bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
„Emergency critical care“ in der Notaufnahme. Literaturübersicht und aktuelle Konzepte
Authors: Reindl Michael , Rovas Alexandros , Köhnke Richard , Bergrath Sebastian , Herrmann Tobias , Kegel Michael , Pin Martin , Kumle Bernhard , Bernhard Michael , Kümpers Philipp
Published: March 2024

Bis zu 10 % aller Notfallpatienten sind intensiv- oder überwachungspflichtig – Tendenz steigend. Im klinischen Alltag können jedoch nur wenige dieser Fälle unmittelbar auf eine Intensiv- oder Überwachungsstation verlegt werden. Aus diesem Grund besteht mitunter die Notwendigkeit einer verlängerten notfallmedizinischen Versorgung kritisch kranker Patient:innen in der Notaufnahme. Unter dem Motto „upstairs care, downstairs“ haben große Notaufnahmen im angloamerikanischen Raum hierfür die „emergency critical care units“ (ECCU) entwickelt. Dieses Konzept steht für eine frühe hochintensive Versorgung kritisch kranker Patient:innen innerhalb von Notaufnahmen mit dem Ziel einer bestmöglichen Stabilisierung und Allokation im Krankenhaus. Im Rahmen dieser Übersichtsarbeit sollen die bisherigen Daten zu ECCU genauer analysiert und auf die Situation in deutschen Notaufnahmen übertragen werden.
Neoadjuvant anthracycline-based (5-FEC) or anthracycline-free (docetaxel/carboplatin) chemotherapy plus trastuzumab and pertuzmab in HER2 + BC patients according to their TOP2A: a multicentre, open-label, non-randomized phase II trial
Authors: Ginzac Angeline , Molnar Ioana , Durando Xavier , Motte Rouge Thibault De La , Petit Thierry , D’hondt Véronique , Campone Mario , Bonichon-Lamichhane Nathalie , Venat Bouvet Laurence , Levy Christelle , Augereau Paule , Pistilli Barbara , Arsene Olivier , Jouannaud Christelle , Nguyen Suzanne , Cayre Anne , Tixier Lucie , Mahier Ait Oukhatar Céline , Nabholtz Jean-Marc , Penault-Llorca Frédérique , Mouret-Reynier Marie-Ange
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Previous studies have reported the benefit of dual HER2-targeting combined to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in HER2-amplified breast cancer (HER2 + BC). Moreover, besides the cardiac toxicity following their association to Trastuzumab, anthracyclines chemotherapy may not profit all patients. The NeoTOP study was designed to evaluate the complementary action of Trastuzumab and Pertuzumab, and the relevance of an anthracycline-based regimen according to TOP2A amplification status.

Methods

Open-label, multicentre, phase II study. Eligible patients were aged ≥ 18 with untreated, operable, histologically confirmed HER2 + BC. After centralized review of TOP2A status, TOP2A-amplified (TOP2A+) patients received FEC100 for 3 cycles then 3 cycles of Trastuzumab (8 mg/kg then 6 mg/kg), Pertuzumab (840 mg/kg then 420 mg/kg), and Docetaxel (75mg/m2 then 100mg/m2). TOP2A-not amplified (TOP2A-) patients received 6 cycles of Docetaxel (75mg/m2) and Carboplatin (target AUC 6 mg/ml/min) plus Trastuzumab and Pertuzumab. Primary endpoint was pathological Complete Response (pCR) using Chevallier’s classification. Secondary endpoints included pCR (Sataloff), Progression-Free Survival (PFS), Overall Survival (OS), and toxicity.

Results

Out of 74 patients, 41 and 33 were allocated to the TOP2A + and TOP2A- groups respectively. pCR rates (Chevallier) were 74.4% (95%CI: 58.9–85.4) vs. 71.9% (95%CI: 54.6–84.4) in the TOP2A + vs. TOP2A- groups. pCR rates (Sataloff), 5-year PFS and OS were 70.6% (95%CI: 53.8–83.2) vs. 61.5% (95%CI: 42.5–77.6), 82.4% (95%CI: 62.2–93.6) vs. 100% (95%CI: 74.1–100), and 90% (95%CI: 69.8–98.3) vs. 100% (95%CI: 74.1–100). Toxicity profile was consistent with previous reports.

Conclusion

Our results showed high pCR rates with Trastuzumab and Pertuzumab associated to chemotherapy. They were similar in TOP2A + and TOP2A- groups and the current role of neoadjuvant anthracycline-based chemotherapy remains questioned.

Trial registration number

NCT02339532 (registered on 14/12/14).
Identify risk factors affecting participation of Turkish women in mammography screening for breast cancer prevention
Authors: Bayrakçeken Esra , Yaralı Süheyla , Alkan Ömer
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Cancer screening is a public health intervention aiming to reduce cancer-caused deaths. This study aims to determine the factors affecting the mammography screening time among women aged 40–69.

Methods

The micro dataset obtained from the Türkiye Health Survey conducted by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) in 2019 and 2022 was used in the present study. Stereotype logistic regression was used to determine the variables affecting mammography screening and period for breast cancer prevention in women in Türkiye.

Results

Given the results achieved from the analysis, it was found that factors such as age, marital status, general health condition, comorbidity, receiving psychosocial support, high blood lipid levels, and performing breast self-examinations affected women’s adherence to cancer screening programs.

Conclusion

Since adherence to mammography increases with age, it is recommended to pay importance to education for women approaching the age of mammography screening. Educated individuals are expected to have access to multiple sources of information as to cancer and to access this information more easily. In order to gain more insight into the recommended preventive measures and outcomes related to cancer, it is suggested to review policies, which will increase the educational level of women, and provide privileges in the field of education.
Fetal growth restriction exhibits various mTOR signaling in different regions of mouse placentas with altered lipid metabolism
Authors: Dong Jie , Xu Qian , Qian Chenxi , Wang Lu , DiSciullo Alison , Lei Jun , Lei Hui , Yan Song , Wang Jingjing , Jin Ni , Xiong Yujing , Zhang Jianhua , Burd Irina , Wang Xiaohong
Published: March 2024

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a common complication of pregnancy and can have significant impact on obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Increasing evidence has shown that the inhibited mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling in placenta is associated with FGR. However, interpretation of existing research is limited due to inconsistent methodologies and varying understanding of the mechanism by which mTOR activity contributes to FGR. Hereby, we have demonstrated that different anatomic regions of human and mouse placentas exhibited different levels of mTOR activity in normal compared to FGR pregnancies. When using the rapamycin-induced FGR mouse model, we found that placentas of FGR pregnancies exhibited abnormal morphological changes and reduced mTOR activity in the decidual-junctional layer. Using transcriptomics and lipidomics, we revealed that lipid and energy metabolism was significantly disrupted in the placentas of FGR mice. Finally, we demonstrated that maternal physical exercise during gestation in our FGR mouse model was associated with increased fetal and placental weight as well as increased placental mTOR activity and lipid metabolism. Collectively, our data indicate that the inhibited placental mTOR signaling contributes to FGR with altered lipid metabolism in mouse placentas, and maternal exercise could be an effective method to reduce the occurrence of FGR or alleviate the adverse outcomes associated with FGR.

Graphical Abstract

Human and mouse placentas have different mTOR signaling activities in different anatomic regions in normal and FGR pregnancies.

Pregnant mice with FGR induced by rapamycin show smaller placentas, decreased mTOR activity in DJ layer of placenta and altered lipid metabolism.

Maternal exercise partially alleviates the abnormal outcomes of FGR model.
Modeling the effects of power efficient approximate multipliers in radio astronomy correlators
Authors: Kokkeler A. B. J. , Gillani G. A. , Boonstra A. J.
Published: March 2024

Large scale Radio Telescopes for Radio Astronomy highly depend on the availability of large (digital) processing capacities for imaging. Estimates concerning power efficiency for future Radio Telescopes lead to anticipated power consumption numbers beyond feasibility. To reduce the power budget, the use of approximate multipliers within the correlator is explored. A baseband equivalent executable model of a radio synthesis telescope is constructed to assess the effects of approximate multipliers. Besides ideal multipliers with floating point accuracy, the use of accurate 8-bit multipliers and 4 different types of approximate multipliers is explored. For each of these multipliers, the energy efficiency of an individual multiplier is known and used to determine the energy efficiency improvement of a correlator when using approximate multipliers. The effects of approximation are quantified by 3 metrics (Signal-to-Noise-Ratio (SNR), Spurious-Free-Dynamic-Range (SFDR) and Root-Mean-Square (RMS) level) derived from maps constructed by the executable model based on an empty sky with only a single point source. This is considered to be the worst case scenario. For illustration purposes, a more realistic input is processed by the model as well. The metrics have been determined based on different SNR levels at the input of each antenna element. For input SNR levels up to 10 dB, all types of approximate multipliers used in this paper can be exploited to improve energy efficiency of correlators, leading to a maximum energy reduction of 19 %. For input SNR values up to 30 dB an energy improvement up to 12 % can be achieved. These percentages are based on implementations in a 40nm low power IC technology at 1 GHz.
The Impact of EFL Learners’ Negative Emotional Orientations on (Un)Willingness to Communicate in In-person and Online L2 Learning Contexts
Authors: Solhi Mehdi
Published: March 2024

The present study explored how negative emotional orientations (i.e., anxiety, boredom, and demotivation) may contribute to English as a foreign language (EFL) learners’ willingness to communicate (WTC) in in-person and online classes. In doing so, a total of 290 university students majoring in English were recruited to fill in a set of scales. The structural equation modeling analysis indicated that foreign language classroom anxiety (FLA) and L2 demotivation have a direct impact on EFL learners’ in-person and online L2WTC. While L2 demotivation was the strongest significant predictor of learners’ in-person L2WTC, FLA was the strongest predictor of online L2WTC. Additionally, there was a positive correlation among FLA, L2 demotivation, and foreign language classroom boredom (FLB). While FLA demonstrated no direct impact on communication willingness, it exhibited significant indirect paths to in-person L2WTC via the full mediation of L2 demotivation and FLA . Although the result did not show any significant direct impact of FLB on online L2WTC, it had a small yet significant indirect path to online L2WTC through the full mediation of FLA. FLA also revealed indirect significant paths to online L2WTC through FLB and L2 demotivation. The implications for L2 teachers and teacher educators will be further discussed.
Homogenization of a Multivariate Diffusion with Semipermeable Interfaces
Authors: Aryasova Olga , Pavlyukevich Ilya , Pilipenko Andrey
Published: March 2024

We study the homogenization problem for a system of stochastic differential equations with local time terms that models a multivariate diffusion in the presence of semipermeable hyperplane interfaces with oblique penetration. We show that this system has a unique weak solution and determine its weak limit as the distances between the interfaces converge to zero. In the limit, the singular local times terms vanish and give rise to an additional regular interface-induced drift.
Alternative finance in bank-firm relationship: how does board structure affect the cost of debt?
Authors: Palmieri Egidio , Geretto Enrico F. , Polato Maurizio , Miani Stefano
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we examine the relationship between alternative finance and board structure on the cost of debt for firms, focusing on the unique effects of differing board characteristics. Using a dataset of 176 European listed companies observed annually from 2013 to 2022, we dissect this relationship through several hypotheses considering factors such as the supply of alternative finance, board gender composition, age, expertise, and board turnover. Our findings reveal that increased alternative finance credit supply escalates the cost of debt, especially for firms with lower ESG scores. Firms with young boards, boards specialized in economics or low, and board turnover also experience a rise in borrowing costs with increasing of alternative finance. Through a pooling 2SLS model, we provide robust evidence about the interplay of alternative finance and varying board structures on the cost of debt. This research clarifies the intricacies of bank-firm relationships in alternative finance and holds significant implications for supervisory authorities, banks, and policymakers. It underscores the necessity of good corporate governance in managing the cost implications of alternative finance. It calls for tailored risk assessment strategies, conducive regulatory frameworks, and vigilant supervisory approaches to create a resilient financial ecosystem where alternative finance can thrive without inordinately inflating the cost of debt.
New Insights on Bidirectional Associative Memory Neural Networks with Leakage Delay Components and Time-Varying Delays Using Sampled-Data Control
Authors: Chandra S. Ravi , Padmanabhan S. , Umesha V. , Ali M. Syed , Rajchakit Grienggrai , Jirawattanpanit Anuwat
Published: March 2024

The sampling data control of bidirectional associative memory (BAM) neural network with leakage delay is considered in this article. The BAM model is viewed as a mixed delay that combines a distributed delay, a discrete delay that varies over time, and a delay in the leaking period. The sampling system is then converted to a continuous time-delay system using an input delay method. In order to get adequate conditions in the form of linear matrix inequalities(LMIs), we build a new Lyapunov-Krasovskii Functional (LKF) in conjunction with the free weight matrix approach. Finally, a simulation results are given to show the efficiency of the theoretical approach.
Rethinking Zero-DCE for Low-Light Image Enhancement
Authors: Mi Aizhong , Luo Wenhui , Qiao Yingxu , Huo Zhanqiang
Published: March 2024

Zero-Reference Deep Curve Estimation (Zero-DCE) is currently one of the most popular low-light image enhancement methods. Through extensive experimentation, we observe that: (i) the excellent performance of Zero-DCE depends on the training data with multiple exposure levels, (ii) it cannot effectively handle uneven light, extremely low light, or overexposed images in natural environments. Therefore, we propose an improved zero-reference dual-illumination deep curve estimation method for low-light image enhancement named Zero-DiDCE, which can enhance, suppress, or maintain light levels for images. The adaptive light enhancement curve was designed to handle images with different exposure levels. An iterator and amplitude controller are designed to control the curve enhancement intensity by calculating the gap between the input image and the optimal light level. Furthermore, instead of the DCE-Net in Zero-DCE only taking the input image as network input, our DiDCE-Net in Zero-DiDCE takes the input image and the inverted input image simultaneously as network input to ensure that the training set contains samples with multiple exposure levels. A piecewise non-reference loss function is designed to guide the training of DiDCE-Net from the perspective of information loss. Qualitative and quantitative experiments show that our method can handle images with different levels of exposure well and outperforms state-of-the-art methods. In addition, the proposed curve and iterator can be integrated into other methods to improve their enhancement effects. The code is available at https://github.com/Wenhui-Luo/Zero-DiDCE.
Variation of peripheral blood-based biomarkers for response of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in non-small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Wang Xiaoming , Chen Dayu , Ma Yuyan , Mo Dongping , Yan Feng
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are on the rise, but unfortunately, only a small percentage of patients benefit from them in the long term. Thus, it is crucial to identify biomarkers that can forecast the efficacy of immunotherapy.

Methods

We retrospectively studied 224 patients with NSCLC who underwent anti-PD-1 therapy. The role of biomarkers and clinical characteristics were assessed in a prognostic model.

Results

Only 14.3% of patients had both programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and tumor mutational burden (TMB) outcomes, highlighting the need to investigate more available biomarkers. Our analysis found a correlation between histological PD-L1 TPS and hematological PD-1 expression. Analysis of hematological biomarkers revealed that elevated expression of CD4/CD8 and LYM% are positively associated with effective immunotherapy, while PD-1+ on T cells, NLR, and MLR have a negative impact. Moreover, high level of ΔCEA%, CYFRA21-1 and LDH may suggest ineffective ICIs. We also observed that disparate immunotherapy drugs didn’t significantly impact prognosis. Lastly, by comparing squamous carcinoma and adenocarcinoma cohorts, ΔCEA%, CD3+PD-1+, CD4+PD-1+, and CD4/CD8 are more important in predicting the prognosis of adenocarcinoma patients, while age is more significant for squamous carcinoma patients.

Conclusion

Our research has yielded encouraging results in identifying a correlation between immunotherapy’s response and clinical characteristics, peripheral immune cell subsets, and biochemical and immunological biomarkers. The screened hematological detection panel could be used to forecast an NSCLC patient’s response to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy with an accuracy rate of 76.3%, which could help customize suitable therapeutic decision-making.
NMR study of the structure and dynamics of the BRCT domain from the kinetochore protein KKT4
Authors: Ludzia Patryk , Hayashi Hanako , Robinson Timothy , Akiyoshi Bungo , Redfield Christina
Published: March 2024

KKT4 is a multi-domain kinetochore protein specific to kinetoplastids, such as Trypanosoma brucei. It lacks significant sequence similarity to known kinetochore proteins in other eukaryotes. Our recent X-ray structure of the C-terminal region of KKT4 shows that it has a tandem BRCT (BRCA1 C Terminus) domain fold with a sulfate ion bound in a typical binding site for a phosphorylated serine or threonine. Here we present the 1H, 13C and 15N resonance assignments for the BRCT domain of KKT4 (KKT4463–645) from T. brucei. We show that the BRCT domain can bind phosphate ions in solution using residues involved in sulfate ion binding in the X-ray structure. We have used these assignments to characterise the secondary structure and backbone dynamics of the BRCT domain in solution. Mutating the residues involved in phosphate ion binding in T. brucei KKT4 BRCT results in growth defects confirming the importance of the BRCT phosphopeptide-binding activity in vivo. These results may facilitate rational drug design efforts in the future to combat diseases caused by kinetoplastid parasites.
The Voice of the People: Populism and Donald Trump’s Use of Informal Voice
Authors: Kjeldgaard-Christiansen Jens
Published: March 2024

Many studies have examined characteristic verbal aspects of Donald J. Trump’s political communication, from his authoritarian rhetoric to his preference for short words and simple sentences, as expressions of his populism. This article focuses on his use of non-verbal voice quality. In analyzing the “Trump rallies” and other materials from his successful campaigning before the 2016 United States presidential election, I argue that Trump’s evocative and meaningful uses of pitch, amplitude, speech rate, rhythm, and other vocal measures combine to make his paralanguage exceptionally and counter-normatively informal, and that this informality amplifies his explicitly populist messaging. I conclude by suggesting that Trump’s informal voice solves an important problem for him: It allows him to express his populism with a deeply personal undertone, and thereby potentially to make his claims to popular identification ring intuitively true.
Well-being in late childhood and early adolescence: evolution and explanatory factors
Authors: González-Carrasco Mònica , Casas Ferran
Published: March 2024

This paper has three objectives (1) to test whether a decrease in well-being scores is observed from one year to the next in the period between 10 and 16 years of age when measured using indicators of subjective well-being (SWB) (including the OLS as a global measure) and psychological well-being (PWB); (2) to explore the contribution of the primary/secondary school, gender and age in explaining global SWB; and (3) to identify potential non-linear relationships between SWB, measured globally, and other indicators of SWB and PWB. To this end, data were analysed from 994 Spanish students, who responded to the same self-administered questionnaire over two consecutive school years and were recruited through a process of non-random sampling. The results obtained using Student’s t-test for repeated measures and generalized additive models (GAM) showed a statistically significant decrease in 10 out of the 20 indicators considered (more of which assess PWB than SWB), and that the indicators measuring the SWB affective component made a more relevant and less linear contribution to a global SWB measure than those measuring the cognitive component or the PWB.
Vocational Teachers’ Craft Knowledge and Working-life Experiences in Building and Construction: a Narrative Study of Embodied and Tacit Learning
Authors: Lensjø Marit
Published: March 2024

Vocational teachers in building and construction in upper secondary school deal with complex situations of an organisational, vocational, and social kind. Recent research has shown that the teacher is the single most important factor for students’ learning in school. Teacher-student relationships and the teacher’s repertoire of teaching practices can be more important for the student’s learning than class size, the classroom environment, and the student’s socio-economic background. Beyond passing the journeyman’s test, we know little about the craft knowledge and working life experiences vocational teachers in the building and construction trades have acquired over many years in the construction industry, and thus, what knowledge and experiences they bring into the vocational teacher role. Learning in working life often takes place as an integrated part of work, and it is difficult to observe how learning happens. Craft knowledge is often tacit and personal. In this narrative, phenomenologically inspired study, learning is investigated as a bodily, internal process that simultaneously depends on the interaction with the material and social environment. Through narrative interviews with eleven vocational teachers in plumbing and carpentry, this study explores the teachers’ backgrounds as vocational students and apprentices, and their extensive experience as craftsmen on different construction sites. The analysis shows that the building site drives craft-related actions and situations that generate a strong craft identity, professional working life experiences, and personal growth. Craftsmen at the construction site work under constant pressure in a social, physically, and mentally demanding work environment and consecutively solve problems. As professional craftsmen in the complex working environment, the teachers also acquired social and organisational expertise, which they intuitively transferred to their role as vocational teachers.
Processing Challenges and Delamination Prevention Methods in Titanium-Steel DED 3D Printing
Authors: Andreu Alberto , Kim Sanglae , Kim Insup , Kim Jeong-Hwan , Noh Jinhong , Lee Suhan , Lee Wonhee , Su Pei-Chen , Yoon Yong-Jin
Published: March 2024

Direct Energy Deposition (DED) 3D printing has gained significant importance in various industries due to its ability to fabricate complex and functional parts with reduced material waste, and to repair existing components. Titanium alloys, known for their exceptional mechanical properties and biocompatibility, are widely used in DED 3D printing applications, where they offer benefits such as lightweight design possibilities and high strength-to-weight ratio. However, given the high material cost of titanium alloys, certain applications can benefit from the coating capabilities of DED to achieve the advantages of titanium on a distinct material substrate. Nevertheless, challenges related to material incompatibility and the development of unwanted brittle phases still affect the successful deposition of titanium alloys on steel substrates with DED 3D printing. This paper investigates the processing challenges and reviews delamination prevention methods, specifically targeting titanium-steel interfaces. In particular, the formation of unwanted brittle Ti–Fe intermetallics and methods to circumvent their formation are explored. The findings of this research contribute to a deeper understanding of the processing challenges and delamination prevention methods in DED 3D printing.
A behaviorally validated warm glow questionnaire
Authors: Carpenter Jeffrey , Lyford Alex , Zhang Mingfang
Published: March 2024

Measuring the social preferences of economic agents using experiments has become common place. This process, while incentive compatible, is costly and time consuming, making it infeasible in many settings. We combine standard altruism and warm glow choice experiments with a battery of candidate survey questions to construct behaviorally validated questionnaires. We use machine learning to create parsimonious 3-question modules that reliably replicate existing results on general altruism and provide an alternative method for collecting warm glow preferences.
An open science automatic workflow for multi-model species distribution estimation
Authors: Coro Gianpaolo , Sana Lorenzo , Bove Pasquale
Published: March 2024

Integrated Environmental Assessment systems and ecosystem models study the links between anthropogenic and climatic pressures on marine ecosystems and help understand how to manage the effects of the unsustainable exploitation of ocean resources. However, these models have long implementation times, data and model interoperability issues and require heterogeneous competencies. Therefore, they would benefit from simplification, automatisation, and enhanced integrability of the underlying models. Artificial Intelligence can help overcome several limitations by speeding up the modelling of crucial functional parts, e.g. estimating the environmental conditions fostering a species’ persistence and proliferation in an area (the species’ ecological niche) and, consequently, its geographical distribution. This paper presents a full-automatic workflow to estimate species’ distributions through statistical and machine learning models. It embeds four ecological niche models with complementary approaches, i.e. Artificial Neural Networks, Maximum Entropy, Support Vector Machines, and AquaMaps. It automatically estimates the optimal model parametrisations and decision thresholds to distinguish between suitable- and unsuitable-habitat locations and combines the models within one ensemble model. Finally, it combines several ensemble models to produce a species richness map (biodiversity index). The software is open-source, Open Science compliant, and available as a Web Processing Service-standardised cloud computing service that enhances efficiency, integrability, cross-domain reusability, and experimental reproduction and repetition. We first assess workflow stability and sensitivity and then demonstrate effectiveness by producing a biodiversity index for the Mediterranean based on$$\sim $$∼1500 species data. Moreover, we predict the spread of the invasiveSiganus rivulatusin the Mediterranean and its current and future overlap with the nativeSarpa salpaunder different climate change scenarios.
Green Electricity Prices
Authors: Hannesson Rögnvaldur
Published: March 2024

This paper examines the correlation between end-user electricity prices and the share of solar and wind energy in total electricity production in OECD countries. It is shown (i) that end-user prices in recent years (2020–2022) are positively correlated with the share of solar and wind and (ii) that the price of electricity in the majority of countries has risen with the solar and wind share since these types of energy came on the scene.
Amniotic Fluid Proteomics Analysis and In Vitro Validation to Identify Potential Biomarkers of Preterm Birth
Authors: Chen Siguo , Wang Weizhou , Yan Guanghong , Liu Mengmei , Li Min , Chen Ping , Ma Qingyan , Zhang Jinman , Tang Ying , Zhou Linglin , You Dingyun
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to investigate the regulation of amniotic fibroblast (AFC) function by vitamin K–dependent protein Z (PROZ) during preterm birth (PTB) and its potential role in adverse pregnancy outcomes. Proteomic samples were collected from amniotic fluid in the second trimester, and AFC were isolated from the amniotic membrane and cultured in vitro. The expression of extracellular and intracellular PROZ in AFC was modulated, and their biological properties and functions were evaluated. Clinical analysis revealed a significant upregulation of PROZ expression in amniotic fluid from preterm pregnant women. In vitro experiments demonstrated that PROZ stimulated AFC migration, enhanced their proliferative capacity, and reduced collagen secretion. Overexpression of PROZ further enhanced cell migration and proliferation, while knockdown of PROZ had the opposite effect. PROZ plays a crucial role in promoting the proliferation and migration of amniotic membrane fibroblasts. Increased PROZ expression in amniotic fluid is associated with the occurrence of PTB. These findings shed light on the potential involvement of PROZ in adverse pregnancy outcomes and provide a basis for further research on its regulatory mechanisms during PTB.
Optimal urban sustainable design for residential village in Al-Baha region: application five roles strategies
Authors: Aldossary Naief A.
Published: March 2024

This paper evaluates and discusses the proposed design for a low carbon environmental village in Al-Baha region. It considers its viability in view of local renewable energy sources, climatic conditions and local vernacular architectural identity. Five areas were targeted when designing the village: (a) low carbon architectural design strategies; (b) on-site renewable energy strategies; (c) selection of local construction materials; (d) exploitation of rain water harvesting and greywater recycling; and (e) waste disposal recycling and management. The used approach is to design a sustainable village with its facilities in prospective of environmental requirements social needs. The design follow application five roles’ strategies from the literature and depending on local site challenges, available of natural in a location of Al-Baha gate from the airport. The site selected is located along the main highway that connects Al-Baha city to its nearest airport. The chosen area is 4,945,000 m2 and has a flat topography with mountains located relatively close by. The findings present in the study plans for comprehensive sustainable low carbon energy village, which meet the climatic requirements and exploiting natural resources operated by natural renewable energy. This village is designed for typical Saudi families, and will be built from local construction materials. The design includes more than 6150 residential units powered by photovoltaic (PV) panels, and local services using wind energy. The energy requirements for the whole village were calculated based on macro and micro energy generation. Local regulatory standards and sustainability criteria have also been met for the proposed village. Five experts also evaluated the five-purpose design proposition. The impact of designing sustainable villages will lead in protection of environment improved the life and health quality as well as economic benefits. The benefits of addressing five aims are highlighted and the study concluded with some recommendations.
Exploring the Nexus: Gaseous Micro-embolic Activity and Pressure Drop on ALONE ECMO Oxygenator
Authors: Condello Ignazio
Published: March 2024

The role of inlet and outlet oxygenator pressure know as pressure drop (ΔP) in the elimination of the gaseous micro-emboli activity (GMEA) remains obscured during Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) and Minimally Invasive Extracorporeal Circulation (MiECC). There is conflicting literature on the role of pressure drop in oxygenators as well as on oxygenating performance, fluid dynamics and in the role of gaseous micro-embolic activity elimination. We analyzed 14 procedures, 10 MiECC with polypropylene fibers ALONE AF oxygenator and 4 ECMO with polymethylpentene Alone ECMO Oxygenator (Eurosets, SRL, Medolla,Italy), in the central and peripheral cannulation configuration, respectively, through the use of GAMPT BCC300 for air gas micro-emboli (GME) in relation to the ΔP of Oxygenator and incidence of cavitation. The groups of MiECC, Central Cannulation VS Peripheral Cannulation reported: mean values for cavitation n° of bubbles was 330 ± 12 vs 80 ± 13; 1.5 vs 0% reported a diameter > 500 μm; GME volume was 1.51 ± 0.2 vs 0.121 ± 0.2 (μL) in the arterial line, the mean ΔP of oxygenator reported was 89 ± 11 vs 130 ± 29 mmHg. The groups of ECMO, Central Cannulation VS Peripheral Cannulation reported: mean values for cavitation n° of bubbles was 470 ± 12 vs 140 ± 17; 2.1 vs 0% reported a diameter > 500 μm; GME volume was 2.5 ± 0.5 vs 0.355 ± 0.7 (μL) in the arterial line, the mean ΔP of oxygenator reported was 88 ± 15vs 150 ± 23 mmHg. In this report, patients with low pressure drop in the oxygenator reported a statistically significant increase in GMEA in the arterial line of the circuit for each cavitation phenomenon, compared to the group with high pressure drop in the oxygenator who reported a reduced GMEA. In this report, oxygenators with higher pressure drops demonstrated a significant reduction of GMEA, however, further studies are needed to confirm these results.
Cognitive changes after tap test in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus: a before-and-after study
Authors: Mayorga Pilar , Hurtado Cethinia , Gempeler Andrés , Cruz-Sanabria Francy , González Martina , Jaramillo Daniel , Mejía-Michelsen Isabella , Ramón Juan Fernando , Gomez-Amarillo Diego Fernando , Hakim Fernando
Published: March 2024

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) leads to cognitive impairment (CI) as part of its triad of symptoms. Assessment of CI before and after a tap test can be used to inform diagnosis, differentiate NPH symptoms from alternative or concomitant causes of CI, and suggest the potential benefits of valve placement. The aims of this study are: to describe cognitive performance in patients with NPH diagnosis before and after a tap test, and to compare CI between patients with NPH meeting criteria for a dementia diagnosis (D +) and those without criteria for dementia (D−) at both baseline and after the tap-test. We performed a Before-and-after study evaluating clinical features and performance on cognitive tests (CERAD, ADAS-COG, SVF, PVF, ROCF and IFS). We included 76 NPH patients, with a median age of 81 years. 65 patients (87.8%) improved cognitive performance after tap test. ROCF (p = 0.018) and IFS (p < 0.001) scores significantly change after the tap test. Dementia was concomitant in 68.4% of patients. D + group showed higher proportion of patients with altered performance in IFS, PVF, SVF, and ROCF than D- group at baseline (p < 0.05). A significant improvement in SVF and IFS was observed exclusively in the D− group after tap test. Our results suggest that executive function and praxis are the cognitive domains more susceptible to improvement after a tap test in a 24-h interval in NPH patients. Moreover, the D− group showed a higher proportion of improvement after the tap test in executive function and verbal fluency test compared with the D + group.
Animal Minds
Authors: Halina Marta
Published: March 2024

Animal minds are complex and diverse, making them difficult to study. This Element focuses on a question that has received much attention in the field of comparative cognition: 'Do animals reason about unobservable variables like force and mental states?' The Element shows how researchers design studies and gather evidence to address this question. Despite the many virtues of current methods, hypotheses in comparative cognition are often underdetermined by the empirical evidence. Given this, philosophers and scientists have recently called for additional behavioral constraints on theorizing in the field. The Element endorses this proposal (known as 'signature testing'), while also arguing that studies on animal minds would benefit from drawing more heavily on neuroscience and biology.
Archaeology of the Roman Conquest
Authors: Fernández-Götz Manuel , Roymans Nico
Published: March 2024

This Element volume provides an up-to-date synthesis of the archaeology of the Roman conquest, combining new theoretical and methodological approaches with the latest fieldwork results. Recent advances in conflict archaeology research are revolutionising our knowledge of Rome's military campaigns in Western and Central Europe, allowing scholars to reassess the impact of the conquest on the indigenous populations. The volume explores different types of material evidence for the Roman wars of conquest, including temporary camps, battlefields, coinage production, and regional settlement patterns. These and other topics are examined using four case studies: Caesar's Gallic Wars, the Cantabrian and Asturian Wars, the Germanic Wars of Augustus, and the Roman conquest of Britain. By focusing on the 'dark sides' of the Roman expansion and reclaiming the memory of the conquered, the Element aims to contribute to a more holistic understanding of the processes of incorporation and integration into the Roman Empire.
Personal Ontology
Authors: Brenner Andrew
Published: March 2024

What are we? Are we, for example, souls, organisms, brains, or something else? In this book, Andrew Brenner argues that there are principled obstacles to our discovering the answer to this fundamental metaphysical question. The main competing accounts of personal ontology hold that we are either souls (or composites of soul and body), or we are composite physical objects of some sort, but, as Brenner shows, arguments for either of these options can be parodied and transformed into their opposites. Brenner also examines arguments for and against the existence of the self, offers a detailed discussion of the metaphysics of several afterlife scenarios - resurrection, reincarnation, and mind uploading -- and considers whether agnosticism with respect to personal ontology should lead us to agnosticism with respect to the possibility of life after death.
The Psychology of Revolution
Authors: Moghaddam Fathali M.
Published: March 2024

Based on decades of psychological research and personal experience, Fathali M. Moghaddam presents a new and dynamic introduction to the psychology of revolution. He sets out to explain what does and does not change with revolution, using the concept of political plasticity or the malleability of political behavior. In turn, psychological theories of collective mobilization, the process of regime change, and explanations of what happens after regime change are discussed. This psychological analysis of the post-revolution period is pertinent because it explains why revolutions so often fail. General readers interested in learning more about the psychology of revolution, as well as students, researchers, and teachers in political psychology, political science, and collective action, will ﬁnd this book accessible and beneﬁcial.
Active Statistics
Authors: Gelman Andrew , Vehtari Aki
Published: March 2024

This book provides statistics instructors and students with complete classroom material for a one- or two-semester course on applied regression and causal inference. It is built around 52 stories, 52 class-participation activities, 52 hands-on computer demonstrations, and 52 discussion problems that allow instructors and students to explore in a fun way the real-world complexity of the subject. The book fosters an engaging 'flipped classroom' environment with a focus on visualization and understanding. The book provides instructors with frameworks for self-study or for structuring the course, along with tips for maintaining student engagement at all levels, and practice exam questions to help guide learning. Designed to accompany the authors' previous textbook Regression and Other Stories, its modular nature and wealth of material allow this book to be adapted to different courses and texts or be used by learners as a hands-on workbook.
Tracking Mississippian Migrations from the Central Mississippi Valley to the Ridge and Valley with a Unified Absolute Chronology
Authors: Sullivan Lynne P. , Smith Kevin E. , Meeks Scott C. , Patch Shawn M.
Published: March 2024

As regional chronologies become better defined, we are better able to track large-scale population movements and related cultural change. A dataset of 156 radiocarbon dates from the Middle Cumberland Region (MCR), evaluated with 199 more dates from the Ridge and Valley portions of northern Georgia and East Tennessee, enable modeling of population movements from the Central Mississippi Valley into the MCR, as well as subsequent movements and effects in the Ridge and Valley between AD 1200 and 1450. The dissolution of Cahokia is of particular interest, because the MCR falls geographically between the American Bottom and the Ridge and Valley province. This large-scale chronological perspective places key events in this part of the Southeast and Midwest into a unified historical framework that increases our understanding of the timing of cultural events. A related goal is to sort out possible external events and influences that may have affected this large region. This study makes apparent the relationships between cultural events and natural events, such as the drought sequences reported for the Central Mississippi Valley and beyond.
Advancing assessment of responsive feeding environments and practices in child care
Authors: Campbell Julie E. , McIsaac Jessie-Lee D. , Young Margaret , Dickson Elizabeth , Caldwell Sarah , Barich Rachel , Rossiter Misty
Published: March 2024

Child care environments offer an ideal setting for feeding interventions. CELEBRATE Feeding is an approach implemented in child care environments in two Maritime Provinces in Canada to support responsive feeding (RF) to foster children’s self-efficacy, self-regulation, and healthy relationships with food. This study aimed to describe RF in child care using established and enhanced scoring frameworks.

The Environment and Policy Assessment and Observation (EPAO) was modified to reflect RF environments and practices, resulting in our modified EPAO and a CELEBRATE scale. Observations were conducted in 18 child care rooms. Behaviours and environments were scored on both scales, creating 21 RF scores, with a score of ‘3’ indicating the most responsiveness. Descriptive analyses of the scores were conducted. The overall room averages were Mean (M) = 41.00, Standard Deviation (SD) = 7.07 (EPAO), and M = 37.92 SD = 6.50 (CELEBRATE). Most responsive scores among rooms within our EPAO and CELEBRATE scales, respectively, were ‘educators not using food to calm or encourage behaviour’ (M = 2.94, SD = 0.24; M = 2.98, SD = 0.06) and ‘not requiring children to sit at the table until finished’ (M = 2.89, SD = 0.47; M = 2.97, SD = 0.12). The least responsive scores within the EPAO were ‘educator prompts for children to drink water’ (M = 0.78, SD = 0.94) and ‘children self-serving’ (M = 0.83, SD = 0.38). The least responsive in the CELEBRATE scale were ‘enthusiastic role modelling during mealtime’ (M = 0.70, SD = 0.68) and ‘praise of mealtime behaviour unrelated to food intake’ (M = 0.74, SD = 0.55). The CELEBRATE scale captured unique observation information about RF to allow documenting change over time with detailed measurement to inform and support nutrition interventions within child care environments.
A Chronological Model for Inca Provincial Expansion: The Case of the Copiapo Valley
Authors: Garrido Francisco
Published: March 2024

This article examines a new dataset of radiocarbon dates that provides insights into the progressive installation of Inca infrastructure in the Copiapo Valley, situated at the southern edge of the Atacama Desert in northern Chile. It shows that the Inca imperial expansion in this region was not a linear process and was likely shaped by local negotiations and conflicts. The findings describe three main stages of Inca expansion. The first is the construction of the North–South Inca Road and the establishment of high-altitude mountain shrines. The next stage consisted of a physical intervention in a local village located in the upper valley, including the construction of administrative buildings and public spaces. The last stage involved indirect intervention in local villages, characterized by the presence of isolated administrative buildings that were potentially used for diplomacy and negotiation. I argue that the Inca imperial expansion, characterized by evolving strategies across regions and time periods, not only demonstrates the state's capacity for learning but also suggests the pivotal role of local actors in positions of power who wielded agency to shape these developments.
Obsidian Procurement and Exchange at the Apogee of Empire: Wari Political Economy in Arequipa, Peru
Authors: Reid David A. , Williams Patrick Ryan , Cardona Rosas Augusto , Goldstein Robin Coleman , Dussubieux Laure , Banikazemi Cyrus , Rademaker Kurt
Published: March 2024

During the Middle Horizon (AD 600–1000), obsidian was transported in greater quantities and distances than ever before identified in the Andes, in part by the expansionary Wari state. Two of the three major obsidian sources used in the south-central Andes are located in the modern department of Arequipa, Peru. Arequipa was a region of intense Wari influence and intrusive presence; however, little is known about regional obsidian use. Portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) were used to analyze 383 obsidian artifacts recovered from 10 archaeological sites in Arequipa. Results highlight diachronic and spatial patterning related to obsidian procurement strategies, state versus bottom-up exchange networks, and local participation within the Wari realm. A wide variety of geological obsidian sources, including nonlocal obsidians originating from Wari's Ayacucho heartland, were used. By the late Middle Horizon, the Wari had consolidated regional resources with the sole use of Alca-1 and Alca-4 bedrock obsidians, the largest-sized and highest-quality sources in the area. We assess related models of obsidian procurement and exchange related to state political economy, long-distance caravan activity, and the role of local ceremonial/waystation centers that facilitated the flow of ideas, goods, and people across Arequipa.