bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Problems with Merit in the Liberal Economy
Authors: Gosepath Stefan 
Published: November 2024

AbstractMeritocracy is a key feature of liberal scripts, but it is problematic for a number of reasons. One major line of criticism is that of broken promises: Meritocracies de facto fail to live up to their own promises, leading to the claim that meritocracy is a myth. Another important line of criticism concerns the idea of merit itself. The objection is that merit and meritocracy do not make sense on their own terms and are incoherent with other liberal principles: It is unclear how to impartially assess subjective efforts and deprivations and material contributions. Moreover, one’s actual productive achievements depend to a large extent on social circumstances and genetic endowment, both of which are brute luck and, from a moral point of view, arbitrary. Finally, the criteria of merit that are usually put forward in the economy can be in conflict with the principle of the free market.
Self-Defence against Non-State Actors and the Myth of the Innocent State
Authors: Lieblich Eliav 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Few issues concerning the use of force under international law have been more contentious than the legality of self-defence against non-state actors when the territorial state is ‘unwilling or unable’ to address the threat. One objection to this standard is that when a territorial state is merely unable to stop a threat by a non-state actor, any response on its territory would be unlawful since that state has not violated international law and is thereby ‘innocent’. This chapter challenges this claim. It argues that the argument from ‘state innocence’ anthropomorphizes and conceives the state as a physical person, its territory akin to a human body. Yet, when taking human rights seriously, rights attributed to the reified body of the state cannot override those of real-life people. It follows that state innocence alone should not exclude self-defence against non-state actors, at least when human life is threatened by their attacks.
The Politics of European Union Funding
Authors: Lindner Johannes , Nguyen Thu 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
European Union (EU) budgetary politics is characterized by stability and path dependence in terms of institutional set-up and distributive order. While the 2021–2027 Multiannual Financial Framework did not fundamentally break with this pattern, the Next Generation EU recovery instrument introduced significant innovation in terms of financing and instruments that may potentially alter the EU budget and its processes. By drawing on the conceptional and empirical work by Enderlein and colleagues (2005), this chapter illustrates that the context in which the EU budget is placed has evolved in recent years as successive crises have changed the nature of the EU and raised expectations that EU funding should provide effective measures to address common challenges. This provides the scope for justifying and making significant institutional reforms to enhance the efficiency and legitimacy of EU budgetary decision-making.
Accountable National Governance of European Union Funds
Authors: Korkea-aho Emilia 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The management of EU funds is a topical source of debate. Public expectations and concerns emerge about how funds are spent and who should be held accountable, and in what manner, for making spending decisions. The influx of pandemic funds into the market has given new urgency to the questions about spending public money. Using the national implementation of the European Regional Development Fund as an example, this chapter describes the practices, relationships, and structures that underlie the national governance of EU funds. By examining this little-studied phase, it shows how national funds officials are embedded in highly routinized processes that contribute to accountable funds decision-making, which is deliberative, inclusive, and adaptive. The chapter captures the type of accountability emerging from everyday governance practices under the concept of ‘bottom-up’ accountability. These positive governance practices do not, however, thrive without efforts to protect and defend them. The EU’s anti-corruption agenda—a worthy goal in itself—is, almost paradoxically, a threat to them, with the final part of the chapter arguing that national governance processes need to be actively protected against their colonization by penal rationality. The binary legal/illegal logic inherent in criminal law is fundamentally at odds with the bottom-up governance model that underlines EU funds management and circumscribes its potential of engaging actors in a collaborative effort to ensure that money is channelled into intended purposes and to root out abuses.
Conclusion: Where Have We Been, and Where Should We Go Now?
Authors: Wolfinger Nicholas H. , McKeever Matthew 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The authors review their findings, establishing that single mother’s economic stagnation can be attributed to the growing number of women who give birth out of wedlock. This chapter also establishes why the economics of single motherhood is an important topic for academics and policymakers alike. Finally, the authors offer public policy proposals that could alleviate some of the worst poverty in these families. Here the late Daniel Patrick Moynihan led the way. He was among the first modern observers to identify the family as a rightful object of public concern and understood how government should respond to the growth of single motherhood through its powers of redistribution.
Evaluating safety and efficacy of plastic versus metal stenting in malignant hilar biliary obstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Luo Xinjie , Huang Zhicheng , Ali Kamran , Hayat Khizar 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Stenting malignant hilar biliary obstruction (MHBO) is challenging due to its complex structure, and it is less effective than blockages in the distal bile duct area. Plastic stents (PSs) and metal stents (MSs) are commonly used for stenting MHBO. This study aims to compare the outcomes of PSs and MSs in MHBO patients.

Methods
We conducted a search of medical databases up to March 2024. Using a fixed-effect model, we analyzed the risk ratios (RRs) of the outcomes between the PS and MS groups. We calculated the RR for clinical and technical success, reinterventions, and adverse events, as well as the hazard ratio (HR) for survival and stent patency.

Results
This analysis includes five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that met the inclusion criteria, comprising a total of 322 patients (156 in the PS group and 166 in the MS group). Significant differences (P &lt; .05) in favor of the MS group were found in the reinterventions (RR 1.80, 95% CI 1.07–3.04), and stent patency (HR 0.54, 95% CI 0.32–0.90). There were no significant differences (P &gt; 0.05) between the PS and MS groups regarding technical success (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.94–1.09), clinical success (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.69–1.07), overall survival (HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.47–1.05), stent migration (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.08–6.02), stent occlusion (RR1.32, 95% CI 0.97–1.81), and adverse events (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.53–1.20).

Conclusion
Both PS and MS are effective for managing MHBO, while MS offers greater efficacy in increased stent patency and lower reintervention rates.
Key message What is already known on this topic Metal stents (MSs) and plastic stents (PSs) are used for palliative treatment of malignant hilar biliary obstruction (MHBO). MSs significantly reduced the need for reinterventions compared to PSs in patients with MHBO. What this study adds There were no significant differences between MSs and PSs in terms of technical success, clinical success, overall survival, stent migration, stent occlusion, or adverse events. How this study might affect research, practice, or policy The study’s findings may prompt researchers to design more targeted studies to further investigate these specific outcomes in MHBO patients. The results encourage endoscopists to consider patient-specific factors, such as life expectancy and preference for minimizing recurrent procedures, when choosing between MSs and PSs for MHBO.
Chronic Underrepresentation of Females and Women in Stroke Research Adversely Impacts Clinical Care
Authors: Dahlby Julia S , Boyd Lara A 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT
Unequal sex and gender sample sizes in rehabilitation studies have implications for the generalizability of the evidence and for the clinicians that utilize their recommendations. Physical therapists rely on evidence-based guidelines to tailor their assessments and interventions to optimize outcomes for patients. We currently know that females and women have worse stroke outcomes and prognoses than their counterparts, however, rehabilitation guidelines remain the same for all individuals. Notably, stroke prevention and acute care has recently shifted to include female- and women-oriented guidelines, however, rehabilitation guidelines have not yet caught up. This article summarizes the key differences that females and women with stroke experience, how they may impact recovery, and calls for researchers and rehabilitation professionals to consider sex and gender when working with patients who’ve had a stroke. Doing so will improve the lives for those with stroke and maximize treatment options and rehabilitation outcomes.
The world’s largest worm lizard: a new giant trogonophid (Squamata: Amphisbaenia) with extreme dental adaptations from the Eocene of Chambi, Tunisia
Authors: Georgalis Georgios L , Smith Krister T , Marivaux Laurent , Herrel Anthony , Essid El Mabrouk , Khayati Ammar Hayet , Marzougui Wissem , Temani Rim , Tabuce Rodolphe 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
We here describe Terastiodontosaurus marcelosanchezi, a new amphisbaenian genus and species from the Eocene of Chambi, Tunisia. Using micro-computed tomography (μCT), we document the peculiar anatomy of the new taxon, which is characterized by extreme dental morphology, including one massive tooth on the maxilla and dentary, flat cheek teeth, and an array of other diagnostic features that readily differentiate it from all other amphisbaenians. We also redescribe the oldest named African amphisbaenian, Todrasaurus gheerbranti, from the late Palaeocene of Morocco, using μCT. Phylogenetic analysis recovers Terastiodontosaurus and Todrasaurus as sister taxa and provides strong support for a sister-group relationship of those two large-toothed amphisbaenians with extant Trogonophis. Accordingly, Todrasaurus shows that the divergence of crown Trogonophidae occurred much earlier than currently thought. Our survey of μCT scans reveals that Terastiodontosaurus, Todrasaurus, and Trogonophis are characterized by a great enamel thickness on their teeth, a feature that is absent in other examined amphisbaenians. Size estimates show that Terastiodontosaurus was the largest known amphisbaenian ever to have lived, with an estimated skull length of &gt;5 cm. Based on new muscle data of Trogonophis, we estimate very high bite forces for Terastiodontosaurus, which would allow it to crush a wide variety of snails.
The Efficacy for Hypertensive Intracerebral Hemorrhage Between Neuroendoscopic Surgery and Conservative Treatment
Authors: Huo Guojin , Lan Yanping , Feng Yi , Gao Xiang , Chen Chen 
Published: November 2024

Objectives:
This study aims to investigate the efficacy of neuroendoscopic surgery in the treatment of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH).

Methods:
A total of 193 patients diagnosed with HICH were divided into 2 groups in this study: the observation group (n=101) received neuroendoscopic surgery, whereas the control group (n=92) underwent conservative treatment. Then, the outcomes between these 2 groups were compared and assessed.

Results:
In the pretreatment phase, there were no significant differences in the levels of inflammation and neurological function scores between these 2 groups (P>0.05). After 3 months of treatment, the observation group displayed significantly shorter median hospital stay, lower average hospital costs, and faster hematoma resorption time, along with reduced levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8, aquaporin-4 (AQP4), macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), Nerve Deficiency Scale (NDS), Graeb score, and national institute of health stroke scale (NIHSS) compared with the control group (P<0.05). In addition, the observation group exhibited higher rate of hematoma clearance and better glasgow outcome scale (GOS) score compared with the control group (P<0.05). The effective treatment rate in the observation group was notably superior to that in the control group (89.11% vs. 73.91%, P<0.05).

Conclusions:
Neuroendoscopic surgery is an effective treatment for HICH, with alleviating the inflammatory response and enhancing the neurological function. The treatment shows promising outcomes and justifies extensive implementation.
Effects of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Subspecialty Training on Outcomes of Hysterectomy for Benign Indications
Authors: Meyer Raanan , Schneyer Rebecca , Hamilton Kacey , Levin Gabriel , Truong Mireille D. , Siedhoff Matthew T. , Wright Kelly N. 
Published: November 2024

OBJECTIVE:
To compare surgical outcomes among patients undergoing hysterectomy for benign indications with minimally invasive gynecologic surgery subspecialists (MIGS group), gynecologic oncologists (GO group), and general obstetrician–gynecologists (OB-GYN group).

METHODS:
We conducted a retrospective cohort study from a quaternary care academic hospital. We included patients undergoing hysterectomy for benign reasons from 2015 to 2020. Exclusion criteria were malignant, premalignant, or suspected malignant condition, pelvic mass (other than leiomyoma), concomitant correction of pelvic organ prolapse, and peripartum hysterectomy. The primary outcome was the odds of a composite of any intraoperative or postoperative complications by surgeon group. Secondary outcomes were conversion to laparotomy, estimated blood loss, and admission times by surgeon subspecialty.

RESULTS:
A total of 946 hysterectomies were performed during the study period, of which 356 (37.6%) were performed by obstetrician–gynecologists (ob-gyns), 220 (23.3%) by gynecologic oncologists, and 370 (39.1%) by minimally invasive gynecologic surgeons. Abdominal hysterectomies were performed in 36.8% of cases in the OB-GYN group and 30.0% of cases in the GO group, compared with 0.3% of cases in the MIGS group (P<.001). Intraoperative and postoperative complications occurred in 11.9% of cases in the MIGS group, 18.2% of cases in the GO group (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.79, 95% CI, 1.14–2.08), and 20.8% of cases in the OB-GYN group (aOR 1.64, 95% CI, 1.01–2.69). Conversion to laparotomy occurred in 0.3% of cases in the MIGS group, 7.1% of cases in the GO group, and 7.6% of cases in the OB-GYN group (P<.001). Estimated blood loss, total admission time from surgery to discharge, and total days of hospitalization were all lower in the MIGS group compared with the other two groups (P<.001 for all comparisons). The aOR for same-day discharge was independently lower in the GO group (0.50, 95% CI, 0.29–0.86) and the OB-GYN group (0.23, 95% CI, 0.15–0.33) compared with the MIGS group.

CONCLUSION:
Fellowship-trained minimally invasive gynecologic surgery subspecialists had lower rates of perioperative complications for hysterectomy for benign indications compared with gynecologic oncologists and ob-gyns. Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery cases were also associated with fewer rates of laparotomy, less blood loss, and shorter hospital stays.
Do rhizobia buffer legumes against climate-mediated microbiome effects?
Authors: Boyle Julia Anne , Murphy Bridget , Teng Fangming , Zadeh Parsa Babaei , Ensminger Ingo , Stinchcombe John R , Frederickson Megan E 
Published: November 2024

AbstractClimate change is altering both soil microbial communities and the ecological context of plant-microbe interactions. Predicting how soil microbes modulate plant resilience to climate change is critical to mitigating the negative effects of climate change on ecosystems and agriculture.Previously, it was demonstrated that heat, drought, and their legacies altered soil microbiomes and potential plant symbionts. In this study, we conducted growth chamber experiments to isolate the microbially-mediated indirect effects of heat and drought on plant performance and symbiosis.In the first experiment, we found that drought and drought-treated microbes, along with their interaction, significantly decreased the biomass ofMedicago lupulinaplants compared to well-watered microbiomes and conditions.In a second experiment, we then tested how the addition of a well-known microbial mutualist,Sinorhizobium meliloti, affected climate-treated microbiomes’ impact on theM. lupulina. We found that drought-adapted microbiomes negatively impacted legume performance by increasing mortality and reducing branch number, but that adding rhizobia erased climate treatment effectsSynthesis:Drought can negatively affect legume performance through microbial legacy effects alone, but adding rhizobia buffers legumes against climate-mediated microbiome effects. In contrast, heat-adapted microbiomes did not differ significantly from control microbiomes in their effects on a legume.
Photodynamic Therapy for Deep Organ Cancer by Implantable Wireless OLEDs
Authors: Itazaki Yujiro , Sakanoue Kei , Fujita Katsuhiko , Kirino Izumi , Eguchi Kazuhiro , Miyazono Yutaka , Yamaguchi Ryoichi , Tsunenari Takasumi , Sugihara Takao , Kuwada Kenji , Kobayashi Naoki , Goya Tsuyoshi , Morii Katsuyuki , Tsujimoto Hironori , Morimoto Yuji 
Published: November 2024

AbstractMetronomic photodynamic therapy (mPDT) is a method of continuously delivering low-intensity light to a cancer lesion. Since high light intensity is not required, the light device can be miniaturized and implanted in the body. Nevertheless, for clinical implementation, it is essential to develop a light source apparatus that can effectively illuminate the entire tumor and operate stably without damaging internal organs. To address this issue, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) optical device that has an area large enough to cover the entire lesion and is powered by a wireless power supply has been developed. The device is thin and lightweight and it functioned stably in the abdominal cavity of rats for more than two weeks without causing foreign body reactions. By covering the tumor site of rat liver cancer with this device and continuously illuminating the tumor with appropriate administration of a photosensitizer, the entire tumor under the emitting surface was eliminated through apoptosis without leaving any residual tumor margins. This is the first report of a robust antitumor effect on parenchymal organ cancers by mPDT using a biocompatible, wirelessly powered OLED device, which represents a potential new deep organ cancer therapy.
Aberrant expression of histone H2B variants reshape chromatin and alter oncogenic gene expression programs
Authors: Saintilnord Wesley N. , Hegazy Youssef A. , Chesnutt Kristin , Eckstein Meredith , Cassidy Richard N. , Dhahri Héjer , Bennett Richard L. , Melters Daniёl P. , Lopes Elisson , Fu Zhen , Lau Kin , Chandler Darrell P. , Poirier Michael G. , Dalal Yamini , Licht Jonathan D. , Fondufe-Mittendorf Yvonne 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTChromatin architecture governs DNA accessibility and gene expression. Thus, any perturbations to chromatin can significantly alter gene expression programs and promote disease. Prior studies demonstrate that every amino acid in a histone is functionally significant, and that even a single amino acid substitution can drive specific cancers. We previously observed that naturally occurring H2B variants are dysregulated during the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in bronchial epithelial cells. Naturally occurring H2B variants differ from canonical H2B by only a few amino acids, yet single amino acid changes in other histone variants (e.g., H3.3) can drive cancer. We therefore hypothesized that H2B variants might function like oncohistones, and investigated how they modify chromatin architecture, dynamics, and function. We find that H2B variants are frequently dysregulated in many cancers, and correlate with patient prognosis. Despite high sequence similarity, mutations in each H2B variant tend to occur at specific “hotspots” in cancer. Some H2B variants cause tighter DNA wrapping around nucleosomes, leading to more compact chromatin structures and reduced transcription factor accessibility to nucleosomal DNA. They also altered genome-wide accessibility to oncogenic regulatory elements and genes, with concomitant changes in oncogenic gene expression programs. Although we did not observe changes in cell proliferation or migration invitro, our Gene Ontology (GO) analyses of ATAC-seq peaks and RNA-seq data indicated significant changes in oncogenic pathways. These findings suggest that H2B variants may influence early-stage, cancer-associated regulatory mechanisms, potentially setting the stage for oncogenesis later on. Thus, H2B variant expression could serve as an early cancer biomarker, and H2B variants might be novel therapeutic targets.
Leveraging AlphaFold 3 for Structural Modeling of Neurological Disorder-Associated Proteins: A Pathway to Precision Medicine
Authors: Gadde Nishant , Dodamani Sachi , Altaf Rayaan , Kumar Sanjit 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAccurate structural modeling of neurological disorder-causing proteins provides an important layer in unraveling the mechanism of disease and identifying therapeutic targets. This study utilizes AlphaFold 3, a state-of-the-art protein structure prediction platform, to model and interpret cis- and trans-pQTL-derived proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke. Using the NG00102 dataset, we created a high-resolution structure for more than 1,200 proteins expressed in Brain, CSF, and Plasma, providing tissue-specific protein structure analysis with associated functional implications. AlphaFold 3 predictions have illuminated key structure parameters including sequence length, average pLDDT confidence scores, and overall distribution of residues with confidence of >75% pLDDT. We used these features to determine the set of druggable proteins having optimal sequence lengths of 100-3000 residues, high structural reliability as evidenced by an average pLDDT > 80, and contain large regions of high-confidence residues. Tissue-specific mapping revealed unique mechanisms characterized by both cis and trans-pQTL effects, that have critical functional implications for how these genetic variants act in neurological disease pathways. Protein clusters by structural properties then led to more defined subgroups with potential implications for drug intervention. This integrated effort captures the strength of AlphaFold 3 in linking genetic variation to protein structure and function, providing a scalable pipeline for prioritizing therapeutic targets. Coupling our results with advanced predictive modeling and tissue-specific data sets provides a robust framework for uncovering new mechanisms and druggable targets in the research of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and stroke. This advances the field toward precision medicine.