bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Figure 2 from Clotting Promotes Glioma Growth and Infiltration Through Activation of Focal Adhesion Kinase
Authors: Knowles Lynn M. , Wolter Carolin , Linsler Stefan , Müller Simon , Urbschat Steffi , Ketter Ralf , Müller Andreas , Zhou Xiangda , Qu Bin , Senger Sebastian , Geisel Jürgen , Schmidt Tim , Eichler Hermann , Pilch Jan
Published: December 2024

Clotting promotes GBM growth in vivo. A, Representative images depicting clotting of citrated human blood plasma spiked with U87MG GBM cells in the presence of calcium in vitro (bottom), whereas blood plasma mixed with calcium (top) or U87MG cells alone (middle) failed to clot. B, Clotting time of plasma after incubation with U87MG cells together with calcium. C and D, U87MG GBM xenografts were implanted with or without calcified human blood plasma (plasma vs. control; n = 6) into the brain of athymic nude mice and monitored by MRI. Representative T2-weighted images after 2 weeks are shown with tumors depicted by yellow arrows. Scale bar, 500 μm (C). D, Tumor volume was calculated over time. E, Kaplan–Meier survival curves of mice bearing U87MG xenographs implanted together with calcified human blood plasma (n = 11) or serum-free media (control, n = 12) and monitored for 110 days. The median survival time was 34 days for both plasma and control. F, Kaplan–Meier survival curve of athymic nude mice implanted with U87MG tumor cells together with the soluble fraction of clotted plasma (n = 7) compared with U87MG cells in serum-free media (control, n = 6). The median survival time was 27 days for the clotted plasma group and 38 days for the control group. G, GL-261 GBM cells were suspended in plain media and implanted into the brain of hemophilia (n = 4) and control mice (n = 5). Tumor volume was calculated over time by MRI. *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; ns, not significant.
Differential Methylation of CYP11B1 in Girls with High DHEAS Levels and correlation with 11-Oxyandrogen levels: a pilot study
Authors: Rodríguez Fernando , Ponce Diana , Miranda José Patricio , Santos José L. , Cutler Jr Gordon B. , Pereira Ana , Barnafi Esteban , Iñiguez Germán , Mericq Verónica
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Premature adrenarche in girls is defined biochemically by an increase in adrenal androgen (DHEAS) levels above the age-specific reference range before age 8 years. Recently, increased levels of 11-oxyandrogens have also been reported in girls with premature adrenarche. Epigenetic modifications, specifically CpG methylation, may affect gene expression and/or activity of steroidogenic enzymes during developmental changes in adrenal androgen secretion.
Objective: To determine whether circulating 11-oxyandrogen levels in post-menarcheal girls are associated with methylation status of genes involved in 11-oxyandrogen steroidogenesis.
Methods: Ninety-seven healthy girls followed since the age of 3 years were classified, according to DHEAS serum concentration at age 6-7 years, as normal DHEAS (<42μg/dL [75th percentile for population]) or high DHEAS (≥42μg/dL). At Tanner stage 2, methylation status of CpG sites located in CYP11B1 and HSD11B2 genes were analyzed in genomic DNA from peripheral blood leukocytes by Melting Curve Analysis Methylation assay. Eleven-oxyandrogen concentrations were assessed at four years post menarche.
Results: Significantly lower methylation levels were detected in the CYP11B1 gene in girls with high versus normal serum DHEAS levels, with no differences found in HSD11B2 gene. Additionally, CYP11B1 methylation status correlated inversely with 11β-hydroxy-androstenedione and 11-ketotestosterone levels. Furthermore, CYP11B1 methylation in the full cohort correlated inversely with insulin concentration at Tanner 1 and with BMI at Tanner stage 1 and 2.
Conclusion: This pilot study proposes the hypothesis that a lower methylation of CYP11B1 may be a mechanism contributing to increased concentrations of 11-oxyandrogens in premature adrenarche and its associated metabolic risk.
Intraperitoneal Bleeding Induced by a Ruptured Inferior Epigastric Artery Pseudoaneurysm following Interval Debulking Surgery for Ovarian Cancer: A Case Report
Authors: Higami Shota , Kinjo Yasuyuki , Sekimata Mao , Yoshimatsu Yuta , Murakami Yu , Kurita Tomoko , Yoshino Kiyoshi
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Pseudoaneurysm following gynecologic cancer surgery is a rare complication that can become fatal when it ruptures. Common sites of pseudoaneurysms are the external iliac artery, hypogastric artery, and aorta, which are located around the lymphadenectomy site. There are no previous reports of ruptured inferior epigastric (IEA) artery pseudoaneurysms after gynecologic cancer surgery. We report a case of intraperitoneal bleeding induced by a ruptured IEA pseudoaneurysm following interval debulking surgery for stage IVB ovarian cancer. Case Presentation: The patient underwent total abdominal simple hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, omentectomy, ileocolic resection, and peritonectomy around the ileocecal area after 5 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The patient suddenly presented with loss of consciousness and reduced blood pressure on postoperative day 20. Her blood hemoglobin levels also decreased. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a pseudoaneurysm in the right IEA. There were no signs of extravasation from the pseudoaneurysm; however, bloody ascites was observed in the abdominal cavity. A ruptured IEA pseudoaneurysm was suspected, and coil embolization was immediately performed. Her symptoms abated soon after coil embolization, and she remained symptom-free during the 8 months of postoperative follow-up. Conclusion: Awareness of this rare complication is clinically important for its early detection and treatment.
Biodistribution of Polymeric Nanoparticles following in utero Delivery to a Nonhuman Primate
Authors: Eaton David A. , Lynn Anna Y. , Surprenant Juliana M. , Deschenes Emily I. , Guerra Mary Elizabeth , Rivero Rachel , Yung Nicholas K. , O'Connor Merissa , Glazer Peter M. , Bahtiyar Mert Ozan , Saltzman W. Mark , Stitelman David H.
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Monogenic diseases can be diagnosed before birth. Systemic fetal administration of nanoparticles (NPs) grants therapeutic access to developing stem cell populations impacted by these classes of disease. Delivery of editing reagents in these NPs administered before birth has yielded encouraging results in preclinical mouse models of monogenic diseases. Methods: To translate this strategy clinically, the safety and efficacy of this strategy in larger animals will be necessary. We performed a pilot biodistribution study in 3 fetal nonhuman primates (NHPs) in mid-gestation examining systemic delivery of polymeric NPs loaded with fluorescent dye. Results: We found several similarities in distribution to our experience in mice, namely, extensive uptake in fetal liver and spleen. A striking finding that is not recapitulated in the mouse was the accumulation of NPs in the zones of proliferation and ossification of the fetal bone. Of great importance, there did not appear to be NP accumulation in the fetal male or female germline zones or maternal tissue. Conclusion: These studies were vital to the next step of testing editing reagents in the fetal NHP with a goal of treating monogenic diseases before birth.
Metaheuristic algorithms for parameter estimation of DC servo motors with quantized sensor measurements
Authors: Mishra Debani Prasad , Behera Sandip Ranjan , Dash Arul Kumar , Ojha Prajna Jeet , Salkuti Surender Reddy
Published: December 2024

Manufacturing, aviation, and robotics have increased servo motor use due to their precision, reliability, and adaptability in various applications. This study compares three metaheuristic techniques for servo motor model parameter estimation with sensor measurement quantization, focusing on their accuracy and efficiency. Armature resistance, back electromotive force (EMF) constant, torque constant, coil inductance, friction coefficient, and rotor-load inertia are crucial to servo motor behavior prediction, significantly impacting overall system performance. Each approach was rigorously tested and analyzed to evaluate its effectiveness in predicting servo motor characteristics. The results revealed that particle swarm optimization and the firefly algorithm delivered comparable performance, particularly excelling in scenarios where sensor measurement quantization introduced noise or imprecision in the data. These methods demonstrated strong resilience and accuracy under such challenging conditions. In contrast, the genetic algorithm did not perform as well, falling short when compared to the other two techniques in handling noisy or imprecise data, indicating its relative inefficiency in such environments. These findings give servo motor designers and engineers across industries a powerful tool for performance prediction.
Optimizing microgrid designs towards net-zero emissions for smart cities: addressing energy disparities and access issues in Northern and North-eastern India
Authors: Arunkumar Albert Paul , Kuppusamy Selvakumar
Published: December 2024

Providing affordable and clean energy is a significant sub-sector of the Smart Cities Mission proposed by India. This research investigates the development of optimal microgrid designs for smart cities in northern and north-eastern India to address regional energy disparities and access issues. In the northern zone, characterized by uneven urban-rural infrastructure and high-power demand, microgrids offer localized, reliable solutions that reduce dependency on centralized systems and enhance energy efficiency. In the north-eastern zone, where geographical isolation and underdeveloped infrastructure hinder energy access, microgrids provide decentralized power generation and distribution, improving access in remote areas. The proposed microgrid designs aim to enhance energy reliability, efficiency, and accessibility by integrating renewable energy sources. The proposed system is analyzed for technical and economic feasibility based on critical factors such as cost of energy (COE), loss of power supply probability (LPSP), and the renewable fraction (RF). The renowned particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is used to optimize the system size to achieve better performance in terms of technical and economic aspects. A proper energy management technique ensures the energy balance between the demand side and the distributed energy sources. A typical 24-hour household load profile is used for the optimization.
Design and control of a grid-connected solar-wind hybrid sustainable energy generation systems using DFIG
Authors: Kumar G. B. Arjun , Balamurugan M. , Kumar K. N. Sunil , Gatti Ravi
Published: December 2024

An optimal control of a grid-connected solar-wind hybrid scheme for the electricity generation system by utilizing both wind and solar renewable energy in a remote region that is inaccessible to the electricity grid. The control and assessment of a hybrid sustainable energy generation system power system that supplies three-phase, four-line loads as well as a battery array are presented in this research work. Wind energy conversion system (WECS) is comprised of a doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) and two pulse width modulation (PWM) voltage source converters, namely the grid side converter (GSC) and the rotor side converter (RSC), which are linked together via a DC-link and are equipped with a technique for maximum power point tracking (MPPT). The grid voltage-oriented control strategy is employed to provide a consistent DC-bus voltage for the GSC and to regulate the reactive power on the power grid. Even the difference in voltage and frequency can be controlled with this novel strategy. The stator voltage-oriented vector technique is designed in the RSC control strategy, resulting in effective regulation of reactive and active power at the stator as well as an MPPT obtained by controlling the optimal torque. The hybrid sustainable energy generating system (HSEGS) simulation model is designed to have a capacity of 5 kW, and its efficiency is evaluated using the MATLAB/ Simulink platform and demonstrated in a variety of circumstances.
Optimization and management of solar and wind production for standalone microgrid: a Moroccan case study
Authors: El Hafydy Mohamed , Oubail Youssef , Benydir Mohamed , Elmahni Lahoussine , Alaoui My Rachid Elmoutawakil
Published: December 2024

The increasing demand for sustainable and efficient energy solutions has prompted extensive research into optimizing renewable energy sources in microgrid systems. This paper focuses on optimizing renewable energy sources within a standalone microgrid using particle swarm optimization (PSO) as the sole algorithm. The microgrid model proposed integrates photovoltaic (PV), wind, battery storage, and serves a load represented by an agricultural firm. Real-world data from Agdz in Ouarzazate, Morocco, is utilized for analysis. The primary objective is to minimize excess production from PV and wind sources when the battery reaches full charge. This research addresses the increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions by emphasizing a single optimization technique, PSO, for achieving a balanced and efficient energy generation system. The study aims to closely align energy production with load demand to reduce wastage and ensure a reliable energy supply within the microgrid. The evaluation is conducted based on the ability of the PSO algorithm to diminish the gap between total energy production and load demand. The use of the PSO algorithm resulted in a 30% reduction in excess energy, effectively mitigating unnecessary energy wastage when the battery is fully charged. This outcome highlights the algorithm's capacity to adapt and optimize energy production from primary sources to precisely align with the specific requirements of the load
Comparison of dual isolated converters with flyback converters for bidirectional energy transfer
Authors: Mapari Rahul G. , Bhangale Kishor , Kadlag Sunil Somnath , Shriwastava Rakesh
Published: December 2024

This article demonstrates a proposed technique for improving single-stage rectifiers' power factor (PF) and controlling the load voltage in response to grid voltage and load changes. To alleviate the above problem, this article offers a novel bi-directional continuous switching pulse width modulation (CSPWM) and sinusoidal pulse width modulation (SPWM) based converter that can improve PF and reduce harmonics. This converter is evaluated based on two cases, Case I: CSPWM-based rectification and SPWM-based inversion scheme, and Case II: Rectification and inversion, both operations using the SPWM scheme. The proposed control scheme uses two Bi-directional IGBTs and two diodes, which are bridgeless, do not need a transformer, and are free from the output current sensor. The suggested scheme is simulated using MATLAB/Simulink and implemented on DSPic33FJ64mc802 platforms to validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach using two cases for a 1 KW system. The suggested control scheme provides improved PF, good voltage regulation, and depreciation in harmonics and total harmonic distortions (THD) compared to existing systems that enhance converter performance.
Metallogenic characterization of the Aguinaldo structurally-controlled Epithermal gold occurrence, Alta Floresta Gold Province (Brazil)
Authors: Bortolozzo Rômulo , Assis Rafael Rodrigues de , Cassaro Lorenzzo , Mengal Lays Helmer
Published: December 2024

In the eastern-southeast sector of Alta Floresta Gold Province (Amazon Craton), the 1.78 – 1.77 Ga calc-alkaline magmatism is interpreted as answerable for ore-forming processes responsible for its disseminated, vein-type, and filonar gold occurrences hosted in 2.05 – 1.77 Ga units. The Aguinaldo structurally-controlled gold occurrence exhibits ore zones hosted in 0.5 – 1.5m thick quartz + sulfide ± carbonate veins crosscutting the porphyroblastic mylonite orthogneiss, with SHRIMP U-Pb-zircon concordia crystallization age of 1,984.9 ± 5.2 Ma. Distal to ore zones are observed high temperature, intensive, and pervasive (1) albite-rich alteration, followed by (2) K-Feldspar alteration, telescoped by lower temperature pervasive alterations: (3) sericite-muscovite alteration, (4) silicification and silica infills; (5) carbonate alteration, (6) chlorite alteration, and (7) late veinlet-type quartz. The silica injection represents one of the major hydrothermal stages due to generating barren quartz veins and quartz ± carbonate vein with chalcopyrite + pyrite ± gold ± silver ± sphalerite ± galena ± bismuthinite veins. Although the veins are partially deformed, local comb-quartz texture remains preserved. Gold occurs as small inclusions or in contact with pyrite and chalcopyrite, and subordinately, in sphalerite. Electron microprobe analysis indicates chlorite of brunsvigite composition formed between 242° and 420° C, whereas white mica shows low phengite contents. The polymetallic veins signature, the high chalcopyrite contents with galena and sphalerite inclusions, the comb-texture quartz veins, together with the hydrothermal alteration sequence, suggest low to moderate temperature, neutral to slightly alkaline pH, and moderate ƒO2 and ƒS2 conditions, possibly triggered by boiling process. This scenario indicates intermediate-sulfidation epithermal ore-forming processes as the responsible for the genesis of Aguinaldo gold occurrence.
Representation of navigational affordances and ego-motion in the occipital place area
Authors: Kamps Frederik S. , Chen Emily M. , Kanwisher Nancy , Saxe Rebecca
Published: December 2024

Humans effortlessly use vision to plan and guide navigation through the local environment, or “scene.” A network of three cortical regions responds selectively to visual scene information, including the occipital (OPA), parahippocampal (PPA), and medial place areas (MPA)—but how this network supports visually guided navigation is unclear. Recent evidence suggests that one region, in particular, the OPA, supports visual representations for navigation, while PPA and MPA support other aspects of scene processing. However, most previous studies tested only static scene images, which lack the dynamic experience of navigating through scenes. We used dynamic movie stimuli to test whether OPA, PPA, and MPA represent two critical kinds of navigationally relevant information: navigational affordances (e.g., can I walk to the left, right, or both?) and ego-motion (e.g., am I walking forward or backward? turning left or right?). We found that OPA is sensitive to both affordances and ego-motion, as well as the conflict between these cues—for example, turning toward vs. away from an open doorway. These effects were significantly weaker or absent in PPA and MPA. Responses in OPA were also dissociable from those in early visual cortex, consistent with the idea that OPA responses are not merely explained by lower-level visual features. OPA responses to affordances and ego-motion were stronger in the contralateral than in ipsilateral visual field, suggesting that OPA encodes navigationally relevant information within an egocentric reference frame. Taken together, these results support the hypothesis that OPA contains visual representations that are useful for planning and guiding navigation through scenes.
Can International Organizations Turn ‘Rogue’?
Authors: Schmalenbach Kirsten
Published: December 2024

Against the backdrop of Jean d’Aspremont’s “The Love for International Organization”, this short essay deals with international organizations straying from their assigned constitutional path after being instrumentalised by a few of their member states. The following challenges the rose-tinted notion of the distinct international legal personality of international organizations and their administrations’ functional independence by highlighting the phenomenon of (in)direct ‘institutional capture’. It is argued here that this sub-type of Member State-driven corruption is not uncommon within international organizations and escapes not only the general public’s eye but also international legal responsibility. Arguably, the best avoidance strategy lies in international organizations resilience-building coupled with the strengthening of internal control and remedy mechanisms.
For the Love of Structure
Authors: Brölmann Catherine
Published: December 2024

This short essay engages with an article by Jean d’Aspremont (2023 iolr), who through a phenomenological lens reflects on the reasons why international lawyers are drawn to international organizations – a condition summarized as love. I argue that to the nine ‘drivers’ for this love identified by d’Aspremont, at least one should be added: international organizations offer structure. ‘Structure(dness)’ has strong affective power, due to a combination of images evoked by the concept particularly in an international law context. I address four: structure is aesthetically attractive; structure creates clarity and transparency; structure creates (positive) constraints; structure brings order to chaos. Of course these images, which are the groundwork for classic institutional attributes such as neutrality, fairness and a-politicalness, in our time can appear as naive projections. Still, even if ‘the progress narrative that characterised the turn to io s’ has been debunked, it is a source of inspiration at the experiential plane. And if we want to go by the insight that international organizations ultimately exist only through our gaze, this better be the gaze of a loving observer.
UN Targeted Sanctions, Counter-terrorism Measures and Standing Humanitarian Carve-out: A Lesson Learned?
Authors: Musmeci Daniele
Published: December 2024

The article narrows in on the most recent development concerning the intersection of sanctions/counter-terrorism measures and humanitarian exemptions. Over the years, the humanitarian community pointed out that overly broad and improperly applied counter-terrorism measures have severely affected the ability of humanitarian organizations to provide life-saving services to conflict-affected communities already caught up in humanitarian crises. In order to address these issues, the article argues that a permanent humanitarian carve-out is to be incorporated in the sanctions regimes. After dwelling on the legal and operational issues connected to sanctions and counter-terrorism measures, the article undertakes a systematic analysis of the Security Council’s practice in relation to humanitarian issues. The analysis includes the newly established sanction regime (Haiti), which signals a development of the Security Council’s practice in that it permanently exempts from the assets freeze restrictions the funds devoted to enable the delivery of humanitarian aid. Finally, the paper carries out an in-depth analysis of the cross-cutting Resolution 2664, which provides a standing humanitarian carve-out across all UN sanctions regimes.
Three Patterns of Desovietizing International Law
Authors: Simonyan Artur
Published: December 2024

This article addresses three patterns of the desovietization of international law in the post-Soviet Eurasian space. By differentiating desovietization from decolonization, firstly, the relevance of local agency of post-Soviet Eurasian lawyers is revealed in the that process. Secondly, the repercussions of Russia’s post-imperial behaviour over the post-colonial process are examined. Finally, a region-specific – Eurasian – interpretation of the uti possidetis juris principle is provided as an empirical testimonial of the desovietization discourse.
Civilian Non-violent Defence against Russian Warfare – Eastern European Strategies and the Gap between Civilians and Combatants in Customary International Humanitarian Law
Authors: Millmann Saskia , Hüsch Pia
Published: December 2024

Russia’s war against Ukraine and the widespread documentation of civilian participation therein sheds new light on the role of civilians in national defence. This paper examines historic and contemporary Baltic and Ukrainian defence strategies against Russian and previous Soviet aggression and how national policies envisage and perhaps encourage civilians to engage in resistance and potentially in defence.

The focus rests on the role of civilians who are not employed or subcontracted by the military but engage in acts ranging from singing national anthems to launching offensive cyber operations. The paper examines when such civilian participation amounts to direct participation in hostilities and the types of legal implications which follow from such activities. This paper takes a closer look at recent civilian participation in hostilities as seen in Ukraine, particularly focusing on intelligence gathering and cyber activities as conducted by the Ukrainian information technology (IT) army to illustrate the risks to which civilians expose themselves.

This paper concludes that while there are legitimate reasons for States to include civilians in their defence strategies, it is key that where civilians engage in direct participation in hostilities, they must do so on an informed basis, setting out the legal implications of their actions. Where a State (passively) encourages such activities, it has at least a moral, if not also a legal obligation, to inform civilians of the risks of their actions.
Limiting the Right to Access Asylum: A Case Study of Latvia’s Response to the Migration Crisis on the Latvia-Belarus Border
Authors: Broks Edmunds , Buka Arnis , Buka Lolita , Kučs Artūrs
Published: December 2024

As the numbers of attempted illegal crossings on the Latvia-Belarus border soared in the summer of 2021, the Latvian government responded with a complete suspension of asylum applications as well as directing its security forces to push those trying to enter Latvia illegally back into Belarus. This Article provides a legal assessment of Latvia’s response to the migration crisis under the 1951 Refugee Convention, the European Convention on Human Rights and European Union law. The study focuses in particular on whether Latvia is breaching its international obligations by limiting the right to submit asylum applications. It considers the validity of the justifications invoked by Latvia. It also explores whether there are any legal implications from the fact that the influx of migrants is a part of a hybrid attack organised by Belarus to create pressure on the European Union’s borders. The conclusion is that the initial suspension of asylum applications breaches the obligation of non-refoulement. It also suggests that the regimen currently in force is not ensuring genuine and effective access to the asylum procedure and is, thereby, again breaching Latvia’s obligations under the principle of non-refoulement.
Gender Affirming Medical Interventions and Gender Dysphoria: Qualitative Exploration of Messages and Experiences
Authors: Lindley Louis , Lee Joonwoo , Burh Brianna , McKellips Mack
Published: December 2024

In response to negative media attention regarding gender affirming medical interventions (GAMI), the current manuscript explores the content of messages trans and nonbinary (TNB) individuals receive regarding the impacts of GAMI on gender dysphoria. Further, TNB individuals’ experiences of the effects of GAMI on gender dysphoria are described. A sample of responses from 105 TNB participants were analyzed utilizing qualitative content analysis. These qualitative results revealed that the messages participants received were split between trans negative and trans affirming aspects. Relatedly, participants’ experiences also reflected a dichotomy between current limitations and positive impacts of GAMI on gender dysphoria. The discussion focuses on how participants’ positive experiences with GAMI, which resulted in decreased gender dysphoria and psychological distress, challenge the current political discourse that attempts to ban GAMI. Clinical implications focus on how to translate the current findings regarding the limitations of GAMI into more fully informed consent processes.
Institutional Quality and Trade Competitiveness in ASEAN Region: Implication for Inclusive and Sustainable Development
Authors: Omeje Ambrose Nnaemeka
Published: December 2024

This study examined institutional quality and trade competitiveness in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) using panel data and a fixed effect model. It was revealed that while control of corruption, government effectiveness, and political stability, absence of violence and terrorism significantly encourage trade competitiveness by about 33.126%, 91.958%, and 55.004%, weak regulatory quality, rule of law, and lack of voice and accountability significantly discourage trade competitiveness by about 25.331%, 95.599%, and 7.561%. ASEAN governments and their citizens should strive harder to effectively run all-inclusive and democratic governments, encourage strong regulatory quality, impartial rule of law, and voice and accountability.
Bridging divides to build connections: A scoping review of police practices, behaviours and actions with Roma and Traveller communities
Authors: Curran Lee , Allen Dan , Feather Julie
Published: December 2024

Across Europe, police are expected to maintain productive human rights-based relationships with the public. This scoping review focuses on how police achieve this aim with Roma and Traveller communities. Review questions consider the way that policing practices, behaviours and actions with Roma and Traveller communities are described in the existing literature. Additionally, they identify gaps in knowledge within this area of study. Applying qualitative content analysis, this review advances a comprehensive illustration of racism and discrimination. It shows how current relationships, determined by experiences of police brutality and abuse, can limit the ability of Roma and Traveller people to request and accept help from the police when they are victims of crime. Drawing on current scholarship, implications for a human rights-based approach to policing are considered and a four-step framework for community policing is introduced. The study concludes that co-produced and participatory research initiatives are urgently needed to cultivate innovative community engagement strategies that can begin to develop productive relationships between police and Roma and Traveller communities.
Subcutaneous adipose tissue/neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is a potential biomarker in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing liver resection
Authors: Li Shu-Xian , Bao Yan , Wang Tian-Cheng
Published: December 2024

Objective

Both subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) are associated with the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Subcutaneous adipose tissue is an immunonutritional indicator, and NLR reflects the inflammatory status. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the validity of SAT/NLR as potential prognostic biomarkers in HCC patients who are undergoing liver resection.

Methods

This retrospective study encompassed the sequential enrollment of 682 patients diagnosed with HCC who underwent liver resection. The patients were categorized into high and low SAT/NLR groups using the median value, and forward stepwise logistic regression was utilized to ascertain independent predictors for one-year HCC recurrence. In order to minimize the influence of confounding variables, a propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was conducted between patients in high and low SAT/NLR groups. The Kaplan–Meier method was employed to assess and compare the recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) between the two groups.

Results

The study divided patients into two groups based on their SAT/NLR levels: high SAT/NLR (≥35.34) and low SAT/NLR (<35.34) groups. Forward stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed that low SAT/NLR ( p < 0.001), tumor size ≥50 mm ( p < 0.001), alpha–fetoprotein level >200 ng/mL ( p < 0.001), and presence of liver cirrhosis ( p < 0.001) were significantly associated with one-year recurrence of HCC. Moreover, the results suggest that RFS and OS were significantly shorter in the low SAT/NLR group compared to the high SAT/NLR group, both before and after PSM ( p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The preoperative biomarker SAT/NLR shows potential as a prognostic biomarker for one-year recurrence and prognosis in patients with HCC undergoing liver resection.
Toxicologic Pathology Forum: Opinion on Digital Primary Read and Peer Review—Diving Head-First Into the Deep Digital Pool!
Authors: Perle Krista M. D. La
Published: December 2024

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, digital pathology was increasingly used in veterinary education, diagnostics, and research. The pandemic accelerated this adoption as institutions needed to maintain operations amidst lockdowns. It also enabled pharmaceutical companies to conduct peer reviews digitally, circumventing travel restrictions. At the 2023 Society of Toxicologic Pathology Annual Symposium, a Town Hall Meeting highlighted the current use of digital pathology. A majority of the respondents viewed whole slide images (WSI) favorably. Many institutions use digital pathology primarily for non-GLP and GLP conforming primary reads and peer reviews. Takeda has long utilized digital pathology, incorporating scanners and an image management repository, and recently adopted a cloud-based platform tailored for toxicologic pathology, enhancing efficiency and collaboration. Digital pathology not only saves time but also reduces travel needs and environmental impact. Technological advancements and wider adoption are expected to further enhance the field, promising significant benefits for the overall digital pathology infrastructure.
Astrocytic mitochondrial transfer to brain endothelial cells and pericytes in vivo increases with aging
Authors: Velmurugan Gopal V , Vekaria Hemendra J , Patel Samir P , Sullivan Patrick G , Hubbard W Brad
Published: December 2024

Intercellular mitochondrial transfer (IMT) is an intriguing biological phenomenon where mitochondria are transferred between different cells and notably, cell types. IMT is physiological, occurring in normal conditions, but also is utilized to deliver healthy mitochondria to cells in distress. Transferred mitochondria can be integrated to improve cellular metabolism, and mitochondrial function. Research on the mitochondrial transfer axis between astrocytes and brain capillaries in vivo is limited by the cellular heterogeneity of the neurovascular unit. To this end, we developed an inducible mouse model that expresses mitochondrial Dendra2 only in astrocytes and then isolated brain capillaries to remove all intact astrocytes. This method allows the visualization of in vivo astrocyte- endothelial cell (EC) and astrocyte-pericyte IMT. We demonstrate evidence of astrocyte-EC and astrocyte-pericyte mitochondrial transfer within brain capillaries. We also show that healthy aging enhances mitochondrial transfer from astrocytes to brain capillaries, revealing a potential link between brain aging and cellular mitochondrial dynamics. Finally, we observe that astrocyte-derived extracellular vesicles transfer mitochondria to brain microvascular endothelial cells, showing the potential route of in vivo IMT. These results represent a breakthrough in our understanding of IMT in the brain and a new target in brain aging and neurovascular metabolism.
Spatial and temporal heterogeneity of depositional environment and vegetational cover in a salt flat of the Lickan Antay Territory of Toconao, Northern Chile
Authors: Aránguiz-Acuña Adriana , Alday-Galleguillos Gissel , Pérez Daniel H , Chávez Roberto O , Olea Matías , de Toconao Comunidad Lickan Antay , Prieto Manuel , Figueroa Valentina , Espíndola Christian , Tejerina Alberto , Galleguillos Félix , Sanzana Camilo , Núñez Lautaro , Loyola Rodrigo
Published: December 2024

High-altitude wetlands (HAWs) are important aquatic ecosystems located more than 3000 m a.s.l. in the Andean Altiplano–Puna plateau that include springs, meadows, peatlands, saline lakes, and salt flats. This region experiences arid climate conditions with high evaporation rates, extreme daily and annual thermal variations, intense winds, and exceptionally high radiation levels, creating harsh conditions for life. HAWs depend hydrologically on groundwater and inputs from the scarce rainfalls, streams, rivers, or snowmelt, making them unique to the Andean Altiplano landscape. Since pre-Hispanic times, they have provided essential ecosystem, social, and cultural functions in arid zones. In this study, the spatial heterogeneity of surface sediments in Salar de Quisquiro-Loyoques, in the Puna plateau of northern Chile, was examined. Through an integrated analysis of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and the normalized difference water index (NDWI) anomalies over the last 30 years supplemented by narratives from the Lickan Antay Community of Toconao about wet and arid events in the Quisquiro wetland, its relation to current and historical processes driven by exogenous forces was examined. Depositional conditions facilitate the formation or entry of sediments into these shallow water environments, making them highly dynamic. Differences in mineralogical, chemical, and magnetic properties were observed in inter- and intra-sampling points, where the salt flat was the most heterogeneous sub-environment analyzed. A close relationship between precipitation and water availability, and vegetation cover is suggested. Given the current potential for increasing non-metallic mining prospecting in the region, it is necessary to highlight the territorial rights, autonomy, and claims of the indigenous communities, who have preserved HAWs through their ancient identification with the territory and the use and comprehensive cultural and management practices in the past and at present.
From the oceans, via Antarctica and the Moon, to deep space: Maritime history and its relevance for outer space exploration
Authors: Heidbrink Ingo
Published: December 2024

Space exploration is often compared with the historical exploration of the globe, and especially maritime and polar exploration. This exploration converted unknown spaces into known spaces, and with this knowledge came the question of ownership and control over the newly explored spaces and the development of regulatory mechanisms for access to these spaces. This research note examines the historical development of regulatory mechanisms for newly explored spaces such as the oceans, Antarctica and outer space, and analyses the conditions required for establishing international regulatory frameworks rather than simply assigning nation-state-based sovereignty to these areas. In addition, it aims to propose a new line of inquiry and interdisciplinary cooperation for maritime historians.
Association of Marijuana Use With Psychological Distress Among Adults in United States
Authors: Pathak Mona , Findley Patricia A. , Mitra Sophie , Shen Chan , Wang Hao , Wiener R. Constance , Sambamoorthi Usha
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Determine the association of marijuana use with serious psychological distress (SPD) among adults aged 18 years or older using a large, nationally representative sample of US households.

Design

Cross-sectional analysis.

Setting

Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2021.

Subjects

47,247 respondents representing 253.7 million adults (age>18 years) in the US.

Measures

Marijuana use was categorized as (1) None, (2) within the past month, (3) within 1 year, and (4) more than a year ago from the interview time. SPD was measured with the Kessler-6 distress scale.

Analysis

Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses accounting for complex survey designs were conducted.

Results

Among adults in the US, 50.9% never used marijuana, 13.7%, 6.0%, and 29.4% reported marijuana use in the past month, in the past year, and more than a year ago, respectively. Individuals using marijuana within the past month, within a year, and more than a year ago reported higher past month SPD (15.3%, 13.5%, and 6.8%, respectively) than never-users (4.9%). Adjusted logistic regression analysis revealed that marijuana use in the past month, past year (1-12 months), and over a year ago is associated with higher SPD (AOR [95% CI] = 2.06 [1.72, 2.45]; 1.82 [1.50, 2.21]; 1.53 [1.26, 1.87], respectively) compared to no marijuana use.

Conclusion

Adults who used marijuana more recently were more likely to report SPD.
Algorithm-controlled RF power output for enhanced margin precision in liver cancer radiofrequency ablation
Authors: Gu Dandan , Liu Difang , Yao Haitao , Rui Danni , Yang Yifan , Zhou Yu
Published: December 2024

Background

Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a common method for treating liver cancer. Compared to other treatment modalities, RFA has a higher local tumor recurrence rate due to incomplete ablation. On the other hand, to ensure complete tumor removal, multiple ablations may be necessary, but this can lead to excessive thermal damage. Therefore, improving the precision of the ablation margin control is crucial.

Objective

This study aims to investigate an algorithm-controlled ablation mode that can precisely control the tumor treatment margins. This mode uses temperature and impedance as feedback parameters to adaptively adjust the RF power output, ensuring both effective tumor ablation and enhanced safety.

Methods

The study conducted finite element analyses and ex-vivo bovine liver experiments comparing traditional constant power ablation and the algorithm-controlled ablation mode. Simulations primarily analyzed the temperature changes and ablation area in biological tissue, assessing the effectiveness of the two ablation modes. In the ex-vivo bovine liver experiments, temperature and impedance were monitored in real-time to validate the feasibility of the algorithmic ablation mode.

Results

The findings indicate that the algorithm-controlled ablation mode effectively controls the rise in tissue impedance, preventing carbonization and charring. For ablation diameters of 10 mm and 20 mm, it precisely maintained the boundary temperatures within the range of 50–60°C, ensuring effective damage at the ablation margins while avoiding excessive damage to normal tissue.

Conclusion

This study developed an adaptive radiofrequency ablation algorithm for treating liver cancer, using temperature and impedance as feedback parameters. Preliminary results from finite element analysis and ex-vivo bovine liver experiments suggest that for small tumors with diameters of 10 mm and 20 mm, this algorithm may provide more precise control of the ablation zone, improving efficiency and safety compared to traditional constant power ablation.
Coarsening and parallelism with reduction multigrids for hyperbolic Boltzmann transport
Authors: Dargaville Steven , Smedley-Stevenson Richard , Smith Paul , Pain Christopher C
Published: December 2024

Reduction multigrids have recently shown good performance in hyperbolic problems without the need for Gauss-Seidel smoothers. When applied to the hyperbolic limit of the Boltzmann Transport Equation (BTE), these methods result in very close to [Formula: see text] growth in work with problem size on unstructured grids. This scalability relies on the CF splitting producing an Aff block that is easy to invert. We introduce a parallel two-pass CF splitting designed to give diagonally dominant Aff. The first pass computes a maximal independent set in the symmetrized strong connections. The second pass converts F-points to C-points based on the row-wise diagonal dominance of Aff. We find this two-pass CF splitting outperforms common CF splittings available in hypre. Furthermore, parallelisation of reduction multigrids in hyperbolic problems is difficult as we require both long-range grid-transfer operators and slow coarsenings (with rates of ∼1/2 in both 2D and 3D). We find that good parallel performance in the setup and solve is dependent on several factors: repartitioning the coarse grids, reducing the number of active MPI ranks as we coarsen, truncating the multigrid hierarchy and applying a GMRES polynomial as a coarse-grid solver. We compare the performance of two different reduction multigrids, AIRG (that we developed previously) and the hypre implementation of ℓAIR. In the streaming limit with AIRG, we demonstrate 81% weak scaling efficiency in the solve from 2 to 64 nodes (256 to 8196 cores) with only 8.8k unknowns per core, with solve times up to 5.9× smaller than the ℓAIR implementation in hypre.
Prediction of T Stage of Rectal Cancer After Neoadjuvant Therapy by Multi-Parameter Magnetic Resonance Radiomics Based on Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Nie Tingting , Yuan Zilong , He Yaoyao , Xu Haibo , Guo Xiaofang , Liu Yulin
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Since the response of patients with rectal cancer (RC) to neoadjuvant therapy is highly variable, there is an urgent need to develop accurate methods to predict the post-treatment T (pT) stage. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of multi-parametric MRI radiomics models and identify the most accurate machine learning (ML) algorithms for predicting pT stage of RC.

Method

This retrospective study analyzed pretreatment clinical features of 171 RC patients who underwent 3 T MRI prior to neoadjuvant therapy and subsequent total mesorectal excision. Tumors were manually drawn as regions of interest (ROI) layer by layer on high-resolution T2-weighted image (T2WI) and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted image (CE-T1WI) using ITK-SNAP software. The most relevant features of pT stage from CE-T1WI, T2WI, and fusion features (combination of clinical features, CE-T1WI, and T2WI radiomics features) were extracted by the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator method. Clinical, CE-T1WI radiomics, T2WI radiomics, and fusion models were established by ML multiple classifiers.

Results

In the clinical model, the LightGBM algorithm demonstrated the highest efficiency, with AUC values of 0.857 and 0.702 for the training and test cohorts, respectively. For the T2WI and CE-T1WI models, the SVM algorithm was the most efficient; AUC = 0.969 and 0.868 in the training cohort, and 0.839 and 0.760 in the test cohort, respectively. The fusion model yielded the highest predictive performance using the LR algorithm; AUC = 0.967 and 0.932 in the training and test cohorts, respectively.

Conclusion

Radiomics features extracted from CE-T1WI and T2WI images and clinical features were effective predictors of pT stage in patients with rectal cancer who underwent neoadjuvant therapy. ML-based multi-parameter MRI radiomics model incorporating relevant clinical features can improve the pT stage prediction accuracy of RC.
Effects of combined resisted sprint training with small-sided games compared to regular soccer training on physical performance in professional soccer players
Authors: Sal-de-Rellán Alejandro , Ben Brahim Mehdi , Martín Víctor , Yassin Hussain , Sánchez-Sánchez Javier
Published: December 2024

The aim of our study was to compare the effects of combining small-sided games training with resisted sprint training in relation to regular soccer training on soccer players’ physical performance. Twenty-seven male soccer players (age: 21.22 ± 1.18 years; height: 1.79 ± 0.05 m; body mass: 73.91 ± 4.83 kg) were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG, n = 16) or a control group (CG, n = 11). The intervention program had to be performed 2 times a week over 6 weeks. The only difference between the 2 groups was that the EG performed a combined training using small-sided games and resisted sprints, while the CG performed the regular soccer training. Within-group analysis showed significant improvements in 5 meters (5-m), countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), mean time (RSAm) and the percentage of decrement (%Dec) from pretest to posttest in EG. However, CG did not show significant improvements in any performance variable. Between-groups analysis revealed differences in favor of the EG in CMJ and SJ. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that combined SSG + RST training will improve the performance of soccer players (acceleration, jumping and RSA). In practical terms, strength and conditioning coaches should consider including this programme as over a short period of 6 weeks (2 times per week) for 30 min it has been effective in improving the performance of soccer players.