bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Age estimation biases based on body size: the differential impacts of soft tissue on skeletal ageing
Authors: Merritt Catherine E.
Published: July 2023

The aim of this research project is to explore the differential impacts of soft tissues on skeletal ageing and apply these findings to skeletal age estimation methods. Computed tomography (CT) scans of 412 size‐selected individuals from Ontario, Canada, were assessed using an adapted pubic symphysis age estimation method. Individuals ranged from 20 to 79 years of age (mean = 49.46 years), with 208 males and 204 females. Almost 80 per cent of the sample was assigned to the correct age phase; those not correctly aged followed a similar pattern. Individuals with higher body mass, body mass index (BMI), circumference, and total fat area were over‐aged and those with lower body mass, BMI, circumference, and total fat area were under‐aged. High amounts of adipose tissue led to increased skeletal degeneration, but high amounts of muscle tissue did not have a protective effect. Skeletal elements were not reliable proxies for body mass; however, other morphological features may help identify individuals with high body mass from skeletal remains.
The impact of access to prenatal health insurance for noncitizen women on child health
Authors: Hwang Grace
Published: July 2023

Objective

To estimate the effects of prenatal public health insurance targeting noncitizens on the health of U.S.‐born children of noncitizen mothers beyond birth outcomes.

Data Sources and Study Setting

This paper uses the restricted version of the 1998–2014 National Health Interview Survey with state‐level geographic identifiers.

Study Design

The empirical strategy compares outcomes in states that adopted the Children's Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) Unborn Child Option with states that never adopted or adopted it at different times, controlling for differences in the pre‐treatment period. I use a flexible event‐study analysis to quantify the effects of the Unborn Child Option on noncitizen women's health insurance coverage, health care utilization, and their children's health.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

All data are derived from pre‐existing sources.

Principal Findings

The study finds that the impact of the Unborn Child Option is a 4.7%‐point increase in public health insurance coverage (p < 0.01) and 0.48 more doctor's office visits (p < 0.1) annually among noncitizens of childbearing ages. Subsequently, the reform leads to a 7%‐point rise in the rate of parents reporting their 4–6‐year‐old children are in “excellent” or “very good” health (p < 0.01). While no improvements are evident at birth and at younger ages, observed health improvements begin to appear by preschool age.

Conclusions

The study contributes to the literature by providing evidence that certain benefits of in‐utero public health insurance targeting noncitizens may appear several years after birth, specifically around preschool age.
Geriatric Depression Scale predicts mortality in elderly patients on chronic hemodialysis
Authors: Bossola Maurizio , Pepe Gilda , Antocicco Emanuela , Illuminati Camilla , Di Stasio Enrico
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The aim of this study was to determine if the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was predictor of mortality in elderly patients on chronic hemodialysis (HD).

Methods

A total of 140 HD patients ≥65 years were studied. Symptoms of depression were assessed through GDS and cognitive function through the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). GDS scores 0–9 are considered normal (Group 1); scores of 10–20 (Group 2) and 21–30 (Group 3) indicate mild and severe depression.

Results

Median GDS was 13 (11–15): 54 patients in Group 1, 49 in Group 2, and 37 in Group 3. After a follow‐up of 58.85 ± 38.8 months, 94 patients died and 46 were alive. Kaplan–Meier survival was significantly lower in patients of Groups 2 and 3 than in Group 1 (log‐rank χ2: 101.9; DF: 2; p < 0.0001). According to Cox regression analysis, mortality was associated with age and GDS, and inversely associated with MMSE and Kt/V.

Conclusion

GDS predicts mortality in elderly HD patients.
Predisposing factors for advanced liver fibrosis in patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: Manganas Konstantinos , Delicou Sophia , Xydaki Aikaterini , Kourakli Alexandra , Evliati Loukia , Vlachaki Efthymia , Klironomos Evangelos , Diamantidis Michail , Lafiatis Ioannis , Kattamis Antonios , Koskinas John
Published: July 2023

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most common monogenic disorders worldwide and liver complications are common in this group of patients. Our study aims to highlight the prevalence of chronic liver complications and the main predisposing factors for advanced liver fibrosis in SCD patients. For this purpose, 219 patients from eight Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Units across Greece enrolled in our study and history of liver related disease complications was recorded, as well as a full laboratory and imaging analysis concerning their liver function. 13.6% of the patients had advanced liver fibrosis. The presence of liver fibrosis was significantly correlated with advanced age, male gender, cholelithiasis and higher LDH, γ‐GT, INR, direct and indirect bilirubin levels. These patients had exhibited significantly more episodes of liver crises and acute intrahepatic cholestasis. No correlation was observed with right heart failure or previous viral hepatitis. Patients with advanced liver fibrosis were receiving a more intensive transfusion therapy for a longer period of time and had higher Liver Iron Concentration levels. Our study shows that liver complications and cirrhosis is a significant cause of morbidity in patients with SCD and it is primarily associated with intravascular hemolysis and vaso‐occlusive phenomena and secondarily with iron overload.
Do Obligations Follow the Mind or Body?
Authors: Protzko John , Tobia Kevin , Strohminger Nina , Schooler Jonathan W.
Published: July 2023

Do you persist as the same person over time because you keep the same mind or because you keep the same body? Philosophers have long investigated this question of personal identity with thought experiments. Cognitive scientists have joined this tradition by assessing lay intuitions about those cases. Much of this work has focused on judgments of identity continuity. But identity also has practical significance: obligations are tagged to one's identity over time. Understanding how someone persists as the same person over time could provide insight into how and why moral and legal obligations persist. In this paper, we investigate judgments of obligations in hypothetical cases where a person's mind and body diverge (e.g., brain transplant cases). We find a striking pattern of results: In assigning obligations in these identity test cases, people are divided among three groups: “body‐followers,” “mind‐followers,” and “splitters”—people who say that the obligation is split between the mind and the body. Across studies, responses are predicted by a variety of factors, including mind/body dualism, essentialism, education, and professional training. When we give this task to professional lawyers, accountants, and bankers, we find they are more inclined to rely on bodily continuity in tracking obligations. These findings reveal not only the heterogeneity of intuitions about identity but how these intuitions relate to the legal standing of an individual's obligations.
Immune‐mediated encephalitis
Authors: Rossor Thomas , Lim Ming
Published: July 2023

A neurological deterioration in a child presents a significant worry to the family and often a diagnostic challenge to the clinician. A dysregulated immune response is implicated in a wide and growing spectrum of neurological conditions. In this review we consider the current paradigms in which immune‐mediated encephalopathies are considered; the development of paediatric specific diagnostic criteria that facilitate early consideration and treatment of immune‐mediated conditions and the limitations and potential developments in diagnostic testing. We consider the expanding phenotype of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody, the spectrum of virus‐associated encephalopathy syndromes, and the strategies that have been employed to build an evidence base for the management of these rare conditions. Looking forward we explore the potential for advanced molecular investigations to improve our understanding of immune‐mediated encephalitides and guide future treatment strategies.

Recently characterized immune‐mediated central nervous system disorders include new antibodies causing previously recognized phenotypes.

Aggregation of conditions with similar clinical triggers, and characterization of unique imaging features in virus‐associated encephalopathy syndromes.

Immune treatment iscurrently guided by meta‐analysis of individualized patient data and/or multi‐national consensus.
Associations between caregiver burden and care receivers' sharing ratio of household tasks among spousal caregivers
Authors: Otobe Yuhei , Kimura Yosuke , Terao Yusuke , Suzuki Mizue , Tanaka Shu , Kojima Iwao , Koyama Shingo , Kusumi Haruhiko , Yamada Minoru
Published: July 2023

Aim

We assessed care receivers' sharing ratios of household tasks before they required care and investigated their relationship with caregiver burden.

Methods

A cross‐sectional, online survey was completed by 272 spousal caregivers in Japan. Caregiver burden was assessed using the Zarit Burden Interview. Low and moderate‐to‐high caregiver burdens were defined as those with scores ≤40 and ≥41, respectively. Additionally, caregiver responses to, “How much did your partner contribute to household tasks before the onset of their condition that needed care?” were scored on a 10‐point Likert scale ranging from 1 to 10. We defined answers that scored 1–4 as a low sharing ratio and those that scored 5–10 as a high sharing ratio of household tasks of care receivers before developing a condition that required care.

Results

Among the husband and wife caregivers, moderate‐to‐high caregiver burden in 33 (25.0%) and 48 (34.3%) caregivers, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that among the husband caregivers, the high sharing ratio of household tasks of their wives before developing a condition that required care was significantly associated with their caregiver burden (OR 4.55, 95% CI 1.20–17.27); however, no such association was observed among the wife caregivers (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.37–2.29).

Conclusions

Among husband, but not wife caregivers, the high sharing ratio of household tasks of their wives before they required care was significantly associated with their caregiver burden. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 616–621.
A modified nonsurgical treatment of keloids: Cocktail therapy
Authors: Liu Yue , Cao Yuchen , Su Xueshang , Li Shasha , Dou Maomei , Qu Chunan , Hu Jintian , Wang Lianzhao
Published: July 2023

Background

The high recurrence rate after nonsurgical treatment of keloid is a major challenge for clinicians. Although there are many existing treatment options, how to optimize and upgrade the existing options and make a reasonable combination of utilization is our concern. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive non‐surgical treatment for keloid—cocktail therapy.

Methods

According to the different changes of keloid with treatment, the treatment was divided into four stages, and different treatment schemes were adopted for each stage. The incidence of side effects of keloid at each stage and the effective rate and cure rate 16 months after the end of treatment were analyzed.

Results

All patients completed this study on time, and were followed up 16 months after the end of treatment, the treatment effective rate was 100%, and the cure rate was up to 92.8%.

Conclusion

Cocktail therapy can achieve a higher cure rate of keloid, and is worthy of clinical promotion.
Multisystem pathology in McLeod syndrome
Authors: Schon Katherine R. , O'Donovan Dominic G. , Briggs Mayen , Rowe James B. , Wijesekera Lokesh , Chinnery Patrick F. , van den Ameele Jelle
Published: July 2023

We present a comprehensive characterization of clinical, neuropathological, and multisystem features of a man with genetically confirmed McLeod neuroacanthocytosis syndrome, including video and autopsy findings. A 61‐year‐old man presented with a movement disorder and behavioral change. Examination showed dystonic choreiform movements in all four limbs, reduced deep‐tendon reflexes, and wide‐based gait. He had oromandibular dyskinesia causing severe dysphagia. Elevated serum creatinine kinase (CK) was first noted in his thirties, but investigations, including muscle biopsy at that time, were inconclusive. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed white matter volume loss, atrophic basal ganglia, and chronic small vessel ischemia. Despite raised CK, electromyography did not show myopathic changes. Exome gene panel testing was negative, but targeted genetic analysis revealed a hemizygous pathogenic variant in the XK gene c.895C > T p.(Gln299Ter), consistent with a diagnosis of McLeod syndrome. The patient died of sepsis, and autopsy showed astrocytic gliosis and atrophy of the basal ganglia, diffuse iron deposition in the putamen, and mild Alzheimer's pathology. Muscle pathology was indicative of mild chronic neurogenic atrophy without overt myopathic features. He had non‐specific cardiomyopathy and splenomegaly. McLeod syndrome is an ultra‐rare neurodegenerative disorder caused by X‐linked recessive mutations in the XK gene. Diagnosis has management implications since patients are at risk of severe transfusion reactions and cardiac complications. When a clinical diagnosis is suspected, candidate genes should be interrogated rather than solely relying on exome panels.
Balancing immunosuppression in pediatric liver transplantation: Playing the long game
Authors: Antala Swati , DiNorcia Joseph , Bucuvalas John
Published: July 2023

The overarching goal in the care of pediatric liver transplant recipients is to optimize allograft and patient health. Balancing immunosuppression to maintain allograft health while avoiding medication side effects is essential for long‐term survival and optimal quality of life in pediatric liver transplant recipients. Utilizing precision medicine to personalize immunosuppression, which includes minimization and withdrawal, is core to this effort. The unique anatomy and physiology of the liver make it more tolerant to immune‐mediated injury and a more favorable organ for immunosuppression minimization and withdrawal. However, several challenges exist. Standard biochemical values and histologic features may not reliably predict allograft health after a reduction in immunosuppression. Additionally, biochemical values alone do not reliably identify which patients can successfully develop operational tolerance, as there may be occult allograft injury despite normal liver enzymes. Finally, the durability of tolerance after successful reduction in immunosuppression remains uncertain over time. Innovative tools show promise in circumventing these challenges, but more research is needed to determine actual clinical utility. While immunosuppression‐free transplant may not be a current reality for most pediatric liver transplant recipients, strategies to safely minimize immunosuppression without compromising allograft health are within reach. Each liver allograft and recipient pair requires a different degree of immune modulation, and through a structured process of minimization and withdrawal, immunosuppression can indeed be tailored in a precise, personalized way to optimize outcomes. This review focuses on the progress that has been made to individualize immunosuppression in pediatric liver transplantation to ensure optimal allograft and recipient health.
The revolving door in UK government departments: A configurational analysis
Authors: Andrews Rhys , Beynon Malcolm J.
Published: July 2023

The “revolving door” between those at the top of public and private organizations has given rise to questions about the “pull” and “push” factors influencing public servants' switching into lucrative posts with companies they previously regulated. In this study, we investigate the departmental attributes associated with the movement of senior British civil servants into potentially controversial corporate jobs. To do so, we develop a configurational analysis of revolving door activity in UK government departments for 2015–2018 using panel‐based fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). We identify a series of alternative departmental conditions' based pathways for taking up, or not taking up, a role in the private sector. In particular, more prestigious departments with high levels of pay and low levels of agencification are associated with revolving door activity, while departments with low levels of pay, high levels of agencification, and low levels of capital procurement tend to be associated with an absence of such activity.
The impact of donor biological variation on the quality and function of cold‐stored platelets
Authors: Lorusso Alice , Croxon Harry , Faherty‐O'Donnell Sarah , Field Stephen , Fitzpatrick Áine , Farrelly Aileen , Hervig Tor , Waters Allison
Published: July 2023

Background and Objectives

Room temperature‐stored platelets (RTPs) maximize platelet viability but limit shelf life. The aims of this study were to investigate the impact of donor variability on cold‐stored platelets (CSPs) and RTP, to determine whether RTP quality markers are appropriate for CSP.

Materials and Methods

Double platelet donations (n = 10) were collected from consented regular male donors stored in 100% plasma. A full blood count, donor age, weight, height and body mass index (BMI) were collected at the time of donation. Platelet donations were split equally into two bags, and assigned to non‐agitated CSP or agitated RTP. The quality and function of platelets were assessed throughout the standard 7 days of storage and at expiry (day 8). Non‐parametric statistical analyses were used to analyse results given the small sample size.

Results

As expected, there were significant differences between CSP and RTP throughout storage including a reduction in CSP concentration as well as a loss of swirling. Furthermore, a significant increase in CSP exhibiting activation and apoptotic markers was observed. Platelet concentrations were further impacted by donor BMI, and donors with the highest BMI (>29) had the lowest platelet concentration and activation response at the end of CSP storage.

Conclusion

Platelet quality and functionality play a vital role in transfusion outcomes; however, blood components are inherently variable. This study demonstrated, for the first time, the specific impact of donor BMI on CSP quality and function and highlights the requirement for novel quality markers for assessing CSPs.
Ultrasonographic findings may be useful for differentiating interdigital abscesses secondary to migrating grass awns and interdigital furunculosis in dogs
Authors: Fenet Marion , Layssol‐Lamour Catherine , Pressanti Charline , Briand Amaury , Desquilbet Loic , Hahn Harriet
Published: July 2023

Grass awn migration and furunculosis are common diseases in dogs that can lead to interdigital subcutaneous lesions with a similar clinical presentation, and occasionally similar ultrasonographic images, but different treatments are required. This retrospective, multicentric, analytical study aimed to determine whether epidemiological, clinical, and ultrasonographic features could be used to differentiate interdigital furunculosis and abscesses secondary to migrating grass awns. Fifty‐nine dogs that underwent interdigital ultrasonography were included (interdigital furunculosis [IDF], n = 27; interdigital abscess secondary to a migrating grass awn [IAGA], n = 32). Ultrasonographic images were reviewed by two observers blinded to the diagnosis, who graded nine qualitative and four quantitative parameters for each patient. In both groups, pruritus/licking (IDF 74%, IAGA 70%), a discharging interdigital wound (63% for each group), and thoracic limb involvement (IDF 88%, IAGA 75%) were common features. On ultrasound, a subcutaneous multilinear hyperechoic main element was identified in most dogs (IDF 85%, IAGA 100%). The ability to display this element in a single plane (P < 0.01), the absence of additional hyperechoic linear elements in different planes (P < 0.01), and a surrounding hypoechoic halo (P < 0.05) were significantly more common in dogs with interdigital abscesses secondary to migrating grass awns. A cut‐off value of 0.83 cm for the length of the main multilinear element provided a sensitivity of 91% and a specificity of 87% in the diagnosis of a migrating grass awn. Findings supported prioritizing a differential diagnosis of interdigital abscesses secondary to grass awns in dogs with these ultrasonographic characteristics.
Survey of factors affecting satisfaction and success of residents enrolled in European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging (ECVDI) residency programs
Authors: White Crystal , Maddox Thomas W. , Mortier Jeremy R.
Published: July 2023

Several published studies have described the success and satisfaction of residents enrolled in human radiology training programs, however comparable studies for veterinary radiology residents are currently lacking. The purpose of this descriptive, survey study was to evaluate resident perceptions of the European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging (ECVDI) residency training programs. A web‐based survey was sent to all listed 114 ECVDI residents and received a 57.0% response (65/114). Of these, 88% of respondents enjoyed their training and 73.5% of finishing respondents agreed they felt ready to work as a veterinary radiologist. First‐time pass rates for the theoretical and practical components of the board certifying examinations were >80%. Regarding research and exam preparation, 41.5% and 49.2% of respondents, respectively, did not feel they received appropriate guidance. Eleven percent of respondents felt a lack of mentoring and 7.7% reported  not receiving annual appraisals. Findings from this study can be used as background for future studies on perceptions of ECVDI residents and ECVDI residency program directors and for future policy decisions regarding ECVDI residency training programs.
Simulation and Validation of Fluid Inertia Effects in External Gear Machines Using Lumped Parameter Modeling
Authors: Mistry Zubin , Vacca Andrea , Dhar Sujan , Rigosi Manuel
Published: July 2023

Lumped parameter modeling is a consolidated technique for analyzing the fluid dynamic behavior of positive displacement machines, owing to their computational swiftness and the ease of integrating other physical domains affecting the operation of the machine. With some very limited exceptions, this modeling technique typically neglects fluid inertia and momentum effects. This paper proposes an approach to study the effects of fluid inertia affecting the pressurization and depressurization of the tooth space volumes of an external gear pump. The approach is based on considering the fluid inertia in the pressurization grooves and inside the control volumes with a peculiar subdivision. Further, frequency-dependent friction is also modeled to provide realistic damping of the fluid inside these channels. Validation of the model has been performed by comparing the lumped parameter model with a full three-dimensional Navier–Stokes solver. The quantities compared, such as tooth space volume pressures and outlet volumetric flow rate, show a good match between the two approaches for varying operating speeds. A comparison with the experiments supports the modeling approach as well. The paper finally, also discusses which operating conditions and geometries play a significant role that governs the necessity to model such fluid inertia effects in the first place.
The Coach Developer as a Learning Designer: An Insight Into the Development of the ICOACHKIDS Massive Open Online Courses
Authors: Lara-Bercial Sergio , Hodgson Gary , Lara-Bercial Pedro , Quinn Sheelagh , O’Leary Declan , Van Der Haegen Kris
Published: July 2023

The role of the coach developer (CD) has broadened over the last two decades. Today CDs fulfil multiple functions, such as tutor, facilitator, expert, or mentor. They also play a significant part as learning designers. CDs are normally not trained to perform this role. This practical advances paper provides an overview of the role and required skills of learning designers, specifically in the context of the creation of an online coach development resource: the ICOACHKIDS massive open online courses. The paper offers a novel description of the development process. It describes four stages, including: (a) agreeing on target audience and learning outcomes, (b) choosing the pedagogical model, (c) selecting technological solutions and partners, and (d) content development. For each stage, the working parameters, associated challenges, and the learning gained by CDs are described. Each of these phases presents unique challenges and requires different competences. We conclude that learning design, especially in relation to massive open online courses (and perhaps, more broadly, online), must become part of the CD development curriculum going forward.
Development and Evaluation of a New Observational Tool to Document the Use of Teaching Strategies in Physiotherapy
Authors: Schoenmaker Jorine , Houdijk Han , Steenbergen Bert , Reinders-Messelink Heleen A. , Schoemaker Marina M.
Published: July 2023

Effectiveness of motor interventions depends not only on learning content but also on the used teaching strategies. However, little is known regarding the application of teaching strategies in clinical practice. This study aimed to develop and assess psychometric properties of a new Dutch observational instrument to document teaching strategies: the Optimizing Performance through Intrinsic Motivation and Attention for Learning (OPTIMAL) Strategies Observational Tool (OSOT). Based on the OPTIMAL theory for motor learning from Wulf and Lewthwaite, the OSOT includes three variables: (a) expectancies, (b) autonomy, and (c) attention. The OSOT’s content was created by extracting relevant items from literature and existing instruments. To assess its psychometric properties, a convenience sample of 18 physiotherapy sessions for children with developmental coordination disorder was employed. Video recordings of these sessions were analyzed using Noldus The Observer XT. Relative duration (percentage of session time) was calculated for each item. Intraclass correlations were calculated to examine interrater and intrarater reliability. The design process resulted in 43 items in total. Interrater and intrarater intraclass correlations ranged from .48 to .99, with 81% (interrater), respectively, 95% (intrarater) of the items scoring above .75, indicating excellent agreement. The OSOT enables systematic and reliable observation of Optimizing Performance through Intrinsic Motivation and Attention for Learning teaching strategies used by therapists in Dutch clinical settings.
Widespread regulatory specificities between transcriptional co-repressors and enhancers in
Drosophila
Authors: Jacobs Jelle , Pagani Michaela , Wenzl Christoph , Stark Alexander
Published: July 2023

Gene expression is controlled by the precise activation and repression of transcription. Repression is mediated by specialized transcription factors (TFs) that recruit co-repressors (CoRs) to silence transcription, even in the presence of activating cues. However, whether CoRs can dominantly silence all enhancers or display distinct specificities is unclear. In this work, we report that most enhancers in
Drosophila
can be repressed by only a subset of CoRs, and enhancers classified by CoR sensitivity show distinct chromatin features, function, TF motifs, and binding. Distinct TF motifs render enhancers more resistant or sensitive to specific CoRs, as we demonstrate by motif mutagenesis and addition. These CoR-enhancer compatibilities constitute an additional layer of regulatory specificity that allows differential regulation at close genomic distances and is indicative of distinct mechanisms of transcriptional repression.
The ocean’s disappearing giants
Kings of Their Own Ocean: Tuna, Obsession, and the Future of Our Seas
Karen Pinchin
Dutton, 2023. 320 pp.
Authors: Jensen Olaf P.
Published: July 2023

A journalist documents the struggle to catch, tag, and restore populations of Atlantic bluefin tuna
Metabolic control of transcription
Authors: Taylor Eric B.
Published: July 2023

Light alters histone methylation in plants via nuclear α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase
Donald D. Brown (1931–2023)
Authors: McKnight Steven , Spradling Allan
Published: July 2023

Father of molecular embryology
Giant NSF grants aim to revitalize leftbehind regions
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: July 2023

34 teams make first cut for $160 million awards to drive economic and social change
On structural and spectral properties of reduced power graph of finite groups
Authors: Banerjee Subarsha
Published: July 2023

The reduced power graph of a finite group [Formula: see text], denoted by [Formula: see text], is the graph whose vertices are the elements of the group [Formula: see text] and two vertices [Formula: see text] are adjacent if and only if [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we first describe the structure of the reduced power graph of the finite cyclic group [Formula: see text]. Consequently, we provide a short and alternative proof of one of the results published in (R. Rajkumar and T. Anitha, Laplacian spectrum of reduced power graph of certain finite groups, Linear Multilinear Algebra (2019) 1–18). We characterize the values of [Formula: see text] for which [Formula: see text] is a line graph. We then deduce the signless Laplacian spectrum of [Formula: see text] using its structure. We provide lower and upper bounds on the signless Laplacian spectral radius of [Formula: see text]. Finally, we conclude the paper by determining the signless Laplacian spectrum of [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] denotes the dihedral group of order [Formula: see text].
Francisco de Oliveira: questões, diálogos, depoimentos
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas
Published: July 2023

Depois de um ano e alguns meses de ausência de Francisco de Oliveira, nosso Chico, o Centro de Estudos dos Direitos da Cidadania (Cenedic), que foi fundado e alimentado intelectualmente por ele, prestou-lhe uma homenagem, rememorando sua produção e os momentos de convívio e diálogo que marcaram nossos encontros, seminários, projetos e livros. Rememorar e reler as obras de Francisco de Oliveira, que ocupa um lugar de destaque no pensamento e na produção das Ciências Sociais nacionais, acaba sendo uma recuperação – nem sempre fácil – da história social e política do país. Uma biografia não autorizada do Brasil – aliás, título de sua última obra – pode ser encontrada nos vários momentos e temas de sua produção. No seminário que realizamos em sua homenagem, de encerramento emocionado e sensível, rememoramos em conjunto os sentimentos que então nos tornavam, de certo modo, partes de uma mesma família: “somos filhos fundadores”, “somos todos filhos de Francisco”. Filiações, vínculos, saudade, certo, mas também um conjunto de ideias, proposições, provocações, idas e vindas que foram sendo identificadas pelos depoimentos e textos no decorrer do evento de novembro de 2020. Essa variedade de leituras, essa identificação de diálogos com outros pensadores e cientistas sociais, esse novelo de heranças e de lembranças parece conter um tesouro que agora partilhamos numa forma escrita. Esse tesouro reside na crítica sem ponto de repouso, em uma inquietação intelectual permanente, em um inconformismo com o que está dado, em uma escolha das leituras a contrapelo que vão da Crítica à Razão Dualista, de 1972, até os últimos textos sobre a tragédia brasileira.
La teoría del equilibrio puntuado como programa de investigación alternativo al neodarwinismo
Authors: Alsina Calvés José
Published: July 2023

Los modelos de cambio científico de la nueva filosofía de la ciencia, (paradigmas, programas de investigaciones, tradiciones de investigación) se aplican al estudio de la historia de la biología y, más concretamente, al desarrollo de la teoría de la evolución. Después de estudiar las dos grandes tradiciones de investigación en biología (internalistas o estructuralistas versus externalistas o adaptacionistas) y ver como en su seno se desarrollan programas de investigación concretos (Cuvier versus Geoffroy) se pasa a estudiar el surgimiento del darwinismo, en el seno de la familia adaptacionista, como un programa de investigación borroso y su competencia con otros programas de investigación (ortogénesis, Lamarckismo). A continuación, se estudia el origen de la teoría sintética de la evolución y su conversión en paradigma, y el surgimiento del equilibrio puntuado como programa de investigación alternativo. El principal objetivo del trabajo es mostrar que los modelos de cambio científico propuestos por Laudan, Kuhn y Lakatos no son incompatibles entre sí y que pueden encajarse unos dentro de otros para mejorar la comprensión de las distintas etapas de la historia de la biología
Uma tradução comentada do Pseudodoxia Epidemica de Thomas Browne: Vulgar and common errors sobre os animais no século XVII
Authors: Hidalgo Juliana Mesquita
Published: July 2023

Em 1646, o médico inglês Thomas Browne (1605-1682) publicou a obra enciclopédica, de inspiração baconiana, Pseudodoxia Epidemica, também conhecida como Vulgar Errors. Browne Nela abordou o que seriam erros disseminados sobre vários temas, incluindo concepções sobre os animais. Ele explicou a origem de cada concepção. Discutiu ideias e observações de outros autores e, em muitos casos, apresentou seus experimentos e observações. Tomou como decisivo o testemunho ocular. Apresentamos uma tradução contextualizada e comentada do Capítulo 1 do Livro III do Pseudodoxia.
O Brasil de Darwin nas aquarelas de Augustus Earle e Conrad Martens
Authors: Josephino Marcos Ferreira
Published: July 2023

Este artigo tem como objetivo resgatar o Brasil de Darwin por meio das obras dos pintores viajantes Augustus Earle (1793-1838) e Conrad Martens (1801-1878). Os locais por onde passou, a beleza da floresta tropical, os horrores do sistema escravista narrados por Darwin em seu diário, estão presentes nas aquarelas desses dois artistas, cujo papel a bordo do Beagle foi o de relatar, através da arte visual, as experiências vividas durante o levantamento geográfico da Terra do fogo e da costa sul da América do Sul, sob o comando do capitão Robert FitzRoy (1805-1865).
As formas da urgência: crítica, docência e militância
Authors: Rabello Ivone Daré , Assano Gustavo , Martiniuk Thiago dos Santos , Pace João , Pagan Maria Elisa
Published: July 2023

Ivone Daré Rabello, professora aposentada do Departamento de Teoria Literária e Literatura Comparada (FFLCH-USP), faz nesta entrevista um relato de sua trajetória como pesquisadora. Trajetória marcada pelo “sentimento de urgência” que pairava sobre sua geração, seu relato revela o engajamento político como vocação, ao modo de um baixo contínuo, sempre implicando a trajetória reflexiva da docente, desvelando as formas que assumiu a urgência em seu percurso.
Noninvasive In Vivo Thrombus Imaging in Patients With Ischemic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack—Brief Report
Authors: Whittington Beth , Tzolos Evangelos , Bing Rong , Andrews Jack , Lucatelli Christophe , MacAskill Mark G. , Tavares Adriana A.S. , Clark Tim , Mills Nicholas L. , Nash Jennifer , Dey Damini , Slomka Piotr J. , Koglin Norman , Stephens Andrew W. , van Beek Edwin J.R. , Smith Colin , Dweck Marc R. , Williams Michelle C. , Whiteley William , Wardlaw Joanna M. , Newby David E.
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND:

18
F-GP1 is a novel positron-emitting radiotracer that is highly specific for activated platelets and thrombus. In a proof-of-concept study, we aimed to determine its potential clinical application in establishing the role and origin of thrombus in ischemic stroke.

METHODS:

Eleven patients with recent ischemic stroke (n=9) or transient ischemic attack (n=2) underwent
18
F-GP1 positron emission tomography and computed tomography angiography at a median of 11 (range, 2–21) days from symptom onset.
18
F-GP1 uptake (maximum target-to-background ratio) was assessed in the carotid arteries and brain.

RESULTS:

18
F-GP1 uptake was identified in 10 of 11 patients: 4 in the carotid arteries only, 3 in the brain only, and 3 in both the brain and carotid arteries. In those with carotid uptake, 4 participants had >50% stenosis and 3 had nonstenotic disease. One case had bilateral stenotic disease (>70%), but only the culprit carotid artery demonstrated
18
F-GP1 uptake. The average uptake was higher in the culprit (median maximum target-to-background ratio, 1.55 [interquartile range, 1.26–1.82]) compared with the contralateral nonculprit carotid artery (maximum target-to-background ratio, 1.22 [1.19–1.6]). In those with brain
18
F-GP1 uptake (maximum target-to-background ratio, 6.45 [4.89–7.65]), areas of acute infarction on computed tomography correlated with brain
18
F-GP1 uptake in 6 cases. Ex vivo autoradiography of postmortem infarcted brain tissue showed focal uptake corresponding to intraluminal thrombus within the culprit vessel and downstream microvasculature. There was also evidence of diffuse uptake within some of the infarcted brain tissue reflecting parenchymal petechial hemorrhage.

CONCLUSIONS:

18
F-GP1 positron emission tomography and computed tomography angiography is a novel noninvasive method of identifying in vivo cerebrovascular thrombosis, which holds major promise in understanding the role and origin of thrombosis in stroke.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03943966.
Independent Causal Effect of Remnant Cholesterol on Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Outcomes: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Navarese Eliano P. , Vine Donna , Proctor Spencer , Grzelakowska Klaudyna , Berti Sergio , Kubica Jacek , Raggi Paolo
Published: July 2023

Background:

Observational studies suggested that residual risk of cardiovascular events after LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol lowering may be linked to remnant cholesterol (RC). We conducted a large-scale Mendelian randomization study to investigate the causal role of RC to predict coronary artery disease (CAD), myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke risk.

Methods:

We extracted single-nucleotide polymorphisms for RC and LDL from large-scale genome-wide association databases. We estimated the genetic association with outcomes from the CARDIoGRAMplusC4D consortium (Coronary Artery Disease Genome-Wide Replication and Meta-Analysis Plus the Coronary Artery Disease Genetics), the Metastroke consortium, as well as the GLGC (Global Lipids Genetics Consortium). Genetic variants were used as instruments, thereby minimizing residual confounding and reverse causation biases of observational studies.

Results:

By leveraging data from a combined sample of 958 434 participants, we found evidence for a significant causal effect of RC on the risk of CAD (odds ratio [OR], 1.51 per SD unit increase in RC [95% CI, 1.42–1.60];
P
=5.3×10
-5
), MI (OR, 1.57 [95% CI, 1.21–2.05];
P
=9.5×10
-4
), and stroke (OR, 1.23 [95% CI, 1.12–1.35];
P
=3.72×10
-6
). There was no evidence of pleiotropy. The effect of RC on CAD and MI remained consistent after accounting for the effects of RC-associated genetic variants on LDL cholesterol: OR, 1.49 (95% CI, 1.37–1.61) for CAD and OR, 1.80 (95% CI, 1.70–19.1) for MI without a meaningful indirect effect exerted on these outcomes via the LDL cholesterol mediator.

Conclusions:

This large-scale Mendelian randomization study showed a robust genetic causal association between RC and cardiovascular outcomes. The effect on CAD and MI is independent of LDL cholesterol. Early screening for RC along with long-term inhibition of RC should be the focus of future therapeutic interventions.
Enriched Rehabilitation Reduces Abnormal Motor Synergies and Enhances Motor Plasticity Following Severe Stroke in Rats
Authors: Balbinot Gustavo , Touvykine Boris , Zaftis Joyce , Schuch Clarissa Pedrini , Jeffers Matthew Strider , Elgbeili Guillaume , Dancause Numa , Corbett Dale
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND:

Stroke results in loss of upper motor neuron control over voluntary movements and emergence of abnormal synergies. Presently, it is unclear to what extent poststroke recovery reflects true recovery (restitution), compensation, or some combination of these processes. Here, we investigated this question using behavioral and kinematic analyses of skilled reaching in rats subjected to severe stroke that affected both the forelimb motor cortex and dorsolateral striatum.

METHODS:

After stroke, male rats either spontaneously recovered or received enriched rehabilitation. We assessed forelimb motor recovery using behavioral and kinematic outcome measures. To provide insights into the mechanisms underlying the effects of rehabilitation on behavior, we used intracortical microstimulation and FosB (protein fosB) immunostaining techniques.

RESULTS:

Enriched rehabilitation significantly improved food pellet retrieval in the staircase-reaching task. Rehabilitation resulted in several poststroke flexion synergies returning to prestroke patterns, and across subjects, these changes correlated with the intensity of rehabilitation. Enriched rehabilitation increased the proportion of distal movement representation in the perilesional cortex and increased use-dependent activation in the ipsilesional red nucleus.

CONCLUSIONS:

These results provide evidence that enriched rehabilitation enhances recovery, at least in part, by restitution of forelimb function following severe stroke. Furthermore, the restitution of function is associated with changes in multiple motor-related structures at different levels of the central nervous system. A better understanding of the processes that underlie improved motor performance, along with the identification of midbrain circuits activated by rehabilitation, represent new insights and potential targets for optimizing poststroke recovery.
Reverence for Life and Ecological Conversion
Authors: Rogers Chandler D.
Published: July 2023

Friedrich Nietzsche and Albert Schweitzer end up defending radically similar, yet critically opposed conclusions about the human animal and its place in nature, particularly with regard to the ethical awareness that does or does not follow from this situatedness. Arthur Schopenhauer’s notion of the will accounts for their similar foundational assumptions. But what accounts for the fact that their shared desire to affirm the will to life leads to fundamentally opposed ethical conclusions? What keeps Schweitzer’s ascetic ethic of reverence for life from evolving into Nietzsche’s anti-ascetic vision of a second innocence beyond good and evil? We argue that situating the notion of reverence for life within an environmental virtue ethics, as one environmental virtue among many, aiming at ecological conversion, better articulates and motivates the disposition demanded by the ethics of reverence for life.
The Role of the World Heritage Convention for Foreign Investments and Investment Disputes: An Overlooked Instrument for Preventing Harmful Investment Activities?
Authors: Tropper Johannes , Winninger Laura
Published: July 2023

Investment activities by foreign investors such as mining operations or energy production can threaten natural and cultural World Heritage, which is protected under the World Heritage Convention. As World Heritage sites have been at the heart of various (recent) investment disputes, the question arises as to how obligations under the World Heritage Convention affect investment activities and investment disputes. The article seeks to shed light on this issue by analysing different aspects of the World Heritage Convention in the context of investment law. It starts by exploring how investment tribunals have approached investment disputes involving World Heritage sites and what their decisions imply for the regulation of investment activities in or near World Heritage sites. Subsequently, the article examines which obligations the World Heritage Convention imposes on foreign investors, host states, and investors‘ home states. In the analysis of the home states‘ duties, Article 6(3) of the Convention, which has hitherto received little scholarly attention, is of particular interest. Based on decisions of the World Heritage Committee and doctrinal opinions, the authors interpret said provision and place it in the specific context of investment law. In doing so, they find that a limited duty to regulate exists for home states of investors if they provide financial or non-financial support to a business operation abroad.
Infodemic in the era of the pandemic
Authors: Kuo Winping
Published: July 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only brought considerable challenges to public health, but also diffusions of fake news on social media platforms, taking on the moniker of “infodemic”. To have a better understanding of the infodemic, this research takes 580 pandemic-related fake news stories from two Taiwanese fact-checking platforms and 180,000 real news articles from four major newspapers in Taiwan spanning from January 2020 to August 2021. The paper presents lexical usages and discourses of fake news from the perspective of corpus-assisted discourse study. Keyword comparison and collocational network analysis are adopted as the major analytic framework to identify keyness keywords and to uncover the discourses embedded in COVID-19 fake news. Results suggest that pandemic-related fake news tend to emphasize the themes of virus, vaccine, and immunity regarding the content keywords. Personal pronouns that differentiate us and them, conjunctions used to construct causal explanations, time-frames that denote a confirmed social fact in false stories are also prominent lexical usages in COVID-19 fake news. Notably, verbs related to promoting action and expressions of polite requests are often fabricated in fake news messages. Collocational network reveals five main themes in pandemic-related fake news: virus, vaccine and vaccination, symptom, food and drink, caution and warning and mask wearing. This paper concludes that more than simply differentiating between true and false, fake news involve miscellaneous discursive constructions of existing political, social, and cultural dimensions within alternative and unverified reality.
The usage of Sinographs in relational communication about ethnic Chinese identities on YouTube
Authors: Ko Lu-Yen
Published: July 2023

This study analyzes the usage of Sinographs (Chinese characters) across globally dispersed user communities on YouTube, and focuses on their usage patterns in relational communication about ethnic Chinese identities. This is achieved by analyzing YouTube comments on the official music video for the Mandopop (Mandarin pop music) song “Fragile” (玻璃心) as a corpus. Firstly, the history and media environment of ethnic Chinese communities are reviewed to provide context for why “Fragile” sparked heated discussion in the YouTube comment section. Then, the methodological approach of corpus pragmatics, the data, and the methodology including corpus analytical process and tools used are discussed. Finally, the analysis results are presented in two parts: the usage of sentence patterns that communicate relationships and identities, and the usage of metamessages that indicate ethnic Chinese identities.