Signatures of Quark-Gluon-Plasma formation in high energy heavy-ion collisions: A critical review

A critical review on signatures of Quark-Gluon-Plasma formation is given and the current (1998) experimental status is discussed. After giving an introduction to the properties of QCD matter in both, equilibrium- and non-equilibrium theories, we focus on observables which may yield experimental evidence for QGP formation. For each individual observable the discussion is divided into three sections: first the connection between the respective observable and QGP formation in terms of the underlying theoretical concepts is given, then the relevant experimental results are reviewed and finally the current status concerning the interpretation of both, theory and experiment, is discussed. A comprehensive summary including an outlook towards RHIC is given in the final section.Comment: Topical review, submitted to Journal of Physics G: 68 pages, including 39 figures (revised version: only minor modifications, some references added

GeneRaMeN enables integration, comparison, and meta-Analysis of multiple ranked gene lists to identify consensus, unique, and correlated genes

High-Throughput experiments often produce ranked gene outputs, with forward genetic screening being a notable example. While there are various tools for analyzing individual datasets, those that perform comparative and meta-Analytical examination of such ranked gene lists remain scarce. Here, we introduce Gene Rank Meta Analyzer (GeneRaMeN), an R Shiny tool utilizing rank statistics to facilitate the identification of consensus, unique, and correlated genes across multiple hit lists. We focused on two key topics to showcase GeneRaMeN: virus host factors and cancer dependencies. Using GeneRaMeN \u27Rank Aggregation\u27, we integrated 24 published and new flavivirus genetic screening datasets, including dengue, Japanese encephalitis, and Zika viruses. This meta-Analysis yielded a consensus list of flavivirus host factors, elucidating the significant influence of cell line selection on screening outcomes. Similar analysis on 13 SARS-CoV-2 CRISPR screening datasets highlighted the pivotal role of meta-Analysis in revealing redundant biological pathways exploited by the virus to enter human cells. Such redundancy was further underscored using GeneRaMeN\u27s \u27Rank Correlation\u27, where a strong negative correlation was observed for host factors implicated in one entry pathway versus the alternate route. Utilizing GeneRaMeN\u27s \u27Rank Uniqueness\u27, we analyzed human coronaviruses 229E, OC43, and SARS-CoV-2 datasets, identifying host factors uniquely associated with a defined subset of the screening datasets. Similar analyses were performed on over 1000 Cancer Dependency Map (DepMap) datasets spanning 19 human cancer types to reveal unique cancer vulnerabilities for each organ/tissue. GeneRaMeN, an efficient tool to integrate and maximize the usability of genetic screening datasets, is freely accessible via https://ysolab.shinyapps.io/GeneRaMeN

An evidence-based approach to creating a culture of inclusive opportunity through arts and creativity

The final report in a twelve-part series campaigning for a country that works for all children and young people. #ChildrenFirstProduced jointly by Child of the North and the Centre for Young Lives, the twelfth and final report in the Child of the North 2024/25 campaign series warns the talents of millions of children are being ignored and wasted, and calls for creativity to be embedded into an inclusive school curriculum supporting all children – including those with SEND – to develop a new generation of creatives to boost economic growth.First published in March 2025, An evidence-based approach to creating a culture of inclusive opportunity through arts and creativity, calls for the Government’s Opportunity Mission to boost culture, creativity, and arts in schools to inspire children, improve mental health, strengthen school belonging, tackle the school attendance and attainment crises, and support children from the most disadvantaged backgrounds to build careers in the creative industries

Online Sovereignty: The Law and Economics of Tribal Electronic Commerce

In 1886, the US Supreme Court wrote that, for Indian tribes, the people of the states where they are found are often their deadliest enemies. Recently, state agencies and regulators have continued that tradition of hostility by improperly attempting to regulate electronic commerce businesses operated by tribal governments that are more properly subject to regulations established by tribal law and subject to federal oversight. Despite the fact that these online businesses operate exclusively under tribal law and make their tribal affiliation clear to customers, certain state regulators have demanded absolute compliance with state law, even when such laws are from states thousands of miles away. Not only does this over reaching by uninformed state regulators limit the products available to consumers, it also severely undercuts on-reservation economic development, imperils tribal electronic commerce, and challenges basic notions of tribal sovereignty. Businesses and consumers entering into commercial contracts rely heavily on consistency and predictability in contracting, including when the parties mutually agree to apply tribal law or utilize tribal courts to resolve disputes. Uniform interpretation and enforcement of such agreements are critical to ensuring continued investment in tribal businesses. With over one quarter of American Indians living in poverty--nearly twice the national average--it has never been more important to promote confidence in the Indian economy. When courts do not give full force and effect to contracting parties\u27 desires to resolve their private disputes using tribal courts and tribal law, this confidence is threatened. While it is unclear how this controversy will ultimately play out, one thing is certain: states are not only undermining tribal innovation and harming tribal economies but also attacking tribal sovereignty itself. Perhaps lost in the legal rancor, however, are the very real human and economic consequences of the loss of tribal revenues from e-commerce business, as well as the potential damage to tribal e-commerce as a whole. This Article presents results of empirical research into the economic impact of tribal online lending in Indian Country. The Article first frames the issue with a brief summary of the legal foundations for tribal e-commerce and tribal lending in particular. Next, the Article presents several case studies of tribes that have engaged in online lending, focusing on the direct economic impact to those tribal communities. Finally, the Article concludes with policy arguments as to why state and federal regulators should support rather than suppress tribal e-commerce, including tribal small-dollar online lending

Improving access to ward-based respiratory failure management: a case study in the development of a respiratory care unit at an Australian metropolitan health service

This case study describes the implementation of a ward-based respiratory care unit to improve access to specialised respiratory failure management at an Australian metropolitan health service. Using a case study approach, we describe the conception, development and implementation of a respiratory care unit within a previously inexperienced ward. Key barriers and facilitators are explored and the importance of a safety culture and an aspiration for continuous quality improvement are detailed. Three key aspects of implementation were identified: physical environment, expertise and governance. Continuous review of clinical and quality data was also considered critical to success. Stakeholder engagement was identified as both a barrier and facilitator to successful implementation. Early success was demonstrated through increased utilisation of respiratory interventions but with less utilisation of the intensive care unit and no apparent deterioration in clinical outcomes. Successful implementation of ward-based management of respiratory failure can be undertaken within non-tertiary settings but requires a comprehensive plan. Essential aspects include the support of clinical champions, early and continuous stakeholder engagement and an aspirational culture of safety and continuous quality improvement. What is known about the topic? Non-invasive ventilation and high-flow oxygen therapy are now established as key treatments in the management of acute respiratory failure. Access to these treatments is often limited to critical care locations (emergency department, intensive care unit (ICU) and operating theatre), but ward-based use can be safe and effective when applied with appropriate clinical policies, expertise and staffing. What does this paper add? This report describes the successful and rapid development of a specialised respiratory care unit within an inexperienced ward at an Australian metropolitan health service. Prior to development of the unit, the health service only provided non-invasive ventilation and high-flow oxygen therapy within critical care locations. Successful implementation was associated with increased utilisation of these therapies with significantly less ICU utilisation and no apparent deterioration in outcomes. What are the implications for practitioners? An explanation of a model for implementation is provided that may help health services improve access to complex respiratory failure management outside of critical care locations. Key factors in the success of the model are identified and examined.</jats:p