bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interdependency and differential expression of ERK1 and ERK2 in breast and melanoma cell lines
Authors: Moulik Shuvojit , Karmakar Sayantani , Basu Asmita , Ali Mahammad , Chatterjee Amitava
Published: September 2024

Background

Regulatory mechanism of ERK1 and ERK2, their mechanisms of action, and how they impact on development, growth, and homeostasis of different organisms have been given much emphasis for long. ERK1 and 2 though are isoforms of ERK mitogen-activated protein kinase but are coded by two different genes MAPK3 and MAPK1 respectively and show differential expressions and interdependency in different cancer cell lines. Our previous investigations substantially stated the effect of ERK1 and ERK2 on different extracellular molecules like MMPs and integrins, responsible for cell growth and differentiation. Here, we aim to study individual roles of ERK1 and ERK2 and their interdependency in progression and invasiveness in various cancer cell lines.

Methods

Different cancer cell lines namely B16F10 (melanoma), MCF7, and MDAMB231 (breast cancer) for studying this particular question were used. Methodologies like gelatin zymography, immunoprecipitation, Western blotting, cell invasion assay, wound healing assay, siRNA transfection, and double transfection procedures were followed for our study.

Results

Our findings suggest compensation for ERK2 deficiency by pERK1, clear ERK2 predominance in MCF7 cell line, ERK1-ERK2 interdependency in MDAMB231 cells with regard to compensating each other, and significant role of both ERK1 and ERK2 in modulation of MMP9.

Conclusion

If summarized, our results prove the contribution of ERK2 in compensating ERK1 loss and vice versa and an evident role of ERK1 in cancer cell invasiveness.
NeuroCARE: A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Psychological Intervention for Caregivers of Patients With Primary Malignant Brain Tumors
Authors: Forst Deborah A. , Podgurski Alyx F. , Strander Sumita M. , Whitman Jessica D. , Datta Shibani , Pintro Kedie , Horick Nora K. , Willis Kelcie D. , Sannes Timothy S. , Greer Joseph A. , El-Jawahri Areej , Jacobs Jamie M. , Temel Jennifer S.
Published: September 2024

PURPOSE

Caregivers of patients with primary malignant brain tumors (PMBT) experience significant psychological distress. We assessed the effect of a psychological intervention (NeuroCARE) on anxiety symptoms among PMBT caregivers.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized trial of NeuroCARE versus usual care in PMBT caregivers with elevated anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 score ≥5) within 6 months of the patient's diagnosis. NeuroCARE was developed for PMBT caregivers and consists of six telehealth sessions with a behavioral health specialist. Participants completed surveys at baseline, 11-week (postintervention), and 16-week (1-month postintervention) time points. The primary outcome was 11-week anxiety symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]-Anxiety Subscale). We also measured depression symptoms (HADS-Depression Subscale), quality of life (QOL; Caregiver QOL survey), caregiver burden (Caregiver Reaction Assessment), self-efficacy (Lewis Cancer Self-Efficacy Scale), coping (Measure of Current Status), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5). We conducted analysis of covariance and linear mixed-effects regression analyses to examine intervention effects on study outcomes.

RESULTS

We enrolled 120 caregivers (60/group) between October 2019 and June 2022; 105 were evaluable for the primary outcome. At 11 weeks, NeuroCARE participants reported significantly lower anxiety symptoms than usual care participants (
M
, 8.87
v
10.69;
P
= .008). NeuroCARE caregivers also reported significantly lower depression symptoms (
M
, 6.08
v
7.77;
P
= .004), and better self-efficacy (
M
, 128.81
v
111.17;
P
< .001) and coping (
M
, 32.25
v
25.65;
P
< .001) at 11 weeks. Study groups did not differ significantly in 11-week QOL, caregiver burden, or PTSD symptoms. In longitudinal analyses, intervention effects on depression symptoms, self-efficacy, and coping were sustained.

CONCLUSION

A novel, population-specific psychological intervention led to improved anxiety and depression symptoms, self-efficacy, and coping among PMBT caregivers.
Segmental Adrenal Venous Sampling in Unilateral Primary Aldosteronism With Apparent Bilateral Aldosterone Suppression
Authors: Miyamoto Shotaro , Yoshida Yuichi , Miyamoto Shuhei , Nishida Haruto , Asayama Yoshiki , Shibata Hirotaka
Published: September 2024

Apparent bilateral adrenal suppression (ABAS), where aldosterone/cortisol ratios in both adrenal veins are lower than in the inferior vena cava, yields uninterpretable adrenal venous sampling (AVS) results and is poorly understood. A 57-year-old male with hypertension and spontaneous hypokalemia was admitted to our hospital. Confirmatory tests established a diagnosis of primary aldosteronism (PA). Initial AVS indicated ABAS, but unilateral PA remained possible due to elevated aldosterone, low renin, hypokalemia, and a right adrenal nodule (8 × 7 mm) on computed tomography. Subsequently, a second, super-selective AVS identified tributaries from areas of aldosterone hypersecretion, enabling accurate localization of unilateral PA. ABAS may occur due to anatomical factors such as dilution by tributaries from nonaldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) areas with suppressed aldosterone production. Super-selective AVS proves beneficial in diagnosing unilateral PA concealed within ABAS by pinpointing tributaries from APA regions.
Sex Differences in Ambulatory Biomechanics: A Meta-Analysis Providing a Mechanistic Insight into Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: YAMAGATA MOMOKO , KIMURA TETSUYA , CHANG ALISON H. , IIJIMA HIROTAKA
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Females typically present with a higher prevalence of knee osteoarthritis (KOA), and such a higher prevalence may be due to unique knee biomechanics during walking. However, the sex-dependent ambulatory mechanics has been yet to be clarified. To address this critical knowledge gap, this study implemented a series of computational approaches 1) to identify sex-related knee joint biomechanics during ambulation in persons with KOA and 2) to compare these biomechanical measures between individuals with versus without KOA, stratified by sex.

Methods

We searched five electronic databases for studies reporting sex-specific knee biomechanics in persons with and/or without KOA. Summary estimates were computed using random-effects meta-analysis and stratified by sex.

Results

The systematic review identified 18 studies (308 males and 383 females with KOA; 740 males and 995 females without KOA). A series of meta-analyses identified female-specific knee biomechanics in a disease-dependent manner. Females with KOA had lower first peak knee adduction moment and peak knee adduction compared with male counterparts. On the other hand, healthy females had lower peak knee flexion moment than male counterparts. Effect estimate in each meta-analysis displayed poor quality of evidence according to the GRADE approach.

Conclusions

The current study is the first to consider sex as a biological variable into ambulatory mechanics in the development of KOA. We discovered that sex-dependent alterations in knee biomechanics is a function of the presence of KOA, indicating that KOA disease may be a driver of the sex-dependent biomechanical alterations or vice versa. Although no strong conclusion can be drawn because of the low quality of evidence, these findings provide new insight into the sex differences in ambulatory knee biomechanics and progression of KOA.
Effects of Lower Limb Heat Therapy, Exercise Training, or a Combined Intervention on Vascular Function: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: CHENG JEM L. , PIZZOLA CHRISTINA A. , MATTOOK KEIRA C. , NOGUCHI KENNETH S. , ARMSTRONG CALVIN M. , BAGRI GURLEEN K. , MACDONALD MAUREEN J.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of 8 wk of no intervention (CON), lower limb heat therapy (HEAT), moderate-intensity exercise training (EX), or combined training and therapy (HEATEX) in young, healthy recreationally active adults.

Methods

Sixty participants (23 ± 3 yr, 30 females) were randomly allocated into CON (n = 15), HEAT (n = 15), EX (n = 14), or HEATEX (n = 16). The primary outcome was vascular function, assessed through brachial artery flow-mediated dilation tests. Secondary measures included arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity), cardiorespiratory fitness (V̇O2peak), body composition, and quadriceps muscle strength.

Results

There were no differences in brachial artery flow-mediated dilation between the groups before and after the interventions (all P > 0.05). Both interventions with a heating component were associated with within-group reductions in carotid-femoral pulse wave, and increase in absolute and relative V̇O2peak after 8 wk (HEAT: ∆−0.27 [−0.53, −0.02] m s−1, ∆0.18 [0.06, 0.29] L·min−1, ∆2.18 [0.60, 3.76] mL·kg−1·min−1, respectively; HEATEX: ∆−0.33 [−0.58, −0.09], ∆0.21 [0.11, 0.32] L·min−1, ∆2.59 [1.06, 4.12] mL·kg−1·min−1, respectively), but no between-group differences were observed (P = 0.25, P = 0.21, and P = 0.55, respectively). There was also a within-group decrease in body fat percentage with EX (∆−1.37 [−2.45, −0.29] %), but no changes in leg strength in any of the groups (P = 0.79).

Conclusions

This randomized controlled trial is the first to examine the efficacy of lower limb heating against traditionally prescribed exercise training. In our young cohort, 8 wk of training and/or therapy was insufficient to improve vascular function. More intense protocols and longer interventions involving lower limb heating may be required to elicit improvements in health outcomes.
Evaluating Gait with Force Sensing Insoles 6 Months after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: An Autograft Comparison
Authors: CHERELSTEIN RACHEL E. , KUENZE CHRISTOPHER , HARKEY MATTHEW S. , WALASZEK MICHELLE C. , GROZIER COREY , BRUMFIELD EMILY R. , LEWIS JENNIFER N. , HUGHES GARRISON A. , CHANG EDWARD S.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Aberrant knee mechanics during gait 6 months after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) are associated with markers of knee cartilage degeneration. The purpose of this study was to compare loading during walking gait in quadriceps tendon, bone–patellar tendon–bone (BPTB), and hamstring tendon autograft patients 6 months post-ACLR using loadsol single sensor insoles, and to evaluate associations between loading and patient-reported outcomes.

Methods

Seventy-two patients (13 to 40 yr) who underwent unilateral, primary ACLR with BPTB, quadriceps tendon, or hamstring tendon autograft completed treadmill gait assessment, the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) survey, and the ACL-Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI) survey 6 ± 1 months post-ACLR. Ground reaction forces were collected using loadsols. Limb symmetry indices (LSI) for peak impact force (PIF), loading response instantaneous loading rate (ILR), and loading response average loading rate (ALR) were compared between groups using separate analyses of covariance. Survey scores were compared between groups using one-way ANOVAs. The relationships between IKDC, ACL-RSI, and LSI were compared using Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficients.

Results

There were no significant differences between graft sources for LSI in PIF, ILR, ALR, or impulse. Patient-reported knee function was significantly different between graft source groups with the BPTB group reporting the highest IKDC scores; however, there was no significant difference between groups for ACL-RSI score. There were no significant associations between IKDC score, ACL-RSI score, and biomechanical symmetry among any of the graft source groups.

Conclusions

Autograft type does not influence PIF, ILR, ALR, or impulse during walking 6 months post-ACLR. Limb symmetry during gait is not strongly associated with patient-reported outcomes regardless of graft source. Loadsols appear to be a suitable tool for use in the clinical rehabilitation setting.
DIREITOS E GARANTIAS DAS PESSOAS IDOSAS
Authors: Silva Cândido da Costa , Casagranda Yasmin Gomes
Published: September 2024

Este estudo consiste em uma revisão sistemática da literatura e tem como objetivo identificar um retrato das políticas públicas brasileiras de amparo e proteção às pessoas idosas diante da previsão de direitos e garantias constitucionais. Utilizou-se a estratégia PICOC (population, intervention, comparison, outcome, context), gerando uma string de busca aplicada à base de dados Scopus, e, em consulta direta à Capes e Google Scholar, foram selecionados 22 artigos científicos. De forma subsidiária, acrescentaram-se 36 fontes bibliográficas e documental de consulta a atos normativos e dispositivos da legislação nacional e internacional, totalizando 58 documentos. Os resultados permitiram identificar que o tema Políticas Públicas é transversal ao objeto de estudo, e tais ações nem sempre atingem os resultados esperados, reconhecendo-se a necessidade de se estabelecer indicadores de desempenho para o acompanhamento dessas políticas e programas governamentais.
Εθνικισμός και λαϊκισμός στο διαδίκτυο
Authors: Ζάραλη Καλλιόπη
Published: September 2024

Αντικείμενο αυτής της εργασίας αποτελούν οι «διεθνείς ειδήσεις» στην Ελλάδα και ο τρόπος που καλύπτονται από τις ενημερωτικές σελίδες στο Διαδίκτυο. Η έρευνα εστιάζει σε δύο διαχρονικά χαρακτηριστικά του εξωτερικού ρεπορτάζ στα ελληνικά ΜΜΕ, τον εθνοκεντρισμό και τον εθνικολαϊκισμό, σε αντιπαραβολή με τον κοσμοπολιτισμό. Με αφετηρία τη θεωρία του πολιτισμικού δυισμού η διατριβή αυτή επιδιώκει να εντοπίσει τη συγκρουσιακή συνύπαρξη της παρωχημένης και της μεταρρυθμιστικής κουλτούρας στις αφηγήσεις των Ελλήνων δημοσιογράφων για τον κόσμο σε συνάρτηση με τη θέση της Ελλάδας μέσα σε αυτόν. Χρησιμοποιώντας ως μεθοδολογικά εργαλεία την Κριτική Ανάλυση Λόγου (Critical Discourse Analysis) και τη θεωρία της Πλαισίωσης (Framing Theory), η έρευνα αναζητά στοιχεία που να καταδεικνύουν τον εθνικολαϊκιστικό ή τον κοσμοπολιτικό χαρακτήρα των δημοσιογραφικών προσεγγίσεων στις εξελίξεις, εστιάζοντας στη μελέτη συγκεκριμένων περιπτώσεων διεθνών κρίσεων (τοπικού, περιφερειακού και παγκόσμιου χαρακτήρα). Παράλληλα, επιχειρεί να στοιχειοθετήσει τα χαρακτηριστικά της εθνοκεντρικής οπτικής, με την οποία αντιμετωπίζονται οι διεθνείς εξελίξεις στην Ελλάδα και τον τρόπο που αυτές εσωτερικοποιούνται, προκειμένου να εξυπηρετηθούν συγκεκριμένες στοχεύσεις της εσωτερικής/εθνικής ατζέντας, ιδιαίτερα μάλιστα σε περιόδους έξαρσης του εθνικολαϊκισμού.Τέλος, η εργασία αυτή φιλοδοξεί να χαρτογραφήσει το πεδίο των εξωτερικών ειδήσεων στην Ελλάδα, το οποίο ελάχιστα έχει ερευνηθεί μέχρι σήμερα, σε συνάρτηση με τις αντίστοιχες εξελίξεις στο παγκόσμιο επικοινωνιακό σύστημα, την πρόκληση της ευρωπαϊκής και παγκόσμιας σφαίρας, αλλά και της παγκόσμιας δημοσιογραφίας, όπως επίσης και τη χρονική συγκυρία, που χαρακτηρίζεται από ραγδαίες αλλαγές και αβεβαιότητα.
Η μνήμη του υπαρκτού σοσιαλισμού στη Γερμανία τριάντα χρόνια μετά
Authors: Τενεκετζής Αλέξανδρος
Published: September 2024

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Το Τείχος του Βερολίνου: Διδακτικό σενάριο/ εργαστήρι
Authors: Πυρπυρής Παναγιώτης
Published: September 2024

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Desired support system to eradicate urban homelessness: an exploratory descriptive study
Authors: Mohd Rom Noor Ashikin , Md. Hassan Nurbani , Abu Said Al-Mansor , Bachik Burhanuddin
Published: September 2024

Background - The new increasing homeless lately consist of women, children, youth, the elderly and marginalized ethnic or migrant groups. Some of them are working and earn salaries, however, the income is not sufficient to live modestly. Purpose – The purpose of this research is to establish a desired support system to eradicate urban homelessness in the country. Design/methodology/approach – This is an exploratory descriptive method study which employed quantitative techniques.  The study employed a social ecological model to investigate behavior of homeless via multiple levels of influences including intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational, community and public policy. Surveys have been conducted on sixty-five homeless individuals.  Findings – It was found that support systems and structures should be derived from the whole streams from families, communities, organizations and government. Employment opportunities, long-term shelters within the community places and highly demanded skills are needed to improve their living condition. Research limitations – This study is only focused on the socio-economic structures of the homeless in a capital city. Originality/value – This is an empirical research using a social ecological model for the homeless in the Kuala Lumpur area. Research on homeless study has received little attention and has yet to be fully explored.
Does the impact of medical publications vary by disease indication and publication type? An exploration using a novel, value-based, publication metric framework: the EMPIRE Index
Authors: Rees Tomas , Pal Avishek
Published: September 2024

Background The EMPIRE (EMpirical Publication Impact and Reach Evaluation) Index is a value-based, multi-component metric framework to assess the impact of medical publications in terms of relevance to different stakeholders. It comprises three component scores (social, scholarly and societal impact), each incorporating related altmetrics that indicate a different aspect of engagement with the publication. Here, we present an exploratory investigation of whether publication types or disease indications influence EMPIRE Index scores. Methods Article-level metrics were extracted and EMPIRE Index scores were calculated for 5825 journal articles published from 1 May 2017 to 1 May 2018, representing 12 disease indications (chosen to reflect a wide variety of common and rare diseases with a variety of aetiologies) and five publication types. Results There were significant differences in scores between article types and disease indications. Median (95% CI) social and scholarly impact scores ranged from 1.2 (0.3–1.6) to 4.8 (3.1–6.6), respectively, for phase 3 clinical trials, and from 0.3 (0.3–0.4) to 2.3 (1.9–2.6), respectively, for observational studies. Social and scholarly impact scores were highest for multiple sclerosis publications and lowest for non-small cell lung cancer publications. Systematic reviews achieved greater impact than regular reviews. Median trends in the social impact of different disease areas matched the level of public interest as assessed through Google search interest. Although most articles did not register societal impact, mean societal impact scores were highest for migraine publications. Conclusions The EMPIRE Index successfully identified differences in impact by disease area and publication type, which supports the notion that the impact of each publication needs to be evaluated in the context of these factors, and potentially others. These findings should be considered when using the EMPIRE Index to assess publication impact.
Behavioral Market Design for Online Gaming Platforms
Authors: Avoyan Ala , Khubulashvili Robizon , Mekerishvili Giorgi
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we investigate market design for online gaming platforms. We ask what motivates people to continue participation—success or failure. Using data from an online chess platform, we find strong evidence of heterogeneous history-dependent stopping behavior. We identify two behavioral types of people: those who are more likely to stop playing after a loss and those who are more likely to stop playing after a win. We propose a behavioral dynamic choice model in which the utility from playing another game is directly affected by the previous game’s outcome. We estimate this time nonseparable preference model and conduct counterfactual analyses to study alternative market designs. A matching algorithm designed to leverage stopping behavior can substantially alter the length of play.

This paper was accepted by Yan Chen, behavioral economics and decision analysis.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2021.03628 .
The use of a multimodal wound matrix to treat a variety of hard-to-heal wounds: a case series surveillance
Authors: Swain David , Cole Windy , Barrett Christopher , Black Gregory , Hudson Carmen , Lacqua Michael , Reinkraut Jacob , Jalil Omar , McLafferty Robert
Published: September 2024

Objective:

This case series examines the use of a multimodal wound matrix (MWM) trialled in a selection of clinical practice settings and on a variety of hard-to-heal wounds. The objective was to evaluate the effects of MWM and its performance in managing such wounds, regardless of clinical setting and ulcer type.

Method:

Treatment of the MWM was conducted by independent wound care practitioners on wounds that were of >4 weeks duration. Treatment was once a week. Assessment was taken after four weeks and at week 12 of the study to assess percentage area reduction (PAR) compared to baseline measurements taken at the first treatment visit. Complete (100%) re-epithelialisation was also recorded.

Results:

A total of 63 wounds were treated with MWM, and ulcer types were grouped as: diabetic foot ulcers (n=21); venous leg ulcers (n=18); pressure injuries (n=10); and others (n=14). Of the wounds, 78% had 100% re-epithelialisation, with an average PAR of 57% at four weeks and 86% at 12 weeks. The average time to resolution for those wounds that closed was 7.9 weeks.

Conclusion:

Results from this series of independent case studies support the application of MWM to potentially benefit healing in hard-to-heal wounds of different aetiologies of any duration and in a variety of clinical settings.
BİR MEKÂN OLARAK ÜÇ ROMANDA BALIKESİR -KEHANETİN İLK GÜNÜ, ZEMHERİ KUYUSU VE KUVAYI MİLLİYENİN HAZİNESİ-
Authors: Durukan Şaziye
Published: September 2024

Balıkesir, coğrafi konumu, yer altı ve yer üstü zenginlikleri ve kültürel birikimiyle önemli yerleşim merkezlerinden biridir. Şehrin, tarihi geçmişi çerçevesinde özellikle Millî Mücadele döneminde Kuva-yi Milliye ruhunun oluşturulduğu bir merkez olması büyük bir önem taşır. Bu bakımdan Balıkesir, romanlarımızda da önemli bir mekân olarak yerini alır. Metin Savaş’ın “Kuvayı Milliye’nin Hazinesi” romanını doğrudan Balıkesir’in romanı olarak değerlendirmek mümkündür. Roman bir tarih romanı değildir. Günümüz Türkiye’sinde Kuvayi Milliye ruhunu canlı tutmak gerektiği mesajını vermek isteyen bir romandır. Kuvayi Milliye isminin ilk kez Balıkesir Kongresi’nde kullanılması, zamanla Balıkesir’in Kuvayi Milliye karargâhı hâline gelmesi nedeniyle yazar, Kuvayi Milliye ruhunu Balıkesir’de arar. Nitekim Kuvayi Milliye hazinesinin saklandığı yer Balıkesir’dir ve şifreler de Balıkesir’deki çeşitli yerlere gizlenmiştir. Roman çok yönlü arayışların olduğu bir roman olmasının yanı sıra tarihi ve kültürel değerleriyle Balıkesir’i anlatan bir eser olması bakımından da önemlidir. Yazarın “Zemheri Kuyusu” romanında ise mekân olarak net bir şekilde Balıkesir adı geçmese de biyografik kahraman olarak göze çarpan Fuat Çınaraltı’nın özlem duyarak anlattığı çocukluk mekânı, Metin Savaş’ın Balıkesir’de geçirdiği çocukluk yıllarındaki mekânları işaret eder. Romanda Balıkesir’le ilgili en açık gönderme “Tülükabak Festivali” göndermesidir. Gerçek ile hayalin iç içe geçtiği romanda üstkurmaca, bilinç akışı, metinlerarasılık, tarihe yöneliş, geri dönüş gibi tekniklerin de hâkim olması sebebiyle romanda bahsi geçen mekânlardan Balıkesir’i işaret eden kısımları yazarın biyografisi çerçevesinde tespit edilmektedir. Akif Hasan Kaya’nın “Kehanetin İlk Günü” romanında ise yaşanılan süreç içerisinde geçen Kepsut, Bandırma, Balıkesir gibi mekânlar ve bu mekânlardaki tipolojiler ele alınıp incelenmiştir. Romanlarda Balıkesir’in çevresel ve algısal mekân olarak nasıl kullanıldığı irdelenecek; algısal mekân olarak kullanıldığı kısımlar, hafıza mekân kavramıyla ilişkilendirilerek hafıza mekân kavramı çerçevesinde değerlendirilmiştir.
Optimal approximation of a large matrix by a sum of projected linear mappings on prescribed subspaces
Authors: Howlet Phill , Torokhti Anatoli
Published: September 2024

We propose and justify a matrix reduction method for calculating the optimal approximation of an observed matrix $A \in \mathbb{C}^{m \times n}$ by a sum $\sum_{i=1}^p \sum_{j=1}^q B_iX_{ij}C_j$ of matrix products where each $B_i \in \mathbb{C}^{m \times g_i}$ and $C_j \in \mathbb{C}^{h_j \times n}$ is known and where the unknown matrix kernels $X_{ij}$ are determined by minimizing the Frobenius norm of the error. The sum can be represented as a bounded linear mapping $BXC$ with unknown kernel $X$ from a prescribed subspace ${\mathcal T} \subseteq \mathbb{C}^n$ onto a prescribed subspace ${\mathcal S} \subseteq \mathbb{C}^m$ defined, respectively, by the collective domains and ranges of the given matrices $C_1,\ldots,C_q$ and $B_1,\ldots,B_p$. We show that the optimal kernel is $X = B^{\dagger}AC^{\dagger}$ and that the optimal approximation $BB^{\dagger}AC^{\dagger}C$ is the projection of the observed mapping $A$ onto a mapping from ${\mathcal T}$ to ${\mathcal S}$. If $A$ is large, $B$ and $C$ may also be large and direct calculation of $B^{\dagger}$ and $C^{\dagger}$ becomes unwieldy and inefficient. The proposed method avoids this difficulty by reducing the solution process to finding the pseudo-inverses of a collection of much smaller matrices. This significantly reduces the computational burden.
Metal-mesh linear variable bandpass filter for far-infrared wavelengths
Authors: Perido Joanna , Denis Kevin , Clancy Sean O. , Cothard Nicholas F. , Day Peter K. , Glenn Jason , Leduc Henry , Quijada Manuel , Patel Jessica , Wollack Edward
Published: September 2024

Future far-infrared (IR) observatories require compact and cost
efficient optical linear variable bandpass filters (LVBFs) to define
their instrument spectral bands. We have designed novel far-IR LVBFs,
to our knowledge, that consist of metal-mesh bandpass filters
comprising a gold film with cross-slots of varying sizes along a
silicon (Si) substrate with anti-reflection (AR) coatings. We present
our work on the simulated and measured transmission of non-AR coated
and AR coated LVBFs for bandpass peaks from wavelengths of 24 to
36 µm with a resolving power (R=λ0/Δλ) of R≈6 for non-AR coated LVBFs and R≈4 for AR coated LVBFs. We also present
a method to decrease the effects of out-of-band high-frequency
transmission exhibited by metal-mesh filters by depositing a thin
layer of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) on the metal-mesh of
the LVBF. We have fabricated and measured the LVBFs at room
temperature and cryogenic temperatures (5 K). We measure a high
peak transmission of ∼80%−90% for the AR coated LVBF at 5 K
and demonstrate that the a-Si:H LVBF is a promising method to address
out-of-band high-frequency transmission.
Design and optimization of MUTC photodiode performance under high-power operating conditions
Authors: Yang Xiaowei , Duan Xiaofeng , Liu Kai , Huang Yongqing
Published: September 2024

A high-bandwidth and high-power back-illuminated modified uni-traveling-carrier photodiode (MUTC-PD) with InGaAsP/InGaAs as the main material is designed. The influence of the material and doping concentration of the collection layer and transition layer on the electric field distribution were investigated to achieve fast carrier transport. Using a miniaturized mesa diameter reduces the device’s capacitance, leading to an increase in the RC-limited bandwidth of the photodetector (PD). The thicknesses of the depletion and transition regions of the MUTC-PD are further optimized. The performance characteristics of the MUTC-PD, including internal electric field, energy band diagram, frequency response, and RF output power, are carefully studied.
Measuring the OAM spectrum of a fractional helical beam in a single shot
Authors: Sarkar Tushar , Cai Jiapeng , Peng Xiang , He Wenqi
Published: September 2024

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a new technique, to our knowledge, to precisely measure the orbital angular momentum (OAM) spectrum of the fractional helical beam in a single shot. This is realized using a single-path interferometer scheme combined with space division multiplexing and polarization phase-shifting. Such a combination enables the single-shot recording of multiple phase-shifted interferograms, which leads to extracting the phase profile of the incident fractional helical beam. Furthermore, by adopting an orthogonal projection method, this measured phase is utilized to evaluate the corresponding OAM spectrum. To test the efficacy, a set of simulations and experiments for different fractional helical beams is demonstrated. The proposed method shows enormous potential to characterize the OAM spectrum in real time.
Outcome of burn injury and its associated factors among burn patients attending public hospitals in North Showa Zone, Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Shewaye Ejigu Mulugeta , Abosetugn Akine Eshete , Getnet Mekasha , Minda Dr. Abebe , Ayele Abebe Nigussie , Tefera Mitiku
Published: September 2024

Burn injury is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in developing countries. In Ethiopia, the outcome of burn injuries and associated factors among burn patients were not clearly described. To assess the outcome of burn injuries and its associated factors among burn patients attending public hospitals in the North, showa Zone, Ethiopia. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 420 burn patients in public hospitals of the North showa, zone. Systematic random sampling was used to select study participants. Structured checklists were used to extract data from burn patients’ medical records. Data was entered using Epi-Data version 4.6. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25. A p- value of ≤ 0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression was used to declare a significant association. In this study, the prevalence of discharges with complications was 40.9% (95% CI: 36.5–45.6). The odds of developing complications among patients having pre-hospital intervention were nearly four times the odds of not having the intervention (AOR = 3.8, 95% CI, 1.11–13.25). The odds of developing complications among patients having scalds were four times the odds of not having scalds (AOR = 4.3, 95% CI, 1.52–12.32). A patient who received fluid and electrolytes was 76% less likely to develop the outcome of burn injury discharged with burn complications. Patients with TBSA less than 20% were 66% less likely to be discharged with complications compared to patients with TBSA greater than 20%.: This study demonstrates a significantly higher level of outcome for patients with burn injuries who were discharged with complications, leading to death and other bad outcomes. Therefore, stakeholder would more emphasis in health education on prevention of burn injuries, first aid treatment of burn, treatment of the cause of burns, and providing fluid and electrolytes.
Exploration of Klebsiella aerogenes derived secondary metabolites and their antibacterial activities against multidrug-resistant bacteria
Authors: Shah Syed Hussain , Liu Hsien , Khan Muddasir , Muhammad Riaz , Qadeer Abdul , Fouad Dalia , Chen Chien-Chin
Published: September 2024

As the effectiveness of current treatments against the development of antimicrobial resistance is declining, new strategies are required. A great source of novel secondary metabolites with therapeutics effects are the endophytic bacteria present in medicinal plants. In this study, Klebsiella aerogenes (an endophytic bacteria belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family) was isolated from Kalanchoe blossfeldiana (a medicinal plant”. The bacterial secondary metabolites were identified using GC-MS techniques. Furthermore, the antibacterial potentials were investigated against multi-drug resistance (MDR) Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus. The GC-MS chromatogram of K. aerogenes secondary metabolites extract displayed total of 36 compounds. Ethyl acetate extracts of K. aerogenes, showed mean zone of growth inhibition of 15.00 ± 1.00 against S. typhi and 7.00 ± 1.00mm against S. aureus, respectively. The extract demonstrated significant antibacterial effectiveness against S. typhi and moderate antibacterial efficacy against S. aureus, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 0.089 to 0.39 mg/mL. The time-kill kinetics profile of the ethyl acetate extract against S. typhi revealed a decrease in the number of viable cells during the initial 5, 6, and 24 hours. Conversely, there was a sudden increase in viable cells up to 6 hours for S. aureus. The identified secondary metabolite with high percentage than others, benzeneethanamine exhibited favorable interactions (−7.2 kcal/mol) with the penicillin-binding protein (PBP2a) of S. aureus and (−7.5 kcal/mol) osmoporin (OmpC) of S. typhi, indicating its potential as a candidate for drug development against these MDR bacteria. This study reported for the first time, bacterial endophytes associated with K. blossfeldiana with antibacterial activities.
Image steganography techniques for resisting statistical steganalysis attacks: A systematic literature review
Authors: Apau Richard , Asante Michael , Twum Frimpong , Ben Hayfron-Acquah James , Peasah Kwame Ofosuhene
Published: September 2024

Information hiding in images has gained popularity. As image steganography gains relevance, techniques for detecting hidden messages have emerged. Statistical steganalysis mechanisms detect the presence of hidden secret messages in images, rendering images a prime target for cyber-attacks. Also, studies examining image steganography techniques are limited. This paper aims to fill the existing gap in extant literature on image steganography schemes capable of resisting statistical steganalysis attacks, by providing a comprehensive systematic literature review. This will ensure image steganography researchers and data protection practitioners are updated on current trends in information security assurance mechanisms. The study sampled 125 articles from ACM Digital Library, IEEE Explore, Science Direct, and Wiley. Using PRISMA, articles were synthesized and analyzed using quantitative and qualitative methods. A comprehensive discussion on image steganography techniques in terms of their robustness against well-known universal statistical steganalysis attacks including Regular-Singular (RS) and Chi-Square (X2) are provided. Trends in publication, techniques and methods, performance evaluation metrics, and security impacts were discussed. Extensive comparisons were drawn among existing techniques to evaluate their merits and limitations. It was observed that Generative Adversarial Networks dominate image steganography techniques and have become the preferred method by scholars within the domain. Artificial intelligence-powered algorithms including Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Convolutional Neural Networks, and Genetic Algorithms are recently dominating image steganography research as they enhance security. The implication is that previously preferred traditional techniques such as LSB algorithms are receiving less attention. Future Research may consider emerging technologies like blockchain technology, artificial neural networks, and biometric and facial recognition technologies to improve the robustness and security capabilities of image steganography applications.
Comparison of regulatory approval system for medicines in emergency among Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, and China
Authors: Edo Kazuki , Kawano Masahide , Maeda Hideki
Published: September 2024

The approval of pharmaceuticals in response to the COVID-19 pandemic is a global concern, and during emergencies, emergency approval or authorization systems that enable the rapid use of unapproved drugs to maintain national health are essential. However, there is limited research comparing these systems across countries and their effects. This cross-sectional study examined such systems in Japan (JP), Europe (EU), the United Kingdom (UK), and China (CN) for pharmaceuticals (n = 23) authorized under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) in the United States (US) between December 2019 to July 2023. As of the end of July 2023, JP had granted approval or permission for 14 drugs (60.9%), EU for 14 (60.9%), UK for 12 (52.2%), and CN for three (13.0%). An examination of the developmental status of the 23 drugs revealed that JP had 6 drugs (26.1%), the EU had 3 drugs (8.7%), the UK had 5 drugs (21.7%), and CN had 16 drugs (69.6%) yet to be developed. The US had significantly more granted permissions and developed drugs, while CN the least. The UK had a significantly shorter period for approval than the US and the shortest overall. The EU had the shortest period from the issuance of EUA to approval dates. Although not statistically significant, JP had the longest duration until unapproved drugs could be used. Pharmaceuticals granted usage permission under the EUA in JP, the EU, and the UK were developed or on the market in over 70% of cases, whereas in CN, more than two-thirds were yet to be developed. This suggests that CN may not actively utilize pharmaceuticals from other countries for COVID-19 treatment and may rely on its own. When comparing the emergency approval and permission systems of each country, the most significant difference was in the type of system granting approval.
Comparison of prewarming plus intraoperative warming with intraoperative warming alone in patients undergoing minimally invasive thoracic or abdominal surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ding Ni , Yang Jingjing , Wu Cuiying
Published: September 2024

Objective

Prewarming has been recommended to reduce intraoperative hypothermia. However, the evidence is unclear. This review examined if prewarming can prevent intraoperative hypothermia in patients undergoing thoracoscopic and laparoscopic surgeries.

Methods

PubMed, CENTRAL, Web of Science, and Embase databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) up to 15th January 2024. The primary outcome of interest was the difference in intraoperative core temperature. The secondary outcomes were intraoperative hypothermia (<36°) and postoperative shivering.

Results

Seven RCTs were eligible. Meta-analysis showed that intraoperative core temperature was significantly higher at the start or within 30mins of the start of the surgery (MD: 0.32 95% CI: 0.15, 0.50 I2 = 94% p = 0.0003), 60 mins after the start of the surgery (MD: 0.37 95% CI: 0.24, 0.50 I2 = 81% p<0.00001), 120 mins after the start of the surgery (MD: 0.34 95% CI: 0.12, 0.56 I2 = 88% p = 0.003), and at the end of the surgery (MD: 0.35 95% CI: 0.25, 0.45 I2 = 61% p<0.00001). The incidence of shivering was also significantly lower in the prewarming group (OR: 0.18 95% CI: 0.08, 0.43 I2 = 0%). Prewarming was also associated with a significant reduction in the risk of hypothermia (OR: 0.20 95% CI: 0.10, 0.41 I2 = 0% p<0.0001). The certainty of the evidence assessed by GRADE was “moderate” for intraoperative core temperatures at all time points and “low” for minimal intraoperative core temperature, shivering, and hypothermia.

Conclusion

Moderate to low-quality evidence shows that prewarming combined with intraoperative warming, as compared to intraoperative warming alone, can improve intraoperative temperature control and reduce the risk of hypothermia and shivering in patients undergoing thoracoscopic and laparoscopic procedures.
Current and Future Applications of Genetic, Archaeological, and Ethnobotanical Data to Uncovering Avocado Domestication
Authors: Wann Kevin W. , Thakar Heather B.
Published: September 2024

The domestication of fruit trees is a topic of increasing significance in anthropological research. The avocado is a perennial fruit domesticated in Central America with a complex history of management and dispersal since the arrival of humans in the New World. Archaeological data illustrates the avocado’s domestication from wild to cultivar forms throughout the Holocene, while genetic and ethnobotanical evidence provide insights into ancient avocado cultivation patterns. It is only through the combined application of all three lines of evidence that we may fully understand the dynamic origins of this essential fruit.
Ambivalente Vergangenheit
Authors: Saibel Nelly
Published: September 2024

Am 24.02.2022 wurde die Weltgesellschaft von der Gegenwärtigkeit der post-/sowjetischen Vergangenheit eingeholt, die indes seit jeher Gegenstand der Werke der belarussischen Literaturnobelpreisträgerin Svetlana Aleksievic ist. In ihrem zuletzt erschienenen Buch »Secondhand-Zeit. Leben auf den Trümmern des Sozialismus« (ru. 2013, dt. 2015) widmet sich Aleksievi den nostalgischen Erzählungen über die post-/sowjetische Vergangenheit, die mithilfe der Gattung der Dokumentarliteratur als etwas Ambivalentes und Aushandlungsbedürftiges präsentiert werden. Aleksievic, so die These dieser Arbeit, macht diese Ambivalenz des Dokumentarischen produktiv, indem sie den ambivalenten Wirklichkeitscharakter der Dokumentarliteratur auf die nostalgischen Erzählungen über die Sowjetunion projiziert, sodass sowohl der Inhalt der Erzählungen als auch das Erzählen als solches als aushandlungsbedürftig präsentiert werden. Hierdurch vollzieht Aleksievi eine literarische Bearbeitung der sowjetischen Nostalgie, wodurch sie zugleich die Möglichkeit eines gegenkulturellen Raums im postsowjetischen
No news as good news?
Authors: Hartmuth Maximilian
Published: September 2024

This paper discusses how occupied Bosnia's Ottoman-era architectural inheritance was approached by the Habsburg imperial centre. It inquires about how Vienna and its proxies imagined that the occupied territory's Islamic heritage might be integrated into, and harmonized with, the empire's cultural self-image. Looking at attempts to include monumental works of Ottoman architecture in Bosnia into an empirewide canon of notable buildings across the confessional divides, the study asks: Was an art history of the Habsburg lands that included cathedrals and mosques alike considered possible and desirable?
Monument preservation as an aspect of 20th century Turkish-Hungarian relations
Authors: Kovács Gergo Máté
Published: September 2024

Major historical events of the 18th and 19th centuries significantly changed judgments of Ottoman-Turkish and Hungarian relations resulting from negative memories of the sultanate's occupation of Hungary in the 16th and 17th centuries. Intensifying Hungarian and Ottoman-Turkish rapprochement at the turn of the 19th-20th century coincided with the emergence of institutionalized monument preservation. This affected both buildings in Turkey related to Hungarian history and monuments of Ottoman origin on Hungarian territory. Therefore, steps taken to mutually protect the respective architectural heritages can be considered a separate case study category in the history of monument preservation. Interest in the Ottoman architectural heritage in Hungary at theturn of the 19th and 20th centuries was fuelled by several factors. It was influenced by a series of cultural diplomacy gestures resulting from the general Hungarian-Ottoman political rapprochement, Turanian ideology in Hungarian intellectual life, and general interest in the art and architecture of Asia and Islamic lands in Europe. This process parallelly emerged with the institutionalisation of monument protection and the first significant steps taken to protect common architectural heritage. One of this process's key monuments is the Shrine (Türbe) of Gül Baba in Buda, which is the subject of monument conservation's earliest catalogues. Thus, the building and its conservation are closely linked to the history of monument protection in Hungary. Furthermore, the building's subsequent research and restoration are symbolic of the developing Hungarian and Ottoman-Turkish diplomatic relations. This paper investigates the steps and process of restoring the Shrine of Gül Baba as a key monument in the 20th and 21st centuries. Additionally, an attempt is made to outline the main periods and phases for one of the crucial Ottoman monuments in Hungary during the 20th century, with a view to the present day and analysing a significant example of the patrimonialization process. As a result, this monument's preservation can be considered an important aspect of the period's Turkish-Hungarian bilateral relations.
Aphrodite a tergo
Authors: Schollmeyer Patrick
Published: September 2024

The focus of the essay is on the most important types of representation for women in the ancient social elites. The main objectives are to work out their most essential characteristics and to contextualise them against the background of a male-dominated canon of values.
Das Patriarchat der Stimme
Authors: Hartmann Tina
Published: September 2024

Framed by Ingeborg Bachmann's Novel Malina this article examines patriarchal silencing strategies towards the female voice in the literary canon 1740 to 2024. Crucial for the continuation of Patrix is the gender binarity derived from Plato and Aristotle, defining any intellectual production as male, while reducing females to carnal reproduction. Androgynizing or separating female authorship therefore helps to keep the canon male, whereas applying canon criteria to the female and nonbinary voice will prove its high intertextuality and innovation.
Frauen in Aktion
Authors: Hansen Christin
Published: September 2024

The involvement of female combatants the Spanish Civil War attracted a great attention in the international press. The thesis is that the articles were used to negotiate gender roles. Following on from this, discussions about contemporary concepts of femininity and masculinity become apparent.
Wissenschaftlerin performen lernen?
Authors: Lauggas Meike
Published: September 2024

Using case studies from coaching sessions, the focus is on often only seemingly fair conditions, qualification orientation and compatibility with private life in science. It reflects on what is patriarchal about this, what this view makes possible and what coaching can achieve in such situations.
Die Komplizenschaft von Design in intersektionalen Diskriminierungsprozessen
Authors: Unterstab Anna
Published: September 2024

Design presents itself as neutral and objective but it constantly (re)produces gender-binary, sexist and racist exclusions. With a focus on voices of marginalized designers, the text aims to raise designers' awareness of their responsibility in daily practice.
Wer, wie, was heißt hier Parallelgesellschaften? Musikalische Praktiken von Profis und Amateur*innen im Feld der Jazz- und Pop-Coverbands: Eine praxisgeleitete Annäherung
Authors: Krisper Eva
Published: September 2024

Eva Krisper widmet sich in diesem Kapitel unterschiedlichen Konzepten von Professionalität und Amateurismus im Feld der Coverbands basierend auf teilnehmenden Beobachtungen verschiedener Veranstaltungstypen sowie qualitativen Interviews mit Coverband-Musiker*innen. Aus der Sicht einer Insiderin als Sängerin in Coverbands wird die Beschaffenheit des heterogenen Felds (selbst-)reflexiv und kontextsensitiv zur Diskussion gestellt: Bei der zentralen Frage nach der Existenz von Parallelgesellschaften lässt erst eine empirische Forschungspraxis erkennen, wie Biografie, musikalische Ausbildung, genrebedingte Rollenverteilung sowie je spezifische Hierarchien das Feld der Coverbands in Amateur*innen und Profis trennen, zugleich aber einen Raum des Dazwischen, Mehrdeutigkeiten und fließende Übergänge mit etablieren.
Epistemologien der Integration
Authors: Schumann Daniel
Published: September 2024

Postmigrantische Gesellschaften zeichnen sich durch die in ihnen stattfindenden Aushandlungen von Differenz und Normalität aus. Als Seismografen hegemonialen Wissens sind Schulbücher dabei ein besonders instruktives Beispiel, um sich gesellschaftlichen Selbstverständigungsprozessen über Migration und Diversität zu nähern. Daniel Schumann rekonstruiert, wie Politikschulbücher der letzten zwanzig Jahre Integration zum Gegenstand machen. Dabei stellt sich heraus: Vorstellungen von Differenz und Normalität werden nicht allein durch stereotype Darstellungen aktualisiert, sondern auch dadurch, wie der Rahmen des kontrovers Diskutierbaren und des normativ Wünschenswerten gestaltet ist.