bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparative study of outflow structures of two classes of gamma-ray bursts
Authors: Liao Mao , Chen Jia-Ming , Li Ting , Peng Zhao-Yang
Published: April 2024

The outflow structures of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) can provide insights into the origins and radiation mechanisms of these cosmic explosions. We systematically study the GRB outflow structures by modelling their afterglow light curves and check if the structures of long gamma-ray bursts (LGRBs) and short gamma-ray bursts (SGRBs) are different. The sample consists of Swift-XRT afterglows with sufficient coverage and known redshift, which includes 195 well-fit LGRBs and 13 well-fit SGRBs. The model we use is a two-parameter ‘boosted fireball’ model, which consists of a family of outflows, with shapes varying smoothly from a quasi-spherical outflow to a highly collimated jet. We use the jetfit package to fit afterglow light curves and obtain the jet parameters. We find that there are no statistical differences in the distributions of jet parameters between LGRBs and SGRBs by performing K–S test and 74 per cent of the ratios of the observer angle to jet opening angle are in the range of 0.2 to 1. Our analysis indicates that the majority of GRB afterglows are viewed off-axis and there has no statistical difference between LGRBs and SGRBs. We also find that both the LGRBs and SGRBs exhibit two similar correlations: the jet opening angle is positively correlated with the observer angle, with the correlation coefficient 0.61 for LGRBs and 0.63 for SGRBs; the circumburst density is inversely correlated with the explosion energy with the correlation coefficient −0.89 for LGRBs and −0.69 for SGRBs. Our results suggest that the outflow structures are similar for the LGRBs and SGRBs.
The XUV-driven escape of the planets around TOI-431 and ν2 Lupi
Authors: King George W , Corrales Lía R , Fernández Fernández Jorge , Wheatley Peter J , Malsky Isaac , Osborn Ares , Armstrong David
Published: April 2024

One of the leading mechanisms invoked to explain the existence of the radius valley is atmospheric mass-loss driven by X-ray and extreme-ultraviolet irradiation, with this process stripping the primordial envelopes of young, small planets to produce the observed bimodal distribution. We present an investigation into the TOI-431 and ν2 Lupi planetary systems, both of which host planets either side of the radius valley, to determine if their architectures are consistent with evolution by the X-ray/ultraviolet (XUV) mechanism. With XMM–Newton, we measure the current X-ray flux of each star, and see evidence for a stellar flare in the TOI-431 observations. We then simulate the evolution of all of the transiting planets across the two systems in response to the high-energy irradiation over their lifetimes. We use the measured X-ray fluxes as an anchor point for the XUV time evolution in our simulations, and employ several different models of estimating mass-loss rates. While the simulations for TOI-431 b encountered a problem with the initial calculated radii, we estimate a likely short (∼Myr) timespan for primordial envelope removal using reasonable assumptions for the initial planet. ν2 Lupi b is likely harder to strip, but is achieved in a moderate fraction of our simulations. None of our simulations stripped any of the lower density planets of their envelope, in line with prediction. We conclude that both systems are consistent with expectations for generation of the radius valley through XUV photoevaporation.
Disentangling the anisotropic radio sky: Fisher forecasts for 21 cm arrays
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Bull Philip , Glasscock Katrine A
Published: April 2024

The existence of a radio synchrotron background (RSB) excess is implied by a number of measurements, including excess emission seen by the Absolute Radiometer for Cosmology, Astrophysics, and Diffuse Emission (ARCADE 2) and Long Wavelength Array (LWA) experiments. Highly sensitive wideband radio arrays, of the kind used to measure the cosmic 21 cm signal, provide a promising way to further constrain the RSB excess through its anisotropy, providing additional insight into its origin. We present a framework for evaluating the potential of 21 cm arrays to disentangle different components of the diffuse radio sky based on the combination of their frequency spectrum and angular power spectrum. The formalism is designed to calculate uncertainties due to the intrinsic cosmic variance alone or together with instrumental noise. In particular, we predict the potential for measuring the anisotropy of a broad generalized class of excess radio background models using the low-frequency Hydrogen Epoch of Reionization Array (HERA) as an example. We find that a HERA-like array can distinguish an RSB excess from other sky components based on its angular clustering and spectral dependence, even if these are quite similar to one or more of the other components – but only in the case that the RSB excess is relatively bright.
Cosmological constraints on early dark energy from the full shape analysis of eBOSS DR16
Authors: Gsponer Rafaela , Zhao Ruiyang , Donald-McCann Jamie , Bacon David , Koyama Kazuya , Crittenden Robert , Simon Théo , Mueller Eva-Maria
Published: April 2024

We evaluate the effectiveness of early dark energy (EDE) in addressing the Hubble tension using the luminous red galaxy (LRG), quasar (QSO), and emission line galaxy (ELG) samples from the completed eBOSS survey. We perform cosmological parameter measurements based on full shape analysis of the power spectrum employing the effective field theory of large-scale structure (EFTofLSS). EDE is known to strongly suffer from volume projection effects, complicating cosmological constraints’ interpretation. To quantify the volume projection effects within an EDE full shape analysis, we explore the impact of different prior choices on the nuisance parameters of EFTofLSS through an extensive mock study. We compare classical Gaussian priors to the non-informative Jeffreys prior, known to mitigate volume projection effects in ΛCDM. Our full shape analysis combines eBOSS and BOSS data with Planck, external Baryon Acoustic Oscillation (BAO), PantheonPlus, and SH0ES supernova data. EDE reduces the tension from 5.2σ to 3σ compared to ΛCDM, yielding $H_0=71.73_{-0.86}^{+0.82}$ km s−1 Mpc−1 with $f_\mathrm{EDE} = 0.1179_{-0.022}^{+0.025}$ (Gaussian priors) and $H_0=72.03_{-0.87}^{+0.82}$ km s−1 Mpc−1 with $f_\mathrm{EDE} = 0.1399_{-0.022}^{+0.023}$ (Jeffreys prior). Although the Hubble tension is mitigated compared to ΛCDM, the inclusion of eBOSS data amplifies the tension within EDE from 2σ to 3σ, in contrast to the full shape analysis of BOSS data with Planck, external BAO, PantheonPlus, and SH0ES. This highlights the significance of incorporating additional large-scale structure data in discussions concerning models aiming to resolve the Hubble tension.
Contemporary trends in the incidence and timing of spinal metastases: A population-based study
Authors: Shakil Husain , Malhotra Armaan K , Badhiwala Jetan H , Karthikeyan Vishwathsen , Essa Ahmad , He Yingshi , Fehlings Michael G , Sahgal Arjun , Dea Nicolas , Kiss Alex , Witiw Christopher D , Redelmeier Donald A , Wilson Jefferson R
Published: April 2024

Background

Spinal metastases are a significant complication of advanced cancer. In this study, we assess temporal trends in the incidence and timing of spinal metastases and examine underlying patient demographics and primary cancer associations.

Methods

In this population-based retrospective cohort study, health data from 2007 to 2019 in Ontario, Canada were analyzed (n = 37, 375 patients identified with spine metastases). Primary outcomes were annual incidence of spinal metastasis, and time to metastasis after primary diagnosis.

Results

The age-standardized incidence of spinal metastases increased from 229 to 302 cases per million over the 13-year study period. The average annual percent change (AAPC) in incidence was 2.2% (95% CI: 1.4% to 3.0%) with patients aged ≥85 years demonstrating the largest increase (AAPC 5.2%; 95% CI: 2.3% to 8.3%). Lung cancer had the greatest annual incidence, while prostate cancer had the greatest increase in annual incidence (AAPC 6.5; 95% CI: 4.1% to 9.0%). Lung cancer patients were found to have the highest risk of spine metastasis with 10.3% (95% CI: 10.1% to 10.5%) of patients being diagnosed at 10 years. Gastrointestinal cancer patients were found to have the lowest risk of spine metastasis with 1.0% (95% CI: 0.9% to 1.0%) of patients being diagnosed at 10 years.

Conclusions

The incidence of spinal metastases has increased in recent years, particularly among older patients. The incidence and timing vary substantially among different primary cancer types. These findings contribute to the understanding of disease trends and emphasize a growing population of patients who require subspecialty care.
Chromothripsis is rare in IDH-mutant gliomas compared to IDH-wild-type glioblastomas whereas whole-genome duplication is equally frequent in both tumor types
Authors: Sourty Baptiste , Basset Laëtitia , Fontaine Alix , Garcion Emmanuel , Rousseau Audrey
Published: April 2024

Background

Adult-type diffuse gliomas comprise IDH (isocitrate dehydrogenase)-mutant astrocytomas, IDH-mutant 1p/19q-codeleted oligodendrogliomas (ODG), and IDH-wild-type glioblastomas (GBM). GBM displays genome instability, which may result from 2 genetic events leading to massive chromosome alterations: Chromothripsis (CT) and whole-genome duplication (WGD). These events are scarcely described in IDH-mutant gliomas. The better prognosis of the latter may be related to their genome stability compared to GBM.

Methods

Pangenomic profiles of 297 adult diffuse gliomas were analyzed at initial diagnosis using SNP arrays, including 192 GBM and 105 IDH-mutant gliomas (61 astrocytomas and 44 ODG). Tumor ploidy was assessed with Genome Alteration Print and CT events with CTLPScanner and through manual screening. Survival data were compared using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

At initial diagnosis, 37 GBM (18.7%) displayed CT versus 5 IDH-mutant gliomas (4.7%; P = .0008), the latter were all high-grade (grade 3 or 4) astrocytomas. WGD was detected at initial diagnosis in 18 GBM (9.3%) and 9 IDH-mutant gliomas (5 astrocytomas and 4 oligodendrogliomas, either low- or high-grade; 8.5%). Neither CT nor WGD was associated with overall survival in GBM or in IDH-mutant gliomas.

Conclusions

CT is less frequent in IDH-mutant gliomas compared to GBM. The absence of CT in ODG and grade 2 astrocytomas might, in part, explain their genome stability and better prognosis, while CT might underlie aggressive biological behavior in some high-grade astrocytomas. WGD is a rare and early event occurring equally in IDH-mutant gliomas and GBM.
Tobacco Control in Denmark: How the Ugly Duckling Turned into a Swan
Authors: Pisinger Charlotta , Rasmussen Sofie Bergman
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The implementation of tobacco control policies has been a neglected topic in tobacco research. A comprehensive Tobacco Action Plan including plain packaging, a point-of-sale display ban, a ban on characterizing flavors (in products other than cigarettes), a strengthening of the promotion and marketing ban, a ban on the sale of novel nicotine products to minors, smoke-and nicotine-free-school hours in all-schools with minors, and a significant increase in tobacco tax, was adopted in Denmark in 2019.

Aims and Methods

Eleven people involved or very close to the advocacy process were invited, two did not respond and nine attended our research center. We used the nominal group technique, a consensus method, to identify the most important driving factors for passing the Tobacco Action Plan.

Results

The round-robin identified 39 driving factors merged into 13 in the clarification phase. In the ranking phase, participants agreed on seven factors that they perceived have strongly influenced the political will to strengthen national tobacco control comprehensively. The most important factors were national data and evidence, a nationwide alliance with broad partnerships, a strict focus on young people, continuous media coverage, intensive lobbying by many different advocates, making it a community agenda—not a political one, and effective professional campaigns.

Conclusions

Our findings agree with experiences from other countries that significantly improved tobacco control. The Danish strategy, including a nationwide alliance with broad partnerships, had a high influence on the political agenda.

Implications

In this study, there was a consensus that seven factors strongly influenced the political will to comprehensively strengthen the national tobacco control in Denmark in a short time: national data and evidence; a nationwide alliance with broad partnerships; a strict focus on children and young people; continuous media coverage; intensive lobbying by many different advocates; making it a community agenda—not a political one, and effective professional campaigns. This is consistent with findings from other countries.
Gender, Power, and Politics in the Academy
Authors: Poggio Barbara , Anzivino Monia
Published: April 2024

Gender inequality has been a long-standing issue in academia, and it remains an unresolved challenge, despite progress made in recent decades through policies implemented at various levels to foster gender equality and inclusion. Extensive scientific literature has been produced over the last thirty years from various perspectives and on different aspects of the gender gap and power asymmetries in the academic profession. Scholars have highlighted the role of many factors in producing and reproducing gender inequalities at different stages of an academic career and in different contexts. Structural and cultural factors are related to individuals, organizations, and institutional contexts, and analyses can be developed at different levels: micro, meso, and macro. It is from this analytical perspective that our bibliography moves. From the vast body of literature on gender inequality in academia, we have identified a selection of resources based on their originality, impact, and contribution to the debate. We first present references for a general overview of the topic, followed by a section on the different types of gender gaps in academia, alongside references to online resources related to data and technical analysis of gender inequalities in academia at a global level. The following sections are organized according to the level of analysis adopted. The section on micro-level perspectives presents references from studies focused on individual factors; the meso-level section includes studies looking at the organizational structures, cultures, and practices of universities and departments; while the references included in the last section—on macro-level perspectives—examine the role of policies and institutional actors. Finally, policies and plans for fostering gender equality in universities and different kinds of resistances are considered.
Pastoral
Authors: Frost Mark
Published: April 2024

Because there is no critical consensus about what pastoral is, it has been conceived in a number of ways that reflect its diversity, complexity, endurance, and significance within literature and wider culture. It has arguably existed throughout literary history, is strongly evident across European, Middle Eastern, and modern Western cultures, and has gained a global footprint during the twentieth century. While some conceive of pastoral narrowly as a specific poetic genre (originally centered on the singing contests and conversations of shepherds/goatherds), others regard it as a broad cultural mode present in many forms across a range of media. In its narrower conceptualization, pastoral is an ancient, widespread poetic form, sitting alongside the epic in importance. In its wider framing, it is at least as significant, consisting of an enduring but evolving suite of conceptual and representational tools; a set of attitudes and perspectives; and a means to articulate anxieties and aspirations about i) our relationship with environment; ii) our place within modernity; and iii) human societies and social relations. In the broadest possible definition, pastoral encompasses any attempts to represent peopled environments, thus distinguishing it from the wilderness mode (which seeks to represent environments allegedly absent of humanity) and the apocalyptic mode (which seeks to represent the destruction of environments, societies, civilizations, and worlds—and, in post-apocalyptic forms, their aftermaths). Attempts to define pastoral repeatedly draw attention to two key structural oppositions: rural versus urban, and past versus present. Traditional and conservative forms of pastoral generally valorize the rural and/or the past, but these oppositions can be complicated, challenged, or even overturned in more radical forms. Other oppositions sometimes used in attempts to codify pastoral include nature versus art and the simple versus the complex. Pastoral’s earliest iterations sought to imagine idealized versions of the countryside, and/or chart the loss of idyllic environments: both impulses indicate the original urban roots of pastoral. Ironically, pastoral, the form par excellence of country writing, became conceivable and necessary only as a result of the rise of city cultures. The pastoral is related to Georgic and bucolic traditions (which can be seen as distinct from, or part of, a broader pastoral category). The pastoral can also be divided into a number of sub-generic forms (the idyll, elegy, Utopian, and anti-pastoral), each of which may be further subdivided into specific sub-genres within poetry. Pastoral has been re-evaluated to reflect the specific socio-environmental contexts of every period. More recently, it has become an important preoccupation within the environmental humanities, reflecting its ongoing relevance and usefulness, and leading to attempts to create or classify new forms of pastoral.
Shakespeare in Translation
Authors: Delabastita Dirk
Published: April 2024

Shakespeare is not an English writer only. His works absorbed a multitude of foreign-language sources and influences, and they also stage many heterolingual scenes and characters. Moreover, the plays soon started to travel abroad to mainland Europe, its colonies, and beyond, a process that was to be variously energized by the forces of imperialism, decolonization, local nation-building projects, and globalization. The worldwide circulation of Shakespeare’s texts crucially depends on translators to make his works meaningful and relevant to readers and spectators with restricted or no knowledge of (Early Modern) English. One way or the other, translators always respond to the needs and pressures of their times, and they usually work together with other mediators such as editors, publishers, authors, critics, theater directors, adapters, film directors, and so forth, causing translation to be deeply enmeshed in wider forms of reception and not always easy to distinguish from them. Studying these complex processes of Shakespearean transmissions, appropriations, and reinterpretations offers a unique insight into the interlingual and intercultural conflicts, dialogues, and interactions that make up history—English history included. By the same token, the thousands of translations of Shakespeare’s work constitute a variegated corpus of sources documenting how the originals can be read and have been read, thus enhancing our understanding of their semantic potential. Until a few decades ago mainstream Shakespearean criticism in the Anglosphere tended to see Shakespeare translation as a minor theme better left to “overseas” Shakespearean researchers. That is changing now, with a growing awareness that a one-language and one-culture Shakespeare simply never existed and that there is so much to be learned from investigating the Bard’s multilingual exits and entrances. This study often happens on a (target) language-by-language or country-by-country basis, but it can also adopt more comprehensive and comparative perspectives. There is a long tradition of translating Shakespeare’s plays into a wide range of European languages, but more recent criticism also highlights Shakespeare as a globally translated author. There is interesting new work exploring the benefits of digitally based research into translation. Greater attention is increasingly being given to less typical or traditional forms of interlingual circulation, such as translating Shakespeare for film/television, translating him into (modern) English, the signing of Shakespeare for the deaf community, and the translation of Shakespearean criticism. The translation of his nondramatic poetry had a later start and has had a somewhat distinct history compared to the plays; this is reflected in the corresponding translation criticism.
Brain development of a school-aged boy with autism spectrum condition talented in arithmetic: a case report
Authors: Zhao Weixing , Li Lei , Yang Xiujie , Wang Xiaotian , Kou Juan , Chen Jia , Chen Huafu , Wang Qi , Duan Xujun
Published: April 2024

Whereas autism spectrum condition is known for its social and communicative challenges, some autistic children demonstrate unusual islets of abilities including those related to mathematics, the neurobiological underpinnings of which are increasingly becoming the focus of research. Here we describe an 8-year-old autistic boy with intellectual and language challenges, yet exceptional arithmetic ability. He can perform verbal-based multiplication of three- and even four-digit numbers within 20 seconds. To gain insights into the neural basis of his talent, we investigated the gray matter in the child's brain in comparison to typical development, applying voxel-based morphometry to magnetic resonance imaging data. The case exhibited reduced gray matter volume in regions associated with arithmetic, which may suggest an accelerated development of brain regions with arithmetic compared to typically developing individuals: potentially a key factor contributing to his exceptional talent. Taken together, this case report describes an example of the neurodiversity of autism. Our research provides valuable insights into the potential neural basis of exceptional arithmetic abilities in individuals with the autism spectrum and its potential contribution to depicting the diversity and complexity of autism.
The Systemic Governance Influence of Expectation Documents: Evidence from a Universal Owner
Authors: Aguilera Ruth V , Bermejo Vicente J , Capapé Javier , Cuñat Vicente
Published: April 2024

We examine expectation documents’ effectiveness as an activism tool. We use the Norwegian sovereign wealth fund’s release of a corporate governance expectation document as a natural experiment. We introduce a novel, three-way analytical decomposition of the firms, the fund, and their joint response to this document. Firms’ governance practices adapt to the fund’s new portfolio-wide governance preferences, with heterogeneous responses across ownership and firm characteristics. The fund’s investment policies also change, even at the expense of financial returns. Overall, our research demonstrates the potential effectiveness of expectation documents as an emerging, low-cost activism tool for universal investors. (JEL F30, G32, G34)
A Social Movement Model for Judicial Behavior: Evidence from Brazil’s Anti-Corruption Movements
Authors: Vilaça Luiz
Published: April 2024

While studies show that public opinion and educational workshops promoted by nonprofits affect judicial behavior, it remains unclear whether and how social movements affect judges’ decision-making through disruptive actions. I develop a framework to explain the conditions under which and the mechanisms through which social movement mobilization affects the decision-making of judges, drawing on a mixed-methods study of anti-corruption protests in Brazil. I constructed an original dataset of decisions of corruption cases at the Brazilian Superior Court of Justice (2003–2016). Results showed that actions that target judicial cases (case-focused protests)—but not protests that simply put the issue on the public agenda—are associated with higher chances that judges will decide in ways that are aligned with the movements’ demands. I supplemented this data with a qualitative analysis of appeals on two investigations of similar crimes and some of the same defendants but with different outcomes in appellate courts: Sandcastle (Castelo de Areia) and Car Wash (Lava Jato). Drawing on 110 interviews with prosecutors and judges and document analysis of criminal charges and judicial decisions, I show that case-focused protests affect judicial behavior through two mechanisms: by threatening the personal reputation of judges and the legitimacy of courts.
Association between longitudinal change of sleep patterns and the risk of cardiovascular diseases
Authors: He Lingfang , Ma Tianqi , Wang Xuerui , Cheng Xunjie , Bai Yongping
Published: April 2024

Study Objectives

To investigate the role of longitudinal change of sleep patterns in the incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD).

Methods

Based on UK Biobank, a total of 18 172 participants were enrolled. Five dimensions of healthy sleep including early chronotype, sleep 7–8 hours/day, free of insomnia, no snoring, and no frequent excessive daytime sleepiness were used to generate a healthy sleep score (HSS) ranging from 0 to 5. Corresponding to the HSS of 0–1, 2–3, and 4–5, the poor, intermediate, and healthy sleep patterns were defined. Based on changes in HSS across assessments 1 and 2, we calculated the absolute difference of HSS. For the change in sleep patterns, we categorized five profiles (stable healthy, worsening, stable intermediate, optimizing, and stable poor sleep patterns). The outcomes were incidence of CVD including coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke. We assessed the adjusted hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) by Cox hazard models.

Results

Compared with participants with stable poor patterns, those who improved their sleep patterns or maintained healthy sleep patterns had a 26% and 32% lower risk of CVD, respectively. Stable healthy sleep pattern was associated with a 29% and 44% reduced risk of CHD and stroke. Per unit, longitudinal increment of the HSS was related to an 8% lower risk of CVD and CHD. Compared with individuals with constant HSS, those with decreased HSS had a 13% higher risk of developing CVD.

Conclusions

Optimizing sleep patterns and maintaining a healthy sleep pattern may reduce the risk of CVD.
Reduced rapid eye movement sleep in late middle-aged and older apolipoprotein E ɛ4 allele carriers
Authors: André Claire , Martineau-Dussault Marie-Ève , Baril Andrée-Ann , Marchi Nicola Andrea , Daneault Véronique , Lorrain Dominique , Hudon Carol , Bastien Célyne H , Petit Dominique , Thompson Cynthia , Poirier Judes , Montplaisir Jacques , Gosselin Nadia , Carrier Julie
Published: April 2024

Study Objectives

Apolipoprotein E ɛ4 (APOE4) is the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In addition, APOE4 carriers may exhibit sleep disturbances, but conflicting results have been reported, such that there is no clear consensus regarding which aspects of sleep are impacted. Our objective was to compare objective sleep architecture between APOE4 carriers and non-carriers, and to investigate the modulating impact of age, sex, cognitive status, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Methods

A total of 198 dementia-free participants aged >55 years old (mean age: 68.7 ± 8.08 years old, 40.91% women, 41 APOE4 carriers) were recruited in this cross-sectional study. They underwent polysomnography, APOE4 genotyping, and a neuropsychological evaluation. ANCOVAs assessed the effect of APOE4 status on sleep architecture, controlling for age, sex, cognitive status, and the apnea–hypopnea index. Interaction terms were added between APOE4 status and covariates.

Results

Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep percentage (F = 9.95, p = .002, ηp2 = 0.049) and duration (F = 9.23, p = .003, ηp2 = 0.047) were lower in APOE4 carriers. The results were replicated in a subsample of 112 participants without moderate-to-severe OSA. There were no significant interactions between APOE4 status and age, sex, cognitive status, and OSA in the whole sample.

Conclusions

Our results show that APOE4 carriers exhibit lower REM sleep duration, including in cognitively unimpaired individuals, possibly resulting from early neurodegenerative processes in regions involved in REM sleep generation and maintenance.
Low genetic variability and high isolation of a post-harvest South American pinniped population as revealed by genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms
Authors: Peralta Diego M , Ibañez Ezequiel A , Lucero Sergio , Cappozzo Humberto L , Ceballos Santiago G , Túnez Juan I
Published: April 2024

Otaria flavescens has been one of the most heavily exploited pinnipeds during the last 200 years, with depletion of ~90% in some colonies. After the prohibition on sealing in South America, populations stabilized except for the Uruguayan population, which showed a constant decrease. The underlying causes of its decline are unknown. This study used genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms to assess the variability and connectivity of some of the most overexploited sea lion colonies in the Atlantic Ocean. Our results revealed low allelic richness, nucleotide diversity, and heterozygosity in the Uruguayan population and evidence of complete isolation from the Argentinean populations under study. In contrast, the Patagonian populations showed a high degree of connectivity, which could explain their recovery and high levels of diversity at present. Our study highlights the critical situation of the Uruguayan sea lion population, emphasizing the need for maintaining continuous conservation efforts in the region.
LGBTQ-competent obesity prevention and management
Authors: Cantor Aviva , Radix Asa
Published: April 2024

Obesity is a complex and largely preventable disease that is an enormous burden to patient health and to the healthcare system. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) patients and their healthcare providers should be aware of their personal risks and causes of weight gain and obesity. Sensitive, comprehensive, and competent LGBTQ preventive care and treatment are needed to address the needs of this population, improve patient outcomes, and reduce healthcare inequalities. Research is needed to further evaluate the confluence of obesity and metabolic risk factors in LGBTQ patients, and to develop prevention and treatment strategies to reduce the risk for obesity-related comorbidities, chronic disease, and death.
Tenoscopy for the Treatment of Hand Intratendinous Ganglion: Technique Description and Case Report
Authors: Kaempf de Oliveira Ricardo , Brunelli João Pedro Farina , Corella Montoya Fernando , Delgado Pedro J.
Published: April 2024

Synovial or ganglion cysts are the most common soft tissue tumors of the wrist and hand and can arise from joints or tendons. Intratendinous synovial cysts, in contrast, are rare and their pathogenesis is still a matter of debate. The treatment of synovial cysts of articular origin using arthroscopy is commonly used with good results. For cysts of tendon origin, that is, extra-articular, when located at the ankle, shoulder, knee, and wrist, endoscopic treatment has also been described in a procedure called tenoscopy. We describe the technique and the good results using tenoscopy for a patient treated for an intratendinous synovial cyst located at the extensor communis tendon of the third digit. It is a reproducible, safe technique with low morbidity, and the patient has had no complications or recurrence.
Mortality Due to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Latin America*
Authors: Santa Cruz Roberto , Matesa Amelia , Gómez Antonella , Nadur Juan , Pagano Fernando , Prieto Daniel , Bolaños Oswald , Solis Beatriz , Yusta Sara , González-Velásquez Edilzar , Estenssoro Elisa , Cavalcanti Alexandre
Published: April 2024

OBJECTIVES:

Mortality due to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a major global health problem. Knowledge of epidemiological data on ARDS is crucial to design management, treatment strategies, and optimize resources. There is ample data regarding mortality of ARDS from high-income countries; in this review, we evaluated mortality due to ARDS in Latin America.

DATA SOURCES:

We searched in PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, and Latin American and Caribbean Health Science Literature databases from 1967 to March 2023.

STUDY SELECTION:

We searched prospective or retrospective observational studies and randomized controlled trials conducted in Latin American countries reporting ARDS mortality.

DATA EXTRACTION:

Three pairs of independent reviewers checked all studies for eligibility based on their titles and abstracts. We performed meta-analysis of proportions using a random-effects model. We performed sensitivity analyses including studies with low risk of bias and with diagnosis using the Berlin definition. Subgroup analysis comparing different study designs, time of publication (up to 2000 and from 2001 to present), and studies in which the diagnosis of ARDS was made using Pao
2/Fio
2 less than or equal to 200 and regional variations. Subsequently, we performed meta-regression analyses. Finally, we graded the certainty of the evidence (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation).

DATA SYNTHESIS:

Of 3315 articles identified, 32 were included (3627 patients). Mortality was 52% in the pooled group (low certainty of evidence). In the sensitivity analysis (according to the Berlin definition), mortality was 46% (moderate certainty of evidence). In the subgroup analysis mortality was 53% (randomized controlled trials), 51% (observational studies), 66% (studies published up to 2000), 50% (studies after 2000), 44% (studies with Pao
2/Fio
2 ≤ 200), 56% (studies from Argentina/Brazil), and 40% (others countries). No variables were associated with mortality in the meta-regression.

CONCLUSIONS:

ARDS mortality in Latin America remains high, as in other regions. These results should constitute the basis for action planning to improve the prognosis of patients with ARDS (PROSPERO [CRD42022354035]).
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Images Based Brain Tumor Extraction, Segmentation and Detection Using Convolutional Neural Network and VGC 16 Model
Authors: Shunmugavel Ganesh , Suriyan Kannadhasan , Arumugam Jayachandran
Published: April 2024

Background:

In this paper, we look at how to design and build a system to find tumors using 2 Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) models. With the help of digital image processing and deep Learning, we can make a system that automatically diagnoses and finds different diseases and abnormalities. The tumor detection system may include image enhancement, segmentation, data enhancement, feature extraction, and classification. These options are set up so that the CNN model can give the best results.

Methods:

During the training phase, the learning rate is used to change the weights and bias. The learning rate also changes the weights. One Epoch is when all of the training images are shown to the model. As the training data may be very large, the data in each epoch are split into batches. Every epoch has a training session and a test session. After each epoch, the weights are changed based on how fast the CNN is learning. This is done with the help of optimization algorithms. The suggested technique uses the anticipated mean intersection over union value to identify failure instances in addition to forecasting the mean intersection over union.

Results:

This paper talks about how to separate brain tumors from magnetic resonance images of patients taken from “Brain web.” Using basic ideas of digital image processing, magnetic resonance images are used to extract and find tumors using a hybrid method. In this paper, the proposed algorithm is applied with the help of MATLAB. In medical image processing, brain tumor segmentation is an important task. The goal of this paper is to look at different ways to divide brain tumors using magnetic resonance imaging. Recently, automatic segmentation using deep learning methods has become popular because these methods get the best results and are better at solving this problem than others. Deep learning methods can also be used to process and evaluate large amounts of magnetic resonance imaging image data quickly and objectively.

Conclusion:

A classification method based on a convolution neural network is also added to the proposed scheme to make it more accurate and cut down on the amount of time it takes to do the calculations. Also, the results of the classification are given as images of a tumor or a healthy brain. The training is 98.5% correct. In the same way, both the validation accuracy and validation loss are high.
Effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation combined with threshold inspiratory muscle training on respiratory function in neurocritical patients with weaning failure: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhou Qian , Zhang Yuanyuan , Yao Wei , Liang Sijie , Feng Hui , Pan Huaping
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of combining proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) with threshold inspiratory muscle training (TIMT), compared with TIMT alone, on respiratory function in neurocritical patients who experienced a weaning failure. Forty-seven participants (mostly after a stroke), were randomly divided into the experimental group (n = 24) and the control group (n = 23). The control group received usual care and TIMT, whereas the experimental group, in addition, underwent four 90-s periods of manual PNF. Both groups performed training in the ICU twice a day for 5 consecutive days. The main outcome measures included maximum inspiratory pressure, diaphragmatic excursions, diaphragm thickening fraction, oxygenation index, and forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity. The results showed a significant group-by-time interaction effect for maximum inspiratory pressure [F (1, 45) = 17.84, η
2 = 0.328, P < 0.001] and oxygenation index [F [1, 45) = 5.58, η
2 = 0.11, P = 0.023]. When compared with the control group, the experimental group showed overall significantly higher maximum inspiratory pressure [mean difference = 4.37 cm H2O, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.25–8.50, P = 0.038]. No other significant group differences were found. Combining PNF with TIMT may improve respiratory function in neurocritical patients with weaning failure. This combination approach may increase the likelihood of survival of neurocritical patients in the ICU.
An Innovative Preauricular Free Flap Pedicled with Retrograde Vascular for Pediatric Nasal Reconstruction
Authors: Yu Bao-Fu , Chen Xiao-Xue , Liu Jia , He Jin-Guang , Dai Chuan-Chang , Wei Jiao
Published: April 2024

Nasal reconstruction in pediatric patients is challenging and requires consideration of later nasal development. The authors introduce an innovative preauricular free flap pedicled with retrograde vascular (PFFPRV) for pediatric nasal reconstruction. In the PFFPRV technique, the retrograde superficial temporal vessels were used as the flap pedicle. The lateral alar artery and angular vein were used as vessels of the nasal recipient zone. The flap vessels were anastomosed directly to the recipient area vessels without additional vessel transplantation. Eight pediatric patients with nasal defects underwent this operation. All patients were followed up for more than 2 years. Medical history data were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative and postoperative facial photographs were compared and analyzed. Satisfaction of the patients’ parents with the aesthetic results was assessed. All patients were successfully operated on without intraoperative complications. None of the procedures required additional blood vessel grafts. One patient developed a vascular crisis the day after surgery and underwent vascular exploration. The free flaps of all patients survived without wound infection or necrosis. The color difference of the flap gradually became non-obvious. The transplanted flap did not show obvious contracture or retraction, and the nose was symmetric and developed well. The parents of all patients were satisfied with the surgical results. The authors think this PFFPRV technique can be a reasonable alternative strategy for reconstruction of pediatric nasal defects, with no adverse effects on nasal development and no need for vascular transplantation.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, IV.
Methanooceanicella nereidis gen. nov., sp. nov., the first oceanic Methanocellaceae methanogen, isolated from potential methane hydrate bearing area offshore southwestern Taiwan
Authors: Zhang Wei-Ling , Lai Mei-Chin , Lin Saulwood , Chen Wen-Chieh , Deng Yu-Chen , Lai Shu-Jung , Wu Sue-Yao , Hung Chuan-Chuan , Ding Jiun-Yan , Chen Sheng-Chung
Published: April 2024

A novel mesophilic, hydrogenotrophic methanogen, strain CWC-04T, was obtained from a sediment sample extracted from a gravity core retrieved at station 22 within the KP-9 area off the southwestern coast of Taiwan during the ORIII-1368 cruise in 2009. Cells of strain CWC-04T were rod-shaped, 1.4–2.9 µm long by 0.5–0.6 µm wide, and occurred singly. Strain CWC-04Tutilized formate, H2/CO2, 2-propanol/CO2 or 2-butanol/CO2 as catabolic substrates. The optimal growth conditions were 42 °C, 0.17 M NaCl and pH 5.35. The genomic DNA G+C content calculated from the genome sequence of strain CWC-04T was 46.19 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene revealed that strain CWC-04T is affiliated with the genus Methanocella. The 16S rRNA gene sequences similarities within strains Methanocella arvoryzae MRE50T, Methanocella paludicola SANAET and Methanocella conradii HZ254T were 93.7, 93.0 and 91.3 %, respectively. In addition, the optical density of CWC-04T culture dropped abruptly upon entering the late-log growth phase, with virus-like particles (150 nm in diameter) being observed on and around the cells. This observation suggests that strain CWC-04T harbours a lytic virus. Based on these phenotypic, phylogenetic and genomic results, we propose that strain CWC-04T represents a novel species of a novel genus in the family Methanocellaceae, for which the name Methanooceanicella nereidis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CWC-04T (=BCRC AR10050T=NBRC 113165T).
Skyrmion-mechanical hybrid quantum systems: Manipulation of skyrmion qubits via phonons
Authors: Pan Xue-Feng , Hei Xin-Lei , Yao Xiao-Yu , Chen Jia-Qiang , Ren Yu-Meng , Dong Xing-Liang , Qiao Yi-Fan , Li Peng-Bo
Published: April 2024

Skyrmion qubits are a new highly promising logic element for quantum information processing. However, their scalability to multiple interacting qubits remains challenging. We propose a hybrid quantum setup with skyrmion qubits strongly coupled to nanomechanical cantilevers via magnetic coupling, which harnesses phonons as quantum interfaces for the manipulation of distant skyrmion qubits. A linear drive is utilized to achieve the modulation of the stiffness coefficient of the cantilever, resulting in an exponential enhancement of the coupling strength between the skyrmion qubit and the mechanical mode. We also consider the case of a topological resonator array, which allows us to study interactions between skyrmion qubits and topological phonon band structure, as well as chiral skyrmion-skyrmion interactions. The scheme suggested here offers a fascinating platform for investigating quantum information processing and quantum simulation with magnetic microstructures.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
How do cultural differences affect stock market performance after mergers and acquisitions? Empirical evidence from China
Authors: Liu Eping , Xie Miaomiao , Guan Jingyi
Published: April 2024

Purpose

As cross-cultural mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have learning effects on organisations, assessing their impacts on corporate performance is crucial. This study aims to explore the impact of inter-firm cultural differences on long-term post-M&A stock market performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors select domestic M&A transactions of Chinese listed companies during 2010–2021 as the sample. Then, the authors use the partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) to construct the latent variable of cultural differences in four dimensions to explore long-term stock market performance.

Findings

Cultural differences first positively and then negatively impact post-M&A performance. Three transmissions mechanisms are identified: investor sentiment, takeover premiums and information disclosure quality. Further analysis reveals that acquirer stock performance improves with higher analyst coverage and non-local shareholders but worsens if there are business affiliations between the acquirer and target firms.

Practical implications

This study can help optimise information disclosure systems in M&A transactions for regulatory authorities and aid investors’ understanding of post-M&A performance changes. Furthermore, it can improve acquirers’ understanding of the risks and opportunities in cross-cultural M&A, thereby facilitating the adaptation of management practices to the im-pacts of cultural differences.

Originality/value

By integrating the theories of resource dependence and transaction costs, this study examines the reversal effect of cultural differences between merging companies on post-M&A performance. The authors use a PLS-SEM to empirically analyse the main effects and reveal three transmission mechanisms.
The impact of environmental uncertainty on performance during COVID-19 pandemic: the mediating role of decision making structure
Authors: Narsa Niluh Putu Dian Rosalina Handayani , Merdeka Lintang Lintang , Dwiyanti Kadek Trisna
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The primary aim of this research was to investigate the mediating effect of the decision-making structure on the relationship between perceived environmental uncertainty and hospital performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Online and manual survey questionnaires were used to collect data in this study. The target population of this study consists of all middle managers within 11 COVID-19 referral hospitals in Surabaya. A total of 189 responses were collected, however, 27 incomplete responses were excluded from the final dataset. Data was analyzed using SEM-PLS.

Findings

The study's findings indicate that decision-making structure plays a role in mediating the link between perceived environmental uncertainty and hospital performance assessed via the Balanced Scorecard, highlighting the significance of flexible decision-making processes during uncertain periods. Moreover, based on our supplementary test, respondents' demographic characteristics influence their perceptions of hospital performance.

Practical implications

Hospital administrators can consider the significance of decision-making structures in responding to environmental uncertainties like the COVID-19 pandemic. By fostering adaptable decision-making processes and empowering middle managers, hospitals may enhance their performance and resilience in challenging situations. Additionally, based on supplementary tests, it is found that differences in the perception of the three Balanced Scorecard perspectives imply that hospitals categorized as types A, B, C, and D should prioritize specific areas to improve their overall performance.

Originality/value

This research adds substantial originality and value to the existing body of knowledge by exploring the interplay between decision-making structures, environmental uncertainty, and hospital performance. It contributes to the literature by specifically focusing on the Covid-19 pandemic, a unique and unprecedented global crisis.