bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasma Levels of mir-34a-5p Correlate with Systemic Inflammation and Low Naïve CD4 T Cells in Common Variable Immunodeficiency
Authors: Nyström Sofia , Hultberg Jonas , Blixt Emelie , Nilsdotter-Augustinsson Åsa , Larsson Marie 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a primary antibody deficiency that commonly manifests as recurrent infections. Many CVID patients also suffer from immune dysregulation, an inflammatory condition characterized by polyclonal lymphocytic tissue infiltration and associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The genetic cause is unknown in most CVID patients and epigenetic alterations may contribute to the broad range of clinical manifestations. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that are involved in epigenetic modulation and may contribute to the clinical phenotype in CVID.

Methods
Here, we determined the circulating microRNAome and plasma inflammatory proteins of a cohort of CVID patients with various levels of immune dysregulation and compared them to healthy controls. A set of deregulated microRNAs was validated by qPCR and correlated to inflammatory proteins and clinical findings.

Results
Levels of microRNA-34a correlated with 11 proteins such as CXCL9, TNF, and IL10, which were predicted to be biologically connected. Moreover, there was a negative correlation between mir-34 levels and the number of naïve CD4 T cells in CVID.

Conclusion
Collectively, our data show that microRNAs correlate with the inflammatory response in CVID. Further investigations are needed to elucidate the role of miRNAs in the development of CVID-related immune dysregulation.
Scalable variable selection for two-view learning tasks with projection operators
Authors: Szedmak Sandor , Huusari Riikka , Duong Le Tat Hong , Rousu Juho 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn this paper we propose a novel variable selection method for two-view settings, or for vector-valued supervised learning problems. Our framework is able to handle extremely large scale selection tasks, where number of data samples could be even millions. In a nutshell, our method performs variable selection by iteratively selecting variables that are highly correlated with the output variables, but which are not correlated with the previously chosen variables. To measure the correlation, our method uses the concept of projection operators and their algebra. With the projection operators the relationship, correlation, between sets of input and output variables can also be expressed by kernel functions, thus nonlinear correlation models can be exploited as well. We experimentally validate our approach, showing on both synthetic and real data its scalability and the relevance of the selected features.
On deformations of coisotropic submanifolds with fixed characteristic foliation
Authors: Geudens Stephane 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIt is well-known that the deformation problem of a compact coisotropic submanifold C in a symplectic manifold is obstructed in general. We show that it becomes unobstructed if one only allows coisotropic deformations whose characteristic foliation is diffeomorphic to that of C. This extends an unobstructedness result in the setting of integral coisotropic submanifolds due to Ruan.
Influence of Reynolds number and rotational number on the features of a transitional flow in short Taylor-Couette cavity
Authors: Tuliszka-Sznitko E. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe paper reports on the DNS results of the flow in co- and counter-rotating coaxial cylinders of aspect ratios Γ = H/(R2 − R1) between 3.8 and 4.05, and radius ratio η = R1/R2 = 0.5, with the end-walls rotating with the angular velocity of the inner cylinder Ω1. The computations are performed for a wide range of rotational number RΩ = (1 − η)(Re1 + Re2)/(ηRe2 − Re1), from − 1.069 to 0.0, which includes both the linearly unstable flows and the Rayleigh stable flows. The considered Reynolds numbers of the inner cylinder Re1 = Ω1R1(R2 − R1)/ν are up to 3000 (Re2 = Ω2R2(R2 − R1)/ν). The obtained flow structures appearing at various stages of the laminar-turbulent transition and the radial profiles of statistical parameters are discussed in the light of the data published by other authors. The critical bifurcation lines are determined as functions of the inner and outer cylinder Reynolds numbers. Many interesting phenomena have been found.
If Molinism is true, what can you do?
Authors: Law Andrew 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSuppose Molinism is true and God placed Adam in the garden because God knew Adam would freely eat of the fruit. Suppose further that, had it not been true that Adam would freely eat of the fruit, were he placed in the garden, God would have placed someone else there instead. When Adam freely eats of the fruit, is he free to do otherwise? This paper argues that there is a strong case for both a positive and a negative answer. Assuming such cases are possible under Molinism, we are left with a puzzling question: if Molinism is true, what can you do?
Determining Changes in Mangrove Cover Using Remote Sensing with Landsat Images: a Review
Authors: Vasquez Juan , Acevedo-Barrios Rosa , Miranda-Castro Wendy , Guerrero Milton , Meneses-Ospina Luisa 
Published: December 2023

AbstractMangroves are ecosystems within the intertidal zone of tropical and subtropical coasts; they offer ecosystem services such as protection from coastal erosion and storms and flood control, act as carbon sinks and are also sources of income by providing various forest products. However, their cover is rapidly disappearing worldwide, which makes the diagnosis and monitoring of the state of these important ecosystems, as well as their restoration and conservation, a challenge. Remote sensing is a promising technique that provides accurate and efficient results in the mapping and monitoring of these ecosystems. The Landsat sensor provides the most used medium-resolution images for this type of study. The main objective of this article is to provide an updated review of the main remote sensing techniques, specifically Landsat satellite imagery, used in the detection of changes and mapping of mangrove forests, as well as a review of climatic and/or chemical factors related to changes in the spatial distribution of these ecosystems.
Next generation edible nanoformulations for improving post-harvest shelf-life of citrus fruits
Authors: Kumar Nishant , Upadhyay Ashutosh , Shukla Shruti , Bajpai Vivek K. , Kieliszek Marek , Yadav Ajay , Kumaravel Vighnesh 
Published: December 2023

AbstractCitrus is one of the most widely grown fruits globally, because of its remarkable organoleptic features, nutritional content and bioactive ingredients. Microbial spoilage and other factors such as physiological disorder, mechanical and physical damage, and fruit senescence are the major factors of postharvest loss to citrus industry. The postharvest losses in citrus are directly have negative impcats on the economy, environment and healths due to production of carbon emission gases. The fungal pathogens such as Penicillium digitatum, Penicillium italicum and Geotrichum candidum are the major cause of postharvest spoilage in citrus fruits. These pathogens produce different mycotoxins such as citrinin, patulin, and tremorgenic. These mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of molds; they employ toxic effects on the healths. The acuteness of mytoxin on toxicity is dependings on the extent exposure, age and nutritional status of individual. The toxicity of mytoxins are directly related to the food safety and health concern including damage DNA, kidney damage, mutation in RNA/DNA, growth impairment in childs and immune system etc. Several attempts have been made to extend the shelf-life of citrus fruits by controlling physiological decay and fungal growth which has got limited success. In recent years, nanotechnology has emerged as a new strategy for shelf life prevention of citrus fruits. The biopolymer based nano-formulations functionalized with active compounds have shown promising results in maintaining the postharvest quality attributes of fruits and vegetables by retarding the moisture loss and oxidation. This review exclusively discloses the postharvest losses in citrus fruits and their causes. In addition, the use of biopolymer based nanoformulations functionalized with active agents and their developing technologies have been also discussed briefly. The effects of nano-formulation technologies on the postharvest shelf life of citrus is also described.The finding of this review also suggest that the natural biopolymers and bioactive compounds can be used for developing nanoformulations for extending the shelf-life of citrus fruits by minimizing the fungal growth and as an alternatives of fungicides.
Differential Outcomes Training of Visuospatial Memory: A Gamified Approach Using a Socially Assistive Robot
Authors: Markelius Alva , Sjöberg Sofia , Bergström Martin , Ravandi Bahram Salamat , Vivas Ana B. , Khan Imran , Lowe Robert 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis study represents the first stage of evaluating whether cognitive training interventions may be facilitated by the presence of a socially assistive robot (SAR) and gamification. Our experimental setup involves using a SAR providing feedback to a gamified visuospatial working memory task, administered according to a differential outcomes training (DOT) protocol. The study’s main objective was to investigate whether performance and attitude towards the task would be affected by different robotic setups (none, simulated or physical) and in relation to different challenge levels. We measured performance accuracy on the gamified visuospatial memory task and self-reported affective ratings, which are relevant for assessing attitude towards the task and providing indicators to the potential for using a SAR for a longer-term cognitive intervention. Additionally, we conducted exploratory analyses of eye movement strategies for memory encoding during the task. The results demonstrated a significant differential outcomes effect (DOE) on memory performance accuracy, regardless of Robot type and Challenge level, providing evidence that a DOE can still be obtained when a SAR interacts with participants. Moreover, the results from the affective ratings revealed that participants accompanied by the physical robot reported lower levels of stress and increased levels of control. Our results demonstrate, for the first time, a DOE using a SAR in a gamified context. This result, coupled with positive subjective reporting of the human–robot interactive experience of participants, demonstrates the potential for using a SAR to: (i) promote positive attitudes for a DOT-based cognitive intervention, without (ii) negatively affecting task performance.
MXene/Cellulose Composite Cloth for Integrated Functions (if-Cloth) in Personal Heating and Steam Generation
Authors: Chang Jian , Pang Bo , Zhang Hao , Pang Kanglei , Zhang Miao , Yuan Jiayin 
Published: December 2023

AbstractGiven the abundant solar light available on our planet, it is promising to develop an advanced fabric capable of simultaneously providing personal thermal management and facilitating clean water production in an energy-efficient manner. In this study, we present the fabrication of a photothermally active, biodegradable composite cloth composed of titanium carbide MXene and cellulose, achieved through an electrospinning method. This composite cloth exhibits favorable attributes, including chemical stability, mechanical performance, structural flexibility, and wettability. Notably, our 0.1-mm-thick composite cloth (RC/MXene IV) raises the temperature of simulated skin by 5.6 °C when compared to a commercially available cotton cloth, which is five times thicker under identical ambient conditions. Remarkably, the composite cloth (RC/MXene V) demonstrates heightened solar light capture efficiency (87.7%) when in a wet state instead of a dry state. Consequently, this cloth functions exceptionally well as a high-performance steam generator, boasting a superior water evaporation rate of 1.34 kg m−2 h−1 under one-sun irradiation (equivalent to 1000 W m−2). Moreover, it maintains its performance excellence in solar desalination processes. The multifunctionality of these cloths opens doors to a diverse array of outdoor applications, including solar-driven water evaporation and personal heating, thereby enriching the scope of integrated functionalities for textiles.
Graphical Abstract
“These Somalis are not Somalis:” Cup of Art Italian Coffeehouse, Authentic Identities, and Belonging in Hargeisa, Somaliland
Authors: Serunkuma Yusuf 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThrough ethnography of a performatively Western-inspired coffeehouse in a “traditionally” identifying town of Hargeisa in Somaliland, Serunkuma uses Cup of Art Italian Coffeehouse to debate the political-conceptual dilemma—and potential dangers—of the renewed longing for cultural authenticity and “total revolution” in post-colonial Africa. While acknowledging the failure of the dreams that animated the anti-colonial struggle, manifest in the collapse in public service delivery, governance challenges, and civil war, Serunkuma contends that taking this to be the product of the “legacy of late colonialism,” and thus seeking to protect supposedly “authentic” African traditions and religious practices from Western corruption is itself a poisoned chalice. Using Cup of Art, Serunkuma urges humility toward the permanence of a colonial modernity and constant awareness of the new “problem space,” in which actors exercise their agency.
The utility of whole-genome sequencing to inform epidemiologic investigations of SARS-CoV-2 clusters in acute-care hospitals
Authors: Rader Theodore S. , Srinivasa Vatsala R. , Griffith Marissa P. , Waggle Kady , Pless Lora , Chung Ashley , Wagester Suzanne , Harrison Lee H. , Snyder Graham M. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjective:To evaluate the utility of selective reactive whole-genome sequencing (WGS) in aiding healthcare-associated cluster investigations.Design:Mixed-methods quality-improvement study.Setting:Thes study was conducted across 8 acute-care facilities in an integrated health system.Methods:We analyzed healthcare-associated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) clusters between May 2020 and July 2022 for which facility infection prevention and control (IPC) teams selectively requested reactive WGS to aid the epidemiologic investigation. WGS was performed with real-time results provided to IPC teams, including genetic relatedness of sequenced isolates. We conducted structured interviews with IPC teams on the informativeness of WGS for transmission investigation and prevention.Results:In total, 8 IPC teams requested WGS to aid the investigation of 17 COVID-19 clusters comprising 226 cases and 116 (51%) sequenced isolates. Of these, 16 (94%) clusters had at least 1 WGS-defined transmission event. IPC teams hypothesized transmission pathways in 14 (82%) of 17 clusters and used data visualizations to characterize these pathways in 11 clusters (65%). The teams reported that in 15 clusters (88%), WGS identified a transmission pathway; the WGS-defined pathway was not one that was predicted by epidemiologic investigation in 7 clusters (41%). WGS changed the understanding of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission in 8 clusters (47%) and altered infection prevention interventions in 8 clusters (47%).Conclusions:Selectively utilizing reactive WGS helped identify cryptic SARS-CoV-2 transmission pathways and frequently changed the understanding and response to SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks. Until WGS is widely adopted, a selective reactive WGS approach may be highly impactful in response to healthcare-associated cluster investigations.
Authoritarian Ruling Parties' Recruitment Dilemma: Evidence from China
Authors: Angiolillo Fabio 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In autocracies, party membership offers benefits to citizens who join the ruling party. The recruitment process consists of (i) citizens' applying to become party members, followed by (ii) ruling parties' selection among applicants. Hence, I propose that ruling parties can face a “recruitment dilemma” when the citizens who apply for party membership with an eye on its benefits do not overlap with the ruling party's targeted population. Previous research assumes that the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) interest in co-opting white-collar workers is matched by those workers’ interest in becoming party members. However, it is their emergence as an essential social group that changed the CCP membership's pattern, leading it to adapt its co-optation strategy to solve the recruitment dilemma. Using surveys across multiple waves between 2005 and 2017, I show (i) changes in application patterns, (ii) the CCP's recruitment dilemma when they receive applications from more laborers than white-collar workers, and (iii) the CCP solution of rejecting laborers in favor of white-collar workers.
CHILD SOLDIERS AND PEACE AGREEMENTS
Authors: Molloy Sean 
Published: December 2023

AbstractFor societies transitioning from conflict to peace, the phenomenon of child soldiers poses significant challenges. These include quandaries associated with assisting in the reintegration of serving child soldiers, determining how to prevent future recruitment of child soldiers, and pursuing accountability of those who utilize child soldiers. In addition, questions are also raised as to whether and how child soldiers responsible for crimes committed during conflict are to be held to account. While no one mechanism or response can adequately and sufficiently address the multifaceted issues that arise, peace agreements, as foundational documents that serve as the blueprint for peacebuilding and the post-conflict State, can make a useful contribution to some or all of them. Drawing on all references to child soldiers in 77 peace agreements signed between 1990 and 2022, this article examines the ways in which peace agreements address the issue of child soldiers.
Ketorolac in neonates and infants following congenital heart surgery: a retrospective review
Authors: Kiskaddon Amy L. , Stock Arabela C. , Fierstein Jamie L. , Miller Alexandra , Quintessenza James A. , Goldenberg Neil 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIntroduction:Pain management is essential in the immediate post-surgical period. We sought to describe the ketorolac dose regimen in neonates and infants following cardiac surgery. Secondary outcomes included renal dysfunction, bleeding, and pain management.Methods:We performed a single-centre retrospective cohort study of neonates and infants (aged < 12 months) who received ketorolac following cardiac surgery, from November 2020 through November 2021 (inclusive). Ketorolac was administered at 0.5 mg/kg every 6 hours. Safety was defined by absence of a clinically significant decline in renal function (i.e., increase in serum creatinine [SCr] by ≥ 0.3 mg/dL from baseline within 48 hours and/or urine output ≤ 0.5 mL/kg/hour for 6 hours) and absence of clinically significant bleeding defined as major by International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis paediatric criteria or Severe/Fatal Bleeding Events by Nellis et al. Efficacy measures included pain scores and opioid utilisation.Results:Fifty-five patients met eligibility criteria. The median (range) dose and duration of ketorolac administration was 0.5 mg/kg/dose for 48 (6–90) hours. Among all patients, there was not a statistically significant difference observed in median SCr within 48 hours of baseline (p > .9). There were no major or severe bleeding events. The median (range) opioid requirements (morphine intravenous equivalents per kg per day) at 48 hours post-ketorolac initiation was 0.1 (0–0.8) mg/kg/day.Conclusions:If validated prospectively, these findings suggest that a ketorolac regimen 0.5 mg/kg/dose every 6 hours in neonates and infants post-cardiac surgery may be safe with regard to renal function and bleeding risk, and effective regarding opioid-sparing capacity.
Adjustment to “new normal” after cancer among non–small cell lung cancer survivors: A qualitative study
Authors: Lee Genehee , Kim Soo Yeon , Ahn Alice , Kong Sunga , Nam Heesu , Kang Danbee , Kim Hong Kwan , Shim Young Mog , Jeong Ansuk , Shin Dong Wook , Cho Juhee 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectivesCancer is a life-changing experience, and side effects from treatment can make it difficult for survivors to return to their pre-cancer “normal life.” We explored the “new normal” and barriers to achieving it among lung cancer survivors who underwent surgery.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 32 recurrence-free non–small cell lung cancer survivors. We asked survivors how life had changed; how they defined the “new normal”; barriers that prevent them from achieving a “normal” life; and unmet needs or support for normalcy. Thematic analysis was performed.ResultsDefining “new normal” subjectively depends on an individual’s expectation of recovery: (1) being able to do what they want without pain or discomfort; (2) being able to do activities they could accomplish before their surgery; and (3) being able to work, earn money, and support their family. We found that (1) persistent symptoms, (2) fear of cancer recurrence, (3) high expectations in recovery, and (4) psychosocial stress and guilty feelings were barriers to achieving a “new normal.” The needs and support for normalcy were information on expected trajectories, postoperative management, and support from family and society.Significance of resultsSurvivors defined the “new normal” differently, depending on their expectations for recovery. Informing survivors about the “new normal” so they could expect possible changes and set realistic goals for their life after cancer. Health professionals need to communicate with survivors about expectations for “normality” from the beginning of treatment, and it should be included in comprehensive survivorship care.
Reiki intervention for supporting healthcare professional care behaviors in pediatric palliative care: A pilot study
Authors: Zucchetti Giulia , Ciappina Sabrina , Bottigelli Cristina , Campione Gabriela , Parrinello Annalisa , Piu Paola , Lijoi Stefano , Quarello Paola , Fagioli Franca 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectivesPediatric healthcare professionals (HCPs) working in a palliative setting may experience challenges during their clinical practice in addressing the complex end-of-life phase of children and their families. Nurses, especially, have a frontline role in providing assistance, thereby becoming at risk of physical and psychological burden. Pediatric psychologists have an ethical responsibility to help colleagues by proposing self-care interventions that will improve their well-being and, indirectly, the work climate. This study investigated the impact of a complementary therapy, delivered by a pediatric psychologist and a nurse, on physical and psychological variables among nurses at the Paediatric Hospice of the Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital in Italy.MethodsThirty-five nurses participated in 5 weeks of Reiki sessions for an overall total of 175 sessions. The effect of the sessions was analyzed through a paired t-test analysis comparing the values of heart rate, oxygen saturation, and systolic and diastolic pressure collected before and after each session. The same test was conducted comparing the values of the 3 burnout subscales for each of the 35 nurses collected before the beginning of the first session with those collected at the end of the last session 2 months later.ResultsResults underlined a positive short-term effect with a significant decrease in heart rate before and after each session (t = 11.5, p < .001) and in systolic pressure (t = 2, p < .05). In addition, a decrease in emotional exhaustion symptoms was found (t = 2.3, p < .05) at the end of the intervention.Significance of resultsReiki could be a valid strategy to complement traditional pediatric psychology clinical practice designed to protect HCPs from emotional and physical demands and to create a more supportive workplace for staff and patients alike.