bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differentiation of strains in the lateral and medial bands of the iliofemoral ligament: A segmental approach
Authors: St‐Pierre Marc‐Olivier , Effatparvar Mohammad Reza , Begon Mickaël , Sobczak Stéphane
Published: May 2023

Iliofemoral ligament strains have been assessed in a circumscribed portion, limiting the information regarding the strains in the proximal, mid and distal portions. The purpose of this study is to describe the longitudinal and transversal strain within the proximal, mid and distal portions of the lateral and medial bands of the iliofemoral ligament. Ten fresh cadaveric specimens were assessed. The iliofemoral ligaments were divided into medial and lateral bands. Hemispherical beads (2.6 mm) were placed on the lateral and medial borders of each band. Four positions were assessed: abduction, extension, internal and external rotations combined with extension. The hemispherical beads were scanned at the end range of motion using a laser scanner. The three‐dimensional position of each bead was used to estimate longitudinal and transversal strains. A three‐factor ANOVA was used to compare movements, borders, and portions within each ligament for longitudinal strains. A one‐way ANOVA was used to compare transversal strains between portions. This technique showed mean reliability (ICC: 2, 1) of 0.90 ± 0.06. The external rotation showed the highest strains in both ligaments (p < 0.05). Abduction showed a significant difference between the lateral and medial borders in both bands (p = 0.001). Eight movement‐border combinations showed a significant difference between proximal, medial, and lateral portions (p < 0.005). According to our results, there is a clear effect of portions (proximal, mid and distal) within the ligament and movements. Abduction shows the lowest strains longitudinally but the largest strains transversally. Although we do not know the impact of this phenomenon, future studies should assess the strains following hip arthroscopies. The latter might improve the impact of this procedure on hip biomechanics. Lastly, the iliofemoral ligament should be assessed using a segmental approach rather than as a complete unit.
Ghost infarct core: A systematic review of the frequency, magnitude, and variables of CT perfusion overestimation
Authors: Ballout Ahmad A. , Oh Seok Yoon , Huang Brendan , Patsalides Athos , Libman Richard B.
Published: May 2023

Background and Purpose

CT perfusion (CTP) imaging is now widely used to select patients with large vessel occlusions for mechanical thrombectomy. Ghost infarct core (GIC) phenomenon has been coined to describe CTP core overestimation and has been investigated in several retrospective studies. Our aim is to review the frequency, magnitude, and variables associated with this phenomenon.

Methods

A primary literature search resulted in eight studies documenting median time from symptom onset to CTP, median estimated core size, median final infarct volume, median core overestimation of the GIC population, recanalization rates, good outcomes, and collateral status for this systematic review.

Results

All the studies investigated patients who underwent CTP within 6 hours of symptom onset, ranging from median times of 105 to 309 minutes. The frequency of core overestimation varied from 6% to 58.4%, while the median estimated ischemic core and final infarction volume ranged from 7 to 27 mL and 12 to 31 mL, respectively. The median core overestimation ranged from 3.6 to 30 mL with upper quartile ranges up to 58 mL. GIC was found to be a highly time‐and‐collateral‐dependent process that increases in frequency and magnitude as the time from symptom onset to imaging decreases and in the presence of poor collaterals.

Conclusions

CTP ischemic core overestimation appears to be a relatively common phenomenon that is most frequent in patients with poor collaterals imaged within the acute time window. Early perfusion imaging should be interpreted with caution to prevent the inadvertent exclusion of patients from highly effective reperfusion therapies.
Exploring the structure of fearlessness using self‐report measures
Authors: Van Til Kaela , Miller Joshua D. , Carter Nathan T. , Lynam Donald R.
Published: May 2023

Objective

The present study examined the hierarchical structure of self‐reported fearlessness and compared this structure to external criterion measures.

Background

Fearlessness is often discussed in relation to clinical and personality research. However, there is a paucity of research focusing on its empirical structure, in particular with self‐report measures.

Method

Using a preregistered analytical approach, we employed Goldberg's 2006 “bass‐ackward” factor analysis on self‐reported trait fear and fearlessness items to uncover the hierarchical structure of the construct. The final sample consisted of 619 participants and 562 informants.

Results

By assessing fit statistics and interpretability of the factors, we found a six‐factor model fit the data best. The six‐factor solution emerged as comprehensive and included components labeled Assertiveness, Low Anxiety, Sociability, Recklessness, Openness to Action, and Adventurousness. Criterion variables measuring boldness, fear, anxiety, psychopathy, basic personality traits, and impulsivity, were correlated with the factor scores at each factor level of the model.

Conclusions

The findings from this study elucidate how trait fearlessness unfolds at varying levels and how these factors relate to and diverge from various outcomes.
Religious Homogamy and Marital Satisfaction in South Korea: Exploring Variations across Religious Groups
Authors: Lee Sangsoo , Lee Myoung‐Jin
Published: May 2023

This study examines whether and how the association between religious homogamy (i.e., whether spouses have the same religious affiliation) and marital satisfaction varies across religious affiliations by utilizing a unique context that four large religious groups (i.e., Buddhists, Protestants, Catholics, and religious nones) coexist in South Korea. Our results show that while religious homogamy has a positive relationship with marital satisfaction among Protestants and Catholics, there is no such association among Buddhists. This study also reveals that higher levels of religious attendance intensify the positive relationship between religious homogamy and marital satisfaction only among Protestants. Moreover, religious heterogamy is positively associated with marital relationships among religious nones compared to religious homogamy. However, this pattern held only for religious nones who married Buddhists or Catholics. We discuss the implications of our findings for research on religion and marriage from cross‐cultural perspectives.
Correcting the bias of the sample cross‐covariance estimator
Authors: Li Yifan
Published: May 2023

We derive the finite sample bias of the sample cross‐covariance estimator based on a stationary vector‐valued time series with an unknown mean. This result leads to a bias‐corrected estimator of cross‐covariances constructed from linear combinations of sample cross‐covariances, which can in theory correct for the bias introduced by the first lags of cross‐covariance with any not larger than the sample size minus two. Based on the bias‐corrected cross‐covariance estimator, we propose a bias‐adjusted long run covariance (LRCOV) estimator. We derive the asymptotic relations between the bias‐corrected estimators and their conventional Counterparts in both the small‐ and the fixed‐ limit. Simulation results show that: (i) our bias‐corrected cross‐covariance estimators are very effective in eliminating the finite sample bias of their conventional counterparts, with potential mean squared error reduction when the data generating process is highly persistent; and (ii) the bias‐adjusted LRCOV estimators can have superior performance to their conventional counterparts with a smaller bias and mean squared error.
Career arduousness and instability: Both matter for health beyond 50
Authors: Vandenberghe Vincent
Published: May 2023

This paper explores the long‐term consequences of career arduousness and career instability for both physical and mental health in the European context. One of its strengths is to link what happens during the entire career and the health status at an older age. The paper finds a positive link between career arduousness (i.e. the sum of job demands individuals have been exposed to during their entire career) and late‐life mental and physical ill health, but also evidence that career instability (i.e. career gaps, job insecurity, displacements, unemployment spells) could matter as much as arduousness per se. And this has implications for pension policy inter alia.
Safety and efficacy of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in patients with cirrhosis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Pasta Andrea , Calabrese Francesco , Labanca Sara , Marenco Simona , Pieri Giulia , Plaz Torres Maria Corina , Intagliata Nicolas M. , Caldwell Stephen H. , Giannini Edoardo G.
Published: May 2023

Background & Aims

Patients with cirrhosis are considered in a haemostatic balance, though weaker than in normal subjects. In these patients, however, the use of pharmacological prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains controversial. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of VTE prophylaxis in patients with cirrhosis.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of studies reporting the occurrence of bleeding and VTE events in patients with cirrhosis, and controls, undergoing VTE prophylaxis. Meta‐regression analysis was conducted to further explore the determinants of heterogeneity in the study of the occurrence of either bleeding or VTE events.

Results

In a total of 10 studies, including 5712 patients, of which 2330 undergoing VTE prophylaxis, bleeding (n = 5513) and VTE events occurred in 8.2% and 2.8% patients respectively. A total of 2963 and 3162 patients were included from low‐risk of bias studies in bleeding and VTE analysis respectively: while administration of VTE prophylaxis did not seem to reduce VTE (OR = 1.07, CI 0.39–2.96, p = .89), importantly prophylaxis was not associated with increased bleeding risk (OR = 0.56, CI 0.20–1.59, p = .27). Meta‐regression analysis showed that no parameter significantly influenced the heterogeneity of data regarding bleeding or VTE events.

Conclusions

In patients with cirrhosis, current evidence is insufficient to advise for or against the use of VTE prophylaxis, mainly due to lack of quality and homogeneity of available data. However, its use does not appear to be associated with a significant bleeding risk. Adequately designed studies are required to provide a measure of its overall utility.
Usefulness of controlled attenuation parameter in monitoring clinically relevant decline of hepatic steatosis for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Wang Jing‐Houng , Ou Hsin‐You , Yen Yi‐Hao , Hung Chao‐Hung , Lu Sheng‐Nan
Published: May 2023

Background and Aims

Magnetic resonance imaging‐derived proton density fat fraction (MRI‐PDFF) is the reference standard of hepatic steatosis assessment. This study evaluates usefulness of controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) in monitoring the clinically relevant outcome by MRI‐PDFF for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients.

Methods

NAFLD patients were enrolled prospectively. Instruction was given in lifestyle modifications with exercise and control of metabolic factors. MRI‐PDFF and CAP were performed at enrollment and follow‐up, with the diagnostic validity of CAP in monitoring clinically relevant outcome defined as a decline of ≥30% relative to baseline value by MRI‐PDFF.

Results

A total of 75 patients (male/female: 49/26, mean age: 53.2) were enrolled. Baseline MRI‐PDFF, CAP and liver stiffness was 14.4%, 300.2 dB/m and 6.5 kPa. In a median interval of 369 days, thirteen (17.3%) patients achieved clinically relevant outcome with decline of 46.7 dB/m by CAP, compared with increase of 5.1 in the other patients. In multivariate analysis, clinically relevant outcome was associated with changes (Δ) of CAP and glucose. Assessed by area under receiver operating curve, the performances of ΔCAP in predicting clinically relevant outcome were 0.815 and 0.808, and with the specificity of >90%, the ΔCAP cutoff was −46 dB/m and −15% relative to baseline value; sensitivity was 53.8% and 46.2% with negative predictive value of 90.3% and 88.9% respectively.

Conclusions

For NAFLD patients, CAP exhibited good performance in monitoring clinically relevant decline of hepatic steatosis in MRI‐PDFF. With the cutoffs of −46 dB/m or −15%, ΔCAP is useful in excluding clinical relevant outcome achievement.
Intensive care nurses' experiences of caring for patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic based on an analysis of blog posts
Authors: Skoglund Karin , Åhlman Ebba , Mallin Sofia , Holmgren Jessica
Published: May 2023

Background

In 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) broke out worldwide, leading to a pandemic. Studies have shown that COVID‐19 patients in intensive care units (ICUs) require more nursing care than other patients. ICU nurses who care for patients with COVID‐19 have shown signs of psychological and physical strain.

Aim

The aim of this study was to illuminate ICU nurses' experiences of caring for patients with COVID‐19 in ICUs during the first wave of the pandemic.

Study Design

A qualitative, descriptive and inductive approach was used. A total of 70 blog posts from 13 bloggers in the United States, Great Britain, Finland and Sweden were analysed using qualitative inductive manifest content analysis.

Results

The results reveal an overall theme: ‘An overturned existence under extreme conditions’. Furthermore, three categories—‘the virus caused changes in work and private lives’, ‘unreasonable demands’, and to hold on to caring ideals thanks to the support of others’—and seven subcategories were identified.

Conclusions

Caring for patients with COVID‐19 during the first wave of the pandemic was demanding because of a lack of knowledge about the disease and the severity of the illness. This led to ICU nurses experiencing extreme conditions that affected various aspects of their lives. Support from colleagues and teamwork were revealed to be particularly important for how nurses dealt with the demands of working during a pandemic, as was sufficient recovery time between work shifts.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Work in ICUs was challenging and demanding, even before the pandemic. This study contributes to an understanding of the complex work environment that existed in hospitals during the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic. The knowledge obtained from this study can be used to revise working conditions and identify health interventions for ICU nurses.
Mesenchymal stem cells‐derived IL‐6 promotes invasion and metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma via JAK‐STAT3 signalling
Authors: Liu Chuanxia , Zhou Jinhan , Zhang Shanshan , Fu Ji , Li Yining , Hao Yilong , Yuan Jian , Tang Fan , Ge Weili , He Hong , Chen Qianming
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is often diagnosed with cervical lymph node metastasis. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) signalling are considered to play important roles in promoting tumour malignancy. The detailed biological interaction of MSCs and IL‐6 and the subsequent effect on OSCC metastasis remain largely unclear. This study aimed to determine the effects and molecular mechanism of MSCs‐derived IL‐6 on tumour invasion and metastasis.

Subjects and Methods

The effects of MSC‐derived IL‐6 and tocilizumab on the proliferation, mobility, and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) of OSCC cells and potential pathways were detected in vitro. In addition, a murine xenograft model was generated to verify the biological mechanism in vivo.

Results

The results showed that the expression of MSCs and EMT‐related signals was increased in poorly differentiated OSCC tissues. MSCs released a higher level of IL‐6 and promoted the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of OSCC cells and solid neoplasms, which were activated by the downstream molecules JAK and STAT3.

Conclusions

The results indicated that MSCs‐derived IL‐6‐promoted tumour invasion and metastasis via JAK–STAT3 signalling. Blockade of this pathway by tocilizumab may be a potential treatment to improve the prognosis and survival rate of patients with OSCC.
Landscape variation in defense traits along gradients of multiple resources in a tropical savanna plant
Authors: Mohanbabu Neha , Veldhuis Michiel P. , Jung Dana , Ritchie Mark E.
Published: May 2023

Many plant species are widely distributed and consequently are exposed to multiple abiotic factors and diverse herbivores, each of which may distinctly affect the magnitude of different defense traits. Alternative theories for optimal allocation to plant defense traits predict both positive and negative associations between magnitude of defense and resource availability. These predictions may apply even within species. This suggests potential for a single species' patterns of association of defense traits and resources to vary with both the type of defense and identity of resource, but relatively few studies have explored intraspecific variation in multiple defense traits along several resource gradients simultaneously. In order to address this gap, especially in an ecosytem dominated by large mammalian herbivores, we assessed relationships between multiple resources (rainfall, soil N, and soil P) and plant defense traits (prickle density, phenolics, and lignin content) using a widely distributed tropical savanna herb, Solanum incanum, growing in naturally occuring resource gradients within the Serengeti National Park. We found substantial intraspecific variation in all three defense traits across sites (n = 43). Variation in prickle density was positively associated with rainfall and soil P, but not soil N. In contrast to prickle density, phenolics and lignin were uncorrelated with all three resource gradients. This independent association of soil P with a carbon‐based defense, prickle density, suggests potential for resources that are not components of defenses to influence allocation to defense traits. Such influence may reflect association between resource and herbivore abundance and/or preference. These varied patterns in resource–defense associations further emphasize the tremendous variation in anti‐herbivore traits which may be influenced by different plant resources and highlight the need to consider multiple resource gradients in understanding evolution of plant traits.
Efficacy and safety of zuranolone in Japanese adults with major depressive disorder: A double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, phase 2 clinical trial
Authors: Kato Masaki , Nakagome Kazuyuki , Baba Takamichi , Sonoyama Takuhiro , Okutsu Daiki , Yamanaka Hideki , Shimizu Ryosuke , Motomiya Tomoko , Inoue Takeshi
Published: May 2023

[Corrections added on 20 December 2024, after first online publication: The Results section in the Abstract has been revised to report on updated data following the re‐analysis of the study results using revised numbers of patients in the three groups ‐ zuranolone 20 mg [N=84], zuranolone 30 mg [N=79], and placebo [N=79] ‐ that were included in the full analyses set and the safety analysis set.]

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of an oral, once‐daily, 14‐day treatment course of zuranolone in Japanese patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).

Methods

This multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study randomized eligible patients (1:1:1) to receive oral zuranolone 20 mg, zuranolone 30 mg, or placebo once daily for 14 days (treatment‐period), followed by two 6‐week follow‐up periods. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in the 17‐item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD‐17) total score on Day 15.

Results

Overall, 250 patients (enrolled: 07/07/2020–05/26/2021) were randomized, of whom 79 in the placebo group, 84 in the zuranolone 20‐mg group, and 79 in the zuranolone 30‐mg group were included in the full analysis set (FAS) population. The demographic and baseline characteristics were balanced between groups. The adjusted mean (standard error) change from baseline in the HAMD‐17 total score on Day 15 was −6.09 (0.64), −8.18 (0.63), and − 8.33 (0.65) in the placebo, zuranolone 20‐mg, and zuranolone 30‐mg groups, respectively. Significant differences in the adjusted mean (95% confidence interval [CI]) for the zuranolone 20‐mg versus placebo (−2.09; [−3.86, −0.33]; P = 0.0204) and zuranolone 30‐mg versus placebo (−2.24; [−4.03, −0.45]; P = 0.0146) groups were observed on Day 15, and also as early as Day 3 for zuranolone 30 mg. A nonsignificant yet distinct drug‐placebo separation was observed in the zuranolone 30‐mg group during follow‐up. Somnolence (placebo [3.8%], zuranolone 20 mg [10.7%], and zuranolone 30 mg [21.5%]) and dizziness (2.5%, 9.5%, and 8.9%, respectively) were more common drug reactions in the treatment period with zuranolone.

Conclusion

Oral zuranolone was safe and demonstrated significant improvements in depressive symptoms, as assessed by the HAMD‐17 total score change from baseline over 14 days in Japanese patients with MDD.
Suppressing plant defense: Scavenge the ROS!
Authors: Prasad Ashish , Sharma Shambhavi , Prasad Manoj
Published: May 2023

Reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐mediated defense against fungal pathogens is an essential arm of plant immunity. As a counter defense, these pathogens synthesize antioxidant enzymes that scavenge the ROS produced by plants. The molecular mechanism behind the upregulation of these enzymes in fungal pathogens was unknown. A recent study by Zhang et al. (2023, https://doi.org/10.15252/embj.2022112634) has shed light on the mechanism, and it has been shown that deacetylation of FolSrpk1 protein on the K304 residue following oxidative stress is an important event in the signaling cascade leading to ROS detoxification in Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici. Deacetylated FolSrpk1 moves to the nucleus where it hyperphosphorylates FolSr1, which further regulates the transcription of antioxidant enzymes. This mechanism of ROS detoxification is conserved in Botrytis cinerea as well. Several other phytopathogenic fungi have a corresponding K304 site and NLS present in their Srpk1, suggesting a similar mechanism of ROS detoxification and suppression of plant defense. In this article, we have presented our views on how future studies can be synthesized based on the pathway deciphered by Zhang et al. (2023, https://doi.org/10.15252/embj.2022112634).
Salivary 3‐methoxy‐4‐hydroxyphenylglycol and MRI‐based volume change of the precuneus in community‐dwelling elderly people
Authors: Ohishi‐Fukuchi Junko , Imamura Yoshiomi , Orihashi Ryuzo , Kunitake Hiroko , Kunitake Yutaka , Tateishi Hiroshi , Yamada Shigeto , Monji Akira , Mizoguchi Yoshito
Published: May 2023

Background

The noradrenergic systems in the brain maintain cognitive functions including attention/concentration and establishment of long‐term memory. In addition, hypofunction of noradrenergic systems is supposed to be involved in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease. In this study, we tried to examine the possible associations of concentrations of basal salivary 3‐methoxy‐4‐hydroxyphenylglycol (sMHPG), a major metabolite of noradrenaline, and brain volume changes during 4 years in elderly people living in a rural community.

Methods

The survey was conducted twice in Kurokawa‐cho, Imari, Saga Prefecture, Japan, among people aged 65 years and older. We collected data from 226 residents. Measurements of sMHPG and brain MRIs were collected at Time 1 (2005–2007). Follow‐up brain MRIs were taken at Time 2 (2009–2011). A total of 70 participants (18 men, mean age 71.9 ± 4.8 years; 52 women, mean age 72.0 ± 4.3 years) completed this survey. Concentrations of sMHPG at baseline were divided into two groups using the mean value (12.83 ng/ml). We compared the brain volumes between groups with higher and lower sMHPG concentrations over time using voxel‐based morphometry implemented with statistical parametric mapping.

Results

In participants with higher sMHPG concentrations at baseline, brain volumes including right precuneus were significantly larger 4 years after baseline than those with lower sMHPG concentrations at baseline. No interaction between sMHPG concentration and MRI acquisition interval was found.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that higher sMHPG concentrations in elderly people might be associated with maintenance of brain volume, especially in brain regions closely related to cognitive function.
Understanding oral health from the point of view of adults with disabilities and/or complex medical conditions: A scoping review
Authors: Bogner Marie‐Sophie , Faulks Denise
Published: May 2023

Aim

This study aimed to review the qualitative scientific literature investigating experience of the mouth and oral health amongst adults with disabilities and/or complex health conditions.

Methods

A scoping review methodology was applied in accordance with the methodological framework of Arksey & O'Malley and the PRISMA‐SCR checklist. Electronic searching was performed using the databases Pubmed, Embase, and PsychInfo.

Results

Thirty articles were included in the final selection. The populations included in the selected studies were very varied in terms of health conditions and disabilities. Three major themes relating to the experience and understanding of the mouth, oral health, and function were highlighted in the review: the representation of oral health, the influence of oral health on the participant's life, and the influence of the socio‐environmental context on oral health. No study explicitly described the functional, social, and psychological roles of the mouth in a comprehensive manner.

Conclusions

Perception of the mouth and oral health differs depending on the individual and their health condition. Oral health is described as dependent on the socio‐environmental context, however, outside of the experience of dental care services, this context is not investigated in the literature. This scoping review demonstrated that exhaustive understanding of the dimensions of the mouth and oral health has not been explored in published research for this population.
Optical coherence tomography confirms non‐malignant pigmented lesions in phacomatosis pigmentokeratotica using a support vector machine learning algorithm
Authors: Lee Jenna , Beirami Mohammad Javad , Ebrahimpour Reza , Puyana Carolina , Tsoukas Maria , Avanaki Kamran
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Phacomatosis pigmentokeratotica (PPK), an epidermal nevus syndrome, is characterized by the coexistence of nevus spilus and nevus sebaceus. Within the nevus spilus, an extensive range of atypical nevi of different morphologies may manifest. Pigmented lesions may fulfill the ABCDE criteria for melanoma, which may prompt a physician to perform a full‐thickness biopsy.

Motivation

Excisions result in pain, mental distress, and physical disfigurement. For patients with a significant number of nevi with morphologic atypia, it may not be physically feasible to biopsy a large number of lesions. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non‐invasive imaging modality that may be used to visualize non‐melanoma and melanoma skin cancers.

Materials and Method

In this study, we used OCT to image pigmented lesions with morphologic atypia in a patient with PPK and assessed their quantitative optical properties compared to OCT cases of melanoma. We implement a support vector machine learning algorithm with Gabor wavelet transformation algorithm during post‐image processing to extract optical properties and calculate attenuation coefficients.

Results

The algorithm was trained and tested to extract and classify textural data.

Conclusion

We conclude that implementing this post‐imaging machine learning algorithm to OCT images of pigmented lesions in PPK has been able to successfully confirm benign optical properties. Additionally, we identified remarkable differences in attenuation coefficient values and tissue optical characteristics, further defining separating benign features of pigmented lesions in PPK from malignant features.
A defence of conceptual analysis as a linguistic endeavour
Authors: Grindrod Jumbly
Published: May 2023

In this paper, I outline and defend a traditional yet controversial view of conceptual analysis, particularly as it is used in epistemology. I will defend the view against a number of objections, all of which focus on the idea that conceptual analysis relies upon linguistic intuitions. Rather than trying to deny this claim, I will seek to vindicate the use of conceptual analysis within epistemology even given its reliance on linguistic intuitions. To do so, I first outline the view of conceptual analysis I have in mind and then respond to three broad objections from Quill Kukla, Allan Hazlett and Stephen Stich.
Comparing FTP and SSH Password Brute Force Attack Detection using k-Nearest Neighbour (k-NN) and Decision Tree in Cloud Computing
Authors: Kamarudin Shah Muhammad Fakrullah , Md-Arshad Marina , Abdul Samad Adlina , A. Ghaleb Fuad
Published: May 2023

Cloud computing represents a new epoch in computing. From huge enterprises to individual use, cloud computing always provides an answer. Therefore, cloud computing must be readily accessible and scalable, and customers must pay only for the resources they consume rather than for the entire infrastructure. With such conveniences, come with their own threat especially brute force attacks since the resources are available publicly online for the whole world to see. In a brute force attack, the attacker attempts every possible combination of username and password to obtain access to the system. This study aims to examine the performance of the k-Nearest Neighbours (k-NN) and Decision Tree algorithms by contrasting their precision, recall, and F1 score. This research makes use of the CICIDS2017 dataset, which is a labelled dataset produced by the Canada Institute for Cybersecurity. A signature for the brute force attack is utilised with an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) to detect the attack. This strategy, however, is ineffective when a network is being attacked by a novel or unknown attack or signature. At the conclusion of the study, the performance of both algorithms is evaluated by comparing their precision, recall, and f1 score. The results show that Decision Tree performs slightly better than k-NN at classifying FTP and SSH attacks.
Question Classification for Helpdesk Support Forum Using Support Vector Machine and Naïve Bayes Algorithm
Authors: Harun Noor Aklima , Huspi Sharin Hazlin , A. Iahad Noorminshah
Published: May 2023

The helpdesk support system is now essential in ensuring the journey of support services runs more systematically. One of the elements that contribute to the non-uniformity of the question data in the Helpdesk Support System is the diversity of services and users. Most questions asked in the system are in various forms and sentence styles but usually offer the same meaning making its hard for automation of the question classification process. This has led to problems such as the tickets being forwarded to the wrong resolver group, causing the ticket transfer process to take longer response. The key findings in the exploration results revealed that tickets with a high number of transfer transactions take longer to complete than tickets compared to no transfer transaction. Thus, this research aims to develop an automated question classification model for the Helpdesk Support System by applying supervised machine learning methods: Naïve Bayes (NB) and Support Vector Machine (SVM). The domain will use a readily available dataset from the IT Unit. The results using these techniques are then evaluated using confusion matrix and classification report evaluation, including precision, recall, and F1-Measure measurement. The outcomes showed that the SVM algorithm and TF-IDF feature extraction outperformed in terms of accuracy score compared to the NB algorithm. It is expected that this study will have a significant impact on the productivity of team technical and system owners in dealing with the increasing number of comments, feedback, and complaints presented by end-users.
Ações Civis Públicas sobre Acessibilidade Escolar de Estudantes com Deficiência em Mato Grosso do Sul
Authors: Carvalho Cristiane da Costa , Nozu Washington Cesar Shoiti , Rocha Ana Cláudia dos Santos
Published: May 2023

Este artigo se propõe a analisar as decisões do Tribunal de Justiça de Mato Grosso do Sul (TJMS), proferidas em ações civis públicas, relacionadas ao direito à acessibilidade de estudantes com deficiência em escolas das redes municipais e estadual de ensino. O referencial teórico deste estudo é o modelo social da deficiência, concepção que enfatiza as barreiras externas, e não impedimentos corporais, como empecilhos para a plena participação social da pessoa com deficiência. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, do tipo documental, cuja materialidade centrou-se em acórdãos disponibilizados publicamente no sítio eletrônico do TJMS, no período de 2001 a 2021. O corpus foi constituído por 17 decisões. Os resultados foram sistematizados em três unidades de análise: causa de pedir, pedido e fundamentação das decisões. A causa de pedir das ações foi a omissão do Poder Público Municipal ou Estadual em observar a acessibilidade nas escolas, circunscrita à inadequação arquitetônica dos prédios e ao transporte público escolar para pessoas com deficiência. Os pedidos foram para realização imediata de reformas e adaptações nos espaços físicos das escolas da rede pública; apresentação de projeto de reforma da estrutura física, com prazo de execução das obras; disponibilização de transporte escolar; construção de vaga no estacionamento da escola para pessoa com deficiência ou mobilidade reduzida. A fundamentação das decisões foi o direito à acessibilidade como expresso nas leis brasileiras. No período investigado, a judicialização da acessibilidade escolar no Estado ficou limitada à discussão de transportes e de edificações escolares.
Educação em Direitos Humanos e a Formação de Professores/as
Authors: De Matos Lins Heloísa Andreia , Capatto da Silva Pedro Henrique , Rocha de Souza Harry
Published: May 2023

Considerando o cenário de enfraquecimento democrático no Brasil e seus impactos e retrocessos na educação - para além das influências transnacionais nesse âmbito - são apresentadas neste trabalho algumas perspectivas fundamentadas na Educação em Direitos Humanos, que envolvem uma universidade pública e duas escolas da Educação Básica também públicas. São propostas concebidas e narradas por diferentes agentes desse processo, em suas confluências, a partir de uma proposta central que buscou: a) aproximação, sensibilização, intervenção e aprendizados mútuos pela/na Educação em Direitos Humanos (EDH) e b) observação, intervenção e análise dos/nos contextos educativos, na relação com algumas propostas governamentais afins e dos principais desafios para tal efetivação como políticas públicas. Há, nesse conjunto, uma perspectiva docente do Ensino Superior e a de dois licenciandos do curso de Matemática, com objetivo de explicitação e detalhamento de suas intervenções que configuram estudos de caso, de cunho qualitativo. O principal conjunto de dados foi produzido através do registro de ações e narrativas de estudantes que participaram desses percursos formativos, além de observações e intervenções dos referidos licenciandos, como parte das exigências da disciplina. De modo geral, as propostas revelam alguns entraves nos currículos escolares das referidas instituições para as pedagogias engajadas e decoloniais, nas mentalidades de vários/as envolvidos/as e também desafios na efetivação da EDH como centralidade de políticas públicas e propostas governamentais. Por outro lado, indicam algumas aberturas para os enfrentamentos necessários nesses contextos do fazer docente e institucional contra hegemônico, dialógico e que necessita contar com a participação ativa e protagonista dos/as estudantes.
Applications of the algebraic geometry of the Putman–Wieland conjecture
Authors: Landesman Aaron , Litt Daniel
Published: May 2023

We give two applications of our prior work toward the Putman–Wieland conjecture. First, we deduce a strengthening of a result of Marković–Tošić on virtual mapping class group actions on the homology of covers. Second, let and let be a finite ‐cover of topological surfaces. We show the virtual action of the mapping class group of on an ‐isotypic component of has nonunitary image.
Surface structural analysis of CaF2(111) using low-energy atom scattering spectroscopy
Authors: Fukuta Hiroaki , Tan Goon , Oga Tomoaki , Matsuda Akifumi , Yoshimoto Mamoru , Umezawa Kenji
Published: May 2023

We determined the surface structure of cleaved CaF2(111) via atomic force microscopy and low-energy atom scattering spectroscopy for surface analyses of insulators. A pulsed 3 keV-20Ne0 impinged on the sample. The backscattered particles were detected at a scattering angle of 180°. It was found that (1) fluorine atoms dominated the topmost surfaces of cleaved CaF2(111) and (2) the topmost layer of fluorine atoms was located at an inward shift of 0.2 Å with respect to the bulk lattice structure.
The ST component in the Si 2p photoemission spectrum from H-terminated and oxidized Si (001) surfaces
Authors: Herrera-Gomez A. , Vazquez-Lepe M. O. , Mani-Gonzalez P. G. , Pianetta P. , Aguirre-Tostado F. S. , Ceballos-Sanchez O.
Published: May 2023

One doublet is usually employed to fit the Si0 substrate species in the Si 2p photoemission spectra from Si (001) H-terminated (after piranha treatment) and oxidized surfaces. However, there is a second substrate-top component (ST) with a binding energy of 0.3 eV higher than the bulk component; its intensity varies from ∼10% at normal emission (i.e., 90° from the surface) to ∼20% at 35°. It is present even for oxidized surfaces and does not correspond to any of the suboxide species. It corresponds to the first layers of the substrate and is responsible for the decrease in the signal dip between the two S–O branches of the Si 2p spectra for glancing electron takeoff angles. Although it is resolvable for monochromatized sources, the ST component is absent in the literature on Si 2p spectra.
Estimating the noise dose range of the NASA X-59 aircraft in supersonic cruise using PCBoom propagation simulations
Authors: Doebler William J. , Loubeau Alexandra
Published: May 2023

PCBoom propagation simulations of the NASA X-59 low-boom in supersonic cruise were conducted using near-field CFD pressure waveforms as inputs to estimate the noise dose range. Low-booms were propagated through realistic atmospheric profiles from the Climate Forecast System Version 2 across the USA, and loudness statistics of the low-booms are presented. The near-field waveforms correspond to aircraft configurations expected to produce minimum- and maximum-loudness levels on the ground. The simulations show that the practical Perceived Level noise dose range is 72 to 86.7 dB. Dose ranges for other single event and cumulative sonic boom metrics of interest are also provided.
The ubiquitin ligase Uhrf2 is a master regulator of cholesterol biosynthesis and is essential for liver regeneration
Authors: Slabber Coenraad Frederik , Bachofner Marc , Speicher Tobias , Kuklin Andrii , Fearon Abbie Elisabeth , Padrissa-Altés Susagna , Bogorad Roman , Horváth Rudigier Carla , Wüst Daria , Krautbauer Sabrina , Höring Marcus , Liebisch Gerhard , Anderson Daniel G. , Wolfrum Christian , auf dem Keller Ulrich , Werner Sabine
Published: May 2023

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are key regulators of the remarkable regenerative capacity of the liver. Mice lacking FGF receptors 1 and 2 (Fgfr1 and Fgfr2) in hepatocytes are hypersensitive to cytotoxic injury during liver regeneration. Using these mice as a model for impaired liver regeneration, we identified a critical role for the ubiquitin ligase Uhrf2 in protecting hepatocytes from bile acid accumulation during liver regeneration. During regeneration after partial hepatectomy,
Uhrf2
expression increased in an FGFR-dependent manner, and Uhrf2 was more abundant in the nuclei of liver cells in control mice compared with FGFR-deficient mice. Hepatocyte-specific Uhrf2 knockout or nanoparticle-mediated Uhrf2 knockdown caused extensive liver necrosis and impaired hepatocyte proliferation after partial hepatectomy, resulting in liver failure. In cultured hepatocytes, Uhrf2 interacted with several chromatin remodeling proteins and suppressed the expression of cholesterol biosynthesis genes. In vivo, the loss of Uhrf2 resulted in cholesterol and bile acid accumulation in the liver during regeneration. Treatment with a bile acid scavenger rescued the necrotic phenotype, hepatocyte proliferation, and the regenerative capacity of the liver in Uhrf2-deficient mice subjected to partial hepatectomy. Our results identify Uhrf2 as a key target of FGF signaling in hepatocytes and its essential function in liver regeneration and highlight the importance of epigenetic metabolic regulation in this process.
Hepatic stellate cells maintain liver homeostasis through paracrine neurotrophin-3 signaling that induces hepatocyte proliferation
Authors: Trinh Vincent Quoc-Huy , Lee Ting-Fang , Lemoinne Sara , Ray Kevin C. , Ybanez Maria D. , Tsuchida Takuma , Carter James K. , Agudo Judith , Brown Brian D. , Akat Kemal M. , Friedman Scott L. , Lee Youngmin A.
Published: May 2023

Organ size is maintained by the controlled proliferation of distinct cell populations. In the mouse liver, hepatocytes in the midlobular zone that are positive for cyclin D1 (CCND1) repopulate the parenchyma at a constant rate to preserve liver mass. Here, we investigated how hepatocyte proliferation is supported by hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), pericytes that are in close proximity to hepatocytes. We used T cells to ablate nearly all HSCs in the murine liver, enabling the unbiased characterization of HSC functions. In the normal liver, complete loss of HSCs persisted for up to 10 weeks and caused a gradual reduction in liver mass and in the number of CCND1
+
hepatocytes. We identified neurotrophin-3 (Ntf-3) as an HSC-produced factor that induced the proliferation of midlobular hepatocytes through the activation of tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB). Treating HSC-depleted mice with Ntf-3 restored CCND1
+
hepatocytes in the midlobular region and increased liver mass. These findings establish that HSCs form the mitogenic niche for midlobular hepatocytes and identify Ntf-3 as a hepatocyte growth factor.
Mycobacterial Genetic Technologies for Probing the Host-Pathogen Microenvironment
Authors: Adefisayo Oyindamola O. , Curtis Erin R. , Smith Clare M.
Published: May 2023

Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(
Mtb
), the causative agent of tuberculosis, is one of the oldest and most successful pathogens in the world. Diverse selective pressures encountered within host cells have directed the evolution of unique phenotypic traits, resulting in the remarkable evolutionary success of this largely obligate pathogen.
Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks of South China: Their separate positions in Gondwana until early Paleozoic juxtaposition
Authors: Wang Lijun , Lin Shoufa , Xiao Wenjiao
Published: May 2023

The position of South China in Gondwana remains controversial. In all previous models, the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks, the two major components of South China, were amalgamated by the Tonian, and South China was considered to be a single coherent block in Gondwana. Based on a summary and critical reevaluation of available paleomagnetic, paleontological, stratigraphic, and detrital zircon data, we propose that the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks were not juxtaposed until the early Paleozoic and were located at two separate parts of the northern margin of Gondwana before that time. The Yangtze block was located to the northwest of India in the Ediacaran and early Cambrian. Cathaysia was close to or a part of northern Australia in the Ediacaran, when Australia and India were separated by the Kuunga Ocean, and amalgamated with the eastern margin of India in the late Ediacaran to early Cambrian when the ocean closed. Our model implies that the early Paleozoic orogenesis in South China could have been related to two distinct events, the late Ediacaran to early Cambrian collision of Cathaysia/Australia with India (the Kuunga orogeny) and the Late Ordovician amalgamation of Cathaysia with Yangtze. It also implies that the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks likely occupied two separate positions in Rodinia.
Sensory training system for use at home by people with complex regional pain syndrome in England: protocol for a proof-of-concept study
Authors: Coggins Jessica , Grieve Sharon , Hart Darren , Llewellyn Alison , Palmer Mark , Boichat Charlotte , McCabe Candy
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a disabling and distressing chronic pain condition characterised by a range of sensory, motor, autonomic and trophic symptoms. UK guidelines recommend therapy interventions to help normalise touch perception through self-administered tactile and thermal desensitisation activities. Interventions have been developed, aiming to help individuals broaden their sensory experience, thereby relieving chronic pain. However, therapy-led interventions often experience practical constraints and poor adherence. In response, a sensory training system (STS) device has been designed for unsupervised independent home-use.

Methods

This proof-of-concept study aims to explore whether people with CRPS use the device at home for 30 minutes a day for 30 days. Secondary aims are to determine whether the STS device will change tactile acuity and perceived levels of pain intensity, pain interference, sensitivity or feelings towards the affected limb. We will seek to recruit 20 eligible participants. Participants will be asked to measure tactile acuity using a two-point discrimination assessment, complete an online questionnaire before and after use of the device and complete a daily diary. On completion of the 30-day use, participants will be invited to take part in a semi-structured interview to explore their experiences of using the device.

Analysis

Pain intensity and pain interference will be scored using the online Assessment Center Scoring Service or using the look-up table in the PROMIS scoring manual. The remaining questionnaire data, including tactile acuity results, and device-use data, including frequency and duration of use, will be analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data will be thematically analysed.

Ethics and dissemination

London-Stanmore Research Ethics Committee provided a favourable opinion on 19 April 2021 (ref 21/LO/0200). The NHS Health Research Authority, UK, approved this study on 7 June 2021. Dissemination will include peer-reviewed publications, presentations at conferences, social media and reports to the funder and patient charities.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN89099843.