bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cognitive Health Benefits of Everyday Physical Activity in a Diverse Sample of Middle-Aged Adults
Authors: Hakun Jonathan G , Benson Lizbeth , Qiu Tian , Elbich Daniel B , Katz Mindy , Shaw Pamela A , Sliwinski Martin J , Mossavar-Rahmani Yasmin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Physical activity has been associated with a wide range of health benefits including long-term benefits for cognitive and brain health. Whether episodes of everyday physical activity are associated with immediate cognitive benefits remains unknown.

Purpose
The purpose of the current study was to examine whether episodes of physical activity, occurring over the course of participants’ daily lives, are associated with short-term improvements in cognitive health.

Methods
Participants completed a 9-day ecological momentary assessment protocol involving 5 daily assessments of self-reported physical activity and ambulatory cognitive assessments of processing speed and visuospatial working memory. Data were analyzed in a multilevel modeling framework to explore changes in performance on each task associated with physical activity during the period leading up to the assessment as well as individual differences in average frequency of physical activity.

Results
Results of MLMs indicated that engaging in physical activity during the period (~3.5 hr) leading up to an assessment was associated with improvements in processing speed equivalent to 4 years of cognitive aging. Such improvements were observed for both light and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity levels. No association was observed for visuospatial working memory accuracy; however, response time during the working memory task reliably mirrored the association observed for processing speed. The short-term benefits were observed, particularly, for individuals with an overall higher frequency of reported physical activity.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that engaging in everyday physical activity of any intensity level may have short-term, acute benefits for cognitive health and point to new potential targets for intervention.

Clinical Trial information
NCT03240406.
Exposure to GLP-1 Receptor Agonist and Bariatric Surgery Use on Obesity Policy Support
Authors: Post Stacy M , Hoffman Rebecca K , Chen Junhan , Stock Michelle L , Persky Susan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Glucagon-like-peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) are a newer class of obesity medications that have garnered significant attention by the public and media. Media reports suggest that medical interventions such as GLP-1s are often perceived as weight loss “shortcuts.”

Purpose
The present experimental research tested the effect of exposure to medical weight loss interventions on GLP-1 policy support, dependent on body mass index.

Methods
A sample of 440 participants (Mage= 37, SD = 12.6) were randomly assigned to read about a woman who lost 15% of her body weight either with a GLP-1, bariatric surgery, or diet/exercise. Participants reported on beliefs that the woman took a weight loss “shortcut” and support for three policies expanding GLP-1 coverage.

Results
Exposure to a woman who lost weight with GLP-1 or bariatric surgery (vs. diet/exercise) led to higher GLP-1 policy support. However, such exposure was also indirectly associated with lower policy support, partially mediated by weight loss “shortcut” beliefs.

Conclusions
This study provides evidence that exposure to medical weight loss interventions leads to higher GLP-1 policy support. Exposure may also, indirectly, lead to lower policy support due to beliefs that such interventions are shortcuts. Findings have implications for policymakers who are interested in how perceptions of medical weight loss interventions influence support for obesity treatments and related health policies.
Enhancing RNA-seq analysis by addressing all co-existing biases using a self-benchmarking approach with 2D structural insights
Authors: Su Qiang , Long Yi , Gou Deming , Quan Junmin , Lian Qizhou 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
We introduce a groundbreaking approach: the minimum free energy–based Gaussian Self-Benchmarking (MFE-GSB) framework, designed to combat the myriad of biases inherent in RNA-seq data. Central to our methodology is the MFE concept, facilitating the adoption of a Gaussian distribution model tailored to effectively mitigate all co-existing biases within a k-mer counting scheme. The MFE-GSB framework operates on a sophisticated dual-model system, juxtaposing modeling data of uniform k-mer distribution against the real, observed sequencing data characterized by nonuniform k-mer distributions. The framework applies a Gaussian function, guided by the predetermined parameters—mean and SD—derived from modeling data, to fit unknown sequencing data. This dual comparison allows for the accurate prediction of k-mer abundances across MFE categories, enabling simultaneous correction of biases at the single k-mer level. Through validation with both engineered RNA constructs and human tissue RNA samples, its wide-ranging efficacy and applicability are demonstrated.
Unravelling relationships and inferring the biogeographic history of a group of herbaceous bamboos from the Northeast Atlantic Forest (Piresia: Olyreae: Bambusoideae)
Authors: Jesus Izabela S D , Barreto Silvia B , Santana de Carvalho Daniel , Schnadelbach Alessandra S , Carvalho Maria Luiza S 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Phylogenies with complex evolutionary histories commonly reflect different evolutionary processes that genes and species may undergo, especially groups with low internal resolution, such as Piresia, a South American herbaceous bamboo genus. Diversification in Piresia is probably recent and associated with hybridization, polyploidization, sympatric speciation, and tropical forest dynamics, creating intricate phylogenetic relationships with paraphyletic and/or cryptic species. In this study, we compare phylogenies generated from six different molecular markers to better estimate and understand the relationships within the genus Piresia, focusing on species from the Atlantic Forest (AF), including the paraphyletic taxa P. leptophylla. We also applied a biogeographic approach to understand the processes influencing the evolutionary history of Piresia. The biogeographic analyses reveal that Piresia originated during the Pliocene and diversified in the Pleistocene, probably influenced by climatic fluctuations. Our results indicate that there is a phylogenetic disjunction between Amazonian and AF species, and low phylogenetic resolution within the latter. Besides, the phylogenetic results retrieved the evolutionary history of Piresia based on the AF lineages (AFI, AFII, AFIII) for the Atlantic Forest.
Mechanical stimulation promotes fibrochondrocyte proliferation by activating the TRPV4 signaling pathway during tendon–bone insertion healing: CCN2 plays an important regulatory role
Authors: Bian Xuting , Liu Xiao , Zhou Mei , Tang Hong , Wang Rui , Ma Lin , He Gang , Xu Shibo , Wang Yunjiao , Tan Jindong , Tang Kanglai , Guo Lin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
We previously confirmed that mechanical stimulation is an important factor in the repair of tendon–bone insertion (TBI) injuries and that mechanoreceptors such as transient receptor potential ion-channel subfamily V member 4 (TRPV4; also known as transient receptor potential vanilloid 4) are key to transforming mechanical stimulation into intracellular biochemical signals. This study aims to elucidate the mechanism of mechanical stimulation regulating TRPV4.

Methods
Immunohistochemical staining and western blotting were used to evaluate cartilage repair at the TBI after injury. The RNA expression and protein expression of mechanoreceptors and key pathway molecules regulating cartilage proliferation were analyzed. TBI samples were collected for transcriptome sequencing to detect gene expression. Calcium-ion imaging and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the function of TPRV4 and cellular communication network factor 2 (CCN2) after the administration of siRNA, recombinant adenovirus and agonists.

Results
We found that treadmill training improved the quality of TBI healing and enhanced fibrochondrocyte proliferation. The transcriptome sequencing results suggested that the elevated expression of the mechanistically stimulated regulator CCN2 and the exogenous administration of recombinant human CCN2 significantly promoted TRPV4 protein expression and fibrochondrocyte proliferation. In vitro, under mechanical stimulation conditions, small interfering RNA (siRNA)-CCN2 not only inhibited the proliferation of primary fibrochondrocytes but also suppressed TRPV4 protein expression and activity. Subsequently, primary fibrochondrocytes were treated with the TRPV4 agonist GSK1016790A and the recombinant adenovirus TRPV4 (Ad-TRPV4), and GSK1016790A partially reversed the inhibitory effect of siRNA-CCN2. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase/ protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway participated in the above process.

Conclusions
Mechanical stimulation promoted fibrochondrocyte proliferation and TBI healing by activating TRPV4 channels and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and CCN2 may be a key regulatory protein in maintaining TRPV4 activation.
The establishment and potential spread of Osmia cornuta (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) in North America
Authors: Getz Michael P , Best Lincoln R , Melathopoulos Andony P , Warren Timothy L 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Mason bees, subgenus Osmia Panzer (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae), are economically and ecologically significant pollinators. In eastern North America, the rapid spread of 2 non-native species from Asia, Osmia cornifrons Radoszkowski and Osmia taurus Smith, has coincided with declines in native Osmia populations, raising concern about the effects of further exotic arrivals. Here we investigate the recent establishment in British Columbia, Canada of the European orchard bee, Osmia cornuta Latreille, previously thought to be limited to Europe and its periphery. We document O. cornuta records ranging more than 170 km, including sightings of live adults and the discovery of a multigenerational nest with hundreds of cocoons. We tested whether these cocoons could be discriminated from other Osmia species by training a machine learning classifier on features extracted from images. The best performing model could not reliably discriminate cocoons by species, raising the possibility O. cornuta could be inadvertently intermingled in future commercial shipments. Recent occurrence records of O. cornifrons and O. taurus were spatially isolated, suggesting ongoing anthropogenic dispersal of these species. We predicted the suitability of North American habitats for O. cornuta by estimating its native climate niche. This analysis indicated broad regions of the Pacific Northwest and eastern North America contain potentially suitable habitat. Our findings document the establishment of O. cornuta in North America and the potential for its expansion. Our study demonstrates the utility of accessible biodiversity data archives and public observation programs in tracking non-native species spread and highlights the need for future monitoring of exotic Osmia.
Contextualising Edix Hill: First-Pandemic Plague and Britain
Authors: Singer Rachel 
Published: October 2024

Abstract:
The 2019 discovery of Yersinia pestis ancient DNA at Edix Hill in Cambridgeshire unquestionably confirms that plague was present in sixth-century Britain. Prior treatments of this evidence have decontextualised it from its British setting, considering it aside from the richly studied British archaeological and textual records, to detrimental effect. This article considers this new evidence in context, presenting a historiography of early medieval British epidemics and a summary of current scientific knowledge of the topic to contend that the discovery marks a significant shift in our understanding of early British plague and to clarify what palaeoscientific data can and cannot tell us about plague’s presence in and its impact on Britain. It then argues a new theory of the spread of plague based on recent developments in our understanding of British demographics, ecology and trade routes, contending that early first-pandemic Y. pestis was transmitted to Britain at least two distinct times via separate routes, with the first introduction potentially pre-dating the introduction of plague to Constantinople in 542 CE. The article then reflects on why British sources have been omitted from or misused in plague scholarship, arguing that this trend speaks to British history’s damaging insularity and to methodological issues within plague studies. It concludes by connecting this issue to wider geographical hierarchies within scholarship on Late Antiquity and suggests ways in which future plague scholarship can respond to these challenges.
How neighbourhood effects vary by achievement level
Authors: Borgen Nicolai T , Zachrisson Henrik Daae 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
After long-standing calls for research into ‘for whom’ neighbourhood matters, the literature has recently gained traction, focussing on background characteristics such as gender, race, and socioeconomic background. However, there is still scarce and only indirect evidence on whether neighbourhood effects vary by children’s academic ability. In this paper, we combine the Neighbourhood Choice Model with quantile regressions to investigate whether neighbourhood effects vary by children’s academic proneness. Using Norwegian register data, we demonstrate heterogeneity in the effects of neighbourhood deprivation as a function of students’ proneness to academic achievement. Students with the very lowest and highest academic potential are the least affected by neighbourhood disadvantage, while those with below average—but not at the lowest end—are most strongly affected. Moreover, while girls are less affected than boys, and children from less educated and affluent families are more affected by neighbourhood disadvantage than their more privileged peers, the effects of these observed moderators are considerably smaller than the heterogeneity observed as a function of academic proneness. Overall, our use of quantile regressions opens up new venues for understanding ‘for whom’ neighbourhoods matter, with individual-level academic vulnerability and strengths being an influential source of neighbourhood effects variation.
Tranexamic acid to prevent bleeding after endoscopic resection of large colorectal polyps: a pilot project
Authors: Rai Mandip , Sedarous Mary , Taylor Connie , McKay Jackie , Hookey Lawrence , Bechara Robert 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background and aims
Delayed post-polypectomy bleeding (DPPB) can occur up to a month following the procedure but is typically seen within the first week. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a member of a class of drugs called antifibrinolytic agents. It reduces fibrinolysis by slowing down the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin, which may prevent bleeding. The goal of this pilot study is to assess the feasibility of using tranexamic acid after endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) of large (≥2 cm) non-pedunculated colorectal polyps (LNPCPs) to prevent DPPB.

Methods
This was a single centre feasibility study conducted at the Kingston Health Sciences Centre in 2021. After the polypectomy was completed, IV tranexamic acid was given [1 gram of TXA in 100 mL of normal saline] and infused over a 10-min interval. The participants received tranexamic acid 1 gram PO TID to be taken for 5 days.

Results
A total of 25 patients were enrolled with a mean polyp size of 3 cm. Intraprocedural bleeding occurred in 7 patients (28%) and all of these were treated with soft coagulation. Two patients had clipping for suspected muscle injury. All 25 patients received IV TXA post-procedure. Sixteen patients (64%) took every dose of the prescribed pills. One patient presented with post-polypectomy bleeding. All patients completed the day 30 follow-up phone call. There were no major adverse events.

Conclusions
TXA to prevent delayed post-polypectomy bleeding (DPPB) was feasible to use with no major adverse events reported. A randomized controlled study will be needed to see if TXA can significantly reduce DPPB.
The Guantánamo Artwork and Testimony of Moath al-Alwi: Deaf Walls Speak, edited by Alexandra S. Moore and Elizabeth Swanson
Authors: Spear Charlotte 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
This review considers The Guantánamo Artwork and Testimony of Moath Al-Alwi: Deaf Walls Speak, edited by Alexandra S. Moore and Elizabeth Swanson, and explores the book’s key implications for human rights practitioners and their organizations.
Insect parasitoids of fall armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Africa and Asia and their adoption in integrated pest management of maize in Nepal
Authors: Muniappan Rangaswamy , Sah Lalit Prasad , Nyaupane Sushil , Bhandari Ghanashyam , Tiwari Sundar , Bajracharya Ajaya Shree Ratna , Gupta Ankita , Subaharan Kesavan 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is native to the neotropics and invaded Africa and Asia in 2016 and 2018, respectively, and Nepal in 2019. Even though it is a polyphagous pest, the population that reached Africa and Asia prefers maize. As native parasitoids and predators form the first line of defense against new invaders, a study conducted in Nepal identified 9 species of parasitoids, namely, 2 eggs, 1 egg-larval, 4 larval, 1 larval-pupal, and 1 pupal parasitoid of FAW. A comparison was made on the list of parasitoids and predators of FAW recorded in other countries in Asia and Africa. The Feed the Future Nepal Integrated Pest Management Lab, was involved in human and institutional capacity building for survey, collection, identification, and multiplication of parasitoids of FAW. A national augmentative biological control program has been developed and included as a component of the IPM package for maize in Nepal.
Evaluation of a risk-sharing agreement for atezolizumab treatment in patients with non-small cell lung cancer: a strategy to improve access in low-income countries
Authors: Arrieta Oscar , Ramos-Ramírez Maritza , Garcés-Flores Homero , Cabrera-Miranda Luis A , Gómez-García Ana Pamela , Soto-Molina Herman , Cardona Andrés F , Valencia-Velarde Ángel , Gálvez-Niño Marco , Guzmán-Vázquez Silvia 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Using immune checkpoint inhibitors (IO) is a promising approach to maximize clinical benefits for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). PD-L1 expression serves as a predictive factor for treatment outcomes with IO. However, the high cost of this treatment creates significant barriers to access. Substantial evidence demonstrates the sustained clinical benefits experienced by patients who respond to immunotherapy. While IOs show promise in NSCLC treatment, their high cost poses access barriers.

Aim
This study focused on a prospective cost analysis conducted at a high-specialty health facility to assess the economic implications of implementing a risk-sharing agreement (RSA) for atezolizumab in NSCLC.

Methods
The study included 30 patients with advanced NSCLC, with the pharmaceutical company funding the initial cycles. If patients responded, a government program covered costs until disease progression.

Results
A median progression-free survival of 4.67 months across populations, rising to 9.4 months for responders. The 2-year overall survival rate for the response group was 64%, significantly higher than for non-response. Without an RSA, a total treatment cost of $881 859.36 ($29 395.31/patient) was reported, compared to $530 467.12 ($17 682.24/patient) with an RSA, representing a 40% cost reduction. In responders, the average cost per year of life per patient dropped by 22%. Risk-sharing, assessed through non-parametric tests, showed a statistically significant difference in pharmacological costs (P &lt; .001).

Conclusion
Implementing RSAs can optimize resource allocation, making IO treatment more accessible, especially in low-income countries.
Energy efficient robot operations by adaptive control schemes
Authors: Choi Minje , Park Seongjin , Lee Ryujeong , Kim Sion , Kwak Juhyeon , Lee Seungjae 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Energy efficiency is key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals globally. Energy consumption in the transport sector is constantly increasing, and governments are implementing policies to reduce car use by shifting the focus from roads to walking. With the rise of pedestrianization policies, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are becoming increasingly useful. Autonomous robotic services are being used in various fields such as traffic management, logistics, and personal mobility assistance. However, AMRs research has focused on technology development, route planning, and cost reduction, with relatively little research on how to make robots more energy efficient. As these autonomous robotic services become more popular, there is a need to discuss how to efficiently use energy. This study analyses the characteristics of the hardware required for AMRs to operate. In particular, the density of obstacles in the surrounding environment is defined as saturation for the use of Lidar, and the effectiveness of the proximal policy optimization reinforcement learning algorithm is analysed to propose an energy efficiency plan for the saturation density. In the future, a large number of robots are expected to be used, and efficient energy use of such hardware will contribute to building sustainable cities.
“I can’t tell you what freedom is ’cause I’ve never seen it”: Addressing the Omission of Liberation Narratives in Sociology
Authors: Allen Shaonta’ E 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT
While liberation, or the process of freeing marginalized individuals and groups from societal oppression and domination, is referenced across many sub-disciplines of sociology, it surprisingly remains under-conceptualized in sociological literature. To address this omission, the present study responds to the following query: how, if at all, do Black individuals conceive of a Black liberated future? I draw on data from 65 in-depth interviews with Black Millennials during Black Lives Matter to capture their imaginings of a Black liberated future. Findings reveal that participants construct four types of liberation narratives when detailing their perceptions of Black freedom: 1) Liberation via Reformation, 2) Liberation via Reconstruction, 3) Liberation via Afrocentrism, and 4) Liberation as Inconceivable. I ultimately argue that liberation narratives function as resistant knowledge projects and, as such, are significant socio-political artifacts and resources for future generations of change agents, community organizers, and social movements actors. Altogether, this study demonstrates how rectifying the omission of liberation narratives magnifies our sociological knowledge about marginalized groups and deepens our analytic capacity to make sense of their ontological approaches toward politics of liberation and imaginings of their collective futures.