bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the role of amino acids and isothermal dry particle coating in modulating buccal permeation of large molecule drug vancomycin
Authors: Rajabi Anthony , Idrees Muhammed , Rahman Ayesha , Iyire Affiong , Wyatt David , Koner Jasdip , Mohammed Afzal R.
Published: August 2024

The formulation and delivery of macromolecules through the oral route pose considerable challenges due to factors such as large molecular weight, pH sensitivity, and limited formulation approaches. This challenge is compounded if the drug is poorly permeable, necessitating innovative drug delivery strategies. Vancomycin, a widely prescribed glycopeptide antibiotic, has an oral bioavailability of less than 10%, leading to predominantly intravenous administration and potential patient discomfort. This study explores the potential of the buccal route as a non-invasive, highly vascularised alternative route of administration, offering a rapid onset of action while bypassing the first-pass metabolism. In this study, vancomycin was coated with L-glutamic acid using an isothermal dry particle coater to modulate permeation through the buccal cell line, TR146. Results confirm significant impact of both amino acid concentration and dry particle coating on the rate and extent of drug permeability. With the introduction of L-glutamic acid and utilisation of the isothermal dry particle coater, vancomycin’s permeation profile increased six-fold compared to the control due to the formation of drug ion-pair complex. Imaging studies showed the presence of layered micronized glutamic acid particles on the surface of dry coated vancomycin particles which confirms the role of dry coating and amino acid concentration in modulating drug permeation. Microbiology experiments in Staphylococcus aureus, minimum inhibitory concentration and biofilm disruption studies, provided confirmatory evidence of antimicrobial activity of dry coated glutamic acid-vancomycin ion pair particulate structure. This study demonstrates, for the first-time, buccal delivery of dry coated large molecule drug, vancomycin, through controlled deposition of amino acid using innovative particle coating strategy.
Detailed analysis of Mdivi-1 effects on complex I and respiratory supercomplex assembly
Authors: Marx Nico , Ritter Nadine , Disse Paul , Seebohm Guiscard , Busch Karin B.
Published: August 2024

Several human diseases, including cancer and neurodegeneration, are associated with excessive mitochondrial fragmentation. In this context, mitochondrial division inhibitor (Mdivi-1) has been tested as a therapeutic to block the fission-related protein dynamin-like protein-1 (Drp1). Recent studies suggest that Mdivi-1 interferes with mitochondrial bioenergetics and complex I function. Here we show that the molecular mechanism of Mdivi-1 is based on inhibition of complex I at the IQ site. This leads to the destabilization of complex I, impairs the assembly of N- and Q-respirasomes, and is associated with increased ROS production and reduced efficiency of ATP generation. Second, the calcium homeostasis of cells is impaired, which for example affects the electrical activity of neurons. Given the results presented here, a potential therapeutic application of Mdivi-1 is challenging because of its potential impact on synaptic activity. Similar to the Complex I inhibitor rotenone, Mdivi-1 may lead to neurodegenerative effects in the long term.
Statistical analysis of the effect of socio-political factors on individual life satisfaction
Authors: Itani Alaa , Hasan Isra , Younes Lolya , Alzaatreh Ayman
Published: August 2024

Life satisfaction refers to an individual’s cognitive evaluation of the quality of their life. The aim of the present study is to develop the current understanding of how perceived corruption, attitudes toward migration, perceived security, and strength of national identity influence life satisfaction. Additionally, the study examines how demographic variables of relationship status, social class, sex, religious affiliation, and country impact life satisfaction in the provided cultural context. Ordinal logistic regression analysis, Confirmatory Factor Analysis, and Structural Equation Modeling are used to analyze data from the World Values Survey. Findings from the analyses indicate that perceived corruption, perceived security, and strength of national identity have a significant impact on life satisfaction, whereas migration has an indirect effect on life satisfaction through perceived security. The present research can develop our current understanding of life satisfaction from a socio-political perspective.
Self-interest overrides rank-reversal aversion in resource distribution
Authors: Kim Minyoung , Kim Kun Il , Kim Hackjin
Published: August 2024

The equitable allocation of resources has long been a central concern for humanity, prompting extensive research into various motivations that drive the pursuit of distributive justice. In contrast to one of the most fundamental motives, inequality aversion, a conflicting motive has been proposed: rank-reversal aversion. However, it remains unclear whether this rank-reversal aversion persists in the presence of self-rank. Here we provide evidence of rank-reversal aversion in the first-party context and explore diverse moral strategies for distribution. In a modified version of the redistribution game involving 55 online-recruited participants, we observed rank-reversal aversion only when one’s rank was maintained. When participants’ self-rank was altered, they tended to base their behavior on their new ranks. This behavioral tendency varied among individuals, revealing three distinct moral strategies, all incorporating considerations of rank-reversal. Our findings suggest that rank-reversal aversion can indeed influence one’s distribution behavior, although the extent of its impact may vary among individuals, especially when self-rank is a factor. These insights can be extended to political and economic domains, contributing to a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms of distributive justice.
Performance of different CT enhancement quantification methods as predictors of pancreatic cancer recurrence after upfront surgery
Authors: Mohamed Sherif A. , Barlemann Alina , Steinle Verena , Nonnenmacher Tobias , Güttlein Michelle , Hackert Thilo , Loos Martin , Gaida Matthias M. , Kauczor Hans-Ulrich , Klauss Miriam , Mayer Philipp
Published: August 2024

The prognosis of pancreatic cancer (PDAC) after tumor resection remains poor, mostly due to a high but variable risk of recurrence. A promising tool for improved prognostication is the quantification of CT tumor enhancement. For this, various enhancement formulas have been used in previous studies. However, a systematic comparison of these formulas is lacking. In the present study, we applied twenty-three previously published CT enhancement formulas to our cohort of 92 PDAC patients who underwent upfront surgery. We identified seven formulas that could reliably predict tumor recurrence. Using these formulas, weak tumor enhancement was associated with tumor recurrence at one and two years after surgery (p ≤ 0.030). Enhancement was inversely associated with adverse clinicopathological features. Low enhancement values were predictive of a high recurrence risk (Hazard Ratio ≥ 1.659, p ≤ 0.028, Cox regression) and a short time to recurrence (TTR) (p ≤ 0.027, log-rank test). Some formulas were independent predictors of TTR in multivariate models. Strikingly, almost all of the best-performing formulas measure solely tumor tissue, suggesting that normalization to non-tumor structures might be unnecessary. Among the top performers were also the absolute arterial/portal venous tumor attenuation values. These can be easily implemented in clinical practice for better recurrence prediction, thus potentially improving patient management.
Numerical model of the locomotion of oscillating ‘robots’ with frictional anisotropy on differently-structured surfaces
Authors: Filippov Alexander , Gorb Stanislav
Published: August 2024

In engineering materials, surface anisotropy is known in certain textured patterns that appear during the manufacturing process. In biology, there are numerous examples of mechanical systems which combine anisotropic surfaces with the motion, elicited due to some actuation using muscles or stimuli-responsive materials, such as highly ordered cellulose fiber arrays of plant seeds. The systems supplemented by the muscles are rather fast actuators, because of the relatively high speed of muscle contraction, whereas the latter ones are very slow, because they generate actuation depending on the daily changes in the environmental air humidity. If the substrate has ordered surface profile, one can expect certain statistical order of potential trajectories (depending on the order of the spatial distribution of the surface asperities). If not, the expected trajectories can be statistically rather random. The same presumably holds true for the artificial miniature robots that use actuation in combination with frictional anisotropy. In order to prove this hypothesis, we developed numerical model helping us to study abovementioned cases of locomotion in 2D space on an uneven terrain. We show that at extremely long times, these systems tends to behave according to the rules of ballistic diffusion. Physically, it means that their motion tends to be associated with the “channels” of the patterned substrate. Such a motion is more or less the same as it should be in the uniform space. Such asymptotic behavior is specific for the motion in model regular potential and would be impossible on more realistic (and complex) fractal reliefs. However, one can expect that in any kind of the potential with certain symmetry (hexagonal or rhombic, for example), where it is still possible to find the ways, the motion along fixed direction during long (or even almost infinite) time intervals is possible.
Rotation insensitive implantable wireless power transfer system for medical devices using metamaterial-polarization converter
Authors: Shaw Tarakeswar , Mandal Bappaditya , Samanta Gopinath , Voigt Thiemo , Mitra Debasis , Augustine Robin
Published: August 2024

This article introduces an innovative approach for creating a circular polarization (CP) antenna-based rotation-insensitive implantable wireless power transfer (WPT) system for medical devices. The system is constructed to work in the industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) frequency band of 902–928 MHz. Initially, a flexible, wide-band, and bio-compatible open-ended CP slot antenna is designed within a single-layer human skin tissue model to serve as the receiving (Rx) element. To form the implantable WPT link, a circular patch antenna is also constructed in the free-space to use as a transmitting (Tx) source. Further, a new metamaterial-polarization converter (MTM-PC) structure is developed and incorporated into the proposed system to enhance the power transfer efficiency (PTE). Furthermore, the rotational phenomenon of the Rx implant has been studied to show how the rotation affects the system’s performance. Moreover, a numerical analysis of the specific absorption rate (SAR) is conducted to confirm compliance with safety regulations and prioritize human safety from electromagnetic exposure. Finally, to validate the introduced concept, prototypes of the different elements of the proposed WPT system were fabricated and tested using skin-mimicking gel and porcine tissue. The measured results confirm the feasibility of the introduced approach, exhibiting improved efficiency due to use of the MTM-PC. The amplitude of the transmission coefficient ($$|S_{21}|$$

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S
21

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) has improved by 6.94 dB in the simulation, whereas the enhancement of 7.04 dB and 6.76 dB is obtained from the experimental study due to the integration of MTM-PC. As a result, the PTE of the proposed MTM-PC integrated implantable WPT system is increased significantly compared to the system without MTM-PC.
Translation speed slowdown and poleward migration of western North Pacific tropical cyclones
Authors: Feng Xiangbo
Published: August 2024

Detecting and interpreting long-term changes in typhoon translation speed in observations remains challenging, contrasting with increased confidence in the poleward migration of typhoons. Here, I show a significant relationship between the basin-wide translation speed and the latitudinal position of tropical cyclones in the western North Pacific over 1980–2023. First, because tropical cyclones move faster at higher latitudes, the significant poleward migration (80 km/decade) increases the yearly basin-wide translation speed by 5% over the period. This effect reduces the detectability of a slowing trend. Second, the basin-wide translation speed solely contributed by regional translation speed has slowed by 18%, mostly in the late stage of the cyclone lifecycle. The translation speed slowdown and the poleward migration are likely caused by the same climate drivers through the interconnected large-scale atmospheric circulation between the tropics and subtropics. My findings suggest exacerbated tropical cyclone-related risk in the subtropical regions in a changing climate.
Cross-biome microbial networks reveal functional redundancy and suggest genome reduction through functional complementarity
Authors: Puente-Sánchez Fernando , Pascual-García Alberto , Bastolla Ugo , Pedrós-Alió Carlos , Tamames Javier
Published: August 2024

The structure of microbial communities arises from a multitude of factors, including the interactions of microorganisms with each other and with the environment. In this work, we sought to disentangle those drivers by performing a cross-study, cross-biome meta-analysis of microbial occurrence data in more than 5000 samples, applying a novel network clustering algorithm aimed to capture conditional taxa co-occurrences. We then examined the phylogenetic and functional composition of the resulting clusters, and searched for global patterns of assembly both at the community level and in the presence/absence of individual metabolic pathways.

Our analysis highlighted the prevalence of functional redundancy in microbial communities, particularly between taxa that co-occur in more than one environment, pointing to a relationship between functional redundancy and environmental adaptation. In spite of this, certain pathways were observed in fewer taxa than expected by chance, suggesting the presence of auxotrophy, and presumably cooperation among community members. This hypothetical cooperation may play a role in genome reduction, since we observed a negative relationship between the size of bacterial genomes and the size of the community they belong to.

Overall, our results suggest the microbial community assembly is driven by universal principles that operate consistently across different biomes and taxonomic groups.
The malonyl/acetyl-transferase from murine fatty acid synthase is a promiscuous engineering tool for editing polyketide scaffolds
Authors: Buyachuihan Lynn , Reiners Simon , Zhao Yue , Grininger Martin
Published: August 2024

Modular polyketide synthases (PKSs) play a vital role in the biosynthesis of complex natural products with pharmaceutically relevant properties. Their modular architecture makes them an attractive target for engineering to produce platform chemicals and drugs. In this study, we demonstrate that the promiscuous malonyl/acetyl-transferase domain (MAT) from murine fatty acid synthase serves as a highly versatile tool for the production of polyketide analogs. We evaluate the relevance of the MAT domain using three modular PKSs; the short trimodular venemycin synthase (VEMS), as well as modules of the PKSs deoxyerythronolide B synthase (DEBS) and pikromycin synthase (PIKS) responsible for the production of the antibiotic precursors erythromycin and pikromycin. To assess the performance of the MAT-swapped PKSs, we analyze the protein quality and run engineered polyketide syntheses in vitro. Our experiments include the chemoenzymatic synthesis of fluorinated macrolactones. Our study showcases MAT-based reprogramming of polyketide biosynthesis as a facile option for the regioselective editing of substituents decorating the polyketide scaffold.
Suzuki–Miyaura coupling of arylthianthrenium tetrafluoroborate salts under acidic conditions
Authors: Zhang Li , Xie Yuanhao , Bai Zibo , Ritter Tobias
Published: August 2024

The palladium-catalysed Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling (SMC) is currently the most commonly used reaction to construct carbon–carbon bonds in the pharmaceutical industry. Typical methods require the use of a base, which limits the substrate scope. To mitigate this shortcoming, substantial effort has been made to develop base-tolerant organoboron reagents, efficient catalysts and reaction conditions that do not require external bases. Still, many boronic acids cannot be used or must be independently protected, and many Lewis-basic functional groups poison the catalyst. Here we report a conceptually different SMC reaction that can proceed even under acidic conditions, with a broad substrate scope. Key to this advance is the formation of an acid-stable, palladium-based ion pair between the reaction partners that does not require base for subsequent productive transmetallation. Boronic acids that cannot be used directly in other SMC reactions, such as 2-pyridylboronic acid and boronic acids with strong Lewis bases, can now be used successfully.
Is pentavalent Pr(v) feasible in solid CsPrF6?
Authors: Ye Lian-Wei , Zhang Zi-He , He Yang , Wei Shi-Ru , Lu Jun-Bo , Hu Han-Shi , Li Jun
Published: August 2024

This study indicates that the existence of Pr(v) in solid-state Ln fluorides is not impossible.
Discovery of hybrid Glypromate conjugates with neuroprotective activity against paraquat-induced toxicity
Authors: Silva-Reis Sara C. , Costa Vera M. , da Silva Daniela Correia , Pereira David M. , Correia Xavier Cruz , García-Mera Xerardo , Rodríguez-Borges José E. , Sampaio-Dias Ivo E.
Published: August 2024

A series of bicyclic-based Glypromate conjugates with reduction of protein aggregation elicited by Aβ25–35 and neuroprotective activity against paraquat-induced toxicity is reported, paving the way for the discovery of novel neurotherapeutics.
A reversible redox-fluorescence switch based on Prussian blue and carbon quantum dots for dual-spectral detection of N2H4 and H2O2
Authors: Gao Jiayu , Zhang Yuan , Sun Ying , Wang Siyue , Liu Zhelin , Zhao Bo , Dong Xiangting , Feng Shouhua
Published: August 2024

A PB@CD/SiO2 composite can switch between fluorescence “ON” and “OFF” states, achieving the detection of hydrazine and hydrogen peroxide.
Electron–phonon interactions at the topological edge states in single bilayer Bi(111)
Authors: Haque Enamul , Yin Yuefeng , Medhekar Nikhil V.
Published: August 2024

At 200 K, electron–phonon interactions are negligibly weaker in linear edge states than in nonlinear edge states of single bilayer Bi(111) and unprecedently rise with temperature in both cases, reducing electrical conductivity by a factor of ≈2.
An organic–inorganic hybrid photoluminescent ferroelastic with high phase transition temperature
Authors: Yang Wen-Li , Yan Xin , Wang Miao , Yuan Hao , Tang Yuan-Yuan , Qin Yan , Song Xian-Jiang
Published: August 2024

An organic–inorganic hybrid ferroelastic [TMIm][MnCl4] with high Tc presents distinct photoluminescence responses to ferroelastic phase transitions.
Sulfur vacancy induced radical generation in ZnIn2S4 for lignin photocatalytic Cα–Cβ cleavage
Authors: Zhang Jifang , Sun Jinde , Suo Chengcheng , Li Wei , Luo Sha , Tian Bing , Ma Chunhui , Liu Shouxin
Published: August 2024

The synthesized ZIS-Sv was formed by the self-assembly of 2D nanosheets. Introduction of Sv has promoted electron adsortion and ˙O2− generation to cleave Cα–Cβ bond, finally. This is a cyclic indirect oxidation process.
Mono-methyl viologen: a promising anolyte for alkaline aqueous redox flow batteries
Authors: Nikumbe Devendra Y. , Pandi R. Govindha , Saha Anusuya , Bhatt Bhavana , Bhai Surjit , Ganguly Bishwajit , Kumar Shanmugam Senthil , Nagarale Rajaram K.
Published: August 2024

An Aqueous Redox Flow Battery (ARFB) has emerged as a sustainable option for large-scale energy storage systems due to its relatively low cost and abundant raw materials.
Promoting solution-processed CdTe nanocrystal solar cells via rationally controlled copper doping
Authors: Huang Qichuan , Liu Songwei , Min Chenbo , Zhou Zheng , Qin Donghuan , Wang Dan , Xu Wei , Hou Lintao
Published: August 2024

This study investigates Cu salt doped CdTe nanocrystals under various conditions, providing insight into the Cu doping mechanisms and the impact on device performance.
Enhanced microwave absorption of coral-like Co@Co7Fe3 at ultralow filler loading
Authors: Yu Yue , Bei Hanzhang , Huang Huiqiu , Wu Lian , Zhao Yifang , Yin Guoqiang , Pang Hao
Published: August 2024

Coral-like Co@Co7Fe3 nanocomposites (CFA) with a 3D hierarchical network exhibit remarkable electromagnetic wave absorption performance at 2–5 wt%.
A generalised dynamic energy flow model in multi‐energy network
Authors: Cai Qinqin , Yi Zhongkai , Xu Ying , Zhu Yongqiang , Ding Zhaohao , Xi Mengfei , Zhu Xuecheng , Rong Shuang , Sun Yong , Kuang Honghui
Published: August 2024

The analysis and calculation of dynamic energy flow for different energy forms are the basic work for the coordinated dispatching and operation of multi‐energy networks (MENs). A universal mathematical description of energy transfer is proposed based on the concept of intensity quantity and extensive quantity in thermodynamics. This paper derives the unified energy dynamic transfer equations of the electrical energy, incompressible viscous fluid, compressible gas, and heat transfer, that is, a generalised wave equation is established with the distributed parameters that characterise energy dissipation, storage and conductivity. Furthermore, the finite difference method is adopted to calculate the dynamic energy flow that varies with time and space. In the case analysis, the independent solution is firstly performed under four designed cases, and then the MEN composed of heat and gas is jointly solved. The calculation example verifies the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Lightweight transmission line defect identification method based on OFN network and distillation method
Authors: Pei Shaotong , Zhang Hangyuan , Zhu Yuxin , Hu Chenlong
Published: August 2024

Edge devices are increasingly utilized for defect detection in power line inspection, necessitating algorithms that optimize model size and accuracy. This study introduces a lightweight detection method using the Optimized Feature Network with MobileOne‐FPN‐NASHead (OFN network) OFN network and distillation technique. The OFN incorporates a lightweight backbone, neural network search, re‐parametrization, and a feature pyramid to create a compact yet effective detection network. To enhance feature learning, a heterogeneous distillation approach is applied, leveraging a modified YOLOv8 as a teacher network. This modification includes an explicit visual centre for improved global and local information extraction, crucial for dense target detection in power line inspections. Additionally, the Minimize the points distance IoU (MPDloU) loss function is used to improve localization accuracy over the the Complete‐Intersection Over Union (CIoU) loss. Experimental results show a 1.1% mean Average Precision (mAP) increase for the enhanced YOLOv8 and a 70.2% mAP for the OFN network with 18.95 GFLOPs and 343 FPS, achieving a commendable balance between model efficiency and detection performance. The research underscores the viability of the OFN for edge computing in power line defect detection, highlighting the potential of innovative algorithmic structures in this application.
Explicit–implicit symmetric diffeomorphic deformable image registration with convolutional neural network
Authors: Li Longhao , Li Li , Zhang Yunfeng , Bao Fangxun , Yao Xunxiang , Zhang Zewen , Chen Weilin
Published: August 2024

Medical image registration is essential and a key step in many advanced medical image tasks. In recent years, medical image registration has been applied to many clinical diagnoses, but large deformation registration is still a challenge. Deep learning‐based methods typically have higher accuracy but do not involve spatial transformation, which ignores some desirable properties, including topology preservation and the invertibility of transformation, for medical imaging studies. On the other hand, diffeomorphic registration methods achieve a differentiable spatial transformation, which guarantees topology preservation and invertibility of transformation, but registration accuracy is low. Therefore, a diffeomorphic deformation registration with CNN is proposed, based on a symmetric architecture, simultaneously estimating forward and inverse deformation fields. CNN with Efficient Channel Attention is used to better capture the spatial relationship. Deformation fields are optimized explicitly and implicitly to enhance the invertibility of transformations. An extensive experimental evaluation is performed using two 3D datasets. The proposed method is compared with different state‐of‐the‐art methods. The experimental results show excellent registration accuracy while better guaranteeing the diffeomorphic transformation.
Optimizing the Outcome of Pediatric Metastatic Neuroblastoma in a Nontransplant Setting in a Developing Country: Retrospective Study from a Tertiary Cancer Center in India
Authors: Nair Manjusha , R. Prasanth V. , Thankamony Priyakumari , Rajeswari Binitha , S. Guruprasad C. , George Preethi Sara
Published: August 2024

Objective This article estimates the survival of children over 1 year of age diagnosed with metastatic neuroblastoma (NB) and treated in a nontransplant facility and determines the factors affecting survival.

Materials and Method Case records of children aged 1 to 14 years treated for metastatic NB in our center from January 2008 to December 2017 were studied. Patients received conventional chemotherapy followed by surgery, radiotherapy, and metronomic maintenance chemotherapy.

Results Eighty-nine patients with metastatic NB received treatment. Mean age was 3.5 years and male:female ratio was 1.1:1. The most common primary site was suprarenal (55%) and the most common site of metastasis was bone marrow (76%). Forty percent patients had multiple metastatic sites. Mean baseline lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was 3724 U/L (range 303–16609 U/L) and 65% patients had LDH > 750 U/L. Fifty-three patients (59.6%) had good response to chemotherapy as evidenced by clearance of metastatic disease, but out of them, 43 patients (81%) progressed subsequently. Twenty-six patients underwent surgery and 12 patients received maintenance therapy. Seventy-four patients (86%) developed recurrence and all but one died. Median time to recurrence and death were 9 months (range 0–120 months) and 10 months (range 1–123 months), respectively. At a median follow-up of 72 months (range 15–135 months), 16 patients are alive, with 5-year disease-free survival and overall survival of 17.6 and 18.4%, respectively. Age, baseline LDH, chemotherapy regimen, and response to treatment significantly affected survival.

Conclusion Younger age, lower baseline LDH, and good response to chemotherapy appear to confer survival advantage in pediatric metastatic NB, and may be used for optimization of treatment in the nontransplant setting in developing countries.
Thoracic and Lumbar Spinal Fractures and Luxations in 26 Dogs and 2 Cats—Stabilization by String of Pearls Locking Plates
Authors: Ciou Mei-Jyun , Jerram Richard , Syrcle Jason , Levien Andrew S. , Sahoo Dipak Kumar , Kraus Karl
Published: August 2024

Objective To evaluate the use of String of Pearls (SOP) locking plates in thoracolumbar vertebral fractures and luxations in dogs and cats.

Study design Retrospective case series study.

Methods Clinical records of dogs and cats with thoracic and lumbar fractures treated in four veterinary surgical facilities were reviewed.

Results A total of 26 dogs and 2 cats were included. Median weight of dogs at surgery was 12.1 kg (range: 2.7–37.2 kg) and the median weight of cats was 6.0 kg (range: 3.0–8.9 kg). Deep pain perception was negative in 25% (7/28) of animals at presentation, and 85.7% (6/7) regained deep pain sensation at discharge. Neurological status at discharge (p < 0.05) was significantly improved compared to neurological status at presentation. Complications were observed in 28.6% (8/28) of cases. Catastrophic and major complication rates were both 3.6% (1/28).

Conclusion In the reported cohort of 28 dogs and cats, SOP locking plates successfully stabilized traumatic thoracic and lumbar fractures or luxations, and the rate of complications was similar to those reported using other fixation methods.
Pilot Testing and Vernacular Translation of EORTC Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PATSAT-C33 and OUT-PATSAT7) at a Tertiary Care Cancer Center in India
Authors: Manjali Jifmi Jose , Bano Nazia , Shaikh Farnaz , Shastri Supriya , Murthy Vedang , Laskar Sarbani Ghosh , Sarin Rajiv , Agarwal J.P. , Gupta Tejpal
Published: August 2024

Purpose Pilot testing and translation of the English version of European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) patient satisfaction cancer core questionnaire (PATSAT-C33) and complementary outpatient module (OUT-PATSAT7) into two Indian vernacular languages (Hindi and Marathi).

Methods Patients undergoing fractionated radiotherapy for cancer with basic proficiency in respective language were included in the study after written informed consent. The English version of EORTC PATSAT-C33 and OUT-PATSAT7 questionnaire was pilot tested in 20 patients. The questionnaire was then translated into two Indian vernacular languages (Hindi and Marathi) using EORTC translation methodology. This included forward-translation by two independent professional translators into target languages (Hindi and Marathi) to create an intermediate version; back-translation into English by another independent pair of linguistic experts; and harmonization by comparing back-translated versions (English) to the original English version for reconciliation. The EORTC translation group provided suggestions and proofread the reconciliated versions (Hindi and Marathi) which were then administered to 20 patients in each language. Semistructured interviews were conducted for patients to identify problems in understanding the translation versions to make appropriate corrections/modifications to the questionnaire.

Results Pilot testing of English version of PATSAT-C33 and OUT-PATSAT7 did not pose any major difficulty leading to subsequent translation into both target languages (Hindi and Marathi). Reconciliated version of the translated questionnaires was arrived at after incorporating suggestions and proofreading by the EORTC translation group. Pilot testing of the reconciliated questionnaires (Hindi and Marathi) did not identify major problems in understanding, difficult/confusing words, or upsetting questions leading to the adoption of the reconciliated version as final translated questionnaire without further modifications.

Conclusion The English version of PATSAT-C33 and OUT-PATSAT7 has been successfully translated into Hindi and Marathi languages using standardized EORTC methodology. Psychometric properties of the same are currently being tested for validation in a larger Indian cohort.
The Third Space in Higher Education: A Scoping Review
Authors: Thorpe Clare , Partridge Helen
Published: August 2024

The idea of a third space, positioned between academic and professional domains, has proven useful in examining the evolving nature of higher education work. The continuing disruptions in higher education worldwide highlight the importance of the third space and the need for further exploration. A scoping review of third space work in the higher education literature from 2000 to 2022 was conducted. More than 2870 articles retrieved from nine databases were screened based on title, abstract, and keywords, resulting in 54 papers for analysis. Data were extracted to summarise the literature, including method, participant characteristics, and theoretical framing, implications. The articles revealed that the third space is an emerging area of study which, while valuable, is yet to influence policy and practice at the institutional or national level. Thus, third space presents a fertile space for more analytical and empirical investigations that go beyond descriptive case studies.
A bibliometric analysis of cultural heritage visualisation based on Web of Science from 1998 to 2023: a literature overview
Authors: Tang Yuchen , Liu Liu , Pan Tianbo , Wu Zhangxu
Published: August 2024

Cultural heritage visualisation research is a vast and constantly evolving field full of energy. It is concerned with the conservation, exhibition and education of cultural heritage. Plenty of studies have been reported, while more general bibliometric research is lacking. Thus, this study analyses, quantifies and maps the cultural heritage visualisation research from 1998 to 2023 using the Web of Science (WOS) core database. Biblioshiny was used to classify and evaluate the contributions of authors, countries, topics and journals. In addition, VOSviewer was used for the visual presentation of keywords. The results show that the hotspots of cultural heritage visualisation research are 3D modelling and digital management. Such techniques have become increasingly important and prevalent in the field of cultural heritage, with a multitude of activities. The study also makes predictions about how the future of cultural heritage visualisation will change, including a larger range of applications and cross-border collaboration across various disciplines. Therefore, this study provides a relatively new perspective through which more research directions can be found for the exploitation of cultural heritage conservation.
Not Criminally Responsible on Account of a Mental Disorder for a Homicide: Examining Gender Differences to Identify Opportunities for Early Prevention
Authors: Leclair Marichelle , Luigi Mimosa , Deveaux Félicia , Imbeault Arianne , Beauchamp Cédric , Gray Andrew L. , Dufour Mathieu , Nicholls Tonia L. , Seto Michael , Crocker Anne G.
Published: August 2024

This study examined the characteristics and healthcare service trajectories of 98 men and 29 women found not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder (NCRMD) for a homicide in Canada using data from Criminal Review Boards and police reports, as well as health administrative databases for a subsample in Québec ( n = 51). Three quarters of the sample had no prior criminal justice involvement, and half had contact with mental health services in the year preceding the offense. Victims were usually known to the people found NCRMD for a homicide (83%). Women were more likely to have a mood disorder as primary diagnosis, and less likely to have displayed overt psychotic symptoms at the time of the offense. They were more likely to be found NCRMD following an event of intrafamilial violence, typically involving their children. Women were more likely to commit a homicide shortly after seeking mental health services, with an average of 18.6 days elapsing since service contact compared to an average of 101.3 days for men. Overall, these findings signal unsuccessful attempts by a subgroup of individuals, particularly women, suffering from severe mental illness to seek timely, appropriate services. Strategies for prevention, including early intervention and services, are discussed.
The Cost Award
Authors: Franck Susan , Roe Bailey
Published: August 2024

Cost awards are fundamental yet often overlooked in investment treaty arbitration (ITA). Nevertheless, they are also a prism reflecting ITA’s values and shifting priorities. Risks inherent in cost awards impact whether parties can initiate arbitration and how they pursue claims and defences. While there are inevitable trade-offs, tribunal discretion in making cost awards should be effectively guided—to manage party expectations and to demonstrate rule of law values—with more precise guidelines for party advocacy and tribunal decision-making, thereby enhancing the predictability and integrity of cost awards in ITA.
Consent Awards
Authors: Bottini Gabriel
Published: August 2024

International arbitral rules often provide for the possibility that the tribunal issue a consent award containing a settlement agreed by the parties as opposed to a third-party resolution of the dispute. If the parties do not voluntarily comply with the settlement or they disagree about its implementation, a consent award may facilitate the settlement’s enforcement as any of the parties may seek its enforcement under the applicable arbitral rules. Arbitral tribunals generally have discretion as to whether to render a consent award upon a request from the parties. However, there are limits to the permissible object of consent awards, relating to jurisdictional aspects or the award’s substance. These limits may derive in particular from mandatory provisions of international law or of the law of the seat of the arbitration. Violations of legal restrictions to the consent award’s object may lead to its annulment or oppositions to its recognition and enforcement.
Draft Awards
Authors: Weiss Friedl
Published: August 2024

This chapter will examine the notion, status, and role of draft awards in investor-state arbitration. As a topic, these have scarcely featured in the literature let alone in recently amended institutional and procedural rules of international dispute settlement mechanisms such as those of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes and the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law. As the trade and investment orders increasingly intersect and interact, an analysis of the longstanding World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement practice of reviewing interim panel reports—draft awards in all but name—can provide insights into the function such a type of ‘work in progress’ awards can play.
On the Adjudicative Discretion of Investment Arbitrators
Authors: Tanzi Attila M
Published: August 2024

The chapter focuses on the general principles that determine adjudicative powers and constraints of investment arbitrators. Such principles are shown to strike a balance between party autonomy and judicial autonomy. Party autonomy is shown to be preserved by the combination of the principles ne ultra petita and ne infra petita, whereby arbitral tribunals are not supposed to pass judgment on issues and according to legal grounds that have not been advanced by the parties through their claims and counterarguments, nor to omit any of them. At the same time, the arbitrators’ judicial autonomy is shown to be enhanced by the principle jura novit curia whereby a tribunal is not bound to confine its legal reasoning to the parties’ arguments, provided that the arbitrators’ legal arguments fall within the boundaries of the applicable law and the facts in dispute. These principles are traced back to interstate adjudication and elucidated through their application in investment case law, and especially the case law of annulment committees of the Centre for Settlement of International Disputes.
Equality of Arms
Authors: Vanhonnaeker Lukas
Published: August 2024

As one of the most fundamental adjudicative principles and a structural component of the idea of justice itself, the importance of treating the parties equally is a key tenet of investor-state arbitration. The principle of equality of arms is generally provided explicitly in arbitration rules and has consistently been recognized and applied by tribunals in investment disputes. In fact, the importance of the principle is even more pronounced in investor-state disputes because of the asymmetries that are typical of international investment law, whether in terms of the identity of the parties or the content of international investment agreements. It is thus not surprising that in several instances, investment tribunals had to turn to the principle of the parties’ equality of arms, in particular with respect to the parties’ right to be heard, a disputing party’s refusal to produce documents or the unlawful gathering of evidence by a party. In light of the importance of the principle of the parties’ equality of arms, it is important that arbitrators have the appropriate tools to ensure that the parties are treated equally, and one way to do so relates directly to the arbitrators’ inherent powers.
The Applicable Law in Investor-State Dispute Settlement
Authors: Bermann George A
Published: August 2024

The merits of an investor-state dispute are governed first and foremost by the terms of the applicable treaty (or contract or statute) under which a claim arises. However, the gaps in those instruments are so great that, no matter how they are worded, recourse to international law in any of its forms is unavoidable. Further, though national law does not in principle govern the merits of any such dispute, it necessarily determines a number of issues ancillary to the merits, such as the nationality of the investor, the scope of the claimant’s property interest, and the lawfulness of the investment. Where an umbrella clause is present, matters become somewhat more complicated. Of especially topical interest is the European Union’s assertion that investment protections are subject to norms of EU law by virtue of EU law’s international law status. Because certain EU law norms—most notably the asserted ‘autonomy’ of EU law—dictate outcomes at variance with those contemplated by the treaty and international law more generally, those norms may operate as a challenge to the purposes that investment protection agreements are meant to serve.
Counterclaims
Authors: Abdel Wahab Mohamed S
Published: August 2024

Counterclaims in investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) are subject to a lot of controversy, in terms of jurisdiction, admissibility, and merit-related issues. Traditionally, the ISDS system was driven by an asymmetric approach to state counterclaims and stringent requirements militated against hearing and determining such counterclaims, especially in light of the restrictive language of the first generation of bilateral investment treaties that only accounted for host state obligations vis-à-vis foreign investors. However, with the lapse of time and with the rise of new generation bilateral and multilateral investment agreements and treaties that incorporated rights and obligations for both states and investors, the debate over state counterclaims is taking a different trajectory, with jurisdiction and admissibility concerns becoming less challenging given the increasing clarity in treaty wording, interpretation protocols, and decisions rendered by arbitral tribunals.
Tribunal Dynamics and Arbitral Deliberations
Authors: Derains Yves
Published: August 2024

A three-member tribunal is required to make a myriad of decisions all along the course of the proceedings. Although the deliberation stricto sensu takes place before an award is rendered, a deliberation is also required each time the parties disagree on any issue, from ordering the disclosure of documents to fixing the dates of a hearing. Depending on the personalities and on the independence of its members, the tribunal’s deliberations may be harmonious or ‘pathological’. Whatever the circumstances, several technics are at the presidents’ disposal to make sure that the tribunal will reach a decision in a relatively short time. This decision may be unanimous or not, but it must always be the result of thorough discussions, issue by issue, where each member feels that his or her views have been heard and understood.
The Appeal in International Investment Arbitration
Authors: Chaisse Julien
Published: August 2024

This chapter explores appeals in international investment arbitration. It highlights the absence of a well-defined and universally accepted appellate mechanism in investment arbitration and the resulting concerns regarding the consistency, predictability, and legitimacy of investment dispute resolution. Drawing on evidence from discussions within the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law Working Group III, positions of different countries, and existing investment agreements, this chapter presents a persuasive case for the implementation of an appellate mechanism. It critically analyses the distinctions between a pure appeals mechanism and the concept of a Multilateral Investment Court or bilateral investment courts, evaluating their respective roles, implications for adjudicator selection, and the potential to enhance coherence and legitimacy in investment arbitration. Additionally, the chapter examines specific issues, such as the scope and standards of review, enforcement considerations, and the integration of an appeal procedure into existing conventions and agreements. It highlights the fundamental implications of an appellate mechanism for the future development of international investment arbitration, emphasizing its potential to address critical issues such as legal consistency, accuracy of decisions, and diversity of arbitrators. This chapter contributes to scholarly discussion on the need for an appellate mechanism in investment arbitration and underscores the importance of careful design and implementation to ensure effectiveness, independence, and legitimacy.
Gender and Investment Awards
Authors: Nacimiento Patricia , Alvarado-Garzón Andrés E
Published: August 2024

The legitimacy crisis of investor-state dispute settlement has revealed some concerns about the diversity of arbitrators particularly with respect to gender. States have expressly supported the diversification of the pool of arbitrators and international initiatives over the last years have sought to create awareness and to promote women’s visibility in international arbitration. Yet, statistics in investment arbitration show that women appointed by the disputing parties as arbitrators remain rather the exception. This chapter starts from this premise and develops the impact of more participation of women arbitrators on an investment award. In this vein, gender diversity contributes to the perceived legitimacy of an adjudicative system. This is even more evident in investment arbitration as an adjudicative system of the state’s exercise of public authority, which ultimately reflects on the investment award. Similarly, gender diversity contributes to the quality of the investment award from a sociological perspective as it breaks with the group-thinking phenomenon. Investment awards are thus to benefit from an increased gender diversity both from a legitimacy and quality perspective.
The Visible and Invisible Footprint of New Technologies in Investment Awards
Authors: Fach Gómez Katia
Published: August 2024

This chapter discusses the increasing use of new technologies in investment arbitration, focusing specifically on technology’s role in investment awards. It shows how current awards bear witness to the daily use of utilitarian technology in arbitration proceedings. This is reflected in multiple references in the awards themselves (filing the request for arbitration electronically, widespread use of communication technology among arbitration actors, non-presential case management conferences, electronic submission of documents, remote hearings, deliberations, electronic signatures, transmission of awards, etc). The question as to whether any of the technological elements referred to in arbitration awards themselves might currently be considered a minimum form requirement for investment arbitration awards is also raised. Arbitrators’ and arbitral secretaries’ use of technology—whether utilitarian or disruptive—when creating the content of investment awards is likewise analysed in this chapter. AI-led tools may not be expressly mentioned in award texts, but their use certainly has a practical impact on the awards’ final configuration, which is why this chapter reflects on the appropriateness of resorting to measures to prohibit AI or imposing on arbitrators a duty to disclose AI usage when they draft awards.