bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The power of the “weak” and international organizations
Authors: Snidal Duncan , Hale Thomas , Jones Emily , Mertens Claas , Milewicz Karolina 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBy nearly every measure, power in the international system is concentrated, meaning that most states lack significant power resources. And yet international relations theory tends to focus on the behavior of great powers. This special issue instead explores the strategies that “weak” states use in the context of international organizations both to advance their interests and to resist pressure from stronger states. We define weakness as a relative lack of power across one or more dimensions. While the literature, to the extent it has focused on weak actors, has too often defined weakness solely in material terms, we adopt a broader conception that builds on the influential typology of power by Barnett and Duvall (Barnett and Duvall, 2005a, Barnett and Duvall, International Organization59, 39–75, 2005b). A multidimensional conceptualization of power allows analysts to show how actors that are weak in one dimension (often material power) may be stronger on other dimensions, giving them greater capacity for action than is often recognized. From this framework we create a typology of “strategies of the weak” that emphasizes the agency of weaker actors to make the most of their positions. The contributions to the special issue, summarized here, illuminate and substantiate many of these strategies across a diverse range of international organizations, understood as both forums and actors. As the articles show, these alternative theoretical mechanisms help explain how and why seemingly weak states sometimes fare better than a simplistic assessment of their material capabilities might suggest. By deepening our understanding of weakness and how it influences state behavior, the volume advances our theoretical understanding of how power is built, wielded, and resisted in and through international organization.
Re-irradiation spine stereotactic body radiotherapy following high-dose conventional radiotherapy for metastatic epidural spinal cord compression: a retrospective study
Authors: Koide Yutaro , Haimoto Shoichi , Shimizu Hidetoshi , Aoyama Takahiro , Kitagawa Tomoki , Shindo Yurika , Nagai Naoya , Hashimoto Shingo , Tachibana Hiroyuki , Kodaira Takeshi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of re-irradiation stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in patients with metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) following high-dose conventional radiotherapy.

Materials and methods
Twenty-one patients met the following eligibility criteria: with an irradiation history of 50 Gy2 equivalent dose in 2-Gy fractions (EQD2) or more, diagnosed MESCC in the cervical or thoracic spines, and treated with re-irradiation SBRT of 24 Gy in 2 fractions between April 2018 and March 2023. Prior treatment was radiotherapy alone, not including surgery. The primary endpoint was a 1-year local failure rate. Overall survival (OS) and treatment-related adverse events were assessed as the secondary endpoints. Since our cohort includes one treatment-related death (TRD) of esophageal perforation, the cumulative esophageal dose was evaluated to find the dose constraints related to severe toxicities.

Results
The median age was 68, and 14 males were included. The primary tumor sites (esophagus/lung/head and neck/others) were 6/6/7/2, and the median initial radiotherapy dose was 60 Gy2 EQD2 (range: 50–105 Gy2, 60–70/ > 70 Gy2 were 11/4). Ten patients underwent surgery followed by SBRT and 11 SBRT alone. At the median follow-up time of 10.4 months, 17 patients died of systemic disease progression including one TRD. No radiation-induced myelopathy or nerve root injuries occurred. Local failure occurred in six patients, with a 1-year local failure rate of 29.3% and a 1-year OS of 55.0%. Other toxicities included five cases of vertebral compression fractures (23.8%) and one radiation pneumonitis. The cumulative esophageal dose was recommended as follows: Dmax < 203, D0.035 cc < 187, and D1cc < 167 (Gy3 in biological effective dose).

Conclusion
Re-irradiation spine SBRT may be effective for selected patients with cervical or thoracic MESCC, even with high-dose irradiation histories. The cumulative dose assessment across the original and re-irradiated esophagus was recommended to decrease the risk of severe esophageal toxicities.
Establishment of a cloning-free CRISPR/Cas9 protocol to generate large deletions in the bovine MDBK cell line
Authors: Stojak Joanna , Rocha Dominique , Mörke Caroline , Kühn Christa , Blanquet Veronique , Taniguchi Hiroaki 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe CRISPR/Cas9 technique applied to modify the cattle genome has value in increasing animal health and welfare. Here, we established a simple, fast, and efficient cloning-free CRISPR/Cas9 protocol for large deletions of genomic loci in the frequently used model bovine MDBK cell line. The main advantages of our protocol are as follows: (i) pre-screening of the sgRNA efficiency with a fast and simple cleavage assay, (ii) reliable detection of genomic edits primarily by PCR and confirmed by DNA sequencing, and (iii) single cell sorting with FACS providing specific genetic information from modified cells of interest. Therefore, our method could be successfully applied in different studies, including functional validation of any genetic or regulatory elements.
Exploring the boundaries of refill friction stir spot welding: influence of short welding times on joint performance
Authors: Draper Jonathan , Fritsche Sebastian , Garrick Andrew , Amancio-Filho Sergio T. , Toumpis Athanasios , Galloway Alexander 
Published: February 2024

AbstractRefill friction stir spot welding is a solid-state spot-welding technique suited to lap joining of thin aluminium sheets, including difficult-to-weld 2xxx series alloys that are prone to hot cracking during fusion welding processes. Long welding time is an ongoing challenge that hinders industrial adoption of the process. To address this, the present study explores much shorter welding times than those previously reported in the literature and assesses the impact on joint quality. Joints of 1.8 mm thick AA2024-T3 sheet were produced with welding times from 3 s, down to 0.75 s and rotational speeds of 1000 rpm to 2500 rpm. Defect formations within the welds were studied with the aid of optical microscopy. The mechanical properties were evaluated using tensile lap shear testing and microhardness mapping, and failure modes were characterised using scanning electron microscopy. Various weld defects were found at all welding times and rotational speeds, and the defects enlarged with decreasing welding time and increasing RS. The highest lap shear strength of 9.21 kN was achieved with a welding time of 3 s and rotational speed of 2000 rpm; lap shear strengths of 7.02 kN and 6.37 kN were achieved for 1.5 s and 0.75 s welds, respectively.
Royal Antwerp and home-grown players: re-shaping sports governance and EU sports law and policy
Authors: Parrish Richard , Živić Luka 
Published: February 2024

AbstractOn 21 December 2023, the Court of Justice delivered judgments in ISU, Superleague and Royal Antwerp. This contribution considers the implications of Royal Antwerp on the use of home-grown player rules in European football, the effect on international sports governance more widely and how the judgment has altered the course of EU sports law and policy.
How Can Qualitative Methods Be Applied to Behavior Analytic Research: A Discussion and Suggestions for Implementation
Authors: Burney Victoria , Arnold-Saritepe Angela , McCann Clare M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBehavior analysts in research and clinical practice are interested in an ever-expanding array of topics. They are compelled to explore the social validity of the interventions they propose and the findings they generate. As the field moves in these important directions, qualitative methods are becoming increasingly relevant. Representing a departure from small-n design favored by behavior analysts, qualitative approaches provide analysts a unique set of tools to answer questions that prioritize voice, experience, and understandings in context. Despite recognition of the value of qualitative approaches in other disciplines, application of qualitative methods in behavior analysis remains limited. One likely explanation is that behavior analysts are not yet fluent in applying qualitative approaches within their clinical and research investigations. To address this issue, exploration of qualitative research approaches in behavior analytic literature is needed, alongside practical advice for analysts who are interested in using qualitative methods. This article briefly outlines qualitative literature which pertains to behavior analysts wanting to incorporate qualitative methods into their inquiries. Attention is primarily drawn to the need for coherence in designing and implementing a robust qualitative study that aligns with the behavior analyst’s aims and perspective on knowing. A set of guiding questions are provided to orient behavior analysts to considerations in qualitative research and outline how analysts can conceptualize a strong qualitative study. This article aims to support increased application of qualitative methods by behavior analysts, where these methods best address the function of the behavior analytic investigation.
Leveraging Semantic Information for Enhanced Community Search in Heterogeneous Graphs
Authors: Li Yuqi , Zang Guosheng , Song Chunyao , Yuan Xiaojie , Ge Tingjian 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCommunity search (CS) is a vital research area in network science that focuses on discovering personalized communities for query vertices from graphs. However, existing CS methods mainly concentrate on homogeneous or simple attributed graphs, often disregarding complex semantic information and rich contents carried by entities in heterogeneous graphs (HGs). In this paper, we propose a novel problem, namely the “Semantic Network Oriented Community Search with Meta-Structures in Heterogeneous Graphs (SNCS),” which aims to find dense communities that contain the query vertex, with vertices of the same type sharing similar topics. In response to this new problem, we present a novel approach, also named SNCS, representing the first solution employing meta-structures and topic constraints to tackle community search, leveraging both topological and latent features. To overcome the high-time complexity challenge posed by searching through meta-structures, we introduce a unique graph reconstruction technique. Our proposed method’s superiority is validated through extensive evaluations on real-world datasets. The results demonstrate a significant improvement in the quality of the obtained communities, with increases of 3.5–4.4% in clustering coefficient and 5–11% in density while requiring only 4–46% of the running time when compared with the state-of-the-art methods.
3D-printed open-source sensor flow cells for microfluidic temperature, electrical conductivity, and pH value determination
Authors: Dinter Robin , Helwes Lennart , de Vries Stijn , Jegatheeswaran Kausik , Jibben Henning , Kockmann Norbert 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDue to the miniaturization of equipment for flow chemistry and microprocess engineering, low-cost sensors and analytical devices are becoming increasingly important for automated inline process control and monitoring. The combination of 3D printing technology and open-source lab automation facilitates the creation of a microfluidic toolbox containing tailored actuators and sensors for flow chemistry, enabling a flexible and adaptable design and efficient processing and control based on the measured data. This contribution presents a set of 3D-printed microfluidic sensor flow cells for inline measurement of temperature, electrical conductivity (EC), and pH value, while compensating for the temperature dependence of EC and pH. The tailored sensor flow cells were tested using model reactions in a single-phase capillary flow system. They have an accuracy comparable to reference sensors in batch measurements. The sensor data can be used to monitor the reaction progress (conversion), determine the kinetic data (activation energy, pre-exponential factors) of saponification reactions, and identify titration characteristics (equivalence and isoelectric points) of neutralization reactions. Hence, the 3D-printed microfluidic sensor flow cells offer an attractive alternative to commercial analytical flow devices for open-source and low-cost lab automation.
Graphical abstract
Short physical performance battery is not associated with falls and injurious falls in older persons: longitudinal data of the SCOPE project
Authors: Freiberger Ellen , Fabbietti Paolo , Corsonello Andrea , Lattanzio Fabrizia , Sieber Cornel , Tap Lisanne , Mattace-Raso Francesco , Ärnlöv Johan , Carlsson Axel C. , Roller-Wirnsberger Regina , Wirnsberger Gerhard , Moreno-Gonzalez Rafael , Formiga Francesc , Martinez Sara Lainez , Gil Pedro , Kostka Tomasz , Guligowska Agnieszka , Yehoshua Ilan , Melzer Itshak , Kob Robert ,   the SCOPE investigators
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Falls and fall-related injuries in older persons are a major public health problem. Our objective was to study the predictive value of the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) in the cohort of the SCOPE project on falls, injurious falls, and possible difference of prediction between indoors and outdoors falls.

Methods
For this sub-study of the SCOPE project participants reporting no falls at baseline, and survey data on falls at the 12-month and 24-month follow-up were included. Participant´s characteristics were assessed during the baseline interview and medical examinations. Falls as well as injurious falls and fall circumstances were obtained self-reported. SPPB and its association with fallers vs. no fallers at 12 and at 24 months were studied with logistic regression models.

Results
The 1198 participants had a median age of 79 years (77–82), and a median SPPB of 10 (8–11), with a 52.5% of female. A total of 227 and 277 falls (12- and 24- month visits, respectively) were reported. In the crude model, the SPPB sum scores (p < 0.001) as well as most single item scores were significant different between fallers and non-fallers over time. However, the association was attenuated in models adjusted for age, sex, marital status, number of medications, quality of life, handgrip strength, and muscle mass [e.g., 12 months; OR 0.94 (0.87–1.02)]. While SPPB fails to differentiate between injurious and non-injurious falls (p = 0.48), a lower SPPB score was associated with falls at home (p < 0.01) after 24 months.

Conclusion
SBPP was not able to significantly predict the risk of falling as well as experiencing an injurious fall.

Trial registration
This study was registered prospectively on 25th February 2016 at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02691546).
The value of preoperative diagnostic testing and geriatric assessment in frail institutionalized elderly with a hip fracture; a secondary analysis of the FRAIL-HIP study
Authors: Zeelenberg Miliaan L. , Den Hartog Dennis , Van Lieshout Esther M. M. , Wijnen Hugo H. , Willems Hanna C. , Gosens Taco , Steens Jeroen , Van Balen Romke , Zuurmond Rutger G. , Loggers Sverre A. I. , Joosse Pieter , Verhofstad Michael H. J. ,   FRAIL-HIP Investigator Group
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive overview of (preoperative and geriatric) diagnostic testing, abnormal diagnostic tests and their subsequent interventions, and clinical relevance in frail older adults with a hip fracture.

Methods
Data on clinical consultations, radiological, laboratory, and microbiological diagnostics were extracted from the medical files of all patients included in the FRAIL-HIP study (inclusion criteria: hip fracture, > 70 years, living in a nursing home with malnourishment/cachexia and/or impaired mobility and/or severe co-morbidity). Data were evaluated until hospital discharge in nonoperatively treated patients and until surgery in operatively treated patients.

Results
A total of 172 patients (88 nonoperative and 84 operative) were included, of whom 156 (91%) underwent laboratory diagnostics, 126 (73%) chest X-rays, and 23 (13%) CT-scans. In 153/156 (98%) patients at least one abnormal result was found in laboratory diagnostics. In 82/153 (50%) patients this did not result in any additional diagnostics or (pharmacological) intervention. Abnormal test results were mentioned as one of the deciding arguments for operative delay (> 24 h) for 10/84 (12%) patients and as a factor in the decision between nonoperative and operative treatment in 7/172 (4%) patients.

Conclusion
A large number and variety of diagnostics were performed in this patient population. Abnormal test results in laboratory diagnostics were found for almost all patients and, in majority, appear to have no direct clinical consequences. To prevent unnecessary diagnostics, prospective research is required to evaluate the clinical consequences and added value of the separate elements of preoperative diagnostic testing and geriatric assessment in frail hip fracture patients.
A case vignette study to refine the target group of an intermediate care model: the Acute Geriatric Community Hospital
Authors: Kroeze Eline D. , de Groot Aafke J. , Smorenburg Susanne M. , Mac Neil Vroomen Janet L. , van Vught Anneke J. A. H. , Buurman Bianca M. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To refine the admission criteria of the Acute Geriatric Community Hospital (AGCH) by defining its target group boundaries with (geriatric) hospital care and other bed-based intermediate care models in the Netherlands.

Methods
A qualitative study consisting of a three-phase refinement procedure with case vignettes. Physicians, medical specialists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants in hospitals (n = 10) or intermediate care facilities (n = 10) in the Netherlands participated. They collected case vignettes from clinical practice (phase one). The referral considerations and decisions for each case were then documented through surveys (phase two) and two focus groups (phase 3). For thematic data analysis, inductive and deductive approaches were used.

Results
The combination of medical specialist care (MSC) and medical generalist care (MGC), is unique for the AGCH compared to other intermediate care models in the Netherlands. Compared to (geriatric) hospital care, the AGCH offers a more limited scope of MSC. Based on these findings, 13 refined admission criteria were developed such as ‘The required diagnostic tests to monitor the effectiveness of treatment are available at the AGCH’. Besides admission criteria, additional clinical and organizational considerations played a role in referral decision-making; 10 themes were identified.

Conclusion
This case vignette study defined the target group boundaries between the AGCH and other care models, allowing us to refine the AGCH admission criteria. Our findings may help to determine the required competencies of the interdisciplinary AGCH team and to develop triage instruments. The identified consideration themes can be used as conceptual framework in further research. The findings may also be of interests for healthcare systems outside the Netherlands who aspire to design integrated care for older people closer to home.
A network security situation assessment method based on fusion model
Authors: Yu Yunhao 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis research introduces an innovative network security situation assessment (NSSA) model, designed to overcome the shortcomings in feature extraction quality and efficiency observed in existing methods. At the core of this model is a fusion model (FM), which uniquely combines an attention mechanism with a bi-directional gated recurrent unit (BiGRU). This FM framework is adept at extracting pivotal information pertinent to various cyber threats. It employs the attention mechanism to assign appropriate weights to these crucial features, thereby elevating the model’s precision. The BiGRU, in synergy with newly proposed quantitative indicators, is responsible for generating the final evaluation results, offering a more refined measure of the cybersecurity stance. Comparative threat detection experiments reveal that the FM model exhibits superior performance across multiple evaluation metrics, marking a significant advancement in the field of network security assessment.
Ecology of Nepenthes on Mount Talang, West Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Mansur Muhammad , Salamah Andi , Mirmanto Edi , Brearley Francis Q. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractGunung (Mount) Talang is an active volcano in West Sumatra that has a number of Nepenthes species, including the endemic N. talangensis, but their ecology has been little been studied. This study found five species of Nepenthes growing in the protected forest area of Gunung Talang, namely N. bongso, N. inermis, N. pectinata, N. spathulata and N. talangensis. The population of N. talangensis is very small (23 individuals) and it grows sympatrically with N. bongso and N. inermis forming natural hybrids. Lithocarpus conocarpus, Camellia lanceolata, Syzygium acuminatissimum, Adinandra dumosa and Dehaasia sp. are the five most dominant tree species found in the Nepenthes habitat, while L. conocarpus and Podocarpus neriifolius had strong positive associations with N. talangensis. Growth rates of the five Nepenthes species were not significantly different, neither were foliar nitrogen (mean = 1.14%) or phosphorus concentrations (mean = 0.11%). We suggest that N. talangensis should be considered as Critically Endangered and outline some possible conservation actions.
Ultraschall des Darms
Authors: Rogler Gerhard 
Published: February 2024

ZusammenfassungDer Ultraschall des Darms ist eine vielseitig einsetzbare bildgebende Untersuchung in Notfallsituationen, aber auch zum Monitoring des Therapieerfolgs bei chronisch-entzündlichen Darmerkrankungen. Der Vorteil des Darmultraschalls ist seine einfache Verfügbarkeit. Zudem ist keine Vorbereitung der Patient(inn)en notwendig. Zur Beurteilung der Darmwand ist es sogar von Vorteil, wenn die Patient(inn)en nicht nüchtern sind. Notfallsituationen, in denen eine Darmultraschalluntersuchung sinnvoll ist, sind z. B. der Verdacht auf Appendizitis, der Verdacht auf eine Divertikulitis oder eine infektiöse Kolitis. Darüber hinaus wird der Darmultraschall zunehmend zum Monitoring der Therapieantwort bei chronisch-entzündlichen Darmerkrankungen und zur Erkennung von Komplikationen eingesetzt. Die Vermessung der Darmwanddicke ist objektiv und reproduzierbar, was die immer wiederkehrende Kritik der Subjektivität des Darmultraschalls widerlegt. Die Beurteilung der Vaskularisation erlaubt zudem eine Einschätzung der Schwere einer Entzündung im Bereich des Darms. Der Darmultraschall sollte zu den Standard-Untersuchungsmethoden des gastroenterologisch interessierten Internisten oder Gastroenterologen und Hepatologen gehören.