bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unlocking Single‐Particle Multiparametric Sensing: Decoupling Temperature and Viscosity Readouts through Upconverting Polarized Spectroscopy
Authors: Ortiz‐Rivero Elisa , Prorok Katarzyna , Marin Riccardo , Bednarkiewicz Artur , Jaque Daniel , Haro‐González Patricia
Published: November 2024

Upconverting particles (UCPs), renowned for their capability to convert infrared to visible light, serve as invaluable imaging probes. Furthermore, their responsiveness to diverse external stimuli holds promise for leveraging UCPs as remote multiparametric sensors, capable of characterizing medium properties in a single assessment. However, the utility of UCPs in multiparametric sensing is impeded by crosstalk, wherein distinct external stimuli induce identical alterations in UCP luminescence, hindering accurate interpretation, and yielding erroneous outputs. Overcoming crosstalk requires alternative strategies in upconverting luminescence analysis. In this study, it is shown how a single spinning NaYF4:Er3+, Yb3+ upconverting particle enables simultaneous and independent readings of temperature and viscosity. This is achieved by decoupling thermal and rehological measurements—employing the luminescence of thermally‐coupled energy levels of Er3+ ions for thermal sensing, while leveraging the polarization of luminescence from non‐thermally coupled levels of Er3+ ions to determine viscosity. Through simple proof‐of‐concept experiments, the study validates the capability of a single spinning UCP to perform unbiased, simultaneous temperature, and viscosity sensing, thereby opening new avenues for advanced sensing in microenvironments.
Preparation, Structural Characterization, and Biological Activity of Selenated Potato Resistant Starch
Authors: Huang Xiufang , Dou Lei , Xiong Kun , Zhang Shiyi , He Huahan , Wang Shanshan , Luo Kai , Hu Dongqiang
Published: November 2024

This study develops selenized potato resistant starch (P‐RS4·Se) from Enshi potato starch to enhance bioactivity. First, the resistant starch (P‐RS4) is prepared through high‐temperature citric acid esterification. Then, P‐RS4 is selenized using the nitrate‐sodium selenite method and analyzed with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). Optimal conditions are identified: 0.7 % HNO3, a 1:1.1 ratio of P‐RS4 to Na2SeO3, 65 °C, and 4 h. Selenization disrupts P‐RS4·Se’s microstructure, forming a Se─O─C bond with ─OH on C6. The selenized starch shows strong in vitro antioxidant effects, protecting A549 lung cancer cells from oxidative damage at 6–8 mg mL−1, supporting selenium supplementation.
Contribution to the design of prestressed hollow core purlins without transverse reinforcement
Authors: Carvalho Geovana Izabel de Macedo , Ferreira Marcelo de Araujo , Catoia Bruna
Published: November 2024

The hollow core purlin is a structural element resulting from the sectioning of hollow core slabs into two ribs. This component can be classified as a prestressed hollow core beam without transverse reinforcement. Although this solution offers potential for increasing the productivity of precast concrete element factories, it currently lacks normative guidelines due to the high risk of shear failure. The aim of this study is to highlight an equation to underpin the design of hollow core purlins based on experimental verification. To achieve this objective, six samples of hollow core purlins were analyzed. Initially, the manufacturing characteristics and cross‐sectional geometry of each piece were observed to gather data on the production process. Subsequently, positive bending tests were conducted to characterize stiffness and determine the effective mean tensile strength. Later, shear strength tests were performed to identify the failure mechanisms of the elements. In parallel, the prestressing forces, stiffness, tensile strength, cracking moment, calculated shear strength using the flexural‐shear mechanism, and verification of shear strength due to diagonal tension were computed based on concrete compressive strength values and data provided by the manufacturer. Finally, the experimental values obtained were compared with the theoretical calculated values to establish a correlation that highlights the calculation procedure that best represents the behavior of the studied elements.
Bovine tuberculosis trends in Wales between 2010 and 2021
Authors: Seery Sarah , Schroeder Paul , Galloway Terry , Abernethy Darrell , Hewinson Glyn
Published: November 2024

Background

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is the most important animal health concern in Wales. Annual testing across all cattle herds in Wales commenced in 2010. In 2017, a new geographic division of Wales was conceived, with bespoke cattle controls and eradication milestones reflecting the geographical heterogeneity of bTB distribution.

Methods

This observational study uses descriptive analysis and Poisson regression modelling to analyse bTB surveillance data from all herds in Wales.

Results

Since 2010, there has been a significant decrease (p < 0.0001) in bTB incidence (8.6%‒6.3%) and plateauing prevalence across Wales. Conversely, there has been an increase in bTB incidence and prevalence in discrete areas. Recurrence and persistence remain important drivers of bTB infection. One of the sharpest declines in bTB incidence was observed in an intensive action area where enhanced cattle control and wildlife vaccination were implemented in an area of high bTB prevalence. Increased herd size, dairy herd type and herd location are important risk factors affecting the rate of bTB incidents in Wales.

Limitations

This study includes data from Wales only.

Conclusions

Improvements in trends of bTB occurred from 2010 to 2021, but the spatial variations described in this paper support the continued need for regionally adapted surveillance and control measures.
What is the true extent of the pet obesity problem?
Authors: Loeb Josh
Published: November 2024

Josh Loeb discusses a new report from UK Pet Food, which looks into obesity in pets, and highlights a ‘huge disconnect’ between the views of vets and pet owners.
European brown hare syndrome virus and other lagoviruses of interest
Authors: Duff Paul , Everest David , Martindale Lucy , Barlow Alex , Rocchi Mara , Lavazza Antonio
Published: November 2024

This focus article was prepared by Paul Duff of the APHA Wildlife Expert Group, with support from David Everest (APHA Pathology Department), Lucy Martindale (APHA Surveillance Intelligence Unit), Alex Barlow (Wildlife Network for Disease Surveillance), Mara Rocchi (Moredun Research Institute) and Antonio Lavazza (Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna, Italy).
Practical guide to postmortem examination of dogs and cats
Authors: Irving Jennifer
Published: November 2024

Reviewed by Jennifer Irving, lecturer and module lead in veterinary pathology at Harper and Keele vet school.
Welcome to the greatest profession in the world
Authors: Carlin Laura
Published: November 2024

BVA membership marketing manager Laura Carlin has been out and about meeting this year's new vet students. Here, she explains the benefits of free BVA student membership:
Message from the President
Authors: Mullineaux Liz
Published: November 2024

Liz Mullineaux reflects on our new Great Workplaces by BVA accreditation scheme, which is going from strength to strength, with five workplaces now securing ‘silver’ status.
It's a thoroughbred career for this equine vet!
Authors: Osborne Meta
Published: November 2024

Standing still wasn't an option for Meta Osborne and she started her race to the top of the equine reproduction game soon after graduating from University College Dublin and gaining experience in the USA.
Chemically reactive stagnated third‐grade magnetized nanomaterial considering modern diffusion approaches
Authors: Kausar Muhammad Salman , Nasir Muhammad , Waqas Muhammad , Almohammadi Saja Mohammad , Zamri Nurnadiah
Published: November 2024

An incompressible boundary‐layer third‐grade nanomaterial stagnated flow confined by stretchy regime is formulated. The laminar magnetized thermal and solutal flow features the aspects of Brownian diffusion, generalized thermal‐flux, thermophoresis, and generalized solutal‐flux. The dimensionalized third‐grade steady‐state model is obtained by implementing appropriate variables. The subsequent nonlinear mathematical model is analytically computed by utilizing homotopy algorithm. The graphics demonstration of nondimensional fields (i.e., velocity, concentration, and temperature) for distinct physical variables is exhibited. The outcomes for the skin‐friction coefficient are calculated and confirmed to be precise. The analysis reveals that augmented values of material parameters escalate nanomaterial velocity while the Hartman number exhibits lower velocity. The temperature field displays a decaying trend for Prandtl number and thermal relaxation variable while contrary effects for nanoscale parameters (i.e., thermophoresis diffusive and Brownian diffusive) are reported. Besides, the nanomaterial concentration shows a decreasing trend with respect to the Schmidt number, Brownian motion, and solutal‐relaxation variable while thermophoresis parameter exhibits opposite effects. Furthermore, this study could be valuable for the design of various lab‐on‐a‐chip and thermal microfluidic devices in the field of biomedicine. Besides contributing to the creation of new devices, they may also be advantageous for performing genetic testing and developing innovative tools.
Imagining a New Gender Contract for Democracy
Authors: Sénac Réjane
Published: November 2024

What challenges must be overcome to achieve parity democracy in twenty-first century Europe? In view of the political participation crisis, most visible in the disaffection of citizens with elections and their mistrust of elected representatives, coupled with the rise of populism, Europe has a role to play in reviving the political debate, particularly in the defence and enforcement of fundamental rights. To address these issues, we analyse how Europe can participate in the advent of a more egalitarian democracy, in keeping with its role in redefining democracy through the lens of parity. We then examine the current challenges that need to be overcome to address this issue from two angles: the connection between descriptive and substantive representation, and the overlap between inequalities and demands from an intersectional perspective.
Characterisation of autophagy induction by the thiopurine drugs azathioprine, mercaptopurine and thioguanine in THP-1 macrophages
Authors: Masson Connan D. , Findlay-Greene Fern , Sousa Filipa Henderson , Henderson Paul , Fraser Jennifer A. , Barlow Peter G. , Stevens Craig
Published: November 2024

Activating autophagy may be therapeutically beneficial, and we have previously shown that azathioprine (AZA), an immunomodulatory drug, induces autophagy. Here, we evaluated the induction of autophagy by the thiopurines AZA, mercaptopurine (6-MP) and thioguanine (6-TG) in THP-1 macrophages and investigated the mechanism of action in the context of this cellular process. The cytotoxicity of thiopurines was evaluated using an LDH assay. Induction of endogenous LC3 by thiopurines was evaluated using immunostaining. To confirm autophagy activation by thiopurines, a GFP-RFP-LC3 reporter plasmid was used to monitor the maturation of autophagosomes to autolysosomes. Induction of apoptosis by thiopurines was evaluated using Annexin V/PI staining, and ER stress was assessed via RT‒PCR analysis of XBP1 splicing. To gain insight into the mechanism of action of thiopurines, mTORC1 activity and eIF2α-S51 phosphorylation were evaluated by immunoblotting. Thiopurines were not cytotoxic to cells and induced strong time- and concentration-dependent autophagy. Thiopurines activate autophagy with complete progression through the pathway. Induction of autophagy by thiopurines occurred independently of apoptosis and ER stress. Immunoblotting revealed that AZA inhibited mTORC1 activity, and AZA and 6-TG increased eIF2α-S51 phosphorylation. In contrast, 6-MP had a minor effect on either signalling pathway. Thiopurines are strong inducers of autophagy, and autophagy induction should be considered among the mechanisms responsible for patient response to thiopurines.
Prophylactic red blood cell transfusions in children and neonates with cancer: An evidence-based clinical practice guideline
Authors: Kruimer Demi M. , Stavleu Debbie C. , Mulder Renée L. , Kremer Leontien C. M. , Tissing Wim J. E. , Loeffen Erik A. H. ,   On behalf of the prophylactic red blood cell transfusion guideline panel, Bresters Dorine , Evers Janneke H. P. , van Gestel Sjef P. J. , Hagleitner Melanie M. , Heitink-Pollé Katja M. J. , Huisman Elise J. , Janssens Geert O. R. , Kuijper Philip H. M. , Mensink Maarten O. , Nijman Joppe , Noordzij Jeroen G. , Ophorst Ida , Plieger Willemijn , Spijkerman Judith , van der Steeg Alida F. W. , van de Wetering Marianne D.
Published: November 2024

Background

Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions play an important role in supportive care in children and neonates with cancer. However, in current clinical practice, evidence-based recommendations are lacking on when to administer prophylactic RBC transfusions. To address this gap, a clinical practice guideline (CPG) was developed to systematically review the available evidence and provide recommendations for clinicians.

Methods

A systematic literature review in three databases was conducted. The GRADE methodology was used to assess, extract, and summarize the evidence. A multidisciplinary panel of 21 professionals was assembled to ensure comprehensive expertise. If there was insufficient evidence in children with cancer, additional evidence was gathered in general pediatric or adult oncology guidelines, or the panel utilized shared expert opinion to develop a comprehensive CPG. Multiple in-person meetings were conducted to discuss evidence, complete evidence-to-decision frameworks, and formulate recommendations.

Results

Four studies including 203 children with all types of cancer, met the inclusion criteria. The expert panel assessed all evidence and translated it into recommendations. In total, 47 recommendations were formulated regarding RBC transfusions in children and neonates with cancer. For instance, specific thresholds for prophylactic RBC transfusions were recommended for children and neonates with cancer who have sepsis, are on ECMO, or are undergoing radiotherapy.

Conclusion

This clinical practice guideline presents evidence-based recommendations regarding RBC transfusions in children and neonates with cancer. By providing these recommendations, we aim to guide clinicians and contribute to improving outcomes for children and neonates with cancer.
Environmental drivers of mean weight-at-age variability in pelagic and benthic fish from the NW Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Domínguez-Petit Rosario , Cousido-Rocha Marta , Pennino Maria Grazia , Abad Esther , Riveiro Isabel , Costas Gersom , Cerviño Santiago
Published: November 2024

The mean weight-at-age of fish species is an indicator of fish growth and physiological condition, as well as a basic parameter for assessing and managing fish stocks. Here, we investigate the temporal trends of the mean weight-at-age of four different commercial species with different life strategies: (i) the short-lived pelagic European sardine (Sardina pilchardus), (ii) the horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) and two medium-lived benthic, (iii) the megrim (Lepidorhombus whiffiagonis) and iv) the four-spotted megrim (Lepidorhombus boscii), in North Atlantic Iberian waters from 2000 to 2018. Generalised additive models were implemented to identify the main (density-dependent and density-independent) drivers of fish weight-at-age variability: abundance, sex, maturity, sea surface temperature, sea bottom temperature, North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation indices. In all four species, abundance had a negative effect on mean weight-at-age. Temperature affected mean weight-at-age in sardine and megrim, while NAO influenced it in horse mackerel and four-spotted megrim. In the case of the sardine, we observed a progressive decrease in the mean weight-at-age of adults in the series in contrast to the four-spotted megrim; however, there was no effect of year on either horse mackerel or megrim. We discuss the influence of life strategy on fish response to drivers.
How altruistic alternatives reverse the compromise effect
Authors: Griesoph Amelie , Schreiner Thomas F. , Melnyk Valentyna , Jänichen Holger D.
Published: November 2024

Brand managers increasingly add altruistic product attributes, such as fair trade or charitable donations, to their products to account for consumers’ increasing expectations of altruistic brand behavior. Despite the extensive amount of altruistic product attributes in today’s markets, it is unclear how these attributes affect consumer decision-making in different contexts. This paper particularly examines the influence of altruistic product attributes on the compromise effect. Through five experimental studies, we provide pioneering evidence that consumers face general difficulty in accepting trade-offs involving altruistic attributes and that altruistic attributes change the compromise effect substantially. While the well-established compromise effect, predicting a preference for middle options (compromises) over extreme options, holds for trade-offs between utilitarian attributes, it diminishes for altruistic trade-offs. Moreover, the trade-offs between utilitarian and altruistic attributes reverse the compromise effect, i.e., leading to a preference for extreme options. We also demonstrate that impression management moderates this effect.
Geophysical and geospatial insights into surface and subsurface characteristics for groundwater potential analysis, Ras Sudr, West Sinai, Egypt
Authors: Metawee Mona , Araffa Sultan A. S. , Othman Amal , Alfy Mohamed El
Published: November 2024

Ras Sudr has garnered significant interest owing to various initiatives aimed at expanding and developing this area. It holds considerable strategic importance, serving as a key development hub in Sinai and a focal point for tourism destination. Moreover, it has a remarkable event with flashfloods which can be utilized for groundwater or direct usage. Integrating geophysical and geospatial analyses to study the surface and subsurface characteristics as well as identify groundwater potential areas in Ras Sudr, west-central Sinai is the main objective of this study. Firstly, geophysical data including gravity and magnetic methods have a crucial importance in qualitative and quantitative interpretation of the subsurface elements. Filtering techniques were implemented to distinguish between regional and residual anomalies. Geophysical data were subjected to the radial average power spectrum technique and 3D Euler deconvolution to identify the depth of the subsurface sources. The structure pattern that characterizes the interested region was defined by employing bandpass filter and edge detection appoarches using residual anomaly maps, regional anomaly maps, tilt derivatives and total horizontal gradient maps reflecting four distinct structural trends; NW-SE parallel to the Gulf of Suez, NEE-SWW parallel to the Syrian arc system, N-S parallel to the the Nile Valley, and NNE-SSW parallel to the Gulf of Aqaba. A basement relief map was constructed using 3D magnetic modelling showing that the depth of the basement ranges from 1.6 to 6.3 km. Secondly, the remote sensing data including Sentienl-2 and SRTM datasets were employed to extract the surface analyses in the GIS environment to develop the occurrence of groundwater potentiality utilizing seven factors; LU-LC, soil, geology, slope, drainage network and lineament density and rainfall data of the study area which were ranked from 1 to 5 and weighted according to their effective contribution to the infiltration of groundwater using AHP-GIS based multi criteria method. The resulting Groundwater Potential zone (GWPZ) was categorized into five zones from poor to excellent and validated using 41 observed wells. A significant quantity of wells was identified in the areas of high potential located to the west of the region, while five wells were situated within the moderate potential zone. Thereby, the GWPZ map identifying locations with viable groundwater resources suitable for habitation, development and economic plans in Sinai for decision makers.
Ethnonutritional study of fruits of Solanum aethiopicum L. and Solanum melongena L. in the district of Galim (Bamboutos) in West Cameroon
Authors: Epanda Adriel Martin Collet , Tchiaze Ifoue Alice Virginie , Kendine Vepowo Cédric , Demasse Mawamba Adelaide , Fogang Mba Aymar Rodrigue , Dongho Dongmo Fabrice Fabien , Gouado Inocent
Published: November 2024

Solanum aethiopicum L. and Solanum melongena L. are endemic plants whose fruits are used in the composition of cultural dishes in West Cameroon including Yellow, Black, Eggplant, Nkui and Okra sauces. This work aims to conduct an ethnonutritional study based on the knowledge and consumption of these dishes. Surveys were carried out including 480 persons of the district of Galim (Kieneghang I and Mbezaté) in the Bamboutos division in West Cameroon and the results revealed that the vernacular and common names for Solanum aethiopicum L. and Solanum melongena L. are respectively “Shusshui” and “sweet egglant”; “Nzuinzuiè” and “bitter eggplant”. These fruits are rounded and spindle in shape. The fruits of Solanum aethiopicum L. exist in green, yellow and red colors with a mild flavor, while those of Solanum melongena L. are red and bitter. These fruits are preserved by sun-drying, smoking, and parboiled before drying. Their cultivation is traditional with a duration of 3–7 months using organic and chemical fertilizers. The age group 41–50 years had a good knowledge of fruits while the age group over 60 years had a better consumption frequency of eggplant-dishes. In addition, these fruits have important cultural values during traditional ceremonies at births, weddings, funerals, symbolisms such as acceptance, reconciliation, hospitality, consideration, and valorisation. These populations had knowledge for the prevention and or treatment of diabetes (6.66%), high blood pressure (25%), obesity (13.54%), cancers (1.66%) and mouth ulcers (2.70%). The valorization of these fruits could constitute a means of preserving cultural heritage.
The Pacific Islands and Chinese power as presence, influence, and interference
Authors: Wallis Joanne , Tubilewicz Czeslaw
Published: November 2024

Dominant debates about China’s growing presence in the Pacific Islands – through infrastructure, aid, trade, and investment – suggest that Chinese material power directly translates to influence and effective interference in Pacific states’ domestic and foreign affairs. These perspectives fail to clarify the causal link between Chinese economic statecraft and Pacific governments’ alignment with Beijing’s interests. They also deny Pacific people agency, overlooking how power relations are mediated by Pacific state and non-state actors operating across complex political and socio-economic structures. We challenge such rationalist conceptualisations of Chinese power by developing a constructivist taxonomy of power as presence (dormant capability), influence (socialisation), and interference (incentives), and applying it to the Melanesian subregion. We argue that Chinese power is not merely material, causal, and unidirectional. Chinese power can also (re)shape the identities and interests of Pacific elites and publics in a constitutive manner, potentially aligning their ideas about substantive norms, rules, and practices guiding their foreign relations with Chinese ‘core interests’ and perspectives on regional and global politics.
The Forgotten Sex: Modern Responses to Correlative Sexism in Kang Youwei and He-Yin Zhen
Authors: Monson Lucien Mathot
Published: November 2024

The oversight of Chinese feminist traditions in transnational feminist discourse is remarkable given China’s historical importance and vast population. Despite historical suppression by Confucianism, Chinese feminisms emerged at the turn of the last century, drawing from Marxist, anarchist, and liberal movements. While scholars increasingly recognize overlooked female thinkers like Ban Zhao, contemporary discussions of China often revolve around reconciling Confucianism and feminism. This tendency underscores the perception of Chinese feminism as a derivative of Western feminism, where modern thinkers reject local culture for transnational movements. This paper contends that Chinese feminists, including Kang Youwei and He-Yin Zhen, remained deeply rooted in their traditions. While Kang incorporated foreign ideas to advocate for feminist goals and modernize society, he predominantly engaged with traditional philosophy to address its sexist elements. Similarly, He-Yin’s anarcho-feminist approach integrated Western influences to engage with traditional Chinese thought rather than rejecting it outright. By examining prevalent gender and selfhood concepts in traditional Chinese thought, this paper elucidates the notion of “correlative sexism,” and argues that women were not primarily regarded as a “second sex” as described by Simone de Beauvoir. The paper then demonstrates how Kang and He-Yin responded to this sexist discourse, offering novel perspectives on women’s liberation and societal reform.
Pseudosteady shock refractions over an air–water interface
Authors: Anbu Serene Raj C. , Vishnu Prasad S. , Rajesh G. , Sameen A.
Published: November 2024

Shock refraction in a gas–liquid interface is ubiquitous in nature and engineering. This study investigates the shock refraction phenomena in air–water interfaces for various inclination angles. The interface inclination angles are achieved using a tiltable vertical shock tube. The time-resolved schlieren images are compared with numerical simulations performed using the BlastFoam solver in the OpenFOAM software. The stiffened gas equation of state is used to model water in the simulations. The shock polar analysis using modified shock relations for a stiffened gas is used to elucidate the refraction patterns. A regular refraction pattern with a reflected shock wave and a bound precursor refraction with a regular reflection are observed experimentally for the first time in an air–water system. Further, a new free precursor refraction pattern with a Mach reflection is observed. The transition criteria and the corresponding boundaries for each refraction pattern are demarcated in the (

$M_S, \theta _w^c$

)-plane. The refraction sequence and the range for various incident shock strength regimes are also identified.
¿Romper el silencio? Perspectivas feministas sobre inserción de las cientistas sociales en la academia chilena (1990–2023)
Authors: Guizardi Menara , Gonzálvez Herminia , Araya Isabel , López Eleonora
Published: November 2024

Este artículo analiza la inserción de investigadoras y profesoras universitarias de ciencias sociales en Chile desde 1990. Sus objetivos son indagar en la importancia de los movimientos feministas para la emergencia de la perspectiva de género y la apertura de los cuerpos académicos a la presencia femenina, y caracterizar las condiciones laborales de cientistas sociales chilenas. La metodología utilizada fue la revisión sistemática, produciéndose un análisis sociohistórico sobre la transición democrática en su vinculación con los movimientos feministas, transformaciones demográficas y rearticulación de las ciencias sociales. Analizaremos la aseveración de las lógicas neoliberales en universidades (2000–2010) y discutiremos la rearticulación entre las demandas de los movimientos feministas y las críticas al androcentrismo en las ciencias sociales chilenas (2010–2023). La contribución original del texto consiste en poner en diálogo los estudios cuantitativos, cualitativos e históricos, abriendo nuevas vetas interpretativas sobre la desigualdad de género en la ciencia y educación superior en Chile.
Unnecessary Roughness: The NFL's War on Drugs in the 1970s
Authors: Runstedtler Theresa
Published: November 2024

In April 1970, the African American defensive end Houston Ridge's $1.25 million lawsuit put the issue of drug use in professional football in the public eye. It also raised questions about the league's exploitation of athletes for the sake of profits, at any cost. Plagued by a hip injury sustained during a game in October 1969, the twenty-five-year-old former San Diego Charger's suit charged conspiracy and malpractice, naming team personnel and both the American Football League (AFL) and the National Football League (NFL) as defendants. Ridge's suit claimed that he was permanently disabled, in part, because of the mix of amphetamines, barbiturates, and methandrostenlone given to him by the Chargers, “not for the purpose of care,” but for the purpose of performance enhancement. And they had done so “without warning him of the consequences.” An X-ray later revealed that he had broken his hip, but the drugs had so dulled his sensation of pain that he had continued to play, exacerbating the injury. A married father of four who now had to walk with the help of crutches, Ridge also filed a worker's compensation claim, accusing the Chargers with willful misconduct.
Sporting Revolutions: The 1970s and the Making of Modern College Athletics
Authors: Davis Amira Rose
Published: November 2024

At the beginning of the 1970s, college sports were on turbulent ground. “Colleges prepare for the impact of rising costs and more campus unrest,” warned the New York Times. The Los Angeles Times was a bit blunter in its prognosis, reporting that “like housewives everywhere, athletic directors of the nation's colleges [were] having budget trouble.” National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Executive Director, Walter Byers, warned of “cadres of disgruntled athletes,” demanding rights, money, and control. Byers was also troubled by Title IX, the new educational amendment mandating gender equity in federally funded schools, including in athletic departments. “The possible doom of our collegiate sports is near,” Byers proclaimed. “There is not an athletic department in the country where officials are optimistic,” University of Michigan's Athletic Director (AD), Don Canham, lamented. Norv Richey, University of Oregon's AD concurred, declaring, “The future of intercollegiate athletics are in peril.”
Temperature inversion in a confined plasma atmosphere: coarse-grained effect of temperature fluctuations at its base
Authors: Barbieri Luca , Papini Emanuele , Di Cintio Pierfrancesco , Landi Simone , Verdini Andrea , Casetti Lapo
Published: November 2024

Prompted by the relevant problem of temperature inversion (i.e. gradient of density anti-correlated to the gradient of temperature) in astrophysics, we introduce a novel method to model a gravitationally confined multi-component collisionless plasma in contact with a fluctuating thermal boundary. We focus on systems with anti-correlated (inverted) density and temperature profiles, with applications to solar physics. The dynamics of the plasma is analytically described via the coupling of an appropriated coarse-grained distribution function and a temporally coarse-grained Vlasov dynamics. We derive a stationary solution of the system and predict the inverted density and temperature profiles of the two species for scenarios relevant for the corona. We validate our method by comparing the analytical results with kinetic numerical simulations of the plasma dynamics in the context of the two-species Hamiltonian mean-field model. Finally, we apply our theoretical framework to the problem of the temperature inversion in the solar corona, obtaining density and temperature profiles in remarkably good agreement with the observations.
Is ‘orthodox panentheism’ unorthodox? A response to James Dominic Rooney
Authors: Carey Jeremiah
Published: November 2024

James Dominic argues in response to a previous article by me that the view according to which God is the formal cause of creatures is unorthodox and ultimately incoherent. This is because it involves either making God a part of creatures, or dividing God into finite parts, both of which, he claims, lead to contradictions with traditional Christian claims. However, Rooney both misunderstands central parts of my presentation, and fails to make his case.
Dynamical behaviour of a logarithmically sensitive chemotaxis model under time-dependent boundary conditions
Authors: Fuster Aguilera Padi , Zhao Kun
Published: November 2024

This article studies the dynamical behaviour of classical solutions of a hyperbolic system of balance laws, derived from a chemotaxis model with logarithmic sensitivity, with time-dependent boundary conditions. It is shown that under suitable assumptions on the boundary data, solutions starting in the

$H^2$

-space exist globally in time and the differences between the solutions and their corresponding boundary data converge to zero as time goes to infinity. There is no smallness restriction on the magnitude of the initial perturbations. Moreover, numerical simulations show that the assumptions on the boundary data are necessary for the above-mentioned results to hold true. In addition, numerical results indicate that the solutions converge asymptotically to time-periodic states if the boundary data are time-periodic.
The development and validation of the Intolerance of Uncertainty in Social Interactions Scale
Authors: Eible Anne , Fisak Brian
Published: November 2024

Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) is commonly defined as the tendency for one to interpret uncertainty as negative or threatening. Most general or non-specific measures of IU show a strong relationship with worry and generalized anxiety disorder symptoms; however, a specialized measure of intolerance of uncertainty in social situations could provide insight into the role of IU in social anxiety. The purpose of this study was the development and preliminary validation of the Intolerance of Uncertainty in Social Interactions Scale (IU-SIS), a comprehensive measure designed to assess intolerance of uncertainty in social situations. Participants consisted of a non-referred sample. Based on an exploratory factor analysis, a two-factor solution was retained, with factors labelled Social Ambiguity and Need to Reduce. Both subscales were found to have good reliability and validity. Both subscales of the IU-SIS predicted up variance on measures of social anxiety after controlling for variance explained by a well-established general/non-specific measure of IU. Overall, the IU-SIS shows promise as a tool to elucidate the association between intolerance of uncertainty and social anxiety.
Implementing STrAtegies for RelaTives of people with dementia (START) as a group: a service-level case study of collaboration between Talking Therapies and Memory Services
Authors: Cannon Victoria , Kuhn Ronja , Turnbull Georgina , Charlesworth Georgina
Published: November 2024

National guidance recommends that relatives of people with dementia receive support to develop coping strategies. STrAtegies for RelaTives (START) is an evidence-based manualised intervention for delivery on a one-to-one basis by trained graduate psychologists to family carers of people with dementia. However, implementation of START in standard National Health Service (NHS) provision has proved difficult. We describe collaboration between a Talking Therapies service and a Memory Service to co-facilitate and run START as a group. We consider implementation outcomes according to RE-AIM domains showing: the collaboration reached higher number of carers than other implementation initiatives (reach); there was significant reduction in caregiver anxiety and a trend towards significant reduction in depression (effectiveness); feedback from service users and clinicians on the service model has been positive (adoption); delivery has been supported by the written and audio materials (implementation); and the initiative has sustained over five years, despite the COVID-19 pandemic and staff turnover (maintenance). Finally, we discuss implications and potential future development.

Key learning aims

(1)

To develop knowledge about the content of the STrAtegies for RelaTives (START) coping intervention for family carers of people with dementia.

(2)

To understand the similarities between low-intensity cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety and depression, as provided by Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners (PWPs), and START psychoeducational content and skills exercises.

(3)

To reflect on the rationale for group delivery of START.

(4)

To consider the benefits of collaboration between Talking Therapies and Memory Services for implementing START.
Cells and signals of the leukemic microenvironment that support progression of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL)
Authors: Lyu Aram , Nam Seo Hee , Humphrey Ryan S. , Horton Terzah M. , Ehrlich Lauren I. R.
Published: November 2024

Current intensified chemotherapy regimens have significantly increased survival rates for pediatric patients with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), but these treatments can result in serious adverse effects; furthermore, patients who are resistant to chemotherapy or who relapse have inferior outcomes, together highlighting the need for improved therapeutic strategies. Despite recent advances in stratifying T-ALL into molecular subtypes with distinct driver mutations, efforts to target the tumor-intrinsic genomic alterations critical for T-ALL progression have yet to translate into more effective and less toxic therapies. Ample evidence now indicates that extrinsic factors in the leukemic microenvironment are critical for T-ALL growth, infiltration, and therapeutic resistance. Considering the diversity of organs infiltrated by T-ALL cells and the unique cellular components of the microenvironment encountered at each site, it is likely that there are both shared features of tumor-supportive niches across multiple organs and site-specific features that are key to leukemia cell survival. Therefore, elucidating the distinct microenvironmental cues supporting T-ALL in different anatomic locations could reveal novel therapeutic targets to improve therapies. This review summarizes the current understanding of the intricate interplay between leukemia cells and the diverse cells they encounter within their tumor microenvironments (TMEs), as well as opportunities to therapeutically target the leukemic microenvironment.
VISTA-mediated immune evasion in cancer
Authors: Zhang Raymond J. , Kim Tae Kon
Published: November 2024

Over the past decade, V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA) has been established as a negative immune checkpoint molecule. Since the role of VISTA in inhibiting T-cell activation was described, studies have demonstrated other diverse regulatory functions in multiple immune cell populations. Furthermore, its relevance has been identified in human cancers. The role of VISTA in cancer immune evasion has been determined, but its mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment remain to be further elucidated. Understanding its contributions to cancer initiation, progression, and resistance to current treatments will be critical to its utility as a target for novel immunotherapies. Here, we summarize the current understanding of VISTA biology in cancer.
Glucose-albumin ratio (GAR) as a novel biomarker for predicting postoperative pneumonia (POP) in older adults with hip fractures
Authors: Tang Wanyun , Ni Xiaomin , Yao Wei , Wang Wei , Li Yuhao , Lv Qiaomei , Ding Wenbo , He Renjian
Published: November 2024

Postoperative pneumonia (POP) is a common complication after hip fracture surgery and is associated with increased mortality and other complications in elderly patients. This study aims to evaluate biomarkers, especially the glucose-albumin ratio (GAR), for predicting POP in elderly hip fracture patients. A total of 1279 elderly patients admitted to our hospital with hip fractures were included. We assessed 29 biomarkers and focused on GAR to determine its prognostic and predictive value for POP. Multivariable logistic regression and propensity score-matched analyses were conducted to calculate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for POP, adjusting for potential confounders. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were utilized to determine the optimal cut-off of GAR for predicting POP. Among the biomarkers and combinations assessed, GAR demonstrated superior predictive capability for POP in elderly hip fracture patients. ROC analyses showed moderate predictive accuracy of GAR for POP, with an area under the curve of 0.750. Using the optimal cut-off of 0.175, the high GAR group was significantly associated with increased odds of POP (adjusted OR 2.14, 95%, CI 1.50–3.05). These associations remained significant after propensity score matching and subgroup analyses. Dose–response relationships between GAR and POP were observed. In conclusion, GAR may be a promising biomarker to predict POP risk in elderly hip fracture patients. Further studies are warranted to validate its clinical utility. However, this study has certain limitations, including its retrospective design, potential for selection bias due to the exclusion criteria, and the single-center nature of the study, which should be addressed in future prospective, multicenter studies.
Design of EEG based thought identification system using EMD & deep neural network
Authors: Agrawal Rahul , Dhule Chetan , Shukla Garima , Singh Sofia , Agrawal Urvashi , Alsubaie Najah , Alqahtani Mohammed S. , Abbas Mohamed , Soufiene Ben Othman
Published: November 2024

Biological communication system for neurological disorder patients is similar to the Brain Computer Interface in a way that it facilitates the connection to the outside world in real time. The interdisciplinary field of Electroencephalogram based message depiction is gaining importance as it assists the paralysed person to communicate. In the proposed method a novel approach of feature extraction is done by Empirical Mode Decomposition on non- stationary & non-linear kind of EEG signal. EMD helps in the effective time frequency analysis by disintegrating the EEG signal in the form of six Intrinsic Mode Functions with help of the frequency components. In all nine features are extracted from the decomposed IMFs so as to predict the states or messages of the patient. The above computed features are then served to the Deep Neural Network to perform the classification. The performance of suggested method is studied through applying it to the acquired database generated by the designed hardware as well as also in real time message depiction. The maximum classification accuracy 97% for the acquired database & 85% in real time are obtained respectively by comparative analysis. The command messages generated from the proposed system helps the person suffering from neurological disorder to establish the communication link with the outside world in an efficient way. Thus, the proposed novel method shows better performance in real time message depiction purpose as related to other existing methods.
The impact of novel hormonal agents on fracture risk in prostate cancer patients: a nationwide population-based cohort study
Authors: Lin Chia-Yen , Wang Chun-Li , Yang Cheng-Kuang , Li Jian-Ri , Chen Chuan-Shu , Chiu Kun-Yuan , Lin Ching-Heng , Wang Shian-Shiang
Published: November 2024

Prostate cancer (PC) treatment, particularly androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), remains pivotal, albeit linked to increased fracture risk due to osteoporosis. The advent of novel hormonal agents (NHAs) has spurred inquiries into their influence on bone health. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of NHAs on bone health in patients receiving combination therapy. We conducted a retrospective analysis using Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database, encompassing men aged 45 and above diagnosed with PC without bone metastasis and undergoing ADT between 2000 and 2018. The study involved 25,949 patients, categorized into those receiving standard ADT (n = 25,166) and those on NHA combination therapy (n = 783). Our analysis delved into fracture risk, comorbidities, and osteoporosis treatments. Patients on NHA combination therapy faced significantly higher risks of any osteoporotic fracture and major osteoporotic fracture than those on ADT alone (HR = 1.29, 95% CI 1.04–1.61; HR = 1.37, 95% CI 1.06–1.75, respectively). Notably, age emerged as a critical factor, with the highest risk observed in those aged 90 or above. The 5-year overall survival rates were lower for patients who experienced any osteoporotic fracture, major osteoporotic fracture, and hospitalization due to osteoporotic fracture compared to those who did not experience these fractures (51.5% vs. 56.5%, 47.1% vs. 56.7%, and 48.2% vs. 56.3%, respectively, p < 0.001). Furthermore, patients not using any bone-modifying agents had the highest risk for all fracture types. In conclusion, NHA combination therapy in PC patients potentially escalates the risk of osteoporotic fractures, especially in older individuals. Our findings underscore the pivotal role of osteoporosis treatments in preventing fractures, emphasizing the importance of evaluating fracture risk in patients undergoing NHA combination therapy.
Hybrid energy system optimization integrated with battery storage in radial distribution networks considering reliability and a robust framework
Authors: Aliabadi Mohammad Javad , Radmehr Masoud
Published: November 2024

This research presents a robust optimization of a hybrid photovoltaic-wind-battery (PV/WT/Batt) system in distribution networks to reduce active losses and voltage deviation while also enhancing network customer reliability considering production and network load uncertainties. The best installation position and capacity of the hybrid system (HS) are found via an improved crow search algorithm with an inertia weight technique. The robust optimization issue, taking into account the risk of uncertainty, is described using the gap information decision theory method. The proposed approach is used with 33- and 69-bus networks. The results reveal that the HS optimization in the network reduces active losses and voltage variations, while improving network customer reliability. The robust optimization results show that in the 33-bus network, the system remains resilient to prediction errors under the worst-case uncertainty scenario, with a 44.53% reduction in production and a 22.18% increase in network demand for a 30% uncertainty budget. Similarly, in the 69-bus network, the system withstands a 36.22% reduction in production and a 16.97% increase in load for a 25% uncertainty budget. When comparing stochastic and robust methods, it was found that the stochastic Monte Carlo method could not consistently provide a reliable solution for all objectives under uncertainty, whereas the robust approach successfully managed the maximum uncertainty related to renewable generation and network demand across different uncertainty budgets.