bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The omnipolar mapping technology—a new mapping tool to overcome “bipolar blindness” resulting in true high-density maps
Authors: Dittrich Sebastian , Scheurlen Cornelia , van den Bruck Jan-Hendrik , Filipovic Karlo , Wörmann Jonas , Erlhöfer Susanne , Schipper Jan-Hendrik , Lüker Jakob , Steven Daniel , Sultan Arian
Published: May 2023

Background

Omnipolar mapping (OT) is a novel tool to acquire omnipolar signals for electro-anatomical mapping, displaying true voltage and real-time wavefront direction and speed independent of catheter orientation. The aim was to analyze previously performed left atrial (LA) and left ventricular (LV) maps for differences using automated OT vs. standard bipolar settings (SD) and HD wave (HDW) algorithm.

Methods

Previously obtained SD and HDW maps of the LA and LV using a 16-electrode, grid-shaped catheter were retrospectively analyzed by applying automated OT, comparing voltage, point density, pulmonary vein (PV) gaps, and LV scar area.

Results

In this analysis, 135 maps of 45 consecutive patients (30 treated for LA, 15 for LV arrhythmia) were included. Atrial maps revealed significantly higher point densities using OT (21471) vs. SD (6682) or HDW (12189, p < 0.001). Mean voltage was significantly higher using OT (0.75 mV) vs. SD (0.61 mV) or HDW (0.64 mV, p < 0.001). OT maps detected significantly more PV gaps per patient vs. SD (4 vs. 2), p = 0.001.

In LV maps, OT revealed significantly higher point densities (25951) vs. SD (8582) and HDW (17071), p < 0.001. Mean voltage was significantly higher for OT (1.49 mV) vs. SD (1.19 mV) and HDW (1.2 mV), p < 0.001. Detected scar area was significantly smaller using OT (25.3%) vs. SD (33.9%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

OT mapping leads to significantly different substrate display, map density, voltage, detection of PV gaps, and scar size, compared to SD and HDW in LA and LV procedures. Successful CA might be facilitated due to true HD maps.
Art, politics and identity in de Staël’s Corinne ou l’Italie
Authors: Monateri Valentina
Published: May 2023

The aim of this paper is to analyze Anne Louise Germaine de Staël’s novelCorinne ou l’Italie(1807) from the point of view of the cultural studies and the visual studies, to shed a light on de Staël’s attempt at promoting the construction of a modern Italian national identity, founded on the arts. The article examines how de Staël’s participation in the Italian nation-building was half linked to her prejudices upon the Italian lateness in the process of civilization Northern European countries were undergoing, and half focused on creating a transnational, cross-boundary and European artistic language.
Exploring the molecular spectroscopic and electronic characterization of nanocrystalline Metal-free phthalocyanine: a DFT investigation
Authors: El-Saady A. A. , Roushdy N. , Farag A. A. M. , El-Nahass M. M. , Abdel Basset Dalia M.
Published: May 2023

The molecular structure optimization and harmonic vibrational frequencies of nanocrystalline metal-free phthalocyanine were investigated using the density functional theory (DFT) implemented in the Gaussian 09 program through B3LYP/6-311G basis set. Thermodynamic and non-linear optical (NLO) characteristics, total dipole moment, HOMO–LUMO energies, natural population analysis (NPA), and global chemical reactivity descriptors were examined. TD-DFT evaluations were used to interpret the electronic absorption. The experimental results and computed values match up adequately. An essential component of photovoltaic devices and the optimized HOMO–LUMO energy gap (2.16 eV) were estimated and compared with those obtained experimentally. The energy band model was used to check the probability of the transition type and estimate the values of energy gaps, which were found to be indirectly allowed. To provide a comprehensive picture for the characterization and determine the activation energy of the charge carriers, the DC electrical conductivity was also examined. It was revealed to have a value between 0.767 and 1.288 eV depending on the temperature range.
A replication study on the intuitiveness of programming language syntax
Authors: Lappi Vilma , Tirronen Ville , Itkonen Jonne
Published: May 2023

In this article, we present a replication of an empirical experiment that evaluates intuitiveness and comprehensibility of keywords relating to different concepts in programming languages, originally conducted by Stefik and Gellenbeck. Novice programmers face many barriers when learning programming. One of these barriers is syntax, which for many languages is not designed based on empirical evidence. The purpose of the experiment was to provide more empirical evidence on the subject, to find out if the results of the original experiment can be replicated and if conducting the experiment in an environment where English is not the native language affects the results. The results of our experiment replicated most of the findings of the original study and provided further evidence that some syntactic choices in many popular programming languages are unintuitive for novice programmers. Our results suggest that the native language of participants who otherwise had good English skills had little effect when compared to the original study. These results may support programming language designers in making evidence-based design decisions and teachers of introductory programming courses in identifying some of the barriers novice programmers face.
Sterically crowded thioamides: deviations from planarity as determined by X-ray structure analyses and quantum chemical calculations
Authors: Voss Jürgen , Buddensiek Dirk
Published: May 2023

The structures of selected thiobenzamides and some corresponding benzamides with two more or less bulky N-substituents have been studied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. The planarity of the thioamide moiety, i.e., the internal rotation about the Ar-CS and the C-N bond as well as the bending of the two N-substituents versus the thioamide plane, was determined from the data. The experimental data were corroborated by quantum chemical calculations of molecular ensembles in the crystal and, in particular, by Hirshfeld surface analysis.
Dose-dependent positive-to-negative shift of litter effects on seedling growth: a modelling study on 35 plant litter types
Authors: Mingo Antonio , Bonanomi Giuliano , Giannino Francesco , Incerti Guido , Mazzoleni Stefano
Published: May 2023

Modelling the inter-relationships between litter accumulation and plant–soil feedback is a major challenge to predict natural and agricultural ecosystem dynamics. At increasing levels of undecomposed plant litter, seedling growth tends to show a multi-faceted response trend, characterised by a peak of positive stimulation at lower dosage followed by inhibition at higher dosage. In this study, a new logistic model was developed to describe such trend and disentangle substrate-specific positive and negative effects of plant litter. The model was tested on 35 litter types applied to the common phytometer Lepidium sativum; all litter types were collected in Mediterranean shrublands of Campania region (southern Italy). Model fitting resulted to be generally higher relative to the widely used linear log response model, although in only half of the cases it also gave more parsimonious results in terms of minimising information loss. Positive and negative effects of plant litter resulted to be uncorrelated, showing that the overall trend is probably the result of the combined action of separate factors rather than the effect of a single factor behaving differently at the different doses. The results of this work provide new tools to finely tune the optimal doses in experiments on hormesis and litter phytotoxicity, through the identification of the most suited doses to centre the range of nearly linear response to litter concentration. A wide screening is also presented on the phytotoxicity profiles of a number of spontaneous plant species widely distributed in the Mediterranean area.
Are Mediterranean Nonprofits Adopting the Social Enterprise Model?
Authors: López-Arceiz Francisco J. , Bellostas Ana J. , Rivera Pilar
Published: May 2023

The social enterprise model, which is characterized by economic, social, and governance dimensions, has become a key aspect of modern welfare states in Europe. Despite its potential to increase revenue diversification for nonprofits, particularly through commercial income, its effects in the context of Mediterranean countries within the European Union are untested. This study aims to examine the adoption of the social enterprise model by Mediterranean nonprofits. The results suggest that organizations with high levels of diversification through commercial income exhibit some characteristics of the social enterprise model, and this behavior is influenced by factors such as the type of promoter, user, organizational aims, and activities.
Validating Microbial Source Tracking Markers and Assessing the Efficacy of Culturable E. coli and Enterococcus Assays in Ozark Streams, USA
Authors: Browning Dustin A. , Mausbach William E. , Stookey Courtney , Nikolai Stephen J. , Barrow Joel , Townsend Darrell E.
Published: May 2023

Fecal contamination threatens human health and contributes to the eutrophication of water resources. In Oklahoma, approximately 75% of assessed stream miles in the state are listed as impaired for fecal indicator bacteria (FIB). We tested the performance of seven microbial source tracking (MST) markers in six Northeast Oklahoma streams. All samples were tested with human (HF183), bovine (COWM2, COWM3), porcine (Pig-2-Bac), avian (Av4143), Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus markers using digital PCR (dPCR), as well as culturable assays for E. coli (Colisure) and Enterococcus (Enterolert). Rural and agricultural land uses were characterized by bovine sources of bacterial contamination. Human fecal contamination was found to be prominent in developed landscapes with several indicators for chronic human fecal pollution in an urban stream. All the streams met the criterion for Enterococcus impairment in 2019 and 2020; however, we found no relationships between culturable Enterococcus and the MST markers except in the urban stream, which had chronic human fecal pollution issues. The urban stream met the criterion for E. coli impairment, and E. coli was significantly correlated with the dominant MST markers in both rural and urban streams. We find that the culturable Enterococcus assay is not specific enough to be used for FIB water quality standards. We support the continued use of culturable E. coli assays to monitor for fecal contamination, and we recommend following-up with MST to verify fecal sources so informed mitigative actions can be taken to improve stream water quality.
Software-based quantitative CT analysis to predict the growth trend of persistent nonsolid pulmonary nodules: a retrospective study
Authors: Borghesi Andrea , Coviello Felice Leopoldo , Scrimieri Alessandra , Ciolli Pietro , Ravanelli Marco , Farina Davide
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Persistent nonsolid nodules (NSNs) usually exhibit an indolent course and may remain stable for several years; however, some NSNs grow quickly and require surgical excision. Therefore, identifying quantitative features capable of early discrimination between growing and nongrowing NSNs is becoming a crucial aspect of radiological analysis. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of an open-source software (ImageJ) to predict the future growth of NSNs detected in a Caucasian (Italian) population.

Material and methods

We retrospectively selected 60 NSNs with an axial diameter of 6–30 mm scanned with the same acquisition-reconstruction parameters and the same computed tomography (CT) scanner. Software-based analysis was performed on thin-section CT images using ImageJ. For each NSNs, several quantitative features were extracted from the baseline CT images. The relationships of NSN growth with quantitative CT features and other categorical variables were analyzed using univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses.

Results

In multivariable analysis, only the skewness and linear mass density (LMD) were significantly associated with NSN growth, and the skewness was the strongest predictor of growth. In receiver operating characteristic curve analyses, the optimal cutoff values of skewness and LMD were 0.90 and 19.16 mg/mm, respectively. The two predictive models that included the skewness, with or without LMD, exhibited an excellent power for predicting NSN growth.

Conclusion

According to our results, NSNs with a skewness value > 0.90, specifically those with a LMD > 19.16 mg/mm, should require closer follow-up due to their higher growth potential, and higher risk of becoming an active cancer.
The comparative constitutional compliance database
Authors: Gutmann Jerg , Metelska-Szaniawska Katarzyna , Voigt Stefan
Published: May 2023

This article introduces a novel database that measures governments’ compliance with national constitutions. It combines information on de jure constitutional rules with data on their de facto implementation. The individual compliance indicators can be grouped into four categories that we aggregate into an overall indicator of constitutional compliance: property rights and the rule of law, political rights, civil rights, and basic human rights. The database covers 175 countries over the period 1900 to 2020 and can be used by researchers interested in studying the determinants or the effects of (non)compliance with constitutions. Our investigation of the stylized facts of constitutional compliance reveals a long-term increase in compliance, which occurred primarily around the year 1990. The Americas experienced the steepest increase in compliance, but also Africa and Europe improved particularly at the end of the Cold War. Democracies – particularly those with parliamentary and mixed systems – show more constitutional compliance than nondemocracies, among which military dictatorships perform the worst. Constitutional design also matters: Constitutions that allow for the dismissal of the head of state or government for violating constitutional rules are being complied with more.
Selected Aspects of Non orthogonal Multiple Access for Future Wireless Communications
Authors: Flizikowski Adam , Marciniak Tomasz , Wysocki Tadeusz A. , Oyerinde Olutayo
Published: May 2023

In this paper overview of recent selected works that deal with novel directions in which Non orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) research is progressing is presented. These include the cell-free NOMA, deep learning extensions and optimizations of NOMA, energy optimization and task offloading with mobile-edge computing, NOMA and physical layer security, as well as virtualization, centralized-RAN aspects. All these are hot issues towards deployments of NOMA in the designs of beyond 5G and 6th generation (6G) wireless communication networks. Even though 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has not yet made the decision regarding which NOMA techniques should be adopted, it seems like researchers already indicate clearly that NOMA has important place in the future network deployments based on ultra-density, novel 5G use-cases (massive machine type communications, ultra-reliable low latency communications). This paper highlights the most promising directions for NOMA research. The paper is summarized with necessary steps that are required to get NOMA into practical usage.
Approaching Study on the Relationship Between Saccharomyces cerevisiae Production of Tyrosol, Hydroxytyrosol, and Melatonin with Volatile Compounds in Fermented Must
Authors: Gonzalez-Ramirez Marina , Marin-Torres Maria Mar , Gallardo-Fernandez Marta , Planells-Carcel Andres , Bisquert Ricardo , Valero Eva , Ubeda Cristina , Troncoso Ana Maria , Garcia-Parrilla Maria Carmen
Published: May 2023

Yeasts are feasible and effective bioreactors and, therefore, there is a great interest in their industrial employment for the production of a wide range of molecules. In this study, the production by Saccharomyces cerevisiae of bioactive compounds such as hydroxytyrosol (HT), tyrosol (TYR) and melatonin (MEL) vs. volatile compounds in fermented must was studied. The concentration of the bioactive compounds HT and MEL in fermented must employing different yeast strains revealed that the higher the concentrations, the lower the amount of volatile compounds determined. This inverse correlation was especially remarkable with respect to the production of higher alcohols, especially 2-phenylethanol (2-PE) and esters. Furthermore, the employment of a modified Aro4pK229LS. cerevisiae QA23 yeast strain which overproduces HT, gave rise to fermented must also higher in 2-PE and their corresponding esters but with an outstanding less presence of other important esters such as ethyl hexanoate and ethyl octanoate. Both premises could point out that S. cerevisiae might have different approaches to handling cell stress/toxicity due to their nitrogen metabolism. One detoxifying pathway could be through the production of higher alcohols and these in turn to esters and the other be more related to synthesizing antioxidant molecules such as MEL and HT.
Preventing and Treating Infection in Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Authors: Markes Alexander R. , Bigham Joseph , Ma C. Benjamin , Iyengar Jaicharan J. , Feeley Brian T.
Published: May 2023

Purpose of Review

Periprosthetic infection after shoulder arthroplasty is relatively uncommon though associated with severe long-term morbidity when encountered. The purpose of the review is to summarize the recent literature regarding the definition, clinical evaluation, prevention, and management of prosthetic joint infection after reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

Recent Findings

The landmark report generated at the 2018 International Consensus Meeting on Musculoskeletal Infection has provided a framework for diagnosis, prevention, and management of periprosthetic infections after shoulder arthroplasty. Shoulder specific literature with validated interventions to reduce prosthetic joint infection is limited; however existing literature from retrospective studies and from total hip and knee arthroplasty allows us to make relative guidelines. One and two-stage revisions seem to demonstrate similar outcomes; however, no controlled comparative studies exist limiting the ability to make definitive recommendations between the two options.

We report on recent literature regarding the current diagnostic, preventative, and treatment options for periprosthetic infection after shoulder arthroplasty. Much of the literature does not distinguish between anatomic and reverse shoulder arthroplasty, and further high-level shoulder specific studies are needed to answer questions generated from this review.
Recent progress of in-fiber WGM microsphere resonator
Authors: Yang Yong , Wang Zijie , Zhang Xiaobei , Zhang Qi , Wang Tingyun
Published: May 2023

In-fiber whispering gallery mode (WGM) microsphere resonators have received remarkable attention due to the superiorities of compact structure, high stability and self-alignment. As an in-fiber structure, WGM microsphere resonators have been demonstrated in various applications, such as sensors, filters and lasers, which have significant impacts on modern optics. Herein, we review recent progress of in-fiber WGM microsphere resonators, which involve fibers of diverse structures and microspheres of different materials. First, a brief introduction is given to in-fiber WGM microsphere resonators, from structures to applications. Then, we focus on recent progresses in this field, including in-fiber couplers based on conventional fibers, capillaries and micro-structure hollow fibers, and passive/active microspheres. Finally, future developments of the in-fiber WGM microsphere resonators are envisioned.

Graphical Abstract
The Role of Higher Education Institutions (HEI) in Academic Spin-off Creation: A Cooperation Perspective
Authors: Pacheco Ana , Franco Mário
Published: May 2023

Cooperation between Higher Education Institutions and Enterprises (HEI-E-C) is extremely relevant in regional economic development. Therefore, this study aims to understand the role of HEI in academic spin-off creation. To achieve this objective, we adopted the qualitative approach (case study method) and focused on a cooperation relation involving a Portuguese HEI and two academic spin-offs. For data collecting, several interviews with key informants and direct observation were used. Content analysis of the interviews with founders of these academic spin-offs and lecturers teaching the curricular unit of entrepreneurship in the HEI studied, the results identified some essential aspects to understand this type of cooperation (HEI-E): (1) the role of academic entrepreneurship and its importance in the growth of spin-offs for regional economic growth, (2) the influence of academic entrepreneurs’ characteristics in the process of creating a spin-off, and (3) academic motivations to create spin-offs and the benefits of cooperation with HEIs. This study also presents implications for theory and educational and business practice.
Pain and mild cognitive impairment among adults aged 50 years and above residing in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Smith Lee , López Sánchez Guillermo F. , Shin Jae Il , Soysal Pinar , Pizzol Damiano , Barnett Yvonne , Kostev Karel , Jacob Louis , Veronese Nicola , Butler Laurie , Odell-Miller Helen , Bloska Jodie , Underwood Benjamin R. , Koyanagi Ai
Published: May 2023

Background

Previous studies on the association between pain and cognitive decline or impairment have yielded mixed results, while studies from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) or specifically on mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are scarce. Thus, we investigated the association between pain and MCI in LMICs and quantified the extent to which perceived stress, sleep/energy problems, and mobility limitations explain the pain/MCI relationship.

Methods

Data analysis of cross-sectional data from six LMICs from the Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE) were performed. MCI was based on the National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer's Association criteria. "Overall in the last 30 days, how much of bodily aches or pain did you have?” was the question utilized to assess pain. Associations were examined by multivariable logistic regression analysis and meta-analysis.

Results

Data on 32,715 individuals aged 50 years and over were analysed [mean (SD) age 62.1 (15.6) years; 51.7% females]. In the overall sample, compared to no pain, mild, moderate, and severe/extreme pain were dose-dependently associated with 1.36 (95% CI = 1.18–1.55), 2.15 (95% CI = 1.77–2.62), and 3.01 (95% CI = 2.36–3.85) times higher odds for MCI, respectively. Mediation analysis showed that perceived stress, sleep/energy problems, and mobility limitations explained 10.4%, 30.6%, and 51.5% of the association between severe/extreme pain and MCI.

Conclusions

Among middle-aged to older adults from six LMICs, pain was associated with MCI dose-dependently, and sleep problems and mobility limitations were identified as potential mediators. These findings raise the possibility of pain as a modifiable risk factor for developing MCI.
Sintering behaviour of 3D-printed 18K 5N gold alloy by binder jetting: a preliminary study
Authors: Mariani Marco , Vario Tiziana , Salaheldin Karim , Annoni Massimiliano , Lecis Nora
Published: May 2023

Binder jetting is a versatile additive manufacturing technique suitable to produce alloys that are difficult to obtain by powder bed fusion techniques, such as precious metals, due to their high reflectivity and thermal conductivity. In this study, a 18K 5N gold alloy powder was employed in the printing process. Different heat treatments and densification processes were employed to achieve final-stage sintering and remove residual porosity, whilst controlling the evolution of copper oxides by reduction with hydrogen and graphite. Powder, green and sintered samples were characterised at the microstructural level by X-ray diffraction, microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy to assess phase transitions and secondary-phase formation. Oxide-free components with a final relative density above 90% were achieved by densification at 830 °C combined with carbon- and CO-induced reduction of tenorite and cuprite. The optimal manufacturing route was chosen to produce a bezel, as a case study for the adoption of this technique in the jewellery industry.
A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Online Mindfulness-Based Interventions for University Students: An Examination of Psychological Distress and Well-being, and Attrition Rates
Authors: Alrashdi Duaa H. , Chen Kayla K. , Meyer Carly , Gould Rebecca L.
Published: May 2023

There are increasing concerns about university students’ mental health with mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) showing promising results. The effect of MBIs delivered digitally to a broad range of university students and study attrition rates remain unclear. This review aimed to explore the effectiveness of online MBIs on university students’ mental health, academic performance and attrition rate of online MBIs. Four databases were searched; both randomised and non-randomised controlled trials were included. Outcomes included mental health-related outcomes and academic performance. Twenty-six studies were identified with outcomes related to mental health. When compared with non-active controls, small to medium statistically significant effect sizes in favour of online MBIs were found for depression, stress, anxiety, psychological distress and psychological well-being at post-intervention. However, these benefits were not seen when online MBIs were compared to active controls and other treatments at post-intervention or follow-up. University students in online MBI arms were more likely to drop out compared to non-active controls and active controls, but no differences were found compared to other treatments. Generally, the included studies’ risk of bias was moderate to high. Online MBIs appear beneficial for improving university students’ mental health when compared to non-active controls post-intervention, but not active controls or other treatments. Findings related to active controls and other treatments should be interpreted with caution due to the small number of studies, the small number of participants in included studies and the degree of heterogeneity in effect sizes.
Logistics dynamic information retrieval based on blockchain data security model
Authors: Yang Hua
Published: May 2023

This study presents blockchain technology to integrate the time attribute of Internet of Things data and the time stamp of blockchain, and proposes a data retrieval solution based on dynamic information retrieval. Analyze and reorganize the blockchain data at the bottom of the logistics information platform to synchronize the logistics information to the third-party relational database. The experimental results show that the proposed method can improve the data entry time of the system by 5.2%, and the system occupancy rate is less than 4.1%. It is proved that the proposed model can simplify the data attributes of the Internet of Things, improve the universality of data, effectively integrate the structural characteristics of the Internet of Things and blockchain, and realize safe and efficient data management and application.
Repeated walking challenge campaign participation increases step averages among Mexican Americans living in an inactive U.S.-Mexico border community
Authors: Valenzuela Roy , Miller Mary , Salinas Jennifer J.
Published: May 2023

Mexican Americans are among the least active race/ethnic groups in the United States, most notably during leisure time. We sought to ascertain the effect of repeated participation in community-based walking challenges on average steps as a potential strategy for improving physical activity engagement in a predominately Hispanic community in far west Texas. A total of 354 participants were recruited through a community-wide walking challenge campaign. Data were analyzed at baseline and 2 weeks post-challenge participation. We used step tracker data to determine quantifiable differences by previous challenge participation. Repeated challenge participation was associated with greater baseline step averages; however, there was no dose effect for the number of previous challenges. One previous challenge participation was no different from multiple challenges. Additionally, the type of challenge increased the likelihood of repeated challenge participation. Findings from this study provide evidence that regular community-level walking challenge campaigns contribute to sustained walking among Mexican Americans at the community level.
Decisions for Sustainability
Authors: Dietz Thomas
Published: May 2023

Decisions by individuals, organisations, and nations shape the well-being of humans and other species, the environment, and sustainability. Decisions for Sustainability examines how we can make better decisions concerning our future. It incorporates sociological, psychological, and economic perspectives to highlight our strengths and weaknesses in decision-making, and suggest strategies to influence both individual and societal decisions. Sustainability challenges – from local land use and toxic contamination to climate change and biodiversity loss – illustrate how we can improve decision making and what factors lead to conflict. How we use science in the face of uncertainty is also examined, and a range of ethical criteria for good decisions are proposed. Emphasizing the need for diversity in decision making and clarifying the relationship between reform and societal transformation, this book provides a comprehensive view of what we know about decision-making, and how we can do better in the face of sustainability challenges.
Futures of Socialism
Authors: Murphy Colm
Published: May 2023

The transformation of the Labour Party by 1997 is among the most consequential political developments in modern British history. Futures of Socialism overhauls the story of Labour's modernisation and provides an innovative new history. Diving into the tumultuous world of the British left after 1973, rocked by crushing defeats, bitter schisms, and ideological disorientation, Colm Murphy uncovers competing intellectual agendas for modern socialism. Responding to deindustrialisation, neoliberalism, and constitutional agitation, these visions of 'modernisation' ranged across domestic and European policy and the politics of class, gender, race, and democracy. By reconstructing the sites and networks of political debate, the book explains their changing influence inside Labour. It also throws new light on New Labour, highlighting its roots in this social-democratic intellectual maelstrom. Futures of Socialism provides an essential analysis of social democracy in an era of market liberalism, and of the ideas behind a historic political reconstruction that remains deeply controversial today.
Networks of Faith and Profit
Authors: Li Yiwen
Published: May 2023

Between 839 and 1403 CE, there was a six-century lapse in diplomatic relations between present-day China and Japan. This hiatus in what is known as the tribute system has led to an assumption that there was little contact between the two countries in this period. Yiwen Li debunks this assumption, arguing instead that a vibrant Sino-Japanese trade network flourished in this period as Buddhist monks and merchants fostered connections across maritime East Asia. Based on a close examination of sources in multiple languages, including poems and letters, transmitted images and objects, and archaeological discoveries, Li presents a vivid and dynamic picture of the East Asian maritime world. She shows how this Buddhist trade network operated outside of the framework of the tribute system and, through novel interpretations of Buddhist records, provides a new understanding of the relationship between Buddhism and commerce.
The Inexact and Separate Science of Economics
Authors: Hausman Daniel M.
Published: May 2023

Is economics a science? What distinguishes it from other sciences, both natural and social? Like many of the natural sciences, its theories are mathematically complex. Yet, like the social sciences, its 'laws' are largely everyday generalizations. Can such generalizations, which are far from universal truths, constitute a science? Does economics have a distinctive method? The first edition answered these and other questions about the scientific status of economics and its underlying methodology. In this fully updated new edition, Dan Hausman reflects on developments in both economics and the philosophy of economics over the last thirty years. It includes a new chapter on the methodology of macroeconomics, an updated discussion on the use of models, and new discussions causal inference and behavioural economics and their implications for theory appraisal. It is the perfect choice for a new generation of students studying the methodology of modern economics.
The Long Journey of English
Authors: Trudgill Peter
Published: May 2023

English is one of the most widely-spoken languages in the world, with native-speaking communities at the furthest ends of the earth. However, just three thousand years ago, the language-which-became-English was not spoken anywhere in Britain. Trudgill, one of the foremost authorities on the English language, takes us on a remarkable journey through the history of English to show how it grew to become the global phenomenon that we know today. Over ten short, easily digestible chapters, he traces its development and global spread, starting with the earliest genesis of English five thousand years ago, exploring its expansion in the British Isles, and finishing with an overview of how the language looks today, including its use in an increasingly digital world. Particular attention is paid to the native-speaker varieties of English from all around the world, and the relationship between colonial varieties of English and indigenous languages.
Intimate Partner Violence, Firearm Injuries and Homicides: A Health Justice Approach to Two Intersecting Public Health Crises
Authors: Tobin-Tyler Elizabeth
Published: May 2023

More than half of all intimate partner homicides involve a firearm and firearms are frequently used by perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV) to injure and threaten victims and survivors. Recent court decisions undermine important legal restrictions on firearm possession by IPV perpetrators, thus jeopardizing the safety of victims and survivors. This article reviews the history and recent developments in the law at the intersection of IPV and firearm violence and proposes a way forward through a health justice framework.
Characterising ice slabs in firn using seismic full waveform inversion, a sensitivity study
Authors: Pearce Emma , Booth Adam D. , Rost Sebastian , Sava Paul , Konuk Tuğrul , Brisbourne Alex , Hubbard Bryn , Jones Ian
Published: May 2023

The density structure of firn has implications for hydrological and climate modelling, and ice-shelf stability. The structure of firn can be evaluated from depth models of seismic velocity, widely obtained with Herglotz–Wiechert inversion (HWI), an approach that considers the slowness of refracted seismic arrivals. However, HWI is strictly appropriate only for steady-state firn profiles and the inversion accuracy can be compromised where firn contains ice layers. In these cases, full waveform inversion (FWI) may yield more success than HWI. FWI extends HWI capabilities by considering the full seismic waveform and incorporates reflected arrivals. Using synthetic firn density profiles, assuming both steady- and non-steady-state accumulation, we show that FWI outperforms HWI for detecting ice slab boundaries (5–80 m thick, 5–80 m deep) and velocity anomalies within firn. FWI can detect slabs thicker than one wavelength (here, 20 m, assuming a maximum frequency of 60 Hz) but requires the starting velocity model to be accurate to ±2.5%. We recommend for field practice that the shallowest layers of velocity models are constrained with ground-truth data. Nonetheless, FWI shows advantages over established methods, and should be considered when the characterisation of firn ice slabs is the goal of the seismic survey.
Mechano-chemical regulation of complex cell shape formation: Epidermal pavement cells—A case study
Authors: van Spoordonk Ruben , Schneider René , Sampathkumar Arun
Published: May 2023

All plant cells are encased by walls, which provide structural support and control their morphology. How plant cells regulate the deposition of the wall to generate complex shapes is a topic of ongoing research. Scientists have identified several model systems, the epidermal pavement cells of cotyledons and leaves being an ideal platform to study the formation of complex cell shapes. These cells indeed grow alternating protrusions and indentations resulting in jigsaw puzzle cell shapes. How and why these cells adopt such shapes has shown to be a challenging problem to solve, notably because it involves the integration of molecular and mechanical regulation together with cytoskeletal dynamics and cell wall modifications. In this review, we highlight some recent progress focusing on how these processes may be integrated at the cellular level along with recent quantitative morphometric approaches.
COMPARING METHODS FOR CO2PURIFICATION OF CREMATED BONE SAMPLES
Authors: Olsen Jesper , Daróczi Tibor-Tamás , Kanstrup Marie
Published: May 2023

During the last two decades the radiocarbon (14C) dating of hydroxyapatite archaeological cremated bones has become standard practice. Various pretreatment procedures exist among different laboratories of which some include fixation of SO2using “Sulfix” prior to CO2reduction. Recently it was reported that the use of Sulfix may cause the resulting14C age to be too old. Here we report on the use Sulfix at the Aarhus AMS Centre. Further, we report on an experiment designed to test alternatives for the use of Sulfix as a purification agent.
Pathogens in milk of goats and their relationship with somatic cell count
Authors: Tvarožková Kristína , Tančin Vladimír , Uhrinčať Michal , Oravcová Marta , Hleba Lukáš , Gancárová Barbora , Mačuhová Lucia , Ptáček Martin , Marnet Pierre-Guy
Published: May 2023

We evaluated the presence of bacterial pathogens in the milk of goats and their relationship with somatic cell count (SCC) and milk composition. The study was performed on a dairy farm in northern Slovakia. Half udder milk samples were collected from goats in June and July. The samples were divided on the basis of SCC into 4 bands (SCC1 lowest to SCC4 highest). Bacterial pathogens were only detected in 13% of samples. SCC3 and SCC4 had 15 and 25% positive samples respectively compared with SCC1 (2%) and SCC2 (14%). Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) were the most common isolates (73%), of which Staphylococcus caprae was the most frequently isolated (65%). In samples with ≥ 1000 × 103 cells ml− 1 (SCC3, SCC4) there was higher somatic cell score (SCS) in the presence of a pathogen (7.48 ± 0.11) than without a pathogen (7.16 ± 0.05, P < 0.01). Statistically significant but weak negative correlations were observed between SCS and lactose, dry matter and non-fat dry matter. In conclusion, a higher percentage of bacteriologically positive milk samples was observed in both SCC3 and SCC4 groups but this does not explain the aetiology of high SCC in the milk of goats that are apparently free of bacteria. As a diagnostic tool, SCC is probably less useful in goats than in cows.
Alterations in pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide in major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and comorbid depression in Alzheimer's disease in the human hypothalamus and prefrontal cortex
Authors: Slabe Zala , Balesar Rawien A. , Verwer Ronald W. H. , Van Heerikhuize Joop J. , Pechler Gwyneth A. , Zorović Maja , Hoogendijk Witte J.G. , Swaab Dick F.
Published: May 2023

Background

Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide (PACAP) is involved in the stress response and may play a key role in mood disorders, but no information is available on PACAP for the human brain in relation to mood disorders.

Methods

PACAP-peptide levels were determined in a major stress-response site, the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), of people with major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder (BD) and of a unique cohort of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients with and without depression, all with matched controls. The expression of PACAP-(Adcyap1mRNA) and PACAP-receptors was determined in the MDD and BD patients by qPCR in presumed target sites of PACAP in stress-related disorders, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC).

Results

PACAP cell bodies and/or fibres were localised throughout the hypothalamus with differences between immunocytochemistry andin situhybridisation. In the controls, PACAP-immunoreactivity-(ir) in the PVN was higher in women than in men. PVN-PACAP-ir was higher in male BD compared to the matched male controls. In all AD patients, the PVN-PACAP-ir was lower compared to the controls, but higher in AD depressed patients compared to those without depression. There was a significant positive correlation between the Cornell depression score and PVN-PACAP-ir in all AD patients combined. In the ACC and DLPFC, alterations in mRNA expression of PACAP and its receptors were associated with mood disorders in a differential way depending on the type of mood disorder, suicide, and psychotic features.

Conclusion

The results support the possibility that PACAP plays a role in mood disorder pathophysiology.
Metabolomic profiles of 38 acylcarnitines in major depressive episodes before and after treatment
Authors: Ait Tayeb Abd El Kader , Colle Romain , Chappell Kenneth , El-Asmar Khalil , Acquaviva-Bourdain Cécile , David Denis J. , Trabado Séverine , Chanson Philippe , Feve Bruno , Becquemont Laurent , Verstuyft Céline , Corruble Emmanuelle
Published: May 2023

Background

Major depression is associated with changes in plasma L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine. But its association with acylcarnitines remains unclear. The aim of this study was to assess metabolomic profiles of 38 acylcarnitines in patients with major depression before and after treatment compared to healthy controls (HCs).

Methods

Metabolomic profiles of 38 plasma short-, medium-, and long-chain acylcarnitines were performed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry in 893 HCs from the VARIETE cohort and 460 depressed patients from the METADAP cohort before and after 6 months of antidepressant treatment.

Results

As compared to HCs, depressed patients had lower levels of medium- and long-chain acylcarnitines. After 6 months of treatment, increased levels of medium- and long-chain acyl-carnitines were observed that no longer differed from those of controls. Accordingly, several medium- and long-chain acylcarnitines were negatively correlated with depression severity.

Conclusions

These medium- and long-chain acylcarnitine dysregulations argue for mitochondrial dysfunction through fatty acid β-oxidation impairment during major depression.
Contesting the Future: Secular and Religious Time in Hobbes's Leviathan
Authors: Michaelis Loralea
Published: May 2023

This article examines the peculiar fusion of secular and religious temporal orders in Hobbes's Leviathan in light of the debate between Löwith and Blumenberg over the origins of modern time consciousness. The analysis places Hobbes more securely on the side of Blumenberg by uncovering the constructive agency at work in the anxiously future-preoccupied account of human nature which distinguishes Leviathan from Hobbes's earlier works and which gives his revision of Christian eschatology its psychological coherence and rhetorical force. This interpretation of Hobbes as an early architect of modern time consciousness fills in the missing temporal pieces in Blumenberg's own engagement with Hobbes and gives the theme of temporality—of creating and securing the experience of an open future above all—the attention that it deserves in the account of Hobbes's modernity.
A review of HTA guidelines on societal and novel value elements
Authors: Breslau Rachel Milstein , Cohen Joshua T. , Diaz Jose , Malcolm Bill , Neumann Peter J.
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Health technology assessment (HTA) organizations vary in terms of how they conduct assessments. We assess whether and to what extent HTA bodies have adopted societal and novel elements of value in their economic evaluations.

Methods

After categorizing “societal” and “novel” elements of value, we reviewed fifty-three HTA guidelines. We collected data on whether each guideline mentioned each societal or novel element of value, and if so, whether the guideline recommended the element’s inclusion in the base case, sensitivity analysis, or qualitative discussion in the HTA.

Results

The HTA guidelines mention on average 5.9 of the twenty-one societal and novel value elements we identified (range 0–16), including 2.3 of the ten societal elements and 3.3 of the eleven novel value elements. Only four value elements (productivity, family spillover, equity, and transportation) appear in over half of the HTA guidelines, whereas thirteen value elements are mentioned in fewer than one-sixth of the guidelines, and two elements receive no mention. Most guidelines do not recommend value element inclusion in the base case, sensitivity analysis, or qualitative discussion in the HTA.

Conclusions

Ideally, more HTA organizations will adopt guidelines for measuring societal and novel value elements, including analytic considerations. Importantly, simply recommending in guidelines that HTA bodies consider novel elements may not lead to their incorporation into assessments or ultimate decision making.
Effect of comprehensive nursing methods in postoperative ICU of children with CHD
Authors: Lin Shaoyan , Gao Qiong , He Xiaoxia , Zhao Zhirong
Published: May 2023

To explore effect of comprehensive nursing in postoperative ICU of children with CHD. The subjects were 50 cases of children with CHD treated in our hospital: 25 cases in the control group: routine nursing, and 25 cases in the observation group: comprehensive nursing intervention. The effective rate of 92.00% in the observation group was significantly higher. The serum-free calcium value (1.07 ± 0.11) mmol/L of the observation group on the first day after surgery was significantly lower, and the observation group’s creatine phosphate, the daily average dosage of creatine phosphate per unit body weight was significantly higher. 96.00% of patients in the observation group were significantly higher in nursing satisfaction. The complication rate of 8.00% in observation group was significantly lower. In order to successfully complete the operation schedule and improve the postoperative recovery effect of children, high requirements are placed on nursing staff. The comprehensive nursing method used in the postoperative ICU of children with CHD can reduce the incidence of postoperative complications and improve nursing satisfaction.