bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Absolute and relative outcomes of psychotherapies for eight mental disorders: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Cuijpers Pim , Miguel Clara , Ciharova Marketa , Harrer Mathias , Basic Djordje , Cristea Ioana A. , de Ponti Nino , Driessen Ellen , Hamblen Jessica , Larsen Sadie E. , Matbouriahi Minoo , Papola Davide , Pauley Darin , Plessen Constantin Y. , Pfund Rory A. , Setkowski Kim , Schnurr Paula P. , van Ballegooijen Wouter , Wang Yingying , Riper Heleen , van Straten Annemieke , Sijbrandij Marit , Furukawa Toshi A. , Karyotaki Eirini
Published: May 2024

Psychotherapies are first‐line treatments for most mental disorders, but their absolute outcomes (i.e., response and remission rates) are not well studied, despite the relevance of such information for health care users, providers and policy makers. We aimed to examine absolute and relative outcomes of psychotherapies across eight mental disorders: major depressive disorder (MDD), social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), specific phobia, post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD), and borderline personality disorder (BPD). We used a series of living systematic reviews included in the Metapsy initiative (www.metapsy.org), with a common strategy for literature search, inclusion of studies and extraction of data, and a common format for the analyses. Literature search was conducted in major bibliographical databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, and the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials) up to January 1, 2023. We included randomized controlled trials comparing psychotherapies for any of the eight mental disorders, established by a diagnostic interview, with a control group (waitlist, care‐as‐usual, or pill placebo). We conducted random‐effects model pairwise meta‐analyses. The main outcome was the absolute rate of response (at least 50% symptom reduction between baseline and post‐test) in the treatment and control conditions. Secondary outcomes included the relative risk (RR) of response, and the number needed to treat (NNT). Random‐effects meta‐analyses of the included 441 trials (33,881 patients) indicated modest response rates for psychotherapies: 0.42 (95% CI: 0.39‐0.45) for MDD; 0.38 (95% CI: 0.33‐0.43) for PTSD; 0.38 (95% CI: 0.30‐0.47) for OCD; 0.38 (95% CI: 0.33‐0.43) for panic disorder; 0.36 (95% CI: 0.30‐0.42) for GAD; 0.32 (95% CI: 0.29‐0.37) for social anxiety disorder; 0.32 (95% CI: 0.23‐0.42) for specific phobia; and 0.24 (95% CI: 0.15‐0.36) for BPD. Most sensitivity analyses broadly supported these findings. The RRs were significant for all disorders, except BPD. Our conclusion is that most psychotherapies for the eight mental disorders are effective compared with control conditions, but absolute response rates are modest. More effective treatments and interventions for those not responding to a first‐line treatment are needed.
Quantum tachyonic preheating, revisited
Authors: Tranberg Anders , Ungersbäck Gerhard
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In certain models of inflation, the postinflationary reheating of the Universe is not primarily due to perturbative decay of the inflaton field into particles, but proceeds through a tachyonic instability. In the process, long-wavelength modes of an unstable field, which is often distinct from the inflaton itself, acquire very large occupation numbers, which are subsequently redistributed into a thermal equilibrium state. We investigate this process numerically through quantum real-time lattice simulations of the Kadanoff-Baym equation, using a 1/N-NLO truncation of the 2PI-effective action. We identify the early-time maximum occupation number, the “classical” momentum range, the validity of the classical approximation and the effective IR temperature, and study the kinetic equilibration of the system and the equation of state.
A nomogram for predicting choledochal cyst with perforation
Authors: Zhang Guangwei , Wang Haoming , Hu Jianyang , Yang Chenyu , Tan Bingqian , Hu Jiqiang , Zhang Mingman
Published: May 2024

Background

Choledochal cyst with perforation (CC with perforation) rarely occurs, early diagnosis and timely treatment plan are crucial for the treatment of CC with perforation. This study aims to forecast the occurrence of CC with perforation.

Methods

All 1111 patients were conducted, who underwent surgery for choledochal cyst at our hospital from January 2011 to October 2022. We conducted univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis to screen for independent predictive factors for predicting CC with perforation, upon which established a nomogram. The predictive performance of the nomogram was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration plots, and decision curve analysis (DCA) curves.

Results

The age of children with choledochal cyst perforation is mainly concentrated between 1 and 3 years old. Logistic regression analysis indicates that age, alanine aminotransferase, glutamyl transpeptidase, C-reactive protein, vomiting, jaundice, abdominal distension, and diarrhea are associated with predicting the occurrence of choledochal cyst perforation. ROC curves, calibration plots, and DCA curve analysis curves demonstrate that the nomogram has great discriminative ability and calibration, as well as significant clinical utility.

Conclusion

The age of CC with perforation is mainly concentrated between 1 and 3 years old. A nomogram for predicting the perforation of choledochal cyst was established.
Retrogasserian trigeminal radiofrequency-thermorhizotmoy for trigeminal neuralgia
Authors: Brinzeu A. , Sindou M.
Published: May 2024

Based on a personal experience of 4200 surgeries, radiofrequency thermocoagulation is useful lesional treatment for those trigeminal neuralgias (TNs) not amenable to microvascular decompression (idiopathic or secondary TNs). Introduced through the foramen ovale, behind the trigemnial ganglion in the triangular plexus, the needle is navigated by radiology and neurophysiological testing to target the retrogasserian fibers corresponding to the trigger zone. Heating to 55–75 °C can achieve hypoesthesia without anaesthesia dolorosa if properly controlled. Depth of anaesthesia varies dynamically sedation for cannulation and lesioning, and awareness during neurophysiologic navigation. Proper technique ensures long-lasting results in more than 75% of patients.
Decomposition methods for multi-horizon stochastic programming
Authors: Zhang Hongyu , Grossmann Ignacio E. , Tomasgard Asgeir
Published: May 2024

Multi-horizon stochastic programming includes short-term and long-term uncertainty in investment planning problems more efficiently than traditional multi-stage stochastic programming. In this paper, we exploit the block separable structure of multi-horizon stochastic linear programming, and establish that it can be decomposed by Benders decomposition and Lagrangean decomposition. In addition, we propose parallel Lagrangean decomposition with primal reduction that, (1) solves the scenario subproblems in parallel, (2) reduces the primal problem by keeping one copy for each scenario group at each stage, and (3) solves the reduced primal problem in parallel. We apply the parallel Lagrangean decomposition with primal reduction, Lagrangean decomposition and Benders decomposition to solve a stochastic energy system investment planning problem. The computational results show that: (a) the Lagrangean type decomposition algorithms have better convergence at the first iterations to Benders decomposition, and (b) parallel Lagrangean decomposition with primal reduction is very efficient for solving multi-horizon stochastic programming problems. Based on the computational results, the choice of algorithms for multi-horizon stochastic programming is discussed.
Ragweed in South America: the relevance of aerobiology stations in Latin America
Authors: Cherrez-Ojeda Ivan , Robles-Velasco Karla , Ramon German D. , Barrionuevo Laura , Calderon Llosa Oscar , Cevallos-Levicek Denisse , Faytong-Haro Marco , Espinoza-Maticurena Andrés , Alvarez-Muñoz Patricio , Tinoco Ivan , Makra László , Deák Áron József
Published: May 2024

Pollen, particularly from the Ambrosia genus, plays a pivotal role in triggering allergic rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms. This review delves into the global background of Ambrosia, focusing on its origins, invasive potential, and spread to South America. The ecological niche for Ambrosia species is explored, emphasizing its stability globally but exhibiting unique and dynamic features in South America. Information on Ambrosia pollen concentration in South America is summarized, revealing varying levels across countries. The establishment of new aerobiology stations, as highlighted in the latest findings, contributes valuable data for understanding allergen risk management in the region. The health perspective addresses the rise in allergic diseases due to climate change, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring, especially in South America. Agricultural damage inflicted by Ambrosia is discussed, emphasizing its invasive potential, high seed production, and negative impact on crops, forage quality, and livestock. The review also positions Ambrosia as a marker of climate change, discussing the effects of global warming on pollen seasons, concentrations, and allergenic characteristics. The importance of expanding aerobiology stations in South America is underscored, requiring collaborative efforts from government, scientific societies, and academic institutions. The review concludes by advocating for increased monitoring to address potential challenges posed by Ambrosia, offering a basis for tailored interventions and future research in South American regions.
Agroforestry in Madagascar: past, present, and future
Authors: Andriatsitohaina R. Ntsiva N. , Laby Patrick , Llopis Jorge C. , Martin Dominic A.
Published: May 2024

Agroforestry systems promise a high multifunctionality providing cash and subsistence yields as well as other ecosystem services. Such land systems may be particularly promising for smallholders in tropical landscapes due to high labour intensity and productivity on limited land. Focusing on Madagascar, we here describe the history of agroforestry in the country and review the current literature on agroforestry outcomes as well as factors promoting and hindering agroforest establishment and maintenance. From this, we discuss the potential future of agroforestry in Madagascar. Historically, many crops farmed today in agroforestry systems were originally introduced as plantation crops, mostly in the nineteenth century. Since then, people co-opted these crops into mixed agroforestry systems, often focusing on clove, vanilla, coffee, or cocoa in combination with fruit trees or, for clove, with livestock. Other crops are also integrated, but shares are comparatively low. Overall, 27.4% of Malagasy exports are crops typically farmed in agroforestry systems, providing income for at least 500,000 farmers. Outcomes of agroforestry for biodiversity and ecosystem services are commonly researched, showing benefits over annual crops and monocultures. Social-economic outcomes, including yields, are more scarcely researched, but findings point towards financial benefits for smallholder farmers and a sense of community and collective memory. However, findings emphasize that research gaps remain in terms of geographic and crop coverage, also for ecological outcomes. Looking to the future, we highlight the need to overcome hurdles such as land tenure insecurity, financial barriers to implementation, and unstable value chains to scale agroforestry in Madagascar to the benefit of multifunctional land systems and human wellbeing.
Beyond access: (re)designing archival guides for changing landscapes
Authors: Jones Mike , Taylor Rebe
Published: May 2024

In 2013, the authors of this article and their colleague Gavan McCarthy publishedStories in Stone: an annotated history and guide to the collections of Ernest Westlake (1855–1922).The guide provided contextual information and digital access to the entire paper archives relating to the three large stone collections formed by Westlake during his lifetime: French and English geological specimens housed in the Oxford University Museum of Natural History from 1924, and a collection of Tasmanian Aboriginal stone tools stored in the Pitt Rivers Museum since 1923. The Tasmanian collections, formed by Westlake from 1908 to 1910, are highly significant to the Palawa (or Pakana or Tasmanian Aboriginal) community because they include objects made by ancestors, and words spoken by ancestors to Westlake and recorded in his field notebooks.Stories in Stonewas created to improve access to Westlake’s Tasmanian collections for the Palawa community with whom author Rebe Taylor had worked closely since 1999. Nonetheless, the structural and technical design ofStories in Stonewas not Palawa-led. It was driven by Australian and international archiving standards; by stipulations set out by the collecting institutions; and by the stories of collecting and subsequent scholarship on the collections. In 2023,Stories in Stoneis offline, and the authors are planning a relaunch. This time they aim to reach beyond their original aim of providing archival accesstothe Palawa community, and workwithPalawa community to co-designhowthat access is delivered. This consultative work will be done at the University of Tasmania, where Palawa advisors and other Indigenous scholars have been integral to developing international Indigenous data sovereignty principals. This article precedes those formal discussions and thus offers a timely reflection on the original aims and design ofStories in Stoneas well as an extensive analysis of broader changes in the management and dissemination of First Nations collections and culture. Such changes include: international human rights frameworks; movements supporting data and archival sovereignty; co-designed archival technologies; and increased focus on archives asprocessnot merelyproduct. These developments will lay the foundations for the next version ofStories in Stone, which aims to go beyond access, scholarship, and standards by helping to facilitate First Nations’ aspirations for dignity, sovereignty, and self-determination.
The Media and Sexual Violence Among Adolescents: Findings from a Qualitative Study of Educators Across Vietnam
Authors: Anderson Katherine M. , Macler Alicia , Bergenfeld Irina , Trang Quach Thu , Yount Kathryn M.
Published: May 2024

Growing access to technology and media has presented new avenues of influence on youth attitudes and norms regarding sexuality and sexual violence, as well as new technological pathways through which to perpetrate sexual violence. The aim of this research was to understand contextual influences on and needs for scale-up of sexual violence prevention programming in the media-violence context of Vietnam. We conducted 45 interviews with high school teachers (n = 15), university lecturers (n = 15), and affiliates from youth-focused community service organizations (n = 15) from across Vietnam. Additionally, we conducted four sector-specific focus groups with a sub-sample of interview participants (k = 4, n = 22). Media and technology were brought up consistently in relation to sexual violence prevention and sexual health information. Key informants noted that, in Vietnam, generational differences in acceptability of sex and lack of comprehensive sexuality education intersect with new technological opportunities for exposure to sexual information and media. This creates a complex landscape that can promote sexual violence through priming processes, instigate mimicry of violent media, and presents new opportunities for the perpetration of sexual violence though technology. Development of comprehensive sexual education, including violence prevention education, is imperative, with consideration of age-specific needs for Vietnamese youth.
Four-dimensional computed tomography is useful for detection of apical sparing of cardiac amyloidosis
Authors: Kinoshita Makiko , Takaoka Hiroyuki , Ota Joji , Ikeda Jun-Ichiro , Noguchi Yoshitada , Nishikawa Yusei , Aoki Shuhei , Yoshida Kazuki , Suzuki Katsuya , Yahima Satomi , Sasaki Haruka , Suzuki-Eguchi Noriko , Kobayashi Yoshio
Published: May 2024

A 73-year-old male was admitted because of recurrent syncope. He was diagnosed with transient bradycardia caused by a 2:1 atrioventricular block, and he underwent cardiac computed tomography (CT) using 320 detector-row CT to screen for coronary artery disease. Significant coronary artery stenosis was not detected, but diffuse late iodinate enhancement was found on the epi-myocardium and endo-myocardium of the interventricular septum, and endo-myocardium of the anterior and lateral left ventricular (LV) myocardium (LVM) on CT. The ejection fraction and global longitudinal strain (LS) of LVM were 53.97% and − 9.87% on CT. Apical sparing was present, meaning the LS of LV apical segments were preserved compared with basal segments on CT. Pathological findings of LVM demonstrated loss of myocardial cells and extra-cellular amyloid deposition on the direct fast scarlet staining. He was finally diagnosed with transthyretin amyloidosis.
The Interplay of Cognitive Load, Learners’ Resources and Self-regulation
Authors: Seufert Tina , Hamm Verena , Vogt Andrea , Riemer Valentin
Published: May 2024

Self-regulated learning depends on task difficulty and on learners’ resources and cognitive load, as described by an inverted U-shaped relationship in Seufert’s (2018) model: for easy tasks, resources are high and load is low, so there is no need to regulate, whereas for difficult tasks, load is too high and resources are too low to regulate. Only at moderate task difficulty do learners regulate, as resources and load are in equilibrium. The purpose of this study is to validate this model, i.e., the inverted U-shaped relationship between task difficulty and self-regulatory activities, as well as learner resources and cognitive load as mediators. In the within-subject study, 67 participants reported their cognitive and metacognitive strategy use for four exams of varying difficulty. For each exam task difficulty, cognitive load, and available resources (such as prior knowledge, interest, etc.) were assessed. Multilevel analysis revealed an inverted U-shaped relationship between task difficulty and the use of cognitive strategies. For metacognitive strategies, only a linear relationship was found. Increasing cognitive load mediated these relationship patterns. For learner resources we found a competitive mediation, indicating that further mediators could be relevant. In future investigations a broader range of task difficulty should be examined.
Trans-to-cis isomerization of a platinum(II) complex with two triphosphine ligands via coordination with gold(I) ions
Authors: Nagasato Kazuki , Baba Taichi , Soma Hayato , Yoshinari Nobuto
Published: May 2024

The reaction of a square-planar platinum(II) complex containing two bis(2-diphenylphosphinoethyl)phenylphosphine (triphos), [Pt(triphos)2](NO3)2, with [Au(tu)2]Cl (tu = thiourea) gave a new trinuclear AuI2PtII complex, [Pt(triphos)2{Au(tu)}2]Cl2(NO3)2, through Au-P coordination. While the [Pt(triphos)2]2+ unit in [Pt(triphos)2](NO3)2 adopted the trans-meso configuration, only the cis-racemic isomer was observed for [Pt(triphos)2{Au(tu)}2]Cl2(NO3)2. 31P NMR spectroscopy indicated rapid equilibrium among the possible isomers of [Pt(triphos)2]2+, which facilitated the trans-to-cis transformation at the PtII center in this system. Additionally, we observed that this structural transformation led to an increase in the emission intensity.
On polling directions for randomized direct-search approaches: application to beam angle optimization in intensity-modulated proton therapy
Authors: Rocha H. , Dias J.
Published: May 2024

Deterministic direct-search methods have been successfully used to address real-world challenging optimization problems, including the beam angle optimization (BAO) problem in radiation therapy treatment planning. BAO is a highly non-convex optimization problem typically treated as the optimization of an expensive multi-modal black-box function which results in a computationally time consuming procedure. For the recently available modalities of radiation therapy with protons (instead of photons) further efficiency in terms of computational time is required despite the success of the different strategies developed to accelerate BAO approaches. Introducing randomization into otherwise deterministic direct-search approaches has been shown to lead to excellent computational performance, particularly when considering a reduced number (as low as two) of random poll directions at each iteration. In this study several randomized direct-search strategies are tested considering different sets of polling directions. Results obtained using a prostate and a head-and-neck cancer cases confirmed the high-quality results obtained by deterministic direct-search methods. Randomized strategies using a reduced number of polling directions showed difficulties for the higher dimensional search space (head-and-neck) and, despite the excellent mean results for the prostate cancer case, outliers were observed, a result that is often ignored in the literature. While, for general global optimization problems, mean results (or obtaining the global optimum once) might be enough for assessing the performance of the randomized method, in real-world problems one should not disregard the worst-case scenario and beware of the possibility of poor results since, many times, it is only possible to run the optimization problem once. This is even more important in healthcare applications where the mean patient does not exist and the best treatment possible must be assured for every patient.
Web-based Dashboard on ECMO Utilization in Germany: An Interactive Visualization, Analyses, and Prediction Based on Real-life Data
Authors: Friedrichson Benjamin , Ketomaeki Markus , Jasny Thomas , Old Oliver , Grebe Lea , Nürenberg-Goloub Elina , Adam Elisabeth H. , Zacharowski Kai , Kloka Jan Andreas
Published: May 2024

In Germany, a comprehensive reimbursement policy for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) results in the highest per capita use worldwide, although benefits remain controversial. Public ECMO data is unstructured and poorly accessible to healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers. In addition, there are no uniform policies for ECMO allocation which confronts medical personnel with ethical considerations during health crises such as respiratory virus outbreaks.Retrospective information on adult and pediatric ECMO support performed in German hospitals was extracted from publicly available reimbursement data and hospital quality reports and processed to create the web-based ECMO Dashboard built on Open-Source software. Patient-level and hospital-level data were merged resulting in a solid base for ECMO use analysis and ECMO demand forecasting with high spatial granularity at the level of 413 county and city districts in Germany.The ECMO Dashboard (https://www.ecmo-dash.de/), an innovative visual platform, presents the retrospective utilization patterns of ECMO support in Germany. It features interactive maps, comprehensive charts, and tables, providing insights at the hospital, district, and national levels. This tool also highlights the high prevalence of ECMO support in Germany and emphasizes districts with ECMO surplus – where patients from other regions are treated, or deficit – origins from which ECMO patients are transferred to other regions. The dashboard will evolve iteratively to provide stakeholders with vital information for informed and transparent resource allocation and decision-making.Accessible public routine data could support evidence-informed, forward-looking resource management policies, which are urgently needed to increase the quality and prepare the critical care infrastructure for future pandemics.
A Stepwise Cosimulation Framework for Modeling Critical Elements in Copper Porphyry Deposits
Authors: Nasretdinova Milena , Madani Nasser , Maleki Mohammad
Published: May 2024

The increased attention given to batteries has given rise to apprehensions regarding their availability; they have thus been categorized as essential commodities. Cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), lithium (Li), nickel (Ni), and molybdenum (Mo) are frequently selected as the primary metallic elements in lithium-ion batteries. The principal aim of this study was to develop a computational algorithm that integrates geostatistical methods and machine learning techniques to assess the resources of critical battery elements within a copper porphyry deposit. By employing a hierarchical/stepwise cosimulation methodology, the algorithm detailed in this research paper successfully represents both soft and hard boundaries in the simulation results. The methodology is evaluated using several global and local statistical studies. The findings indicate that the proposed algorithm outperforms the conventional approach in estimating these five elements, specifically when utilizing a stepwise estimation strategy known as cascade modeling. The proposed algorithm is also validated against true values by using a jackknife method, and it is shown that the method is precise and unbiased in the prediction of critical battery elements.
Pinning Group Consensus of Multi-agent Systems Under DoS Attacks
Authors: Lang Qian , Xu Jing , Zhang Huiwen , Wang Zhengxin
Published: May 2024

In this paper, group consensus is investigated for a class of nonlinear multi-agent systems suffered from the DoS attacks. Firstly, a first-order nonlinear multi-agent system is constructed, which is divided into M subsystems and each subsystem has an unique leader. Then a protocol is proposed and a Lyapunov function candidate is chosen. By means of the stability theory, a sufficient criterion, which involves the duration of DoS attacks, coupling strength and control gain, is obtained for achieving group consensus in first-order system. That is, the nodes in each subsystem can track the leader of that group. Furthermore, the result is extended to nonlinear second-order multi-agent systems and the controller is also improved to obtain sufficient conditions for group consensus. Additionally, the lower bounds of the coupling strength and average interval of DoS attacks can be determined from the obtained sufficient conditions. Finally, several numerical simulations are presented to explain the effectiveness of the proposed controllers and the derived theoretical results.
An unjustly neglected theory of semantic reference
Authors: Smit J. P.
Published: May 2024

There is a simple, intuitive theory of the semantic reference of proper names that has been unjustly neglected. This is the view that semantic reference is conventionalized speakers reference, i.e. the view that a name semantically refers to an object if, and only if, there exists a convention to use the name to speaker-refer to that object. The theory can be found in works dealing primarily with other issues (e.g. Stine in Philos Stud 33:319–337, 1977; Schiffer in Erkenntnis 13:171–206, 1978; Sainsbury in Erkenntnis 80:195–214, 2015; Sainsbury, Thinking about things, Oxford University Press, 2018), yet these authors provide no sustained discussion of it. Devitt (Designation, Columbia University Press, 1981) did formulate a view on which semantic reference is conventionalized speaker’s reference, yet his views are assimilated to causalist views. This is a mistake. While the conventionalized speaker’s reference view captures much of what is plausible in descriptivism and causalism, it remains distinct from both.
Safety’s coordination problems
Authors: Dutant Julien , Rosenkranz Sven
Published: May 2024

The safety conception of knowledge holds that a belief constitutes knowledge iff relevantly similar beliefs—its epistemic counterparts—are true. It promises an instructive account of why certain general principles of knowledge hold. We focus on two such principles that anyone should endorse: the closure principle that knowledge is downward closed under competent conjunction elimination, and the counter-closure principle that knowledge is upward closed under competent conjunction introduction. We argue that anyone endorsing the former must also endorse the latter on pains of an unacceptable form of bootstrapping. We devise new formal models to identify necessary and sufficient conditions for these principles to hold on conceptions that construe knowledge in terms of true counterparts. These conditions state that counterparts of premise and conclusion beliefs are coordinated in certain ways whenever these beliefs stand in the relevant inferential relations. We show that the safety conception faces insuperable problems vindicating these coordination principles, because its epistemic counterpart relation is symmetric. We conclude that it thus proves unable to account for minimal closure properties of knowledge. More generally, our formal results establish parameters within which any conception must operate that construes knowledge in terms of true counterparts.
States’ culpability through time
Authors: Collins Stephanie
Published: May 2024

Some contemporary states are morally culpable for historically distant wrongs. But which states for which wrongs? The answer is not obvious, due to secessions, unions, and the formation of new states in the time since the wrongs occurred. This paper develops a framework for answering the question. The argument begins by outlining a picture of states’ agency on which states’ culpability is distinct from the culpability of states’ members. It then outlines, and rejects, a plausible-seeming answer to our question: that culpability transmits from a past state’s action to a present state just if the two states share a numerical identity, for example as determined by international law. I advocate a different answer: culpability transmits from a past action to a present state to the extent that the present state ‘descends from’ the aspects of the past state that underpinned the past action. One potential upshot is that some present-day settler-colonies (such as Australia) are culpable for the centuries-ago invasion of their lands by European powers—even though these states did not perform these invasions and indeed did not exist at the time.
Tracking changes in CNCI: the complementarity of standard, collaboration and fractional CNCI in understanding and evaluating research performance
Authors: Potter Ross W. K. , Kovač Milovan , Adams Jonathan
Published: May 2024

Using a global set of ~ 300 institutions, standard, collaboration and fractional Category Normalised Citation Impact (CNCI) indicators are compared between 2009 and 2018 to demonstrate the complementarity of the three variants for research evaluation. Web of Science data show that Chinese institutions appear immune to the indicator used as CNCI changes, generally improvements, are similar for all three variants. Other regions tend to show greater increases in standard CNCI over collaboration CNCI, which in turn is greater than fractional CNCI; however, decreases in CNCI values, particularly in established research economies like North America and western Europe are not uncommon. These findings may highlight the differing extent to which the number of collaborating countries and institutions on papers affect each variant. Other factors affecting CNCI values may be citation practices and hiring of Highly Cited Researchers. Evaluating and comparing the performance of institutions is a main driver of policy, research and funding direction. Decision makers must understand all aspects of CNCI indicators, including the secondary factors illustrated here, by using a ‘profiles not metrics’ approach.
Adaptive Methods for Revenue Model Learning of a Slice Broker in the Presence of Adversaries
Authors: Khan Muhidul Islam , Nencioni Gianfranco
Published: May 2024

In the fifth-generation (5G) of mobile networks, Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC) refers to the deployment of computing resources closer to the end-users for improved service delivery. In the context of 5G MEC, the slice broker plays a crucial role in managing the allocation of resources among the different network slices, which are logical networks on top of a shared infrastructure. The slice broker is a business entity that acts as an intermediary between the slice tenants and the infrastructure provider and is responsible for allocating resources (such as CPU, memory, and network bandwidth) required to set up the network. The slice broker must ensure that resources are allocated in a way that the revenue is maximized. In a dynamic environment, the slice broker must learn the revenue model adaptively and online. Adversaries can significantly reduce the revenue by misleading the system about the resources pretending to be selfish nodes, or creating noise. The slice broker should learn the revenue model in the presence of adversaries. We apply cooperative deep reinforcement learning with consensus mechanism and consensus deep learning to learn the revenue model adaptively. We also compare our proposed methods with the reference solution. Simulation results show that our proposed methods, especially the cooperative version, outperform the reference solution.
The influence of immobility on muscle loss in older people with frailty and fragility fractures
Authors: Lunt Eleanor K. , Gordon Adam L. , Greenhaff Paul L. , Gladman John F. R.
Published: May 2024

This longitudinal study aimed to assess muscle morphological and functional changes in older patients admitted with fragility fractures managed by immobilisation of the affected limb for at least 6 weeks. Patients aged ≥ 70 hospitalised with non-weight bearing limb fractures, and functionally limited to transfers only, were recruited. Handgrip (HGS) and knee extensor strength (KES), Vastus Lateralis muscle thickness (VLMT) and cross-sectional area at ultrasound (VLCSA) were measured in the non-injured limb at hospital admission, 1, 3 and 6 weeks later. Barthel Index, mobility aid use and residential status were recorded at baseline and 16 weeks. Longitudinal changes in muscle measurements were analysed using one-way repeated measures ANOVA. In a sub-study, female patients’ baseline measurements were compared to 11 healthy, female, non-frail, non-hospitalised control volunteers (HC) with comparable BMI, aged ≥ 70, using independent t tests. Fifty patients (44 female) participated. Neither muscle strength nor muscle size changed over a 6-week immobilisation. Dependency increased significantly from pre-fracture to 16 weeks. At baseline, the patient subgroup was weaker (HGS 9.2 ± 4.7 kg vs. 19.9 ± 5.8 kg, p < 0.001; KES 4.5 ± 1.5 kg vs. 7.8 ± 1.3 kg, p < 0.001) and had lower muscle size (VLMT 1.38 ± 0.47 cm vs. 1.75 ± 0.30 cm, p = 0.02; VLCSA 8.92 ± 4.37 cm2 vs. 13.35 ± 3.97 cm2, p = 0.005) than HC. The associations with lower muscle strength measures but not muscle size remained statistically significant after adjustment for age. Patients with non-weight bearing fractures were weaker than HC even after accounting for age differences. Although functional dependency increased after fracture, this was not related to muscle mass or strength loss, which remained unchanged.
Abnormal EEG microstates in Alzheimer’s disease: predictors of β-amyloid deposition degree and disease classification
Authors: Yan Yibing , Gao Manman , Geng Zhi , Wu Yue , Xiao Guixian , Wang Lu , Pang Xuerui , Yang Chaoyi , Zhou Shanshan , Li Hongru , Hu Panpan , Wu Xingqi , Wang Kai
Published: May 2024

Electroencephalography (EEG) microstates are used to study cognitive processes and brain disease-related changes. However, dysfunctional patterns of microstate dynamics in Alzheimer's disease (AD) remain uncertain. To investigate microstate changes in AD using EEG and assess their association with cognitive function and pathological changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We enrolled 56 patients with AD and 38 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HC). All participants underwent various neuropsychological assessments and resting-state EEG recordings. Patients with AD also underwent CSF examinations to assess biomarkers related to the disease. Stepwise regression was used to analyze the relationship between changes in microstate patterns and CSF biomarkers. Receiver operating characteristics analysis was used to assess the potential of these microstate patterns as diagnostic predictors for AD. Compared with HC, patients with AD exhibited longer durations of microstates C and D, along with a decreased occurrence of microstate B. These microstate pattern changes were associated with Stroop Color Word Test and Activities of Daily Living scale scores (all P < 0.05). Mean duration, occurrences of microstate B, and mean occurrence were correlated with CSF Aβ 1–42 levels, while duration of microstate C was correlated with CSF Aβ 1–40 levels in AD (all P < 0.05). EEG microstates are used to predict AD classification with moderate accuracy. Changes in EEG microstate patterns in patients with AD correlate with cognition and disease severity, relate to Aβ deposition, and may be useful predictors for disease classification.
Maximum tumor diameter and renal function can predict the declining surface dose rate after 177Lu-Dotatate: preliminary results of single institution in Japan
Authors: Ono Takashi , Ichikawa Mayumi , Tanada Takeo , Kanezawa Chika , Sato Hiraku
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to develop a user-friendly prediction formula for dose rate adjustment after initial 177Lu-Dotatate therapy from a prospective observational study of patients.

Materials and methods

This study included consenting patients in a prospective observational study who underwent their first treatment in four cycles of 177Lu-Dotatate treatment at our hospital between January 2022 and February 2024. All patients received 7.4 GBq of 177Lu-Dotatate. The prediction formula was derived from the regression analysis of tumor-related factors and renal function. Creatinine clearance was estimated using the Cockcroft–Gault equation in this study for renal function.

Results

Among the 13 patients (seven males, six females, median age: 59 years), logarithmically transformed total tumor volume (cc) and maximum tumor diameter (mm) of primary tumors or metastases showed strong correlations (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.897). As such, the maximum tumor diameter was used as the tumor parameter in the prediction formula. Additionally, maximum tumor diameter and creatinine clearance showed strong (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.768) and moderate (p = 0.013, R2 = 445) correlations, respectively, with the ratio of the dose rate 5.5-h post-administration to the dose rate immediately post-administration (%) at 1 m from the body surface. The resulting formula, 51.4 + 0.360 × maximum tumor diameter (mm) − 0.212 × creatinine clearance (ml/min), demonstrated an extremely strong correlation (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.937).

Conclusion

The present study showed that the maximum tumor diameter and renal function affected the declining the dose rate of patients surface after 177Lu-Dotatate, which can inform post-administration dose rate management and potentially facilitate outpatient treatment in Japan.
Effectiveness and safety of SR-ENS-600endoscopic surgical system in benign and malignant gynecological diseases: a prospective, multicenter, clinical trial with 63 cases
Authors: Chang Ren , Ping Duan , Yang Shen , Yongjun Wang , Wei Zhang , Ying Zheng , Xingming Li , Kexin Zhang , Dawei Sun
Published: May 2024

Single-port laparoscopy has gained more attention, but inherent technical challenges hinder its wider use. To overcome the disadvantage of traditional single-port surgery, robotic laparoendoscopic single-site surgery system was designed and clinically utilized. This multi-center single-arm trial was aimed to present the clinical outcomes of the SHURUI robotic endoscopic single-site surgery system. 63 women with ovary cysts, myoma, cervical epithelial neoplasm, or endometrial carcinoma were recruited at 6 academic medical centers in different districts of China. The trial was registered on September 5, 2023, with the register number: ChiCTR2300075431, retrospectively registered. Patients underwent robotic LESS surgery with the SHURUI endoscopic surgical system from January 17 to May 26, 2023. Demographic information, perioperative parameters, complications, scar healing, and operator satisfaction scores were recorded. Patients were followed up for 30 ± 4 days. Average operative time and estimated blood loss were 157.03 ± 75.24 min and 63.86 ± 98.33 ml, respectively, for all surgeries. Average anal exhaust time and hospitalization stay were 30.99 ± 14.25 h and 3.63 ± 1.59 days, respectively. Patients’ postoperative rehabilitation assessment showed satisfactory results on the day of discharge and 30 ± 4 days after surgery. The surgery achieved good cosmetic benefits and was surgeon friendly. There were no conversions to alternative surgical modalities, complications, or readmissions. The SHURUI endoscopic surgical system showed both the technical feasibility and safety of this surgical modality for gynecologic patients. Further randomized studies comparing this modality with traditional LESS surgery are suggested.
Metaverse: A real change or just another research area?
Authors: Peukert Christian , Qahri-Saremi Hamed , Schultze Ulrike , Thatcher Jason B. , Cheung Christy M. K. , Frenzel-Piasentin Adeline , Greve Maike , Matt Christian , Trenz Manuel , Turel Ofir
Published: May 2024

The Metaverse, an evolving concept that fuses physical reality with digital virtuality, offers a dynamic environment for exploration. This paper reports the panel discussion on the Metaverse and its potential implications for individuals and research. This discussion was held at the Digitization of the Individual (DOTI) workshop at the International Conference on Information Systems in December 2022. Four scientists who have researched virtual reality, immersiveness, and corresponding user behavior were invited to the panel discussion. The panelists offered their perspectives on the unique characteristics of the Metaverse, how it differs from earlier digital worlds, and the implications that the Metaverse will bring for individuals. This paper provides an introduction to the emerging phenomenon of “Metaverse” and summarizes the discussion and expert perspectives on the topic. Furthermore, this paper links the discussion to the ongoing discourse in the literature, setting the stage for further investigations by providing explicit research avenues and questions.
Investigation of long-term pressure on primary packaging materials and a biologic drug product for injection with a novel autoinjector concept
Authors: Primavessy Daniel , Piening Max , Nightingale Adam , Jameson Heather , Latham Matthew , Alexander James , Büttner Sarah , Pfrang Juergen , Zapf Andreas , Oakley Tom , Brutsche Andreas , Saaler-Reinhardt Sigrid
Published: May 2024

Gerresheimer and Midas Pharma have developed a novel cartridge-based autoinjector concept in which the cartridge as primary packaging is under constant pressure. In this article standard cartridge primary packaging material of five different companies were analyzed for their behavior under long-term pressure. Materials of 3 glass manufacturers and 2 manufacturers for cartridge rubber parts were considered. Within the test program septum stability, septum piercing, glide forces (GF), break-loose forces (BLF), glass breaking as well as a regulatory approved and marketed antibody drug product under pressure were subject to analysis. Under pressure the cartridge septum bulge grew within the first 14 days and then relevantly slowed down. An accelerated study in different atmospheric conditions allowed to extrapolate values for 24 months storage, not showing any signs of decay or problematic septum bulge increase. Pierce forces were in normal ranges and septum rupture could not be observed at the end of 42 days of pressurization. GF and BLF were within acceptable ranges and changes due to pressure could not be observed. Lowest glass breaking pressures at 4922 kPa turned out to be at least 3.5 times higher than pressures used in the autoinjector concept. Degradation of the Adalimumab antibody drug product due to pressure or device fluid pathway could not be observed with size exclusion chromatography, electrophoresis or sub-visible particles tested as a release testing in a GMP setting.

Graphical Abstract
Sex and disease severity-based analysis of steroid hormones in ME/CFS
Authors: Pipper Cornelia , Bliem Linda , León Luis E. , Mennickent Daniela , Bodner Claudia , Guzmán‑Gutiérrez Enrique , Stingl Michael , Untersmayr Eva , Wagner Bernhard , Bertinat Romina , Sepúlveda Nuno , Westermeier Francisco
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating disease characterized by persistent fatigue and decreased daily activity following physical and/or cognitive exertion. While ME/CFS affects both sexes, there is a higher prevalence in women. However, studies evaluating this sex-related bias are limited.

Methods

Circulating steroid hormones, including mineralocorticoids (aldosterone), glucocorticoids (cortisol, corticosterone, 11-deoxycortisol, cortisone), androgens (androstenedione, testosterone), and progestins (progesterone, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone), were measured in plasma samples using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS). Samples were obtained from mild/moderate (ME/CFSmm; females, n=20; males, n=8), severely affected patients (ME/CFSsa; females, n=24; males, n=6), and healthy controls (HC, females, n=12; males, n=17).

Results

After correction for multiple testing, we observed that circulating levels of 11-deoxycortisol, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone in females, and progesterone in males were significantly different between HC, ME/CFSmm, and ME/CFSsa. Comparing two independent groups, we found that female ME/CFSsa had higher levels of 11-deoxycortisol (vs. HC and ME/CFSmm) and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (vs. HC). In addition, female ME/CFSmm showed a significant increase in progesterone levels compared to HC. In contrast, our study found that male ME/CFSmm had lower circulating levels of cortisol and corticosterone, while progesterone levels were elevated compared to HC. In addition to these univariate analyses, our correlational and multivariate approaches identified differential associations between our study groups. Also, using two-component partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), we were able to discriminate ME/CFS from HC with an accuracy of 0.712 and 0.846 for females and males, respectively.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest the potential value of including steroid hormones in future studies aimed at improving stratification in ME/CFS. Additionally, our results provide new perspectives to explore the clinical relevance of these differences within specific patient subgroups.

Graphical abstract