bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Mercenary
Authors: Kinsey Christopher 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Ever since the French Revolution and the rise of national armies, the mercenary has been viewed as a maligned and marginalized actor in International Relations. This book challenges this view, suggesting instead that while relegated to the periphery of great power competition, he remained a coercive instrument of state power who was willing to discreetly promote his client’s foreign policy when called upon to do so. Never has this been more evident than today. The start of the twenty-first century has seen renewed interest in the mercenary from across the political spectrum. The growing reliance by the USA, Russia, and China on military and security contractors suggests that the mercenary remains a key player in international politics, now emerging from the shadows to help expand state influence on the world stage by serving as an important actor in the conduct of conflict and the winning of small wars. Far from being marginalized, the twenty-first century mercenary has an increasingly active future both in overtly supporting the deployment of state military power, and in more opaque arenas of conflict or influence such as operations other than war.
Influence of the distribution position and arrangement of micro-textured on the performance of the hydrostatic bearing
Authors: Chen Dongju , Sun Yueqiang , Zhao You , Sun Kun , Fan Jinwei 
Published: July 2023

Purpose
The accuracy of the machining process is significantly impacted by the performance of hydrostatic bearings. This paper aims to analyze the influence of micro-textured on the performance of the hydrostatic bearing, and the performance of the bearing is improved by designing the arrangement of micro-textured.

Design/methodology/approach
Different designs have been used while creating micro-textured bearings. The finite element models of bearing with smooth and micro-textured were established and solved using the computational fluid dynamics method. The arrangement scheme of the micro-textured was evaluated by comparing the influence of the distribution position and arrangement of the micro-textured on the bearing performance.

Findings
To improve the performance of the bearing, the bearing capacity was significantly increased, and the friction coefficient of the bearing was decreased when the micro-textured was distributed in the form of an obtuse angle arrangement in the maximum pressure area of the bearing. The experimental findings validate the analysis method.

Originality/value
In this paper, the effect of irregularly arranged micro-textured on bearing performance is investigated to improve the bearing capacity and lubrication status.
Neonatal mortality among preterm infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units in India and Pakistan: A prospective study
Authors: Saleem Sarah , Tikmani Shiyam Sunder , Goudar Shivaprasad S. , Hwang Kay , Dhaded Sangappa , Guruprasad Gowder , Nadig Naveen G. , Kusagur Varun B. , Patil Lingaraja Gowda C. , Siddartha E. S. , Yogeshkumar S. , Somannavar Manjunath S. , Roujani Sana , Khan Mashal , Shaikh Mehmood , Hanif Muhammad , Bann Carla M. , McClure Elizabeth M. , Goldenberg Robert L. ,   the PURPOSE Study Group
Published: July 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo explore potential reasons for differences in preterm neonatal mortality in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in India and Pakistan.DesignA prospective observational study, the Project to Understand and Research Stillbirth and Preterms in Southeast Asia (PURPOSe) was conducted July 2018 to February 2020.SettingThree hospitals in Davangere, India, and a large public hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.PopulationOf a total of 3,202 preterm infants enrolled, 1,512 were admitted to a study NICU.MethodsWe collected data for neonates, including length of stay, diagnoses, and diagnostic tests.Main outcome measuresNeonatal mortality, tests performed, diagnoses ascertained.ResultsFor infants of equivalent weights and gestational ages, neonatal mortality in Pakistan was twice that in the Indian NICU. The mean newborn length of stay in Pakistan was 2 days compared with 10 days for India. Fewer diagnostics and other investigations were used to determine neonatal condition or guide treatment in the Pakistani NICU. Because of limited information from testing in Pakistan concerning clinical respiratory distress, respiratory distress syndrome appeared to be over‐diagnosed, whereas other conditions including pneumonia, sepsis, necrotising entercolitis and intraventricular haemorrhage were rarely diagnosed.ConclusionIn the Pakistani site, the limited resources available to the NICU appeared related to a shorter length of stay and decreased diagnostic testing, likely explaining the higher mortality. With improved care, reduction in mortality among preterm neonates should be achievable.
Reproductive interference is stronger than expected in Heliconius butterflies
Authors: Klein André Luis , de Araújo Aldo Mellender 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn animals, reproductive interference associated with mimicry can result in the evolution of private communication channels, as suggested for Heliconius butterflies, where cryptic color wavelength would drive male preference for conspecific over intergeneric co‐mimics. Here, we tested this hypothesis in two co‐mimic pairs (intra and intergeneric) and measured the efficacy and symmetry of color pattern as a reproductive barrier in a non‐co‐mimic, possibly hybridizing pair of Heliconius species. We conducted pairwise experiments of preference where a group of males was presented to a conspecific and heterospecific female model made with real wings and free of chemical volatiles. We did not detect any indication of the expected use of cryptic recognition signals to mate choice in the intergeneric co‐mimic pair. Additionally, we detected an unexpected male preference for heterospecific female models between intrageneric co‐mimics towards the species with larger red patches, suggesting a supernormal stimulus based on a general preference for the red color. Finally, we found an asymmetry in the behavioral reproductive barrier between the non‐co‐mimic closely related species that also agrees with the hypothesis of a general preference for red and with an expected permeability of the reproductive barrier between them. Since the costs imposed by heterospecific courtships can limit the convergence of signaling phenotypes, our results contribute to explaining the maintenance of multiple aposematic color pattern between unpalatable and closely related sympatric Heliconius species.
Using 3D virtual fitting room stimuli to enhance older adults' spatial visualization skills
Authors: Hwang Chanmi , Feng Jing 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis study examines how three‐dimensional virtual fitting room (VFR) stimuli can influence older adults' spatial visualization abilities. A total of 821 adults aged 60 and older participated in the online study. Paper folding tests were administered before and after exposure to interactive, screen‐based VFR stimuli. The results showed that the stimuli led to greater training gains in the experimental group. Lower pre‐test scores were predictive of a greater training gain and there was no gender difference in the training gain. Findings contribute to providing strategies to positively influence spatial visualization abilities for older adults using the VFR stimuli.
Horse racing: Unnatural selection in the renaissance
Authors: Cooley Mackenzie 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis article uses the renaissance culture of horse racing as a window into the practices and language of breeding, artifice, and race. The popularpalioracing circuit brought local and foreign horses into Italian city centers to test their speed. Racing culture, and other formal and informal competitions related to animals incentivized the development of specialized horse breeds calledrazzein Italian; this term is a precursor of the modern English “race.” To make these animals, renaissance patrons and animal experts engaged in unnatural selection. Their selective breeding efforts committed more to growing than weeding, aimed to create horses as works of art, branded animals so that they would be recognizable and cemented a discourse of race that emphasized the reproductive and training work of sponsored experts. This synthetic overview meditates on the transhistorical language of breeding and the consequences of excluding animals from our historical understanding of the making of the idea of race.
The discursive construction of language ownership and responsibility for Indigenous language revitalisation
Authors: Ting Chien Ju 
Published: July 2023

AbstractUnpacking the possible ramification of how ownership of language and the responsibility of language revitalisation is perceived and how this may impact language revitalisation, this study uses a critical discourse studies approach to examine how the speakers negotiate their language ownership, which eventually leads to the question ‘who is responsible for language revitalisation’. The data of this study comes from semi‐structured interviews with 11 Indigenous participants in Taiwan. The findings suggest that, when deciding who can ‘do’ language revitalisation, only those who are deemed legitimate by the speakers have the power to act. However, the speakers view the non‐Indigenous speakers as potential speakers and, thus, were also assigned language revitalisation responsibility. Thus, by encouraging non‐Indigenous speakers to become speakers of an Indigenous language via language acquisition, language ownership is shared. This study shows the complexity of how the speakers negotiate language ownership and how this has an impact on language revitalisation efforts.
Ultrasonographic measurement of gallbladder wall thickness in fasted dogs without signs of hepatobiliary disease
Authors: Martinez Carlos , Davies Daniel , Hoey Séamus , Shiel Robert E. , O'Neill Emma J. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundUltrasound‐determined gallbladder wall thickness is widely used to aid in the diagnosis of gallbladder disease, but no reference values supported by published measurement data are available in dogs.Hypothesis/ObjectiveEstablish normal thickness of the gallbladder wall in dogs.AnimalsFifty‐three dogs presented to a referral hospital and required abdominal ultrasound examination for reasons unrelated to primary hepatobiliary disease.MethodsCross‐sectional observational study recruiting dogs requiring abdominal ultrasound examination. A standard sequence of gallbladder wall images was recorded for later review. Inclusion criteria were normal ultrasonographic hepatobiliary, pancreatic, and small intestinal findings. Exclusion was determined by 2 European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ECVIM)‐certified veterinary internists blinded to gallbladder wall thickness data. Dogs were excluded if they had inadequate medical records, a previous history of hepatobiliary, gastrointestinal, or pancreatic disease likely to impact the biliary system (eg, chronic vomiting, nausea, jaundice, diarrhea), unexplained increases in liver enzyme activities, hypoalbuminemia, or ascites. Gallbladder wall thickness was determined by 2 European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging (ECVDI)‐certified veterinary radiologists working together to generate a consensus for each dog. The final output was the maximum normal wall thickness for this population of dogs.ResultsThe upper limit for gallbladder wall thickness in 53 fasted (8 hours) dogs <40 kg was 1.30 mm (90% confidence interval, 1.19‐1.41).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceNormal gallbladder wall thickness in dogs is lower than previously reported. Additional studies are required to determine potential effects of body weight and the optimal cut‐off to distinguish between healthy and diseased gallbladders.
Dating during the time of COVID‐19: Risk perceptions and political ideology
Authors: Kellogg Danielle L. , DeHart Tracy , Peterson Julie Longua , Hamilton Hannah R. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis study examined predictors of single people's beliefs about COVID prevention behaviors, intentions to engage in COVID prevention behaviors while dating, and actual dating behavior during the pandemic. Results revealed that single participants engaged in “riskier” dating behaviors (i.e., in‐person unmasked) more frequently than “safer” dating behaviors (i.e., remote, or in‐person masked/distanced). Individuals who perceived greater (vs. lesser) risk associated with COVID more strongly endorsed beliefs about social distancing (self and other) and were more likely to personally (or request others) engage in COVID prevention behaviors while dating. However, perceived risk did not predict actual dating behaviors. Conservatives (vs. liberals) less strongly endorsed beliefs about social distancing (for others, but not the self) and were less likely to personally (or request others) engage in COVID prevention behaviors while dating. Conservatives also reported meeting potential romantic partners more frequently than liberals. However, political ideology did not predict actual dating behaviors. Results suggest there is a disconnect between college students' beliefs/intentions and their actual dating behavior. These results demonstrate the importance of developing public health interventions that take into account the disconnect between college students' health‐related intentions and actual behaviors, particularly in the context of dating.
A Numerical Study on the Ballistic Performance of Projectiles Formed by Shaped Charge
Authors: Göçmen Yağmur , Erdogan Can , Yalçinkaya Tuncay 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
In this work, a numerical analysis of shaped charge impact process is conducted to investigate the jet formation process and its penetration performance on metal targets. Numerical results are compared with experimental data from published literature for liners made up of copper and iron. Conical and bowl-shaped liner geometries are simulated with various configurations to observe their effects on projectile shape and penetration capability using the finite element (FE) method. The exact shape of the explosively formed projectile at the onset of impact is modeled as a rigid 3D body to simulate the penetration process. #45 and Armox 500T steels are used as the target materials, and the material behavior and failure mechanisms are modeled using the Johnson–Cook (JC) plasticity and damage models. In addition to the FE method, smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) is utilized as well to evaluate its capacity in predicting the failure behavior of the metal targets. It is concluded that the FE method outperforms the SPH method at predicting failure modes, while SPH can still be used to predict residual velocity and hole diameters. Armox 500T demonstrates a higher impact resistance compared to #45 steel. Liner geometry is found to significantly affect penetration performance. Sharper and thinner projectiles formed from liners with small cone angles are shown to be highly efficient in penetrating through armor steel targets.
Deletion of the Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 Channel Attenuates Sympathoexcitation and Hypertension and Improves Glomerular Filtration Rate in 2-Kidney-1-Clip Rats
Authors: Stocker Sean D. , Sullivan Jacob B. 
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND:
Renal denervation lowers arterial blood pressure in both clinical populations and multiple experimental models of hypertension. This therapeutic effect is partly attributed to the removal of overactive renal sensory nerves. The TRPV1 (transient receptor potential vanilloid 1) channel is highly expressed in renal sensory nerves and detects changes in noxious and mechanosensitive stimuli, pH, and chemokines. However, the extent to which TRPV1 channels contribute to 2-kidney-1-clip (2K1C) renovascular hypertension has not been tested.

METHODS:

We generated a novel Trpv1
−/−
(TRPV1 knockout) rat using CRISPR/Cas9 and 26-bp deletion in exon 3 and induced 2K1C hypertension.

RESULTS:

The majority (85%) of rat renal sensory neurons retrogradely labeled from the kidney were TRPV1-positive. Trpv1
−/−
rats lacked TRPV1 immunofluorescence in the dorsal root ganglia, had a delayed tail-flick response to hot but not cold water, and lacked an afferent renal nerve activity response to intrarenal infusion of the TRPV1 agonist capsaicin. Interestingly, 2K1C hypertension was significantly attenuated in male Trpv1
−/−
versus wild-type rats. 2K1C hypertension significantly increased the depressor response to ganglionic blockade, total renal nerve activity (efferent and afferent), and afferent renal nerve activity in wild-type rats, but these responses were attenuated in male Trpv1
−/−
rats. 2K1C hypertension was attenuated in female rats with no differences between female strains. Finally, glomerular filtration rate was reduced by 2K1C in wild-type rats but improved in Trpv1
−/−
rats.

CONCLUSIONS:
These findings suggest that renovascular hypertension requires activation of the TRPV1 channel to elevate renal afferent and sympathetic nerve activity, reduce glomerular filtration rate, and increase arterial blood pressure.
NT-proBNP level as a substitute for myocardial perfusion scan in preoperative cardiovascular risk assessment in noncardiac surgery
Authors: Esmati Saeede , Tavoosi Anahita , Mehrban Saghar , Laleh Far Vahideh , Mehrakizadeh Ali , Shahi Shayan , Larti Farnoosh 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Preoperative cardiovascular risk assessment is one of the main principles before noncardiac surgeries. Cardiac stress imaging, such as myocardial perfusion scan (MPS), is a proposed cardiovascular risk evaluation method according to the latest guidelines. Yet, its efficacy, along with the cost-effectiveness of the method, has been questioned in previous studies. Our study aims to evaluate the utility of N-terminal pro-b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level measurement in predicting postoperative cardiovascular complications in candidates who have undergone an MPS before surgery and compare the results.

Methods
A cohort of 80 patients with a revised cardiac risk index score of one or more who were scheduled for moderate to high-risk noncardiac surgeries and met the criteria to undergo an MPS for risk assessment were included in the study. All of them underwent an MPS one week before surgery. Their preoperative NT-proBNP, troponin levels, and electrocardiograms were obtained one day before surgery and again on day three postoperative. The predictive efficacy of NT-proBNP levels and MPS were compared.

Results
Seventy-eight patients underwent surgery, three of which exhibited a rise in troponin level, six showed changes on electrocardiogram, and pulmonary edema was detected in one, three days after surgery. There was no mortality in our patients. The sensitivity and specificity of the MPS for predicting postoperative cardiovascular complications were 100% and 66%, respectively. MPS also had a positive predictive value of 20% and a negative predictive value of 100% in our study. A 332.5 pg/ml cut-off value for NT-proBNP level yielded a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 79.2%, positive predictive value of 40%, and negative predictive value of 100%.

Conclusions
Our study reveals the incremental specificity and positive predictive value of NT-proBNP level measurement in preoperative cardiovascular risk evaluation compared to MPS. Given the low feasibility, high costs, and disappointing predictive value of MPS, preoperative NT-proBNP level assessment can be substituted. This method can assist anesthesiologists and surgeons with precisely detecting at-risk patients resulting in taking proper measures to reduce the morbidity and mortality of the proposed patients before and during surgeries.
Addressing the Global Expertise Gap in Radiation Oncology: The Radiation Planning Assistant
Authors: Court Laurence , Aggarwal Ajay , Burger Hester , Cardenas Carlos , Chung Christine , Douglas Raphael , du Toit Monique , Jaffray David , Jhingran Anuja , Mejia Michael , Mumme Raymond , Muya Sikudhani , Naidoo Komeela , Ndumbalo Jerry , Nealon Kelly , Netherton Tucker , Nguyen Callistus , Olanrewaju Niki , Parkes Jeannette , Shaw Willie , Trauernicht Christoph , Xu Melody , Yang Jinzhong , Zhang Lifei , Simonds Hannah , Beadle Beth M. 
Published: July 2023

PURPOSE Automation, including the use of artificial intelligence, has been identified as a possible opportunity to help reduce the gap in access and quality for radiotherapy and other aspects of cancer care. The Radiation Planning Assistant (RPA) project was conceived in 2015 (and funded in 2016) to use automated contouring and treatment planning algorithms to support the efforts of oncologists in low- and middle-income countries, allowing them to scale their efforts and treat more patients safely and efficiently (to increase access). DESIGN In this review, we discuss the development of the RPA, with a particular focus on clinical acceptability and safety/risk across jurisdictions as these are important indicators for the successful future deployment of the RPA to increase radiotherapy availability and ameliorate global disparities in access to radiation oncology. RESULTS RPA tools will be offered through a webpage, where users can upload computed tomography data sets and download automatically generated contours and treatment plans. All interfaces have been designed to maximize ease of use and minimize risk. The current version of the RPA includes automated contouring and planning for head and neck cancer, cervical cancer, breast cancer, and metastases to the brain. CONCLUSION The RPA has been designed to bring high-quality treatment planning to more patients across the world, and it may encourage greater investment in treatment devices and other aspects of cancer treatment.
How to set up an in-house nurse-led colorectal Lynch syndrome clinic
Authors: Carvalho Filipe , Koziel Anna , Monje-Garcia Laura 
Published: July 2023

The NHS long term plan sets a target that by 2028, 75% of cancers will be diagnosed at an early stage. One of the ways this ambition will be reached is through targeted screening and personalised surveillance of those most at risk of developing cancer, such as those with Lynch syndrome. This article outlines the essential steps to consider when setting up and managing an in-house nurse-led colorectal Lynch syndrome clinic. It highlights the educational requirements, patient criteria, the importance of thorough planning and the need to liaise-on with key stakeholders.
Tuina (Chinese massage) for insulin resistance and sensitivity: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis of animal and human studies
Authors: Zhao Zhixuan , Yan Jun , Ding Yuxin , Wang Yingji , Li Yan 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionInsulin resistance (IR) could be regarded as a therapeutic target for metabolic diseases. Therefore, multiple therapeutic strategies that target IR should be applied to provide a more effective means of treatment. It aims to determine Tuina’s efficacy and safety for IR through this systematic review and meta-analysis.MethodsFrom the inception to July 31, 2023, we will search four English databases (Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science) and two Chinese databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure and the Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database). We will search and include studies of both human and animal models that evaluate Tuina’s effects on insulin sensitivity or resistance. Data selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment will be made by two independent reviewers. We will evaluate the methodological quality of all included studies and conduct meta-analyses using Review Manager Software 5.4.1.DiscussionIn both animal and human studies, the effects and safety of Tuina for IR will be evaluated. The evidence generated bythis study will validate effects and safety of Tuinain treating IR and inform future research and clinical decision-making.Trail registrationPROSPERO Registration ID:CRD42022360128.