bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Provision of Network-Wide Cyber Situational Awareness via Graph-Based Analytics
Authors: Husák Martin , Khoury Joseph , Klisura Đorđe , Bou-Harb Elias
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we posit how semi-static (i.e., not changing very often) complex computer network-based intelligence using graph-based analytics can become enablers of Cyber Situational Awareness (CSA) (i.e., perception, comprehension, and projection of situations in a cyber environment). A plethora of newly surfaced cyber security researchers have used graph-based analytics to facilitate particular down tasks in dynamic complex cyber environments. This includes graph-, node- and edge-level detection, classification, and others (e.g., credit card fraudulent transactions as an edge classification problem). To the best of our knowledge, very limited efforts have consolidated the outputs of heterogeneous computer network monitoring and reconnaissance tools (e.g., Nmap) in enabling actionable CSA. As such, in this work, we address this literature gap while describing several use cases of graph traversal, graph measures, and subgraph mining in vulnerability and security state assessment, attack projection and mitigation, and device criticality estimation. We highlight the benefits of the graph-based approaches compared to traditional methods. Finally, we postulate open research and application challenges in graph-based analytics for CSA to prompt promising research directions and operational capabilities.
Distal femoral torsion is correlated with higher‐grade trochlear dysplasia and shorter anterior condyles in patients with patellar dislocation and increased femoral torsion
Authors: Hao Kuo , Niu Yingzhen , Huo Zhenhui , Wang Fei
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To describe the characteristics of femoral torsion in patients with different segmental torsion types and to evaluate the correlations between segmental torsion and the morphology of the femoral condyles and trochlea in patients with patellar dislocation and increased femoral torsion.

Methods

Between January 2021 and March 2023, 69 patients were included and classified into two groups according to the femoral segment contributing the most to total torsion: 32 patients in Group A (femoral neck and shaft torsion) and 37 patients in Group B (distal torsion). Trochlear dysplasia was evaluated using Dejour's classification and sulcus angle. The morphology of the femoral condyles was evaluated using the lengths and ratios of the medial and lateral condyles. Correlations between femoral torsion and morphology were evaluated.

Results

Total torsion was significantly correlated with femoral neck and shaft torsion (r = 0.882, P < 0.001) and distal torsion (r  = 0.262, P = 0.030). Femoral neck and shaft torsion was significantly increased with increasing total torsion. The trochlear sulcus was flatter and more dysplastic, and the anterior condyles were shorter in Group B. Distal torsion was significantly correlated with the lengths of the medial and lateral anterior condyles (r  = − 0.567, P < 0.001; r = ‐0.701, P < 0.001), sulcus angle (r  = 0.611, P < 0.001) and Dejour trochlea type (r  = 0.512, P = 0.001), while femoral neck and shaft torsion showed no correlations.

Conclusion

Femoral torsion is a complex of femoral neck and shaft torsion and distal torsion, especially femoral neck and shaft torsion. Distal torsion was significantly correlated with a flatter trochlear sulcus, higher‐grade trochlear dysplasia, and shorter anterior condyles. The new findings highlighted the importance of the segmental evaluation of femoral torsion, which would facilitate understanding of the anatomical characteristics of femoral torsion in patients with patellar dislocation and increased femoral torsion and may lead to improvement in the surgical options regarding femoral torsion.

Level of evidence

Level III.
Diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced computed tomography in assessing cervical lymph node status in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Struckmeier Ann-Kristin , Yekta Ebrahim , Agaimy Abbas , Kopp Markus , Buchbender Mayte , Moest Tobias , Lutz Rainer , Kesting Marco
Published: October 2023

Objective

Accurate preoperative prediction of lymph node (LN) status plays a pivotal role in determining the extension of neck dissection (ND) required for patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) in detecting LN metastases (LNMs) and to explore clinicopathological factors associated with its reliability.

Methods

Data from 239 patients with primary OSCC who underwent preoperative CT and subsequent radical surgery involving ND were retrospectively reviewed. Suspicious LNs were categorized into three groups: accentuated (< 10 mm), enlarged (≥ 10 mm), and melted. Statistical analysis encompassing correlation and comparative analysis, and determination of sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were performed.

Results

Overall, sensitivity was significantly higher in the accentuated LNs group (83.54%) compared to the melted LNs group (39.24%, p < 0.05, t test). Conversely, specificity was significantly higher in the melted LNs group (98.19%) compared to the accentuated LNs group (55.15%, p < 0.05, t test). Accentuated LNs exhibited a false negative rate of 13.00%. False positive rates were 51.80%, 30.26% and 8.82%, respectively. Diagnostic accuracy for detecting LNMs in level IIa and IIb exceeded that of level III. Patients with solely accentuated LNs were more likely to have a small, well-differentiated tumor. However, no distinctions emerged in terms of the occurrence of T4 tumors among the three groups.

Conclusion

CT proves sufficient to predict LNMs in patients with OSCC. Looking ahead, the potential integration of artificial intelligence and deep learning holds promise to further enhance the reliability of CT in LNMs detection. However, this prospect necessitates further investigation.
A reasoned general explanation about the concepts of diffusion and reaction layers
Authors: Laborda E. , González J. , Molina A.
Published: October 2023

The understanding of the implication of the transport of matter is fundamental in the teaching of heterogeneous charge transfers, which are the central element of the electrochemical science and technologies. Thus, even in the absence of intrinsic kinetic complications, the overall rate of such events is frequently conditioned by the mass transport and also by the occurrence of homogeneous coupled chemical reactions. Upon comprehending and accounting for these two effects, the emergent and widely used concepts of the diffusion and reaction layers will be discussed and disentangled under potential-controlled conditions. First, some basic concepts about the transport of charged species in solution are recalled, in order to establish the experimental conditions under which diffusion-only transport can be considered. Under these premises, a fast electron transfer will be considered to introduce the concept of “diffusion layer”, discussing its relationship with the time of the experiment and with the characteristics of the diffusive field that is strongly influenced by the geometry and size of the electrode considered. Next, fast electron transfer reactions “conditioned” by homogeneous chemical reactions undergone by the reactant and/or the product of the redox couple will be analysed. A historical introduction to the concept of “reaction layer” is carried out, pointing out its value in processes with chemical regeneration of the electroactive species and its non-negligible interplay with the mode of diffusion.
The prognostic impact of BMI in patients with HR+/HER2− advanced breast cancer: a study of the SONABRE registry
Authors: Lammers Senna W. M. , Thurisch Hannah , Vriens Ingeborg J. H. , Meegdes Marissa , Engelen Sanne M. E. , Erdkamp Frans L. G. , Dercksen M. Wouter , Vriens Birgit E. P. J. , Aaldering Kirsten N. A. , Pepels Manon J. A. E. , van de Winkel Linda M. H. , Peters Natascha A. J. B. , Tol Jolien , Heijns Joan B. , van de Wouw Agnes J. , Teeuwen Nathalie J. A. , Geurts Sandra M. E. , Tjan-Heijnen Vivianne C. G.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study determines the prognostic impact of body mass index (BMI) in patients with hormone receptor-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor-2-negative (HR+/HER2−) advanced (i.e., metastatic) breast cancer (ABC).

Methods

All patients with HR+/HER2− ABC who received endocrine therapy +—a cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor as first-given systemic therapy in 2007–2020 in the Netherlands were identified from the Southeast Netherlands Advanced Breast Cancer (SONABRE) registry (NCT03577197). Patients were categorised as underweight (BMI: < 18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (18.5–24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25.0–29.9 kg/m2), or obese (≥ 30.0 kg/m2). Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were compared between BMI classes using multivariable Cox regression analyses.

Results

This study included 1456 patients, of whom 35 (2%) were underweight, 580 (40%) normal weight, 479 (33%) overweight, and 362 (25%) obese. No differences in OS were observed between normal weight patients and respectively overweight (HR 0.99; 95% CI 0.85–1.16; p = 0.93) and obese patients (HR 1.04; 95% CI 0.88–1.24; p = 0.62). However, the OS of underweight patients (HR 1.45; 95% CI 0.97–2.15; p = 0.07) tended to be worse than the OS of normal weight patients. When compared with normal weight patients, the PFS was similar in underweight (HR 1.05; 95% CI 0.73–1.51; p = 0.81), overweight (HR 0.90; 95% CI 0.79–1.03; p = 0.14), and obese patients (HR 0.88; 95% CI 0.76–1.02; p = 0.10).

Conclusion

In this study among 1456 patients with HR+/HER2− ABC, overweight and obesity were prevalent, whereas underweight was uncommon. When compared with normal weight, overweight and obesity were not associated with either OS or PFS. However, underweight seemed to be an adverse prognostic factor for OS.
Quantum Dot Nanomaterials: Preparation, Characterization, Advanced Bio-Imaging and Therapeutic Applications
Authors: Nabil Marwa , Megahed Fayed
Published: October 2023

The bio-imaging technology is one of the most significant modern applications used in several fields, including early diagnosis of many illnesses that are most important diseases facing humanity and other vital uses. The primary advancement in nanotechnology is the creation of innovative fluorescence probes called quantum dots (QDs). The use of molecular tagging in research, in vivo, and in vitro studies is revolutionized by quantum dots. The application of QD indicates conversion in natural imaging and photography has demonstrated extraordinary appropriateness in bio-imaging, the discovery of novel drugs, and delivery of targeted genes, biosensing, photodynamic therapy, and diagnosis. New potential methods of early cancer detection and treatment management are being researched as a result of the special physical and chemical characteristics of QD probes. The bio-imaging technique depends on the fluorescent emission of the used materials, which is paired with living cells that are easy to see it in 3D without any surgical intervention. Therefore, the use of QDs many types that have unique and appropriate properties for use in that application; In terms of fluorescent emission strength, duration and luminosity.This review article displays some methods of preparation for QDs nanomaterials and the devices used in this. In addition, it presentssome of challenges that must be avoided for the possibility of using them in the bio-imaging field; as toxicity, bio-compatibility, and hydrophilization. It’s reviewed some of the devices that use QDs in bio-imaging technique, the QDs application in cell analysis-imaging, and QDs application in vivo imaging.
Improving Work Participation Outcomes Among Unemployed People with Mental Health Issues/Mental Illness: Feasibility of a Stigma Awareness Intervention
Authors: Janssens K. M. E. , Joosen M. C. W. , Henderson C. , van Weeghel J. , Brouwers E. P. M.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

As stigma is a barrier to work participation of unemployed people with mental health issues/mental illness (MHI), a stigma awareness intervention can be helpful to make informed decisions about disclosing MHI. The aim of this process evaluation was to investigate the feasibility of a stigma awareness intervention, to explore experiences of clients and their employment specialists; and to give recommendations for further implementation.

Methods

The intervention consisted of a stigma awareness training for employment specialists and a decision aid tool for their clients with (a history of) MHI. For the process evaluation, six process components of the Linnan & Stecklar framework were examined: recruitment, reach, dose delivered, dose received, fidelity and context. Using a mixed-methods design, quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed.

Results

The six components showed the intervention was largely implemented as planned. Questionnaire data showed that 94% of the clients found the tool useful and 87% would recommend it to others. In addition, more than half (54%) indicated the tool had been helpful in their disclosure decision. Qualitative data showed that participants were mainly positive about the intervention. Nevertheless, only a minority of clients and employment specialists had actually discussed the tool together. According to both, the intervention had increased their awareness of workplace stigma and the disclosure dilemma.

Conclusion

The implementation of a stigma awareness intervention was feasible and did increase stigma awareness. Experiences with the intervention were mainly positive. When implementing the tool, it is recommended to embed it in the vocational rehabilitation system, so that discussing the disclosure dilemma becomes a routine.

Trail Register

The study was retrospectively registered at the Dutch Trial Register (TRN: NL7798, date: 04-06-2019).
Domains of scale in cumulative effects of energy sector development on boreal birds
Authors: Crosby Andrew D. , Leston Lionel , Bayne Erin M. , Sólymos Péter , Mahon C. Lisa , Toms Judith D. , Docherty Teegan D. S. , Song Samantha J.
Published: October 2023

Context

Industrial development in Canada’s boreal forest creates cumulative environmental effects on biodiversity. Some effects may be scale-dependent, creating uncertainty in understanding and hindering effective management.

Objectives

We estimated cumulative effects of energy sector development on distributions of sixteen migratory songbird species at multiple spatial scales within the boreal region of Alberta, Canada, and evaluated evidence for scale domains in species responses.

Methods

We used a hierarchical, multi-scale sampling and modelling framework to compare effects of oil and gas footprint on songbirds at five spatial scales. We used Bayesian Lasso to facilitate direct comparison of parameter estimates across scales, and tested for differences in grouped parameter estimates among species.

Results

We found consistent scale-dependent patterns across species, showing variable responses to development occurring at the smallest scale, little effect at intermediate scales, and stronger, mainly positive effects at the largest scales. Differences in grouped parameter estimates across scales showed strong evidence for scale domains in the response of songbirds to energy sector development.

Conclusions

We concluded that variable effects at the smallest scale represented individual habitat selection, while larger scale positive effects reflected expanding distributions of open habitat- and disturbance-associated species in areas of high oil and gas footprint. Our results show that single-scale analyses do not reflect population processes occurring at other scales. Future research on linking patterns at different scales is required to fully understand cumulative effects of land use change on wildlife populations.
Against the newer evidentialists
Authors: Thorstad David
Published: October 2023

A new wave of evidentialist theorizing concedes that evidentialism may be extensionally incorrect as an account of all-things-considered rational belief. Nevertheless, these newer evidentialists maintain that there is an importantly distinct type of epistemic rationality about which evidentialism may be the correct account. I argue that natural ways of developing the newer evidentialist position face opposite problems. One version, due to Christensen (Philos Phenomenol Res 103:501–517, 2021), may correctly describe what rationality requires, but does not entail the existence of a distinctively epistemic type of rationality. Another version, due to Maguire and Woods (Philos Rev 129:211–249, 2020), characterizes a normative concept that is both distinct and epistemic, but struggles to explain why this concept should be classified as a type of rationality. I conclude that the newer evidentialist strategy of extensional compromise may be less favorable to evidentialism than previously supposed.
Postoperative acute kidney injury increases short- and long-term death risks in elderly patients (≥ 75 years old) undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery
Authors: Jin Lei , Shan Lingtong , Yu Kaiyan , Pan Yilin , Sun Yangyang , Chen Jiapeng , Han Lixiang , Li Wei , Li Zhi , Zhang Yangyang
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To explore the incidence of postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in elderly Chinese patients (≥ 75 years old) and its impacts on the short- and long-term prognosis.

Methods

A total of 493 patients aged 75–88 years old who underwent CABG from two medical centers between January 2006 and October 2021 were involved. Perioperative (preoperative and 7 days after operation) serum creatinine (Scr) levels were measured in all the enrolled patients. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore the independent risk factors of postoperative in-hospital mortality. Kaplan–Meier curves and COX model were used to test the risk factors of all-cause death during follow-up. Propensity score matching was used to balance differences between AKI and control groups. The primary outcome event was in-hospital death, and the secondary outcome was all-cause death during follow-up.

Results

The 198 patients were diagnosed with postoperative AKI. Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), cardiopulmonary bypass, and postoperative AKI were independent risk factors of in-hospital death. Gender, New York Heart Association Classification, preoperative eGFR, last eGFR within 7 days after operation, postoperative AKI, and postoperative renal function all impacted long-term prognosis. After 1:1 matching, 190 patients were included in the AKI and control groups. Use of IABP, use of cardiopulmonary bypass, and occurrence of postoperative AKI were still independent risk factors of in-hospital death. Preoperative eGFR, last eGFR within 7 days after operation, postoperative AKI and postoperative renal function all impacted long-term prognosis.

Conclusion

The incidence of postoperative AKI in elderly patients undergoing CABG is high, and postoperative AKI is an independent risk factor of both short- and long-term postoperative prognosis.
Artificial intelligence applied in acute ischemic stroke: from child to elderly
Authors: Pacchiano Francesco , Tortora Mario , Criscuolo Sabrina , Jaber Katya , Acierno Pasquale , De Simone Marta , Tortora Fabio , Briganti Francesco , Caranci Ferdinando
Published: October 2023

This review will summarize artificial intelligence developments in acute ischemic stroke in recent years and forecasts for the future. Stroke is a major healthcare concern due to its effects on the patient’s quality of life and its dependence on the timing of the identification as well as the treatment. In recent years, attention increased on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) systems to help categorize, prognosis, and to channel these patients toward the right therapeutic procedure. Machine learning (ML) and in particular deep learning (DL) systems using convoluted neural networks (CNN) are becoming increasingly popular. Various studies over the years evaluated the use of these methods of analysis and prediction in the assessment of stroke patients, and at the same time, several applications and software have been developed to support the neuroradiologists and the stroke team to improve patient outcomes.
Group identities on symmetric units under oriented involutions in group algebras
Authors: Holguín-Villa Alexander , Castillo John H.
Published: October 2023

Let $$\mathbb {F}G$$

F
G

denote the group algebra of a locally finite group G over the infinite field $$\mathbb {F}$$
F
with $$\mathop {\textrm{char}}\nolimits (\mathbb {F})\ne 2$$

char
(
F
)
≠
2

, and let $$\circledast :\mathbb {F}G\rightarrow \mathbb {F}G$$

⊛
:
F
G
→
F
G

denote the involution defined by $$\alpha =\Sigma \alpha _{g}g \mapsto \alpha ^\circledast =\Sigma \alpha _{g}\sigma (g)g^{*}$$

α
=
Σ

α
g

g
↦

α
⊛

=
Σ

α
g

σ

(
g
)

g

∗

, where $$\sigma :G\rightarrow \{\pm 1\}$$

σ
:
G
→
{
±
1
}

is a group homomorphism (called an orientation) and $$*$$

∗

is an involution of the group G. In this paper we prove, under some assumptions, that if the $$\circledast $$
⊛
-symmetric units of $$\mathbb {F}G$$

F
G

satisfies a group identity then $$\mathbb {F}G$$

F
G

satisfies a polynomial identity, i.e., we give an affirmative answer to a Conjecture of B. Hartley in this setting. Moreover, in the case when the prime radical $$\eta (\mathbb {F}G)$$

η
(
F
G
)

of $$\mathbb {F}G$$

F
G

is nilpotent we characterize the groups for which the symmetric units $$\mathcal {U}^+(\mathbb {F}G)$$

U

+

(
F
G
)

do satisfy a group identity.
The Crisis of American Conservatism in Historical–Comparative Perspective
Authors: Biebricher Thomas
Published: October 2023

Starting from the assessment that contemporary American conservatism is in a state of crisis, manifested in a dynamic of growing radicalization, this article seeks to identify the factors and actors that contributed to this trajectory and to thus elucidate its more fundamental drivers, assuming that Donald Trump and the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movements are symptoms rather than causes of this radicalization. To this effect, a succinct and pointed history of modern American conservatism from its beginnings in the postwar era is presented, using a periodization into three broad eras. Particular attention is given to the internal heterogeneity and conflicts within the conservative movement on a political and an intellectual level that help explain how conservatism as a whole, or at least its dominant forces, has continued to move to the right over the decades. In order to put this trajectory into perspective, a parallel history of German conservatism is used as contrast. One conclusion that can be drawn from this account is that both German and American conservatism are experiencing a crisis, but for very different reasons and with highly different manifestations. While American conservatism is in a radicalization spiral, German conservatism suffers instead from an identity crisis and a loss of any meaningful ideological–political profile.
A new model for counterfactual analysis for functional data
Authors: Carrizosa Emilio , Ramírez-Ayerbe Jasone , Romero Morales Dolores
Published: October 2023

Counterfactual explanations have become a very popular interpretability tool to understand and explain how complex machine learning models make decisions for individual instances. Most of the research on counterfactual explainability focuses on tabular and image data and much less on models dealing with functional data. In this paper, a counterfactual analysis for functional data is addressed, in which the goal is to identify the samples of the dataset from which the counterfactual explanation is made of, as well as how they are combined so that the individual instance and its counterfactual are as close as possible. Our methodology can be used with different distance measures for multivariate functional data and is applicable to any score-based classifier. We illustrate our methodology using two different real-world datasets, one univariate and another multivariate.
Entrepreneurship in post-conflict countries: a literature review
Authors: Moritz Alexandra , Block Joern H. , Morina Fuad
Published: October 2023

Many countries are in a state of post-conflict, a situation where an armed conflict between countries or within a country has just come to an end. Such countries are typically poor and characterized by political instability, economic problems and social unrest. Entrepreneurship is considered crucial for such countries as a driver of economic recovery and peacebuilding. However, the exact role and effect of entrepreneurship in a post-conflict context is not well understood and an integrative perspective is needed. Our study reviews the fragmented knowledge on entrepreneurship in post-conflict countries. We structure the literature into four distinct categories (when and where,who and why, how, andimpact) and develop an integrative conceptual model. Our review reveals research gaps and suggests directions for future research on entrepreneurship in post-conflict countries. Our study also helps policy-makers to design an effective entrepreneurship policy considering the specific requirements of post-conflict contexts.
How do workplace educators assess student performance at the workplace? A qualitative systematic review
Authors: De Vos Marlies E. , Baartman Liesbeth K. J. , Van der Vleuten Cees P. M. , De Bruijn Elly
Published: October 2023

One aim of vocational education is educating students for occupations by fostering the development of students’ capacities to become successful practitioners. During their education students are usually afforded work experience. When this is the case, students learn both at school and at the workplace. Learning at the workplace requires assessment, but this differs from assessment at school because of where (at the workplace), how (through participation) and what students learn (a process of belonging, becoming and being). At the workplace, students are usually assigned an educator who takes on the dual role of educator and assessor. This review takes a sociocultural perspective on learning at the workplace and from this perspective brings together what is already known about how workplace educators assess student performance through a qualitative systematic review. Our analysis aimed for narrative synthesis using iterative thematic analysis. The results depict workplace assessment as manifested in day-to-day work and shaped by relationships. Workplace educators are engaged in a continuous process of assessment-related interactions. They prefer using criteria that are embedded in the norms and values of their vocational community, rather than criteria prescribed by school. Workplace assessment requires negotiated criteria and truly collaborative assessment practices. These practices can be purposefully co-designed and require close communication between school and work. This review shows that assessment of workplace performance in vocational education can be conceptualised as a practice that is shaped by the specific workplace in which it is embedded. From this perspective assessment can be explicated and acknowledged, and as a consequence be further conceptualised and researched in both assessment research and vocational education research.
Membrane behavior of uni- and bidirectional non-crimp fabrics in off-axis-tension tests
Authors: Schäfer Bastian , Zheng Ruochen , Naouar Naim , Kärger Luise
Published: October 2023

The production of high-performance composite parts with non-crimp fabrics (NCFs) requires a profound understanding of the material’s behavior during draping to prevent forming defects such as wrinkling and gapping. Simulation methods can be used to model the complex material behavior of NCFs and predict their deformation during the draping process. However, NCFs do not intrinsically deform under pure shear like most woven fabrics, but often under superimposed shear, transverse tension and in-plane roving compaction. Therefore, non-standard characterization methods have to be applied besides typical picture frame tests or bias-extension tests. Off-axis-tension tests (OATs) utilize a simple setup to characterize a fabric’s membrane behavior under different ratios of superimposed shear, transverse tension and in-plane compaction. OATs at three different bias angles (30$$^\circ $$

∘

, 45$$^\circ $$

∘

and 60$$^\circ $$

∘

) are conducted to investigate a unidirectional and a bidirectional NCF. A method is presented to measure the fiber curvatures in addition to the occurring strains. The investigations reveal a relatively symmetrical, shear-dominated behavior with limited roving slippage for the Biax-NCF. The behavior of the UD-NCF strongly depends on the stitching load during tests and is characterized by an asymmetric shear behavior as well as significant roving slippage. The off-axis-tension test results can be used as the basis for the development and validation of new simulation methods to model the complex membrane behavior of NCFs.
NR1 Splicing Variant NR1a in Cerebellar Granule Neurons Constitutes a Better Motor Learning in the Mouse
Authors: Tan Ting , Jiang Linyan , He Zhengxiao , Ding Xuejiao , Xiong Xiaoli , Tang Mingxi , Chen Yuan , Tang Yaping
Published: October 2023

As an excitatory neuron in the cerebellum, the granule cells play a crucial role in motor learning. The assembly of NMDAR in these neurons varies in developmental stages, while the significance of this variety is still not clear. In this study, we found that motor training could specially upregulate the expression level of NR1a, a splicing form of NR1 subunit. Interestingly, overexpression of this splicing variant in a cerebellar granule cell-specific manner dramatically elevated the NMDAR binding activity. Furthermore, the NR1a transgenic mice did not only show an enhanced motor learning, but also exhibit a higher efficacy for motor training in motor learning. Our results suggested that as a “junior” receptor, NR1a facilitates NMDAR activity as well as motor skill learning.
Ceftazidime–avibactam versus polymyxins in treating patients with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Jinglan , Hu Qin , Zhou Pengxiang , Deng Sheng
Published: October 2023

Objective

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) pose a significant threat to human health and have emerged as a major public health concern. We aimed to compare the efficacy and the safety of ceftazidime–avibactam (CAZ–AVI) and polymyxin in the treatment of CRE infections.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed by searching the databases of EMBASE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library. Published studies on the use of CAZ–AVI and polymyxin in the treatment of CRE infections were collected from the inception of the database until March 2023. Two investigators independently screened the literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, evaluated the methodological quality of the included studies and extracted the data. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software.

Results

Ten articles with 833 patients were included (CAZ–AVI 325 patients vs Polymyxin 508 patients). Compared with the patients who received polymyxin-based therapy, the patients who received CAZ–AVI therapy had significantly lower 30-days mortality (RR = 0.49; 95% CI 0.01–2.34; I2 = 22%; P < 0.00001), higher clinical cure rate (RR = 2.70; 95% CI 1.67–4.38; I2 = 40%; P < 0.00001), and higher microbial clearance rate (RR = 2.70; 95% CI 2.09–3.49; I2 = 0%; P < 0.00001). However, there was no statistically difference in the incidence of acute kidney injury between patients who received CAZ–AVI and polymyxin therapy (RR = 1.38; 95% CI 0.69–2.77; I2 = 22%; P = 0.36). In addition, among patients with CRE bloodstream infection, those who received CAZ–AVI therapy had significantly lower mortality than those who received polymyxin therapy (RR = 0.44; 95% CI 0.27–0.69, I2 = 26%, P < 0.00004).

Conclusions

Compared to polymyxin, CAZ–AVI demonstrated superior clinical efficacy in the treatment of CRE infections, suggesting that CAZ–AVI may be a superior option for CRE infections.
Long-term effects of a telemedically-assisted lifestyle intervention on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes – A two-armed randomised controlled trial in Germany
Authors: Dunkel Annalena , von Storch Katja , Hochheim Martin , Zank Susanne , Polidori M. Cristina , Woopen Christiane
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Diabetes is considered one of the fastest growing diseases worldwide. Especially in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, lifestyle interventions have proven to be effective. However, long-term studies in real-world contexts are rare, which is why further research is needed. The aim of the present study is to investigate whether effects achieved in the context of a long-term lifestyle intervention can be sustained by patients in the long term.

Methods

In a two-arm randomized trial we compared diabetes care as usual to a lifestyle intervention combining telemedically support and individual needs-based telephone coaching. The study included 151 patients with type 2 diabetes randomized to either the intervention or control group. Intervention Group (IG; N = 86, 80.2% male, mean age: 59.7) received telemedical devices and telephone coaching over a period of 12 months, Control Group (CG; N = 65, 83.1% male, mean age: 58,8) received care as usual. The primary outcome was chance in HbA1c. A follow-up survey was conducted after 24 months.

Results

The intervention group showed significantly better HbA1c- values compared to the control group at both 12 and 24 months (12 M: − 0.52 (-0.73; − 0.32), p < .000; 24 M: − 0.38 (-0.61; − 0.15), p = .001). The strongest change was seen in the first three months, with the best value obtained at 6 months and stable thereafter.

Conclusion

Combined telephone coaching with telemedicine support could lead to better long-term glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes. In the future, more long-term studies should be conducted in real-world settings and lifestyle interventions should be offered more widely.
Use of Buffers in Specific Contexts: Highly Trained Female Athletes, Extreme Environments and Combined Buffering Agents—A Narrative Review
Authors: Carr Amelia J. , McKay Alannah K. A. , Burke Louise M. , Smith Ella S. , Urwin Charles S. , Convit Lilia , Jardine William T. , Kelly Monica K. , Saunders Bryan
Published: October 2023

This narrative review evaluated the evidence for buffering agents (sodium bicarbonate, sodium citrate and beta-alanine), with specific consideration of three discrete scenarios: female athletes, extreme environments and combined buffering agents. Studies were screened according to exclusion and inclusion criteria and were analysed on three levels: (1) moderating variables (supplement dose and timing, and exercise test duration and intensity), (2) design factors (e.g., use of crossover or matched group study design, familiarisation trials) and (3) athlete-specific factors (recruitment of highly trained participants, buffering capacity and reported performance improvements). Only 19% of the included studies for the three buffering agents reported a performance benefit, and only 10% recruited highly trained athletes. This low transferability of research findings to athletes’ real-world practices may be due to factors including the small number of sodium citrate studies in females (n = 2), no studies controlling for the menstrual cycle (MC) or menstrual status using methods described in recently established frameworks, and the limited number of beta-alanine studies using performance tests replicating real-world performance efforts (n = 3). We recommend further research into buffering agents in highly trained female athletes that control or account for the MC, studies that replicate the demands of athletes’ heat and altitude camps, and investigations of highly trained athletes’ use of combined buffering agents. In a practical context, we recommend developing evidence-based buffering protocols for individual athletes which feature co-supplementation with other evidence-based products, reduce the likelihood of side-effects, and optimise key moderating factors: supplement dose and timing, and exercise duration and intensity.
A high-dimensional approach to measuring online polarization
Authors: Phillips Samantha C. , Uyheng Joshua , Carley Kathleen M.
Published: October 2023

Polarization, ideological and psychological distancing between groups, can cause dire societal fragmentation. Of chief concern is the role of social media in enhancing polarization through mechanisms like facilitating selective exposure to information. Researchers using user-generated content to measure polarization typically focus on direct communication, suggesting echo chamber-like communities indicate the most polarization. However, this operationalization does not account for other dimensions of intergroup conflict that have been associated with polarization. We address this limitation by introducing a high-dimensional network framework to evaluate polarization based on three dimensions: social, knowledge, and knowledge source. Following an extensive review of the psychological and social mechanisms of polarization, we specify five sufficient conditions for polarization to occur that can be evaluated using our approach. We analyze six existing network-based polarization metrics in our high-dimensional network framework through a virtual experiment and apply our proposed methodology to discussions around COVID-19 vaccines on Twitter. This work has implications for detecting polarization on social media using user-generated content, quantifying the effects of offline divides or de-polarization efforts online, and comparing community dynamics across contexts.
A novel heat exchanger including hydrogen and water for heat capturing and combating water scarcity
Authors: Khoshkalam Arash
Published: October 2023

In today's world, people have been facing different unpleasant phenomena like global warming, water shortage and thermal pollution. Power plants for electricity generation are one of the main sources of greenhouse gases and thermal pollution in aquatic ecosystem. On the other hand, these power plants consume high amount of freshwater for cooling purposes. Water scarcity is a detrimental crisis that the whole world is struggling with it. To combat the thermal pollution, various wet cooling and dry cooling technologies have been introduced and reviewed till today. While wet cooling systems use lots of water, dry cooling ones are not suitable options in warm weather and climates. Here, the need for an alternative element is felt more than ever. So far, water and air have been the main coolants in power generation units. According to specific heat capacities in different substances, hydrogen, by far has the highest amount. So, a novel heat exchanger containing hydrogen and water could be a promising solution for the mentioned issues. This paper focuses on advantages of this heat exchanger from different points of view, however, some assumptions, considerations and calculations should be carried out to have the best performance for this idea. Temperature control is such an important process that should be done in heat exchangers. Hence, a review on a control method has been carried out in this paper. The simulation results have been taken by MATLAB/SIMULINK software.
Numbers as Political Allies
Authors: Kumar Vikas
Published: October 2023

Numbers as Political Allies analyses the state sponsored headcounts in Jammu and Kashmir as public goods, collective self-portraits, and symbols of modernity. It explores how census statistics are impacted by their administrative, legal and political-economic contexts. The book guides the reader through the entire lifecycle of headcounts from the administrative manoeuvring at the preparatory stage to the partisan use of data in policymaking and public debates. Using the case of Jammu and Kashmir, it explains how our ability to examine data quality is limited by the paucity of metadata and estimates the magnitudes of coverage and content errors in the census process. It argues that Jammu and Kashmir's data deficit is shaped by and shapes ethno-regional, communal, and scalar contests across different levels of governance and compares its census experience with other states to discuss possible reforms to enhance public trust in the census.
A Primer in Christian Ethics
Authors: Bretherton Luke
Published: October 2023

How does Christian belief and practice relate to living well amid the difficulties of everyday life and the catastrophes and injustices that afflict so many today? In his introduction to Christian ethics, Bretherton provides a new, constructive framework for addressing this question. Connecting the theory and practice of Christian moral thought to contemporary existential concerns, this book integrates classic approaches to the pursuit of wisdom with contemporary liberationist and critical voices. The relationship between human and nonhuman life provides a central focus to the work, foregrounding environmental justice. As well as addressing a broad range of ethical questions, Bretherton situates moral formation and the pursuit of human and nonhuman flourishing alongside a concern for spirituality, pastoral care, and political struggles to survive and thrive in the contemporary context. Written for those seeking a place to start, as well as those seasoned in the field, Bretherton's book provides an innovative ethical framework that moves beyond many of the impasses that shape current moral and political debates.
Hegel's Metaphysics of Rational Life: Overcoming the Pippin-Houlgate Dispute
Authors: Suther Jensen
Published: October 2023

In the past decade, the meaning of Hegel's idea of a ‘science of logic’ has become a matter of intense philosophical debate. This article examines the two most influential yet opposed contemporary readings of the Science of Logic—often referred to as the ‘metaphysical’ and ‘non-metaphysical’ interpretations. I argue that this debate should be reframed as a contest between logic as ontology (LAO) and logic as metaphysics (LAM). According to Stephen Houlgate's interpretation of logic as ontology, the science of logic is a progressively explicit unfolding of the categories of thought, which is at the same time the process by which being itself determines what it is to be. A second interpretation has been pursued by Sebastian Rödl and Robert Pippin, who read Hegel's logic as metaphysics. On this reading, the science of logic is a progressively coherent unfolding of the categories of thought, which articulate all that it could intelligibly mean to be. This article intervenes in this debate in three key ways. First, I argue that Houlgate's ontological approach undermines his attempt to establish the objective validity of the categories. Second, I show that the LAM emphasis on the crucial idea of apperception enables it to succeed where Houlgate fails by doing justice to the rational necessity with which the Logic unfolds. Third, I argue that, despite this success, the LAM program remains unrealized because of its neglect of Hegel's understanding of cognition as a form of life. While LAM has compellingly unfolded the ‘thought of being’, it has ignored the inverse question of the ‘being of thought’. I attempt to fulfil the LAM program by elaborating Hegel's account of what it means to be a thinker.
Hydrodynamic irreversibility of non-Brownian suspensions in highly confined duct flow
Authors: Antolik John T. , Howard Amanda , Vereda Fernando , Ionkin Nikolay , Maxey Martin , Harris Daniel M.
Published: October 2023

The irreversible behaviour of a highly confined non-Brownian suspension of spherical particles at low Reynolds number in a Newtonian fluid is studied experimentally and numerically. In the experiment, the suspension is confined in a thin rectangular channel that prevents complete particle overlap in the narrow dimension and is subjected to an oscillatory pressure-driven flow. In the small cross-sectional dimension, particles rapidly separate to the walls, whereas in the large dimension, features reminiscent of shear-induced migration in bulk suspensions are recovered. Furthermore, as a consequence of the channel geometry and the development and application of a single-camera particle tracking method, three-dimensional particle trajectories are obtained that allow us to directly associate relative particle proximity with the observed migration. Companion simulations of a steadily flowing suspension highly confined between parallel plates are conducted using the force coupling method, which also show rapid migration to the walls as well as other salient features observed in the experiment. While we consider relatively low volume fractions compared to most prior work in the area, we nevertheless observe significant and rapid migration, which we attribute to the high degree of confinement.
ON EASTON SUPPORT ITERATION OF PRIKRY-TYPE FORCING NOTIONS
Authors: GITIK MOTI , KAPLAN EYAL
Published: October 2023

We consider of constructing normal ultrafilters in extensions are here Easton support iterations of Prikry-type forcing notions. New ways presented. It turns out that, in contrast with other supports, seemingly unrelated measures or extenders can be involved here.
Fish oil minimises feed intake and improves insulin sensitivity in Zucker fa/fa rats
Authors: Corporeau Charlotte , Le Foll Christelle , Cruciani-Guglielmacci Céline , Le Stunff Hervé , Mithieux Gilles , Magnan Christophe , Delarue Jacques
Published: October 2023

Long-chain n-3 PUFA (LC n-3 PUFA) prevent, in rodents, insulin resistance (IR) induced by a high-fat and/or fructose diet but not IR induced by glucocorticoids. In humans, contrasting effects have also been reported. We investigated their effects on insulin sensitivity, feed intake (FI) and body weight gain in genetically insulin resistant male obese (fa/fa) Zucker (ZO) rats during the development of obesity. ZO rats were fed a diet supplemented with 7 % fish oil (FO) + 1 % corn oil (CO) (wt/wt) (ZOFO), while the control group was fed a diet containing 8 % fat from CO (wt/wt) (ZOCO). Male lean Zucker (ZL) rats fed either FO (ZLFO) or CO (ZLCO) diet were used as controls. FO was a marine-derived TAG oil containing EPA 90 mg/g + DHA 430 mg/g. During an oral glucose tolerance test, glucose tolerance remained unaltered by FO while insulin response was reduced in ZOFO only. Liver insulin sensitivity (euglycaemic–hyperinsulinaemic clamp + 2 deoxyglucose) was improved in ZOFO rats, linked to changes in phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase expression, activity and glucose-6-phosphatase activity. FI in response to intra-carotid insulin/glucose infusion was decreased similarly in ZOFO and ZOCO. Hypothalamic ceramides levels were lower in ZOFO than in ZOCO. Our study demonstrates that LC n-3 PUFA can minimise weight gain, possibly by alleviating hypothalamic lipotoxicity, and liver IR in genetically obese Zucker rats.
THE PRYTANEION DECREE (IG I3 131) AND SITÊSIS FOR ATHLETES
Authors: Mann Christian
Published: October 2023

In the 150 years since Schöll's seminal work, the Prytaneion Decree has been studied frequently. Of the groups of honourees mentioned in the decree, the agonistic victors have received the least attention. Most scholars have simply attributed them, without further discussion, to the sphere of war or to the sphere of religion. In this article, athletics is understood as a sphere of action with its own logic: the passages on athletes in the decree are examined in detail and situated within the debate in classical Athens about whether victors of the Panhellenic Games should be honoured by the polis and to what extent. The strange duplication in the decree, which first regulates honours for agonistic victors in general and, in a second paragraph, honours for hippic victors, is related to some texts that viewed hippic victories more critically than gymnic ones. A precise dating of the decree is not possible, but there were several events in the fifth century that might have created the desire among Athenians for a general regulation of sitêsis for athletes.