bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Paley–Wiener Theorem for the Mehler–Fock Transform
Authors: Montes-Rodríguez Alfonso , Virtanen Jani 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn this note, we prove a Paley–Wiener Theorem for the Mehler–Fock transform. In particular, we show that it induces an isometric isomorphism from the Hardy space $$\mathcal H^2(\mathbb C^+)$$

H
2

(

C
+

)

onto $$L^2(\mathbb R^+,( 2 \pi )^{-1} t \sinh (\pi t) \, dt ) $$

L
2

(

R
+

,

(
2
π
)

-
1

t
sinh

(
π
t
)

d
t
)

. The proof we provide here is very simple and is based on an old idea that seems to be due to G. R. Hardy. As a consequence of this Paley–Wiener theorem we also prove a Parseval’s theorem. In the course of the proof, we find a formula for the Mehler–Fock transform of some particular functions.
Host-vaginal microbiota interaction: shaping the vaginal microenvironment and bacterial vaginosis
Authors: Sadeghpour Heravi Fatemah 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose of review
This review comprehensively examines host-vaginal microbiota interactions, the composition of the vaginal microbiota, and its dynamic changes throughout a woman's lifespan. Furthermore, the intricate interplay between the host and beneficial bacterial communities, such as Lactobacillus species, and opportunistic pathogens, such as Gardnerella spp., associated with BV development, has been explored. Additionally, the current and advanced therapeutic strategies for managing complications related to vaginal microbiota along with the challenges faced in this field have been discussed.

Recent findings
Recent findings have shown that the microbial communities inhabiting the female vagina, known as the vaginal microbiota, play a critical role in maintaining women's health and supporting reproductive activities. Imbalanced vaginal microbiota can predispose individuals to a range of diseases, including bacterial vaginosis (BV), sexually transmitted infections (STI), miscarriage, and preterm birth. While the exact mechanisms by which a Lactobacillus-dominated vaginal microenvironment improves vaginal health remain elusive, gaining insight into the interactions between the host and vaginal microbiota, as well as with opportunistic pathogens, can help address unanswered questions.

Summary
A deeper understanding of the reciprocal interactions between the host and vaginal microbiota has the potential to pave the way for the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic interventions and the improvement of women's health.
An analysis of the abolition of premium motor spirit (PMS) subsidies in Nigeria: a breach of social contract or climate change action?
Authors: Olujobi Olusola Joshua , Irumekhai Oshobugie Suleiman 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe study examines the payment of fossil fuel subsidies made in Nigeria on petrol, with an analysis of the laws governing its payments. It explores the reasons for the removal of the petrol subsidy and examines the merits advocated by proponents of its elimination. Additionally, it investigates the diverse pricing methods employed for petroleum products. Employing a doctrinal legal research methodology, the article relies on the existing primary and secondary sources of laws to provide insights for the reforms. The study concludes with recommendations such as the implementation of a mixed economic system, reinforcement of trade laws, consumer protection and competition laws, improvement of transparency and accountability, promotion of investments in local refineries, adoption of cleaner alternative energy sources such as renewable energy sources by adopting the global energy transition agenda, and provision of palliatives. The findings unravel the complexities surrounding petrol subsidy payments which have occasioned corruption, rent-seeking activities and insufficient utilization of clean sources of energy. A significant gap exists in Nigeria’s energy sector compared to the selected case study countries. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders. The recommendations promote transparency, and accountability and will facilitate the necessary reforms for sustainable downstream petroleum industry and global energy security.
Heteroaggregation and sedimentation of natural goethite and artificial Fe3O4 nanoparticles with polystyrene nanoplastics in water
Authors: Wu Aiming , Yang Chunyan , Zhao Xiaoli , Wang Junyu , Liang Weigang , Wang Xia , Zhou Lingfeng , Teng Miaomiao , Hou Guoqing , Niu Lin , Tang Zhi , Wu Fengchang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIron oxide nanomaterials play important roles in biogeochemical processes. This study investigates the effects of representative natural carbonaceous materials (humic acid [HA] and extracellular polymeric substances [EPS]) and cations on the heteroaggregation and sedimentation of engineered and natural iron oxide nanomaterials with montmorillonite and sulfate- and amine-modified polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles (NPs) (S- and N-PS NPs, respectively) in water, assessing their environmental behavior and differences in colloidal stability parameters. In addition, a novel extended Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek theory (XDLVO) was developed to describe the mechanism of colloidal behavior that concurrently considers gravitational and magnetic attraction forces. In CaCl2 solution and most natural water samples, negatively charged S-PS NPs promoted heteroaggregation with goethite and iron oxide (Fe3O4) NPs more than positively charged N-PS NPs with increased nanoplastic particle concentration. In seawater, the introduction of S- and N-PS NPs increased the maximum net energy (barrier) (ΦMAX) of heteroaggregation and sedimentation with goethite and Fe3O4 NPs, facilitating dispersal and suspension of the system. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and molecular dynamics simulation results suggested that Ca2+ forms bridging interactions between Fe3O4 and S-PS NPs to promote aggregation, while competitive adsorption occurs between the N atoms of N-PS NPs and Ca2+ on the surface of Fe3O4 NPs. The study findings will help to improve the understanding of interfacial processes affecting ions at nanomaterial/water interfaces and assessments of the geochemical behavior and ecological risks of nanoplastics.
Nondigestible carbohydrates and gut microbiota: A dynamic duo in host defense
Authors: Zong Xin , Luo Shiqi , Liu Shuqi , Deehan Edward C. , Wang Yizhen , Jin Mingliang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The sophisticated relationship between the intake of dietary carbohydrates and host immunity is mediated in large part by the gut microbiota. This comprehensive review explores the multifaceted connections linking human gut microbiota with nondigestible carbohydrate metabolism and immune responses, highlighting the critical importance of this symbiotic relationship in maintaining overall host health. Understanding the mechanisms by which gut microbiota act as a bridge between carbohydrate intake and host immunity has significant implications for precision nutrition strategies and the development of therapeutic interventions.
The Roles of Police-Related versus Non-Police-Related Considerations in Shaping Diffused Support for the Police: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Jonathan-Zamir Tal , Factor Roni , Perry Gali 
Published: April 2024

AbstractGlobal views of the police (often termed “legitimacy”, “trust”, “satisfaction” or “support”) are frequently regarded as the product of micro-level, police-related consideration: beliefs about what the police are doing and how they are doing it. Studies taking a sociological or political perspective have revealed that views unrelated to policing, such as satisfaction with the government, may also be important predictors of global views of the police. However, police-related and non-police-related considerations are frequently not considered together as antecedents of macro-level views of the police. This study aims to illuminate the respective roles of police-related versus non-police-related considerations in shaping citizens’ diffused support for the police while utilizing the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from a panel survey carried out during the first and third peaks of the pandemic in Israel reveal that the only factor which had a direct effect on the drop in diffused support for the police was the public’s assessment of the government’s (not the police’s) performance in handling the pandemic. We conclude by calling for more sophisticated measurement and interpretation of public approval of the police and its antecedents.
A granular examination of gender and racial disparities in federal procurement
Authors: Parker Chris , Roy Dwaipayan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The U.S. federal government annually awards billions of dollars as contracts to procure different products and services from external businesses. Although the federal government’s immense purchasing power provides a unique opportunity to invest in the nation’s women-owned businesses (WOBs) and minority-owned businesses (MOBs) and advance the entrepreneurial dreams of many more Americans, gender and racial disparities in federal procurement are pervasive. In this study, we undertake a granular examination of these disparities by analyzing the data on 1,551,610 contracts awarded by 58 different federal government agencies. Specifically, we examine the representation of WOBs and MOBs in contracts with varying levels of STEM intensity and across 19 different contract categories, which capture the wide array of products and services purchased by the federal government. We show that contracts with higher levels of STEM intensity are associated with a lower likelihood of being awarded to WOBs and MOBs. Interestingly, the negative association between a contract’s STEM intensity and its likelihood to be awarded to MOBs is particularly salient for Black-, and Hispanic-owned businesses. Among the 19 categories of contracts, Black-owned businesses are more likely to receive contracts that are characterized by lower median pay levels. Collectively, these results provide data-driven evidence demonstrating the need to make a distinction between the different categories of MOBs and consider the type of products and services being procured while carrying out an examination of racial disparities in federal procurement.
The innovation paradox: concept space expansion with diminishing originality and the promise of creative artificial intelligence
Authors: Sarica Serhad , Luo Jianxi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractInnovation, typically spurred by reusing, recombining and synthesizing existing concepts, is expected to result in an exponential growth of the concept space over time. However, our statistical analysis of TechNet, which is a comprehensive technology semantic network encompassing over 4 million concepts derived from patent texts, reveals a linear rather than exponential expansion of the overall technological concept space. Moreover, there is a notable decline in the originality of newly created concepts. These trends can be attributed to the constraints of human cognitive abilities to innovate beyond an ever-growing space of prior art, among other factors. Integrating creative artificial intelligence into the innovation process holds the potential to overcome these limitations and alter the observed trends in the future.
Legalism and the European Union’s rule of law crisis
Authors: Van Malleghem Pieter-Augustijn 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe past decade has seen the rise of the semi-authoritarian regimes within the European Union. EU law scholars are rightfully concerned that, in the absence of a meaningful response, this leads to an existential crisis for the Union, as these regimes threaten respect for the Union’s foundational values. The Union did respond to what it has framed as a rule of law crisis by means of a constitutional transformation, asserting Union power to protect judicial independence within the Member States even in areas previously thought beyond the reach of Union law. This paper contends that the Union’s response to the authoritarian threat is flawed for its legalist faith in law and courts. In institutional terms, it was the Court of Justice of the European Union, rather than the Union’s political branches, that took the lead in this transformation. In substantive terms, the Union has transformed its constitutional framework to protect the organisational infrastructure of the judiciary, but it failed to do the same in response to various other strategies in the authoritarian playbook. By framing the authoritarian threat as, above all else, a threat to the judiciary, the Union’s response contributes to the reification of political debate at Union level and risks the alienation of the European polity.
Consumer Decision-Making Autonomy in the Digital Environment: Towards a New Understanding of National Courts’ Obligation to Assess Ex Officio Violations of Fair Commercial Practices
Authors: Davida Zanda 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDigitalisation has changed traders’ possibilities of influencing the autonomy of consumer choice in the digital environment. The digital market of the European Union involves a wide spectrum of commercial practices – such as dark and addictive patterns, target advertising and personalisation – that nudge consumers to take decisions that are not in their favour. One of the main aims of the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive 2005 is to protect the freedom of consumer decision-making. However, currently, the Directive’s capacity to safeguard consumer choice in the digital environment is not sufficiently effective. Through the lens of law prohibiting unfair commercial practices, this article analyses the means available to consumer courts to strengthen consumer decision-making autonomy in the digital environment. The article argues that regulation of prohibition of unfair commercial practices regarding the digital environment should be modernised by obliging – in certain circumstances – national courts ex officio to assess violations of fair commercial practices and by reversing the burden of argumentation and proof.
Lateralised courtship behaviour and its impact on mating success in Ostrinia furnacalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)
Authors: Abbas Sohail , Alam Aleena , Abbas Muneer , Abbas Arzlan , Ali Jamin , Schilthuizen Menno , Romano Donato , Zhao Chen Ri 
Published: April 2024

AbstractLateralisation is a well-established phenomenon observed in an increasing number of insect species. This study aims to obtain basic details on lateralisation in courtship and mating behaviour in Ostrinia furnacalis, the Asian corn borer. We conducted laboratory investigations to observe lateralisation in courtship and mating behaviours in adult O. furnacalis. Our goal was also to detect lateralised mating behaviour variations during sexual interactions and to elucidate how these variances might influence the mating success of males. Our findings reveal two distinct lateralised traits: male approaches from the right or left side of the female and the direction of male turning displays. Specifically, males approaching females from their right side predominantly exhibited left-biased 180° turning displays, while males approaching females from the left-side primarily displayed right-biased 180° turning displays. Notably, left-biased males, executing a 180° turn for end-to-end genital contact, initiated copulation with fewer attempts and began copulation earlier than their right-biased approaches with left-biased 180° turning displays. Furthermore, mating success was higher when males subsequently approached the right side of females during sexual encounters. Left-biased 180° turning males exhibited a higher number of successful mating interactions. These observations provide the first report on lateralisation in the reproductive behaviour of O. furnacalis under controlled laboratory conditions and hold promise for establishing reliable benchmarks for assessing and monitoring the quality of mass-produced individuals in pest control efforts.
AN ALLUSION TO THE BLINDING OF APPIUS CLAUDIUS CAECUS IN AENEID BOOK 8?
Authors: Loar Matthew P. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis article argues that Virgil includes an allusion to the fourth-century censor Appius Claudius Caecus in Book 8 of the Aeneid. Three pieces of evidence point to this allusion: (1) wordplay, especially the near echo of ‘Caecus’ in ‘Cacus’; (2) semantic associations between Cacus and darkness; and (3) repeated references to sight and Cacus’ eyes. By invoking the memory of Appius, whose blinding in 312 b.c.e. allegedly came at the hands of Hercules as punishment for transferring control of the god's rites at the Ara Maxima to the state, Virgil underscores the importance of properly observing religious rituals. This aligns with Evander's original intent with the Hercules–Cacus story to prove to Aeneas and the Trojans that the Arcadians’ religious practices are no uana superstitio (8.187).
Simulations of radiatively cooled magnetic reconnection driven by pulsed power
Authors: Datta Rishabh , Crilly Aidan , Chittenden Jeremy P. , Chowdhry Simran , Chandler Katherine , Chaturvedi Nikita , Myers Clayton E. , Fox William R. , Hansen Stephanie B. , Jennings Chris A. , Ji Hantao , Kuranz Carolyn C. , Lebedev Sergey V. , Uzdensky Dmitri A. , Hare Jack D. 
Published: April 2024

Magnetic reconnection is an important process in astrophysical environments, as it reconfigures magnetic field topology and converts magnetic energy into thermal and kinetic energy. In extreme astrophysical systems, such as black hole coronae and pulsar magnetospheres, radiative cooling modifies the energy partition by radiating away internal energy, which can lead to the radiative collapse of the reconnection layer. In this paper, we perform two- and three-dimensional simulations to model the MARZ (Magnetic Reconnection on Z) experiments, which are designed to access cooling rates in the laboratory necessary to investigate reconnection in a previously unexplored radiatively cooled regime. These simulations are performed in GORGON, an Eulerian two-temperature resistive magnetohydrodynamic code, which models the experimental geometry comprising two exploding wire arrays driven by 20 MA of current on the Z machine (Sandia National Laboratories). Radiative losses are implemented using non-local thermodynamic equilibrium tables computed using the atomic code Spk, and we probe the effects of radiation transport by implementing both a local radiation loss model and$P_{1/3}$multi-group radiation transport. The load produces highly collisional, super-Alfvénic (Alfvén Mach number$M_A \approx 1.5$), supersonic (Sonic Mach number$M_S \approx 4-5$) strongly driven plasma flows which generate an elongated reconnection layer (Aspect Ratio$L/\delta \approx 100$, Lundquist number$S_L \approx 400$). The reconnection layer undergoes radiative collapse when the radiative losses exceed the rates of ohmic and compressional heating (cooling rate/hydrodynamic transit rate =$\tau _{\text {cool}}^{-1}/\tau _{H}^{-1}\approx 100$); this generates a cold strongly compressed current sheet, leading to an accelerated reconnection rate, consistent with theoretical predictions. Finally, the current sheet is also unstable to the plasmoid instability, but the magnetic islands are extinguished by strong radiative cooling before ejection from the layer.
Mendelian randomization: causal inference leveraging genetic data
Authors: Chen Lane G. , Tubbs Justin D. , Liu Zipeng , Thach Thuan-Quoc , Sham Pak C. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMendelian randomization (MR) leverages genetic information to examine the causal relationship between phenotypes allowing for the presence of unmeasured confounders. MR has been widely applied to unresolved questions in epidemiology, making use of summary statistics from genome-wide association studies on an increasing number of human traits. However, an understanding of essential concepts is necessary for the appropriate application and interpretation of MR. This review aims to provide a non-technical overview of MR and demonstrate its relevance to psychiatric research. We begin with the origins of MR and the reasons for its recent expansion, followed by an overview of its statistical methodology. We then describe the limitations of MR, and how these are being addressed by recent methodological advances. We showcase the practical use of MR in psychiatry through three illustrative examples – the connection between cannabis use and psychosis, the link between intelligence and schizophrenia, and the search for modifiable risk factors for depression. The review concludes with a discussion of the prospects of MR, focusing on the integration of multi-omics data and its extension to delineating complex causal networks.
How much or how often? Examining the screening properties of the DSM cross-cutting symptom measure in a youth population-based sample
Authors: Gonçalves Pacheco João Pedro , Kieling Christian , Manfro Pedro H. , Menezes Ana M. B. , Gonçalves Helen , Oliveira Isabel O. , Wehrmeister Fernando C. , Rohde Luis Augusto , Hoffmann Maurício Scopel 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe DSM Level 1 Cross-Cutting Symptom Measure (DSM-XC) allows for assessing multiple psychopathological domains. However, its capability to screen for mental disorders in a population-based sample and the impact of adverbial framings (intensity and frequency) on its performance are unknown.MethodsThe study was based on cross-sectional data from the 1993 Pelotas birth cohort in Brazil. Participants with completed DSM-XC and structured diagnostic interviews (n = 3578, aged 22, 53.6% females) were included. Sensitivity, specificity, positive (LR+), and negative (LR−) likelihood ratios for each of the 13 DSM-XC domains were estimated for detecting five internalizing disorders (bipolar, generalized anxiety, major depressive, post-traumatic stress, and social anxiety disorders) and three externalizing disorders (antisocial personality, attention-deficit/hyperactivity, and alcohol use disorders). Sensitivities and specificities >0.75, LR+ > 2 and LR− < 0.5 were considered meaningful. Values were calculated for the DSM-XC's original scoring and for adverbial framings.ResultsSeveral DSM-XC domains demonstrated meaningful screening properties. The anxiety domain exhibited acceptable sensitivity and LR− values for all internalizing disorders. The suicidal ideation, psychosis, memory, repetitive thoughts and behaviors, and dissociation domains displayed acceptable specificity for all disorders. Domains also yielded small but meaningful LR+ values for internalizing disorders. However, LR+ and LR− values were not generally meaningful for externalizing disorders. Frequency-framed questions improved screening properties.ConclusionsThe DSM-XC domains showed transdiagnostic screening properties, providing small but meaningful changes in the likelihood of internalizing disorders in the community, which can be improved by asking frequency of symptoms compared to intensity. The DSM-XC is currently lacking meaningful domains for externalizing disorders.
The legal position of guests in late medieval Stockholm
Authors: Gustafsson Sofia 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The article analyses the legal position of foreign visitors in late medieval Stockholm through the prism of the concept of legal certainty, which requires public, explicit and clear regulations, an institutionalized jurisdiction and equal, just and impartial judgments in court. The article concludes that the authorities in Stockholm strove to create legal certainty for foreign guests and that the regulated relationship between local hosts and visiting guests both provided a control mechanism for the authorities and security for the guests.