bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heavy Thunder, No Rain: Defense AI in Iran
Authors: Javadi Mahmoud 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIran’s grand strategy revolves around three key pillars: regime’s survival, security, stability (S3). Viewing the United States, and to a lesser extent Israel, as enduring state threats aiming to disrupt S3, Tehran has increasingly prioritized asymmetric tactics in its defense doctrine. This approach aims to deter adversaries’ kinetic and non-kinetic operations while also positioning Iran to attain regional power status. The integration of AI into defense is seen as a force multiplier. Although Iran’s incorporation of AI into its defense capabilities and infrastructure remains in progress and lacks clarity, the regime is extensively focusing on enhancing its missile systems, proxy forces, Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and naval power with AI technologies. Beyond state deterrence, Iran’s 360-degree defense doctrine places emphasis on safeguarding national critical infrastructure and ensuring domestic stability, both of which have recently been bolstered through AI. The defense infrastructure in Iran operates through a multi-layered approach, predominantly involving the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the Army, and the Ministry of Defense. Each entity maintains low-profile research and development (R&D) facilities aimed at advancing AI capabilities or integrating AI technologies into existing systems. Given Iran’s practice of denial and deception (D&D) techniques in its defense technology investments, the exact budget allocated for AI remains undisclosed. However, notwithstanding the opacity surrounding defense AI R&D and budgetary allocation, all defense academies currently engage in training students and recruiting researchers in military applications of AI, a testament to Iran’s vision to progressively integrate AI into its arsenals in the future.
A Pragmatic Approach to Understanding the Disease Status of Addiction
Authors: Walker Mary Jean , Rogers Wendy A. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractDebate about whether or not addiction is a disease has been central to practice and policy responses. In this paper, we aim to move that debate forward by understanding why the disease status of addiction is so unclear and contested, and draw on pragmatic considerations to suggest a partial resolution. To do this, we apply the vague cluster view of ‘disease’. This view is pragmatic since it allows appeal to the practical implications of considering a condition to be a disease in justifying the classification, for particular purposes. After explaining the view, we apply it to addiction to show that whether or not addiction has the typical features of a disease is unclear due to the vagueness and ambiguity of these features. We then examine pragmatic considerations often deemed relevant to deciding addiction’s disease status to see if these can suggest precisification. Pragmatic disease accounts are potentially problematic in that pathologising addiction simultaneously has both positive and negative effects, and it can be difficult to maintain different precisifications across contexts. Nonetheless we argue that the vague cluster approach circumscribes some ways of conceptualising addiction as disease, namely those that conceptualise disease as solely physiological dysfunction. It thus prompts a pragmatic shift to a broader understanding of addiction that partially resolves the negative consequences of disease designation. The discussion suggests that disagreements over whether addiction is a disease are primarily normative and semantic, rather than being disagreements over facts.
A Plea for More History
Authors: Bolt Timo 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn his Is There An Epistemic Role For History In Medicine? Thinking About Thyroid Cancer Nicholas Binney (Chap. 7, this volume) aims to show how historical work can have its epistemic function, that is: a role in understanding and therefore justifying medical knowledge and practice. From my perspective as a medical historian, Binney’s programmatic text raises three questions: (1) Is this epistemic role for history important?; (2) Is Binney’s argument convincing?; (3) How can a plea for history appear so ahistorical, or more positively put: how can we make Binney’s promising approach even more historical? In what follows, I will try and answer these questions.
Scope Validity in Medicine
Authors: Keuck Lara 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis chapter introduces scope validity as a conceptual tool to capture the (mis)matching of the scopes of disease operationalizations in different contexts of research and application. Drawing on examples of extrapolating results from animal models to human patient populations, the chapter proposes a shift in perspective away from idealized target constructs that can be hit and towards concrete practices of operationalization that render diseases researchable. It argues that we need to take seriously the locally varying conditions under which disease concepts operate and that impact on the assessment of a model’s validity. Combining an adequacy-for-purpose view towards validity with a practice-oriented, pragmatist and particularistic perspective on disease concepts, the chapter presents scope validity as a relational concept that does not presuppose the extent of a test or model’s generalizability to some hypothetical ideal. This offers us a possibility to distinguish between a model’s high external validity for a small patient population, and a model’s broad scope of applicability. Scope validity thus does not replace other validity concepts, such as predictive validity, external validity and construct validity, but rather helps to clarify and qualify the frame and conditions under which a model or test’s validity should be assessed, putting the question of adequacy in medical research to the forefront.
Axion dark matter from cosmic string network
Authors: Kim Heejoo , Park Junghyeon , Son Minho 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
We perform lattice simulations to estimate the axion dark matter abundance radiated from the global cosmic strings in the post-inflationary scenario. The independent numerical confirmation on the recently observed logarithmic growth in both the number of strings per Hubble patch and the spectral index of the power law scaling for the axion spectrum is reported. These logarithmic scalings are checked against two different prescriptions for generating initial random field configurations, namely fat-string type and thermal phase transition. We discuss a possible strong correlation between the axion spectrum and the string evolutions with different initial conditions to support the insensitivity of scaling behaviors against different initial data and we provide a qualitative understanding of it. The impact of various combinations of the power law of the axion spectrum, nonlinearities around the QCD scale, and average inter-string distances on the axion abundance are discussed. Additionally, we introduce a new novel string identification method, based on the tetrahedralization of the space, which guarantees the connectedness of the strings and provides a convenient way of assigning the core location. Finally we derive a lower bound on the axion mass.
Differences in endocrine and reproductive responses to substance exposure across generations: highlighting the importance of complementary findings
Authors: Bichlmaier Ingo 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis article analyzes the results from 112 Extended One-Generation Reproductive Toxicity studies. The objective was to determine if test animals show consistent endocrine and reproductive effects within the same and across different generations and life stages. The analysis, grounded in a comprehensive Binary Matrix, included 530 observed effects and 193 unique, statistically significant associations. Associations’ strength was quantified using Jaccard (J) coefficients to measure effect co-occurrence in the same study. Associated effects co-occur infrequently across the whole dataset (median J = 0.231). However, specific patterns emerged: associations of same effects across generations exhibited a higher strength (median J = 0.400) compared to associations of different effects (median J = 0.222). Notably, associations with effects observed in both the parental animals of the adult first filial generation (P1) and developing second filial generations (dF2) demonstrated J coefficients (with medians ranging from 0.300 to 0.430) that were approximately twofold higher than those of other associations. Consistently, equivalent life stage associations across generations revealed statistically significant higher association strengths for the P1 and dF2 generations (medians of 0.375 and 0.333, respectively) compared to other generations (medians of 0.200 and 0.174), possibly due to longer exposure duration and altered cross-talk between pregnant P1 dam and its conceptus. Overall, it is concluded that co-occurrence of associated effects in the same study is rather infrequent and that associations with effects in P1 and dF2 are stronger than all other associations. In general, the findings underscore the importance of independently analyzing each effect per generation due to the generally low co-occurrence rates of associated effects, challenging traditional expectations of generational continuity in toxic effects.
The Unfinished Reconstructed Nature of the Last Universal Common Ancestor
Authors: Delaye Luis 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe ultimate consequence of Darwin’s theory of common descent implies that all life on earth descends ultimately from a common ancestor. Biochemistry and molecular biology now provide sufficient evidence of shared ancestry of all extant life forms. However, the nature of the Last Universal Common Ancestor (LUCA) has been a topic of much debate over the years. This review offers a historical perspective on different attempts to infer LUCA’s nature, exploring the debate surrounding its complexity. We further examine how different methodologies identify sets of ancient protein that exhibit only partial overlap. For example, different bioinformatic approaches have identified distinct protein subunits from the ATP synthetase identified as potentially inherited from LUCA. Additionally, we discuss how detailed molecular evolutionary analysis of reverse gyrase has modified previous inferences about an hyperthermophilic LUCA based mainly on automatic bioinformatic pipelines. We conclude by emphasizing the importance of developing a database dedicated to studying genes and proteins traceable back to LUCA and earlier stages of cellular evolution. Such a database would house the most ancient genes on earth.
Evaluating the safety of bipolar nephrostomy tract cauterization “BNTC” towards a safe tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Omar Mohamed , Ibrahim Tarek Ahmed Amin , Sultan Sultan , El-Gharabawy Mohamed , Noureldin Yasser , Hamri Saeed Bin , Sayedahmed Khaled 
Published: July 2024

AbstractTo assess the safety and effectiveness of tubed versus tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) after tract inspection and bipolar cauterization of the significant bleeders. Patients who were scheduled for PCNL were screened for enrollment in this prospective randomized controlled trial. The patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups; Group 1 received tubeless PCNL with endoscopic inspection of the access tract using bipolar cauterization of the significant bleeders only, while Group 2 had a nephrostomy tube was inserted without tract inspection. We excluded patients with multiple tracts, stone clearance failure, and significant collecting system perforation. We recorded blood loss, hemoglobin drop after 6 h, postoperative analgesia requirements, hospital stay, and the need for angioembolization. A total of 110 patients completed the study. There were no significant differences between the two groups in in terms of demographic characteristics. Likewise, there was no significant difference in the mean decrease in hemoglobin after 6 h and the frequency of blood transfusion. However, the incidence of hematuria within the first 6 h (p = 0.008), postoperative pain scale (p = 0.0001), the rate of analgesia requirement (p = 0.0001) and prolonged hospital stay (p = 0.0001) were significantly higher in Group 2. Only 9 cases of tract screened patients (16% of group 1) required cauterization. Tubeless PCNL with tract inspection and cauterization of bleeders can provide a safer tubeless PCNL with less postoperative pain, analgesia requirement, and same-day discharge.
Liver stiffness measurement by magnetic resonance elastography predicts cirrhosis and decompensation in alcohol-related liver disease
Authors: Chen Jingbiao , Xu Peng , Kalutkiewicz Kyle , Sheng Yiyang , Warsame Fatima , Tahboub-Amawi Mahmoud-Adam , Li Jiahui , Wang Jin , Venkatesh Sudhakar K. , Ehman Richard L. , Shah Vijay H. , Simonetto Douglas A. , Yin Meng 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate magnetic resonance elastography (MRE)—based liver stiffness measurement as a biomarker to predict the onset of cirrhosis in early-stage alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) patients, and the transition from compensated to decompensated cirrhosis in ALD.

Methods
Patients with ALD and at least one MRE examination between 2007 and 2020 were included in this study. Patient demographics, liver chemistries, MELD score (within 30 days of the first MRE), and alcohol abstinence history were collected from the electronic medical records. Liver stiffness and fat fraction were measured. Disease progression was assessed in the records by noting cirrhosis onset in early-stage ALD patients and decompensation in those initially presenting with compensated cirrhosis. Nomograms and cut-off values of liver stiffness, derived from Cox proportional hazards models were created to predict the likelihood of advancing to cirrhosis or decompensation.

Results
A total of 182 patients (132 men, median age 57 years) were included in this study. Among 110 patients with early-stage ALD, 23 (20.9%) developed cirrhosis after a median follow-up of 6.2 years. Among 72 patients with compensated cirrhosis, 33 (45.8%) developed decompensation after a median follow-up of 4.2 years. MRE-based liver stiffness, whether considered independently or adjusted for age, alcohol abstinence, fat fraction, and sex, was a significant and independent predictor for both future cirrhosis (Hazard ratio [HR] = 2.0–2.2, p = 0.002–0.003) and hepatic decompensation (HR = 1.2–1.3, p = 0.0001–0.006). Simplified Cox models, thresholds, and corresponding nomograms were devised for practical use, excluding non-significant or biased variables.

Conclusions
MRE-based liver stiffness assessment is a useful predictor for the development of cirrhosis or decompensation in patients with ALD.

Graphical Abstract
Molecular fingerprints of cardiovascular toxicities of immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Gergely Tamás G. , Drobni Zsófia D. , Sayour Nabil V. , Ferdinandy Péter , Varga Zoltán V. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer therapy by unleashing the power of the immune system against malignant cells. However, their use is associated with a spectrum of adverse effects, including cardiovascular complications, which can pose significant clinical challenges. Several mechanisms contribute to cardiovascular toxicity associated with ICIs. First, the dysregulation of immune checkpoints, such as cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1), and molecular mimicry with cardiac autoantigens, leads to immune-related adverse events, including myocarditis and vasculitis. These events result from the aberrant activation of T cells against self-antigens within the myocardium or vascular endothelium. Second, the disruption of immune homeostasis by ICIs can lead to autoimmune-mediated inflammation of cardiac tissues, manifesting as cardiac dysfunction and heart failure, arrhythmias, or pericarditis. Furthermore, the upregulation of inflammatory cytokines, particularly tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interferon-γ, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and interleukin-17 contributes to cardiac and endothelial dysfunction, plaque destabilization, and thrombosis, exacerbating cardiovascular risk on the long term. Understanding the intricate mechanisms of cardiovascular side effects induced by ICIs is crucial for optimizing patient care and to ensure the safe and effective integration of immunotherapy into a broader range of cancer treatment protocols. The clinical implications of these mechanisms underscore the importance of vigilant monitoring and early detection of cardiovascular toxicity in patients receiving ICIs. Future use of these key pathological mediators as biomarkers may aid in prompt diagnosis of cardiotoxicity and will allow timely interventions.
Ritlecitinib, a JAK3/TEC family kinase inhibitor, stabilizes active lesions and repigments stable lesions in vitiligo
Authors: Yamaguchi Yuji , Peeva Elena , Duca Ester Del , Facheris Paola , Bar Jonathan , Shore Ronald , Cox Lori Ann , Sloan Abigail , Thaçi Diamant , Ganesan Anand , Han George , Ezzedine Khaled , Ye Zhan , Guttman-Yassky Emma 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe efficacy of ritlecitinib, an oral JAK3/TEC family kinase inhibitor, on active and stable lesions was evaluated in patients with active non-segmental vitiligo in a phase 2b trial (NCT03715829). Patients were randomized to placebo or daily ritlecitinib 50 mg (with or without 4-week 100-mg or 200-mg loading dose), 30 mg, or 10 mg for 24 weeks. Active lesions showed greater baseline expression of inflammatory/immune markers IFNG and CCL5, levels of CD103, and T-cell infiltrates than stable lesions. Patients with more active than stable vitiligo lesions showed higher baseline serum levels of CXCL9 and PD-L1, while patients with more stable than active lesions showed higher baseline serum levels of HO-1. At Week 24, ritlecitinib 50 mg significantly stabilized mean percent change from baseline in depigmentation extent in both active lesions and stable lesions vs. placebo-response, with stable lesions showing greater repigmentation. After 24 weeks of treatment, ritlecitinib 50 mg increased expression of melanocyte markers in stable lesions, while Th1/Th2-related and co-stimulatory molecules decreased significantly in both stable and active lesions. Serum from patients with more active than stable lesions showed decreased levels of ICOS and NK cell activation markers. These data, confirmed at transcription/protein levels, indicate that stable lesion repigmentation occurs early with ritlecitinib, while active lesions require stabilization of inflammation first. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03715829.
Incidence of cerebral small vessel disease-related MR markers in the Swedish general population ‘Good Aging in Skåne’(GÅS) study
Authors: Elmståhl Sölve , Ellström Katarina , Siennicki-Lantz Arkadiusz , Lätt Jimmy , Månsson Sven , Månsson Tomas , Abul-Kasim Kasim 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background and objectives
Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is associated to cognitive decline and dementia. Neuroimaging changes of CSVD are highly prevalent above 80 years. Only few studies report on incidence of CSVD in high age. We have investigated the incidence and prevalence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) markers of CSVD and risk factors in the general older population.

Methods
As part of the general population Good Aging in Skåne cohort study (GÅS), 241 persons (mean age 76.3 years) underwent two brain MRI, 3-T scanner with a mean interval of 5.9 years. The incidence of white matter hyperintensities (WMH), lacunar infarction, cerebral atrophies and cerebral microbleeds (CMB) were calculated and the relationship to risk factors analysed by a multivariate regression analysis. Medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA) was graded according to Scheltens’18 scale and CMB were defined as having > 1 small (0.2–0.5 cm) hypointense lesion.

Results
The 6-year incidence of CMB, WMH and MTA were, 19%, 17% and 13% respectively, corresponding to 170/1,000 py., 172/1,000 py., and respectively 167/1,000 py. The incidence of CSVD according to the modified STRIVE score was 33%, 169/1,000 py and the prevalence at baseline was 73%. Moderate to high intake of alcohol was related to increased incidence of MTA and higher STRIVE score. Exposure to smoking was related to higher incidence of CMB and higher STRIVE score, adjusted for other known risk factors.

Conclusion
CSVD is highly prevalent in the general older population and the 6-year incidence of WMH, CMB and MTA ranges from 13 to 19 percent. The modifiable lifestyle factors: smoking, and moderate alcohol intake are related to incident CSVD.
Geospatial identification of possible rainwater harvesting locations within a high-altitude Gilgit River basin, Pakistan
Authors: Asif Madiha , Yaseen Muhammad , Shahid Syed Umair , Latif Yasir , Anwar Salma , Abbas Sohail 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe management of water resources is no longer an option but a necessity especially in countries with a high rate of population growth like Pakistan. Pakistan has a high-water scarcity, an extremely varying topography, and is also one of the countries encountering the problem of climate change. Therefore, prudent utilization of available water resources is a matter in the plains of Pakistan as in its high-altitude regions. Instead of wasting water which is a valuable resource, rainwater harvesting is a way of saving rainwater as an alternative source of fresh water for better use. The aim of this study was to search for potential rainwater-harvesting areas in a high-altitude Gilgit River basin. This research employed the SCS-CN technique in estimating surface runoff in the GIS environment. The geospatial study used four input parameters: slope of the land, land covers, surface runoff and drainage density. The research concluded that some lands, especially those that are deserted in dry area and agricultural lands, can serve as the sites of rainwater harvesting, with only 4% of area that was highly suitable for the purpose. Nevertheless, 37% of the investigated area was shown as totally unviable for rainwater collection installations because of steep slopes and substantial volume of snow. Simultaneously, the rainwater storage design solutions suggested were check dam, percolation tank, and agricultural ponds with the area of 3.5%, 1%, and 0.75% of the given land area, respectively, for rainwater harvesting. The locations of potential catchment and planned rainwater harvesting structures would assist the local authorities and the policy makers to provide plans and design on the construction of water storages and also the optimization of water use.