bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Venous Thromboembolism in Pregnancy: A Review of Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention
Authors: Kilkenny Katherine , Frishman William
Published: July 2024

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism, is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Physiological changes that occur in a normal pregnancy increase the risk for VTE by 4–5-fold in the antepartum period and 30–60-fold in the immediate postpartum period. Compressive ultrasonography is the diagnostic test of choice for deep vein thrombosis. Both ventilation/perfusion scanning and computed tomography pulmonary angiography can reliably diagnose pulmonary embolism. Anticoagulation for a minimum of 3 months, typically with low molecular weight heparin, is the treatment of choice for pregnancy-associated VTE (PA-VTE). Despite the significant societal burden and potentially devastating consequences, there is a paucity of data surrounding the prevention of PA-VTE, resulting in major variations between international guidelines. This review will summarize the current recommendations for diagnosis, management, and prevention of PA-VTE.
Antidepressive synergism between crocin and D-AP5 in acute restraint-stressed mice
Authors: Gerami Sana-sadat , Ebrahimi-Ghiri Mohaddeseh , Khakpai Fatemeh , Zarrindast Mohammad-Reza
Published: July 2024

Emerging evidence suggests that crocin rescues stress-induced depressive symptoms in mice via stimulation of hippocampal neurogenesis. Glutamate modulators mainly involving N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors (NMDARs) have highlighted a role in neural development, synaptic plasticity, and depression. The research presented here was designed to appraise the interaction between NMDAR agents and crocin on depressive-related behaviors in the NMRI male mice exposed to acute restraint stress (ARS) for a period of 4 h. The mice were submitted to the splash test, forced swimming test, and tail suspension test to evaluate depressive-like behavior. The ARS decreased the grooming duration in the splash test and increased immobility time in the forced swimming test and tail suspension test, suggesting a depressive-like phenotype. NMDA (0.25 and 0.5 μg/mouse, intracerebroventricular) did not alter depression-related profiles in both non–acute restraint stress (NARS) and ARS mice, while the same doses of NMDAR antagonist D-AP5 potentiated the antidepressive-like activities in the ARS mice compared with the NARS mice. Moreover, a low dose of NMDA did not change depression-related parameters in the crocin-treated NARS or ARS mice, while D-AP5 enhanced the crocin response in the NARS and ARS mice. Isobologram analysis noted a synergism between crocin and D-AP5 on antidepressive-like behavior in the NARS and ARS mice. Collectively, the combination of crocin and D-AP5 was shown to mitigate depression symptoms and can be potentially used for the treatment of depression disorders.
Stimulation of central histaminergic transmission attenuates diazepam-induced motor disturbance on rota-rod and beam walking tests in mice
Authors: Patel Richa , Jain Nishant Sudhir
Published: July 2024

Diazepam administration has been shown to influence the release of histamine in various brain areas involved in motor behavior. Therefore, the present study explored the plausible regulatory role of the central histaminergic system in diazepam-induced deficits in motor performance in mice using the rota-rod and beam walking tests. In this study, several doses of diazepam (0.5, 1, 2, and 3 mg/kg, i.p.) were assessed in mice for changes in motor performance on the rota-rod and beam walking test. In addition, the brain histamine levels were determined after diazepam administration, and the diazepam-induced motor deficits were assessed in mice, pretreated centrally (intracerebroventricular) with histaminergic agents such as histamine (0.1, 10 µg), histamine precursor (L-histidine: 0.1, 2.5 µg), histamine neuronal releaser/H3 receptor antagonist (thioperamide: 0.5, 10 µg), H1 and H2 receptor agonist [2-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl) histamine (FMPH: 0.1, 6.5 µg; amthamine: 0.1, 5 µg)/antagonist (H1: cetirizine 0.1 µg) and (H2: ranitidine: 50 µg)]. Results indicate that mice treated with diazepam at doses 1, 2 mg/kg, i.p. significantly increased the brain histamine levels. Moreover, in mice pretreated with histaminergic transmission-enhancing agents, the diazepam (2 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced motor incoordination was significantly reversed. Contrastingly, diazepam (1 mg/kg, i.p.) in its subeffective dose produced significant motor deficits in mice preintracerebroventricular injected with histamine H1 and H2 receptor antagonists on both the employed tests. Therefore, it is postulated that endogenous histamine operates via H1 and H2 receptor activation to alleviate the motor-impairing effects of diazepam.
Minimum Detectable Intakes and Doses for Uranium Bioassays—Comparison between Alpha Spectrometry and ICP-MS
Authors: Rosenberg B. , Johnson A. , Potter C.G. , Antonio C.L.
Published: July 2024

Naturally occurring uranium complicates monitoring for occupational exposures. There are several retroactive methods that can be used to monitor for occupational exposures, with benefits and drawbacks to each. Analysis of uranium in urine by mass spectrometry and alpha spectrometry is compared, and methods of determining an occupational exposure are presented. The minimum detectable concentrations from each analysis and a method for intake determination based on the analytical results are compared for various solubility types and mixtures. Mass spectrometry with radiochemical separation was found to be the most sensitive analysis for detecting occupational exposures to anthropogenic mixtures based on minimum detectable doses calculated from the proposed method for intake determination.
The Predictive Performance of General Surgery Milestones on Post-Graduation Outcomes
Authors: Wirtalla Christopher , Finn Caitlin B. , Acker Rachael , Landau Sarah , Syvyk Solomiya , Holmboe Eric S. , Yamazaki Kenji , Kelz Rachel R.
Published: July 2024

Objective:

To establish whether Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Milestones predict future performance of general surgery trainees.

Summary Background Data:

Milestones provide bi-annual assessments of trainee progress across six competencies. It is unknown whether the Milestones predict surgeon performance after the transition to independent practice.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective cohort study of surgeons with complete Milestone assessments in the fourth and fifth clinical years who treated patients in acute care hospitals within Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania, 2015-2018. To account for the multiple ways in which the Milestone assessments might predict post-graduation outcomes, we included 120 Milestones features in our elastic net machine learning models. The primary outcome was risk-adjusted patient death or serious morbidity.

Results:

278 general surgeons were included in the study. Milestone assessments 6-months into the fourth clinical year displayed a normal score distribution while multicollinearity and low score discrimination at the final assessment period were detected. Individual Milestones features from the Patient Care, Professionalism, and Systems-based Practice domains were most predictive of patient-related outcomes. For example, surgeons with worse patient outcomes had significantly lower scores in Patient Care 3 when compared to surgeons with better patient outcomes (High DSM, yes: 2.86 vs. no: 3.04, P=0.011).

Conclusions:

The Milestones features that were most predictive of better patient outcomes related to intraoperative skills, ethical principles, and patient navigation and safety, measured 12-18 months prior to graduation. The development of a parsimonious set of evidence-based Milestones that better correlate with surgeon experience could enhance surgical education
Visual Electroencephalography Assessment in the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Cognitive Disorders
Authors: Michels Daan M. , van Marum Sjoerd , Arends Samuel , Tavy D. L. J. , Wirtz Paul W. , de Bruijn Bas S. F. T. M.
Published: July 2024

Purpose:

Electroencephalography (EEG) is a noninvasive diagnostic tool that can be of diagnostic value in patients with cognitive disorders. In recent years, increasing emphasis has been on quantitative EEG analysis, which is not easily accessible in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic and prognostic value of visual EEG assessment to distinguish different causes of cognitive disorders.

Methods:

Patients with cognitive disorders from a specialized memory clinic cohort underwent routine workup including EEG, neuropsychological testing and brain imaging. Electroencephalography parameters including posterior dominant rhythm, background activity, and response to photic stimulation (intermittent photic stimulation) were visually scored. Final diagnosis was made by an expert panel.

Results:

A total of 501 patients were included and underwent full diagnostic workup. One hundred eighty-three patients had dementia (111 Alzheimer disease, 30 vascular dementia, 15 frontotemporal dementia, and 9 dementia with Lewy bodies), 66 patients were classified as mild cognitive impairment, and in 176, no neurologic diagnosis was made. Electroencephalography was abnormal in 60% to 90% of patients with mild cognitive impairment and dementia, most profoundly in dementia with Lewy bodies and Alzheimer disease, while frontotemporal dementia had normal EEG relatively often. Only 30% of those without neurologic diagnosis had EEG abnormalities, mainly a diminished intermittent photic stimulation response. Odds ratio of conversion to dementia was 6.1 [1.5–24.7] for patients with mild cognitive impairment with abnormal background activity, compared with those with normal EEG.

Conclusions:

Visual EEG assessment has diagnostic and prognostic value in clinical practice to distinguish patients with memory complaints without underlying neurologic disorder from patients with mild cognitive impairment or dementia.
Genomic study of European Clostridioides difficile ribotype 002/sequence type 8
Authors: Dost Ines , Abdel-Glil Mostafa , Persson Søren , Conza Karen Loaiza , Oleastro Mónica , Alves Frederico , Maurischat Sven , Scholtzek Anissa , Mazuet Christelle , Diancourt Laure , Tenson Tanel , Schmoock Gernot , Neubauer Heinrich , Schwarz Stefan , Seyboldt Christian
Published: July 2024

Clostridioides difficile has significant clinical importance as a leading cause of healthcare-associated infections, with symptoms ranging from mild diarrhoea to severe colitis, and possible life-threatening complications. C. difficile ribotype (RT) 002, mainly associated with MLST sequence type (ST) 8, is one of the most common RTs found in humans. This study aimed at investigating the genetic characteristics of 537 C. difficile genomes of ST8/RT002. To this end, we sequenced 298 C. difficile strains representing a new European genome collection, with strains from Germany, Denmark, France and Portugal. These sequences were analysed against a global dataset consisting of 1,437 ST8 genomes available through Enterobase. Our results showed close genetic relatedness among the studied ST8 genomes, a diverse array of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes and the presence of multiple mobile elements. Notably, the pangenome analysis revealed an open genomic structure. ST8 shows relatively low overall variation. Thus, clonal isolates were found across different One Health sectors (humans, animals, environment and food), time periods, and geographical locations, suggesting the lineage’s stability and a universal environmental source. Importantly, this stability did not hinder the acquisition of AMR genes, emphasizing the adaptability of this bacterium to different selective pressures. Although only 2.4 % (41/1,735) of the studied genomes originated from non-human sources, such as animals, food, or the environment, we identified 9 cross-sectoral core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) clusters. Our study highlights the importance of ST8 as a prominent lineage of C. difficile with critical implications in the context of One Health. In addition, these findings strongly support the need for continued surveillance and investigation of non-human samples to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the epidemiology of C. difficile.
Generation of High-fidelity Blastocyst-like Structures from Porcine Expanded Pluripotent stem cell via Chemically inducing cell plasticity
Authors: Liao Zheng , Qi Xin , Yuan Shijie , Zhang Junfei , hai Na , Gao Xin , Yuan Yang , Du Xuguang , Zhang Shiqiang , Wei Yulei
Published: July 2024

Understanding the mechanisms of blastocyst formation and implantation is crucial for advancing farm animal reproduction. However, research in this area is often hindered by the limited availability of embryos. In this study, we developed an efficient method to generate blastocyst-like structures (termed blastoids) from porcine expanded pluripotent stem cells (pEPSCs) through chemical induction with an efficiency up to 80%. These porcine blastoids closely resemble natural blastocysts in terms of morphology, cell composition, and single-cell transcriptomes. The tissue structures of the blastoids developed over time in culture, resembling the tissue morphology of gastrulation-stage embryos. This innovative approach not only provides a robust in vitro model for studying early embryogenesis in pigs but also holds the potential for improving reproductive efficiency and understanding the developmental processes of large farm animal species. The development of porcine blastoids represents a significant advancement in regenerative medicine and developmental biology.
Long-Range Enhancer Networks Gradually Emerge as Key Regulators During Human Cortical Neurogenesis
Authors: Jia Lumeng , Hou Yingping , Cui Zejia , Luo Xin , Duan Jiali , Guo Jianbin , Shi Minglei , Chen Hebing , Li Tingting , Zhang Fengyun , Su Bing , Zhu Lan , Li Cheng
Published: July 2024

The chromatin in the human brain cortex shows more enhancer-enhancer contacts than in macaques and mice, yet the organization of these contacts across cellular states and their mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we developed SCOPE-C, a cost-effective technique designed for mapping DNase I Hypersensitive Sites and their spatial interactions, with the potential for scalability to single-cell resolution. Employing SCOPE-C, we generated a comprehensive chromatin map detailing cis-regulatory elements in four cell types during neurogenesis in human, macaque, and mouse fetal cortex. This map introduces a model of long-range enhancer networks that regulate gene transcription during human cortical neurogenesis. In this model, CTCF-mediated loop extrusion forms ‘stripes’ of enhancer interaction hubs extending up to 10 Mb in human Excitatory Neurons. Enriched with human-specific enhancers and neuropsychiatric disorder-linked SNPs, these remarkably long-range networks predominantly control EN marker genes, suggesting their critical role in robust gene expression during human cortical neurogenesis.
Robustness of time domain near infrared spectroscopy to variations in skin pigmentation
Authors: Lacerenza Michele , Amendola Caterina , Bargigia Ilaria , Bossi Alessandro , Buttafava Mauro , Calcaterra Valeria , Contini Davide , Damagatla Vamshi , Negretti Fabio , Rossi Virginia , Spinelli Lorenzo , Zanelli Sara , Zuccotti Gianvincenzo , Torricelli Alessandro
Published: July 2024

Recently, skin pigmentation has been shown to affect the performance of pulse oximeters and other light-based techniques like photoacoustic imaging, tissue oximetry, and continuous wave near infrared spectroscopy. Evaluating the robustness to changes in skin pigmentation is therefore essential for the proper use of optical technologies in the clinical scenario. We conducted systematic time domain near infrared spectroscopy measurements on calibrated tissue phantoms andin vivoon volunteers during static and dynamic (i.e., arterial occlusion) measurements. To simulate varying melanosome volume fractions in the skin, we inserted, between the target sample and the measurement probe, thin tissue phantoms made of silicone and nigrosine (skin phantoms). Additionally, we conducted an extensive measurement campaign on a large cohort of pediatric subjects, covering the full spectrum of skin pigmentation. Our findings consistently demonstrate that skin pigmentation has a negligible effect on time domain near infrared spectroscopy results, underscoring the reliability and potential of this emerging technology in diverse clinical settings.
Interplay between the Lyapunov exponents and phase transitions of charged AdS black holes
Authors: Shukla Bhaskar , Das Pranaya Pratik , Dudal David , Mahapatra Subhash
Published: July 2024

We study the relationship between the standard or extended thermodynamic phase structure of various anti–de Sitter black holes and the Lyapunov exponents associated with the null and timelike geodesics. We consider dyonic, Bardeen, Gauss-Bonnet, and Lorentz-symmetry breaking massive gravity black holes and calculate the Lyapunov exponents of massless and massive particles in unstable circular geodesics close to the black hole. We find that the thermal profile of the Lyapunov exponents exhibits distinct behavior in the small and large black hole phases and can encompass certain aspects of the van der Waals type small/large black hole phase transition. We further analyze the properties of Lyapunov exponents as an order parameter and find that its critical exponent is 1/2, near the critical point for all black holes considered here.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Entropy of dynamical black holes
Authors: Hollands Stefan , Wald Robert M. , Zhang Victor G.
Published: July 2024

We propose a new formula for the entropy of a dynamical black hole—valid to leading order for perturbations off of a stationary black hole background—in an arbitrary classical diffeomorphism covariant Lagrangian theory of gravity in n dimensions. In stationary eras, this formula agrees with the usual Noether charge formula, but in nonstationary eras, we obtain a nontrivial correction term. In particular, in general relativity, our formula for the entropy of a dynamical black hole differs from the standard Bekenstein-Hawking formula A/4 by a term involving the integral of the expansion of the null generators of the horizon. We show that, to leading perturbative order, our dynamical entropy in general relativity is equal to 1/4 of the area of the apparent horizon. Our formula for entropy in a general theory of gravity is obtained from the requirement that a “local physical process version” of the first law of black hole thermodynamics hold for perturbations of a stationary black hole. It follows immediately that for first order perturbations sourced by external matter that satisfies the null energy condition, our entropy obeys the second law of black hole thermodynamics. For vacuum perturbations, the leading-order change in entropy occurs at second order in perturbation theory, and the second law is obeyed at leading order if and only if the modified canonical energy flux is positive (as is the case in general relativity but presumably would not hold in more general theories of gravity). Our formula for the entropy of a dynamical black hole differs from a formula proposed independently by Dong and by Wall. We obtain the general relationship between their formula and ours. We then consider the generalized second law in semiclassical gravity for first order perturbations of a stationary black hole. We show that the validity of the quantum null energy condition (QNEC) on a Killing horizon is equivalent to the generalized second law using our notion of black hole entropy but using a modified notion of von Neumann entropy for matter. On the other hand, the generalized second law for the Dong-Wall entropy is equivalent to an integrated version of QNEC, using the unmodified von Neumann entropy for the entropy of matter.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Beyond 741.5: creating an identity for graphic novels in an academic library’s curriculum materials center
Authors: Casey Taylor R. , Trask Gina M.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review an existing graphic novel collection in the curriculum materials center of an academic library. The review would result in a clear identity for the collection and guide the creation of revised collection development, management and cataloging processes.

Design/methodology/approach

The physical and bibliographic identities of each individual graphic novel were reviewed and compared with collection development tools.

Findings

The review revealed a mismatch between the physical and bibliographic markers applied to some graphic novels and inconsistencies in the assignment of items based on audience and literature type. At the completion of the project, 43% of the graphic novels were reassigned based on audience, literature type or both.

Originality/value

There is limited research about the collection challenges and needs of graphic novels in juvenile and curriculum materials collections within academic libraries. This research details the process used to evaluate the collection and create a physical and bibliographic identity that fits the needs of the library’s users.
Use of machine learning in determining the parameters of viscoplastic models
Authors: Halamka Jiří , Bartošák Michal
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The constitutive models determine the mechanical response to the defined loading based on model parameters. In this paper, the inverse problem is researched, i.e. the identification of the model parameters based on the loading and responses of the material. The conventional methods for determining the parameters of constitutive models often demand significant computational time or extensive model knowledge for manual calibration. The aim of this paper is to introduce an alternative method, based on artificial neural networks, for determining the parameters of a viscoplastic model.

Design/methodology/approach

An artificial neural network was proposed to determine nine material parameters of a viscoplastic model using data from three half-life hysteresis loops. The proposed network was used to determine the material parameters from uniaxial low-cycle fatigue experimental data of an aluminium alloy obtained at elevated temperatures and three different mechanical strain rates.

Findings

A reasonable correlation between experimental and numerical data was achieved using the determined material parameters.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils a need to research alternative methods of identifying material parameters.
High school graduates navigating the workplace in South Korea: challenges, strategies and the role of HRD
Authors: Cho Hyerim , Sisco Stephanie
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Education-based discrimination has not received sufficient attention within the field of human resource development (HRD), which can provide practical interventions to help solve the hardships of high school graduate employees (HSGEs). This paper aims to bring this issue to the forefront by framing the current marginalization of South Korean HSGEs as an individual-level issue that has repercussions to early career development, and also as an organizational-level issue that has implications on workplace learning and development.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used an integrative literature review method by analyzing studies that have focused on the challenges faced by HSGEs. The objective was to identify patterns of their experiences and call attention to strategies they utilize to cope with the marginality they face in the workforce. The Korea Citation Index (KCI), a database that manages Korean domestic journals, was used. In total, 187 articles were found, and 15 articles succinctly matched the research criteria.

Findings

HSGEs struggled with employment unreadiness and faced discrimination based on their academic background, young age and low-rank position within organizations. In turn, they were vulnerable to poor working conditions (e.g., high work intensity, long working hours, etc.). These challenges led HSGEs to pursue a college degree and/or engage in workplace learning.

Originality/value

The use of critical human resource development (CHRD) has typically been limited within a South Korean context. We deliberately applied a critical perspective to raise awareness about how contemporary forms of marginality have gone unchecked, specifically by interrogating the exclusion and disempowerment experienced by HSGEs.
Familiarity as main predictors of emotional contagion at work in Japan
Authors: Magnier-Watanabe Remy , Benton Caroline , Orsini Philippe , Uchida Toru
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Subjective well-being has attracted attention in relation to its impact on job satisfaction and performance. As a result, companies would do well to encourage positive emotions and minimize negative ones in the workplace. This study aims to examine the factors that contribute to emotional contagion in the workplace in Japan.

Design/methodology/approach

The study builds upon previous research on emotional contagion by considering both personal and professional events using vignette questions and multiple regression analysis. A large group of permanent Japanese employees is included in the study.

Findings

Emotional contagion in the Japanese workplace was found to be primarily influenced by the level of familiarity between sender and receiver, and to a lesser extent by the receiver’s emotional susceptibility, group climate and the hierarchical difference between sender and receiver. Contrary to past research in other countries, several hypothesized predictors had little or no effect on emotional contagion among Japanese employees, such as communication frequency or empathy.

Practical implications

Given the persistent labor shortage and aging population, it is crucial for Japanese companies to understand how positive and negative emotions are transmitted in the workplace. This knowledge can assist them in establishing a work environment that can optimize employee well-being, performance and retention.

Originality/value

While the antecedents of emotional contagion have been extensively studied, their effects within Japanese corporations remain underexplored. Thus, this research investigates the factors that can foster the contagion of positive emotions while mitigating the transmission of negative emotions within the Japanese workplace, thereby addressing the prevailing challenges faced by Japanese companies.
Strategic responses of the clients of multinational audit firms to corporate governance audit regulation
Authors: Abdul-Baki Zayyad , Diab Ahmed , Yusuf Abdelrhman
Published: July 2024

Purpose

We investigate how existing investment in strong external corporate governance mechanism—use of Big 4 audit firms—affect compliance with corporate governance audit (CGA) regulation in Nigeria and Kenya. While both countries are characterized by weak enforcement, they differ in their corporate governance audit regulatory strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts neo-institutional theory as a theoretical framework and uses logit and probit models and generalized estimating equations as empirical models to test the hypotheses developed.

Findings

The study finds that persuasive coercive isomorphism provides reputational benefits to clients of multinational audit firms in Kenya and encourages them to conduct and report their CGA. In Nigeria, clients of multinational audit firms are less likely to conduct CGA as there is no persuasive coercive isomorphism in place. We also find many internal corporate governance variables to positively influence CGA.

Practical implications

The success of any regulation is dependent on the level of compliance by regulated entities. As clients of multinational audit firms usually have the motivation and resources to employ such high quality audit firms, it is expected that if they are well motivated, they will commit similar level of resources to conducting CGA. In Nigeria, the Financial Reporting Council should develop some persuasive measures to encourage clients of multinational audit firms to conduct CGA. In both Nigeria and Kenya, enforcement of internal corporate governance frameworks should be strengthened.

Originality/value

This is the first study to explore how regulatory strategies affect strategic responses of regulated entities to CGA regulation, introducing a new dimension to the ESG literature.
Japanese encephalitis virus infection causes reactive oxygen species‐mediated skeletal muscle damage
Authors: Singh Gajendra , Singh Kulwant , Sinha Rohit A. , Singh Anjali , Khushi  , Kumar Alok
Published: July 2024

Skeletal muscle wasting is a clinically proven pathology associated with Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) infection; however, underlying factors that govern skeletal muscle damage are yet to be explored. The current study aims to investigate the pathobiology of skeletal muscle damage using a mouse model of JEV infection. Our study reveals a significant increment in viral copy number in skeletal muscle post‐JEV infection, which is associated with enhanced skeletal muscle cell death. Molecular and biochemical analysis confirms NOX2‐dependent generation of reactive oxygen species, leading to autophagy flux inhibition and cell apoptosis. Along with this, an alteration in mitochondrial dynamics (change in fusion and fission process) and a decrease in the total number of mitochondria copies were found during JEV disease progression. The study represents the initial evidence of skeletal muscle damage caused by JEV and provides insights into potential avenues for therapeutic advancement.
Seeing through the forms ‐ towards a Platonic indirect realism
Authors: de Ray Christophe
Published: July 2024

Universals in the Platonic tradition were intended to play both metaphysical and epistemological roles. The contemporary debate around universals has focused overwhelmingly on the former, with even ‘platonists’ typically holding that our knowledge of universals is derived from our knowledge of particulars. In contrast, I wish to argue for the epistemological primacy of the universal: specifically, I defend the thesis that we perceive particulars as a result of knowing universals, and not the other way around. My argument draws from the work of Malebranche, who notoriously contended that we see ordinary objects through the immutable ‘ideas’. I conclude with the suggestion that the resulting account of the relationship between our knowledge of universals and our perception of particulars may be thought of as a kind of Platonic indirect realism.
Water use and radiation balance of miscanthus and corn on marginal land in the coastal plain region of North Carolina
Authors: Carvalho Henrique D. R. , Howard Adam M. , Crozier Carl R. , Johnson Amy M. , Sayde Chadi , Chinn Mari S. , Godfrey Edward E. , Heitman Joshua L.
Published: July 2024

Miscanthus is a perennial grass that can yield substantial amounts of biomass in land areas considered marginal. In the Coastal Plain region of North Carolina, marginal lands are typically located in coarse‐textured soils with low nutrient retention and water‐holding capacity, and high erosivity potential. Little is known about miscanthus water use under these conditions. We conducted a study to better understand the efficiency with which miscanthus uses natural resources such as water and radiant energy to produce harvestable dry biomass in comparison to corn, a typical commodity crop grown in the region. We hypothesized that under non‐limiting soil water conditions, miscanthus would have greater available energy and water use rates owing to its greater leaf area, thus leading to greater agronomic yields. Conversely, these effects would be negated under drought conditions. Our measurements showed that miscanthus intercepted more radiant energy than corn, which led to greater albedo (by 0.05), lower net radiation (by 4% or 0.4 MJ m−2 day−1), and lower soil heat flux (by 69% or 1.0 MJ m−2 day−1) than corn on average. Consequently, miscanthus had greater available energy (by 7% or 0.6 MJ m−2 day−1) and water use rates (by 14% or 0.5 mm day−1) than corn throughout the growing season on average, which partially confirmed our hypothesis. Greater water use rates and radiation interception by miscanthus did not translate to greater water‐use (1.5 g kg−1 vs. 1.6 g kg−1) and radiation‐use (0.9 g MJ−1 vs. 1.1 g MJ−1) efficiencies than corn. Compared to literature values, our data indicated that water and radiation availability were not limiting at our study site. Thus, it is likely that marginal land features present at the Coastal Plain region such as low soil fertility and high air temperatures throughout the growing season may constrain agronomic yields even if soil water and radiant energy are non‐limiting.
A cross‐sectional study of the relationship between missed nursing care and conscientious intelligence in hospital nurses
Authors: Tiryaki Sen Hanife , Taskiran Eskici Gulcan , Ciftcioglu Gulcan
Published: July 2024

Aim

To examine the relationship between missed nursing care and conscientious intelligence.

Background

Missed nursing care is a globally common patient safety issue that threatens quality nursing care. Current studies mainly focus on the relationship between missed nursing care and external factors such as nurse, unit and hospital characteristics. However, internal factors, such as the conscientious intelligence of nurses, are also very important for missed nursing care. Moreover, the relationship between missed nursing care and conscientious intelligence has not been examined so far. This study will contribute to filling this gap in the literature.

Methods

This is a descriptive correlational study. The study sample consisted of 514 nurses working in a city in the southeastern region of Türkiye, reached by convenience sampling method. Study data were collected between 30 January and 30 June 2021. Descriptive statistics, difference statistics, Pearson correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis were performed.

Results

Nurses missed nursing care at an occasional level (1.66 ± 0.63), and their conscientious intelligence score was high (131.26 ± 19.24). Conscientious intelligence alone accounted for 10.6% of the variance in missed nursing care. As nurses’ conscientious intelligence levels increase, the level of missed nursing care decreases. Gender, education level, satisfaction with being a nurse and patient‐to‐nurse ratios had a statistically significant effect on missed nursing care scores.

Conclusion

Missed nursing care decreased as nurses’ conscientious intelligence increased. Although nurses need to be knowledgeable and competent in caregiving, it is also necessary to consider their conscientious intelligence in patient care.

Implications for nursing and health policy

Organizations and nurse managers could improve nursing care by implementing strategies to increase nurses’ conscientious intelligence. For this, they would need to encourage nurses to receive training on sensitivity, awareness, ethical decision‐making and ethical sensitivity. Moreover, nurse managers should be role models and leaders in compliance with personal and professional values and ethical standards to improve nursing care.
Characterisation of sleep apneas and respiratory circuitry in mice lacking CDKL5
Authors: Matteoli Gabriele , Alvente Sara , Bastianini Stefano , Berteotti Chiara , Ciani Elisabetta , Cinelli Elenia , Lo Martire Viviana , Medici Giorgio , Mello Tommaso , Miglioranza Elena , Silvani Alessandro , Mutolo Donatella , Zoccoli Giovanna
Published: July 2024

CDKL5 deficiency disorder is a rare genetic disease caused by mutations in the CDKL5 gene. Central apneas during wakefulness have been reported in patients with CDKL5 deficiency disorder. Studies on CDKL5‐knockout mice, a CDKL5 deficiency disorder model, reported sleep apneas, but it is still unclear whether these events are central (central sleep apnea) or obstructive (obstructive sleep apnea) and may be related to alterations of brain circuits that modulate breathing rhythm. This study aimed to discriminate central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea in CDKL5‐knockout mice, and explore changes in the somatostatin neurons expressing high levels of neurokinin‐1 receptors within the preBötzinger complex. Ten adult male wild‐type and 12 CDKL5‐knockout mice underwent electrode implantation for sleep stage discrimination and diaphragmatic activity recording, and were studied using whole‐body plethysmography for 7 hr during the light (resting) period. Sleep apneas were categorised as central sleep apnea or obstructive sleep apnea based on the recorded signals. The number of somatostatin neurons in the preBötzinger complex and their neurokinin‐1 receptors expression were assessed through immunohistochemistry in a sub‐group of animals. CDKL5‐knockout mice exhibited a higher apnea occurrence rate and a greater prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea during rapid eye movement sleep, compared with wild‐type, whereas no significant difference was observed for central sleep apnea. Moreover, CDKL5‐knockout mice showed a reduced number of somatostatin neurons in the preBötzinger complex, and these neurons expressed a lower level of neurokinin‐1 receptors compared with wild‐type controls. These findings underscore the pivotal role of CDKL5 in regulating normal breathing, suggesting its potential involvement in shaping preBötzinger complex neural circuitry and controlling respiratory muscles during sleep.
Scottish mountain hares do not respond behaviorally to camouflage mismatch
Authors: Zimova Marketa , Newey Scott , Denny Becks , Pedersen Simen , Scott Mills L.
Published: July 2024

Climate change has resulted in a myriad of stressors to wild organisms. Phenotypic plasticity, including behavioral plasticity, is hypothesized to play a key role in allowing animals to cope with rapid climate change and mitigate its negative fitness consequences. Camouflage mismatch resulting from decreasing duration of snow cover presents a stressor to species that undergo coat color molts to maintain camouflage against seasonally changing backgrounds. Winter white animals appear highly conspicuous against dark, snowless background and experience increased predation‐induced mortality. Here, we evaluate the potential of behavioral plasticity to buffer against camouflage mismatch in mountain hares Lepus timidus in Scotland. We carried out field surveys in three populations over two years and found no evidence that hares modify their behaviors in response to increasing camouflage mismatch. Hares did not prefer to rest closer to light‐colored rocks or farther from conspecifics with increasing color contrast. Furthermore, whiter hares did not seek to rest closer to snowy backgrounds; rather, hares preferred to sit farther from snow. These results suggest that behavioral plasticity might not be a universal, rapid mechanism facilitating adaptation to climate change.

Keywords: behavioral plasticity, camouflage, climate change, mountain hares, phenological mismatch
Trust platforms: The digitalization of corporate governance and the transformation of trust in polycentric space
Authors: Backer Larry Catá
Published: July 2024

This contribution considers the revolution in the concept and practice of trust in corporate governance that first moved from trust in “people” to trust in “compliance,” setting the stage for the digitization of trust measures and the digitalization of compliance. Part One examines the fundamental challenge, one that arises from the near simultaneous shift in cultural expectations about trust from trust in character to trust in measurement, and then the rise of cultures of data driven systems of compliance and accountability. Part Two then considers the transformation brought by challenge responses in the form of three closely interlinked impulses: digitization, digitalization of compliance‐accountability regimes, and the emergence of platforms as spaces for trust interactions among stakeholders. Part Three then examines the current shape of these iterative dialectics, including connections between platforms and polycentric trust governance, and the detachment of trust from the entity that is its subject.
Asymptotics of polynomials orthogonal with respect to a generalized Freud weight with application to special function solutions of Painlevé‐IV
Authors: Barhoumi Ahmad
Published: July 2024

We obtain asymptotics of polynomials satisfying the orthogonality relations
where the complex parameter is in the so‐called two‐cut region. As an application, we deduce asymptotic formulas for certain families of solutions of Painlevé‐IV which are indexed by a nonnegative integer and can be written in terms of parabolic cylinder functions. The proofs are based on the characterization of orthogonal polynomials in terms of a Riemann–Hilbert problem and the Deift–Zhou nonlinear steepest descent method.
Effect of plasma discharge pulse length for GaN film crystallinity on sapphire substrate by high density convergent plasma sputtering device
Authors: Misono Itsuki , Motomura Taisei , Tabaru Tatsuo , Uehara Masato , Okuyama Tetsuya
Published: July 2024

Plasma discharge pulse length (tPLength) was investigated for its impact on the crystallinity of GaN films deposited on a sapphire substrate using a high-density convergent plasma sputtering device (CPSD). The study covered tPLength values from 1 to 200 ms, maintaining the substrate temperature at 200 °C. GaN films showed preferential orientation along the (0002) plane for all tPLength settings. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed a heteroepitaxial-like growth pattern with a sixfold symmetric diffraction pattern corresponding to GaN{10−10} planes. At a tPLength of 200 ms, the full width at half maximum of the rocking curve at GaN (0002) diffraction angle decreased to 1.6°. Optimizing the deposition rate per plasma discharge pulse with CPSD indicated the importance of selecting an optimal tPLength for achieving desirable crystalline properties in GaN film sputtering deposition.
Inhibition of thermochemical erosion by different coatings attached to the barrel chamber at high temperature and supersonic environments
Authors: Li Shuli , Yang Guolai , Wang Liqun , Xue Liguo
Published: July 2024

Exploring the thermochemical erosion mechanism and inhibiting the thermochemical erosion reaction is essential to improve the service life of the barrel weapon. Due to high temperature and supersonic environments of the barrel weapon, the current research on its thermochemical erosion has only stopped at the final failure moment. This paper designs an erosion analog device to simulate harsh launch environments and to investigate the erosion mechanism through a combination of removable samples. The removable samples consist of five types: artillery steel sample, Cr-plated coating sample, Cr-plated coating with laser shock peening sample, tantalum magnetron sputtering coating sample, and nano-enhanced coating sample. With 200 times erosion experiments, samples have appeared with different degrees of erosion acceleration, in which the Cr-plated coating with laser shock peening sample has the least cracks and the best corrosion inhibition performance. In addition, Cr-plated coating with laser shock peening samples with diameters of 80, 100, and 120 μm are designed, and the erosion experiments reveal that the 80 μm sample shows the best erosion inhibition performance.
High-resolution urban air pollution mapping
Authors: Apte Joshua S. , Manchanda Chirag
Published: July 2024

Variation in urban air pollution arises because of complex spatial, temporal, and chemical processes, which profoundly affect population exposure, human health, and environmental justice. This Review highlights insights from two popular in situ measurement methods—mobile monitoring and dense sensor networks—that have distinct but complementary strengths in characterizing the dynamics and impacts of the multidimensional urban air quality system. Mobile monitoring can measure many pollutants at fine spatial scales, thereby informing about processes and control strategies. Sensor networks excel at providing temporal resolution at many locations. Increasingly sophisticated studies leveraging both methods can vividly identify spatial and temporal patterns that affect exposures and disparities and offer mechanistic insight toward effective interventions. This Review summarizes the strengths and limitations of these methods and discusses their implications for understanding fine-scale processes and impacts.
Harnessing science, policy, and law to deliver clean air
Authors: Lewis Alastair , Misonne Delphine , Scotford Eloise
Published: July 2024

Despite increasing evidence and awareness, many countries continue to have weak air quality regimes
Left in the dust
Authors: González Roberto
Published: July 2024

Communities living near mine wastes breathe air laden with potentially toxic dust. Health effects are now emerging
Management of isopropyl nitrate-induced methaemoglobinaemia in pregnancy
Authors: Wallace Blair , Doran Niamh , Vincent Claire
Published: July 2024

A pregnant female in her early 30s presented with cyanosis and oxygen saturation of 78%. She ingested isopropyl nitrate mistaking it for cannabidiol. Her arterial blood gas showed a methaemoglobin of >30% (outside the measuring range). She was treated with 120 mg of methylthioninium chloride (2 mg/kg) and symptoms improved. Her pregnancy progressed but was induced at 36 weeks because her child was small for gestational age. Methaemoglobinaemia is a rare presentation in pregnancy. There have been no reported cases of isopropyl nitrate-induced methaemoglobinaemia in pregnancy. Historically, intra-amniotic methylthioninium chloride was used in amniocentesis but use stopped after links to fetal malformations and neonatal death were made. There is no evidence outlining the risks of isopropyl nitrate in pregnancy and limited data on fetal effects from maternal exposure to intravenous methylthioninium chloride. This case adds to the evidence that treating methaemoglobinaemia may outweigh the risks of maternal exposure to methylthioninium chloride.