bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of multiplex RT‐ddPCR assays for detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 and other common respiratory virus infections
Authors: Leong Nathaniel K. C. , Gu Haogao , Ng Daisy Y. M. , Chang Lydia D. J. , Krishnan Pavithra , Cheng Samuel S. M. , Peiris Malik , Poon Leo L. M. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundMeasures for mitigation of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) were set to reduce the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). SARS‐CoV‐2 and other respiratory viruses share similar transmission routes and some common clinical manifestations. Co‐circulation of SARS‐CoV‐2 and other common respiratory viruses is imminent. Therefore, development of multiplex assays for detecting these respiratory viruses is essential for being prepared for future outbreaks of respiratory viruses.MethodsA panel of three reverse transcription droplet digital PCR (RT‐ddPCR) assays were developed to detect 15 different human respiratory viruses. Evaluations of its performance were demonstrated. A total of 100 local and 98 imported COVID‐19 cases in Hong Kong were screened for co‐infection with other common respiratory viruses.ResultsAll detected viral targets showed distinct signal clusters using the multiplex RT‐ddPCR assays. These assays have a broad range of linearity and good intra‐/inter‐assay reproducibility for each target. The lower limits of quantification for all targets were ≤46 copies per reaction. Six imported cases of COVID‐19 were found to be co‐infected with other respiratory viruses, whereas no local case of co‐infection was observed.ConclusionsThe multiplex RT‐ddPCR assays were demonstrated to be useful for screening of respiratory virus co‐infections. The strict preventive measures applied in Hong Kong may be effective in limiting the circulation of other human respiratory viruses. The multiplex assays developed in this study can achieve a robust detection method for clinical and research purposes.
Shaping Interstate Decision‐Making? Framing as a Persuasive Tactic in Transnational Climate Governance
Authors: Carbune Anatolie 
Published: December 2022

AbstractSmall hydropower plants (SHPs) are posing a significant risk to the environment in Europe, whilst their contribution to the energy sector is rather low. This article is examining civil society organisations (CSOs) lobbying activity, during 2017–2018, on opposing the construction of SHPs in Ukraine and Moldova. It is argued that CSOs framed their cause as a legal issue, and not just as an environmental one, aiming at amplifying their persuasive power. First, it is analysed how CSOs framed their cause when interacting with citizens and media, and second, with international organisations. Framing is systematically studied based on media content analysis in both countries and on reports published by CSOs within the Eastern Partnership framework. The findings contribute to a better understanding of framing, by bridging the literature on social movement and transnational climate governance.
Sociopolitical development and social identities
Authors: Watts Roderick J. , Halkovic Alexis 
Published: December 2022

AbstractIn the past decade, interest and research on critical consciousness has increased dramatically. This commentary updates and expands Sociopolitical Development Theory by Watts and Flanagan (Journal of Community Psychology, 35, 2007, 1), elaborating on elements of the theory and linking them to liberation praxis. Expansion included research of the interplay of social identity and Critical Social Analysis (CSA) (i.e., the deconstruction of oppression's causes and effects through a political lens). This exploratory, qualitative project analyzed narratives written by young adults seeking admission to a training program for community‐organizers. The result was a framework of “Viewpoints” relevant to programming for adolescents. Sample quotes illustrate how combinations of CSA and social identities can enrich sociopolitical development and are enriched by intersectionalities.
Modeling vital rates and age‐sex structure of Pacific Arctic phocids: influence on aerial survey correction factors
Authors: Conn Paul B. , Trukhanova Irina S. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractTo estimate abundance, surveys of marine mammals often rely on samples of satellite‐tagged individuals to correct counts for the proportion of animals that are unavailable to be detected. However, naïve application of this correction relies on the key assumption that availability of the tagged sample resembles that of the population. Here, we show how matrix population models can be used to estimate stable age‐ and stage‐proportions, and how these can be used to adjust aerial survey correction factors so that they represent population‐level availability. We illustrate this procedure using data from ice‐associated seals in the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort Seas. After compiling life history data for bearded (Erignathus barbatus), ribbon (Histriophoca fasciata), ringed (Pusa hispida), and spotted seals (Phoca largha), we find that correction factors ignoring age‐sex composition can positively bias spotted seal abundance by an average of 13% and negatively bias ribbon seal abundance by an average of 5%. Note that we did not examine potential bias for bearded or ringed seals due to low sample sizes; as such, we urge caution in interpretation of abundance estimates for these species.
Stating Structural Realism: Mathematics‐First Approaches to Physics and Metaphysics
Authors: Wallace David 
Published: December 2022

AbstractI respond to the frequent objection that structural realism fails to sharply state an alternative to the standard predicate‐logic, object / property / relation, way of doing metaphysics. The approach I propose is based on what I call a ‘math‐first’ approach to physical theories (close to the so‐called ‘semantic view of theories') where the content of a physical theory is to be understood primarily in terms of its mathematical structure and the representational relations it bears to physical systems, rather than as a collection of sentences that attempt to make true claims about those systems (a ‘language‐first’ approach). I argue that adopting the math‐first approach already amounts to a form of structural realism, and that the choice between epistemic and ontic versions of structural realism is then a choice between a language‐first and math‐first view of metaphysics; I then explore the status of objects (and properties and relations) in fundamental and non‐fundamental physics for both versions of math‐first structural realism.
Targeted suppression of Dpt‐specific B cells in humanized Rag2‐ γc‐ mouse model of HDM allergy
Authors: Ralchev Nikola Ralchev , Kerekov Nikola , Mihaylova Nikolina , Kremlitzka Mariann , Hristova Diana , Dzhorev Julian , Erdei Anna , Tchorbanov Andrey Ivanov 
Published: December 2022

AbstractDer p 1 is one of the major allergenic molecules of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, causing house dust mite (HDM) allergy. The pathological B cells produce allergen‐specific IgE antibodies that mediate the hypersensitivity reaction, therefore the selective elimination of these B cells is a legitimate therapeutic goal in allergy. Chimeric molecule Dp51‐72 able to cross‐link B cell inhibitory complement receptor type 1 and BCR on Der p 1‐specific B cells was constructed. The signalling capabilities of this molecule have been tested on human B cells. A humanized mouse model of HDM allergy has been used to test the in vivo effects of the chimeric molecule administration. Administering the chimeric molecule to immunodeficient Rag2‐ γc‐ mice transferred with PBMCs from allergic patients resulted in reduction of allergen‐specific IgE antibodies in the sera, and reduced infiltration of immune cells in lung histology preparations. Reduced numbers of human CD45+ and CD4+ cells in the lungs as well as inhibition of mast cell degranulation were also observed. The treatment with Dp51‐72 chimera significantly decreased the local levels of anti‐Dpt IgE antibodies in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). The binding of the chimeric molecule to tonsillar B cells triggers the tyrosine phosphorylation of 30–32 kDa protein, which is most likely involved in the inhibitory process. Administration of constructed chimeric molecules to humanized mice with developed inflammation resulted in specific suppression of disease‐associated IgE antibody‐producing cells and preserved lung histology. This effective approach could be further developed into a therapeutic agent for treatment of patients with HDM allergy.
Introduction to symposium on English‐medium instruction (EMI) in Asian higher education
Authors: Bolton Kingsley , Botha Werner , Lin Benedict 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThis symposium comprises five articles dealing with English‐medium instruction (EMI) in higher education across the Asian region. All five articles report on original empirical research carried out in four diverse settings, Cambodia, Indonesia, Singapore, and South Korea. It is intended that this collection of articles will make a meaningful contribution to the frontline of research on English‐medium instruction worldwide.
Kidney function, cardiovascular outcomes and survival of living kidney donors with hypertension: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Bugeja Ann , Eldaba Mariam , Ahmed Sumaiya , Shorr Risa , Clark Edward G , Burns Kevin D , Knoll Greg , Hiremath Swapnil 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionHypertension has been considered a contraindication for living kidney donation in the past. Since transplantation from living kidney donors remains the best modality for kidney failure, there is now an increased acceptance of living kidney donors with hypertension. However, the safety of this practice for the cardiovascular and kidney health of the donor is unclear. We will conduct a systematic review to summarise and synthesise the existing literature on this topic.Methods and analysisA systematic review of prospective randomised and non-randomised and retrospective studies will be conducted. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL and EBM reviews published from January 1946 to December 2021 will be reviewed. Primary outcome will be the difference in the survival, major adverse cardiovascular events, estimated glomerular filtration rate of 45 mL/min or less and development of end-stage kidney failure, between living kidney donors with and without hypertension. Study screening, selection, and data extraction will be performed by two independent reviewers. Studies must fulfil all eligibility criteria for inclusion into the systematic review and meta-analysis. The Risk of Bias in Non-Randomised studies tool will be used to assess bias.Ethics and disseminationNo ethical approval is required for this systematic review. The results of this review will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed, open-access journal to ensure access to all stakeholders in kidney transplantation and to inform clinical guidelines on the evaluation and follow-up care of living kidney donor candidates.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42022300119.
Does peripheral neuroinflammation predict chronicity following whiplash injury? Protocol for a prospective cohort study
Authors: Ridehalgh Colette , Fundaun Joel , Bremner Stephen , Cercignani Mara , Young Rupert , Trivedy Chetan , Novak Alex , Greening Jane , Schmid Annina , Dilley Andrew 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionWhiplash-associated disorder grade 2 (WAD2) is characterised by musculoskeletal pain/tenderness but no apparent nerve injury. However, studies have found clinical features indicative of neuropathy and neuropathic pain. These studies may indicate peripheral nerve inflammation, since preclinical neuritis models found mechanical sensitivity in inflamed, intact nociceptors. The primary aim of this study is to establish the contribution of peripheral neuroinflammation to WAD2 and its role in prognosis. Participants will be invited to participate in a sub-study investigating the contribution of cutaneous small fibre pathology to WAD2.Methods and analysis115 participants within 1 month following whiplash injury and 34 healthy control participants will be recruited and complete validated questionnaires for pain, function and psychological factors. Data collection will take place at the Universities of Sussex and Oxford, UK. Clinical examination, quantitative sensory testing and blood samples will be undertaken. MRI scans using T2-weighted and diffusion tensor images of the brachial plexus and wrist will determine nerve inflammation and nerve structural changes. Skin biopsies from a substudy will determine structural integrity of dermal and intraepidermal nerve fibres. At 6 months, we will evaluate recovery using Neck Disability Index and a self-rated global recovery question and repeat the outcome measures. Regression analysis will identify differences in MRI parameters, clinical tests and skin biopsies between participants with WAD2 and age/gender-matched controls. Linear and logistic regression analyses will assess if nerve inflammation (MRI parameters) predicts poor outcome. Mixed effects modelling will compare MRI and clinical measures between recovered and non-recovered participants over time.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval was received from London-Brighton and Sussex Research Ethics Committee (20/PR/0625) and South Central—Oxford C Ethics Committee (18/SC/0263). Written informed consent will be obtained from participants prior to participation in the study. Results will be disseminated through publications in peer-reviewed journals, presentations at national/international conferences and social media.Trial registration numberNCT04940923.
Development and validation of a mechanical power-oriented prediction model of weaning failure in mechanically ventilated patients: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yan Yao , Luo Jiye , Wang Yanli , Chen Xiaobing , Du Zhiqiang , Xie Yongpeng , Li Xiaomin 
Published: December 2022

ObjectiveTo develop and validate a mechanical power (MP)-oriented prediction model of weaning failure in mechanically ventilated patients.DesignA retrospective cohort study.SettingData were collected from the large US Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV (MIMIC-IV) V.1.0, which integrates comprehensive clinical data from 76 540 intensive care unit (ICU) admissions from 2008 to 2019.ParticipantsA total of 3695 patients with invasive mechanical ventilation for more than 24 hours and weaned with T-tube ventilation strategies were enrolled from the MIMIC-IV database.Primary and secondary outcomeWeaning failure.ResultsAll eligible patients were randomised into development cohorts (n=2586, 70%) and validation cohorts (n=1109, 30%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis of the development cohort showed that positive end-expiratory pressure, dynamic lung compliance, MP, inspired oxygen concentration, length of ICU stay and invasive mechanical ventilation duration were independent predictors of weaning failure. Calibration curves showed good correlation between predicted and observed outcomes. The prediction model showed accurate discrimination in the development and validation cohorts, with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values of 0.828 (95% CI: 0.812 to 0.844) and 0.833 (95% CI: 0.809 to 0.857), respectively. Decision curve analysis indicated that the predictive model was clinically beneficial.ConclusionThe MP-oriented model of weaning failure accurately predicts the risk of weaning failure in mechanical ventilation patients and provides valuable information for clinicians making decisions on weaning.
Impact of altering referral threshold from out-of-hours primary care to hospital on patient safety and further health service use: a cohort study
Authors: Svedahl Ellen Rabben , Pape Kristine , Austad Bjarne , Vie Gunnhild Åberge , Sarheim Anthun Kjartan , Carlsen Fredrik , Davies Neil M , Bjørngaard Johan Håkon 
Published: December 2022

ObjectivesTo estimate the impact of altering referral thresholds from out-of-hours services on older patients’ further use of health services and risk of death.DesignCohort study using patient data from primary and specialised health services and demographic data from Statistics Norway and the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry.SettingNorwayParticipants491 653 patients aged 65 years and older contacting Norwegian out-of-hours services between 2008 and 2016.AnalysisMultivariable adjusted and instrumental variable associations between referrals to hospital from out-of-hours services and further health services use and death for up to 6 months.Physicians’ proportions of acute referrals of older, unknown patients from out-of-hours work were used as an instrumental variable (‘physician referral preference’) for their threshold of referral for such patients whose clinical presentations were less clear cut.ResultsFor older patients, whose referrals could be attributed to their physicians’ threshold for referral, mean length of stay in hospital increased 3.30 days (95% CI 3.13 to 3.27) within the first 10 days, compared with non-referred patients. Such referrals also increased 6 months use of outpatient specialist clinics and primary care physicians. Importantly, patients with referrals attributable to their physicians’ threshold had a substantially reduced risk of death the first 10 days (HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.91), an effect sustaining through the 6-month follow-up period (HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.97).ConclusionsOut-of-hours patients whose referrals are affected by physician referral threshold contribute substantially to the use of health services. However, the referral seems protective by reducing the risk of death in the first 6 months after the referral. Thus, raising the threshold for referral to lower pressure on overcrowded emergency departments and hospitals should not be encouraged without ensuring the accuracy of the referral decisions, ideally through high-quality randomised controlled trial evidence.
Predictors and outcomes of delirium in the emergency department during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Milan
Authors: Damanti Sarah , Bozzolo Enrica , Franchini Stefano , Frangi Claudia , Ramirez Giuseppe Alvise , Pedroso Carla , Di Lucca Giuseppe , Scotti Raffaella , Valsecchi Davide , Cilla Marta , Cinel Elena , Santini Chiara , Castellani Jacopo , Manzo Emanuela , Vadruccio Stefania , Spessot Marzia , Borghi Giovanni , Monti Giacomo , Landoni Giovanni , Rovere-Querini Patrizia , Yacoub Mona-Rita , Tresoldi Moreno 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundRespiratory infections can be complicated by acute brain failure. We assessed delirium prevalence, predictors and outcomes in COVID-19 ED patients.MethodsThis was a retrospective observational study conducted at the San Raffaele ED (Italy). Patients age >18 years attending the ED between 26 February 2020 and 30 May 2020 and who had a positive molecular nasopharyngeal swab for SARS-CoV-2 were included. The Chart-Based Delirium Identification Instrument (CHART-DEL) was used to retrospectively assess delirium. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate delirium predictors. Univariable binary logistic regression analyses, linear regression analyses and Cox regression analyses were used to assess the association between delirium and clinical outcomes. Age-adjusted and sex-adjusted models were then run for the significant predictors of the univariable models.ResultsAmong the 826 included patients, 123 cases (14.9%) of delirium were retrospectively detected through the CHART-DEL method. Patients with delirium were older (76.9±13.15 vs 61.3±14.27 years, p<0.001) and more frequently living in a long-term health facility (32 (26%) vs 22 (3.1%), p<0.001). Age (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.09, p<0.001), dementia (OR 17.5, 95% CI 7.27 to 42.16, p<0.001), epilepsy (OR 6.96, 95% CI 2.48 to 19.51, p<0.001) and the number of chronic medications (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.17, p=0.03) were significant predictors of delirium in multivariable analyses. Delirium was associated with increased in-hospital mortality (adjusted HR 2.16, 95% CI 1.55 to 3.03, p<0.001) and with a reduced probability of being discharged home compared with being institutionalised (adjusted OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.61, p<0.001).ConclusionsChart review frequently identified ED delirium in patients with COVID-19. Age, dementia, epilepsy and polypharmacy were significant predictors of ED delirium. Delirium was associated with an increased in-hospital mortality and with a reduced probability of being discharged home after hospitalisation. The findings of this single-centre retrospective study require validation in future studies.
Performance of quantum kernel on initial learning process
Authors: Tomono Takao , Natsubori Satoko 
Published: December 2022

AbstractFor many manufacturing companies, the production line is very important. In recent years, the number of small-quantity, high-mix products have been increasing, and the identification of good and defective products must be carried out efficiently. At that time, machine learning is a very important issue on shipping inspection using small amounts of data. Quantum machine learning is one of most exciting prospective applications of quantum technologies. SVM using kernel estimation is one of most popular methods for classifiers. Our purpose is to search quantum advantage on classifier to enable us to classifier in inspection test for small size datasets. In this study, we made clear the difference between classical and quantum kernel learning in initial state and propose analysis of learning process by plotting ROC space. To meet the purpose, we investigated the effect of each feature map compared to classical one, using evaluation index. The simulation results show that the learning model construction process between quantum and classical kernel learning is different in initial state. Moreover, the result indicates that the learning model of quantum kernel is the method to decrease the false positive rate (FPR) from high FPR, keeping high true positive rates on several datasets. We demonstrate that learning process on quantum kernel is different from classical one in initial state and plotting to ROC space graph is effective when we analyse the learning model process.
A utopia do consumo: breve história do varejo de alimentos em Recife
Authors: Toscano Frederico de Oliveira 
Published: December 2022

Visando discutir a evolução do mercado varejista de alimentos em Recife e compreender sua relação com o consumidor entre meados do século XIX e a década de 1960, o artigo realiza uma revisão bibliográfica de trabalhos acadêmicos e livros sobre o varejo, bem como análise da publicidade de supermercados publicada no Diário de Pernambuco na década de 1950. Tendo por base as ideias de Michel de Certeau, o intuito do texto é entender as formas pelas quais a distribuição de alimentos produzidos no interior de Pernambuco se transformou ao longo do tempo. Esse estudo é feito por meio da análise das primeiras feiras de rua e mercados públicos. Aborda-se ainda como as antigas mercearias surgiram, além dos supermercados, modelo importado dos Estados Unidos e símbolo da nova forma de consumir, divulgada pelos meios de comunicação como eficiente, barata, prática e sobretudo moderna. Para isso, investiga-se a gênese desse tipo de estabelecimento em seu país de origem e de que forma ele alterou os hábitos de consumo dos norte-americanos. Pretende-se, enfim, debater a trajetória dos supermercados e compreender, em parte, as diferenças e semelhanças entre os modelos de autosserviço no varejo de alimentos no Brasil e nos Estados Unidos de 1850 a 1960.