bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring learning agility: a review and critique of learning agility measures
Authors: Smith Brandon A. , Watkins Karen E.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this review is to evaluate existing learning agility measures and offer recommendations for their use in organizational and scholarly contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a general review paper assessing the psychometric qualities of prevalent learning agility measures. Measures were selected based on their predominance and use in the learning agility literature and organizational settings.

Findings

Learning agility measurement is an area requiring further research. Multiple conceptualizations of learning agility exist, making the true structure of learning agility unclear. The learning agility measures in the academic literature deviate from learning agility’s traditional conceptualization and require further validation and convergent validity studies. Commercial measures of learning agility exist, but their development procedures are not subjected to peer review and are not widely used in academic research, given the cost associated with their use.

Practical implications

Learning agility is prevalently used in organizational settings and is receiving increased scholarly attention. Various conceptualizations and measurement tools exist, and it is unclear how these theories and measures relate and differ. This paper contributes to practice by providing practical guidelines and limitations for measuring learning agility.

Originality/value

Learning agility was initially conceived as a multidimensional construct comprising people agility, results agility, change agility and mental agility. As the construct has evolved, the dimension structure of the measure has evolved as well. This study addresses a gap in our current understanding of how to conceptualize and measure learning agility.
Two‐dimensional SH‐wave and acoustic P‐wave full waveform inversion: A Midland Basin case study
Authors: Liu Youfang , Simmons James
Published: April 2024

Building a reliable S‐wave velocity model remains challenging from P‐wave land seismic data as multi‐parameter elastic full waveform inversion which updates P‐ and S‐wave velocities simultaneously is not yet widely adopted due to its computational cost, highly nonlinear nature and noise contamination from land seismic data. To overcome this challenge, we propose implementing the SH‐wave full waveform inversion to obtain the S‐wave velocity model. The value of this approach has been examined by applying two‐dimensional time‐domain SH‐ and P‐wave acoustic full waveform inversion to a nine‐component three‐dimensional seismic survey acquired in the Midland Basin. The nine‐component seismic survey was acquired by using both vertical and horizontal component vibrators and receivers, which enables us to apply both SH‐ and P‐wave full waveform inversion to the raw and preprocessed shot gathers along a two‐dimensional line. The SH‐ and P‐wave full waveform inversion applied to the raw shot gathers provide more detailed P‐ and S‐wave velocities compared to the velocities from the stacking velocity analysis. Additionally, there are no problematic artefacts in the inverted S‐wave velocity model, which shows the stability of the SH‐wave inversion. Through the SH‐wave full waveform inversion from the preprocessed shot gathers, we reveal the lateral velocity variations in the Grayburg–San Andres interval, which coincides with the depositional environment changes suggested by the previous regional study mainly based on well log and cores. These variations demonstrate that SH‐wave full waveform inversion can identify additional geological features that are not observed in the inverted P‐wave velocity model. The inverted P‐ and SH‐wave velocities are validated by the flattening of the events observed in the common image gathers after Kirchhoff depth migration. The SH‐wave migration image further reveals the irregular geometries of carbonates in the Spraberry formation. Vp/Vs ratios calculated from the independently inverted P‐ and S‐wave velocity models show strong lateral variations in the Wolfcamp interval (key‐producing interval), which could be caused by the organic content variations between the reservoir and non‐reservoir rocks. The inversion results demonstrate that the SH‐wave full waveform inversion can be used to provide an S‐wave velocity model that is comparable to the P‐wave velocity model derived from acoustic full waveform inversion, which is widely used for P‐wave velocity model building from P‐wave land seismic data.
Optimizing myocardial cell protection with xanthine derivative KMUP‐3 potentiates autophagy through the PI3K/Akt/eNOS axis
Authors: Huang Shang‐En , Hsu Jong‐Hau , Shiau Bo‐Wen , Liu Yi‐Ching , Wu Bin‐Nan , Dai Zen‐Kong , Liu Chung‐Pin , Yeh Jwu‐Lai
Published: April 2024

Background

Autophagy can have either beneficial or detrimental effects on various heart diseases. Pharmacological interventions improve cardiac function, which is correlated with enhanced autophagy. To assess whether a xanthine derivative (KMUP‐3) treatment coincides with enhanced autophagy while also providing cardio‐protection, we investigated the hypothesis that KMUP‐3 treatment activation of autophagy through PI3K/Akt/eNOS signalling offered cardioprotective properties.

Methods

The pro‐autophagic effect of KMUP‐3 was performed in a neonatal rat model targeting cardiac fibroblasts and cardiomyocytes, and by assessing the impact of KMUP‐3 treatment on cardiotoxicity, we used antimycin A‐induced cardiomyocytes.

Results

As determined by transmission electron microscopy observation, KMUP‐3 enhanced autophagosome formation in cardiac fibroblasts. Furthermore, KMUP‐3 significantly increased the expressions of autophagy‐related proteins, LC3 and Beclin‐1, both in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner; moreover, the pro‐autophagy and nitric oxide enhancement effects of KMUP‐3 were abolished by inhibitors targeting eNOS and PI3K in cardiac fibroblasts and cardiomyocytes. Notably, KMUP‐3 ameliorated cytotoxic effects induced by antimycin A, demonstrating its protective autophagic response.

Conclusion

These findings enable the core pathway of PI3K/Akt/eNOS axis in KMUP‐3‐enhanced autophagy activation and suggest its principal role in safeguarding against cardiotoxicity.
The ‘missing’ in the ‘endgame’ of hepatitis C elimination: A qualitative study in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Treloar Carla , Lancaster Kari , Rhodes Tim , Lafferty Lise , Bryant Joanne , Rance Jake
Published: April 2024

Introduction

After a promising start in Australia, elimination efforts for hepatitis C are not on track. Following the global campaign to ‘find the missing’ in hepatitis C response, this qualitative study explores stakeholder perspectives on the ‘missing’ in the ‘endgame’ of hepatitis elimination in the state of New South Wales, Australia.

Method

Twenty‐eight key informants working in New South Wales, elsewhere in Australia and internationally in high income countries participated in a semi‐structured qualitative interview. Analysis examined key informant accounts of the ‘missing’ in efforts to eliminate hepatitis C.

Results

Participants' accounts framed the missing in relation to epidemiological knowledge, making‐up four population categories ‘missing’ or ‘missed’ in hepatitis C response. In turn, accounts situated the missing in relation to where and how individuals were presumed to connect, or not, with existing health‐care infrastructures. This gave rise to concerns about the capacity of health services to be made available for those at risk or in need, with systems said to create opportunities for people to ‘miss out’ on hepatitis C services.

Discussion and Conclusions

The ‘missing’ in the ‘endgame’ of hepatitis C elimination effort is not simply a function of who—populations missed—but of where and how, that is, situation and context. Our findings encourage a focus on how services, systems and contexts may create situations in which people become missed or are ‘made missing’ from care. We therefore advocate for a systemic, and not only population‐based, approach in the final push towards hepatitis C's elimination.
Green media coverage and corporate green innovation
Authors: Gao Jie , Wu Huiying , You Jiaxing , Smith Meg
Published: April 2024

We examine the effect of media coverage of corporate environmental activities on corporate green innovation. Using a large sample of corporate news coverage over the period 2001–2019, we find a positive relationship between green media coverage and the green innovation of a corporation but a negative one between nongreen media coverage and green innovation. These results are robust to a battery of sensitivity tests, including the instrumental approach and propensity score matching method. We examine and verify two well‐documented general channels through which the media influences corporate behaviors, namely, the financial constraint mitigation and external governance. More importantly, we examine channels specifically related to green media coverage and find that green media coverage strengthens the effect of pressure imposed by the government and the public for green innovation. Taken together, our results suggest that the media plays a distinctive role in green innovation through its particular attention to the environment.
Knockout of miR396 genes increases seed size and yield in soybean
Authors: Xie Hongtao , Su Fei , Niu Qingfeng , Geng Leping , Cao Xuesong , Song Minglei , Dong Jinsong , Zheng Zai , Guo Rui , Zhang Yang , Deng Yuanwei , Ji Zhanbo , Pang Kang , Zhu Jian‐Kang , Zhu Jianhua
Published: April 2024

Yield improvement has long been an important task for soybean breeding in the world in order to meet the increasing demand for food and animal feed. miR396 genes have been shown to negatively regulate grain size in rice, but whether miR396 family members may function in a similar manner in soybean is unknown. Here, we generated eight soybean mutants harboring different combinations of homozygous mutations in the six soybean miR396 genes through genome editing with clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR‐associated nuclease (Cas)12SF01 in the elite soybean cultivar Zhonghuang 302 (ZH302). Four triple mutants (mir396aci, mir396acd, mir396adf, and mir396cdf), two quadruple mutants (mir396abcd and mir396acfi), and two quintuple mutants (mir396abcdf and mir396bcdfi) were characterized. We found that plants of all the mir396 mutants produced larger seeds compared to ZH302 plants. Field tests showed that mir396adf and mir396cdf plants have significantly increased yield in growth zones with relatively high latitude which are suited for ZH302 and moderately increased yield in lower latitude. In contrast, mir396abcdf and mir396bcdfi plants have increased plant height and decreased yield in growth zones with relatively high latitude due to lodging issues, but they are suited for low latitude growth zones with increased yield without lodging problems. Taken together, our study demonstrated that loss‐of‐function of miR396 genes leads to significantly enlarged seed size and increased yield in soybean, providing valuable germplasms for breeding high‐yield soybean.
En tránsito por el norte de Chile: Desplazamiento forzado de población venezolana bajo el control fronterizo y sanitario durante la pandemia por COVID‐19 (2020‐2021)
Authors: Liberona Concha Nanette , Rodríguez Romina Ramos , Rivera Carlos Piñones , Ramírez Marioly Corona
Published: April 2024

In 2020, as a result of border closures due to the COVID‐19 pandemic, thousands of forcibly displaced migrant families, mainly of Venezuelan origin, entered Chile through unauthorized crossings. In response, the Government activated administrative measures to restrict mobility and promoted the militarization of the border. Although these measures did not limit people's entry, they were threatened by illegal collective expulsions and by a “humanitarian” intervention that aggravated the crisis. In this context, we explore through a collaborative ethnography, how the control of cross‐border mobility is linked to and reinforced by the health control of this population, threatened by the international border order. Specifically, we illustrate the effects of transit density on displaced persons, based on the management of the “migratory crisis” through the “Colchane Plan,” and we analyze the humanitarian response as a form of government that invisibilizes and naturalizes serious consequences on the health of bodies in mobility.
Sulphate resistance of low‐clinker engineered cementitious composites examined by MicroXRF imaging
Authors: Szeto Connor , Kurtis Kimberly E.
Published: April 2024

Engineered cementitious composites (ECC) are a class of high‐performing fibre‐reinforced cementitious materials recognised for their increased ductility and durability compared to conventional cement‐based materials, owing to their autogenously controlled tight crack widths, even when subjected to high strains. To reduce ECC's environmental impact, this research examines the use of a low‐clinker binder − limestone‐calcined clay cement (LC3) − as an alternative to portland cement (PC), along with fly ash to further reduce the clinker proportion and the embodied CO2 of the formulations. In conventional concrete, LC3 hydrates to a denser microstructure resulting from the synergistic reaction between limestone and calcined clay. At the lower water contents typical of ECC and with the presence of fly ash, the influence of the binder composition on the microstructure is difficult to anticipate.

To examine the influence of these compositional variables on microstructure, permeability and durability, the sulphate resistance of LC3‐based ECC is explored. Specifically, the ECC‐LC3 blends are designed with high clinker replacement rate of 75% by mass of binder and contain either conventional fly ash or reclaimed fly ash at 50% by mass of binder. Expansion of ECC‐LC3 samples subjected to standard sodium sulphate test conditions was measured up to 12 months and the depth of penetration of sulphates into the ECC‐LC3 of varying compositions was quantified using micro‐X‐Ray Fluorescence (microXRF) imaging and modelling. The expansion results show that the ECC‐LC3 formulations performed better than the PC samples and can provide adequate resistance to external sulphate attack, even when reclaimed fly ashes are used in place of the conventional ash. In addition, the shallow penetration of sulphate into these cementitious composites demonstrates the low diffusion coefficients values that were determined using the quantitative data from MicroXRF imaging.
Genetic insight into a polygenic trait using a novel genome‐wide association approach in a wild amphibian population
Authors: Toli Elisavet‐Aspasia , Kemppainen Petri , Bounas Anastasios , Sotiropoulos Konstantinos
Published: April 2024

Body size variation is central in the evolution of life‐history traits in amphibians, but the underlying genetic architecture of this complex trait is still largely unknown. Herein, we studied the genetic basis of body size and fecundity of the alternative morphotypes in a wild population of the Greek smooth newt (Lissotriton graecus). By combining a genome‐wide association approach with linkage disequilibrium network analysis, we were able to identify clusters of highly correlated loci thus maximizing sequence data for downstream analysis. The putatively associated variants explained 12.8% to 44.5% of the total phenotypic variation in body size and were mapped to genes with functional roles in the regulation of gene expression and cell cycle processes. Our study is the first to provide insights into the genetic basis of complex traits in newts and provides a useful tool to identify loci potentially involved in fitness‐related traits in small data sets from natural populations in non‐model species.
Acute respiratory failure caused by brainstem demyelinating lesions in an older patient with an atypical relapsing autoimmune disorder
Authors: Hongo Shoko , Shimizu Hiroshi , Saji Etsuji , Nakajima Akihiro , Okamoto Kouichirou , Kawachi Izumi , Onodera Osamu , Kakita Akiyoshi
Published: April 2024

An 84‐year‐old man presented with somnolence, dysphagia, and right hemiplegia, all occurring within a month, approximately one year after initial admission due to subacute, transient cognitive decline suggestive of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis involving the cerebral white matter. Serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies over that period revealed three high‐intensity signal lesions on fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery images, appearing in chronological order in the left upper and left lower medulla oblongata and left pontine base. Despite some clinical improvement following methylprednisolone pulse therapy, the patient died of respiratory failure. Autopsy revealed four fresh, well‐defined lesions in the brainstem, three of which corresponded to the lesions detected radiologically. The remaining lesion was located in the dorsal medulla oblongata and involved the right solitary nucleus. This might have appeared at a later disease stage, eventually causing respiratory failure. Histologically, all four lesions showed loss of myelin, preservation of axons, and infiltration of lymphocytes, predominantly CD8‐positive T cells, consistent with the histological features of autoimmune demyelinating diseases, particularly the confluent demyelination observed in the early and acute phases of multiple sclerosis (MS). In the cerebral white matter, autoimmune demyelination appeared superimposed on ischemic changes, consistent with the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and MRI findings on initial admission. No anti‐AQP4 or MOG antibodies or those potentially causing autoimmune encephalitis/demyelination were detected in either the serum or CSF. Despite several similarities to MS, such as the relapsing–remitting disease course and lesion histology, the entire clinicopathological picture in the present patient, especially the advanced age at onset and development of brainstem lesions in close proximity within a short time frame, did not fit those of MS or other autoimmune diseases that are currently established. The present results suggest that exceptionally older individuals can be affected by an as yet unknown inflammatory demyelinating disease of the CNS.
FREQUENCY, PHASES AND CHRONOLOGY OF ROCK ART: SPATIOTEMPORAL STUDIES OF THE ALTA ROCK CARVINGS, NORTHERNMOST EUROPE
Authors: Gjerde Jan Magne
Published: April 2024

The rock art of Alta, comprising more than 7000 rock carvings, is dated by shoreline chronology. It is unparalleled in Europe. The well‐dated rock carvings make the material suitable for a temporal study of the rock art and the frequency of rock art production over c.5500 years. Based on new detailed elevation measurements performed by Alta Museum of the 92 panels with rock art and individual measurements of a total of 442 individual figures it is possible to discuss the temporal and spatial distribution of the rock art in Alta in detail. This up‐to‐date study shows that the rock art in Alta was made between c.5300 BC and AD 100 (6300–1900 BP). This raises the question whether the rock art record represents an even production of figures, accumulated gradually over more than five millennia, or whether there were more intensive phases of activity in the Alta area. Further, were all main areas used throughout the five millennia or did activities shift in the landscape? Based on the current record, the frequency of the rock art argues for a clear division of the material into four chronological phases. The material record shows an intense production in the earliest period from c.5300–4000 BC, with about 60% of the rock art being made then. The results from this study indicate that the rock carvings in Alta support a framework for the Alta rock art into four phases.
Successful prediction of left bundle branch block‐induced cardiomyopathy and treatment effect by artificial intelligence‐enabled electrocardiogram
Authors: Dhawan Rahul , Omer Mohamed , Carpenter Caitlin , Friedman Paul A. , Liu Xiaoke
Published: April 2024

Background

Left bundle branch block (LBBB) induced cardiomyopathy is an increasingly recognized disease entity.  However, no clinical testing has been shown to be able to predict such an occurrence.

Case report

A 70‐year‐old male with a prior history of LBBB with preserved ejection fraction (EF) and no other known cardiovascular conditions presented with presyncope, high‐grade AV block, and heart failure with reduced EF (36%). His coronary angiogram was negative for any obstructive disease. No other known etiologies for cardiomyopathy were identified. Artificial intelligence‐enabled ECGs performed 6 years prior to clinical presentation consistently predicted a high probability (up to 91%) of low EF. The patient successfully underwent left bundle branch area (LBBA) pacing with correction of the underlying LBBB. Subsequent AI ECGs showed a large drop in the probability of low EF immediately after LBBA pacing to 47% and then to 3% 2 months post procedure. His heart failure symptoms markedly improved and EF normalized to 54% at the same time.

Conclusions

Artificial intelligence‐enabled ECGS may help identify patients who are at risk of developing LBBB‐induced cardiomyopathy and predict the response to LBBA pacing.
Functional substrate mapping of atrium in patients with atrial scar: A novel method to predict critical isthmus of atrial tachycardia
Authors: Yorgun Hikmet , Coteli Cem , Kılıç Gül Sinem , Aytemir Kudret
Published: April 2024

Atrial tachycardia (AT) is a common rhythm disorder, especially in patients with atrial structural abnormalities. Although voltage mapping can provide a general picture of structural alterations which are mainly secondary to prior ablations, surgery or pressure/volume overload, data is scarce regarding the functional characteristics of low voltage regions in the atrium to predict critical isthmus of ATs. Recently, functional substrate mapping (FSM) emerged as a potential tool to evaluate the functionality of structurally altered regions in the atrium to predict critical sites of reentry. Current evidence suggested a clear association between deceleration zones of isochronal late activation mapping (ILAM) during sinus/paced rhythm and critical isthmus of reentry in patients with left AT. Therefore, these areas seem to be potential ablation targets even not detected during AT. Furthermore, abnormal conduction detected by ILAM may also have a role to identify the potential substrate and predict atrial fibrillation outcome after pulmonary vein isolation. Despite these promising findings, the utility of such an approach needs to be evaluated in large‐scale comparative studies. In this review, we aimed to share our experience and review the current literature regarding the use of FSM during sinus/paced rhythm in the prediction of re‐entrant ATs and discuss future implications and potential use in patients with atrial low‐voltage areas.
2:1 electronic AV block due to inappropriate automatic post‐ventricular atrial refractory period extension
Authors: Crea Pasquale , Bellocchi Paolo , Cocuzza Federica , Micari Antonino , Oreto Lilia
Published: April 2024

A 16‐year‐old female with dual‐chamber pacemaker (Medtronic Azure XT DR), due to symptomatic third‐degree congenital atrioventricular (AV) block, presented to our ambulatory with dizziness and presyncopal episodes preceded by prodromes, occurring over the last few months. The device was programmed in DDD mode with an upper rate of 150 bpm. A head‐up Tilt Test (HUTT) revealed the unexpected emergence of 2:1 electronic AV block at a sinus rate of 130 bpm.
Martingale posterior distributions for cumulative hazard functions
Authors: Walker Stephen G.
Published: April 2024

This paper is about the modeling of cumulative hazard functions using martingale posterior distributions. The focus is on uncertainty quantification from a nonparametric perspective. The foundational Bayesian model in this case is the beta process and the classic estimator is the Nelson–Aalen. We use a sequence of estimators which form a martingale in order to obtain a random cumulative hazard function from the martingale posterior. The connection with the beta process is established and a number of illustrations is presented.
Anatomical classification of feline congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts based on CT angiography: A SVSTS and VIRIES multi‐institutional study in 231 cats
Authors: Weisse Chick , Asano Kazushi , Ishigaki Kumiko , Lipscomb Victoria , Llanos Cesar , Zwingenberger Allison L , Carroll Kenneth A , Grosso Federico R Vilaplana , Stock Emmelie , Buote Nicole , Aly Ali , Murgia Daniela , Arai Shiori , Linden Alex zur , Gordon Jana , Manassero Mathieu , Schwarz Tobias , Wallace Mandy L , Graham Julia , Hardie Robert , Chang Yifu , Robbins Mitch , Bismuth Camille , Karnia James , Sterman Allyson , Saunders Ashley , Montinaro Vincenzo , Guarnera Isabella , McLauchlan Gerard , Černá Petra , Maurin Marie‐Pauline , Aisa Josep , An Anjile
Published: April 2024

The prevalence of anatomical‐based subtypes of feline congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts (EHPSS) has not been completely elucidated. The goal of this study was to use CT angiography to create an anatomical‐based nomenclature system for feline congenital EHPSS. Additionally, subjective portal perfusion scores were generated to determine if intrinsic portal vein development was associated with different shunt conformations or patient age at the time of CT. The SVSTS and VIRIES list services were used to recruit cases. Data collected included patient DOB, gender, breed, weight, CT date, and reported diagnosis. Shunts were classified based upon (1) the shunt portal vessel(s) of origin, (2) the shunt systemic vessel(s) of insertion, and (3) any substantial portal vessels contributing to the shunt. Additionally, hepatic portal perfusion was subjectively scored between 1 (poor/none) and 5 (good/normal) based on the caliber of the intrahepatic PVs. A total of 264 CT scans were submitted from 29 institutions. Due to exclusion criteria, 33 (13%) were removed, leaving 231 CT scans to be included. Twenty‐five different EHPSS anatomies were identified with five classifications accounting for 78% of all shunts (LGP [53%], LGC‐post [11%], LCG [7%], LGC‐pre [4%], and PC [4%]). Shunt origin involved the left gastric vein in 75% of the described classifications. Significant differences were identified among the five most common shunt types with respect to age at the time of CT scan (P = .002), breed (P < .001), and subjective portal perfusion score (P < .001). This refined anatomical classification system for feline EHPSS may enable improved understanding, treatment comparisons, and outcome prediction for cats with these anomalies.
Dislocation hyperbolic augmented Lagrangian algorithm in convex programming
Authors: Mallma Ramirez Lennin , Maculan Nelson , Elias Xavier Adilson , Layter Xavier Vinicius
Published: April 2024

The dislocation hyperbolic augmented Lagrangian algorithm (DHALA) is a new approach to the hyperbolic augmented Lagrangian algorithm (HALA). DHALA is designed to solve convex nonlinear programming problems. We guarantee that the sequence generated by DHALA converges towards a Karush-Kuhn-Tucker point. We are going to observe that DHALA has a slight computational advantage in solving the problems over HALA. Finally, we will computationally illustrate our theoretical results.
EVALUATION OF NORMALIZED DIFFERENCE VEGETATION INDEX IN WILD APPLE POPULATIONS GROWING IN SOUTHEAST MOUNTAIN REGIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN
Authors: Taskuzhina A. , Khusnitdinova M. , Kerimbek N. , Kapytina A. , Pozharskiy A. , Moisseyev R. , Gritsenko Dilyara
Published: April 2024

NDVI is one of the most common vegetation indices for solving various problems of assessing the state of vegetation cover and its dynamics. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the state of wild Sievers apple trees in the territory of Phenological area, Genetic Reserve of Sievers, Tauturgen and Sievers apple reserve (Zhongar-Alatau and Ile-Alatau SNNP) using the NDVI index. The period of study was season’s autumn 2022 and spring 2023. Created interactive maps of the study area with multispectral reconstructions in NDVI formats let us was established the condition of the Sievers apple tree. Which was based on an analysis of the deviation of the NDVI of each tree in the study area from the average index value for the vegetation of the entire type of area. This allowed us to identify the territorial features of the state of the Sievers apple trees and identify degraded trees. The results obtained can be used for the rational management of environmental management by the Zhongar-Alatau SNNP and the Ile-Alatau SNNP.
MOLECULAR DETECTION OF FUSOBACTERIUM NUCLEATUM IN IN KAZAKHSTANY PATIENTS WITH COLORECTAL CANCER
Authors: Kurentay B.A. , Gusmaulemova A.D. , Utupov T.A. , Auganova D.N. , Tarlykov P.V. , Khamzina S.S. , Mamlin M.A. , Kozhakhmetov A.M. , Shalekenov S.B. , Kulmambetova G.N.
Published: April 2024

Colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Fusobacterium nucleatum is thought to play an important role in the development of colorectal cancer. F. nucleatum there are many studies that prove that has a great influence on the oncogenesis of colorectal cancer, but the participation of the bacterium in this process remains unclear. The goal of our study is to find out in colorectal cancer tissue F. nucleatum was the definition. Biomaterials from 43 colorectal cancer patients from the National scientific cancer center were analyzed. To detect bacteria, DNA was extracted from the biomaterial and culture inoculation was carried out in parallel. F. nucleatum detection was performed by two methods using Matrix activated laser microbiological desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and quantitative real-time PCR detection. As a result, MALDI determined 14.58%, and qPCR detected 46.51% of bacteria. Thus, F. nucleatum can be a biomarker of colorectal cancer risk.
Risk of Modern Slavery in the University Supply Chain
Authors: Stewart Rebecca
Published: April 2024

This research project aims to identify the risk of modern slavery in the University of Otago’s supply chain and to advise the procurement department on how to address this risk. Modern slavery legislation in New Zealand is anticipated in the near future and the University of Otago must be prepared to meet their obligations under this law. This report introduces and advises on four proposals of varying cost and practicality that the University of Otago may implement in their procurement operations. Data to inform these proposals was gathered through interviews conducted with experts, and through a questionnaire sent to all of the University of Otago’s suppliers. These findings not only inform the University’s procurement practices but also contribute to broader discussions on corporate responsibility and supply chain ethics. By anticipating and proactively addressing modern slavery risks, the University of Otago sets a precedent for ethical procurement practices in the academic sector and beyond.
Supervised by: Ray O’Brien, Stephen Hall
Scholarship Project Funded by: University of Otago Procurement Department
Synthesis and Study of Superhigh-Concentrated Organosols of Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Vorobyev S. A. , Flerko M. Yu. , Novikova S. A. , Mazurova E. V. , Tomashevich Ye. V. , Likhatski M. N. , Saikova S. V. , Samoilo A. S. , Zolotovsky N. A. , Volochaev M. N.
Published: April 2024

Due to their unique properties, organosols of silver nanoparticles are widely used in optical and semiconductor devices, to produce electrically and thermally conductive films, as catalysts, antibacterial materials, etc. This work proposes a simple and highly productive method for the preparation of silver organosols, which have a metal concentration as high as 1800 g/L and contain spherical nanoparticles with low polydispersity and a median size of 9.1 nm. The method consists in the initial preparation of silver nanoparticle hydrosols with a concentration of higher than 30 g/L followed by the transfer of the NPs into an organic phase of o-xylene. A set of physical research methods has been employed to study the regularities of the extraction of silver nanoparticles with o-xylene in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and ethanol and to determine the optimal process conditions, under which the extraction degree is as high as 62.5%. It has been found that bromine anions contained in CTAB molecules cause the aggregation of some amount of silver nanoparticles with the formation of silver metal sediment in the aqueous phase. According to X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data, the sediment contains bromide ions (up to 4 at %) on the particle surface. Organosols synthesized under optimal conditions are stable for more than 7 months and withstand repeated cycles of drying and redispersing. Silver organosols have been used to obtain metal films with an electrical conductivity of about 68 500 S/cm, which increases to 412 000 and 509 500 S/cm (87.8% of the electrical conductivity of bulk silver) after thermal treatment at 150 and 250°C, respectively.
Slowly rotating Q-balls
Authors: Almumin Yahya , Heeck Julian , Rajaraman Arvind , Verhaaren Christopher B.
Published: April 2024

Q-balls are non-topological solitons arising in scalar field theories. Solutions for rotating Q-balls (and the related boson stars) have been shown to exist when the angular momentum is equal to an integer multiple of the Q-ball charge Q. Here we consider the possibility of classically long-lived metastable rotating Q-balls with small angular momentum, even for large charge, for all scalar theories that support non-rotating Q-balls. This is relevant for rotating extensions of Q-balls and related solitons such as boson stars as it impacts their cosmological phenomenology.

arXiv:2302.11589
Dynamics of inspiraling dark energy
Authors: Anguelova Lilia , Dumancic John , Gass Richard , Wijewardhana L. C. R.
Published: April 2024

We investigate the dynamics of a multifield dark energy model, which arises from certain rapid-turning and inspiraling trajectories in field space. We find the speed of sound $$c_s$$

c
s

of the dark energy perturbations around the background and show that $$c_s$$

c
s

is monotonically decreasing with time. Furthermore, it has a positive-definite lower bound that implies a certain clustering scale. We also extend the previously known background solution for dark energy to an exact solution that includes matter. This allows us to address the implications of our model for two cosmological tensions. More precisely, we argue that the $$\sigma _8$$

σ
8

tension can be alleviated generically, while reducing the Hubble tension requires certain constraints on the parameter space of the model. Notably, a necessary condition for alleviating the Hubble tension is that the transition from matter domination to the dark energy epoch begins earlier than in $$\Lambda $$
Λ
CDM.
Constraints on the trilinear and quartic Higgs couplings from triple Higgs production at the LHC and beyond
Authors: Stylianou Panagiotis , Weiglein Georg
Published: April 2024

Experimental information on the trilinear Higgs boson self-coupling $$\kappa _3$$

κ
3

and the quartic self-coupling $$\kappa _4$$

κ
4

will be crucial for gaining insight into the shape of the Higgs potential and the nature of the electroweak phase transition. While Higgs pair production processes provide access to $$\kappa _3$$

κ
3

, triple Higgs production processes, despite their small cross sections, will provide valuable complementary information on $$\kappa _3$$

κ
3

and first experimental constraints on $$\kappa _4$$

κ
4

. We investigate triple Higgs boson production at the HL-LHC, employing efficient Graph Neural Network methodologies to maximise the statistical yield. We show that it will be possible to establish bounds on the variation of both couplings from the HL-LHC analyses that significantly go beyond the constraints from perturbative unitarity. We also discuss the prospects for the analysis of triple Higgs production at future high-energy lepton colliders operating at the TeV scale.
X-Ray-Based 3D Histopathology of the Kidney Using Cryogenic Contrast-Enhanced MicroCT
Authors: Maes Arne , Borgel Onno , Braconnier Clara , Balcaen Tim , Wevers Martine , Halbgebauer Rebecca , Huber-Lang Markus , Kerckhofs Greet
Published: April 2024

The kidney’s microstructure, which comprises a highly convoluted tubular and vascular network, can only be partially revealed using classical 2D histology. Considering that the kidney’s microstructure is closely related to its function and is often affected by pathologies, there is a need for powerful and high-resolution 3D imaging techniques to visualize the microstructure. Here, we present how cryogenic contrast-enhanced microCT (cryo-CECT) allowed 3D visualization of glomeruli, tubuli, and vasculature. By comparing different contrast-enhancing staining agents and freezing protocols, we found that the preferred sample preparation protocol was the combination of staining with 1:2 hafnium(IV)-substituted Wells-Dawson polyoxometalate and freezing by submersion in isopentane at −78°C. This optimized protocol showed to be highly sensitive, allowing to detect small pathology-induced microstructural changes in a mouse model of mild trauma-related acute kidney injury after thorax trauma and hemorrhagic shock. In summary, we demonstrated that cryo-CECT is an effective 3D histopathological tool that allows to enhance our understanding of kidney tissue microstructure and their related function.
Statistical Analysis for the Detection of Change Points and the Evaluation of Monthly Mean Temperature Trends of the Moulouya Basin (Morocco)
Authors: Addou Rachid , Obda Khalid , Krakauer Nir Y. , Hanchane Mohamed , Kessabi Ridouane , El Khazzan Bouchta , Achir Imad Eddine
Published: April 2024

This study examines the spatiotemporal variability of mean monthly temperature in the Moulouya watershed of northeastern Morocco, highlighting associated trends. To this end, statistical methods widely recommended by climate researchers were adopted. We used monthly mean temperature data for the period 1980–2020 from 9 measuring stations belonging to the Moulouya Watershed Agency (ABHM). These stations were rigorously selected, taking into account their reliability, the length of their records, and their geographical position in the basin. In addition, a quality test and homogenization of the temperature series were carried out using the Climatol tool. The results obtained show a significant upward trend in mean monthly temperature, mainly pronounced during the summer months, in the Moulouya watershed. In fact, Z values generally exceeded the 0.05 significance level at all stations during April, May, June, July, August, and October. According to the results of Sen’s slope test, mean monthly temperatures show an annual increase ranging from 0 to 0.13°C. The maximum magnitude of warming is recorded in July, specifically at Oujda Station. On an overall watershed scale, May, August, and July show a rapid warming trend, with average rates of 0.093, 0.086, and 0.08°C per year, respectively. By contrast, the series for the other months show no significant trend. Significant trend change points were also identified at watershed and station scales, mainly around 2000, primarily for accelerated warming of the summer months.
When Imagination Feels Like Reality: A Case Study of False Memories and Maladaptive Daydreaming in Visual Impairment
Authors: Somer Eli
Published: April 2024

Background. When a person experiences maladaptive daydreaming (MD), they spend a prolonged period daydreaming with a strong sense of presence. The symptoms of MD are often excessive, interfere with functioning, and are linked to distress and comorbid mental disorders. In this paper, apparent false memory is described in the context of a woman with MD and visual impairment due to a progressive eye condition. Her vivid daydreams seemed indistinguishable from actual memories. Case Report. A 35-year-old woman with a lifelong MD reported three incidents of fabricating detailed false memories of events that her family confirmed never occurred: obtaining a new job, miscarrying twins, and hospitalization for COVID-19. She experienced anxiety and shame when the stories were disproven. The assessment confirmed MD, PTSD, OCD, and other disorders. Her verbal memory was below average, especially for longer narratives. Her misattributions of daydreams as real-life memories may relate to reliance on vivid mental images over deteriorating vision and source monitoring deficits. Conclusion. This first reported case of confabulations in an individual with MD and visual disability suggests daydreams could potentially be mistaken for actual events in some MD cases. While sensitive, more research is needed on the prevalence of false memories among individuals with MD. The default mode network, prefrontal cortex, and their connectivity may be implicated in generating vivid daydreams and misattributing them to actual episodic events. Understanding the relationship between sensory impairments, dissociation, and susceptibility to memory distortions could inform interventions to improve reality testing for some MD patients.
CD70-Targeted Allogeneic CAR T-Cell Therapy for Advanced Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Pal Sumanta K. , Tran Ben , Haanen John B.A.G. , Hurwitz Michael E. , Sacher Adrian , Tannir Nizar M. , Budde Lihua E. , Harrison Simon J. , Klobuch Sebastian , Patel Sagar S. , Meza Luis , Dequeant Mary-Lee , Ma Anna , He Qiuling Ally , Williams Leah M. , Keegan Alissa , Gurary Ellen B. , Dar Henia , Karnik Sushant , Guo Changan , Heath Heidi , Yuen Rachel R. , Morrow Phuong K. , Agarwal Neeraj , Srour Samer A.
Published: April 2024

Therapeutic approaches for clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remain limited; however, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies may offer novel treatment options. CTX130, an allogeneic CD70-targeting CAR T-cell product, was developed for the treatment of advanced or refractory ccRCC. We report that CTX130 showed favorable preclinical proliferation and cytotoxicity profiles and completely regressed RCC xenograft tumors. We also report results from 16 patients with relapsed/refractory ccRCC who received CTX130 in a phase I, multicenter, first-in-human clinical trial. No patients encountered dose-limiting toxicity, and disease control was achieved in 81.3% of patients. One patient remains in a durable complete response at 3 years. Finally, we report on a next-generation CAR T construct, CTX131, in which synergistic potency edits to CTX130 confer improved expansion and efficacy in preclinical studies. These data represent a proof of concept for the treatment of ccRCC and other CD70+ malignancies with CD70− targeted allogeneic CAR T cells.

Significance: Although the role of CAR T cells is well established in hematologic malignancies, the clinical experience in solid tumors has been disappointing. This clinical trial demonstrates the first complete response in a patient with RCC, reinforcing the potential benefit of CAR T cells in the treatment of solid tumors.

See corresponding author Sumanta K. Pal discuss this research article, published simultaneously at the AACR Annual Meeting 2024: https://vimeo.com/932606570/887520f9cb
Redefining Rare Disease Care in the Digital Age: Insights and Key Takeaways from a Digital Health Symposium Focused on Empowering Rare Disease Communities
Authors: Lewis Emily , Dayal Anuradha , Li Ron
Published: April 2024

At the Stanford-UCB Rare Disease Digital Health Symposium held in Stanford, California, on September 8, 2023, researchers, clinicians, payers, thought leaders, and rare disease caregivers and advocates discussed the current state of care delivery and future perspectives of digitally-enabled care for rare disease patient populations. Digital health aims to improve healthcare delivery through novel ways of providing access to more precise diagnosis, monitoring of disease progression, treatment, prognosis, and care management for rare disease patients. The meeting focused on highlighting challenges and unmet needs, data infrastructure and analytics, the need for targeted and effective personalized therapies, and the importance of digital care transformation. The meeting also covered the social and ethical impact of access to digitally delivered, patient-centered care, as well as views on implementation and patient autonomy and empowerment.
Value of Flemish Version of the Triage Risk Screening Tool in Predicting Unfavorable Outcomes after Elective Cancer Surgery: A Propensity Score-Matched Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Yajima Shugo , Nakanishi Yasukazu , Ogasawara Ryo Andy , Imasato Naoki , Hirose Kohei , Katsumura Sao , Kataoka Madoka , Masuda Hitoshi
Published: April 2024

Introduction: The Flemish version of the Triage Risk Screening Tool (fTRST), derived from the Triage Risk Screening Tool for assessing risk of readmission to the emergency department, is increasingly used as a simple screening tool in oncology. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of the fTRST in the context of elective surgical treatment for urologic cancer patients. Methods: We included 886 patients who underwent major urologic cancer surgery at our institution between 2020 and 2022 and underwent preoperative screening, including fTRST. We set the fTRST cutoff at 2 and used propensity score matching and multivariate regression analysis to assess how fTRST affected two postoperative outcomes: ambulation failure and delirium. Results: Of the 886 patients, 693 (78%) had an fTRST score <2, and 193 (22%) had an fTRST score ≥2 (high likelihood of frailty). After matching the groups by propensity scores, we compared the outcomes of 131 patients in each group. We found that the group with fTRST ≥2 had significantly higher rates of ambulation failure (15 vs. 11%, p = 0.03) and delirium (16 vs. 11%, p = 0.008) than the group with fTRST <2. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that fTRST score ≥2 was an independent risk factor for postoperative ambulation failure (odds ratio [OR] = 4.05, p = 0.02), along with age ≥75 years (OR = 6.62, p = 0.02), preoperative benzodiazepine medications (OR = 5.12, p = 0.01), and receiving radical cystectomy (OR = 9.30, p = 0.02). Similarly, for delirium, fTRST score ≥2 was an independent risk factor (OR = 2.88, p = 0.03), along with preoperative benzodiazepine medications (OR = 4.38, p = 0.002). Conclusion: The fTRST might be a screening tool with great potential for identifying patients at high risk for unfavorable postoperative outcomes in elective urologic cancer surgery.
Editorial
Authors: Salles Cecília Almeida
Published: April 2024

Sem resumo.
Guimarães Rosa e Tradução Literária
Authors: Rodrigues Iná Valéria
Published: April 2024

By using the unpublished correspondence between Mr. Rosa and his translator to the English language, Mrs. Harriet de Onís, this article discusses the translation process carried out by both the autor and the translator through a survey of some of their ideas about the nature of the literary creation and translation.
O Nascimento do Texto e o Conceito de Criação
Authors: Willemart Philippe
Published: April 2024

In the Genesis, creation emerges from a word, from the act of making or from a hand and the narrator distinguishes the spontaneous creation from the one that takes time. In Hesiod, Chaos is seen as the limit between the known and the unknown which are, for the writer, the corrections. Outside the world, in deep silence, the poet is affected by Chaos and is submitted to other laws.
O Texto Passado a Limpo
Authors: Rabello Adylla Rocha
Published: April 2024

In 1976, José Américo de Almeida publishes his last book of memories called "Antes que eu me esqueça" in which he tells stories about his childhood. In an introductory note, he said that he refused the first text he had written because he did not like it. After the original manuscript had been found in his archives, we discovered that it worked as a guideline for the published work. In this study, we compare one of the paragraphs of the manuscript and the corresponding chapter in the published text, to see the modifications that were made by the author in the process of re-creation.