bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new critical curve for systems of evolution equations with semilinear coupling
Authors: D’Abbicco Marcello , Lagioia Antonio
Published: February 2025

In this work, we consider a two by two system of evolution equations with a semilinear coupling. We provide sufficient conditions on the power nonlinearities in the coupling term which guarantee the existence of global-in-time small data solutions. In particular, the coupling powers’ interplay is described by two different critical curves. We show the optimality of both critical curves, providing counterpart nonexistence results. One of the curves is analogous to the critical curve of similar evolution systems, while the second one is new for these models. This latter curve also appears if we couple a linear equation and a semilinear equation, under suitable initial data assumption. We also consider the case in which a noneffective damping is applied to the system.
Susceptibility Vessel Sign and Intravenous Alteplase in Stroke Patients Treated with Thrombectomy
Authors: Beyeler Morin , Rohner Roman , Ijäs Petra , Eker Omer F. , Cognard Christophe , Bourcier Romain , Sibon Igor , Lefebvre Margaux , Richard Sébastien , Consoli Arturo , Moulin Solène , Ernst Marielle , Ribo Marc , Barbier Charlotte , Nikoubashman Omid , Liebeskind David S. , Goeldlin Martina B. , Piechowiak Eike I. , Bütikofer Lukas , Gralla Jan , Fischer Urs , Kaesmacher Johannes ,   the SWIFT DIRECT investigators
Published: February 2025

Background

The susceptibility vessel sign (SVS) on baseline MRI in acute ischemic stroke patients has been associated with better outcomes post-thrombectomy. This study aimed to investigate whether the presence of the SVS modifies the treatment effect of intravenous thrombolysis plus endovascular thrombectomy (IVT + EVT) versus thrombectomy alone (EVT alone).

Methods

In this secondary analysis of the SWIFT DIRECT trial, comparing IVT + EVT versus EVT alone, treatment effect and its heterogeneity were assessed with rates of pre-interventional reperfusion (eTICI 2a–3) and successful post-interventional reperfusion (eTICI of 2b–3) according to the SVS status using adjusted multivariable logistic regression. Secondary objectives were to analyze whether the presence of SVS or its individual characteristics (location, length, width, overestimation ratio, two-layered sign) were associated with outcomes.

Results

197 of the initial 408 trial participants were included in this secondary analysis, of which 52% received IVT + EVT. SVS was present in 92% of the participants (n = 181). There was no evidence for treatment effect heterogeneity regarding the post-interventional radiological and clinical effects of IVT + EVT versus EVT alone with strata of SVS. In SVS+ participants, IVT favored pre-interventional reperfusion (aOR 7.95, 95% CI 1.42–44.46), whereas in SVS-patients, it did not (P for interaction = 0.02). The individual SVS characteristics showed no significant associations with outcomes.

Conclusion

Presence of SVS does not seem to modify the effect of IVT + EVT versus EVT alone. In SVS+ patients, IVT might improve pre-interventional reperfusion. There is insufficient evidence to recommend using SVS to inform IVT decisions prior to EVT.
Goodness-of-fit tests for discrete response models with covariates
Authors: Meintanis Simos G. , Ngatchou-Wandji Joseph , Santana Leonard , Smuts Marius
Published: February 2025

We propose goodness-of-fit tests for models of count responses with covariates. Our main focus is on the null hypothesis that the observed data come from a Poisson, a negative binomial, or a binomial regression model, but the method is fairly general allowing for the responses to follow, conditionally on covariates, any given discrete distribution. The test criteria are formulated by using the probability generating function and they are convenient from a computational point of view. Asymptotic as well as Monte Carlo results are presented. Applications on real data are also reported.
Determining the optimal hematoma volume-based thresholds for surgical and medical strategies in basal ganglia hemorrhage
Authors: Chaisawasthomrong Chonnawee , Boongird Atthaporn
Published: February 2025

Hematoma volume is a significant concern in basal ganglia hemorrhage, with no clear cutoff to guide the choice between conservative and surgical management, particularly for larger hematomas where the optimal approach remains controversial. This study aimed to determine the maximum hematoma volume suitable for conservative treatment and the volume that necessitates surgical intervention in patients with basal ganglia hemorrhage. A total of 387 cases of basal ganglia hemorrhage from 2019 to 2021 were analyzed, evaluating patient demographics, medical history, and initial CT brain scans to assess hematoma volume. Outcomes of medical and surgical treatments were compared using multivariate logistic and Cox regression analysis. For patients treated with medical management alone, mortality rates did not differ significantly between hematoma volumes of 10–39.9 mL and those under 10 mL. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis identified a cutoff volume of 45.3 mL, with a sensitivity of 80.82% and specificity of 91.67% for predicting survival. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis revealed a reduced mortality hazard ratio (0.17) with surgical intervention for hematomas exceeding 45.3 mL. However, surgical treatment for volumes under 30 mL was associated with higher mortality compared to medical management. Surgical intervention showed a clear survival benefit for hematoma volumes of at least 60 mL, while conservative treatment remained appropriate for volumes up to 45.3 mL. For volumes between 45.3 mL and 59.9 mL, the decision to operate should be guided by the surgeon’s judgment and patient-specific factors such as comorbidities, brain atrophy. In conclusion, conservative management is effective for hematomas up to 45.3 mL, while surgical intervention is absolutely indicated for volumes of 60 mL or more. These findings provide valuable guidance for optimizing treatment strategies in basal ganglia hemorrhage.
Phenotype and genotype of autosomal dominant tubulointerstitial kidney disease in a Japanese cohort
Authors: Tanaka Yu , Nagano China , Sakakibara Nana , Okada Eri , Aoyama Shuhei , Kimura Yuka , Inoki Yuta , Ichikawa Yuta , Ueda Chika , Kitakado Hideaki , Horinouchi Tomoko , Yamamura Tomohiko , Ishimori Shingo , Iijima Kazumoto , Nozu Kandai , Morisada Naoya
Published: February 2025

Background

Autosomal dominant tubulointerstitial kidney disease (ADTKD) is characterized by tubular atrophy, interstitial fibrosis, and progressive kidney dysfunction. Its causative genes include UMOD, MUC1, REN, HNF1B, and SEC61A1. ADTKD contributes to unexplained chronic kidney disease (CKD), and many cases remain genetically undiagnosed. This study aimed to elucidate the clinical features of patients genetically diagnosed with ADTKD in Japan.

Methods

We included individuals with suspected congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract, nephronophthisis, polycystic kidney disease, or ADTKD. Genetic analyses using direct sequencing, short-read next-generation sequencing (SRS), and/or long-read next-generation sequencing (LRS) were performed on 1097 families. Patients with ADTKD–HNF1B were excluded due to prior reporting.

Results

Variants in UMOD, MUC1, REN, and SEC61A1 were identified in 52 patients from 40 families (18, 16, 5, and 1 family, respectively). The median age at diagnosis was 38.5 years, and the urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio was 0.05 g/gCr. End-stage kidney disease was present at diagnosis in 37% of patients. Genetic testing was performed in 58% due to suspected ADTKD based on pathology or clinical course and in 38% due to unexplained CKD. Kidney biopsies were performed in 55%, with ADTKD confirmed pathologically in 41%. SRS and LRS were used in 55% and 30% of all families, respectively; for ADTKD–MUC1, 75% of families were analyzed using LRS.

Conclusions

Clinical and pathological diagnosis of ADTKD remains challenging, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive genetic testing. Enhanced access to advanced genetic testing such as LRS is essential to improve diagnostic precision and management.
The Diagnostic Yield of Investigating Developmental Regression in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Furley Kirsten , Teo Audrey , Williams Katrina , Alshawsh Mohammed , Brignell Amanda
Published: February 2025

This systematic review evaluates the diagnostic yield of investigations requested for children with developmental regression. Online databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane were searched to identify published records that reported a diagnostic yield for children with developmental regression. Random effects meta-analyses were performed using R software with meta package. Our search identified 11,283 published records, of which 347 were assessed for eligibility, and 15 (596 children) were included in the final systematic review and meta-analysis. Subgroup analysis assessed the diagnostic yield for investigating children with different presentations and developmental regression. Diagnostic yield results were 68% for children with neurological symptoms (two records, six children, 95%CI 32–100) and children with epileptic symptoms (two records, 56 children, 95%CI 15–100); 40% for children with neurodevelopmental delay (six records, 294 children, 95%CI 3–78); 9% for autistic children (three records, 138 children, 95%CI 0–26). Pooled analysis could not be completed for metabolic (one record, 29 children) or genetic presentations (one record, 73 children). The diagnostic yield for genetic/genomic investigations (six records, 142 children, 95%CI, 47–92) was 70%, compared with 28% for metabolic (five records, 286 children, 95%CI 0–64), 13% for neurophysiological (two records, 127 children, 95%CI 0–39) and 6% for neuroimaging (two records, 41 children, 95%CI 0–20). Investigations for children with developmental regression and neurological or epileptic symptoms resulted in the highest diagnostic yield. These results are clinically meaningful and will inform future research to advance towards an agreed investigative approach yet lack statistical significance due to small samples.
The Synergistic Relationship of Disgust Propensity and Distress Intolerance with Contamination-Related Obsessive–Compulsive Symptoms
Authors: Broos Hannah C. , Milgram Lauren , Port Jamie H. , Timpano Kiara R.
Published: February 2025

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is a heterogenous condition that encompasses a range of symptoms, including contamination and washing symptoms. The contamination/washing symptom dimension is the most common presentation of OCD with distinct behavioral, cognitive, and physiological components. Transdiagnostic individual difference factors such as disgust propensity and distress intolerance may function—both independently and synergistically—to maintain contamination OCD symptoms. Little empirical research has examined the direct and interactive relationship between these constructs and contamination OCD symptoms. The current study examined the association of disgust propensity and distress intolerance with contamination OCD symptoms using a multimethod approach. A sample of young adults (N = 173) completed a series of questionnaires, including self-report measures of disgust propensity, distress intolerance, and OCD symptoms. Participants also completed several behavioral tasks which captured their emotional responding to visual disgust stimuli, behavioral avoidance, and washing behaviors. Results suggest that disgust propensity and distress intolerance relate to contamination OCD symptoms, both independently and synergistically. However, findings differed across outcome measures. Overall, this study provided novel information about the independent and synergistic relationships of disgust propensity and distress intolerance with multiple assessments of contamination OCD symptoms. Our findings highlight the utility of multimodal assessment to inform a more nuanced understanding of the association between OCD symptoms and relevant risk factors. Interventions targeting both disgust propensity and distress intolerance may be most effective for treating individuals with contamination OCD symptoms specifically, and general OCD symptoms more broadly.
I know how to withstand the skeptic
Authors: Soria-Ruiz Andrés
Published: February 2025

A prominent class of arguments for external world skepticism rely on the plausible view that knowledge is closed under logical entailment. From the fact that one does not know that one is not a handless brain in a vat it can be inferred that one does not know that one has hands, in virtue of the fact that having hands logically entails that one is not a handless brain in a vat. The complements of knowing-how ascriptions, however, are not—obviously, at least—related by logical entailment to any proposition, and therefore, they resist that skeptical argument. Even if I don’t know that I am not a brain in a vat, it does not follow that I don’t know how to, say, play a drum rudiment. Thus, knowing-how can withstand closure-based skepticism about the external world.
Metabolomic insight into the link of intermuscular fat with cognitive performance: the Health ABC Study
Authors: Xu Richard , Tian Qu , Marron Megan M. , Ferrucci Luigi , Yao Shanshan , Kim Seyoung , Shah Ravi V. , Murthy Venkatesh L. , Newman Anne B. , Miljkovic Iva , Rosano Caterina
Published: February 2025

There is growing evidence that higher intermuscular fat (IMF) is associated with worse processing speed, measured by the digit symbol substitution test (DSST) in older adults. However, the underlying biological mechanisms are not well understood. Considering that both muscle and the brain are metabolically active organs, we sought to identify metabolites that may explain the IMF-DSST association. We assessed 613 plasma metabolites in 2388 participants from the Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study (mean age ± SD 74.7 ± 2.9 years, 50% men, 63% white), using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. We confirmed that higher IMF was associated with worse DSST scores (standardized beta (95% CI) − 0.08 (− 0.12, − 0.03), p < 0.001). Sixty-six metabolites were significantly associated with both IMF and DSST. Four of the 66 metabolites attenuated the association by ≥ 10%: higher levels of adrenic acid (polyunsaturated fatty acid), and lower levels of C20:5 lysophosphatidylcholine (lysophospholipid), 1-methylnicotinamide (vitamin B3-related myokine), and maslinic acid (triterpene) were associated with higher IMF and worse DSST. Together, they explained 41% of the IMF-DSST association. Pathway enrichment analyses identified two significant shared pathways: unsaturated fatty acid metabolism and the citrate (TCA) cycle. This study provides hypothesis-generating evidence that a set of circulating metabolites related to unsaturated fatty acids, energy metabolism, and myokines may partially explain the inverse association of IMF with processing speed. The findings, if further confirmed by independent studies, advance our understanding of molecular pathways underlying muscle-brain crosstalk. Whether the identified metabolites are early predictors of future decline in processing speed should be further investigated.
Quality Determination of Frozen-Thawed Shrimp Using Machine Learning Algorithms Powered by Explainable Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Genç İsmail Yüksel , Gürfidan Remzi , Açikgözoğlu Enes
Published: February 2025

In this study, the performance of a set of machine learning algorithms was evaluated to classify the freshness levels of frozen-thawed shrimps during storage in refrigerator conditions. The algorithms used include CNN, DenseNet121, InceptionV3, ResNet50, CNN + LSTM, and YOLO_v8. Shrimps were categorised into three classes according to their freshness: fresh, medium, and stale. According to the results, the CNN + LSTM model was the most successful algorithm with a 99.07% accuracy rate. The YOLO_v8 algorithm stood out with 99.23% accuracy in the validation set. However, it was observed that the classification performances of models such as DenseNet121 and ResNet50 were relatively low. In addition, to increase the explainability of the decision processes, the Grad-CAM algorithm was used to visualise the areas that the CNN + LSTM model considers when determining the freshness states. Grad-CAM effectively emphasised visual cues focusing on the surface texture and signs of deterioration of the frozen-thawed shrimps. The results of the study showed that the proposed algorithms provide a non-destructive and accurate method for shrimp freshness classification. This approach offers a potential solution to improve food safety in the seafood industry.
Development and internal validation of a predictive model of overall and progression-free survival in eribulin-treated patients with breast cancer based on baseline peripheral blood parameters
Authors: Natori Keiko , Igeta Masataka , Morimoto Takashi , Nagahashi Masayuki , Akashi-Tanaka Sadako , Daimon Takashi , Miyoshi Yasuo
Published: February 2025

Background

Immune and inflammatory blood parameters have been reported as biomarkers for treatment efficacy. This study aimed to establish a predictive model that includes blood parameters for patients with metastatic breast cancer treated with eribulin.

Methods

A total of 297 patients were enrolled, and their baseline neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, absolute lymphocyte count (ALC), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), prognostic nutritional index (PNI), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), C-reactive protein (CRP), and clinical data were retrospectively collected.

Results

We constructed nomograms to predict overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) using blood parameters, including clinical factors. For OS, menopausal status, hormone receptor status, HER2 status, de novo or recurrent, metastatic site, treatment line, ALC, PLR, PNI, LMR, LDH, and CRP were selected to predict the model. We used menopausal status, hormone receptor status, HER2 status, treatment line, PLR, LMR, LDH, and CRP to predict PFS. Both the OS and PFS of patients according to the risk scores were significantly different (p < 0.001). The optimism-corrected C-indices of the nomograms for OS and PFS were 0.680 and 0.622, respectively. The mean time-dependent area under the receiver operating curve values for OS at 1, 2, and 3 years were 0.752, 0.761, and 0.784, respectively, and for PFS at 3, 6, and 12 months were 0.660, 0.661, and 0.650, respectively.

Conclusion

Nomograms incorporating peripheral blood parameters may improve the accuracy of predicting OS and PFS in patients treated with eribulin. Our prediction model may help decision-making for breast cancer patients who are considering eribulin treatment.
Impactful water efficiency practice
Authors: Prabhu Krishnananda
Published: February 2025

Conserving water saves energy. Energy is needed to filter, heat, and pump water to our homes. So, reducing your water use also reduces our carbon footprint. Using less water keeps more water in our ecosystems and helps to keep wetland habitats topped up for animals like otters, water voles, herons, and fish. In this regard, the practice of water efficiency plays an important role. Water conservation is the practice of reducing water consumption by measuring the amount of water required for a particular purpose and is proportionate to the amount of essential water used. Water efficiency differs from water conservation in that it focuses on reducing waste, not restricting use. The washing machine has become one of the most essential household appliances in every modern household. It not only conserves time and energy but also increases the longevity of your clothing along with making it cleaner clothes than hand washing. On average, washing machines consume around 140–200 L of water per wash cycle and around the same amount for rising. Here, I am proposing a simple water efficiency strategy that can be practiced in every household without restricting water usage.
Particularities of Chronic Urticaria in Latin American Countries: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis and Treatment
Authors: Larco Jose-Ignacio , Ensina Luis , Alvarez Leidy , Cherrez-Ojeda Ivan , Sanchez Jorge
Published: February 2025

Purpose of Review

Chronic Urticaria is a multifactorial disease. Despite international guideline recommendations each region has particular characteristics with unique needs. The aim of this review is to present the particularities of urticaria in Latin America (LATAM) and evaluate the clinical and investigation costs of CSU in LATAM and other regions.

Recent Findings

In the last 10 years there has been a significant increase in research on CSU in LATAM. At the molecular level, the presence of specific IgE against environmental allergens and eosinophils seems to be more frequent among CSU in LATAM than in other regions, suggesting a greater presence of type 2 inflammation, perhaps secondary to the characteristics of the environment in some areas of LATAM. At a clinical level, there are common points and differences with respect to what has been published in other regions, especially in terms of management secondary to economic access barriers.

It is important to understand the causes of these particularities to modify those that result in a high cost for the patient and society.
Determinants of medication adherence in patients with diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia
Authors: Chantzaras Athanasios , Yfantopoulos John
Published: February 2025

Objectives

To investigate medication non-adherence and its determinants in diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia.

Methods

In a multicenter, cross-sectional, non-interventional study, 518 diabetic, 721 hypertensive, and 463 hyperlipidemic patients were recruited, using consecutive sampling, in Greece during the COVID-19 pandemic. Medication adherence was measured with the Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale (ARMS). Multiple linear regressions with robust standard errors investigated the predictors of the ARMS summary score.

Results

Perfect adherence was estimated at 16%, 12%, and 11%, and low adherence at 38.8%, 61.3%, and 66.7% in diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, respectively. The factors that significantly increased the likelihood of non-adherence were the following: (a) lower age, female gender, no public health insurance, high perceived threat of illness, low satisfaction with physician consultations, shorter consultations, bad general health, fewer comorbidities, and type 2 diabetes; (b) male gender, not being married, low education, no public insurance, smoking, frequent drinking, shorter consultations, self-perceived inadequacy of knowledge, negative views of medication, presence of comorbidities, fewer medicines being used, and high blood pressure in hypertension; and (c) lower age, not being employed, smoking, frequent drinking, no public insurance, low satisfaction with consultations, negative views of medication, taking 3–4 medicines, high LDL, and low HDL and triglyceride levels in hyperlipidemia. Different curvilinear associations of adherence with BMI and exercise were also found.

Conclusion

Medication non-adherence is very common in diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Strategies to improve adherence should consider the different determinants of non-adherence among patient groups.
Floral bio-residues of saffron: a potential source of valuable components; extraction and application
Authors: Shanker M. Anjaly , Puthiyedath Abhilash , Rana Sandeep Singh
Published: February 2025

Prevalently known as red gold, saffron is one of the popular and expensive spices throughout the world. Assortment of the spice is an energy-intensive process where the stigma part of the flower is separated as a primary resource. Structurally, the stigma accounts for the small part of the flower and the remaining major proportions including petals, stamen, style etc. are discarded as waste fractions. With saffron being known for the culinary, medicinal and functional properties, there is higher value attributed to the waste fractions of the flower. Bio-fractions are known sources of protein (8.17–24.45 g/100 g of dry weight), lipids (2.22–10.73 g/100 g of dry weight), carbohydrates (33.8–64.9 g/100 g of dry weight), minerals and dietary fractions (14.4–32.3 g) and are highly comparable with the nutritional percentages of stigma. Phytochemical profiles of these parts are prominent with higher percentages of carotenoids, flavanols and anthocyanins making them a valuable extraction source. Maceration and solvent extraction are traditional methods employed in the extraction of these plant components. The involvement of modern extraction methods like ultrasound, microwave, supercritical extraction techniques have increased the efficiency and functional quality of the extract obtained. This review aims at assessing the phytochemical and nutritional profile of these bio fractions, emphasizing the positives of different extraction techniques and also covering the unlimited potential applications of so-called waste fractions.
Facing Death Across Cultures
Authors: Fox Stephen Henry
Published: February 2025

This book is an invaluable resource for understanding the profound connections between culture, healthcare, and mortality. In a world where healthcare professionals ꟷ doctors, nurses, clients, patients, and staff ꟷ are increasingly engaging in cross-cultural interactions, this text equips readers with essential insights to navigate diverse beliefs and expectations surrounding health and treatment, particularly in moments of stress and vulnerability. While healthcare is often grounded in Euro-American belief systems, this book broadens the reader's perspective, offering essential tools to enhance intercultural understanding during health crises and end-of-life care. It empowers both patients and practitioners to adapt and collaborate, fostering better treatment outcomes by bridging cultural divides. Gaining this multicultural lens is not only crucial for healthcare and cross-cultural psychology but also for confronting the universal experience of mortality ꟷ our own and that of our loved ones.
Scholarly Editing in Perspective
Authors: Van Mierlo Wim
Published: February 2025

Scholarly Editing in Perspective offers a critical reflection on the theory and methods of textual editing, as a contribution to a wider, comparative understanding of editorial practice. The analysis, written in a cogent, concise and accessible manner, offers an insight into the textual-philosophical principles and foundations of scholarly editing from the beginning of the twentieth century to the new opportunities offered by digital technologies in the twenty-first. Scholarly editing is presented as a process that makes an intervention in the text whereby the editor mediates between competing versions of textuality, authorship, and authority. In analysing the assumptions, beliefs, and critical underpinnings of scholarly editing, this Element provides a new perspective on the standard editorial models within the English tradition, how they have evolved, and how they are adapted for the digital age.
Global Servants of the Spanish King
Authors: Polo y La Borda Adolfo
Published: February 2025

From 1580 to 1700, low-ranking Spanish imperial officials ceaselessly moved across the Spanish empire, and in the process forged a single coherent political unit out of multiple heterogeneous territories, creating the earliest global empire. Global Servants of the Spanish King follows officials as they itinerated between the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Africa, revealing how their myriad experiences of service to the king across a variety of locales impacted the governance of the empire, and was an essential mechanism of imperial stability and integration. Departing from traditional studies which focus on high-ranking officials and are bounded by the nation-state, Adolfo Polo y La Borda centers on officials with local political and administrative duties such as governors and magistrates, who interacted daily with the crown's subjects across the whole empire, and in the process uncovers a version of cosmopolitanism concealed in conventional narratives.
The Evolution of Jewish Monotheism
Authors: Grossberg David Michael
Published: February 2025

In this book, David Michael Grossberg offers a fresh and illuminating perspective on the three-thousand-year history of Jewish monotheism by narrating the history of 'God is one' as a religious slogan from the ancient to the modern world. Although 'God is one' has been called Judaism's primary testimony of faith, its meaning has been obscure and contentious from its earliest emergence. From the Bible's acclamatory 'the Lord is one' to Philo of Alexandria's highest Word just secondary to God; from the Talmud's rejection of 'two powers in heaven' to the philosophers' First Existent who is one beyond unity; from the Kabbalists' ten-fold Godhead to Spinoza's one substance, this innovative history demonstrates the remarkable diversity encompassed by this deceptively simple Jewish statement of faith. Grossberg demonstrates how this diversity is unified in a continuous striving for knowledge of God that has been at the heart of Judaism from its earliest beginnings.
Protestant Bodies
Authors: Hunt Arnold
Published: February 2025

Religious worship is an embodied act, consisting not of words alone, but of words and gestures. But what did early modern English Protestants think they were doing when they went through the motions of worship? In Protestant Bodies, Arnold Hunt argues that the English Reformation was a gestural reformation that redefined the postures and motions of the body. Drawing on a rich array of primary sources, he shows how gestures inherited from the medieval liturgy took on new meanings within a drastically altered ritual landscape, and became central to the enforcement of religious uniformity in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Protestant Bodies presents a challenging new interpretation of the English Reformation as a series of experiments in shaping and remaking the body, both individual and collective, with consequences that still persist today.
The Human Right to Resist in International and Constitutional Law
Authors: Murphy Shannonbrooke
Published: February 2025

The human right to resist is a contemporary legal concept with an ancient pedigree. Although it has received recognition in constitutions, customary international law and human rights treaties, and acknowledgment by leading publicists of international law, it remains obscure compared to other human rights. In this innovative and comprehensive book, Shannonbrooke Murphy addresses the perennial question of who has a 'right' to resist – and what, when, why, and how, from a legal perspective. Using a systematic and comparative approach to analyzing both the theoretical concept and the provisions in positive law, this study aims to establish that a 'right to resist' can be recognized and codified as an enforceable 'human right', proposing a common conceptual language and an analytical framework for evaluating the legal basis of claims. Murphy makes a strong and detailed case for a firmer place for the 'right to resist' in the human rights lexicon.
A Qualitative Analysis of Opportunities to Strengthen Coordination Between Humanitarian Mine Action and Emergency Care for Civilian Casualties of Explosive Injury
Authors: Wild Hannah B. , Trautwein Micah , Fontanet Constance , Hottentot Elke , Kasack Sebastian , Munyambabazi Alex , Calvello-Hynes Emilie , Kushner Adam , Stewart Barclay
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Explosive ordnance (EO) and explosive weapons (EW) inflict significant suffering on civilian populations in conflict and post-conflict settings. At present, there is limited coordination between humanitarian mine action (HMA) and emergency care for civilian victims of EO/EW. Key informant interviews with sector experts were conducted to evaluate strategies for enhanced engagement between HMA and emergency care capacity-building in EO/EW-affected settings.

Methods

A cross-sectional qualitative study was conducted to interview HMA and health sector experts. Data were analyzed in Dedoose using deductive and inductive coding methods.

Results

Nineteen key informants were interviewed representing sector experts in HMA, health, and policy domains intersecting with the care of EO/EW casualties. Recommendations included integration of layperson first responder trainings with EO risk education, development of prehospital casualty notification systems with standardized health facility capacity mapping, and refresher trainings for HMA medics at local health facilities.

Conclusions

Medical capabilities within the HMA sector hold potential to strengthen emergency care for civilian EO/EW casualties yet in the absence of structured coordination strategies is underutilized for this purpose. Increased HMA engagement in emergency care may enhance implementation of evidence-based emergency care interventions to decrease preventable death and disability among civilian victims of EO/EW in low-resource settings.
Ancestros del Futuro: Danza Antirracista Afro-contemporánea; Una propuesta de la compañía de danza Sankofa Danzafro desde Colombia
Authors: Angulo Carlos Correa
Published: February 2025

Este artículo cuestiona la suposición común de que las organizaciones negras son inherentemente antirracistas, enfatizando la necesidad de explorar cómo esas organizaciones desarrollan perspectivas antirracistas que se integra en su trabajo y prácticas. A partir de una experiencia de trabajo con Sankofa Danzafro, este estudio analiza los resultados de seis laboratorios de danza realizados con niños, adolescentes y jóvenes afrocolombianos. Estos laboratorios culminaron en la creación de “Ancestros del Futuro”, una obra de danza inspirada en el afro-futurismo y el Black joy, interpretada por la compañía de danza afro contemporánea en Colombia. Esta investigación resalta cómo la perspectiva antirracista en la danza afro contemporánea se forma a través de una combinación única de estéticas que emergen de prácticas de danza rutinarias y una dimensión afectiva que evoluciona en momentos clave en las trayectorias de vida de los bailarines. Esta fusión desafía los discursos antirracistas dominantes que generalmente enmarcan el antirracismo como una agenda programática estática, presentándolo en cambio como una conciencia política-afectiva dinámica desarrollada mediante un compromiso reflexivo con el cuerpo a través de la danza.
Non-pharmacological therapeutic paradigms in stress-induced depression: from novel therapeutic perspective with focus on cell-based strategies
Authors: Azarfarin Maryam , Shahla Mahdi Mohammadzadeh , Mohaddes Gisou , Dadkhah Masoomeh
Published: February 2025

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is considered a psychiatric disorder and have a relationship with stressful events. Although the common therapeutic approaches against MDD are diverse, a large number of patients do not present an adequate response to antidepressant treatments. On the other hand, effective non-pharmacological treatments for MDD and their tolerability are addressed. Several affective treatments for MDD are used but non-pharmacological strategies for decreasing the common depression-related drugs side effects have been focused recently. However, the potential of extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), microRNAs (miRNAs) as cell-based therapeutic paradigms, besides other non-pharmacological strategies including mitochondrial transfer, plasma, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and exercise therapy needs to further study. This review explores the therapeutic potential of cell-based therapeutic non-pharmacological paradigms for MDD treatment. In addition, plasma therapy, mitotherapy, and exercise therapy in several in vitro and in vivo conditions in experimental disease models along with tDCS and TMS will be discussed as novel non-pharmacological promising therapeutic approaches.
More of a Question than a Comment: A Response to Modernism, Empire, World Literature, by Joe Cleary
Authors: McGlynn Mary
Published: February 2025

This entry in the dossier about Joe Cleary’s Modernism, Empire, World Literature asks questions about it based on recent scholarship by others working with the same key terms. The scholarship of David Damrosch, Franco Moretti, and Mary Burke provides productive interplays with Cleary’s readings, revealing strengths of the current volume as well as sites for further investigation.
Loneliness and cognition in older adults: A meta-analysis of harmonized studies from the United States, England, India, China, South Africa, Mexico, and Chile
Authors: Lee Ji Hyun , Sutin Angelina R. , Hajek André , Karakose Selin , Aschwanden Damaris , O’Súilleabháin Páraic S. , Stephan Yannick , Terracciano Antonio , Luchetti Martina
Published: February 2025

Background

Loneliness is a risk factor for late-life dementia. There is less consistent evidence of its association with cognitive performance. This study examined the replicability of the association between loneliness and overall and domain-specific cognitive function and informant-rated cognitive decline in cohorts from seven countries: the United States, England, India, China, South Africa, Mexico, and Chile.

Methods

Data were from the Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol administered in seven population-based studies (total N > 20,000). Participants reported their loneliness, completed a battery of cognitive tests, and nominated a knowledgeable informant to rate their cognitive decline. Random-effect meta-analyses were used to summarize the associations from each cohort.

Results

Loneliness was associated with poor overall cognitive performance and informant-rated cognitive decline controlling for sociodemographic factors (meta-analytic correlation for overall cognition = −.10 [95% CI = −.13, −.06] and informant-rated decline = .16 [95% CI = .14, .17]). Despite some heterogeneity, the associations were significant across samples from Africa, Asia, Europe, North, Central, and South America. The meta-analysis also indicated an association with specific cognitive domains: episodic memory, speed-attention, visuospatial abilities, numeric reasoning, and verbal fluency. The associations were attenuated but persisted when depressive symptoms were added as a covariate. Depression, cognitive impairment, and sociodemographic factors did not consistently moderate the associations across samples.

Conclusions

Loneliness is associated with poor performance across multiple domains of cognition and observer-rated cognitive decline, associations that replicated across diverse world regions and cultures.
READING BOOK II WITHIN ARITHMETICAL-ALGEBRAIC PRACTICES
Authors: Sammarchi Eleonora
Published: February 2025

In Arabic treatises on algebra, Book II of Euclid’s Elements quickly became a traditional work of reference, especially for justifying quadratic equations. However, in many of these treatises we find a representation of Euclid’s notions that deviates from the “original Euclid.” In this article, I focus on the way in which propositions of Book II were understood and reported by al-Karaǧī (11th c.) in two of his algebraic writings. Inspired by the variety of arithmetical practices of his time, al-Karaǧī transposed these Euclidean propositions from geometrical objects to numbers and applied them to an algebraic context. This allowed him to combine various argumentative strategies deriving from different fields. Building upon al-Karaǧī’s work, al-Zanǧānī (13th c.) no longer needed to mention Euclid and instead conceived of a justification of quadratic equations (the “cause” of the equation) which is completely internal to algebra. These case studies provide evidence for the use of the Elements as a toolbox for the development of algebra. More importantly, they shed further light upon a typical feature of medieval mathematics, namely the existence of a plurality intrinsic in the name “Euclid.”
Our Editorial Experience at Politics & Gender, 2016–19
Authors: Caputi Mary , Kwak Sun Young , Gonzales Steven , Kaufman-Osborn Timothy
Published: February 2025

I, Mary Caputi, was humbled and honored to be offered the editorship of Politics & Gender, a position that I filled between 2016–19. With my hard-working associate editors Sun Young Kwak, Steve Gonzales, and Timothy Kaufman-Osborn, we strove to build upon the journal’s already strong reputation as an agenda-setting academic publication that offers cutting-edge scholarship in all areas of gender studies. Because the relationship between “politics and gender” is so rich and complex, we tried to faithfully represent the depth and variety of interplay in our scholarly articles, Critical Perspectives contributions, Special Issues, and our choice of books to be reviewed. As a team, the task of editing the journal sent us on an enlightening journey that proved both challenging and educational. Throughout my tenure, I learned a great deal about my own field of contemporary feminist theory, and about how gender is studied in other subfields of political science and other academic disciplines across the university.
Timing of Pedogenic Carbonate Formation in Fine‐Grained Soils: Decoupled T(Δ47) and δ18Ow Seasonal Bias
Authors: Havranek Rachel , Snell Kathryn , Brookins Sarah , Davidheiser‐Kroll Brett
Published: February 2025

Historically, clumped isotope thermometry (T(∆47)) of soil carbonates has been interpreted to represent a warm‐season soil temperature based dominantly on coarse‐grained soils. Additionally, T(∆47) allows the calculation of the oxygen isotope composition of soil water (δ18Ow) in the past using the temperature‐dependent fractionation factor between soil water and pedogenic carbonate, but previous work has not measured δ18Ow values with which to compare to these archives. Here, we present clumped isotope thermometry of modern soil carbonates from three soils in Colorado and Nebraska, USA, that have a fine‐to‐medium grain size, contain clay, and are representative of many carbonate‐bearing paleosols preserved in the rock record. At two of the three sites, Briggsdale, CO and Seibert, CO, T(∆47) overlaps with mean annual soil temperature (MAST), and the calculated δ18Ow overlaps within uncertainty with measured δ18Ow at carbonate bearing depths. At the third site, in Oglala National Grassland, NE, mean T(∆47) is 8–11°C warmer than MAST, and the calculated δ18Ow has a significantly higher isotope value than any observations of δ18Ow. At all three sites, even in the fall season, δ18Ow values at carbonate bearing depths overlap with spring rainfall δ18Ow, and there is little to no evaporative enrichment of δ2Hw and δ18Ow values. These data challenge long‐held assumptions that all pedogenic carbonate records a warm‐season bias, and that δ18Ow at carbonate‐bearing depths is affected by evaporative enrichment.
Extracting mechanical quality factor and eliminating feedthrough using harmonics of thermal-piezoresistive micromechanical resonators
Authors: Teng Geer , Yang Chenhao , Quan Aojie , Li Chengxin , Li Haojie , Cheng Yuxuan , Chang Honglong , Kraft Michael , Zhang Hemin
Published: February 2025

Thermal-actuation and piezoresistive-detection effects have been employed to pump the effective quality factor of MEMS resonators, targeting simple self-oscillation and better sensing performance in the air. However, the ratio of the pumped effective quality factor to the inherent mechanical quality factor, crucial for characterizing the amplification, is hard to obtain. The main difficulty stems from hidden Lorentz peaks caused by feedthrough effects and the pump effect once the current is applied. In this paper, we demonstrated the presence of high-order harmonic components in the output of thermal-piezoresistive resonators when the oscillation amplitude is sufficiently large. By utilizing second-order harmonics, we achieved the improvement in signal-to-bias ratio of, 20.85 dB compared to that without feedthrough cancellation and 9.67 dB compared to that using a de-embedded method when the bias current is 6.20 mA. Furthermore, the inherent mechanical quality factor is extracted at a low current of 1.8 mA with a value of 5800 using the second-order harmonics, and a nearly two orders of magnitude enhancement in Q factor can be obtained before entering the self-oscillation regime. An amplitude bias instability as good as 55 ppm and a frequency bias instability as good as 10 ppb are realized in the nonlinear operation regime with a pumped effective quality factor of 576k. The paper contributes to the fundamental understanding of the Q pump effect together with harmonic analysis of the thermal-piezoresistive resonators and also pushes forward the development of low-power consumption self-oscillation resonant sensors.
NINJ1-mediated plasma membrane rupture of pyroptotic endothelial cells exacerbates blood-brain barrier destruction caused by neutrophil extracellular traps in traumatic brain injury
Authors: Zheng Xiao-Bo , Wang Xue , Gao Sheng-Qing , Gao Chao-Chao , Li Tao , Han Yan-Ling , Zhao Ran , Sun Yan , Miao Shu-Hao , Qiu Jia-Yin , Jin Wang-Xuan , Zhou Meng-Liang
Published: February 2025

Brain endothelial cell (bEC) dysfunction is the main factor of blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown, which triggers a vicious cycle of aggravating traumatic brain injury (TBI) pathogenesis. Previous studies have revealed that neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) released by neutrophils can lead to BBB disruption, but there is a lack of research on the underlying mechanisms after TBI. Here, excessive NETs were found in both contused brain tissue and circulation following TBI. We found that NETs could activate the TLR4/NF-κB pathway to induce bEC pyroptosis, which led to BBB disruption after TBI. During this process, ninjurin-1 (NINJ1) was activated in pyroptotic bECs, and it mediated the release of high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) via plasma membrane rupture (PMR) to promote NET formation. NINJ1-mediated release of HMGB1 aggravated NET accumulation by forming a vicious circle following TBI. Knockdown of NINJ1 rescued NET formation, attenuated BBB leakage, and improved neurological outcomes after TBI. NINJ1 may represent a promising target for alleviating NET-induced BBB destruction and other related injuries after TBI.
A nanotwinned-alloy strategy enables fast sodium deposition dynamics
Authors: Zou Guodong , Wang Jinming , Sun Yong , Yang Weihao , Niu Tingting , Li Jinyu , Ren Liqun , Seh Zhi Wei , Peng Qiuming
Published: February 2025

Sodium (Na) metal batteries are considered promising solutions for next-generation electrochemical energy storage because of their low costs and high energy densities. However, the slow Na dynamics result in unfavorable Na deposition and dendrite growth, which compromise cycling performance. Here we propose a nanotwinned alloy strategy prepared by high-pressure solid solution followed by Joule-heating treatment to address sluggish Na dynamics, achieving homogeneous Na deposition. By employing cost-effective Al-Si alloys for validation, Si solubility of 10 wt.% is extended through a high-pressure solid solution, and nanotwinned-Si particles, with a volume fraction of 82.7%, are subsequently formed through Joule-heating treatment. The sodiophilic nanotwinned-Si sites exhibit a high diffusion rate, which reduces the nondimensional electrochemical Damköhler number to far below 1, shifting the diffusion-controlled deposition behavior to reaction-controlled deposition. This transition facilitates spherical Na deposition and dendrite-free growth, allowing a symmetric cell to achieve stable Na plating/stripping over 5300 h at 5 mA cm−2 with a cumulative capacity of 13.25 Ah cm−2. This strategy is also demonstrated in another CuAg system with nanotwinned Ag structures.