bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Divine Power
Authors: Ballesteros Bernardo 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe chapter continues the discussion of divine rulership by offering a close reading of the Babylonian flood epic Atra-ḫasīs (§1) and starting to compare notions of divine power in Mesopotamian and early Greek epic (§2). Atra-ḫasīs narrates the earliest history of humankind from its creation. In the poem, kingship among the Babylonian gods displays its fundamental characteristics paradigmatically, particularly its being an office distinct from the person of the ruler, and its being in constant need of correction. The chapter connects these features to Sumero-Akkadian conceptions of ‘divine powers/offices’ (me/parṣū). In so doing, it integrates the results of the previous investigation of Chaoskampf and other Mesopotamian narratives while also establishing parameters for a broader comparison involving Greek notions of ‘divine powers/honours’ (timai). The Greek emphasis on the inextricable link between Zeus’ faculty to rule (timē) and his person helps us contrast Babylonian and early Greek epic ideas about divine rulership.
The urbanization of conflict? Patterns of armed conflict and protest in Africa
Authors: Dorward Nick 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Is the geography of armed conflict in Africa becoming more urban? To answer this question, I link georeferenced data on the timing and location of armed conflict and protest events to continent-wide geospatial data on human settlement patterns. Comparing rates of conflict and contention in rural versus urban areas over time, I argue that, contrary to conventional wisdom, claims surrounding the ‘urbanization of conflict’ in Africa are premature. I find that the urbanization of conflict hypothesis only holds in North Africa, where armed conflict and protest are both increasingly urban phenomenon. In contrast, while the frequency of urban protest in sub-Saharan Africa has also increased substantially, conventional armed conflicts in rural areas have also risen over the same period. My study provides a quantitative summary of key patterns and trends in protest and conflict in Africa contributing to ongoing debates surrounding the frequency and character of violent and non-violent political contests on the continent.
BS-clock, advancing epigenetic age prediction with high-resolution DNA methylation bisulfite sequencing data
Authors: Hu Congcong , Li Yunxiao , Li Longhui , Zhang Naiqian , Zheng Xiaoqi 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Motivation
DNA methylation patterns provide precise and accurate estimates of biological age due to their robustness and predictable changes associated with aging processes. Although several methylation aging clocks have been developed in recent years, they are primarily designed for DNA methylation array data, which has limited CpG coverage and detection sensitivity compared to bisulfite sequencing data.

Results
Here, we present BS-clock, a novel DNA methylation clock for human aging based on bisulfite sequencing data. Using BS-seq data from 529 samples retrieved from four tissues, our BS-clock achieves higher correlations with chronological age in multiple tissue types compared to existing array-based clocks. Our study revealed age-dependent aging rates across different age stages and disease conditions, and overall low cross-tissue prediction capability by applying the model trained on one tissue type to others. In summary, BS-clock overcomes limitations of array-based techniques, offering genome-wide CpG site coverage and more robust and accurate aging quantification. This research paves the way for advanced epigenetic studies of aging and holds promise for developing targeted interventions to promote healthy aging.

Availability and implementation
All analysis codes for reproducing the results of the study are publicly available at https://github.com/hucongcong97/BS-clock.
How to achieve model-robust inference in stepped wedge trials with model-based methods?
Authors: Wang Bingkai , Wang Xueqi , Li Fan 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT
A stepped wedge design is an unidirectional crossover design where clusters are randomized to distinct treatment sequences. While model-based analysis of stepped wedge designs is a standard practice to evaluate treatment effects accounting for clustering and adjusting for covariates, their properties under misspecification have not been systematically explored. In this article, we focus on model-based methods, including linear mixed models and generalized estimating equations with an independence, simple exchangeable, or nested exchangeable working correlation structure. We study when a potentially misspecified working model can offer consistent estimation of the marginal treatment effect estimands, which are defined nonparametrically with potential outcomes and may be functions of calendar time and/or exposure time. We prove a central result that consistency for nonparametric estimands usually requires a correctly specified treatment effect structure, but generally not the remaining aspects of the working model (functional form of covariates, random effects, and error distribution), and valid inference is obtained via the sandwich variance estimator. Furthermore, an additional g-computation step is required to achieve model-robust inference under non-identity link functions or for ratio estimands. The theoretical results are illustrated via several simulation experiments and re-analysis of a completed stepped wedge cluster randomized trial.
Wasserstein regression with empirical measures and density estimation for sparse data
Authors: Zhou Yidong , Müller Hans-Georg 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The problem of modeling the relationship between univariate distributions and one or more explanatory variables lately has found increasing interest. Existing approaches proceed by substituting proxy estimated distributions for the typically unknown response distributions. These estimates are obtained from available data but are problematic when for some of the distributions only few data are available. Such situations are common in practice and cannot be addressed with currently available approaches, especially when one aims at density estimates. We show how this and other problems associated with density estimation such as tuning parameter selection and bias issues can be side-stepped when covariates are available. We also introduce a novel version of distribution-response regression that is based on empirical measures. By avoiding the preprocessing step of recovering complete individual response distributions, the proposed approach is applicable when the sample size available for each distribution varies and especially when it is small for some of the distributions but large for others. In this case, one can still obtain consistent distribution estimates even for distributions with only few data by gaining strength across the entire sample of distributions, while traditional approaches where distributions or densities are estimated individually fail, since sparsely sampled densities cannot be consistently estimated. The proposed model is demonstrated to outperform existing approaches through simulations and Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes data.
Immunosuppression and transplantation-related characteristics affect the difference between eGFR equations based on creatinine compared to cystatin C in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Weidmann Lukas , Laux Catherine , Castrezana Lopez Kai , Harmacek Dusan , George Britta , von Moos Seraina , Schachtner Thomas 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Previous studies show heterogeneity when applying estimated glomerular filtration (eGFR) equations to kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). However, research on the impact of transplantation-related characteristics on eGFR equations using creatinine (eGFRcr) compared to cystatin C (eGFRcys) is scarce.

Methods
We conducted a comprehensive analysis with three eGFRcr equations (Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) 2009, European Kidney Function Consortium (EKFC) 2021, kidney recipient specific-glomerular filtration rate KRS-GFR) 2023), comparing them to two eGFRcys (CKD-EPI 2012 and EKFC 2023) in 596 KTRs. Bland–Altman plots demonstrated relative differences according to different eGFR-stages. Multivariable logistic regression identified transplantation-related characteristics independently associated with smaller or greater differences between eGFRcr and eGFRcys equations.

Results
94.3% of the cohort were White individuals. Median eGFR differed as much as 9 ml/min/1.73 m2 between equations. The median relative differences (Q2) were greater (more negative) when comparing the eGFRcr equations to eGFRcys CKD-EPI 2012, than when comparing them to eGFRcys EKFC 2023 (P &lt; .001). Better average eGFR was associated with smaller mean relative differences in all comparisons but eGFRcr CKD-EPI 2009 with eGFR EKFC 2023 and eGFRcr EKFC 2021 with eGFRcys EKFC 2023. Living kidney donation and belatacept use were independent factors associated with a smaller difference (≥Q3) between eGFRcr and eGFRcys equations, while prednisone use or higher HbA1c were independently associated with a greater difference (≤Q1) between equations.

Conclusion
Different eGFR-stages, donor, or recipient characteristics, along with immunosuppression such as belatacept or prednisone, contribute to differences between eGFRcr and eGFRcys. These effects need to be considered in the clinical management of KTRs.
Predicting soccer matches with complex networks and machine learning
Authors: Baratela Eduardo Alves , Xavier Felipe Jordão , Peron Thomas , Ribeiro Villas-Boas Paulino , Rodrigues Francisco Aparecido 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Soccer attracts the attention of many researchers and professionals in the sports industry. Therefore, the incorporation of science into the sport is constantly growing, with increasing investments in performance analysis and sports prediction industries. This study aims to (i) highlight the use of complex networks as an alternative tool for predicting soccer match outcomes and (ii) show how the combination of structural analysis of passing networks with match statistical data can provide deeper insights into the game patterns and strategies used by teams. In order to do so, complex network metrics and match statistics were used to build machine learning models that predict the wins and losses of soccer teams in different leagues. The results showed that models based on passing networks were as effective as ‘traditional’ models, which use general match statistics. Another finding was that by combining both approaches, more accurate models were obtained than when they were used separately, demonstrating that the fusion of such approaches can offer a deeper understanding of game patterns, allowing the comprehension of tactics employed by teams relationships between players, their positions and interactions during matches. It is worth mentioning that both network metrics and match statistics were important and impactful for the mixed model. Furthermore, the use of networks with a lower granularity of temporal evolution (such as creating a network for each half of the match) performed better than a single network for the entire game.
Epistemic authority in the digital public sphere. An integrative conceptual framework and research agenda
Authors: Bartsch Anne , Neuberger Christoph , Stark Birgit , Karnowski Veronika , Maurer Marcus , Pentzold Christian , Quandt Thorsten , Quiring Oliver , Schemer Christian 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
We develop an integrative conceptual framework and research agenda for studying epistemic authorities in the digital age. Consulting epistemic authorities (e.g., professional experts, well-informed laypeople, technologies) can be an efficient fast-track to knowledge. To fulfill this functional role, those who claim epistemic authority need to be both subjectively recognized (have a perceived advantage in knowledge) and objectively justified (have an actual advantage in knowledge). In a digital media context, new and unconventional knowledge sources have emerged that can fulfill the functional role of epistemic authorities. But false authorities that disseminate misinformation have emerged as well while other sources with important knowledge remain unrecognized. We further analyze the functional role of epistemic intermediaries that can mitigate such problematic developments by correcting false authorities and by providing endorsement for unrecognized authorities. We conclude with a research agenda to study functional forms of epistemic authorities and epistemic intermediaries in the digital public sphere.
Association between laryngopharyngeal reflux clinical scores and esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance pH monitoring interpretation according to Lyon Consensus 2.0
Authors: Geeratragool Tanawat , Maneerattanaporn Monthira , Prapruetkit Jerdnaphang , Chuenprapai Pritsana , Chongkolwatana Cheerasook , Leelakusolvong Somchai 
Published: November 2024

SUMMARY
Laryngopharyngeal reflux remains a diagnostic challenge due to the lack of a definitive diagnostic tool. Esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII) pH monitoring has been proven reliable for detecting gastric reflux. This study aims to evaluate the association between clinical scores and MII/pH monitoring according to the Lyon Consensus 2.0. Patients with laryngo-pharyngeal symptoms (LPS) who had a reflux symptom index (RSI) ≥13 or reflux finding score (RFS) ≥7 underwent MII/pH monitoring. The findings were analyzed in comparison with clinical scores. A total of 100 patients meeting the inclusion criteria were recruited for this study. MII/pH monitoring revealed a median acid exposure time (AET) of 1.9% (interquartile range [IQR] = 0.2, 4.9), with 22% of patients recording an AET above 6%. The median number of reflux episodes was 29.5 episodes per day (IQR = 19.0, 43.8), with 7% experiencing more than 80 episodes per day. Gas reflux was identified as the most prevalent type. Based on the Lyon Consensus 2.0, 25 patients exhibited conclusive pathological reflux, while 75 patients showed no conclusive evidence of pathological reflux. No significant differences were found in RSI and RFS between these groups. Only gas reflux episodes showed a significant correlation with RSI (r = 0.255, P = 0.011). RSI and RFS among patients with LPS showed no statistically significant differences in identifying pathological reflux or no conclusive evidence of pathological reflux. This finding suggests that the pathophysiology underlying LPS may not be solely attributable to reflux.
Early recurrence of spontaneous coronary artery dissection: potential association with coronary vasospasm and optimal timing for spasm provocation test—a case series
Authors: Endo Toyohiro , Yunoki Kei , Miyahara Katsunori , Yamaguchi Satomi , Namba Yusuke , Yoshikawa Masaki , Oka Takefumi 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an uncommon cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Various factors predispose individuals to SCAD, including coronary vasospasm, which has been identified in some studies as a related factor.

Case summary
We present a series of three cases of ACS attributed to SCAD. Two cases involved early de novo recurrence potentially related to coronary spasm, and one case involved iatrogenic coronary artery dissection during a spasm provocation test.

Discussion
High recurrence rates of SCAD within 30 days of the initial event have been observed, although the effectiveness of pharmacologic therapy has not been conclusively established. While the administration of beta-blockers has been associated with a reduced risk of SCAD recurrence, their use may not be desirable in patients with coronary vasospasm. Detailed evaluations may be beneficial for patients where coronary vasospasm is suspected to tailor appropriate treatment strategies. Moreover, given the higher frequency of iatrogenic coronary artery dissection among patients with SCAD, careful consideration is needed to avoid high-risk periods when scheduling spasm provocation tests.
Anatomical vs. electrophysiological approach for ablation of premature ventricular contractions originating from the left ventricular summit (ISESHIMA-SUMMIT Study)
Authors: Watanabe Ryuta , Nagashima Koichi , Shirai Yasuhiro , Kitai Takayuki , Okada Takuya , Tokuda Michifumi , Fukunaga Masato , Onuki Koumei , Nakatani Yosuke , Yoshimura Shingo , Takatsuki Seiji , Hashimoto Kenji , Yamashita Shuhei , Kato Masafumi , Uchida Fumiya , Fukamizu Seiji , Hojo Rintaro , Mori Hitoshi , Matsumoto Kazuhisa , Kato Hiroyuki , Suga Kazumasa , Sakurai Taku , Sakamoto Yusuke , Hayashi Tatsuya , Wakamatsu Yuji , Hirata Shu , Hirata Moyuru , Sawada Masanaru , Kurokawa Sayaka , Okumura Yasuo 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Aims
Catheter ablation (CA) of idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) from the epicardial left ventricular summit is challenging. The endocardial approach targets two sites: the endocardial closest site (ECS) to the epicardial earliest activation site (epi-EAS) and the endocardial earliest activation site (endo-EAS). We aimed to differentiate between cases where CA at the ECS was effective and where CA at the endo-EAS yielded success.

Methods and results
Fifty-eight patients (47 men; age 60 ± 13 years) were analysed with VAs in which the EAS was observed in the coronary venous system (CVS). Overall, VAs were successfully eliminated in 42 (72%) patients: 8 in the CVS, 8 where the ECS matched with the endo-EAS, 11 at the ECS, and 15 at the endo-EAS. A successful ECS ablation was associated with a shorter epi-EAS–ECS distance (10.2 ± 4.7 vs. 18.8 ± 5.3 mm; P &lt; 0.001) and shorter epi-EAS–left main coronary trunk (LMT) ostial distance (20.3 ± 7.6 vs. 30.3 ± 8.4 mm; P = 0.005), with optimal cut-off values of ≤12.6 and ≤24.0 mm, respectively. A successful endo-EAS ablation was associated with an earlier electrogram at the endo-EAS [23 (8, 36) vs. 15 (0, 19) ms preceding the QRS; P &lt; 0.001] and shorter epi-EAS–endo-EAS interval [6 (1, 8) vs. 22 (12, 25) ms; P &lt; 0.001], with optimal cut-off values of ≥18 and ≤9 ms, respectively.

Conclusion
Shorter anatomical distances between the epi-EAS and ECS, and between the epi-EAS and LMT ostium, predict a successful ECS ablation. The prematurity of the endo-EAS electrogram and a shorter interval between the epi-EAS and endo-EAS predicted a successful endo-EAS ablation.
Phylogenetic evaluation and genotypic identification of burn-related Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from post-burn human infections during hospitalization
Authors: Sanjar Fatemeh , Millan Claudia P , Leung Kai P 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Cutaneous burn trauma, compromise of dermal layers and immune defense system is a physical and fiscal burden on healthcare systems. Burn-wound infections are a serious complication of thermal injury and contribute significantly to care burden. After burn-induced trauma, sepsis by Pseudomonas aeruginosa impairs patient recovery and contributes to mortality and morbidity. Past studies show positive correlation between detection of Pseudomonas species and healing-impaired traumatic wounds. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a resilient opportunistic human pathogen and a nosocomial agent involved in pathology of healing-impaired wounds, especially in burn patients. Expansive array of virulence determinants has resulted in gentamicin- and silver-resistant P. aeruginosa outbreaks. Knowledge of molecular dynamics and phylogeny of P. aeruginosa associated with burn wounds is limited. Therefore, we conducted whole-genome sequencing for genotyping and phylogenetic analysis of P. aeruginosa burn-associated strains (n = 19) isolated from 7 burn cases during hospitalization. Comparison of genetic features in P. aeruginosa strains in the core genome and mobilome detected genetic variations within some clonal infections over time. Genetic variations were observed among different burn cases, with some features identified in severe lung infections. Polyclonal infections were also observed, with differing genotypes and virulence potentials, highlighting the importance of reasoned sampling of isolates for clinical testing.
Dynamic signatures: a mathematical approach to analysis
Authors: Okado Jessica Baleiro , da Camara e Silva Erick Simões , Sily Priscila Dias 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
This study evaluates mathematical tools (principal component analysis, dynamic time warping, and the Kolmogorov–Smirnov hypothesis test) to analyse global and local data from dynamic signatures to reduce subjectivity and increase the reproducibility of handwriting examination using a two-step approach. A dataset composed of 1 800 genuine signature samples, 870 simulated signatures, and 60 disguises (30 formally similar or “autosimulated” and 30 random but different from usual) provided by 30 volunteers was collected. The first step involved global data analysis using principal component analysis and a hypothesis test performed for 62 global characteristics, and associations of these characteristics were analysed through calculations of multivariate distance followed by a hypothesis test. The second step involved the analysis of local characteristics including vertical and horizontal positions, speed, pressure gradient, acceleration, and jerk point-to-point, by using dynamic time warping followed by a hypothesis test. Optimization of sensitivity and specificity metrics of the hypothesis test was explored by varying its stringency and observing accuracy rates for the simulated and genuine groups. A P-value threshold of 1 × 10−10 was found to be optimal, making the test more restrictive and yielding accuracy rates of 96.7% for genuine global data and 88.9% for simulated data. The same cut-off value for local characteristics provided an average accuracy rate of 95.4% for genuine samples and 94.7% for simulated samples, demonstrating high accuracy for both simulated and genuine samples. However, the method did not offer reasonable accuracy rates for disguises, consistent with observations in traditional handwriting examination. Our approach provided satisfactory results for forensic examination use. The visualization of graphs and signatures and analysis of all identifying elements of handwriting by the examining expert are still essential. In future studies, we plan to perform blind tests to validate our approach and propose a rigorous methodology.
Advances in the management of alcohol-associated liver disease
Authors: Anouti Ahmad , Kerr Thomas A , Mitchell Mack C , Cotter Thomas G 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is a significant global health challenge, encompassing a spectrum from steatotic liver disease to cirrhosis and alcohol-associated hepatitis, and contributed to 25% of global cirrhosis deaths in 2019. The identification of both modifiable (e.g. heavy drinking, metabolic syndromes) and non-modifiable risk factors (e.g. genetic predispositions) is crucial for effective disease management. Alcohol use assessment and treatment, by using both behavioral therapy and pharmacotherapeutic modalities, nutrition support, and optimization of liver disease modifiers, form the cornerstone of management. Advances in medical therapies, such as fecal microbiota transplantation and novel agents such as IL-22, are being explored for their therapeutic potential. A unifying theme in ALD care is the need for a personalized approach to management, accounting for the spectrum of the disease and individual patient characteristics, to tailor interventions effectively. Finally, it is essential to address the challenges to effective ALD treatment, including socioeconomic, logistical, and stigma-related barriers, to improve patient outcomes. This review discusses the current knowledge on ALD, including epidemiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, and management strategies, highlighting the critical role of integrated care models.