bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does Soft Power Look Different in Multinational Federations? International Education and Soft Power Politics in Canada/Quebec
Authors: Moscovitz Hannah , Trilokekar Roopa Desai 
Published: October 2024

AbstractWhile the study of soft power has gained significant scholarly attention, an understanding of soft power politics in diverse state models, and multinational federations specifically, is lacking. This study remedies this gap by exploring the connection between soft power and multinational federalism in the Canadian context, highlighting the tensions between the Canadian federal “majority” nation and Quebec's “minority” nation. Relying on the international education policy sphere and its soft power potential, the study extends the discussion of soft power beyond the typical unitary nation-state lens, elucidating the interaction of multiple (and contrasting) soft power rationales within one country. The study reveals that soft power politics can be exerted as much domestically as externally and can be pursued in a discorded fashion within a nation-state. Clearly, there is a need for a more nuanced understanding of soft power, which considers its contested manifestation, and the context-specific ways it is utilized.
Damocles's Switchboard: Information Externalities and the Autocratic Logic of Internet Control
Authors: Sun Meicen 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis paper advances a theory for the autocratic logic of internet control. Politically motivated internet control generates a positive externality for domestic data-intensive firms and a negative externality for domestic knowledge-intensive research entities. Exploiting a major internet control shock in 2014, I find that Chinese data-intensive firms gained 26 percent in revenue over other Chinese firms as the result of internet control. The same shock incurred a 10 percent decline in research quality from Chinese researchers, conditional on the knowledge intensity of their discipline. It also reduced the research quality from Chinese researchers relative to their US counterparts by 22 percent in all disciplines. Due to the positive data externality, internet control enacted to prevent domestic threats challenges the state's competing need for data sovereignty against foreign threats. Meanwhile, the state shields certain foreign knowledge-intensive actors from the negative knowledge externality to avoid the immediate economic costs they might otherwise impose. Qualitative evidence supports both implications, highlighting the centrality of short-term interests and foreign actors in autocratic decision making.
Measuring loneliness: a head-to-head psychometric comparison of the 3- and 20-item UCLA Loneliness Scales
Authors: Gosling Corentin J. , Colle Romain , Cartigny Ariane , Jollant Fabrice , Corruble Emmanuelle , Frajerman Ariel 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundDespite the growing interest in the prevalence and consequences of loneliness, the way it is measured still raises a number of questions. In particular, few studies have directly compared the psychometric properties of very short measures of loneliness to standard measures.MethodsWe conducted a large epidemiological study of midwife students (n = 1742) and performed a head-to-head comparison of the psychometric properties of the standard (20 items) and short version (3 items) of the UCLA Loneliness Scales (UCLA-LS). All participants completed the UCLA-LS-20, UCLA-LS-3, as well as other measures of mental health, including anxiety and depression.ResultsFirst, as predicted, we found that the two loneliness scales were strongly associated with each other. Second, when using the dimensional scores of the scales, we showed that the internal reliability, convergent-, discriminant-, and known-groups validities were high and of similar magnitude between the UCLA-LS-20 and the UCLA-LS-3. Third, when the scales were dichotomized, the results were more mixed. The sensitivity and/or specificity of the UCLA-LS-3 against the UCLA-LS-20 were systematically below acceptable thresholds, regardless of the dichotomizing process used. In addition, the prevalence of loneliness was strikingly variable as a function of the cut-offs used.ConclusionsOverall, we showed that the UCLA-LS-3 provided an adequate dimensional measure of loneliness that is very similar to the UCLA-LS-20. On the other hand, we were able to highlight more marked differences between the scales when their scores were dichotomized, which has important consequences for studies estimating, for example, the prevalence of loneliness.
Case report: Poor prognosis or poor prognostication?
Authors: Tschanz Jacqueline , Khan Rida , Bruera Eduardo 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objectives
This case highlights the limitations of current prognostication and communication in clinical practice.

Methods
We report a case of a 50 year old patient with metastatic melanoma following admission to intensive care unit and later transferred to palliative care unit for end-of-life care.

Results
The patient had clinical improvement despite signs of predictors of death and was later transferred back to care of oncology team.

Significance of results
Physicians frequently overestimate or underestimate survival time which can be distressing to patients and families. There is need for further research to improve the accuracy of these tools for the sake of our patients and their families.
National Origins of International Solidarity Movements: Nationalism and International Solidarity for East Timor in Post-Cold War Southeast Asia
Authors: Kamisuna Takahiro 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The international solidarity movement for the East Timorese was developed in Southeast Asian nations during the 1990s as ‘the issue of East Timor’ became a primary concern for the ASEAN countries’ civil society. Proponents of liberal democracy have assumed that international solidarity movements for human rights and democracy during the 1990s resulted from the powerful momentum of liberal democracy that universally linked foreign people. However, Michael Hardt, Antonio Negri and their marxist followers have explained these transnational movements as a transnational network that overcomes national borders against the capitalist Empire. Nevertheless, the political history of transnational solidarity movements from East Timor to Southeast Asia in the post-Cold War 1990s makes clear that nationalism has continued to be an ideological driver to link people from different nations.
Focusing on the international solidarity for the East Timorese independence struggle, this paper demonstrates a transnational function of nationalism through which international solidarity movements are created, resonate and function. The East Timor international solidarity struggle successfully created a transnational platform through the APCET conferences held in the Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand in the 1990s. Socio-historical analysis of APCET reveals that nationalists in Southeast Asia shared collective memories of national struggles beyond their spaces and times to create a transnational force to support self-determination for the East Timorese. Through its analysis, this article extends the theoretical framework of nationalism that has explained nationalist movements to serve as a more powerful tool to explain international solidarity in the age of globalisation. (247 words)
Vulnerability Appeals in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Insights from a National Survey Experiment
Authors: Larner Jac M. , Thorp Joshua R. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
This study explores the impact of vulnerability appeals during the COVID-19 pandemic using a nationally representative, preregistered survey experiment (N = 4,087) conducted in mid-2021. We explore whether providing citizens with information about the vulnerability of ethnic minority and disabled citizens to COVID-19 fosters empathy and increased support for behavioral restrictions. We observe minimal statistically significant or substantive effects, although the presence of subtle effects cannot be entirely ruled out. We identify some limited indications that individuals with disabilities exhibit increased support for restrictions when exposed to information about the vulnerability of disabled people to COVID-19, but these effects are inconsistent. Therefore, our findings provide limited evidence to confirm or rule out that using vulnerability appeals alone is effective for influencing public attitudes toward behavioral restrictions. The findings point toward avenues for future research, including a closer examination of heterogeneous responses to public health messaging among population subgroups.
Minimisation of metabolic networks defines a new functional class of genes
Authors: Jansen Giorgio , Qi Tanda , Latora Vito , Amoutzias Grigoris D. , Delneri Daniela , Oliver Stephen G. , Nicosia Giuseppe 
Published: October 2024

AbstractConstruction of minimal metabolic networks (MMNs) contributes both to our understanding of the origins of metabolism and to the efficiency of biotechnological processes by preventing the diversion of flux away from product formation. We have designed MMNs using a novel in silico synthetic biology pipeline that removes genes encoding enzymes and transporters from genome-scale metabolic models. The resulting minimal gene-set still ensures both viability and high growth rates. The composition of these MMNs has defined a new functional class of genes termed Network Efficiency Determinants (NEDs). These genes, whilst not essential, are very rarely eliminated in constructing an MMN, suggesting that it is difficult for metabolism to be re-routed to obviate the need for such genes. Moreover, the removal of NED genes from an MMN significantly reduces its global efficiency. Bioinformatic analyses of the NED genes have revealed that not only do these genes have more genetic interactions than the bulk of metabolic genes but their protein products also show more protein-protein interactions. In yeast, NED genes are predominantly single-copy and are highly conserved across evolutionarily distant organisms. These features confirm the importance of the NED genes to the metabolic network, including why they are so rarely excluded during minimisation.
Statistical inference with a manifold-constrained RNA velocity model uncovers cell cycle speed modulations
Authors: Lederer Alex R. , Leonardi Maxine , Talamanca Lorenzo , Bobrovskiy Daniil M. , Herrera Antonio , Droin Colas , Khven Irina , Carvalho Hugo J. F. , Valente Alessandro , Dominguez Mantes Albert , Mulet Arabí Pau , Pinello Luca , Naef Felix , La Manno Gioele 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAcross biological systems, cells undergo coordinated changes in gene expression, resulting in transcriptome dynamics that unfold within a low-dimensional manifold. While low-dimensional dynamics can be extracted using RNA velocity, these algorithms can be fragile and rely on heuristics lacking statistical control. Moreover, the estimated vector field is not dynamically consistent with the traversed gene expression manifold. To address these challenges, we introduce a Bayesian model of RNA velocity that couples velocity field and manifold estimation in a reformulated, unified framework, identifying the parameters of an explicit dynamical system. Focusing on the cell cycle, we implement VeloCycle to study gene regulation dynamics on one-dimensional periodic manifolds and validate its ability to infer cell cycle periods using live imaging. We also apply VeloCycle to reveal speed differences in regionally defined progenitors and Perturb-seq gene knockdowns. Overall, VeloCycle expands the single-cell RNA sequencing analysis toolkit with a modular and statistically consistent RNA velocity inference framework.
Proteome-scale recombinant standards and a robust high-speed search engine to advance cross-linking MS-based interactomics
Authors: Clasen Milan Avila , Ruwolt Max , Wang Cong , Ruta Julia , Bogdanow Boris , Kurt Louise U. , Zhang Zehong , Wang Shuai , Gozzo Fabio C. , Chen Tao , Carvalho Paulo C. , Lima Diogo Borges , Liu Fan 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAdvancing data analysis tools for proteome-wide cross-linking mass spectrometry (XL-MS) requires ground-truth standards that mimic biological complexity. Here we develop well-controlled XL-MS standards comprising hundreds of recombinant proteins that are systematically mixed for cross-linking. We use one standard dataset to guide the development of Scout, a search engine for XL-MS with MS-cleavable cross-linkers. Using other, independent standard datasets and published datasets, we benchmark the performance of Scout and existing XL-MS software. We find that Scout offers an excellent combination of speed, sensitivity and false discovery rate control. The results illustrate how our large recombinant standard can support the development of XL-MS analysis tools and evaluation of XL-MS results.
Effects of intensive and conventional farming on oxidative stress and meat quality biomarkers in holstein and simmental cattle
Authors: Tatar Ali Murat 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the intricate factors influencing meat quality, including breed, rearing conditions, and processing, with a primary focus on oxidative stress in Holstein Friesian and Simmental cattle within conventional and intensive production systems. A notable difference in oxidative stress was found between animals subjected to intensive-farming versus conventional practices, with Holstein cattle showing a more pronounced antioxidant gene response than Simmental. The analysis revealed that intensive rearing conditions resulted in increased DNA repair activity and expression of stress-response proteins like heat shock proteins, suggestive of greater cellular damage and an adaptive stress response. Muscle tissue analyses, revealed a clear distinction in gene expression associated with meat quality between the breeds and the type of farming system. A negative correlation emerged between oxidative stress levels and genes related to muscle development, which affects meat quality. Intensive farming conditions altered the expressions of apoptotic proteins, impacting meat quality at the molecular level. These results underscore the profound effect rearing conditions have on meat quality, driven by stress-related molecular responses. This highlights the need for further research into the influence of husbandry practices on animal welfare and meat quality, with the intention of developing strategies to mitigate the negative consequences of intensive-farming.
Assessment of sleep patterns in dementia and general population cohorts using passive in-home monitoring technologies
Authors: Rigny Louise , Fletcher-Lloyd Nan , Capstick Alex , Nilforooshan Ramin , Barnaghi Payam 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Nocturnal disturbances are a common symptom experienced by People Living with Dementia (PLWD), and these often present prior to diagnosis. Whilst sleep anomalies have been frequently reported, most studies have been conducted in lab environments, which are expensive, invasive and not natural sleeping environments. In this study, we investigate the use of in-home nocturnal monitoring technologies, which enable passive data collection, at low cost, in real-world environments, and without requiring a change in routine.

Methods
Clustering analysis of passively collected sleep data in the natural sleep environment can help identify distinct sub-groups based on sleep patterns. The analysis uses sleep activity data from; (1) the Minder study, collecting in-home data from PLWD and (2) a general population dataset (combined n = 100, >9500 person-nights).

Results
Unsupervised clustering and profiling analysis identifies three distinct clusters. One cluster is predominantly PLWD relative to the two other groups (72% ± 3.22, p = 6.4 × 10−7, p = 1.2 × 10−2) and has the highest mean age (77.96 ± 0.93, p = 6.8 × 10−4 and p = 6.4 × 10−7). This cluster is defined by increases in light and wake after sleep onset (p = 1.5 × 10−22, p = 1.4 × 10−7 and p = 1.7 × 10−22, p = 1.4 × 10−23) and decreases in rapid eye movement (p = 5.5 × 10−12, p = 5.9 × 10−7) and non-rapid eye movement sleep duration (p = 1.7 × 10−4, p = 3.8 × 10−11), in comparison to the general population.

Conclusions
In line with current clinical knowledge, these results suggest detectable dementia sleep phenotypes, highlighting the potential for using passive digital technologies in PLWD, and for detecting architectural sleep changes more generally. This study indicates the feasibility of leveraging passive in-home technologies for disease monitoring.
Constructing protein-functionalized DNA origami nanodevices for biological applications
Authors: Zhao Chuangyuan , Jiang Xinran , Wang Miao , Gui Songbai , Yan Xin , Dong Yuanchen , Liu Dongsheng 
Published: October 2024

In this review, Zhao et al. have summarized the construction of protein-functionalized DNA origami nanodevices and their biological applications. The challenges and potential directions in cell biology and structural biology have also been discussed.
Enhancing CO2 electroreduction with decamethylcucurbit[5]uril-alkaline earth metal modified Pd nanoparticles
Authors: Shao Tao , Song Xianmeng , Wei Zongnan , Yang Shuaibing , Zhang Siying , Cao Rong , Cao Minna 
Published: October 2024

Pd NP modification with Me10CB[5]–M capsules boosted CO2RR by enhancing CO2 adsorption, tuning Pd's electronic structure, and optimizing *COOH/*CO binding.
Enteric Tube Placement and Management: Tips for Interventional Radiologists
Authors: Mittal Alok K. , Gala Kunal , Hadidi Aymen Al , Vuthaluru Srineil 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThere is a significant risk of malnutrition and aspiration among hospitalized patients, particularly the elderly, patients with head and neck malignancy, and those with a chronic debilitating disease. Enteral feeding is preferred over parenteral feeding for patients with functional gastrointestinal tracts but who have impaired swallowing due to its cost-effectiveness, lesser complications, and theoretical benefits such as preserving mucosal architecture and gut-associated lymphoid tissue. While nasogastric and nasojejunal tubes address short-term feeding needs, long-term enteral feeding tubes are crucial for patients requiring nutritional support beyond 4 weeks. Enteric tube placement can be performed surgically, endoscopically, or radiologically, with radiologically inserted gastrostomy emerging as a safe and effective method. This review article discusses various interventional radiological techniques for enteral feeding, including percutaneous gastrostomy, gastrojejunostomy, jejunostomy tube placement, and gastrointestinal tract decompression procedures like cecostomy. It covers procedural considerations, patient selection criteria, technical aspects, and outcomes, drawing on current evidence and clinical experience. The review also addresses emerging trends, advancements, and future directions in interventional radiology for enteral feeding and gastrointestinal tract decompression, aiming to contribute to the ongoing evolution of clinical practice and patient care. Key recommendations from international guidelines are summarized, emphasizing individualized risk assessment for optimal enteral feeding strategies.
Development and design of a carbon fiber insole intended for individuals with partial foot amputation
Authors: Wagle Chandrika , Malwe Prateek D. , Bhone Nitin P. , Jaiswal Naresh , Patil Chetanraj D. , Fouly Ahmed , Shah Mohd Asif 
Published: October 2024

Ankle and foot orthotics are suggested for gait rehabilitation therapy after a stroke. Clinical practice necessitates adjusting the ankle foot orthosis torque to accommodate each patient’s unique stride and body function. The objective of this paper is to develop a customized, cost-effective footplate orthosis from carbon fibers, manufactured using 3D printing, for individuals with partial foot amputations. The footplate is designed for use in developing nations and aimed to be made available with a reduced lead time. The experiment work carried out in this research is used to design, analyze, and validate a prosthetic footplate. A foot of size UK 7 with a 2 mm thick model of the human foot was modeled using Unigraphics-NX. The footplate’s design is being tested both conceptually and empirically. The footplate manufactured by applying load at toe and heel shows that the carbon fiber successfully restores leg length and reduces pressure on the feet’s delicate distal end.
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines in children
Authors: Jayasinghe Sanjay 
Published: October 2024

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs), which have been in population-wide use in children for over two decades now, are highly efficacious in preventing life threatening pneumococcal infections. The strong herd effect of PCVs through reduction in pneumococcal nasopharyngeal carriage in vaccinated children prevents disease in adults as well. Since 7vPCV, which was the first PCV used widely, several new PCVs with each adding more serotypes have been developed. These new PCVs have been approved using immune-bridging criteria based on an aggregate correlate of protection (Cp) derived from vaccine efficacy and antibody responses data from early PCV trials. This Cp that the World Health Organization (WHO) accepts for assessing new PCVs for which it is impracticable to undertake placebo-controlled trials with clinical outcomes is 0.35 μg mL–1 of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) immunoglobulin G (IgG). Effectiveness and antibody response data more recently of 13vPCV has led to developing Cp for each individual vaccine serotype, that, for some, varies considerably to 0.35 μg mL–1. In trials of newest PCVs, such as 15vPCV and 20vPCV, the comparator used is 13vPCV that has, in turn, been licensed using immune bridging, which leads to potential ‘downward-drift’ risk of protection from the new PCVs. This and the data that have emerged on serotype replacement disease and dosing schedules makes it important to review and rethink how new PCVs are assessed, their clinical benefits are inferred and vaccination programs are designed.
Theory of interacting vector dark energy and fluid
Authors: Pookkillath Masroor C. , Koyama Kazuya 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
In this work, we study interaction between dark energy and dark matter, where dark energy is described by a massive vector field, and dark matter is modelled as a fluid. We present a new interaction term, which affects only perturbations and can give interesting phenomenology. Then we present a general Lagrangian for the interacting vector dark energy with dark matter. For the dark energy, we choose Proca theory with G
3 term to study its phenomenological consequence. For this model, we explore both background and perturbation dynamics. We also present the no-ghost condition for tensor modes, vector modes and scalar modes. Subsequently, we also study the evolution of the overdensities of both baryon and cold dark matter in the high-k limit. We show that the effective gravitational coupling is modified for cold dark matter and baryon. We also choose a simple concrete model and numerically show a suppression of the effective gravitational coupling for cold dark matter. However, in this simple model, the suppression of the effective gravitational coupling does not result in a suppression of the matter overdensity compared to that in the ΛCDM model due to the modified background expansion.