prospects in the intestinal health improvement. This study evaluated the effect of grape seed proanthocyanidin (GSP), a plant‐derived natural polyphenol, on Labrador Retrievers with mild IBD. In Experiment 1 of this study, GSP alleviated persistent intestinal inflammation in canines by improving inflammatory indexes and reducing intestinal permeability. Moreover, GSP treatment increased the abundance of bacteria with potential anti‐inflammatory properties and engaging bile acid metabolism, including Ruminococcaceae, Faecalibacterium, Ruminococcus_torques_group, and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group. Notably, targeted metabolomic analysis identified elevated productions of fecal chenodeoxycholic acid and its microbial transformation product lithocholic acid, which might contribute to relieving canine intestinal inflammation. Further, in Experiment 2, fecal microbiota transplantation was used to determine whether gut microbiota is a potential mechanism for GSP efficacy. Dogs with mild IBD received the fecal microbiota from the group administered GSP and mirrored the improvement effects of GSP, which results verified that gut microbial alteration could be an underlying mechanism for GSP efficiency on canine IBD. Our findings highlight that the mechanism of the GSP function on canine IBD is mediated by altering gut microbial composition and improving bile acid metabolism. This study proposes a natural polyphenol‐based dietary strategy for improving canine intestinal health.
Contribution of the intra-hippocampal orexin system in the regulation of restraint stress response to pain-related behaviors in the formalin test
Authors: Sadeghi Mehdi , Zareie Fatemeh , Gholami Masoumeh , Nazari-Serenjeh Farzaneh , Ghalandari-Shamami Mohadeseh , Haghparast Abbas
Published: November 2023

Stress-induced antinociception (SIA) is due to the activation of several neural pathways and neurotransmitters that often suppress pain perception. Studies have shown that the orexin neuropeptide system is essential in pain modulation. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the role of orexinergic receptors in the hippocampal CA1 region in modulating SIA response during the formalin test as an animal model of inflammatory pain. The orexin-1 receptor (OX1r) antagonist, SB334867, at 1, 3, 10, and 30 nmol or TCS OX2 29 as an orexin-2 receptor (OX2r) antagonist at the same doses were microinjected into the CA1 region in rats. Five minutes later, rats were exposed to restraint stress (RS) for 3 h, and pain-related behaviors were monitored in 5-min blocks for the 60-min test period in the formalin test. Results showed that applying RS for 3 h reduced pain responses in the early and late phases of the formalin test. The main findings showed that intra-CA1 injection of orexin receptor antagonists reduced the antinociception caused by stress in both phases of the formalin test. In addition, the contribution of OX2r in mediating the antinociceptive effect of stress was more prominent than that of OX1r in the early phase of the formalin test. However, in the late phase, both receptors worked similarly. Accordingly, the orexin system and its two receptors in the CA1 region of the hippocampus regulate SIA response to this animal model of pain in formalin test.
2023 Update on equity, diversity, and inclusion in Canadian cardiac surgery
Authors: Elfaki Lina A. , Groenewoud Rosalind , Nwakoby Akachukwu , Zubair Areeba , Verma Raj , Yanagawa Bobby
Published: November 2023

Purpose of review

Despite efforts to diversify the medical field, cardiac surgery remains amongst the least diverse specialties. Specifically, the percentage of women and racial minorities has remained low in past few decades. This may impact prospective trainee recruitment and surgical care. This paper highlights recent efforts that aim to promote diversity and inclusion of the Canadian cardiac surgical workforce.

Recent findings

Formal programs have been established to support students at different stages of training. In 2022, the Canadian Society for Cardiac Surgery has released an equity, diversity, and inclusion statement to summarize the current state and the strategic goals to accomplish a more just working environment. At the local level, the University of Toronto Next Surgeon high school pilot program, provided low-income, women, and racial minority students mentorship and experiential exposure to our field. Also, the University of Toronto, scholarships funded summer research with cardiac surgeons for women, as well as Black and Indigenous medical students.

Tangible efforts that target high school, undergraduate, and medical students are underway to promote equity and diversity of cardiac surgeons in Canada. Future studies that evaluate the gaps and identify bottlenecks could better guide interventions at institutions across the country.
Perspectives Regarding Engagement in Physical Activity in Women
Authors: Vieira Sosa MaryBeth , Chin Elizabeth , Sethares Kristen A.
Published: November 2023

Background

There has not been a significant improvement in cardiovascular disease (CVD) statistics among women; 44.4% of women older than 20 years have a diagnoses of CVD. Only 24.3% of adults meet physical activity (PA) guidelines, women have significantly lower levels of PA significantly lower levels than men. There is a call to action from the American Heart Association to delineate reasons for related genderized, socially determined factors.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to use the individual and family self-management theory to explore and describe interacting sociodemographic, family, cultural, health/access-related, and personal factors contributing to PA engagement in women living in areas of reduced socioeconomic resources.

Methods

This study used a community-engaged, qualitative descriptive focus group design to explore PA engagement in women between 18 and 64 years old living in an area of reduced socioeconomic resources and high racial and ethnic diversity.

Results

Context-related factors included cost/access, transportation, safety, and setting and interacted with family structure and functioning. Process-level factors affecting PA engagement included outcome expectancy, goal incongruence, lack of self-efficacy, self-regulation, and provider support/collaboration. Facilitators included family/friend social support.

Conclusions

The current community-engaged study reveals socially constructed gender role elements related to family dynamics, self-perception, and self-regulation that potentially impact engagement in self-management behavior. Programs to increase awareness and self-management of CVD in women exist, but there is a lack of direct effects, speaking to unknown factors. Given perpetually high rates of CVD, low levels of PA, and declining knowledge levels among women, further investigation is imperative.
PA Scholars: What Drives and Inhibits Success?
Authors: Garino Alexandria , Cawley James F. , Kayingo Gerald , Min Elana A.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The full expression of an educator includes scholarship, yet many physician assistant (PA) educators are not published. Several barriers unique to PA education are often cited to explain this phenomenon. However, some in the PA profession have become prolific writers despite working in the same environment. In this study, authors strove to understand what motivated these productive faculty by posing 2 research questions: (1) What are the drivers of success for high-performing PA scholars and (2) how do high performing PA scholars overcome barriers?

Methods

A qualitative study using a constructivist, grounded theory approach explored the experiences and motivation of PA-credentialed educators who published >5 peer-reviewed articles and whose body of work achieved anh-index of >3.

Results

High-performing scholars valued scholarship as a creative outlet and a rewarding pursuit. Scholars achieved a sense of fulfillment in their work. Research and writing were described as protective against burnout. Participants viewed barriers differently than other educators. Barriers were acknowledged, but participants developed strategies to overcome obstacles. Mentorship was seen as crucial to success. A nuanced understanding of PA research and the characteristics associated with high-performing PA scholars emerged. The study identified developmental stages associated with the formation of a scholar.

Discussion

Progression from prescholar to mature scholar has important implications for initiatives designed to increase scholarship and provides evidence to support the claim that scholarship positively affects job satisfaction, personal well-being, and talent retention.
Alcohol use disorder in alcohol-associated liver disease: Two sides of the same coin
Authors: Singal Ashwani K. , Leggio Lorenzo , DiMartini Andrea
Published: November 2023

Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) has emerged as the leading indication for liver transplantation (LT) worldwide, with 40% of LTs in the United States performed for ALD in 2019. The ALD-related health care burden accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in young individuals. Alcohol use disorder (AUD), which focuses on the negative effects of alcohol on psychosocial, physical, and mental health, is present in the majority of patients with ALD, with moderate to severe AUD in 75%–80%. During the last decade, early liver transplantation (eLT) has emerged as a lifesaving treatment for selected patients with alcohol-associated hepatitis; these patients may have a higher risk of using alcohol after LT. The risk of alcohol use recurrence may be reduced during the pretransplant or post-transplant period with AUD treatment using behavioral and/or pharmacological therapies and with regular monitoring for alcohol use (self-reported and complemented with biomarkers like phosphatidylethanol). However, AUD treatment in patients with ALD is challenging due to patient, clinician, and system barriers. An integrated model to provide AUD and ALD care by hepatologists and addiction experts in a colocated clinic starting from LT evaluation and selection to monitoring listed candidates and then to following up on recipients of LT should be promoted. However, the integration of addiction and hepatology teams in an LT program in the real world is often present only during evaluation and candidate selection for LT. Data are emerging to show that a multidisciplinary integrated AUD treatment within an LT program reduces recurrent alcohol use after LT. If we want to continue using early liver transplantation for patients with severe alcohol-associated hepatitis, LT programs should focus on building integrated multidisciplinary care teams for the integrated treatment of both AUD and ALD.
Preload Responsiveness in Patients With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Managed With Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Loosen Gregor , Conrad Alice Marguerite , Essert Nils , Boesing Christoph , Hagmann Michael , Thiel Manfred , Luecke Thomas , Rocco Patricia R. M. , Pelosi Paolo , Krebs Joerg
Published: November 2023

A restrictive fluid strategy is recommended in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) managed with venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO). However, there are no established predictors for preload responsiveness in these patients. In 20 ARDS patients managed with VV ECMO, transesophageal echocardiography was used to repeatedly evaluate dynamic parameters of the left (velocity and stroke volume variation) and right ventricular outflow tract (velocity [respiratory variations of the maximal Doppler velocity in the truncus pulmonalis {ΔVmaxTP}] and velocity time integral [respiratory variation of the velocity time integral measured in the truncus pulmonalis {ΔVTI_TP}] variation in the truncus pulmonalis), the diameter variation in the superior and inferior vena cava and stroke volume variation measured by pulse contour analysis (SVV_PCA). Patients were categorized as responders and nonresponders according to an increase in stroke volume measured by echocardiography during a Passive Leg Raise Test with a cutoff value ≥10%. The final analysis includes 86 measurements. Predictive values for preload responsiveness were found for ΔVmaxTP (area under the curve [AUC] of 0.64), ΔVTI_TP (AUC 0.67), and SVV_PCA (AUC 0.74). In conclusion, SVV_PCA and, to a lesser extent, ΔVmaxTP and ΔVTI_TP are the most accurate parameters to predict preload responsiveness in ARDS patients managed with VV ECMO. Transesophageal echocardiography offers no advantages over pulse contour analysis for predicting preload responsiveness and provides only intermittent monitoring and assessment.
Argatroban Use in Pediatric Patients Supported by Paracorporeal Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: Tuttle Merritt G. , Yan Ke , Zhang Jian , Niebler Robert A.
Published: November 2023

Direct thrombin inhibitor (DTI) use has been associated with decreased stroke and death rates in children on ventricular assist devices (VADs). Most information about DTI use for children on VADs has focused on bivalirudin with limited data on argatroban. We hypothesized that, compared to unfractionated heparin (UFH), argatroban would be associated with decreased bleeding, stroke, and death rates in children on VADs. We retrospectively collected data from patients <18 years old on paracorporeal VADs at Children’s Wisconsin between January 1, 2010 and July 1, 2021. We divided patients into cohorts based on anticoagulation strategy with heparin or argatroban. Definitions of bleeding and neurologic events were the same as in other published reports on this population. We compared categorical variables with the χ2 or Fisher’s exact test, and continuous variables with the Mann–Whitney U test. Nineteen children were anticoagulated with argatroban, and 16 with heparin. Demographics between groups were not significantly different. Stroke, bleeding, and death rates did not differ between patients treated with UFH versus argatroban. The study population was complex with a high rate of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) use before VAD support, which likely impacted our findings. Our study does not support argatroban as a superior alternative anticoagulant compared to UFH in children requiring VADs.