bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Camera optimal projection model identification and calibration method based on the NGO-BA architecture
Authors: Liu Qilin , Dai Guangyi , Dong Mingli , Sun Peng , Yan Bixi , Wang Jun , Zhu Lianqing
Published: December 2023

In order to bridge the fundamental commonalities between imaging models of camera lenses with different principles and structures, allowing for an accurate description of imaging characteristics across a wide range of field-of-view (FOV), we have proposed a generic camera calibration method on the basis of the projection model optimization strategy. First, in order to cover the current mainstream projection models, piecewise functions for geometric projection models and a polynomial function for the fitting projection model are designed. Then, the corresponding camera multistation self-calibration bundle adjustment (BA) module is developed for various projection models. Further, by integrating the self-calibration BA algorithm into the northern goshawk optimization architecture, iterative optimization is performed on the projection model adjustment parameters, camera interior parameters, camera exterior parameters, and lens distortion parameters until the target reprojection (RP) error reaches the global minimum. The experimental results indicate that the calibration RP root mean square error in this method is 1/20 pixel for a 68° FOV camera, 1/13 pixel for an 84° FOV camera, 1/9 pixel for a 115° FOV camera, 1/9 pixel for a 135° FOV camera, and 1/6 pixel for a 180° FOV camera. This calibration method offers fast and versatile optimization for various projection model types, encompassing a wide range of projection functions. It can efficiently determine the optimal projection model and all imaging parameters for multiple cameras during the calibration process.
Rotational position error correction in ptychography
Authors: Lin Angyi , Sheng Pengju , Ning Shoucong , Zhang Fucai
Published: December 2023

Accurate determination of scan positions is essential for achieving high-quality reconstructions in ptychographic imaging. This study presents and demonstrates a method for determining the rotation angle of the scan pattern relative to the detector pixel array using diffraction data. The method is based on the Fourier–Mellin transform and cross-correlation calculation. It can correct rotation errors up to 60 deg. High-quality reconstructions were obtained for visible light and electron microscopy datasets, and intricate structures of samples can be revealed. We believe that this refinement method for rotary position errors can be valuable for improving the performance of ptychographic four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy.
TCAD-assisted progress on the CISCO platform towards low-bias 200 Gbit/s vertical-pin Ge-on-Si waveguide photodetectors
Authors: Alasio Matteo , Vallone Marco , Tibaldi Alberto , Namnabat Soha , Adams Donald , Gothoskar Prakash , Forghieri Fabrizio , Masini Gianlorenzo , Bertazzi Francesco , Ghione Giovanni , Gioannini Mariangela , Goano Michele
Published: December 2023

We discuss the characterization and numerical simulation of vertical Ge-on-Si waveguide photodetectors (VPIN WPDs) of the Cisco platform for data communications in the O-band (1.31 μm), with the goal of optimizing their frequency response while integrating them into low-power systems.
In a large set of WPDs belonging to 6 different structural variants, at a standard bias voltage of -2 V the best specimens exhibit an intrinsic electro-optic bandwidth of more than 40 GHz, which is reduced to about 10 GHz at zero bias.
A comprehensive 3D multiphysics model, validated through the characterization campaign, provides design guidelines towards intrinsic bandwidths not only wider than 60 GHz at -2 V, directly suitable for application in 200 Gbit/s systems, but also wider than 40 GHz at zero bias, not including the possible recourse to extrinsic parameter engineering.
Comparative Analysis of Digital Holographic Microscopy and Lensless Holographic Microscopy for Quantitative Phase Imaging
Authors: Trujillo Carlos , Obando-Vásquez Sofía , Acosta Maria Lopera , Restrepo René
Published: December 2023

This study provides a detailed comparison of two widely used Quantitative Phase Imaging (QPI) techniques: single-shot off-axis Digital Holographic Microscopy (DHM) and Lensless Holographic Microscopy (LHM). The primary aim is to evaluate and contrast critical aspects of their imaging performance, including spatial phase sensitivity, phase measurement accuracy, and spatial lateral resolution. Employing typical configurations for both DHM and LHM, the study utilizes a customized phase test target featuring linear phase changes introduced by a specially designed linear density attenuation filter. Ground truth data from an Atomic Force Microscope is incorporated to validate the experimental findings. The comparative analysis reveals that DHM and LHM exhibit nearly identical spatial phase sensitivity, with DHM demonstrating a minimal 3.2% measurement error compared to LHM's 4% in height measurement accuracy. Notably, DHM achieves a finer spatial lateral resolution down to 3.1 µm, surpassing LHM's 5.52 µm. While DHM outperforms LHM in precision and resolution, the latter offers advantages in terms of portability and cost-effectiveness. These findings provide valuable insights for researchers and practitioners, aiding in the informed selection of QPI methods based on specific application requirements.
Coherent link between a Ti:sapphire comb and a 1.5  μm laser via nonlinear interaction in photonic crystal fiber
Authors: Yao Yuan , Shi Haosen , Yang Guang , Li Bo , Wang Congyu , Yu Hongfu , Ma Longsheng , Jiang Yanyi
Published: December 2023

Optical clock networks have distinct advantages for the dissemination of time/frequency, geodesy, and fundamental research. To realize such a network, the telecom band and optical atomic clocks have to be coherently bridged. Since the telecom band and optical atomic clocks reside in a distinct spectral region, second-harmonic generation is usually introduced to bridge the large frequency gap. In this paper, we introduce a new method to coherently link a 1550 nm continuous wave laser with a Ti:sapphire mode-locked laser-based optical frequency comb. By coupling the 1550 nm continuous wave laser light and the Ti:sapphire comb light together into a photonic crystal fiber, nonlinear interaction takes place, and new comblike frequency components related to the 1550 nm laser frequency are generated in the visible region. Consequently, we can detect beat notes between two combs in the visible region with a signal-to-noise ratio of more than 40 dB in a resolution bandwidth of 300 kHz. With this signal, we realize an optical frequency divider for converting the frequency of optical clocks in the visible region to the telecom band at 1.55 μm. An out-of-loop measurement shows that the additional noise and uncertainty induced in optical frequency conversion are 5×10−18 at 1 s averaging time and 2.2×10−19, respectively, which are limited by the uncompensated light path fluctuation but fulfill precision measurement using state-of-the-art optical clocks.
FBXO3 stabilizes USP4 and Twist1 to promote PI3K-mediated breast cancer metastasis
Authors: Xu Jing , Guo Rongtian , Wen Nasi , Li Luping , Yi Yong , Chen Jingzhen , He Zongyu , Yang Jian , Xiao Zhi-Xiong Jim , Niu Mengmeng
Published: December 2023

Tumor metastasis is the major cause of breast cancer morbidity and mortality. It has been reported that the F-box protein FBXO3 functions as an E3 ubiquitin ligase in regulating various biological processes, including host autoimmune, antiviral innate immunity, and inflammatory response. However, the role of FBXO3 in tumor metastasis remains elusive. We have previously shown that ΔNp63α is a common inhibitory target in oncogene-induced cell motility and tumor metastasis. In this study, we show that FBXO3 plays a vital role in PI3K-mediated breast cancer metastasis independent of its E3 ligase activity and ΔNp63α in breast cancer cells and in mouse. FBXO3 can bind to and stabilize USP4, leading to Twist1 protein stabilization and increased breast cancer cell migration and tumor metastasis. Mechanistically, FBXO3 disrupts the interaction between USP4 and aspartyl aminopeptidase (DNPEP), thereby protecting USP4 from DNPEP-mediated degradation. Furthermore, p110αH1047R facilitates the phosphorylation and stabilization of FBXO3 in an ERK1-dependent manner. Knockdown of either FBXO3 or USP4 leads to significant inhibition of PI3K-induced breast cancer metastasis. Clinically, elevated expression of p110α/FBXO3/USP4/Twist1 is associated with poor overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) of breast cancer patients. Taken together, this study reveals that the FBXO3-USP4-Twist1 axis is pivotal in PI3K-mediated breast tumor metastasis and that FBXO3/USP4 may be potential therapeutic targets for breast cancer treatment.
Machine learning-based meta-analysis of colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Sardari Aria , Usefi Hamid
Published: December 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major global health concern, resulting in numerous cancer-related deaths. CRC detection, treatment, and prevention can be improved by identifying genes and biomarkers. Despite extensive research, the underlying mechanisms of CRC remain elusive, and previously identified biomarkers have not yielded satisfactory insights. This shortfall may be attributed to the predominance of univariate analysis methods, which overlook potential combinations of variants and genes contributing to disease development. Here, we address this knowledge gap by presenting a novel multivariate machine-learning strategy to pinpoint genes associated with CRC. Additionally, we applied our analysis pipeline to Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), as IBD patients face substantial CRC risk. The importance of the identified genes was substantiated by rigorous validation across numerous independent datasets. Several of the discovered genes have been previously linked to CRC, while others represent novel findings warranting further investigation. A Python implementation of our pipeline can be accessed publicly at https://github.com/AriaSar/CRCIBD-ML.
Revisiting the ownership effect in adults with and without autism
Authors: Smith Marchella , Williams David , Lind Sophie , Ferguson Heather J.
Published: December 2023

Self-owned items are better remembered than other-owned items; this ownership effect reflects privileged processing of self-related information. The size of this ownership effect has been shown to decrease in neurotypical adults as the number of autistic traits increases, and is reduced in autistic adults. However, emerging evidence has questioned the reliability of these findings. This paper aimed to replicate previous work using well-powered, pre-registered designs, and Bayesian analyses. Experiment 1 (N = 100) found a significant ownership effect in neurotypical adults; however, the size of this was unrelated to individual differences in autistic traits. Experiment 2 (N = 56) found an ownership effect in neurotypical but not autistic adults. The findings suggest that individual differences in autistic traits in the neurotypical population do not impact the ownership effect, but a clinical diagnosis of autism might. We discuss how these findings can be explained by differences in psychological self-awareness in autism.
Multi-classification of national fitness test grades based on statistical analysis and machine learning
Authors: Yang Qian , Wang Xueli , Cao Xianbing , Liu Shuai , Xie Feng , Li Yumei
Published: December 2023

Physical fitness is a key element of a healthy life, and being overweight or lacking physical exercise will lead to health problems. Therefore, assessing an individual’s physical health status from a non-medical, cost-effective perspective is essential. This paper aimed to evaluate the national physical health status through national physical examination data, selecting 12 indicators to divide the physical health status into four levels: excellent, good, pass, and fail. The existing challenge lies in the fact that most literature on physical fitness assessment mainly focuses on the two major groups of sports athletes and school students. Unfortunately, there is no reasonable index system has been constructed. The evaluation method has limitations and cannot be applied to other groups. This paper builds a reasonable health indicator system based on national physical examination data, breaks group restrictions, studies national groups, and hopes to use machine learning models to provide helpful health suggestions for citizens to measure their physical status. We analyzed the significance of the selected indicators through nonparametric tests and exploratory statistical analysis. We used seven machine learning models to obtain the best multi-classification model for the physical fitness test level. Comprehensive research showed that MLP has the best classification effect, with macro-precision reaching 74.4% and micro-precision reaching 72.8%. Furthermore, the recall rates are also above 70%, and the Hamming loss is the smallest, i.e., 0.272. The practical implications of these findings are significant. Individuals can use the classification model to understand their physical fitness level and status, exercise appropriately according to the measurement indicators, and adjust their lifestyle, which is an important aspect of health management.
Quantifying resistance to very-long-chain fatty acid-inhibiting herbicides in Amaranthus tuberculatus using a soilless assay
Authors: Kerr Dylan R. , Concepcion Jeanaflor Crystal T. , Strom Seth A. , Riechers Dean E.
Published: December 2023

Resistance to preemergence (PRE) soil-applied herbicides, such as inhibitors of very-long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) elongases, was documented in two waterhemp [Amaranthus tuberculatus (Moq.) J.D. Sauer] populations (SIR and CHR) from Illinois, USA. To limit the spread of resistant weed populations, rapid detection measures are necessary. Soil-based resistance assays are limited by edaphic factors, application timing, variable seeding depth and rainfall amount. Therefore, cost-effective techniques mitigating effects of edaphic factors that are appropriate for small- to large-scale assays are needed. Our research goal was to identify and quantify resistance to the VLCFA-inhibiting herbicides, S-metolachlor and pyroxasulfone, using a soilless greenhouse assay. Dose-response experiments were conducted under greenhouse conditions with pre-germinated waterhemp seeds planted on the vermiculite surface, which had been saturated with S-metolachlor (0.015–15 μM), pyroxasulfone (0.0005–1.5 μM), or S-metolachlor plus the cytochrome P450 (P450) inhibitor, malathion. Lethal dose estimates of 50% (LD50) and growth reduction of 50% (GR50) were calculated for S-metolachlor and pyroxasulfone PRE and used to determine resistance indices (RI) for resistant populations (CHR and SIR) relative to sensitive populations, SEN and ACR. RI values for S-metolachlor using LD50 values calculated relative to SEN and ACR were 17.2 and 15.2 (CHR) or 11.5 and 10.1 (SIR), while RI values for pyroxasulfone using LD50 values calculated relative to SEN and ACR were 3.8 and 3.1 (CHR) or 4.8 and 3.8 (SIR). Malathion decreased the GR50 of S-metolachlor to a greater degree in CHR compared to ACR, consistent with P450 involvement in S-metolachlor resistance in CHR. Results from these soilless assays are in accord with previous findings in soil-based systems that demonstrate CHR and SIR are resistant to S-metolachlor and pyroxasulfone. This method provides an effective, reproducible alternative to soil-based systems for studying suspected PRE herbicide-resistant populations and will potentially assist in identifying non-target-site resistance mechanisms.
Factors associated with hospitalization in the acute phase of Chikungunya
Authors: Torres dos Santos Lopes Danielle , Cerutti Junior Crispim , Areias Cabidelle Aline , Espinosa Miranda Angelica , Drumond Louro Iuri , Pamplona de Góes Cavalcanti Luciano , Vicente Creuza Rachel
Published: December 2023

Objective

Determine characteristics associated with hospitalization in the acute phase of Chikungunya.

Methods

Cross-sectional study including data on Chikungunya cases reported in Vitória, Espírito Santo state, Brazil, between March 2016 and December 2021.

Results

Hospitalizations accounted for 1.42% (n = 41) of the 2,868 cases included. There were statistically significant differences between hospitalized and non-hospitalized regarding age (P 0.001), which was lower among hospitalized patients, and pregnancy, which was more frequent in the hospitalized group (P 0.010). Patients younger than two years old and older than 65 years corresponded to 31.7% of hospitalizations. Back pain (OR = 0.134; 95% CI = 0.044–0.409) and arthralgia (OR = 0.226; 95% CI = 0.083–0.613) were protective factors for hospitalization.

Conclusion

Groups at risk of severe Chikungunya, including those under two and over 65 years of age, may require more hospitalization, even with milder manifestations.
Correlation of spontaneous radiographic cranial tibial translation with complete cranial cruciate ligament rupture and medial meniscal tears in dogs
Authors: Olson Nicholas J. , Weeren F. Robert , van Eerde Eric
Published: December 2023

The primary objective of our study was to determine the prevalence of cranial tibial translation on a single unstressed, standing angle, mediolateral radiograph of the stifle and the accuracy of diagnosing complete cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs with this finding using a previously published method. The secondary objective was to determine if there was a higher incidence of meniscal injuries associated with spontaneous radiographic cranial tibial translation as previously proposed. Medical records were reviewed for client owned dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture that underwent surgical stabilization with intra-operative evaluation of the stifle joint via arthrotomy between June 2013 to January 2022 and had pre-operative radiographs performed within 60 days prior to surgery. Pre-operative radiographs were evaluated for cranial tibial translation via the previously published method. Three hundred twenty-three dogs met the inclusion criteria for the study. Intra-operative findings and radiographic assessments were evaluated for correlations. Cranial tibial translation on pre-operative standing angle radiographs detected cranial cruciate ligament tears in 24.8% of cases but had a positive predictive value of 97.5% for diagnosing complete cranial cruciate ligament rupture with a specificity of 95.4% and an overall accuracy of 36.8%. Meniscal tears were present in 58.75% of cases with radiographic cranial tibial translation and 41.25% of cases without. There was no significant increase in the incidence of meniscal tears between the two groups. The presence of radiographic cranial tibial translation in dogs on an unstressed, standing angle, mediolateral radiograph of the stifle is diagnostic for cranial cruciate ligament rupture, but cannot be used to determine the presence of a meniscal tear.
A new compact and low phase imbalance microstrip coupler for 5G wireless communication systems
Authors: I. Yahya Salah , Zubir Farid , Nouri Leila , Yusoff Zubaida , Chaudhary Muhammad Akmal , Assaad Maher , Rezaei Abbas , Nguyen Le Binh
Published: December 2023

Microstrip couplers play a crucial role in signal processing and transmission in various applications, including RF and wireless communication, radar systems, and satellites. In this work, a novel microstrip 180° coupler is designed, fabricated and measured. The layout configuration of this coupler is completely new and different from the previously reported Rat-race, branch-line and directional couplers. To obtain the proposed coupler, the meandrous coupled lines are used and analyzed mathematically. To improve the performance of our coupler, an optimization method is used. The designed coupler is very compact with an overall size of 0.014λg2. The obtained values of S21 and S31 are -3.45 dB and -3.75 dB, respectively at the operating frequency, while the fractional bandwidth (FBW) is 56.2%. It operates at fo = 1.61 GHz (suitable for 5G applications) and can suppress harmonics up to 2.17fo. Another advantage of this coupler is its low phase imbalance, while the phase difference between S21 and S31 is 180°± 0.023°. Therefore, our device is a balanced coupler with ±0.3 dB magnitude unbalance at its operating frequency. It is important to note that it is very difficult to find a coupler that has all these advantages at the same time. The proposed 180° coupler is fabricated and measured. The comparison shows that the measurement and simulation results are in good agreement. Therefore, the proposed coupler can be easily used in designing high-performance 5G communication systems.
Composition and diversity of meibum microbiota in meibomian gland dysfunction and the correlation with tear cytokine levels
Authors: Rasaruck Ubonwan , Kasetsuwan Ngamjit , Kittipibul Thanachaporn , Pongchaikul Pisut , Chatsuwan Tanittha
Published: December 2023

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) leads to meibum stasis and pathogenic bacteria proliferation. We determined meibum microbiota via next-generation sequencing (NGS) and examined their association with tear cytokine levels in patients with MGD. This cross-sectional study included 44 moderate–severe patients with MGD and 44 healthy controls (HCs). All volunteers underwent assessment with the ocular surface disease index questionnaire, Schirmer without anesthesia, tear break-up time, Oxford grading of ocular surface staining, and lid and meibum features. Sample collection included tears for cytokine detection and meibum for 16S rRNA NGS. No significant differences were observed in the α-diversity of patients with MGD compared with that in HCs. However, Simpson’s index showed significantly decreased α-diversity for severe MGD than for moderate MGD (p = 0.045). Principal coordinate analysis showed no significant differences in β-diversity in meibum samples from patients with MGD and HCs. Patients with MGD had significantly higher relative abundances of Bacteroides (8.54% vs. 6.00%, p = 0.015) and Novosphingobium (0.14% vs. 0.004%, p = 0.012) than the HCs. Significantly higher interleukin (IL)-17A was detected in the MGD group than in the HC group, particularly for severe MGD (p = 0.008). Although Bacteroides was more abundant in the MGD group than in the HC group, it was not positively correlated with IL-17A. The relationship between core meibum microbiota and tear cytokine levels remains unclear. However, increased Bacteroides and Novosphingobium abundance may be critical in MGD pathophysiology.
Dynamic Embodiment℠ of the Sun Salutation: Pathways to Balancing the Chakras and the Neuroendocrine System, Martha Eddy and Shakti Andrea Smith (2021)
Authors: Ward Jade
Published: December 2023

Review of: Dynamic Embodiment℠ of the Sun Salutation: Pathways to Balancing the Chakras and the Neuroendocrine System, Martha Eddy and Shakti Andrea Smith (2021)

London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 256 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-91208-599-6, p/bk, £32.50
‘Who else is in here?’: Orientalism and War on Terror ideology in The View from Up Here
Authors: Avilez Jason
Published: December 2023

Immigration and refugee crises have become a major focus of discourses about international politics that are influenced by geopolitical conflicts and, increasingly, by climate change. Such discourses can influence personal interactions between people. As political situations develop and change such interactions are increasingly represented in media forms such as film in national industries. This article examines how the short film The View from Up Here explores the political ideology of the War on Terror and the theory of Orientalism through interactions between two characters.
Sebastián de Vivanco: El último gran maestro de música del Siglo de Oro en Salamanca
Authors: Cruz Rodríguez Javier
Published: December 2023

En homenaje al 400 aniversario de la muerte del músico y docente Sebastián de Vivanco, se reivindicará su figura completando algunos datos biográficos y de su labor en torno a su etapa fundamental en Salamanca; una ciudad que venía de experimentar un pleno desarrollo cultural y educativo, sobre todo al calor de su universidad, y a la que en el área musical se unía la catedral para crear un escenario superlativo que estaría liderado en los dos ámbitos por el maestro. De tal forma, desarrollaremos un apartado sobre sus últimos años de vida para luego profundizar en su magisterio, así como en otros aspectos, en diferentes contextos y espacios. Esto nos permitirá saber algo más sobre el devenir tanto de las enseñanzas musicales como de la propia época y dará pie a pensar en Vivanco como el último referente de un extraordinario periodo cuyo declive también se refleja en esta disciplina.
As Câmaras na América Portuguesa sob escrutínio (séculos XVII-XVIII)
Authors: Stumpf Roberta
Published: December 2023

Os ouvidores, magistrados de segunda instância na América portuguesa, tinham entre suas funções realizar missões itinerantes de carácter judicial e administrativo no território de sua jurisdição (as comarcas). Este artigo dará destaque a este último, quer dizer, às visitas feitas aos oficiais das vilas e cidades que resultavam na elaboração de instruções visando a melhoria do governo local. Entretanto, a análise desta documentação, pouco investigada até hoje, permite indagar se, além de corrigir, tais visitas tinham ou não uma natureza punitiva, o que nos coloca novas perguntas sobre a autonomia dos agentes locais no império português, particularmente no Brasil, dos séculos XVII-XVIII.
How to design a digital service, the Foody’s online shopping and loyalty app, for a food retail chain in a digital sprint
Authors: Riess Victoria
Published: December 2023

This essay describes the design of a digital service to improve customer loyalty for a food retail chain in a digital sprint of the Digital Business class. The digital service is a online shopping and loyalty app, Foody app. The food retail company is the fictious company Foody.In the following I will outline the design of the digital service app. I will first visualise the digital service app by providing the user interface, value proposition, customer profile, customer problem and solution, and ecosystem map. Second, I will define the front-end by presenting the customer journey through the Wardley Map and customer journey map. Third, I will lay out the digital capabilities needed, specifically the Foody app’s back-end digital capabilities. Fourth, I will describe how Foody can increase customer loyalty with data analytics using the example of the data analytics framework.
Exploring the entrepreneurial landscape of university-industry collaboration on public university spin-off creation: A systematic literature review
Authors: Romero Sanchez Alexander , Perdomo Charry Geovanny , Burbano-Vallejo Edy Lorena
Published: December 2023

Research into the factors influencing university-industry collaboration on public university spin-offs creation has focused on management, entrepreneurship, technology and innovation. This research began with a careful systematic literature review of 4427 scientific papers published in the last ten years (2014-2023) and accessible in the prestigious Web of Science core collection. A quantitative methodology was used, complemented by the use of the visual analysis tool Posit PBC™, formerly known as R Cloud Studio. This comprehensive approach facilitated the seamless ingestion of raw data into Biblioshyni, which is a web-based platform specialised in bibliometric analysis. This review has revealed compelling trends, particularly in terms of increasing diversity, the emergence of United Kingdom as a major player, and the central role of university-industry collaboration. Our systematic review identified influential authors in the field, including the prolific contributions of scholars such as D. Radicid, S. Ropers, Y. Li and R. Owen. We also identified important research institutions, such as Utrecht University in Netherlands, Lund University in Sweden and The University of Manchester in the UK. In addition, we have shown that countries such as the United Kingdom, China and USA have made a significant contribution to the volume of publications. The results highlighted a marked increase in the phenomenon of univeristy spin-offs over the past decade, as evidenced by the exponential growth in both publication output and citation rates. This empirical revelation was underpinned by a rigorous exploration of the Web of Science database, using a carefully crafted set of keywords. Thirty-seven pivotal studies were selected for in-depth review through a sophisticated selection process that adhered to the rigorous standards of the PRISMA methodology. The aim of this review is to improve understanding and encourage deeper exploration of spin-off-based public universities through collaboration between academia and industry.
Resectability of Small Duodenal Tumors: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Underwater Endoscopic Mucosal Resection and Cold Snare Polypectomy
Authors: Miyazaki Kurato , Nakayama Atsushi , Sasaki Motoki , Minezaki Daisuke , Morioka Kohei , Iwata Kentaro , Masunaga Teppei , Kubosawa Yoko , Mizutani Mari , Hayashi Yukie , Kiguchi Yoshiyuki , Akimoto Teppei , Takatori Yusaku , Kawasaki Shintaro , Matsuura Noriko , Sujino Tomohisa , Takabayashi Kaoru , Yamanoi Kazuhiro , Mori Keita , Kanai Takanori , Yahagi Naohisa , Kato Motohiko
Published: December 2023

INTRODUCTION:

Underwater endoscopic mucosal resection (UEMR) and cold snare polypectomy (CSP) are novel endoscopic procedures for superficial nonampullary duodenal epithelial tumors (SNADET). However, consensus on how to use both procedures appropriately has not been established. In this study, we evaluated treatment outcomes of both procedures, including resectability.

METHODS:

In this single-center randomized controlled study conducted between January 2020 and June 2022, patients with SNADET ≤12 mm were randomly allocated to UEMR and CSP groups. The primary end point was sufficient vertical R0 resection (SVR0), which was defined as R0 resection including a sufficient submucosal layer. We compared treatment outcomes including SVR0 rate between groups.

RESULTS:

The SVR0 rate was significantly higher in the UEMR group than in the CSP group (65.6% vs 41.5%, P = 0.01). By contrast, the R0 resection rate was not significantly different between study groups (70.3% vs 61.5%, P = 0.29). The submucosal layer thickness was significantly greater in the UEMR group than in the CSP group (median 546 [range, 309–833] μm vs 69 [0–295] μm, P < 0.01). CSP had a shorter total procedure time (median 12 [range, 8–16] min vs 1 [1–3] min, P < 0.01) and fewer total bleeding events (9.4% vs 1.5%, P = 0.06).

DISCUSSION:

UEMR has superior vertical resectability compared with CSP, but CSP has a shorter procedure time and fewer bleeding events. Although CSP is preferable for most small SNADET, UEMR should be selected for lesions that cannot be definitively diagnosed as mucosal low-grade neoplasias.
Tofacitinib in Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis (TACOS): A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Singh Arshdeep , Goyal Manjeet Kumar , Midha Vandana , Mahajan Ramit , Kaur Kirandeep , Gupta Yogesh Kumar , Singh Dharmatma , Bansal Namita , Kaur Ramandeep , Kalra Shivam , Goyal Omesh , Mehta Varun , Sood Ajit
Published: December 2023

INTRODUCTION:

Intravenous corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment of patients hospitalized with acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC). However, 30%–40% of the patients are refractory to corticosteroids. We investigated whether addition of tofacitinib to corticosteroids improved the treatment responsiveness in patients with ASUC.

METHODS:

This single-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial randomized adult patients with ASUC (defined by the Truelove Witts severity criteria) to receive either tofacitinib (10 mg thrice daily) or a matching placebo for 7 days while continuing intravenous corticosteroids (hydrocortisone 100 mg every 6 hours). The primary end point was response to treatment (decline in the Lichtiger index by >3 points and an absolute score <10 for 2 consecutive days without the need for rescue therapy) by day 7. The key secondary outcome was the cumulative probability of requiring initiation of infliximab or undergoing colectomy within 90 days following randomization. All analyses were performed in the intention-to-treat population.

RESULTS:

A total of 104 patients were randomly assigned to a treatment group (53 to tofacitinib and 51 to placebo). At day 7, response to treatment was achieved in 44/53 (83.01%) patients receiving tofacitinib vs 30/51 (58.82%) patients receiving placebo (odds ratio 3.42, 95% confidence interval 1.37–8.48, P = 0.007). The need for rescue therapy by day 7 was lower in the tofacitinib arm (odds ratio 0.27, 95% confidence interval 0.09–0.78, P = 0.01). The cumulative probability of need for rescue therapy at day 90 was 0.13 in patients who received tofacitinib vs 0.38 in patients receiving placebo (log-rank P = 0.003). Most of the treatment-related adverse effects were mild. One patient, receiving tofacitinib, developed dural venous sinus thrombosis.

DISCUSSION:

In patients with ASUC, combination of tofacitinib and corticosteroids improved treatment responsiveness and decreased the need for rescue therapy.
Difficult-to-treat osteoarthritis – justification for multimodal treatment tactics
Authors: Karateev A. E.
Published: December 2023

Effective pain control is the most important clinical task in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). The International Expert Council, which discussed the possibility of introducing the principle of "treatment to target" to OA treatment, recognized the PASS (patient acceptable symptoms state) index as the most reasonable criterion for the successful treatment of this disease. However, according to several population studies, it is not possible to achieve a significant improvement in OA in 20–30% of patients. Factors that may be responsible for an inadequate response to the treatment of OA are severe structural changes in the joints, dysfunction of the nociceptive system (neuroplastic changes, central sensitization), psychoemotional disorders and comorbid pathologies. Therefore, the choice of therapeutic tactics in patients with OA who have moderate or severe pain should be individualized and take into account the phenotype of the disease, the characteristics of the clinical situation and the presence of comorbid pathologies. Leading experts in OA believe that the most rational approach to the management of this disease is a multidisciplinary, multimodal treatment that includes the complex use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, local injection therapy, Symptomatic Slow Acting Drugs for Osteoarthritis (SYSADOA) and non-pharmacological approaches. There is currently a strong evidence base confirming the efficacy and safety of SYSADOA (particularly the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin). This allows us to consider SYSADOA as a mandatory component of OA treatment, regardless of stage, phenotype and concomitant pathology. A new direction of OA therapy is the use of native (undenatured) collagen preparations, the effect of which is associated with the formation of immunological tolerance to autoantigens of this protein and a reduction in the severity of chronic joint inflammation. Several clinical studies have confirmed the effectiveness of native collagen supplements. The appearance of a new dietary supplement containing native collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin, B vitamins and ginger extract expands the possibilities of pharmaconutraceutical support for patients with OA.
Post-Covid syndrome: clinical picture, diagnosis and treatment from a rheumatologist perspective
Authors: Aronova E. S. , Belov B. S. , Gridneva G. I.
Published: December 2023

Over the past two years since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, many patients have experienced symptoms of post-Covid syndrome (PCS), which are often found in rheumatic diseases, which can cause diagnostic difficulties for physicians. The article presents epidemiology, a modern view on pathogenesis and possible biomarkers of PCS. As part of the differential diagnosis, the clinical and laboratory manifestations of PCS are considered. The feasibility of COVID-19 vaccination is emphasized and its role in the development of PCS is discussed. Current drug therapy approaches and rehabilitation programs are described.
Reforming oral tradition by Elias Lönnrot and Otto Manninen
Authors: Hämäläinen Niina , Karhu Hanna
Published: December 2023

Collecting, editing, publishing, and re-writing folklore was an essential part of Romanticism and Romantic Nationalism. The increased interest towards folklore and oral poetry was related to the aim of creating elite cultures and literatures. In this process, questions such as what was included in the folklore publications and literature and what was ignored and hidden are of importance. The focus of the article is on the methods of textualization and genetic criticism in the making of national heritage and literature in nineteenth-century Finland. Textualization theory emphasizes the practical-technical process whereby oral/written texts are transformed, interpreted, represented, and published, whereas genetic criticism focuses more on the study of writing processes of literary works in the context of linguistic and aesthetic analysis. However, these two approaches deal with the similar questions of textual processes and variants involved in text-making, particularly variation in the process of creating nationally recognized literature.
Leclercq, Nathalie. 2020. Les Figures du narrateur dans le roman médiéval. Le Bel Inconnu, Florimont et Partonopeu de Blois.
Authors: Viscidi Benedetta
Published: December 2023

Review
Notes from the Editors, December 2023
Authors: Editors -
Published: December 2023

buy this issueThis month, the editors discuss the U.S. threat of a "new Opium War against China" found in the pages of the Air Force's Journal of Indo-Pacific Affairs. In addition, MR affirms its solidarity with the Palestinian people in their struggle against genocide.
The Collapse of the New Polish Left
Authors: Winczewski Damian
Published: December 2023

Over the past decades, the Polish left has found itself subject to XYZ, frustrating their political ambitions and pushing the movement collectively toward dissolution. In this timely article, Damian Winczewski explores DFG.
Until Tomorrow, Comrades
Authors: LaPere Jacques
Published: December 2023

What lessons can be drawn from the struggle against fascism in the previous century? One answer, Jacques LaPere writes, can be found the new English translation of Portuguese antifascist Manuel Tiago's Until Tomorrow, Comrades.
Care is a relative term
Authors: Piercy Marge
Published: December 2023

A new poem by Marge Piercy.
INFLUENCE OF THE ADDITIVE OF EUTECTIC COMPOSITION IN THE Li2O–B2O3 SYSTEM ON THE SINTERING PROCESS AND PROPERTIES OF CERAMICS BASED ON Li2MgTi3O8
Authors: Stolyarov V. D. , Shubabko O. E. , Vershinin D. I.
Published: December 2023

The influence of the eutectic additive of the Li2O–B2O3 system on the sintering process and dielectric properties of ceramics based on Li2MgTi3O8 has been investigated. It was determined that the introduction of an additive in the amount of 10.0 – 15.0 % contributes to the sintering of ceramics by a liquid-phase mechanism. Li2MgTi3O8 ceramics, containing a sintering additive in an amount of 15.0 % and obtained at a firing temperature of 900 ?С, demonstrates the following level of properties ?av = 3.04 g/cm3, Po = 5.7 %, ?r = 19.0 and tg? = 0.028. The lowered sintering temperature of ceramic will allow the production of various electronic components based on it using low-temperature cofiring ceramic (LTCC) technology, and the specified level of dielectric properties will allow to miniaturize the devices.
Stand der Überlegungen zur Umsetzung der EG-Richtlinie in Bundes- und Landesrecht
Authors: Buchner Werner
Published: December 2023

Die wissenschaftliche und politische Diskussion im Zusammenhang mit der Umsetzung der EG-Richtlinie zur Umweltverträglichkeitsprüfung (UVP) hat ergeben, daß es zweckmäßig ist, für die Umsetzung in das deutsche Recht die Form des gestuften Verfahrens zu wählen, wobei das Raumordnungsverfahren (ROV) als erste Stufe insbesondere zur Überprüfung der Standort- bzw. Trassenvoraussetzungen raumbedeutsamer Vorhaben im Vorfeld der fachlichen Genehmigungs- oder Planfeststellungsverfahren besonders gut geeignet ist.Die Entwürfe eines Gesetzes zur Änderung des Raumordnungsgesetzes und eines UVP-Gesetzes, die von der Bundesregierung im Juni 1988 vorgelegt wurden und zu denen der Bundesrat eingehend Stellung genommen hat, beruhen auf dieser Konzeption. Im Zusammenhang mit der rahmenrechtlichen Verankerung des ROV erscheint es allerdings notwendig, im weiteren Verlauf des Gesetzgebungsverfahrens klarzustellen, daß die Behörden in den nachfolgenden Verwaltungsverfahren nicht nur die im ROV vorgenommene Ermittlung und Beschreibung, sondern auch die Bewertung der Umweltauswirkungen zu berücksichtigen haben.Die Effektivität der in das ROV integrierten ersten Stufe der UVP beruht insbesondere auf
Überlegungen zu einer planungssystematischen Einbindung der UVP
Authors: Fischer Klaus
Published: December 2023

Ausgehend von dem geltenden Raumplanungssystem werden je nach Planungsart, -ebene und -systematik Falltypen zur Umweltverträglichkeitsprüfung definiert und planungsmethodisch sowie verfahrensorganisatorisch bewertet.Vorgeschlagen wird eine „Umweltverträglichkeitstypik“, die unterscheidet nach (1) objektbezogenen Begleitverfahren zur UVP, die im Rahmen konkreter Zulassungsentscheidungen für einzelne Vorhaben und damit im Vollzug gesamthafter Planungen (post festum) durchgeführt werden, und (2) planbezogenen, integrierten Parallelverfahren zur UVP, die im Zusammenhang mit der Planerarbeitung (uno actu) entstehen, und zwar frühzeitig, umfassend und in ständiger Abwägung mit den übrigen räumlichen Belangen.Bei diesen Parallelverfahren wiederum gilt es zu unterscheiden, und zwar in Abhängigkeit von der Planförmlichkeit nach (a) planprozeßintegrierten und (b) verwaltungsverfahrensintegrierten Parallelverfahren.
Der Wasserzins als Instrument der Raumordnungspolitik und der Umweltpolitik
Authors: Brösse Ulrich
Published: December 2023

Die staatliche Wasserbenutzungsordnung in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland hat es mittels ihrer zwingenden Ge- und Verbote nicht geschafft, für einen genügenden Schutz des Grundwassers zu sorgen. Eine der Ursachen ist, daß es keine ökonomische Interessiertheit am Grundwasser gibt. Durch die Zahlung eines Wasserzinses für sauberes Grundwasser von den Wasserentnehmern an die Gemeinden werden die Grundwasservorräte für die Gemeinden zu einem wertvollen Gut, das zu erhalten in ihrem ökonomischen Interesse liegt, und somit auch zu einem wirksamen endogenen Entwicklungspotential. Der Wasserzins schafft somit eine politisch mächtige „Lobby“ für das Grundwasser.Anhand einer ökonomischen Modellanalyse wird gezeigt, wie sich die ökonomische Rente, die der Wasserschatz erbringt, nach der gegenwärtigen Wasserbenutzungsordnung, im Falle eines Wasserzinses und bei Einführung eines Wasserpfennigs nach dem Modell von Baden-Württemberg auf die Nutzer verteilt. Am Beispiel zweier Regierungsbezirke Nordrhein-Westfalens wird für tatsächlich geförderte Wassermengen eines Jahres und unter der Annahme alternativer Wasserzinssätze das finanzielle Aufkommen aus dem Wasserzins nach Gemeinden und Regionen errechnet. Im Vergleich mit den gemeindeeigenen Steuereinnahmen aus der Grundsteuer und aus der Gewerbesteuer kann der Wasserzins in einer großen Zahl von Fällen gleichwertige und sogar höhere Einnahmen erbringen. Die Einführung des Wasserzinses würde zu z. T. erheblichen Steigerungen der Realsteuerkraft bei vielen Gemeinden führen.Ein Zusammenhang zwischen Gemeindetyp und Wasserreichtum bzw. Höhe der Wasserzinseinnahmen ist nicht feststellbar. Der Wasserzins ist deshalb kein Instrument, das für bestimmte Raumtypen eingesetzt werden kann, sondern vielmehr eines, das regionsindividuell genutzt und bewertet werden muß.
Sozialhilfe und Lebenswelt
Authors: Schubert Herbert J.
Published: December 2023

Um lebensräumliche Strukturdifferenzen des Sozialhilfebezugs zu untersuchen, wurden die Regionaltabellen der niedersächsischen Sozialhilfestatistik einer Sekundäranalyse unterzogen. Im Blickpunkt standen die regionalen Lebenssituationen von Sozialhilfeempfängern und die Sozialhilfeausgaben der örtlichen Träger in Niedersachsen 1986.Die Ergebnisse verdeutlichen, daß das Fehlen eines bundesstaatlich hinreichend geregelten Familienlastenausgleichs Gebiete mit einem hohen Familienanteil und günstigeren Geburtenraten regionalwirtschaftlich benachteiligt: Im Westen, wo der Bevölkerungsanteil der Kinder und Jugendlichen hoch ist, wo viele Familien leben und eine überdurchschnittliche Geburtenrate zu verzeichnen ist, sind die privaten Hilfe- und Beziehungsnetze so tragfähig, daß nur relativ selten Ältere in Heimen versorgt werden müssen. Allerdings belasten dort die überdurchschnittliche Arbeitslosigkeit und das unterdurchschnittliche Lohnniveau die Lebenslage von Familien tiefgreifend, so daß in überdurchschnittlich vielen Fällen Armut nur durch Hilfe zum Lebensunterhalt abzuwenden ist.Im Südosten Niedersachsens prägen ein hoher Rentneranteil, eine geringe Familiendichte und eine niedrige Geburtenrate das demographische Profil. Die Sozialhilfe ersetzt in diesen Teilen des Landes schwerpunktmäßig die Aufgaben einer Pflegeversicherung. Dort scheinen die privaten Hilfe- und Beziehungsnetze weniger tragfähig zu sein, so daß überdurchschnittlich viele ältere Menschen ihren Lebensabend in Heimen verbringen. Sie müssen Sozialhilfe wegen der hohen Kosten für stationäre Pflege in Anspruch nehmen.Um den Sozialhilfeaufwand längerfristig dämpfen zu können, ist eine räumlich differenzierte Strukturpolitik erforderlich. Sie muß die regionalen Rahmenbedingungen verbessern, die für die aktuellen Sozialhilfeprobleme ausschlaggebend sind. Für dieses strukturpolitische Handeln werden in der Abhandlung mögliche Orientierungslinien in Betracht gezogen.
Regionale Einkommensdisparitäten in Portugal
Authors: Gerlach Knut , Kehlbeck Heike , Schasse Ulrich
Published: December 2023

Nach der Süderweiterung der EG und der Intensivierung der Regionalpolitik auf europäischer Ebene verdienen die regionalen Einkommensunterschiede in den neuen Mitgliedsländern eine verstärkte Aufmerksamkeit. Während regionale Einkommensdisparitäten in Spanien seit längerem durch die Publikationen der Banco de Bilbao1 statistisch aufbereitet und analysiert werden, sind die entsprechenden Forschungslücken für Portugal besonders deutlich. Ziel dieses Beitrags ist deshalb, regionale Einkommensunterschiede in Portugal zu analysieren. Ausgehend von einer mikroökonomischen Theorie der Einkommenserklärung werden mit Hilfe eines entsprechenden Individualdatensatzes für Portugal und geeigneter Abgrenzungen regionaler Arbeitsmärkte empirische Schätzungen regional getrennter, einfacher Einkommensfunktionen durchgeführt. Forschungsleitend ist dabei die Hypothese, daß der Einkommensbestimmungsprozeß in Portugal – wie auch in vielen anderen europäischen Staaten – regional ungleich verläuft.Im ersten Abschnitt wird die theoretische Fragestellung entwickelt. Der zweite Abschnitt enthält neben einer kurzen Beschreibung der Daten die wesentlichen empirischen Ergebnisse. Die Arbeit schließt mit einer kurzen Zusammenfassung und Bewertung.