bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Images of a Statist Ethic in “Western” and Chinese IR Theory: Locating (and Deciphering) the “Moral Realism” of the Tsinghua Approach
Authors: Erskine Toni , Hartnett Liane 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
In this article, we identify—and interrogate—one thematic thread that is intricately woven through prominent positions within classical realism, normative international relations (IR) theory, and what Zhang Feng (2012) has called Chinese IR’s “Tsinghua approach.” This thread is the often-controversial notion of a statist ethic for international politics or an ethical perspective that grants priority to one’s state, fellow citizens, and the national interest. Positions within each of these theoretical traditions—what we label “egoistic realism” and “responsible realism” within the classical realist tradition, “communitarian realism” and “impartialist statism” within normative IR theory, and what others have described as “moral realism” within the Tsinghua approach—share a commitment to an ethical approach variously defined in terms of the protection of, and preference for, one’s state and compatriots. We take this rich collection of positions, and the points of comparison that it affords, as an opportunity to better understand the possibilities and limits of a statist ethic for international politics. Specifically, we endeavour to illustrate four points: (1) that a morality defined in terms of the priority of the state, one’s fellow citizens, and the national interest is neither impossible nor a contradiction in terms; (2) that such a perspective can constitute a sophisticated theoretical position; (3) that it can be conceived in radically different ways, including with respect to the source of value to which it appeals and who it deems to matter; and (4) that these differences have profound practical consequences. In terms of contributing to a conversation between Western and Chinese IR theory, this analysis helps us not only to explore how the “moral realism” of the Tsinghua approach relates to positions within classical realism and normative IR theory but also to evaluate the practical implications of its points of theoretical convergence and divergence.
Upgrading the Paradigm of Leadership Analysis
Authors: Xuetong Yan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Leadership analysis has been a traditional paradigm for studying international relations. The theory of moral realism improves this paradigm’s scientific rigour when explaining the relationship between the leadership of major powers and system-level international changes. Methodologically, moral realism uses morality as the criterion to categorise international leadership, the key independent variable. The theory is developed to improve realism’s explanatory power regarding the common historical phenomenon of the rise and fall of great powers. Rather than being Sino-centric, the foreign policy recommendations extrapolated from the theory of moral realism—which are descriptive rather than prescriptive—are applicable to both China and other major powers. Since theories of systemic analysis have failed to explain the transition of global order from globalisation to the counter-globalisation, the paradigm of leadership analysis is worth consideration. It may indeed provide a vector of enquiry regarding the correlation between the current prevalence of populist leadership in major powers and the growing counter-globalisation trend.
Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound protects from inflammatory dilated cardiomyopathy through inciting extracellular vesicles
Authors: Sun Ping , Li Yi , Li Yifei , Ji Huan , Mang Ge , Fu Shuai , Jiang Shuangquan , Choi Stephen , Wang Xiaoqi , Tong Zhonghua , Wang Chao , Gao Fei , Wan Pingping , Chen Shuang , Li You , Zhao Peng , Leng Xiaoping , Zhang Maomao , Tian Jiawei 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Aims
CD4+ T cells are activated during inflammatory dilated cardiomyopathy (iDCM) development to induce immunogenic responses that damage the myocardium. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), a novel physiotherapy for cardiovascular diseases, has recently been shown to modulate inflammatory responses. However, its efficacy in iDCM remains unknown. Here, we investigated whether LIPUS could improve the severity of iDCM by orchestrating immune responses and explored its therapeutic mechanisms.

Methods and results
In iDCM mice, LIPUS treatment reduced cardiac remodelling and dysfunction. Additionally, CD4+ T-cell inflammatory responses were suppressed. LIPUS increased Treg cells while decreasing Th17 cells. LIPUS mechanically stimulates endothelial cells, resulting in increased secretion of extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are taken up by CD4+ T cells and alter their differentiation and metabolic patterns. Moreover, EVs selectively loaded with microRNA (miR)-99a are responsible for the therapeutic effects of LIPUS. The hnRNPA2B1 translocation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and binding to caveolin-1 and miR-99a confirmed the upstream mechanism of miR-99a transport. This complex is loaded into EVs and taken up by CD4+ T cells, which further suppress mTOR and TRIB2 expression to modulate cellular differentiation.

Conclusion
Our findings revealed that LIPUS uses an EVs-dependent molecular mechanism to protect against iDCM progression. Therefore, LIPUS is a promising new treatment option for iDCM.
Lower extremity arterial disease vs. coronary artery disease: mortality differences after revascularization
Authors: Takahara Mitsuyoshi , Soga Yoshimitsu , Iida Osamu 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims
Patients undergoing revascularization for lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD) may face a higher risk of mortality than those with coronary artery disease (CAD). This study aimed to characterize the difference in mortality risk between patients undergoing revascularization for LEAD and CAD and identify associated factors.

Methods
The 1-year database of 10 754 patients undergoing revascularization for CAD (n = 6349) and LEAD (n = 4405) was analysed. Poisson regression models were used to characterize interpopulation differences in mortality, adjusting for baseline clinical features, including age, sex, polyvascular disease, comorbidities, medications, and vulnerabilities.

Results
Individuals with LEAD were older, were more likely to have polyvascular disease, had more comorbidities, and received fewer cardioprotective drugs than those with CAD. Vulnerabilities remained more common in the LEAD group even after adjusting for these clinical features. The crude risk ratio of mortality incidence for LEAD vs. CAD was 2.91 (95% confidence interval, 2.54–3.34), attenuated to 2.14 (1.83–2.50) after controlling for age, sex, and polyvascular disease. The percentage attenuation in the excessive mortality associated with LEAD was 29%. The stepwise addition of comorbidities, medications, and vulnerabilities as adjusting factors attenuated the incidence risk ratio to 1.48 (1.26–1.72), 1.33 (1.12–1.58), and 1.17 (0.98–1.39), respectively, and increased the percentage attenuation to 64%, 73%, and 86%, respectively.

Conclusions
Mortality risk was almost three-fold higher in patients undergoing revascularization for LEAD than in those with CAD. The excessive mortality was considerably attributable to inter-group differences in baseline characteristics, including potentially clinically or socially modifiable factors.
Definition and management of arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy: findings from the European Heart Rhythm Association survey
Authors: Serban Teodor , Badertscher Patrick , du Fay de Lavallaz Jeanne , Providencia Rui , Migliore Federico , Mugnai Giacomo , Penela Diego , Perrotta Laura , Kühne Michael , Sticherling Christian , Chun Kyoung-Ryul Julian 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Aims
Arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy (AiCM) represents a subtype of acute heart failure (HF) in the context of sustained arrhythmia. Clear definitions and management recommendations for AiCM are lacking. The European Heart Rhythm Association Scientific Initiatives Committee (EHRA SIC) conducted a survey to explore the current definitions and management of patients with AiCM among European and non-European electrophysiologists.

Methods and results
A 25-item online questionnaire was developed and distributed among EP specialists on the EHRA SIC website and on social media between 4 September and 5 October 2023. Of the 206 respondents, 16% were female and 61% were between 30 and 49 years old. Most of the respondents were EP specialists (81%) working at university hospitals (47%). While most participants (67%) agreed that AiCM should be defined as a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) impairment after new onset of an arrhythmia, only 35% identified a specific LVEF drop to diagnose AiCM with a wide range of values (5–20% LVEF drop). Most respondents considered all available therapies: catheter ablation (93%), electrical cardioversion (83%), antiarrhythmic drugs (76%), and adjuvant HF treatment (76%). A total of 83% of respondents indicated that adjuvant HF treatment should be started at first HF diagnosis prior to antiarrhythmic treatment, and 84% agreed it should be stopped within six months after LVEF normalization. Responses for the optimal time point for the first LVEF reassessment during follow-up varied markedly (1 day–6 months after antiarrhythmic treatment).

Conclusion
This EHRA Survey reveals varying practices regarding AiCM among physicians, highlighting a lack of consensus and heterogenous care of these patients.
Effects of Arboviral Infections on Transposable Element Transcript Levels in Aedes aegypti
Authors: Garambois Chloé , Boulesteix Matthieu , Fablet Marie 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Transposable elements are mobile repeated sequences found in all genomes. Transposable elements are controlled by RNA interference pathways in most organisms, and this control involves the PIWI-interacting RNA pathway and the small interfering RNA pathway, which is also known to be the first line of antiviral defense in invertebrates. Using Drosophila, we recently showed that viral infections result in the modulation of transposable element transcript levels through modulation of the small RNA repertoire. The Aedes aegypti mosquito is of particular interest because almost half of its genome is made of transposable elements, and it is described as a major vector of viruses (such as the dengue [DENV], Zika [ZIKV], and chikungunya [CHIKV] arboviruses). Moreover, Aedes mosquitoes are unique among insects in that the PIWI-interacting RNA pathway is also involved in the somatic antiviral response, in addition to the transposable element control and PIWI-interacting RNA pathway genes expanded in the mosquito genome. For these reasons, we studied the impacts of viral infections on transposable element transcript levels in A. aegypti samples. We retrieved public datasets corresponding to RNA-seq data obtained from viral infections by DENV, ZIKV, and CHIKV in various tissues. We found that transposable element transcripts are moderately modulated following viral infection and that the direction of the modulation varies greatly across tissues and viruses. These results highlight the need for an in-depth investigation of the tightly intertwined interactions between transposable elements and viruses.
Accounting for spatio-temporal and sampling dependence in survey and CPUE biomass indices: simulation and Bayesian modeling framework
Authors: Fuster-Alonso Alba , Conesa David , Cousido-Rocha Marta , Izquierdo Francisco , Paradinas Iosu , Cerviño Santiago , Pennino Maria Grazia 
Published: May 2024

AbstractEstimating changes in the biomass of a fish stock is crucial for successful management. However, fishery assessment may be affected by the quality of the inputs used in stock assessment models. Survey biomass indices derived from fishery-independent and catch per unit effort (CPUE) biomass indices derived from fishery-dependent data are key inputs for model calibration. These indices have biases that could compromise the accuracy of the stock assessment models results. Therefore, there are plenty proposed methods to standardize survey or CPUE biomass data. From simpler models like generalized linear models (GLMs) to more complex models that take into account spatio-temporal correlation, like geostatistical models, and sampling dependence, like marked point processes. But many of them do not consider the underlying spatio-temporal or sampling dependence of these data. Hence, the goal of the study is to present a spatio-temporal simulation and Bayesian modeling framework to assess the impact of applying models that do not consider spatio-temporal and sampling dependence. Results indicate that geostatistical models and marked point processes achieve the lowest measures of error. Hence, to capture the underlying spatio-temporal process of the survey and CPUE biomass indices and data sampling preferentiality, it is essential to apply models that consider the spatio-temporal and sampling dependence.
A Parabolic Analog of a Theorem of Beilinson and Schechtman
Authors: Biswas Indranil , Mukhopadhyay Swarnava , Wentworth Richard 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
For a simple, simply connected, complex group $G$, we prove an explicit formula to compute the Atiyah class of parabolic determinant of cohomology line bundle on the moduli space of parabolic $G$-bundles. This generalizes an earlier result of Beilinson-Schechtman.
A randomized phase III trial of postoperative surveillance for pathological stage II and IIIA non-small cell lung cancer (JCOG2012, PHOENIX)
Authors: Tane Kenta , Shiono Satoshi , Wakabayashi Masashi , Kataoka Tomoko , Mitome Noriko , Fukuda Haruhiko , Aokage Keiju , Watanabe Shun-ichi ,   In behalf of the Lung Cancer Surgical Study Group/Japan Clinical Oncology Group
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The goal of postoperative surveillance following non-small cell lung cancer surgery is to detect recurrence and second primary malignancies while curative treatment is still possible. Although several guidelines recommend that patients have computed tomography (CT) scans every 6 months for the first 2 years after resection, then once a year, there is no evidence that it is effective for survival, especially in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer. In October 2022, we launched a multi-institutional, randomized controlled phase III trial for pathological stage II and IIIA non-small cell lung cancer patients to confirm the non-inferiority of less intensive surveillance with less frequent CT scans versus standard surveillance in terms of overall survival. The primary endpoint is overall survival. We intend to enroll 1100 patients from 45 institutions over 4 years. The trial has been registered in the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials under the code jRCT1030220361 (https://jrct.niph.go.jp/latest-detail/jRCT1030220361).
A framework for understanding selection bias in real-world healthcare data
Authors: Kundu Ritoban , Shi Xu , Morrison Jean , Barrett Jessica , Mukherjee Bhramar 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Using administrative patient-care data such as Electronic Health Records (EHR) and medical/pharmaceutical claims for population-based scientific research has become increasingly common. With vast sample sizes leading to very small standard errors, researchers need to pay more attention to potential biases in the estimates of association parameters of interest, specifically to biases that do not diminish with increasing sample size. Of these multiple sources of biases, in this paper, we focus on understanding selection bias. We present an analytic framework using directed acyclic graphs for guiding applied researchers to dissect how different sources of selection bias may affect estimates of the association between a binary outcome and an exposure (continuous or categorical) of interest. We consider four easy-to-implement weighting approaches to reduce selection bias with accompanying variance formulae. We demonstrate through a simulation study when they can rescue us in practice with analysis of real-world data. We compare these methods using a data example where our goal is to estimate the well-known association of cancer and biological sex, using EHR from a longitudinal biorepository at the University of Michigan Healthcare system. We provide annotated R codes to implement these weighted methods with associated inference.
Transgenic expression of Rubisco accumulation factor2 and Rubisco subunits increases photosynthesis and growth in maize
Authors: Eshenour Kathryn , Hotto Amber , Michel Elena J S , Oh Zhen Guo , Stern David B 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Carbon assimilation by Rubisco is often a limitation to photosynthesis and therefore plant productivity. We have previously shown that transgenic co-expression of the Rubisco large (LS) and small (SS) subunits along with an essential Rubisco accumulation factor, Raf1, leads to faster growth, increased photosynthesis, and enhanced chilling tolerance in maize (Zea mays). Maize also requires Rubisco accumulation factor2 (Raf2) for full accumulation of Rubisco. Here we have analyzed transgenic maize lines with increased expression of Raf2 or Raf2 plus LS and SS. We show that increasing Raf2 expression alone had minor effects on photosynthesis, whereas expressing Raf2 with Rubisco subunits led to increased Rubisco content, more rapid carbon assimilation, and greater plant height, most notably in plants at least 6 weeks of age. The magnitude of the effects was similar to what was observed previously for expression of Raf1 together with Rubisco subunits. Taken together, this suggests that increasing the amount of either assembly factor with Rubisco subunits can independently enhance Rubisco abundance and some aspects of plant performance. These results could also imply either synergy or a degree of functional redundancy for Raf1 and Raf2, the latter of whose precise role in Rubisco assembly is currently unknown.
An independent hybrid imaging of Sgr A* from the data in EHT 2017 observations
Authors: Miyoshi Makoto , Kato Yoshiaki , Makino Junichiro 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT
We propose that the ring structure found by the Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration (EHTC) as the black hole shadow of Sgr A* is an artefact caused by the bumpy point spread function (PSF) of the EHT 2017 data. The imaging using sparse u-v data requires detailed scrutiny of the PSF. The estimated shadow diameter ($\mathrm{48.7\pm 7~\mu \rm as}$) is equal to the spacing between the main beam and the first sidelobe of the PSF ($\mathrm{49.09~\mu \rm as}$), which immediately suggests a potential problem in the deconvolution of the PSF. We show that the ring image can be derived from non-ring simulated data sets (noise only; point source) with a narrow field-of-view (FOV) and an assumed self-calibration, suggesting that the EHT 2017 u-v coverage is insufficient for reliable imaging. The EHTC analysis, based on calibrations with assumptions about the source's size and properties, selected the final image by prioritizing the appearance rate of a similar structure from a large imaging parameter space over data consistency. Our independent analysis with conventional hybrid mapping reveals an elongated east–west structure, consistent with previous observations. We believe it to be more reliable than the EHTC image, owing to half the residuals in normalized visibility amplitude. The eastern half is brighter, possibly due to a Doppler boost from the rapidly rotating disc. We hypothesize that our image shows a portion of the accretion disc from about 2 to a few RS (where RS is the Schwarzschild radius) away from the black hole, rotating with nearly $\mathrm{60~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}}$ of the speed of light and viewed from an angle of 40°−45°.
Non-Poissonian Bursts in the Arrival of Phenotypic Variation Can Strongly Affect the Dynamics of Adaptation
Authors: Martin Nora S , Schaper Steffen , Camargo Chico Q , Louis Ard A 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Modeling the rate at which adaptive phenotypes appear in a population is a key to predicting evolutionary processes. Given random mutations, should this rate be modeled by a simple Poisson process, or is a more complex dynamics needed? Here we use analytic calculations and simulations of evolving populations on explicit genotype–phenotype maps to show that the introduction of novel phenotypes can be “bursty” or overdispersed. In other words, a novel phenotype either appears multiple times in quick succession or not at all for many generations. These bursts are fundamentally caused by statistical fluctuations and other structure in the map from genotypes to phenotypes. Their strength depends on population parameters, being highest for “monomorphic” populations with low mutation rates. They can also be enhanced by additional inhomogeneities in the mapping from genotypes to phenotypes. We mainly investigate the effect of bursts using the well-studied genotype–phenotype map for RNA secondary structure, but find similar behavior in a lattice protein model and in Richard Dawkins’s biomorphs model of morphological development. Bursts can profoundly affect adaptive dynamics. Most notably, they imply that fitness differences play a smaller role in determining which phenotype fixes than would be the case for a Poisson process without bursts.
Relative Vaccine Effectiveness of Cell- vs Egg-Based Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine Against Test-Confirmed Influenza Over 3 Seasons Between 2017 and 2020 in the United States
Authors: Stein Alicia N , Mills Carrie W , McGovern Ian , McDermott Kimberly W , Dean Alex , Bogdanov Alina N , Sullivan Sheena G , Haag Mendel D M 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Influenza vaccine viruses grown in eggs may acquire egg-adaptive mutations that may reduce antigenic similarity between vaccine and circulating influenza viruses and decrease vaccine effectiveness. We compared cell- and egg-based quadrivalent influenza vaccines (QIVc and QIVe, respectively) for preventing test-confirmed influenza over 3 US influenza seasons (2017–2020).

Methods
Using a retrospective test-negative design, we estimated the relative vaccine effectiveness (rVE) of QIVc vs QIVe among individuals aged 4 to 64 years who had an acute respiratory or febrile illness and were tested for influenza in routine outpatient care. Exposure, outcome, and covariate data were obtained from electronic health records linked to pharmacy and medical claims. Season-specific rVE was estimated by comparing the odds of testing positive for influenza among QIVc vs QIVe recipients. Models were adjusted for age, sex, geographic region, influenza test date, and additional unbalanced covariates. A doubly robust approach was used combining inverse probability of treatment weights with multivariable regression.

Results
The study included 31 824, 33 388, and 34 398 patients in the 2017–2018, 2018–2019, and 2019–2020 seasons, respectively; ∼10% received QIVc and ∼90% received QIVe. QIVc demonstrated superior effectiveness vs QIVe in prevention of test-confirmed influenza: rVEs were 14.8% (95% CI, 7.0%–22.0%) in 2017–2018, 12.5% (95% CI, 4.7%–19.6%) in 2018–2019, and 10.0% (95% CI, 2.7%–16.7%) in 2019–2020.

Conclusions
This study demonstrated consistently superior effectiveness of QIVc vs QIVe in preventing test-confirmed influenza over 3 seasons characterized by different circulating viruses and degrees of egg adaptation.