bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artificial intelligence in rheumatoid arthritis research: A bibliometric analysis from 2004 to 2023
Authors: Liu Yang , Su Yazhen , Wu Zewen , Gao Jinfang , Gong Xueyan , Zhang Liyun
Published: September 2024

Background

Artificial intelligence (AI) holds promise for the screening, diagnosis, and management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study explores the current status of AI in RA from 2004 to 2023 using bibliometric analysis and outlines prospective research trends and directions.

Methods

The Web of Science Core Collection database was searched for studies related to AI in patients with RA between 2004 and 2023. VOSviewer was used for bibliometric analysis.

Results

A total of 601 articles from 65 countries, primarily the United States of America, China, and the United Kingdom, were included. The research revealed that the number of global studies on AI in RA surged in 2019, with the United States of America and China producing the highest numbers of articles. Brigham and Women's Hospital emerged as the leading research institution, whereas Frontiers in Immunology was the journal with the most articles on this topic. Keywords such as “rheumatoid arthritis,” “machine learning,” “artificial intelligence,” and “inflammation” were frequently used to indicate their significance in the field.

Conclusions

The synergy of AI and big data can enhance screening, early diagnosis, therapeutic decision‐making, and ground‐up drug discovery for patients with RA. AI technology can assist rheumatologists more effectively in diagnosing and predicting personalized and efficacious therapeutic drugs early in disease progression and providing continuous monitoring.
Conformal Multi‐Target Hyperrectangles
Authors: Sampson Max , Chan Kung‐Sik
Published: September 2024

We propose conformal hyperrectangular prediction regions for multi‐target regression. We propose split conformal prediction algorithms for both point and quantile regression to form hyperrectangular prediction regions, which allow for easy marginal interpretation and do not require covariance estimation. In practice, it is preferable that a prediction region is balanced, that is, having identical marginal prediction coverage, since prediction accuracy is generally equally important across components of the response vector. The proposed algorithms possess two desirable properties, namely, tight asymptotic overall nominal coverage as well as asymptotic balance, that is, identical asymptotic marginal coverage, under mild conditions. We then compare our methods to some existing methods on both simulated and real data sets. Our simulation results and real data analysis show that our methods outperform existing methods while achieving the desired nominal coverage and good balance between dimensions.
Green Synthesis and Applications of Nanoparticles in Biomedical Chemistry
Authors: Narayanan Mathiyazhagan , Sołowski Gaweł , Özdemir Fethi Ahmet
Published: September 2024

Numerous case studies have shown that nanoparticles (NPs) can help address raw material challenges in biomedical as well as healthcare‐related fields. The NPs derived from metal as well as metal oxide have exhibited remarkable therapeutic potential in clinical research. The strategies for nanomaterials interaction with cells can be employed to demonstrate their significance as well as enhance their optimistic potential in the health as well as medical domain. There have been numerous scientific initiatives to discuss antibiotic resistance as well as the antibacterial properties of metal‐based NPs. Regardless of such advancements; there is still a need to investigate their achievement to address current challenges in this field. Thus, this review looks into the contributions of various types of nanoparticles, as well as potential biological and biomedical applications. According to recent advancements as well as applications, metal oxide, and metal‐based NPs are predicted to play a significant part in the healthcare system. The opportunities, as well as challenges for NP commercial advancement, are linked to improving production with optimized scenarios.
Assessment of Hazards in the High‐Pressure Continuous Flow Reactor for Dimethyl Ether (DME) Synthesis
Authors: Ekinci Emine , Ekinci Mustafa Serhat , Karaman Birce
Published: September 2024

The objective of this study is to conduct a thorough hazard analysis specifically tailored to identify hazards and suggest precautions associated with the intricate process of dimethyl ether (DME) production. This exothermic nature of DME production introduces the critical concern of thermal runaway. Furthermore, the DME synthesis process demands precise control over both pressure and flow rate. These parameters are important for increasing DME selectivity and CO conversion. Inadequate monitoring of these values may not only prevent the synthesis from proceeding but may also lead to major risks to health and safety. For this reason, proactive measures must be implemented to eliminate or minimize the risks. The significance of such measures cannot be overstated, as they serve to safeguard not only the integrity of the synthesis process but also the surrounding environment and human health. To delve deeper into the hazard evaluation, a comprehensive Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) analysis has been carried out, focusing specifically on the reactor within the DME process. This methodical examination involves a systematic review of potential deviations, identifying the associated hazards, and proposing effective preventive measures. The HAZOP analysis serves as a pivotal tool in ensuring the overall safety and reliability of the DME process.
Predicting the outcome of psychotherapy for chronic depression by person‐specific symptom networks
Authors: Schumacher Lea , Klein Jan Philipp , Hautzinger Martin , Härter Martin , Schramm Elisabeth , Kriston Levente
Published: September 2024

Psychotherapies are efficacious in the treatment of depression, albeit only with a moderate effect size. It is hoped that personalization of treatment can lead to better outcomes. The network theory of psychopathology offers a novel approach suggesting that symptom interactions as displayed in person‐specific symptom networks could guide treatment planning for an individual patient. In a sample of 254 patients with chronic depression treated with either disorder‐specific or non‐specific psychotherapy for 48 weeks, we investigated if person‐specific symptom networks predicted observer‐rated depression severity at the end of treatment and one and two years after treatment termination. Person‐specific symptom networks were constructed based on a time‐varying multilevel vector autoregressive model of patient‐rated symptom data. We used statistical parameters that describe the structure of these person‐specific networks to predict therapy outcome. First, we used symptom centrality measures as predictors. Second, we used a machine learning approach to select parameters that describe the strength of pairwise symptom associations. We found that information on person‐specific symptom networks strongly improved the accuracy of the prediction of observer‐rated depression severity at treatment termination compared to common covariates recorded at baseline. This was also shown for predicting observer‐rated depression severity at one‐ and two‐year follow‐up. Pairwise symptom associations were better predictors than symptom centrality parameters for depression severity at the end of therapy and one year later. Replication and external validation of our findings, methodological developments, and work on possible ways of implementation are needed before person‐specific networks can be reliably used in clinical practice. Nevertheless, our results indicate that the structure of person‐specific symptom networks can provide valuable information for the personalization of treatment for chronic depression.
Stationary covariance regime for affine stochastic covariance models in Hilbert spaces
Authors: Friesen Martin , Karbach Sven
Published: September 2024

This paper introduces stochastic covariance models in Hilbert spaces with stationary affine instantaneous covariance processes. We explore the applications of these models in the context of forward curve dynamics within fixed-income and commodity markets. The affine instantaneous covariance process is defined on positive self-adjoint Hilbert–Schmidt operators, and we prove the existence of a unique limit distribution for subcritical affine processes, provide convergence rates of the transition kernels in the Wasserstein distance of order $p \in [1,2]$
p
∈
[
1
,
2
]
, and give explicit formulas for the first two moments of the limit distribution. Our results allow us to introduce affine stochastic covariance models in the stationary covariance regime and to investigate the behaviour of the implied forward volatility for large forward dates in commodity forward markets.
The effect of health facility ownership on perceived healthcare quality: evidence from Ghana
Authors: Bawuah Alex , Appleton Simon , Li Yang
Published: September 2024

Whether private healthcare providers should be encouraged over public providers remains unclear. On the one hand, because private providers are profit-driven, they are more motivated to compete for demand by enhancing quality if demand is elastic. However, because they are more motivated to maximize revenue, they may sacrifice quality to maximize profit. A crucial factor in determining whether private providers should be encouraged is the extent to which their quality exceeds or falls short of that of the public provider. This study, therefore, investigates whether the public and private differ in providing quality healthcare services using the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey. Our measure of healthcare quality is based on patient satisfaction level with nine healthcare services (cleanliness, waiting time, comfort and safety, consultation time, privacy, listening, explanation, treatment advice and confidentiality) provided by public and private healthcare facilities. We applied an instrumental variable approach to account for endogeneity issues related to the patient’s choice of healthcare provider. We find that private facility users have a higher probability of being very satisfied with “waiting time”, “consultation time”, “listening”, “cleanliness”, “comfort and safety”, “confidentiality”, and “privacy” than public users, thus suggesting that private facilities provide better service than public. We thus recommend encouraging the private sector to enter the healthcare market. We also find that failing to account for endogeneity in provider choice when estimating the effect of healthcare facility ownership on healthcare service quality underestimates the effects.
Synergistic potential of stem cells and microfluidics in regenerative medicine
Authors: Rajalekshmi Resmi , Agrawal Devendra K.
Published: September 2024

Regenerative medicine has immense potential to revolutionize healthcare by using regenerative capabilities of stem cells. Microfluidics, a cutting-edge technology, offers precise control over cellular microenvironments. The integration of these two fields provides a deep understanding of stem cell behavior and enables the development of advanced therapeutic strategies. This critical review explores the use of microfluidic systems to culture and differentiate stem cells with precision. We examined the use of microfluidic platforms for controlled nutrient supply, mechanical stimuli, and real-time monitoring, providing an unprecedented level of detail in studying cellular responses. The convergence of stem cells and microfluidics holds immense promise for tissue repair, regeneration, and personalized medicine. It offers a unique opportunity to revolutionize the approach to regenerative medicine, facilitating the development of advanced therapeutic strategies and enhancing healthcare outcomes.
Third-Generation L-Lactic Acid Biorefinery Approaches: Exploring the Viability of Macroalgae Detritus
Authors: Chong Soo Ling , Tan Inn Shi , Foo Henry Chee Yew , Lam Man Kee , Lee Keat Teong
Published: September 2024

Rising concerns over fossil fuel depletion and plastic pollution have driven research into biodegradable alternatives, such as polylactic acid (PLA). Microbial fermentation is preferred for lactic acid production due to its ability to yield enantiomerically pure lactic acid, which is essential for PLA synthesis, unlike the racemic mixture from chemical synthesis. However, commercial lactic acid production using first-generation feedstocks faces challenges related to cost and sustainability. Macroalgae offer a promising alternative with their rapid growth rates and carbon capture capabilities. This review explores recent technological advancements in macroalgae physicochemical characterization, optimization of fermentation conditions, and innovative pretreatment methods to enhance sugar conversion rates for L-LA production. It also covers downstream processes for L-LA recovery, presenting a complete macroalgal biorefinery system. Environmental impacts and economic prospects are assessed through exergy and techno-economic analyses. By valorizing macroalgae detritus, this study underscores its potential to support a sustainable biorefinery industry, addressing economic feasibility and environmental impact.
One city to rule them all? The production of copper in Enkomi, Cyprus: the evidence from the metallurgical ceramic assemblage
Authors: Ioannides Demetrios , Kassianidou Vasiliki , Papasavvas George
Published: September 2024

The sociopolitical organisation of Cyprus during the Late Bronze Age (LBA) is still an active field of scholarly debate. In the second half of the 2nd mil. BCE, the prevailing interpretations favour either a unified or a decentralised administration model on the island. Enkomi is listed as one of the most important Late Cypriot (LC) sites in both models. The rise of this urban centre can be largely attributed to the control of copper production during the LC period. The results of the chemical and microstructural analysis of the archaeometallurgical ceramic assemblage from the copper workshops in Area III at Enkomi are presented here. Our research revealed that the ceramics were exclusively used for copper-based secondary metallurgical activities. This project, the first in Cypriot archaeometallurgy to focus solely on technical ceramics, adds significant new knowledge to the reconstruction of the copper production organisation and Enkomi’s standing among the LC polities. Furthermore, these new findings pave the way for the development of a comparative analysis of the various stages of the copper production sequence in Cyprus, as reflected in metallurgical ceramic assemblages.
An unusually large ‘suspension-feeding’ fish from the Kimmeridge Clay Formation of Dorset: the first true record of Asthenocormus (Pachycormiformes: Asthenocorminae) in the UK
Authors: Cooper Samuel L. A. , Maxwell Erin E. , Martill David M.
Published: September 2024

A partial caudal fin of a large-bodied asthenocormine pachycormiform (Pachycormiformes: Pachycormidae: Asthenocorminae) is described from the Upper Jurassic (lower Tithonian) Kimmeridge Clay Formation of Dorset, England. The specimen comprises associated fin rays, basal fulcra, ‘epurals’ and paired pre-caudal scutes, the combination and morphology of which is consistent with the large (2–3 m TL) edentulous, supposedly ‘suspension-feeding’ asthenocormine, Asthenocormus titanius (Wagner), presently known only from the Upper Jurassic plattenkalks of Bavaria, Germany. Asthenocormus has previously been documented in the literature as being present in the Middle and Upper Jurassic of England, however all of these specimens have been misattributed or since referred to different genera. However, the specimen from the Kimmeridge Clay Formation is here referred with confidence to Asthenocormus. Morphological variation in the pre-caudal dorsal scute of the new specimen compared to the Bavarian material suggest that the Kimmeridge Clay specimen likely represents a new species of Asthenocormus, although it is currently too poorly represented to diagnose, and hence we refer the specimen to Asthenocormus cf. titanius. The new specimen represents the first true record of Asthenocormus from the UK, thereby extending its known palaeobiogeographic distribution and further demonstrating faunal similarities between fish assemblage from the Kimmeridge Clay Formation of Dorset and the Solnhofen-type plattenkalks of southern Germany. Additional comments are also made on the hidden diversity of pachycormid fishes in the Kimmeridge Clay Formation.
The rise of the machines: are robots the future of renal artery aneurysm repair? A systematic review
Authors: Łajczak Paweł Marek , Nowakowski Przemysław , Jóźwik Kamil
Published: September 2024

Renal artery aneurysms (RAAs) are a rare vascular condition. Robot-assisted surgery offers a minimally invasive approach for RAA repair, potentially improving surgical outcomes. This review investigates the current evidence on the effectiveness and limitations of this technique. A systematic search following PRISMA guidelines identified relevant studies across five electronic databases. Studies investigating the use of robot-assisted surgery for RAA repair were included. The review identified 11 studies encompassing a total of 23 patients. Procedures included aneurysmectomy, end-to-end anastomosis, prosthetic graft repair, and even coil embolization. All surgeries were successful, with only minor complications reported in four cases. Robot-assisted RAA repair shows promise as a minimally invasive approach with encouraging preliminary outcomes. However, the limited data come from small studies. Future advancements in robotic technology hold the potential to optimize this approach for improved patient care.
Foraging ecology of Alpine mountain hares and European hares in the Alps: is competition about food a driving force in overlapping elevations?
Authors: Schai-Braun Stéphanie C. , Filli Flurin , Jenny Hannes , Zohmann‑Neuberger Margit , Queirós Joao , Alves Paulo C. , Hackländer Klaus
Published: September 2024

The Alpine mountain hare (Lepus timidus varronis) and the European hare (Lepus europaeus) live parapatrically along the elevation gradient in the Alps with areas of overlap. Indications suggest competition between the two lagomorph species in overlapping areas. Resource partitioning in form of feeding niche differentiation may reduce competition and enable coexistence. The two hare species hybridise and produce fertile hybrids. To examine foraging behaviour of Alpine mountain hares, European hares and their hybrids in the Alps with particular interest in indications of competition between the two lagomorph species, we performed genetic analysis of hare faecal samples collected on five transects along the altitudinal gradient in the Alps in Grisons (Switzerland) at the middle and the end of the vegetation growth period in the year 2021. We then investigated visually foraging ecology using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIRS). We recorded 32 European hares, 50 Alpine mountain hares, and 18 hybrids. Foraging behaviour of the Alpine mountain hares was different from foraging behaviour of European hares and hybrids. Alpine mountain hares displayed a specialist’s foraging behaviour, whereas European hares and hybrids a generalist’s foraging behaviour. Some Alpine mountain hares inhabiting overlapping elevations with European hares showed feeding niche differentiation, whereas others showed similar feeding behaviour as European hares suggesting competition between the two species about food. Our study underlines that European hares living in the Alps might be a competitor to the Alpine mountain hare. As a specialist, the Alpine mountain hare will be susceptible to future environmental change due to climate change.
Beyond Sustainability, Toward Resilience, and Regeneration: An Integrative Framework for Archetypes of Regenerative Innovation
Authors: Yadav Vanita , Yadav Neetu
Published: September 2024

Wicked problems of climate change, extreme weather events, pandemics, and rising inequality are pushing businesses to explore the next frontiers of resilience, innovation, and sustainability. Although previous studies have examined diverse aspects of resilience, innovation, and sustainability independently, attempts to integrate all three are limited. Further, in the literature, there is a growing need to adopt an interdisciplinary approach to regeneration for solving wicked problems. We aim to address this gap by combining a systematic literature review with practice review methodology to unearth evidence and research themes that integrate resilience, innovation, sustainability, circularity, and regeneration. In this paper, we present 10 cases, including diverse businesses and Net Zero Cities that have adopted business practices for regenerative, sustainable, and circular value creation. In doing so, we extend the discourse on sustainable or circular business models by proposing a definition of regenerative innovation and developing four archetypes of regenerative innovation (urban transformation innovation, technological innovation, responsible innovation, and business model innovation). We draw from the theoretical lens of socio-ecological systems to present nature as the key stakeholder for regenerative businesses. We make novel contributions to theory, practice, and policy by highlighting a new system-based paradigm of regenerative innovation for future resilient products and services.
A forwarding spoofing detection algorithm for Beidou navigation satellite system vulnerability
Authors: Xu Jiangtao , Guo Yajuan , Zhu Daohua , Sun Yunxiao , Huang Wei , Zhao Xindong
Published: September 2024

With the Beidou navigation system's fast expansion in China, it is popular in military and civilian aspects. However, since the satellite orbit operates at an extremely high position and there is energy loss during the propagation process, the receiver only picks up a very faint signal, which makes the Beidou receiver very vulnerable to interference. The interference of the receiver is divided into natural interference and human interference, of which the human interference is particularly serious. Deception is commonly used in human interference. The deception interference detection technology in Beidou navigation system is studied in this research. Firstly, the signal in the signal capture stage is detected by multi-peak detection algorithm to determine the signal type. If it cannot be determined, the signal is detected by the half-peak full-width algorithm, so as to determine the signal type. In the stage of signal tracking, the Doppler shift of the spoofing signal is applied to determine whether the signal is spoofed or not. When the spoofing signal forwarding delay is set to 0.5 and 1 chip respectively, the full width of half peak is 8.56 and 11.35 after fitting the main peak. If the half-peak full width exceeds the normal navigation signal, it indicates spoofing interference. The constructed model can effectively track downspoofing signals and improve the Beidou navigation system’s detection performance.
The influence of climate change on the $$\delta ^{18}\text {O}$$ and $$\delta ^{2}$$H signatures of meteoric waters in Europe and North America
Authors: Weisser Oliver , De Vleeschouwer David , Strauss Harald
Published: September 2024

The isotopic composition of meteoric waters is mainly controlled by temperature and precipitation intensity. Due to the anthropogenic climate change, global temperature and precipitation patterns are changing significantly. This study investigates the influence of ongoing climate change on the $$\delta ^{18}\text {O}$$

δ
18

O

and $$\delta ^{2}$$

δ
2

H-signatures of meteoric waters. A spatial interpolation model, using $$\delta ^{18}\text {O}$$

δ
18

O

and $$\delta ^{2}$$

δ
2

H-data of the last 60 years for the regions of North America and Europe, reveals that the signatures in these regions become in average more negative over that a time span. At first glance, this observation is counter-intuitive, as the temperature effect predicts a more positive isotope composition with increasing temperature. By comparing the model with other models that simulate, for example, precipitation atmospheric pathways or glacial melting, we identified three processes, that could explain the observed negative trend. First and foremost, we emphasise a change in the $$\delta ^{18}\text {O}$$

δ
18

O

-and $$\delta ^{2}$$

δ
2

H-values of the source of the evaporating water. We suggest that the melting of the polar ice masses and the intensification of evaporation at high latitudes cause a reduction in the isotopic value of the generated water vapour. Another mechanism that could contribute to the described depletion in meteoric $$^{18}\text {O}$$

18

O

and $$^{2}\text {H}$$

2

H

is the intensification of precipitation events. A third process that probably only plays a minor role on a superregional scale is the general decrease of relative humidity over continents. Overall, we conclude that anthropogenic climate change has a major influence on the $$\delta ^{18}\text {O}$$

δ
18

O

and $$\delta ^{2}$$

δ
2

H signature of meteoric waters.
Biochar particle size contributions to soil chemical properties and nutrient content of degraded Ultisols and plant growth in Nsukka, southeastern Nigeria
Authors: Azuka  , Vincent Chukwuebuka , Ekette  , Ann Oluebube
Published: September 2024

Agricultural productivity in the tropics is constrained by low soil nutrient contents and accelerated mineralization of soil organic matter. This study investigated the effects of biochar particle size on soil chemical properties and nutrient contents of degraded Ultisol in Nsukka, southeastern Nigeria. Three biochar particle sizes; < 0.25 mm, 0.25–0.50 mm and 0.50–1.00 mm were applied at 10 t/ha to 4 kg of soil. The soil-biochar mixture was watered to field capacity for one week after which maize (Orba super 2) was sown. 200 kg/ha of NPK 15–15-15 was added to the pots 2 weeks after germination. Agronomic parameters were collected throughout the experiment that lasted for 8 weeks. Soil samples were collected at the end of the experiment. The experiment was repeated without additional application of biochar and NPK fertilizer. The data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using Genstat. Significant (p < 0.05) effect of biochar particle size on soil chemical properties investigated except Magnesium (Mg2+) and Aluminum (Al3+) were obtained. Soil pH improved from strongly acid (4.1) in the original soil to slightly acid (5.3) in soils amended with biochar of different particle sizes. Soil organic matter (SOM) increased by more than 100% in soils amended with biochar of different particle sizes relative to the original soil. Similarly, the results showed a significant (p < 0.05) residual effect of biochar particle size on soil chemical properties except for Al3+, Mg2+, cation exchange capacity (CEC), hydrogen (H+), and organic matter (OM). The residual effects showed that soil properties improved with increasing biochar particle sizes while the main effects of biochar particle sizes showed no consistent trend except for nitrogen. The results also showed a significant (p < 0.05) main and residual effects of biochar particle sizes on plant growth parameters investigated. The study concluded that biochar particle size could influence soil chemical properties and nutrient content, plant growth and productivity of degraded Ultisols especially in southeastern Nigeria.
A study of makerspace health and student tool usage during and after the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kaat Claire , Blair Samuel , Layton Astrid , Linsey Julie
Published: September 2024

Prior research emphasizes the benefits of university makerspaces, but overall, quantitative metrics to measure how a makerspace is doing have not been available. Drawing on an analogy to metrics used for the health of industrial ecosystems, this article evaluates changes during and after COVID-19 for two makerspaces. The COVID-19 pandemic disturbed normal life worldwide and campuses were closed. When students returned, campus life looked different, and COVID-19-related restrictions changed frequently. This study uses online surveys distributed to two university makerspaces with different restrictions. Building from the analysis of industrial ecosystems, the data were used to create bipartite network models with students and tools as the two interacting actor groups. Modularity, nestedness and connectance metrics, which are frequently used in ecology for mutualistic ecosystems, quantified the changing usage patterns. This unique approach provides quantitative benchmarks to measure and compare makerspaces. The two makerspaces were found to have responded very differently to the disruption, though both saw a decline in overall usage and impact on students and the space’s health and had different recoveries. Network analysis is shown to be a valuable method to evaluate the functionality of makerspaces and identify if and how much they change, potentially serving as indicators of unseen issues.
On the factors influencing confidence in models and simulations for decision-making: a survey
Authors: Schwarzburg Johannes , Trauer Jakob , Rebentisch Eric
Published: September 2024

Over the last decades, modeling and simulation have become central methods in engineering design. Today’s technologies enable previously unachievable levels of sophistication and accuracy. However, if decision-makers are unaware of the confidence they can place in models and simulations (M&S), they either fail to leverage their potential by not involving them in processes or make judgments based on unreliable results. Assessments to evaluate M&S exist, but factors that enable decision-makers to have confidence and improve acceptance of using M&S need to be researched in more detail. Therefore, a literature review analyzing design requirements and an online survey to measure factors associated with confidence were conducted. As a result, the survey identified nine predictors of confidence: (1) capability, (2) history, (3) validity, (4) reliability and (5) accessibility of the model. Further, (6) integrity and (7) competence of the modeler, as well as (8) trusting nature and (9) risk awareness of the stakeholder were identified. Having confidence in M&S results significantly increases the reliance on them and leads to better-informed decision-making. Therefore, based on the findings, a framework and an initial application model were developed. The results were initially evaluated and are described.
Large herbivore δ18O as a proxy for aridity in the South African winter and year-round rainfall zone
Authors: Luyt Julie , Faith J. Tyler , Sealy Judith
Published: September 2024

This study explores patterning in δ18O values of tooth enamel in contemporary African herbivores from mainly C3-dominated ecosystems. Evapotranspiration causes plants to lose H216O to a greater extent than H218O, leaving leaves enriched in 18O. In eastern Africa, ES species (evaporation-sensitive species: those obtaining water from food) tend to have more positive δ18Oenamel values than EI species (evaporation-insensitive species: those heavily dependent on drinking water); the magnitude of the difference increases with increasing aridity. We find the same pattern applies in the winter and year-round rainfall region of southern Africa, allowing us to use δ18Oenamel in fossil animals to examine paleo-aridity. We apply this approach to infer aridity at Quaternary fossil assemblages from present-day winter and year-round rainfall zones, including Elandsfontein (ca. 1–0.6 Ma), Hoedjiespunt (ca. 300–130 ka), and Nelson Bay Cave (23.5–3 ka). This analysis suggests that (1) at various times during the Pleistocene, Elandsfontein and Hoedjiespunt environments were wetter than last glacial maximum (LGM) to Holocene environments at Nelson Bay Cave (year-round rainfall zone); and (2) considered alongside other evidence from the year-round rainfall zone, wetter conditions across the Pleistocene–Holocene transition at Nelson Bay Cave suggests that climate changes at near-coastal sites may be out of phase with the adjacent interior.
Christian Humanism
Authors: Fransen Peter
Published: September 2024

'Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old has
passed away, behold, the new has come’ (2 Cor. 5.17). ‘Neither circumcision
or lack of circumcision means anything, but a new creation’ (Gal. 6. 15).
Such is St Paul's clear teaching.

The life of a Christian is a new life, a new life in Christ and in the
Spirit. We find this divine promise of a newness of life even in the Old
Testament, in prophecies which can be said to have announced the mysteries
of God's grace in a unique way. In Ezekiel God tells us about the last
times, the days of Yahweh, the days in which he will manifest his glory,
that is, his living presence among us in this world of ours, the days of the
redemption in Christ. ‘Cast away from you all your transgressions, and make
yourselves a new heart and a new spirit’ (Ez. 18.31).
A Christian's Temptation
Authors: Nicholl Donald
Published: September 2024

“Christian Platonism”, if we propose to take the expression seriously,
is nothing less than a contradiction in terms'… ‘the discrepancies between
Platonism and Christianity, when we get down to first principles, are so
radical that only by complete misunderstanding or wilful blindness is it
possible to profess allegiance to both.’ These unambiguous declarations on
page 55 of the late W. H. V. Reade's Christian Challenge to
Philosophy (S.P.C.K., 1951, pp. v-xiii, 1-194; 13s. 6d.)
presents us with the central thesis of a brilliantly written book, one which
breathes the wisdom of a fine intellect inspired by a lifetime's meditation
upon the great tradition of European thought. The book will prove of most
interest, no doubt, to the philosophers. Many of them will find points for
disagreement as they follow the author along the European tradition from
Plato to the positivists. Many, indeed, will rightly challenge his own
exclusion of Platonists from Christianity; for there are of course good
Christians who do understand Plato and yet prefer his ideas as a means of
stating the faith.
The Stature Of Man
Authors: Nicholl Donald
Published: September 2024

During last year's Life of the Sprit
conference at Hawkesyard it was the sense of the meeting that worship is
essentially connected with eating together and working together. Though it
is often difficult for the readers of this review to eat together there
seems no reason why they should not work
together. The following article is an attempt to start a common work, in the
sense that the author is quite gaily incapable of carrying it to completion,
but hopes that others may do so. It is also an attempt to
play together, because one of the most
depressing features of Catholic reviews is their lack of play in expressing
opinions: it is as though the shadow of infallibility falls upon any
Catholic arguing his point, and he becomes hidden in a cloud of ‘beastly
earnestness'. Knowing that the shadow of infallibility will not fall upon
the following article we can begin the work with light hearts.
Love Among The Saints
Authors: Vann Gerald
Published: September 2024

Nature abhors a vacuum: and terrible things can happen to a man with an
empty heart. That is one reason why it can be more difficult for a priest or
a religious to be a good Christian, living a really vital Christian life,
than for happily-married lay people. The latter can without too much
difficulty integrate their love of each other into their shared love of God,
sanctifying the one and deepening the other. What of the priest and the
religious?

One sometimes meets among lay people a dangerously romanticised idea of
this vocation. For them, these are men and women set apart, dedicated,
living in the sanctuary, their whole lives are spent close to God, their
minds and hearts filled with God, and with a charity which causes them to
think of all other human beings as ‘souls’ to be served and saved. And to
move the more sentimental, there is that appalling painting of the young
monk with cowled head gazing wistfully through the narrow gothic windows of
his tiny cell at the world he has lost for ever…
Charles de Foucauld: Thirty Years Afterwards
Authors: Sheppard Lancelot C.
Published: September 2024

Charles de Foucauld’s silent death at Tamanrasset on December 1st, 1916,
was the crowning proof, in a life full of them, of the falsity of that
remark of an Arab’s to Ernest Paichari: Oui, vous autres
français, vous avez le royaume de la terre; nous, les Maures, nous avons
le royaume du ciel. The kingdom of heaven was surely
opened to this Frenchman who had lived prepared for such a death; for in one
of his notebooks, found after his death, was discovered this sentence,
written at the head of the page: Vivre comme si tu devain
mourir martyr aujourd’hui.

His life is too well known for it to be recounted once again; but it is
useful for many reasons to attempt an estimate of the influence of that
life, and to try and fathom to some degree Père Charles’s intentions and
motives, to seek, even, an interpretation of that living martyrdom that was
his life.

He died to all outward seeming a failure; yet how often is that. the lot
of the saints. His diaries, his letters, all record his great desire for
some companions to share his solitude.
In the Beginning was the Word: A Translation of part of St Thomas’s
commentary on the Gospel of St John
Authors: A. D.
Published: September 2024

To understand this term ‘word’ we should note that, as Aristotle
teaches, vocal sounds are signs of movements within the soul. In Scripture,
of course, it is usual for things signified to be called by the names of the
signs, as in 1 Cor. 11: ‘But the rock was
Christ’. But it is necessary that what is within our soul and expressed by
our spoken word, should itself be called word. Whether the term word belongs
first to what is uttered by the voice, or to the concapt within the soul, is
not immediately relevant. It is none the less clear that what exists within
the mind and is expressed by the sound is prior to the word uttered by the
voice, since it is its cause. If therefore we wish to know what is the word
within the soul, let us see what is meant by what is uttered by the exterior
vocal sound.
The Mariology of Polish Christmas Carols
Authors: Wisniewsky Julien
Published: September 2024

Our Lady has a prominent place in the mystery of the Incarnation. The
time when the Church celebrates this mystery, that is, Christmastide—Advent,
Christmas, Epiphany—is a sort of prolonged feast of Mary. No wonder that her
place in Christmas carols and especially in Polish ones is
outstanding.

The Blessed Trinity: The significance of our
Lady can only be fully understood if it is viewed from the most fundamental
truth, namely, the Blessed Trinity ‘from whom all things proceed”.

In the Polish carols there is full awareness of this fact:

I believe in one God in heaven
The Father who created this world for
himself
And in Jesus his Son,
In all things equal to the Father
Our Lord.
He desiring to save our human race
From the high heaven descended on
earth
And was conceived of the Holy Ghost
Is born among beasts
From the maiden Mary…

This carol, which seems to be the Creed specially arranged for
Christmastide, gives the proper setting for the whole problem. It introduces
the right order. But it does not exhaust all the ways in which this truth is
presented.
The New Light
Authors: Pepler Conrad
Published: September 2024

Richard Rolle has been called ‘The Father of English Mysticism and it is
to him we turn for the first introduction to mysticism in its strict sense
among English writers. He was born some hundred years after the
Ancren Riwle was written, and yet he is
historically the first of the group of English mystics who experienced and
wrote about the higher degrees of mystical prayer. Perhaps the greatest era
of English sanctity had already passed when he was born in the last decade
of the 13th century. There had been a succession of men and women from the
time of Venerable Bede who had been led by the Spirit of God to transports
of divine love and wisdom. But they had not been reflective in the way that
the men of the 14th century were reflective so that the description of their
lives does not enlighten later generations as to the nature of their prayer
or their manner of reaching high degrees of contemplation. Rolle, amidst a
profusion of Latin and English writings, did proclaim these hidden
experiences, and his message was received with enthusiasm.
Total Magnetic Field Perturbations at Martian Low Altitudes (≤500 km): MAVEN Observations in 2014–2023
Authors: Park Jaeheung
Published: September 2024

Magnetic perturbations in the Martian ionosphere are often considered as representing plasma irregularities, but thorough statistical comparisons between the two independent phenomena have been rarely conducted. In this study, we investigate the statistical relationship between total magnetic field perturbations and those of O2+ density as observed by the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) spacecraft at altitudes below 500 km in 2014–2023. From the 1 Hz time series of magnetic field strength, perturbation intensity is estimated by subtracting a signal smoothed with a Savitzky‐Golay filter (window size ∼36 km). Statistically, the magnetic perturbations are stronger on the dayside than at night, in the local summer hemisphere than in winter, and away from crustal magnetic anomalies than nearby. Also, day‐to‐day variability of the magnetic perturbations exhibits a weak but significant correlation with that of solar wind electron density. The statistical behavior of total magnetic field perturbations is not the same as that of O2+ density perturbations: that is, the former is not a perfect proxy for the latter. The seemingly counter‐intuitive discrepancy can be explained by effects of inhomogeneous background magnetic field strength (participating in total pressure balance across plasma perturbations) and localized ionospheric currents at altitudes unreachable by MAVEN.
Potent combination benefit of the AKT inhibitor capivasertib and the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax in diffuse large B cell lymphoma
Authors: Willis Brandon S. , Mongeon Kevin , Dry Hannah , Neveras India L. , Bryan Nadezda , Pandya Meghana , Roderick-Richardson Justine , Xu Wendan , Yang Li , Rosen Alan , Reimer Corinne , Tuskova Liliana , Klener Pavel , Mettetal Jerome T. , Lenz Georg , Barry Simon T.
Published: September 2024

The therapeutic potential of targeting PI3K/AKT/PTEN signalling in B-cell malignancies remains attractive. Whilst PI3K-α/δ inhibitors demonstrate clinical benefit in certain B-cell lymphomas, PI3K signalling inhibitors have been inadequate in relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in part, due to treatment related toxicities. Clinically, AKT inhibitors exhibit a differentiated tolerability profile offering an alternative approach for treating patients with B-cell malignancies. To explore how AKT inhibition complements other potential therapeutics in the treatment of DLBCL patients, an in vitro combination screen was conducted across a panel of DLCBL cell lines. The AKT inhibitor, capivasertib, in combination with the BCL-2 inhibitor, venetoclax, produced notable therapeutic benefit in preclinical models of DLBCL. Capivasertib and venetoclax rapidly induced caspase and PARP cleavage in GCB-DLBCL PTEN wildtype cell lines and those harbouring PTEN mutations or reduced PTEN protein, driving prolonged tumour growth inhibition in DLBCL cell line and patient derived xenograft lymphoma models. The addition of the rituximab further deepened the durability of capivasertib and venetoclax responses in a RCHOP refractory DLBCL in vivo models. These findings provide preclinical evidence for the rational treatment combination of AKT and BCL-2 inhibitors using capivasertib and venetoclax respectively alongside anti-CD20 antibody supplementation for treatment of patients with DLBCL.
Comparison between AH plus sealer and total fill bioceramic sealer performance in previously untreated and retreatment cases of maxillary incisors with large-sized periapical lesion: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wahbi Eisa , Achour Hassan , Alsayed Tolibah Yasser
Published: September 2024

Objective

This study aims to assess the efficacy of bioceramic (BC) sealer when applied using the single cone technique (SCT), in comparison to AH Plus sealer applied with the cold lateral condensation technique (LCT), concerning their impact on the healing of large-sized periapical lesions in both untreated and retreatment cases.

Materials and methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 41 patients who had 60 permanent teeth in the maxillary incisors that were accompanied by large-sized periapical lesions. The included teeth were radiographed with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images and divided equally into two groups according to the endodontic treatment statute (30 untreated previous cases and 30 retreated cases). Subsequently, teeth received uniform preparation, irrigation, and dressing procedures. Then each group was divided equally according to the used sealer (15 teeth obturated using AH plus sealer with LCT and 15 teeth obturated using BC sealer with SCT). All cases were followed up after 6 and 12 months with CBCT images. Subsequently, the change in periapical lesion diameter (PLD) was observed as an indicator to determine the treatment outcome score. One-way ANOVA and Mann–Whitney U test were used to analyze the PLD changing and scoring the treatment outcome during the follow-up periods. The significance level was set at α = 0.05.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences between untreated and retreatment cases neither using AH plus sealer with LCT nor BC sealer with SCT regarding changes in PLD in the follow-up periods. Moreover, there were no significant differences between groups regarding treatment outcome scores in the follow-up periods. All groups showed a high success rate.

Conclusions

Successful treatment was achieved for untreated or retreatment maxillary incisor cases accompanied by large-sized periapical lesions using either BC sealer with the SCT or AH Plus sealer with LCT with a similar high success rate up to 12 months follow-up period.
Lipoprotein metabolism mediates hematopoietic stem cell responses under acute anemic conditions
Authors: Saito Kiyoka , van der Garde Mark , Umemoto Terumasa , Miharada Natsumi , Sjöberg Julia , Sigurdsson Valgardur , Shirozu Haruki , Kamei Shunsuke , Radulovic Visnja , Suzuki Mitsuyoshi , Nakano Satoshi , Lang Stefan , Hansson Jenny , Olsson Martin L. , Minami Takashi , Gouras Gunnar , Flygare Johan , Miharada Kenichi
Published: September 2024

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) react to various stress conditions. However, it is unclear whether and how HSCs respond to severe anemia. Here, we demonstrate that upon induction of acute anemia, HSCs rapidly proliferate and enhance their erythroid differentiation potential. In severe anemia, lipoprotein profiles largely change and the concentration of ApoE increases. In HSCs, transcription levels of lipid metabolism-related genes, such as very low-density lipoprotein receptor (Vldlr), are upregulated. Stimulation of HSCs with ApoE enhances their erythroid potential, whereas HSCs in Apoe knockout mice do not respond to anemia induction. VldlrhighHSCs show higher erythroid potential, which is enhanced after acute anemia induction. VldlrhighHSCs are epigenetically distinct because of their low chromatin accessibility, and more chromatin regions are closed upon acute anemia induction. Chromatin regions closed upon acute anemia induction are mainly binding sites of Erg. Inhibition of Erg enhanced the erythroid differentiation potential of HSCs. Our findings indicate that lipoprotein metabolism plays an important role in HSC regulation under severe anemic conditions.