bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is the Bad News about Compliance Bad News about Human Rights? Evidence from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights
Authors: Montal Florencia , Pauselli Gino 
Published: April 2023

AbstractHow do authoritative international bodies decide that states have complied with their orders? Compliance research has mostly focused on how states react to rulings and how interest groups mobilize for and against compliance. Less has been said about how international bodies certify compliance with their orders in contexts of conflicting interests and incomplete information. Because in theory the seal of compliance could be given to different types and volumes of state actions, we argue that when nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) monitor implementation closely, international adjudicators will be more demanding in compliance certification, resulting in more protracted compliance monitoring processes. We test our expectations in the case of the Inter- American Commission of Human Rights and find that recommendations take longer to reach status of full compliance when more NGOs act as petitioners and when they have more experience with monitoring compliance. If NGOs help that more effective implementation receives an international organization's seal of approval, large numbers of orders without full compliance might not necessarily be bad news about human rights on the ground.
The need for fast and accurate detection of dermatomycosis
Authors: Heckler Ilana , Sabalza Maite , Bojmehrani Azadeh , Venkataraman Iswariya , Thompson Curtis 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Dermatomycosis of the hair, skin, or nails is one of the most common fungal infections worldwide. Beyond permanent damage to the affected area, the risk of severe dermatomycosis in immunocompromised people can be life-threatening. The potential risk of delayed or improper treatment highlights the need for a rapid and accurate diagnosis. However, with traditional methods of fungal diagnostics such as culture, a diagnosis can take several weeks. Alternative diagnostic technologies have been developed which allow for an appropriate and timely selection of an antifungal treatment, preventing nonspecific over-the-counter self-medication. Such techniques include molecular methods, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), real-time PCR, DNA microarray, next-generation sequencing, in addition to matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. Molecular methods can help close the ‘diagnostic gap’ observed with traditional cultures and microscopy and allow for a rapid detection of dermatomycosis with increased sensitivity and specificity. In this review, advantages and disadvantages of traditional and molecular techniques are discussed, in addition to the importance of species-specific dermatophyte determination. Finally, we highlight the need for clinicians to adapt molecular techniques for the rapid and reliable detection of dermatomycosis infections and to reduce adverse events.
Time delays between radio and X-ray and between narrow radio bands of Sgr A* flares in the shock oscillation model
Authors: Okuda Toru , Singh Chandra B , Aktar Ramiz 
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACT
We examine the time delay between radio and X-ray and between narrow radio frequency flares in Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*), from analyses of the synchrotron, bremsstrahlung, and monochromatic luminosity curves. Using the results of 2D relativistic radiation magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations based on the shock oscillation model, we find three types of time delay between the synchrotron and bremsstrahlung emissions: Type A with a time delay of 2–3 h on the shock descending branch, Type B with no time delay, and Type C with an inverse time delay of 0.5–1 h on the shock ascending branch. The time delays in Types A and C are interpreted as a transit time of Alfvén and acoustic waves between both emission dominant regions, respectively. The delay times between 22 and 43 GHz flares and between 8 and 10 GHz flares are ∼13–26 and 13 min, respectively, while the inverse delay also occurs dependently on the shock location branch. These time delays between the narrow radio bands are interpreted as the transit time of the acoustic wave between the frequency-dependent effective radii $R_{\tau _{\rm \nu =1}}$, at which the optical depth τν at the accretion disc surface becomes approximately unity. The shock oscillation model explains well the observed delay times of 0.5–5 h between radio and X-ray, 20–30 min between 22 and 43 GHz, and ∼18 min between 8 and 10 GHz in Sgr A*.
High-efficiency and reliable same-parent thermoelectric modules using Mg3Sb2-based compounds
Authors: Jiang Meng , Fu Yuntian , Zhang Qihao , Hu Zhongliang , Huang Aibin , Wang Shuling , Wang Lianjun , Jiang Wan 
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACT
Thermoelectric modules can convert waste heat directly into useful electricity, providing a clean and sustainable way to use fossil energy more efficiently. Mg3Sb2-based alloys have recently attracted considerable interest from the thermoelectric community due to their nontoxic nature, abundance of constituent elements and excellent mechanical and thermoelectric properties. However, robust modules based on Mg3Sb2 have progressed less rapidly. Here, we develop multiple-pair thermoelectric modules consisting of both n-type and p-type Mg3Sb2-based alloys. Thermoelectric legs based on the same parent fit into each other in terms of thermomechanical properties, facilitating module fabrication and ensuring low thermal stress. By adopting a suitable diffusion barrier layer and developing a new joining technique, an integrated all-Mg3Sb2-based module demonstrates a high efficiency of 7.5% at a temperature difference of 380 K, exceeding the state-of-the-art same-parent thermoelectric modules. Moreover, the efficiency remains stable during 150 thermal cycling shocks (∼225 h), demonstrating excellent module reliability.
Consumer research on bioplastics: A systematic review
Authors: Weinrich Ramona , Herbes Carsten 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Bioplastics have gained increasing importance in academia and industry. However, a key to market success is consumer acceptance and use of such bioplastics. In this review, we analyze thirty-four papers with a focus on B2C consumer research following the PRISMA protocol. We evaluated the papers quantitatively by using a category system and carried out a qualitative content analysis. Attitudes and values were the most researched consumer-related factors with the clearest effect on consumer behavior, while socio-demographics showed no or little effect. Product-related factors were mostly related to material and its geographic origin, price, and certification. The recommendations from the literature were as follows: educate consumers, raise their awareness, and use labels. The role of policy makers is mainly seen in standard-setting. We call for studies that take a cross-national and cross-product perspective, cover products beyond packaging, include China, India, and other developing countries, use qualitative designs, and make attempts at theory-building.
PHANTOM AND CLINICAL STUDIES ON LOW-DOSE CT PROTOCOL FOR APPLICATOR RECONSTRUCTION IN THREE-DIMENSIONAL BRACHYTHERAPY USING SIZE-SPECIFIC DOSE ESTIMATES BASED ON WATER EQUIVALENT DIAMETER
Authors: Tan Lei , Li Kemin , Huang Huiqiong , Jia Fenglin , Ning Gang 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
To verify the feasibility of low-dose computed tomography (CT) protocol for applicator reconstruction in three-dimensional brachytherapy among patients of different sizes, using size-specific dose estimate based on water equivalent diameter (SSDEdw) in phantom and clinical studies. Pre-scans of a female pelvic phantom were followed by reconstruction of each image set with iDose4 levels 3–5. Imaging data from 64 cervical cancer patients were divided into low, standard and high weight groups. Among two to five CT scans required for applicator reconstruction, the first scan was adopted by routine-dose CT protocol (tube voltage = 120 kV, tube current-exposure time product = 320 mA.s) and the remaining by low-dose CT protocol (tube voltage = 120 kV, tube current-exposure time product = 80 mA.s). The SSDEdw and image quality parameters were compared among the groups, and correlations between SSDEdw and body mass index, area of reference plane (AreaROI3) and mean CT value of reference plane (CTROI3) were analyzed. According to the phantom test results, we determined tube voltage to 120 kV and tube current-exposure time product to 80 mA.s as the low-dose protocol. Clinical study revealed no statistically significant differences in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-noise-ratio (CNR) between low-dose and routine-dose CT in Groups A and B; in Group C, these were significantly lower in the former. The SSDEdw was significantly lower under low-dose than routine-dose protocol in all groups, with strong negative correlation with BMI and AreaROI3 in Groups A and B and moderate-to-strong negative correlation in Group C. Because of the characteristics of three-dimensional brachytherapy, in patients with BMI &lt; 24.0 kg per m2, low-dose CT protocol can minimize radiation exposure and achieve precise, individualized treatment.
A meta-analysis of the relation between dream content and memory consolidation
Authors: Hudachek Lauren , Wamsley Erin J 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The frequent appearance of newly learned information in dreams suggests that dream content is influenced by memory consolidation. Many studies have tested this hypothesis by asking whether dreaming about a learning task is associated with improved memory, but results have been inconsistent. We conducted a meta-analysis to determine the strength of the association between learning-related dreams and post-sleep memory improvement. We searched the literature for studies that (1) trained participants on a pre-sleep learning task and then tested their memory after sleep, and (2) associated post-sleep memory improvement with the extent to which dreams incorporated learning task content. Sixteen studies qualified for inclusion, which together reported 45 effects. Integrating across effects, we report a strong and statistically significant association between task-related dreaming and memory performance (SMD = 0.51 [95% CI 0.28, 0.74], p &lt; 0.001). Among studies using polysomnography, this relationship was statistically significant for dreams collected from non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep (n = 10) but not for dreams collected from rapid eye movement (REM) sleep (n = 12). There was a significant association between dreaming and memory for all types of learning tasks studied. This meta-analysis provides further evidence that dreaming about a learning task is associated with improved memory performance, suggesting that dream content may be an indication of memory consolidation. Furthermore, we report preliminary evidence that the relationship between dreaming and memory may be stronger in NREM sleep compared to REM.
Advantage conferred by overnight sleep on schema-related memory may last only a day
Authors: Golkashani Hosein Aghayan , Ghorbani Shohreh , Leong Ruth L F , Ong Ju Lynn , Chee Michael W L 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Study Objectives
Sleep contributes to declarative memory consolidation. Independently, schemas benefit memory. Here we investigated how sleep compared with active wake benefits schema consolidation 12 and 24 hours after initial learning.

Methods
Fifty-three adolescents (age: 15–19 years) randomly assigned into sleep and active wake groups participated in a schema-learning protocol based on transitive inference (i.e. If B &gt; C and C &gt; D then B &gt; D). Participants were tested immediately after learning and following 12-, and 24-hour intervals of wake or sleep for both the adjacent (e.g. B–C, C–D; relational memory) and inference pairs: (e.g.: B–D, B–E, and C–E). Memory performance following the respective 12- and 24-hour intervals were analyzed using a mixed ANOVA with schema (schema, no-schema) as the within-participant factor, and condition (sleep, wake) as the between-participant factor.

Results
Twelve hours after learning, there were significant main effects of condition (sleep, wake) and schema, as well as a significant interaction, whereby schema-related memory was significantly better in the sleep condition compared to wake. Higher sleep spindle density was most consistently associated with greater overnight schema-related memory benefit. After 24 hours, the memory advantage of initial sleep was diminished.

Conclusions
Overnight sleep preferentially benefits schema-related memory consolidation following initial learning compared with active wake, but this advantage may be eroded after a subsequent night of sleep. This is possibly due to delayed consolidation that might occur during subsequent sleep opportunities in the wake group.

Clinical Trial Information
Name: Investigating Preferred Nap Schedules for Adolescents (NFS5) URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04044885. Registration: NCT04044885
Association between widespread pain and associated symptoms in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Holman Alexis , Parikh Neehar D. , Zhao Zhe , Nikirk Samantha , Clauw Daniel J. , Williams David A. , Tapper Elliot B. 
Published: April 2023

Background:
Chronic pain is common in cirrhosis; however, the mechanistic classifications are not well characterized. Nociplastic pain, for instance, is associated with comorbid nonpain symptoms and responds to different treatments than nociceptive pain.

Methods:
We conducted a survey study in February 2022 of adult patients with cirrhosis at the University of Michigan (N = 238) to evaluate pain widespreadedness, associated nociplastic symptoms, and pain intensity.

Findings:
Pain and pain widespreadedness were associated with mood and cognitive disturbance, fatigue, sleep difficulty, and physical and social functioning. Patient-reported Outcomes, such as body maps, can be useful to phenotype patients for pain mechanisms.
Hepatocyte differentiation from mouse liver ductal organoids by transducing 4 liver-specific transcription factors
Authors: Tomofuji Katsuhiro , Kondo Jumpei , Onuma Kunishige , Coppo Roberto , Horie Hiroshi , Oyama Koki , Miyoshi Eiji , Fukumitsu Ken , Ishii Takamichi , Hatano Etsuro , Inoue Masahiro 
Published: April 2023

Background:
Hepatocyte sources that are expandable in vitro are required for liver regenerative medicine and to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the physiological functions of the liver. Liver ductal organoids (LDOs) comprise liver tissue stem cells with a bipotential capacity to differentiate into hepatocyte and cholangiocyte lineages and can thus serve as a hepatocyte source. However, using current differentiation methods, LDOs differentiate into immature hepatocytes while retaining strong cholangiocyte characteristics. We thus investigated an alternative differentiation method for LDOs to achieve hepatocyte maturation.

Methods:
We extracted 12 candidate transcription factors to induce hepatocyte differentiation by comparing their gene expression in LDOs and liver tissues. After evaluating the effects of these transcription factors on LDOs, we analyzed the comprehensive gene expression profile, protein expression, and hepatic function in the transduced organoids.

Results:
We identified a combination of 4 transcription factors, Hnf4a, Foxa1, Prox1, and Hlf, which upregulated hepatic lineage markers and downregulated cholangiocyte markers. Differentiation-induced LDOs showed more hepatocyte-specific characteristics than those with the conventional method, enhancing the transition from cholangiocyte to hepatocyte lineage and hepatic functions, such as liver-specific protein synthesis, lipid droplet deposition, and ammonia detoxification.

Conclusions:
Transduction of the 4 transcription factors (Hnf4a, Foxa1, Prox1, and Hlf) is a promising strategy to promote the differentiation of LDOs to obtain mature hepatocyte-like cells with better functionality.
Semaphorin 3C exacerbates liver fibrosis
Authors: De Angelis Rigotti Francesca , Wiedmann Lena , Hubert Max Ole , Vacca Margherita , Hasan Sana S. , Moll Iris , Carvajal Silvia , Jiménez Wladimiro , Starostecka Maja , Billeter Adrian T. , Müller-Stich Beat , Wolff Gretchen , Ekim-Üstünel Bilgen , Herzig Stephan , Fandos-Ramo Cristina , Krätzner Ralph , Reich Maria , Keitel-Anselmino Verena , Heikenwälder Mathias , Mogler Carolin , Fischer Andreas , Rodriguez-Vita Juan 
Published: April 2023

Background and Aims:
Chronic liver disease is a growing epidemic, leading to fibrosis and cirrhosis. TGF-β is the pivotal profibrogenic cytokine that activates HSC, yet other molecules can modulate TGF-β signaling during liver fibrosis. Expression of the axon guidance molecules semaphorins (SEMAs), which signal through plexins and neuropilins (NRPs), have been associated with liver fibrosis in HBV-induced chronic hepatitis. This study aims at determining their function in the regulation of HSCs.

Approach and Results:
We analyzed publicly available patient databases and liver biopsies. We used transgenic mice, in which genes are deleted only in activated HSCs to perform ex vivo analysis and animal models. SEMA3C is the most enriched member of the semaphorin family in liver samples from patients with cirrhosis. Higher expression of SEMA3C in patients with NASH, alcoholic hepatitis, or HBV-induced hepatitis discriminates those with a more profibrotic transcriptomic profile. SEMA3C expression is also elevated in different mouse models of liver fibrosis and in isolated HSCs on activation. In keeping with this, deletion of SEMA3C in activated HSCs reduces myofibroblast marker expression. Conversely, SEMA3C overexpression exacerbates TGF-β-mediated myofibroblast activation, as shown by increased SMAD2 phosphorylation and target gene expression. Among SEMA3C receptors, only NRP2 expression is maintained on activation of isolated HSCs. Interestingly, lack of NRP2 in those cells reduces myofibroblast marker expression. Finally, deletion of either SEMA3C or NRP2, specifically in activated HSCs, reduces liver fibrosis in mice.

Conclusion:
SEMA3C is a novel marker for activated HSCs that plays a fundamental role in the acquisition of the myofibroblastic phenotype and liver fibrosis.
Morning blood pressure surge as a predictor of cardiovascular events in patients with hypertension
Authors: Renna Nicolás Federico , Ramirez Jesica Magalí , Murua Mario , Bernasconi Pablo Andrés , Repetto Juan Martin , Verdugo Rodrigo Alejandro , Farez Beder Gustavo , Miatello Roberto Miguel , Diez Emiliano Raúl 
Published: April 2023

Background
The prognostic value of ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring (ABPM) is poorly understood in Latin American populations.

Methods
A prospective observational study was conducted on 1339 patients with hypertension who underwent 24-h BP monitoring between 2015 and 2019. The incidence of serious adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) was analysed using a Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for potential confounders. Three previously reported morning surge definitions were evaluated for SBP and DBP using different ABPM components: sleep-through morning surge, pre-awakening, and morning night-time difference.

Results
The mean age was 62 years, 52% were female, 32.8% had dyslipidaemia, 27.2% were smokers, and 7.8% had diabetes. During a median follow-up period of 32 months, 197 MACE occurred. In men, the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) was 1.84 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.35–2.49; P < 0.001). The HR increased to 2.03 (95% CI, 1.89–2.17; P < 0.001) with a cut-off value of 35 mmHg for a 10 mmHg increase in sleep-through morning surge. The increased adjusted HR associated with the morning rise persisted for each secondary endpoint, including 21 cardiovascular deaths [HR: 2.70 (95% CI, 2.03–3.60; P < 0.001)], 78 myocardial infarctions [HR: 1.92 (95% CI, 1.72–2.15; P < 0.001)], 24 hospitalisations for heart failure [HR: 1.77 (95% CI, 1.48–2.12; P < 0.001)], 22 strokes [HR: 2.32 (95% CI, 1.85–2.91; P < 0.001)], and 52 atrial fibrillations [HR: 1.94 (95% CI, 1.71–2.20; P < 0.001)].

Conclusion
The morning BP rise was the most important circadian prognostic factor for MACE in patients with hypertension, which deserves more attention.
Investigation of effective invasive blood pressure control methods to prevent acute exacerbation of acute aortic dissection
Authors: Inoue Naoya , Ohinata Ryo , Mishina Takashi , Kumihashi Hiroki , Hiramatsu Takehiro , Ogane Takashi , Takayama Yohei , Morikawa Shuji 
Published: April 2023

Background
Acute aortic dissection is associated with high mortality and increased risk of complications. Acute exacerbations have a relatively high frequency; however, the contributing factors are unclear. Blood pressure (BP) and heart rate control are important factors, but the ideal BP control strategy to prevent acute exacerbations under invasive arterial pressure monitoring remains unclear. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to determine the relationship between invasive arterial BP and the effects of acute exacerbation of aortic dissection.

Methods and results
This single-centre, retrospective, case-control study included 104 patients with a partial diagnosis of acute aortic dissection (Stanford type A or B) who were treated conservatively between September 2013 and September 2022. The patients were divided into exacerbation (acute exacerbation; n = 26) and stable (no acute deterioration) groups. The SBP trend (122.5 ± 13.1 vs. 116.6 ± 10.6 mmHg, respectively; P = 0.024) and mean BP trend (77.8 ± 5.8 vs. 74.4 ± 7.5 mmHg, respectively; P = 0.038) significantly differed between the two groups. The time to target BP was significantly longer in the exacerbation group (P = 0.036).

Conclusion
The exacerbation group did not achieve a mean SBP < 120 mmHg. Moreover, the importance of early BP reduction was demonstrated in the present study.
Lumbar disc rehydration after dynamic stabilization: A systematic review
Authors: Wang Wenqiao , Huang Weimin , Yu Xiuchun , Wang Lei , Xu Xiaoduo 
Published: April 2023

Background:Interbody fusion combined with posterior screw fixation is a traditional method used for treating lumbar degenerative disease (LDD). But in recent years, there have been more and more reports about its complications. Dynamic Stabilization Systems (DSS) are another method for the treatment of LDD, but the clinical results are still inconclusive. The objective of this study is to review, analyze, and discuss the probability of disc rehydration by DSS designed for LDD by systematically reviewing previous relevant studies.Methods:The Pubmed, Web of Science, and Embase databases were searched using keywords for articles published before June 2022. The following keywords were used: rehydration, rehydrated, lumbar, spine, disc, spinal, degenerative disc disease, degenerative spine disease, vertebrae, vertebral column, thoracolumbar, and lumbosacral. The included studies were printed in English. Two independent investigators compiled all data. For the quality assessment, the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate case–control studies, while the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist was used to evaluate the case series studies.Results:This systematic review included 7 studies comprised of 5 case series and 2 case–control studies. Seven articles involving 199 cases were enrolled for the data extraction. Of the 199 cases, 55 cases observed rehydration, as evaluated by Pfrimann grading on magnetic resonance imaging. The rehydration rate was 27.6% (55/199). DSS can provide positive clinical outcomes. Both visual analog scale and Oswestry Dysfunctional Index scores were significantly improved at the final follow-up.Conclusion:DSS may promote disc rehydration and delay the development of LDD to some extent. Mechanical stretch may play an important role in the progress of intervertebral disc rehydration. It provides important evidence for the clinical application of DSS.