bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Militant Democracy Unmoored? The Limits of Constitutional Analogy in International Law
Authors: Kuo Ming-Sung 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
As constitutional democracies are faced with authoritarianism and other anti-constitutionalist threats, international law is seeing its own challenge from the increasing influence of authoritarian states. Yet, departing from the recent tendency to model the international legal order after constitutional governance, international lawyers seem to show little interest in the concept of militant democracy, while the latter lies at the centre of current debates surrounding constitutional self-defence. This article aims to bring to light the current limits of constitutional analogy in international law through an investigation into the discrepancy between constitutional and international lawyers in responding to authoritarian co-optation. A three-pronged argument is submitted. First, in contrast to other appeals for constitutional self-defence, the concept of militant democracy is contentious where it stands in tension with the constitutional ethos. Second, while militant democracy as a constitutional concept presupposes a democratic and normative version of constitutional ordering, the absence of militant democracy on the international plane betrays the non-democratic, albeit representative, character of the international legal order. Third, attempts to internationalize the concept of militant democracy should be rejected as an international version of militant democracy would only portend an (un)holy alliance of militant democracies and exacerbate the political division in international society. It is suggested that, from out of a realignment of international law with the constitutional project of progress, a new constitutional analogy may emerge, giving fresh impetus to the realization of international law’s universal liberating promise.
Reach and public health implications of proposed new food marketing regulation in Germany: an updated analysis
Authors: Leibinger Anna , Holliday Nicole , Huizinga Oliver , Klinger Carmen , Okanmelu Elochukwu , Geffert Karin , Rehfuess Eva , von Philipsborn Peter 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Advertising for unhealthy foods adversely affects children’s food preferences and intake. The German government published plans to restrict such advertising in February 2023 and has revised them several times since. We assess the reach of the current draft from June 2023, and discuss its public health implications. We show that across 22 product categories covered by the current draft law, the median share of products permitted for marketing to children stands at 55%, with an interquartile range of 11–73%. Resistance from industry groups and from within government poses hurdles and leaves the prospects of the legislation uncertain.
Genome Evolution and Introgression in the New Zealand mud Snails Potamopyrgus estuarinus and Potamopyrgus kaitunuparaoa
Authors: Fields Peter D , Jalinsky Joseph R , Bankers Laura , McElroy Kyle E , Sharbrough Joel , Higgins Chelsea , Morgan-Richards Mary , Boore Jeffrey L , Neiman Maurine , Logsdon John M 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
We have sequenced, assembled, and analyzed the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes and transcriptomes of Potamopyrgus estuarinus and Potamopyrgus kaitunuparaoa, two prosobranch snail species native to New Zealand that together span the continuum from estuary to freshwater. These two species are the closest known relatives of the freshwater species Potamopyrgus antipodarum—a model for studying the evolution of sex, host–parasite coevolution, and biological invasiveness—and thus provide key evolutionary context for understanding its unusual biology. The P. estuarinus and P. kaitunuparaoa genomes are very similar in size and overall gene content. Comparative analyses of genome content indicate that these two species harbor a near-identical set of genes involved in meiosis and sperm functions, including seven genes with meiosis-specific functions. These results are consistent with obligate sexual reproduction in these two species and provide a framework for future analyses of P. antipodarum—a species comprising both obligately sexual and obligately asexual lineages, each separately derived from a sexual ancestor. Genome-wide multigene phylogenetic analyses indicate that P. kaitunuparaoa is likely the closest relative to P. antipodarum. We nevertheless show that there has been considerable introgression between P. estuarinus and P. kaitunuparaoa. That introgression does not extend to the mitochondrial genome, which appears to serve as a barrier to hybridization between P. estuarinus and P. kaitunuparaoa. Nuclear-encoded genes whose products function in joint mitochondrial-nuclear enzyme complexes exhibit similar patterns of nonintrogression, indicating that incompatibilities between the mitochondrial and the nuclear genome may have prevented more extensive gene flow between these two species.
Sex Differences in the Trajectories of Cognitive Decline and Affected Cognitive Domains Among Older Adults With Controlled and Uncontrolled Glycemia
Authors: Cochar-Soares Natália , de Oliveira Dayane C , Luiz Mariane M , Aliberti Márlon J R , Suemoto Claudia K , Steptoe Andrew , de Oliveira Cesar , Alexandre Tiago S 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
We aimed to analyze the trajectories of cognitive decline as a function of the presence of type 2 diabetes and glycemic control in analyzes stratified by sex in an 8-year follow-up period.

Methods
A total of 1 752 men and 2 232 women aged ≥50 years who participated in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), conducted from 2004 to 2012, were analyzed. The outcomes of interest were performance on the cognitive domains of memory, executive function, and temporal orientation as well as the global cognition score. Cognitive performance was standardized in z-scores in strata based on schooling and age. The participants were classified as without diabetes, with controlled glycemia, and with uncontrolled glycemia, according to medical diagnosis, glucose-lowering medications use and HbA1c levels. Generalized linear mixed models controlled by sociodemographic, behavioral, and health-related characteristics were used for the trajectory analyses.

Results
No differences in z-scores were found for global cognition or cognitive domains based on diabetes classification in men and women at baseline. More than 8 years of follow up, women with uncontrolled glycemia had a greater decline in z-scores for global cognition (−0.037 SD/year [95% CI: −0.073; −0.001]) and executive function (−0.049 SD/year [95% CI: −0.092; −0.007]) compared with those without diabetes. No significant difference in trajectories of global cognition or any cognitive domain was found in men as a function of diabetes classification.

Conclusions
Women with uncontrolled glycemia are at greater risk of a decline in global cognition and executive function than those without diabetes.
Convergence of Age Differences in Risk Preference, Impulsivity, and Self-Control: A Multiverse Analysis
Authors: Tisdall Loreen , Frey Renato , Wulff Dirk U , Kellen David , Mata Rui 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Numerous theories exist regarding age differences in risk preference and related constructs, yet many of them offer conflicting predictions and fail to consider convergence between measurement modalities or constructs. To pave the way for conceptual clarification and theoretical refinement, in this preregistered study we aimed to comprehensively examine age effects on risk preference, impulsivity, and self-control using different measurement modalities, and to assess their convergence.

Methods
We collected a large battery of self-report, informant report, behavioral, hormone, and neuroimaging measures from a cross-sectional sample of 148 (55% female) healthy human participants between 16 and 81 years (mean age = 46 years, standard deviation [SD] = 19). We used an extended sample of 182 participants (54% female, mean age = 46 years, SD = 19) for robustness checks concerning the results from self-reports, informant reports, and behavioral measures. For our main analysis, we performed specification curve analyses to visualize and estimate the convergence between the different modalities and constructs.

Results
Our multiverse analysis approach revealed convergent results for risk preference, impulsivity, and self-control from self- and informant reports, suggesting a negative effect of age. For behavioral, hormonal, and neuroimaging outcomes, age effects were mostly absent.

Discussion
Our findings call for conceptual clarification and improved operationalization to capture the putative mechanisms underlying age-related differences in risk preference and related constructs.
Earthquake source impacts on the generation and propagation of seismic infrasound to the upper atmosphere
Authors: Nozuka Y , Inchin P A , Kaneko Y , Sabatini R , Snively J B 
Published: May 2024

SUMMARY
Earthquakes with moment magnitude (Mw) ranging from 6.5 to 7.0 have been observed to generate sufficiently strong acoustic waves (AWs) in the upper atmosphere. These AWs are detectable in Global Navigation Satellite System satellite signals-based total electron content (TEC) observations in the ionosphere at altitudes ∼250–300 km. However, the specific earthquake source parameters that influence the detectability and characteristics of AWs are not comprehensively understood. Here, we extend our approach of coupled earthquake-atmosphere dynamics modelling by combing dynamic rupture and seismic wave propagation simulations with 2-D and 3-D atmospheric numerical models, to investigate how the characteristics of earthquakes impact the generation and propagation of AWs. We developed a set of idealized dynamic rupture models varying faulting types and fault sizes, hypocentral depths and stress drops. We focus on earthquakes of Mw 6.0–6.5, which are considered the smallest detectable with TEC, and find that the resulting AWs undergo non-linear evolution and form acoustic shock N waves reaching thermosphere at ∼90–140 km. The results reveal that the magnitude of the earthquakes is not the sole or primary factor determining the amplitudes of AWs in the upper atmosphere. Instead, various earthquake source characteristics, including the direction of rupture propagation, the polarity of seismic wave imprints on the surface, earthquake mechanism, stress drop and radiated energy, significantly influence the amplitudes and periods of AWs. The simulation results are also compared with observed TEC fluctuations from AWs generated by the 2023 Mw 6.2 Suzu (Japan) earthquake, finding preliminary agreement in terms of model-predicted signal periods and amplitudes. Understanding these nuanced relationships between earthquake source parameters and AW characteristics is essential for refining our ability to detect and interpret AW signals in the ionosphere.
Examining Coping Strategies and Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence for the Protective Role of Problem-Focused Coping
Authors: Chang Olivia D , Ward Kaitlin P , Lee Shawna J 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, studies documented a marked decline in mental health and well-being when compared with prepandemic levels. This study examined how different coping styles were associated with anxiety, depression, and sleep problems among U.S. adults March–April 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from 535 U.S. adults across three time points were analyzed using longitudinal multilevel logistic and linear regression modeling. Avoidant-emotional coping was associated with greater odds of experiencing anxiety (OR = 1.65, p &lt; .001). Both avoidant- and active-emotional coping were associated with greater odds of experiencing depression (OR = 1.67, p &lt; .001, and OR = 1.09, p = .022, respectively) and sleep problems (b = 0.05, p &lt; .001, and b = 0.01, p = .005, respectively). Alternatively, problem-focused coping was associated with lower odds of depression (OR = 0.86, p &lt; .001). Results converge with previous evidence suggesting the perniciousness of avoidant-emotional coping during the pandemic, but also underscore that problem-focused coping strategies may represent one important source of resilience for adults to adapt despite such challenges.
Activated HLA-DR+CD38+ Effector Th1/17 Cells Distinguish Crohn’s Disease-associated Perianal Fistulas from Cryptoglandular Fistulas
Authors: Ouboter Laura F , Lindelauf Ciska , Jiang Qinyue , Schreurs Mette , Abdelaal Tamim R , Luk Sietse J , Barnhoorn Marieke C , Hueting Willem E , Han-Geurts Ingrid J , Peeters Koen C M J , Holman Fabian A , Koning Frits , van der Meulen-de Jong Andrea E , Pascutti Maria Fernanda 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Perianal fistulas are a debilitating complication of Crohn’s disease (CD). Due to unknown reasons, CD-associated fistulas are in general more difficult to treat than cryptoglandular fistulas (non-CD-associated). Understanding the immune cell landscape is a first step towards the development of more effective therapies for CD-associated fistulas. In this work, we characterized the composition and spatial localization of disease-associated immune cells in both types of perianal fistulas by high-dimensional analyses.

Methods
We applied single-cell mass cytometry (scMC), spectral flow cytometry (SFC), and imaging mass cytometry (IMC) to profile the immune compartment in CD-associated perianal fistulas and cryptoglandular fistulas. An exploratory cohort (CD fistula, n = 10; non-CD fistula, n = 5) was analyzed by scMC to unravel disease-associated immune cell types. SFC was performed on a second fistula cohort (CD, n = 10; non-CD, n = 11) to comprehensively phenotype disease-associated T helper (Th) cells. IMC was used on a third cohort (CD, n = 5) to investigate the spatial distribution/interaction of relevant immune cell subsets.

Results
Our analyses revealed that activated HLA-DR+CD38+ effector CD4+ T cells with a Th1/17 phenotype were significantly enriched in CD-associated compared with cryptoglandular fistulas. These cells, displaying features of proliferation, regulation, and differentiation, were also present in blood, and colocalized with other CD4+ T cells, CCR6+ B cells, and macrophages in the fistula tracts.

Conclusions
Overall, proliferating activated HLA-DR+CD38+ effector Th1/17 cells distinguish CD-associated from cryptoglandular perianal fistulas and are a promising biomarker in blood to discriminate between these 2 fistula types. Targeting HLA-DR and CD38-expressing CD4+ T cells may offer a potential new therapeutic strategy for CD-related fistulas.
On a Generalization of Symmetric Edge Polytopes to Regular Matroids
Authors: D’Alì Alessio , Juhnke-Kubitzke Martina , Koch Melissa 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Starting from any finite simple graph, one can build a reflexive polytope known as a symmetric edge polytope. The first goal of this paper is to show that symmetric edge polytopes are intrinsically matroidal objects: more precisely, we prove that two symmetric edge polytopes are unimodularly equivalent precisely when they share the same graphical matroid. The second goal is to show that one can construct a generalized symmetric edge polytope starting from every regular matroid. Just like in the usual case, we are able to find combinatorial ways to describe the facets and an explicit regular unimodular triangulation of any such polytope. Finally, we show that the Ehrhart theory of the polar of a given generalized symmetric edge polytope is tightly linked to the structure of the lattice of flows of the dual regular matroid.
An Aversion to Intervention: How the Protestant Work Ethic Influences Preferences for Natural Healthcare
Authors: Cheng Yimin , Mukhopadhyay Anirban 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The term “natural” is ubiquitous in advertising and branding, but limited research has investigated how consumers respond and relate to naturalness. Some researchers have documented preferences for natural products, specifically food, but there has been scant investigation of the psychological antecedents of such preferences, especially in the critical, multi-trillion-dollar domain of healthcare. Using publicly available country-level data from 41 countries and individual-level experimental and survey data from the lab and online panels, we find converging evidence that consumers do indeed differ in their preferences for relatively natural versus artificial healthcare options. These differences are influenced by the extent to which they subscribe to the Protestant Work Ethic (PWE)—a belief system that influences judgments and behaviors across diverse domains—such that people who subscribe strongly (vs. weakly) to the PWE are more likely to prefer natural healthcare options because they are more averse to external intervention in general. Further, belief in the PWE makes consumers more sensitive to the intrusiveness of an intervention than to its extent. Theoretical and substantive implications are discussed.
Conjuring markets: valuation in comparative international economic law
Authors: Marzal Toni 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
This article focuses on the neglected relationship between market valuation and international economic law by comparing valuation practices in four subfields: international investment law, the law of the European Convention of Human Rights, international tax law, and World Trade Organization law. The operation of each of these hinges, in some crucial respect, on how the worth of a certain thing is determined by the market (calculating damages awarded to investors, identifying a breach of the right to property due to insufficient compensation, allocating taxable income among sovereigns under transfer pricing rules, and identifying the existence and extent of an actionable subsidy). Because the market is often either nonexistent or unreliable, the law must imagine how the market would have valued it. This operation is not mere fact-finding or a technical appendix but rather deeply entangled in the construction and operation of the legal regime. The article ultimately shows that the relationship between valuation and international economic law is highly complex, mutually transformative, and productive of multiple possible arrangements.
Elevations in presepsin, PCT, hs-CRP, and IL-6 levels predict mortality among septic patients in the ICU
Authors: Zhou Yan , Feng Yongwen , Liang Xiaomin , Gui Shuiqing , Ren Di , Liu Yuanzhi , She Jijia , Zhang Xiaomei , Song Fei , Yu Lina , Zhang Yiwen , Wang Jinping , Zou Zhiye , Mei Jiang , Wen Sha , Yang Mei , Li Xinsi , Tan Xuerui , Li Ying 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
This study aimed to investigate whether changes in presepsin, procalcitonin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and interleukin 6 levels predict mortality in septic patients in the intensive care unit. This study enrolled septic patients between November 2020 and December 2021. Levels of presepsin, procalcitonin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and interleukin 6 were measured on the first (PSEP_0, PCT_0, hsCRP_0, IL-6_0) and third days (PSEP_3, PCT_3, hsCRP_3, IL-6_3). Follow-up was performed on days 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 after enrollment. The outcome was all-cause death. The study included 119 participants, and the mortality was 18.5%. In univariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, ΔPSEP (= PSEP_3 – PSEP_0) &gt; 211.49 pg/mL (hazard ratio, 2.70; 95% confidence interval, 1.17–6.22), ΔPCT (= PCT_3 – PCT_0) &gt; –0.13 ng/mL (hazard ratio, 7.31; 95% confidence interval, 2.68–19.80), ΔhsCRP (= hsCRP_3 – hsCRP_0) &gt; −19.29 mg/L (hazard ratio, 6.89; 95% confidence interval, 1.61–29.40), and ΔIL-6 (= IL-6_3 – IL-6_0) &gt; 1.00 pg/mL (hazard ratio, 3.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.35–7.24) indicated an increased risk of mortality. The composite concordance index for alterations in all 4 distinct biomarkers was highest (concordance index, 0.83; 95% confidence interval, 0.76–0.91), suggesting the optimal performance of this panel in mortality prediction. In decision curve analysis, compared with the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II and Sequential (sepsis-related) Organ Failure Assessment scores, the combination of the 4 biomarkers had a larger net benefit. Interestingly, interleukin 6 was predominantly produced by monocytes upon lipopolysaccharide stimulation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. ΔPSEP, ΔPCT, ΔhsCRP, and ΔIL-6 are reliable biomarkers for predicting mortality in septic patients in the intensive care unit, and their combination has the best performance.
Combining antivascular endothelial growth factor and anti-epidermal growth factor receptor antibodies: randomized phase II study of irinotecan and cetuximab with/without ramucirumab in second-line colorectal cancer (ECOG-ACRIN E7208)
Authors: Hochster Howard S , Catalano Paul , Weitz Michelle , Mitchell Edith P , Cohen Deirdre , O’Dwyer Peter J , Faller Bryan A , Kortmansky Jeremy S , O’Hara Mark H , Kricher Sheetal M , Lacy Jill , Lenz Heinz-Josef , Verma Udit , Benson Al B 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Early studies showed promise of combined anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plus anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibodies for advanced colorectal cancer (CRC), yet this was later rejected as toxic and ineffective in studies not selected for RAS status. We studied advanced KRAS wild-type CRC, as second-line treatment, using irinotecan-cetuximab with or without the anti-VEGF receptor antibody ramucirumab.

Methods
Patients with 1 prior regimen including fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and bevacizumab, with KRAS wild-type tumors were stratified by Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Score, time since last chemotherapy, and progression on oxaliplatin to irinotecan-cetuximab (IC) (180 mg/m2 and 500 mg/m2 every 2 weeks) vs modified ICR (irinotecan-cetuximab with ramucirumab 150 mg/m2 and 400 mg/m2 plus 6 mg/kg, respectively). A total of 102 patients were compared for progression-free survival (PFS) as primary endpoint (85% power for 70% improvement in median PFS from 4.5 to 7.65 months).

Results
Of the 102 enrolled, 44 treated with irinotecan-cetuximab and 45 with modified ramucirumab were evaluable. Median PFS was 6.0 months vs 9.2 months, respectively (hazard ratio = 0.75, P = .07; statistically significant by study design for P &lt; .128). Response rate was 23% vs 36% (P = .27), and disease-control rate was 52% vs 73% (P = .05). Grade 3 or higher toxicity was equivalent. Overall survival was not significantly different at approximately 19 months.

Conclusion
Previous phase 3 trials without RAS genotyping rejected combining anti-epidermal growth factor receptor and anti-VEGF drugs. In this randomized multicenter phase 2 study for KRAS wild-type CRC (all previously bevacizumab treated), the addition of ramucirumab to irinotecan and cetuximab improved PFS and disease control rate, showing the combination is feasible and effective. Further, phase 3 trials with appropriate patient-selection are required. (NCT01079780)