bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experiment and Application of NATM Tunnel Deformation Monitoring Based on 3D Laser Scanning
Authors: Hu Da , Li Yongsuo , Yang Xian , Liang Xiaoqiang , Zhang Keneng , Liang Xiaodong
Published: June 2023

In recent years, 3D laser scanning technology has been applied to tunnel engineering. Although more intelligent than traditional measurement technology, it is still challenging to estimate the real-time deformation of NATM tunnel excavation from laser detection and ranging point clouds. To further improve the measurement accuracy of 3D laser scanning technology in the tunnel construction process, this paper proposes an improved Kriging filtering algorithm. Considering the spatial correlation of the described object, the optimization method of point cloud grid filtering is studied. By analyzing the full-space deformation field of the tunnel lining, the deformation information of the measuring points on the surface of the tunnel lining is extracted. Based on the actual project, through the on-site monitoring comparison test, the three-dimensional laser point cloud data are grid processed and analyzed, and the deformation data obtained from the test are compared with the data measured by traditional methods. The experimental results show that the Kriging filtering algorithm can not only efficiently identify and extract the tunnel profile visualization data but also efficiently and accurately obtain the tunnel deformation. The measurement results obtained by using the proposed technology are in good agreement with those obtained by using traditional monitoring methods. Therefore, tunnel deformation monitoring based on 3D laser scanning technology can better reflect the evolution of the tunnel full-space deformation field under certain environmental conditions and can provide an effective safety warning for tunnel construction.
Permanent Deformation Monitoring and Remaining Life Prediction of Asphalt Pavement Combining Full-Scale Accelerated Pavement Testing and FEM
Authors: Liu Zhen , Gu Xingyu , Ren Hua , Li Shuwei , Dong Qiao
Published: June 2023

Permanent deformation (rutting) is one of the typical failure modes of asphalt pavement with a semirigid base in high-temperature areas. To address issues of pavement structure deformation and remaining life prediction, a method of combining accelerated pavement testing and finite element (FE) simulation was proposed. A modified Burgers model considering creep parameter damage was obtained using strain monitoring data and laboratory test values, which was performed in the FE model to analyze rutting development. The results showed that high temperature and heavy axle loads greatly influenced rutting development: the tested road was loaded 360,000 times at high temperature, contributing 50% to accumulated rutting; rutting increased by 90.7% under the condition of 50% overload under high-temperature seasons from the simulated results. Then, the ratio of the bulge area to the depression area (KR) was proposed to define the rutting deformation mechanism. The KR analysis results illustrated that rutting development was a transition process from compaction rutting to flow rutting. Finally, the relationship between the action times of axle load in the tested and in-service roads was established based on the rutting equivalence principle. When the action times of axle load reach approximately 25 million times (insufficient remaining life) for the investigated Hu-Ning highway, necessary maintenance measures should be taken to treat rutting deformation.
Research on the 3D Fine Modeling Method of In-Service Road
Authors: Qi Hui , Cong Bori , Liu Rufei , Li Xiaoli , Yan Zongyao , Li Qingying , Li Ming
Published: June 2023

To achieve the digitization of all traffic infrastructure elements and enable three-dimensional digital representation of physical facilities, a multilevel road three-dimensional reverse modeling method is proposed based on road point cloud data obtained by a vehicle laser scanning system. First, based on the distribution characteristics of each target structure in the road scene and the modeling requirements, a levels of detail (LOD) modeling specification is designed, and the required feature data format for each level is defined. Next, the three-dimensional characteristic parameters needed for modeling are extracted from the vehicle point cloud data. Finally, the continuous quadrilateral algorithm is used to reconstruct the road model, the topological structure relationship algorithm is used to reconstruct the intersection model, and the instantiation lofting technology is used to reconstruct the rod-shaped target model, all based on the three-dimensional modeling platform. This approach allows for the rapid reverse reconstruction of three-dimensional road models with different LOD levels. The point cloud data of two sections of urban roads with different slopes and one section of expressways were modeled and compared with the original vehicle-mounted laser point cloud data. The data volume of different level models decreases with decreasing model fineness, and the LOD1 level model has the highest similarity with point cloud data, at approximately 92.17%. The similarity of LOD2 and LOD3 decreases in turn, at 82.91% and 75.25%, respectively. For flat or undulating roads, the overall accuracy of the nearest point distance between different levels of road models and point cloud data is better than 10 cm, significantly higher than that of traditional manual modeling. The results demonstrate that vehicle mobile laser scanning technology provides new modeling data for the rapid realization of three-dimensional reverse reconstruction of large-scale traffic infrastructure. Automatic modeling technology can effectively improve modeling efficiency, reduce data redundancy, and ensure model quality.
Regulatory Mechanism of M1/M2 Macrophage Polarization in the Development of Autoimmune Diseases
Authors: Peng Yuan , Zhou Mengxian , Yang Hong , Qu Ruyi , Qiu Yan , Hao Jiawen , Bi Hongsheng , Guo Dadong
Published: June 2023

Macrophages are innate immune cells in the organism and can be found in almost tissues and organs. They are highly plastic and heterogeneous cells and can participate in the immune response, thereby playing a crucial role in maintaining the immune homeostasis of the body. It is well known that undifferentiated macrophages can polarize into classically activated macrophages (M1 macrophages) and alternatively activated macrophages (M2 macrophages) under different microenvironmental conditions. The directions of macrophage polarization can be regulated by a series of factors, including interferon, lipopolysaccharide, interleukin, and noncoding RNAs. To elucidate the role of macrophages in various autoimmune diseases, we searched the literature on macrophages with the PubMed database. Search terms are as follows: macrophages, polarization, signaling pathways, noncoding RNA, inflammation, autoimmune diseases, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus nephritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and multiple sclerosis. In the present study, we summarize the role of macrophage polarization in common autoimmune diseases. In addition, we also summarize the features and recent advances with a particular focus on the immunotherapeutic potential of macrophage polarization in autoimmune diseases and the potentially effective therapeutic targets.
The Rehabilitative Effect of Archery Exercise Intervention in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Chen Chiu-Ying , Wang Wei-Ning , Lu Ming-Kuei , Yang Yu-Wan , Yu Tsung , Wu Trong-Neng , Tsai Chon-Haw
Published: June 2023

Background. Archery exercise exerts a rehabilitative effect on patients with paraplegia and might potentially serve as complementary physiotherapy for patients with Parkinson’s disease. Objective. This study aimed to examine the rehabilitative effects of an archery intervention. Methods. A randomized controlled trial of a 12-week intervention was performed in patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. Thirty-one of the 39 eligible patients recruited from a medical center in Taiwan participated in the trial, of whom 16 were in the experimental group practicing archery exercises and 15 were in the control group at the beginning; twenty-nine completed the whole process. The Purdue pegboard test (PPT), the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale I to III (UPDRS I to III), physical fitness test, and timed up and go test (TUG) were used to assess the intervention effects of archery exercise. Results. Compared to the control group, the outcome differences between the posthoc and baseline tests in PPT, UPDRS I to III, lower extremity muscular strength, and TUG in the experimental group (between-group difference in difference’s mean: 2.07, 1.59, 1.36, −2.25, −3.81, −9.10, 3.57, and −1.51, respectively) did show positive changes and their effect sizes examined from Mann–Whitney U tests (η: 0.631, 0.544, 0.555, 0.372, 0.411, 0.470, 0.601, and 0.381, respectively; Ps < 0.05) were medium to large, indicating that the archery intervention exerted promising effects on improving hand flexibility and finger dexterity, activity functions in motor movement, lower extremity muscular strength, and gait and balance ability. Conclusions. Traditional archery exercise was suggested to have a rehabilitative effect for mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease and could be a form of physiotherapy. Nevertheless, studies with larger sample sizes and extended intervention periods are needed to ascertain the long-term effects of archery exercise.
Contributions of

K

0

∗

1430

and

K

0

∗

1950

in the Charmed Three-Body
B
Meson Decays
Authors: Cui Bo-Yan , Chen Ya-Hui
Published: June 2023

In this work, we investigate the resonant contributions of

K

0

∗

1430

and

K

0

∗

1950

in the three-body

B

s

⟶

D

s

K
π

within the perturbative QCD approach. The form factor

F

k
π

s

is adopted to describe the nonperturbative dynamics of the S-wave

K
π

system. The branching ratios of all concerned decays are calculated and predicted to be in the order of

1

0

−
10

to

1

0

−
5

. The ratio

R

of branching fractions between

B

0

⟶

D
¯

0

K

0

∗
0

1430

⟶

D
¯

0

K

+

π

−

and

B

s

0

⟶

D
¯

0

K
¯

0

∗
0

1430

⟶

D
¯

0

K

−

π

+

is predicted to be 0.0552, which implies the discrepancy for the LHCb measurements. We expect that the predictions in this work can be tested by the future experiments, especially, to resolve

R

ratio discrepancy.
Distributed Public Key Certificate-Issuing Infrastructure for Consortium Certificate Authority Using Distributed Ledger Technology
Authors: Kumagai Keita , Kakei Shohei , Shiraishi Yoshiaki , Saito Shoichi
Published: June 2023

With the development of cloud services and the Internet of Things, the integration of heterogeneous systems is becoming increasingly complex. Identity management is important in the coordination of various systems, and public key infrastructure (PKI) is widely known as an identity management methods. In PKI, a certificate authority (CA) acts as a trust point to guarantee the identity of entities such as users, devices, and services. However, traditional CAs that delegate the operations to a specific organization are not always suitable for heterogeneous services, and a new methodology is required to enable multiple stakeholders to securely and cooperatively operate a CA. In this study, we introduce the concept of a consortium CA and propose a distributed public key certificate-issuing infrastructure that realizes a consortium CA. The proposed infrastructure enables multiple organizations to cooperatively operate a CA suitable for services involving multiple stakeholders. We identify four requirements for the cooperative operation of a consortium CA and design the proposed infrastructure with distributed ledger technology. Furthermore, we present the implementation of smart contracts with Hyperledger Fabric and prove that the proposed infrastructure satisfies the four requirements. Finally, we confirm that certificate issuance and verification are stable at approximately 4 and 3 ms, respectively.
Alpha-1 Adrenergic Antagonists Sensitize Neuroblastoma to Therapeutic Differentiation
Authors: Broso Francesca , Gatto Pamela , Sidarovich Viktoryia , Ambrosini Chiara , De Sanctis Veronica , Bertorelli Roberto , Zaccheroni Elena , Ricci Benedetta , Destefanis Eliana , Longhi Sara , Sebastiani Enrico , Tebaldi Toma , Adami Valentina , Quattrone Alessandro
Published: June 2023

Neuroblastoma (NB) is an aggressive childhood tumor, with high-risk cases having a 5-year overall survival probability of approximately 50%. The multimodal therapeutic approach for NB includes treatment with the retinoid isotretinoin (13-cis retinoic acid; 13cRA), which is used in the post-consolidation phase as an antiproliferation and prodifferentiation agent to minimize residual disease and prevent relapse. Through small-molecule screening, we identified isorhamnetin (ISR) as a synergistic compound with 13cRA in inhibiting up to 80% of NB cell viability. The synergistic effect was accompanied by a marked increase in the expression of the adrenergic receptor α1B (ADRA1B) gene. Genetic knockout of ADRA1B or its specific blockade using α1/α1B adrenergic antagonists led to selective sensitization of MYCN-amplified NB cells to cell viability reduction and neural differentiation induced by 13cRA, thus mimicking ISR activity. Administration of doxazosin, a safe α1-antagonist used in pediatric patients, in combination with 13cRA in NB xenografted mice exerted marked control of tumor growth, whereas each drug alone was ineffective. Overall, this study identified the α1B adrenergic receptor as a pharmacologic target in NB, supporting the evaluation of adding α1-antagonists to the post-consolidation therapy of NB to more efficiently control residual disease.

Significance:

Targeting α-adrenergic receptors synergizes with isotretinoin to suppress growth and to promote differentiation of neuroblastoma, revealing a combinatorial approach for more effective management of the disease and prevention of relapse.
The Genomic and Epigenomic Landscape of Double-Negative Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Authors: Lundberg Arian , Zhang Meng , Aggarwal Rahul , Li Haolong , Zhang Li , Foye Adam , Sjöström Martin , Chou Jonathan , Chang Kevin , Moreno-Rodriguez Thaidy , Shrestha Raunak , Baskin Avi , Zhu Xiaolin , Weinstein Alana S. , Younger Noah , Alumkal Joshi J. , Beer Tomasz M. , Chi Kim N. , Evans Christopher P. , Gleave Martin , Lara Primo N. , Reiter Rob E. , Rettig Matthew B. , Witte Owen N. , Wyatt Alexander W. , Feng Felix Y. , Small Eric J. , Quigley David A.
Published: June 2023

Systemic targeted therapy in prostate cancer is primarily focused on ablating androgen signaling. Androgen deprivation therapy and second-generation androgen receptor (AR)–targeted therapy selectively favor the development of treatment-resistant subtypes of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), defined by AR and neuroendocrine (NE) markers. Molecular drivers of double-negative (AR−/NE−) mCRPC are poorly defined. In this study, we comprehensively characterized treatment-emergent mCRPC by integrating matched RNA sequencing, whole-genome sequencing, and whole-genome bisulfite sequencing from 210 tumors. AR−/NE− tumors were clinically and molecularly distinct from other mCRPC subtypes, with the shortest survival, amplification of the chromatin remodeler CHD7, and PTEN loss. Methylation changes in CHD7 candidate enhancers were linked to elevated CHD7 expression in AR−/NE+ tumors. Genome-wide methylation analysis nominated Krüppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) as a driver of the AR−/NE− phenotype, and KLF5 activity was linked to RB1 loss. These observations reveal the aggressiveness of AR−/NE− mCRPC and could facilitate the identification of therapeutic targets in this highly aggressive disease.

Significance:

Comprehensive characterization of the five subtypes of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer identified transcription factors that drive each subtype and showed that the double-negative subtype has the worst prognosis.
Clinical and Genomic Characteristics of Patients with Hormone Receptor–Positive, Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2–Negative Metastatic Breast Cancer Following Progression on Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4 and 6 Inhibitors
Authors: Rao Xi , Chen Yongmei , Beyrer Julie , Nash Smyth Emily , Morato Guimaraes Claudia , Litchfield Lacey M. , Bowman Lee , Lawrence Garreth W. , Aggarwal Amit , Andre Fabrice
Published: June 2023

Purpose:

We explored the clinical and genomic characteristics of hormone receptor–positive (HR+), HER2-negative (HER2−) metastatic breast cancer (MBC) after progression on cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 inhibitors (CDK4 and 6i) ± endocrine therapy (ET) to understand potential resistance mechanisms that may aid in identifying treatment options.

Experimental Design:

Patients in the United States with HR+, HER2− MBC had tumor biopsies collected from a metastatic site during routine care following progression on a CDK4 and 6i ± ET (CohortPost) or prior to initiating CDK4 and 6i treatment (CohortPre) and analyzed using a targeted mutation panel and RNA-sequencing. Clinical and genomic characteristics were described.

Results:

The mean age at MBC diagnosis was 59 years in CohortPre (n = 133) and 56 years in CohortPost (n = 223); 14% and 45% of patients had prior chemotherapy/ET, and 35% and 26% had de novo stage IV MBC, respectively. The most common biopsy site was liver (CohortPre, 23%; CohortPost, 56%). CohortPost had significantly higher tumor mutational burden (TMB; median 3.16 vs. 1.67 Mut/Mb, P < 0.0001), ESR1 alteration frequency (mutations: 37% vs. 10%, FDR < 0.0001; fusions: 9% vs. 2%, P = 0.0176), and higher copy-number amplification of genes on chr12q15, including MDM2, FRS2, and YEATS4 versus patients in the CohortPre group. In addition, CDK4 copy-number gain on chr12q13 was significantly higher in CohortPost versus CohortPre (27% vs. 11%, P = 0.0005).

Conclusions:

Distinct mechanisms potentially associated with resistance to CDK4 and 6i ± ET, including alterations in ESR1 and amplification of chr12q15 and CDK4 copy-number gain, were identified.
Figure S7 from Type I Interferon Signaling via the EGR2 Transcriptional Regulator Potentiates CAR T Cell–Intrinsic Dysfunction
Authors: Jung In-Young , Bartoszek Robert L. , Rech Andrew J. , Collins Sierra M. , Ooi Soon-Keat , Williams Erik F. , Hopkins Caitlin R. , Narayan Vivek , Haas Naomi B. , Frey Noelle V. , Hexner Elizabeth O. , Siegel Donald L. , Plesa Gabriela , Porter David L. , Cantu Adrian , Everett John K. , Guedan Sonia , Berger Shelley L. , Bushman Frederic D. , Herbst Friederike , Fraietta Joseph A.
Published: June 2023

Gene expression and pathway enrichment analysis of CD4+ T cell clusters. (A) Heatmap showing differentially expressed genes between AAVS1 and EGR2 knockout (KO) CD4+ T-cells. (B-D) Top differentially regulated pathways in CD4+ EGR2 KO compared to AAVS1 KO CAR T-cells. Pathways were explored using: B, GO biological process. C, NCI-Nature Pathway Interaction Database 2015. D, ARCHS4 transcription factor (TF) co-expression.
Supplementary Tables S1-S5 from Targeting the clear cell sarcoma oncogenic driver fusion gene EWSR1:ATF1 by HDAC inhibition
Authors: Mae Hirokazu , Outani Hidetatsu , Imura Yoshinori , Chijimatsu Ryota , Inoue Akitomo , Kotani Yuki , Yasuda Naohiro , Nakai Sho , Nakai Takaaki , Takenaka Satoshi , Okada Seiji
Published: June 2023

Supplementary Table S1;List of resources (antibodies, primers, siRNA).
Supplementary Table S2;DEG analysis of scRNA-seq data.
Supplementary Table S3;Upregulated GO terms of BP.
Supplementary Table S4;Downregulated GO terms of BP.
Supplementary Table S5;Motif enrichment calculated by FindMotifs tool.
Supplementary Figure S1 from Targeting the clear cell sarcoma oncogenic driver fusion gene EWSR1:ATF1 by HDAC inhibition
Authors: Mae Hirokazu , Outani Hidetatsu , Imura Yoshinori , Chijimatsu Ryota , Inoue Akitomo , Kotani Yuki , Yasuda Naohiro , Nakai Sho , Nakai Takaaki , Takenaka Satoshi , Okada Seiji
Published: June 2023

Fig. S1
Heatmap of high throughput screening data.
Data from Targeting the Clear Cell Sarcoma Oncogenic Driver Fusion Gene EWSR1::ATF1 by HDAC Inhibition
Authors: Mae Hirokazu , Outani Hidetatsu , Imura Yoshinori , Chijimatsu Ryota , Inoue Akitomo , Kotani Yuki , Yasuda Naohiro , Nakai Sho , Nakai Takaaki , Takenaka Satoshi , Okada Seiji
Published: June 2023

Clear cell sarcoma (CCS), a rare but extremely aggressive malignancy with no effective therapy, is characterized by the expression of the oncogenic driver fusion gene EWSR1::ATF1. In this study, we performed a high-throughput drug screening, finding that the histone deacetylase inhibitor vorinostat exerted an antiproliferation effect with the reduced expression of EWSR1::ATF1. We expected the reduced expression of EWSR1::ATF1 to be due to the alteration of chromatin accessibility; however, assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing and a cleavage under targets and release using nuclease assay revealed that chromatin structure was only slightly altered, despite histone deacetylation at the EWSR1::ATF1 promoter region. Alternatively, we found that vorinostat treatment reduced the level of BRD4, a member of the bromodomain and extraterminal motif protein family, at the EWSR1::ATF1 promoter region. Furthermore, the BRD4 inhibitor JQ1 downregulated EWSR1::ATF1 according to Western blotting and qPCR analyses. In addition, motif analysis revealed that vorinostat treatment suppressed the transcriptional factor SOX10, which directly regulates EWSR1::ATF1 expression and is involved in CCS proliferation. Importantly, we demonstrate that a combination therapy of vorinostat and JQ1 synergistically enhances antiproliferation effect and EWSR1::ATF1 suppression. These results highlight a novel fusion gene suppression mechanism achieved using epigenetic modification agents and provide a potential therapeutic target for fusion gene–related tumors.
Significance:
This study reveals the epigenetic and transcriptional suppression mechanism of the fusion oncogene EWSR1::ATF1 in clear cell sarcoma by histone deacetylase inhibitor treatment as well as identifying SOX10 as a transcription factor that regulates EWSR1::ATF1 expression.
ANG2 Blockade Diminishes Proangiogenic Cerebrovascular Defects Associated With Models of Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia
Authors: Zhou Xingyan , Pucel Jenna C. , Nomura-Kitabayashi Aya , Chandakkar Pallavi , Guidroz Adella P. , Jhangiani Nikita L. , Bao Duran , Fan Jia , Arthur Helen M. , Ullmer Christoph , Klein Christian , Marambaud Philippe , Meadows Stryder M.
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND:

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a vascular disorder characterized by arteriovenous malformations and blood vessel enlargements. However, there are no effective drug therapies to combat arteriovenous malformation formation in patients with HHT. Here, we aimed to address whether elevated levels of ANG2 (angiopoietin-2) in the endothelium is a conserved feature in mouse models of the 3 major forms of HHT that could be neutralized to treat brain arteriovenous malformations and associated vascular defects. In addition, we sought to identify the angiogenic molecular signature linked to HHT.

METHODS:

Cerebrovascular defects, including arteriovenous malformations and increased vessel calibers, were characterized in mouse models of the 3 common forms of HHT using transcriptomic and dye injection labeling methods.

RESULTS:

Comparative RNA sequencing analyses of isolated brain endothelial cells revealed a common, but unique proangiogenic transcriptional program associated with HHT. This included a consistent upregulation in cerebrovascular expression of ANG2 and downregulation of its receptor Tyr kinase with Ig and EGF homology domains (TIE2/TEK) in HHT mice compared with controls. Furthermore, in vitro experiments revealed TEK signaling activity was hampered in an HHT setting. Pharmacological blockade of ANG2 improved brain vascular pathologies in all HHT models, albeit to varying degrees. Transcriptomic profiling further indicated that ANG2 inhibition normalized the brain vasculature by impacting a subset of genes involved in angiogenesis and cell migration processes.

CONCLUSIONS:

Elevation of ANG2 in the brain vasculature is a shared trait among the mouse models of the common forms of HHT. Inhibition of ANG2 activity can significantly limit or prevent brain arteriovenous malformation formation and blood vessel enlargement in HHT mice. Thus, ANG2-targeted therapies may represent a compelling approach to treat arteriovenous malformations and vascular pathologies related to all forms of HHT.
Genomic Innovation in Early Life Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Treatment
Authors: Li Changwei , Pan Yang , Zhang Ruiyuan , Huang Zhijie , Li Davey , Han Yunan , Larkin Claire , Rao Varun , Sun Xiao , Kelly Tanika N.
Published: June 2023

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Although CVD events do not typically manifest until older adulthood, CVD develops gradually across the life-course, beginning with the elevation of risk factors observed as early as childhood or adolescence and the emergence of subclinical disease that can occur in young adulthood or midlife. Genomic background, which is determined at zygote formation, is among the earliest risk factors for CVD. With major advances in molecular technology, including the emergence of gene-editing techniques, along with deep whole-genome sequencing and high-throughput array-based genotyping, scientists now have the opportunity to not only discover genomic mechanisms underlying CVD but use this knowledge for the life-course prevention and treatment of these conditions. The current review focuses on innovations in the field of genomics and their applications to monogenic and polygenic CVD prevention and treatment. With respect to monogenic CVD, we discuss how the emergence of whole-genome sequencing technology has accelerated the discovery of disease-causing variants, allowing comprehensive screening and early, aggressive CVD mitigation strategies in patients and their families. We further describe advances in gene editing technology, which might soon make possible cures for CVD conditions once thought untreatable. In relation to polygenic CVD, we focus on recent innovations that leverage findings of genome-wide association studies to identify druggable gene targets and develop predictive genomic models of disease, which are already facilitating breakthroughs in the life-course treatment and prevention of CVD. Gaps in current research and future directions of genomics studies are also discussed. In aggregate, we hope to underline the value of leveraging genomics and broader multiomics information for characterizing CVD conditions, work which promises to expand precision approaches for the life-course prevention and treatment of CVD.
Pregnancy as an Early Cardiovascular Moment: Peripartum Cardiovascular Health
Authors: Khan Sadiya S. , Cameron Natalie A. , Lindley Kathryn J.
Published: June 2023

Pregnancy is commonly referred to as a window into future CVH (cardiovascular health). During pregnancy, physiological adaptations occur to promote the optimal growth and development of the fetus. However, in approximately 20% of pregnant individuals, these perturbations result in cardiovascular and metabolic complications, which include hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, and small-for-gestational age infant. The biological processes that lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes begin before pregnancy with higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes observed among those with poor prepregnancy CVH. Individuals who experience adverse pregnancy outcomes are also at higher risk of subsequent development of cardiovascular disease, which is largely explained by the interim development of traditional risk factors, such as hypertension and diabetes. Therefore, the peripartum period, which includes the period before (prepregnancy), during, and after pregnancy (postpartum), represents an early cardiovascular moment or window of opportunity when CVH should be measured, monitored, and modified (if needed). However, it remains unclear whether adverse pregnancy outcomes reflect latent risk for cardiovascular disease that is unmasked in pregnancy or if adverse pregnancy outcomes are themselves an independent and causal risk factor for future cardiovascular disease. Understanding the pathophysiologic mechanisms and pathways linking prepregnancy CVH, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and cardiovascular disease are necessary to develop strategies tailored for each stage in the peripartum period. Emerging evidence suggests the utility of subclinical cardiovascular disease screening with biomarkers (eg, natriuretic peptides) or imaging (eg, computed tomography for coronary artery calcium or echocardiography for adverse cardiac remodeling) to identify risk-enriched postpartum populations and target for more intensive strategies with health behavior interventions or pharmacological treatments. However, evidence-based guidelines focused on adults with a history of adverse pregnancy outcomes are needed to prioritize the prevention of cardiovascular disease during the reproductive years and beyond.
On Single-Objective Sub-Graph-Based Mutation for Solving the Bi-Objective Minimum Spanning Tree Problem
Authors: Bossek Jakob , Grimme Christian
Published: June 2023

We contribute to the efficient approximation of the Pareto-set for the classical NP-hard multiobjective minimum spanning tree problem (moMST) adopting evolutionary computation. More precisely, by building upon preliminary work, we analyze the neighborhood structure of Pareto-optimal spanning trees and design several highly biased sub-graph-based mutation operators founded on the gained insights. In a nutshell, these operators replace (un)connected sub-trees of candidate solutions with locally optimal sub-trees. The latter (biased) step is realized by applying Kruskal's single-objective MST algorithm to a weighted sum scalarization of a sub-graph.

We prove runtime complexity results for the introduced operators and investigate the desirable Pareto-beneficial property. This property states that mutants cannot be dominated by their parent. Moreover, we perform an extensive experimental benchmark study to showcase the operator's practical suitability. Our results confirm that the sub-graph-based operators beat baseline algorithms from the literature even with severely restricted computational budget in terms of function evaluations on four different classes of complete graphs with different shapes of the Pareto-front.
Traditions of the Origin and Growth of Indigenous Prophetic Church Movements in Nigeria
Authors: Nwadialor Kanayo
Published: June 2023

Indigenous prophetic church movements constitute a significant portion of Christianity in Africa and a unique spirit in African Christianity. Garrick Braide was the first to lead such a group in Nigeria in 1915. The Christ Apostolic Church is an ancient indigenous church in Nigeria; however, it appears that the church faces problems generated by the apparent confusion about the origin of the church. This confusion is evident in the 2018 centenary anniversary of the church, contrary to the Golden Jubilee organized in 1980. Similarly, the leaders often claim that CAC is the first indigenous Pentecostal church in Nigeria, whereas it is on record that Christ Army Church was established in 1916 by Braide and his followers. As a result, urgent need was required to interrogate the traditions of origin of these two indigenous church movements and their prophets.The findings revealed that Braide’s Christ Army Church preceded the Christ Apostolic Church of Babalola.
Three Perspectives on Marine Life in International Disputes
Authors: Helmersen Sondre Torp
Published: June 2023

This article charts three different approaches that international courts and tribunals have taken to marine life. Some have viewed marine life primarily as an economic resource, worthy of conservation only in order to ensure future exploitation. Others have seen marine life as an object of conservation in its own right. Yet others have tried to balance the two perspectives. The article also examines the sources that seem to have influenced the judges, finding that these range from the applicable law to external sources and contested legal principles.
Seasonal Differences of Precipitation and Microphysical Characteristics over the Asian Monsoon Region Using Spaceborne Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar
Authors: Yamaji Moeka , Takahashi Hiroshi G.
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to reveal the seasonal climatic variations in the microphysical properties of precipitation over the Asian monsoon region. We used the Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar satellite product aboard the Global Precipitation Measurement Mission Core Observatory for 8 years from 2014 to 2021 to statistically analyze the mass-weighted mean diameter (Dm) and frequency of heavy ice precipitation (graupel and hail). The results showed statistically significant seasonal changes. The microphysical characteristics of large Dm and frequent heavy ice precipitation were observed over the Indian subcontinent and Indochina Peninsula in the premonsoon season and over the western Himalayan region in the mature-monsoon season, which can be related to the intense and deeply developed precipitation systems. The relationship between precipitation rate and Dm was also examined. The results indicated that changes in Dm were not caused only by changes in precipitation rate but were probably induced by changes in precipitation characteristics. In terms of the relationship between the microphysical properties, heavy ice precipitation particles in the upper atmosphere above the melting layer were observed more frequently as Dm near the surface increased. We also studied lower-atmospheric instability by investigating the vertical gradients of the dry and moist static energies. The results indicated that instability properties were different; dry and wet instabilities were dominant in the premonsoon and monsoon seasons, respectively, consistent with the results of the precipitation characteristics.

Significance Statement

The purpose of this study was to reveal seasonal variations in precipitation microphysical characteristics, such as precipitation particle size and the existence of graupel and hail in the upper atmosphere, by climatological analysis over the Asian monsoon region. In previous studies, microphysical characteristics have mainly been addressed using ground-based observations. However, more sampling is needed to expand our understanding of climatological perspectives; therefore, we used recently available satellite observations. As a result, we found that precipitation particles at the surface were larger, and more graupel and hail existed in clouds in the premonsoon season when less precipitation was observed, compared to the mature-monsoon season when precipitation amount and frequency were abundant.
Mary Vavasour, ‘Abbesse Unworthy’: Her Life, Miracles and Our Blessed Lady of Jesus Oake
Authors: Baker Patricia
Published: June 2023

Mary Vavasour, ‘Abbesse Unworthy’: Her Life, Miracles and Our Blessed Lady of Jesus Oake.
Locating pitfalls in the EU gender equality policy
Authors: Sinha Manasi , Bibhakar Pratyush
Published: June 2023

While the project of the European Union (EU) incorporated gender equality as one of its foundational objectives and its institutions have been mandated to integrate gender equality into all of their policy areas, the EU has fallen short of materializing these objectives. Gender inequality at the EU level is perpetuated through a process in which the EU, as a structure anchored in economic considerations, interfaces with androcentric institutions and member states. This substantially determines the policy instruments, tools and mechanisms within and outside its periphery, rendering ‘gender’ to be co-opted, secondary and subdued policy areas. While the discourse on gender equality policy has evolved through ‘equal opportunity’, ‘positive action’ and ‘gender mainstreaming’ approaches, the policies mostly focus on auxiliary benefits such as maternity leave, childcare services and part-time work, aiming to assist women in reconciling their work and life situations. These benefits do not substantially transform conventional gender roles within the family or at the social-economic and political levels, which to a large extent perpetuate gender inequality at large. This article analyses the trajectory of gender equality policy at the EU, the inherent factors and processes that constantly define and determine it and how it implicates the larger EU policy discourse. Using a feminist standpoint, the article explores the extent to which the new female leadership in the EU has prioritized and problematized gender equality with corresponding initiatives and actions, and the major challenges it may face in contemporary times in order to meet its objectives. To this end, some existing labour market and family policies are taken up as case studies. Various EU policy documents, key EIGE reports, press releases and other existing literature have been used as reference points for the analysis.
Visual Complexity of Head-Up Display in Automobiles Modulates Attentional Tunneling
Authors: Lee Jieun , Lee Nahyun , Ju Jangkyu , Chae Jihwan , Park Jiyoon , Ryu Hoe Sung , Cho Yang Seok
Published: June 2023

Objective

To investigate how the visual complexity of head-up displays (HUDs) influence the allocation of driver’s attention in two separate visual domains (near and far domains).

Background

The types and amount of information displayed on automobile HUDs have increased. With limited human attention capacity, increased visual complexity in the near domain may lead to interference in the effective processing of information in the far domain.

Method

Near-domain and far-domain vision were separately tested using a dual-task paradigm. In a simulated road environment, 62 participants were to control the speed of the vehicle (SMT; near domain) and manually respond to probes (PDT; far domain) simultaneously. Five HUD complexity levels including a HUD-absent condition were presented block-wise.

Results

Near domain performance was not modulated by the HUD complexity levels. However, the far domain detection accuracies were impaired as the HUD complexity level increased, with greater accuracy differences observed between central and peripheral probes.

Conclusion

Increased HUD visual complexity leads to a biased deployment of driver attention toward the central visual field. Therefore, the formulation of HUD designs must be preceded by an in-depth investigation of the dynamics of human cognition.

Application

To ensure driving safety, HUD designs should be rendered with minimal visual complexity by incorporating only essential information relevant to driving and removing driving-irrelevant or additional visual details.
Coronavirus Disease Vaccination Among Persons With Disabilities: Understanding Vaccine Perceptions and Hesitancy in Ghana
Authors: Opoku Maxwell Peprah , Belbase Shashidhar , Nsowah Fred Adusei , Yeboah Kwame , Nketsia William , Mohamed Ahmed , Agyei-Okyere Elvis , Amponteng Michael , Saah Reuben , Safi Mohammed
Published: June 2023

The effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been felt globally and in all spheres of life. Developing vaccines was an important milestone in ensuring the protection of lives, but there are concerns about vaccine availability in sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. The living conditions of persons with disabilities, in particular, in SSA societies have been described as deplorable and unsustainable, and they are at risk of discrimination. Such persons appear to be already struggling to obtain other basic services, and the extent of vaccine accessibility to this population remains unknown. This study aimed to assess the perceptions of persons with disabilities in Ghana of COVID-19 vaccines. Between July 2021 and December 2021, 336 persons with disabilities (hearing, visual, and physical) were recruited from two regions in Ghana. The attitude toward the COVID-19 vaccination scale was adapted for this study. The results showed that persons with disabilities were ambivalent toward vaccination, and differences were observed between participant groups. The background variables found to influence attitude were age, place of residence, educational qualification, gender, and COVID-19 acquisition status. The study concludes with a clarion call to policymakers to expedite public education for persons with disabilities.
Rationing of resources in the National Health Service
Authors: Andoh Benjamin
Published: June 2023

The National Health Service was set up to provide healthcare to every citizen, based not on the ability to pay, but on need. However, the Secretary of State for Health’s duty under section 1 of the National Health Service Act 2006 to promote a comprehensive health service is to provide services that can be provided within the resources available. As those resources are not unlimited, it is necessary to ration them. The issue of rationing of resources in the NHS came up again in R (Wallpott) v Welsh Health Specialised Services Committee and Aneurin Bevan University Health Board [2021] EWHC 3291 (Admin). This paper reviews that case and comments on it, looking at why there is rationing of NHS resources and at the approach of the courts to the issue. It concludes that, although rationing of NHS resources is controversial, it is lawful and necessary.
A fatal case of paediatric post-traumatic pyomyositis
Authors: Albano Giuseppe D , Malta Ginevra , Alongi Alberto , Rifiorito Arianna , Cannella Giovanni , Palmeri Mattia , Malandrino Giuliana , Argo Antonina , Zerbo Stefania
Published: June 2023

A 6-year-old girl was brought to the emergency department with a history of an accidental fall a few days earlier. She presented with a fever, cough and constipation. Sars-CoV-2 infection being suspected, she was transferred to a paediatric facility for Covid-positive patients. During the diagnostic process, the clinical picture suddenly deteriorated with the development of bradycardia, tachypnea and altered sensorium. Despite cardiopulmonary resuscitation attempts, the child died about 16 hours after admission to the emergency department. A judicial forensic autopsy was performed that concluded that her death was due to multiple acute pulmonary, cardiac and renal infarctions secondary to septic thromboembolism in the course of post-traumatic bacterial necrotizing pyomyositis of the right ileo-psoas muscle.
Introducing an ecologically-based pest management approach in Cambodia through adaptive learning networks
Authors: Flor Rica Joy , Maat Harro , Stuart Alexander , Then Rathmuny , Choun Saban , Chhun Sokunroth , Hadi Buyung Asmara Ratna
Published: June 2023

How can we reach farmers with ecologically-based Integrated Pest Management (IPM) while creating a supportive context for adoption by farmers and relevant stakeholders? We assessed a new method – Adaptive Learning Networks – from reflections of varied stakeholders, farmer diaries and survey data procured in 2016 and 2019. This method is different from current IPM approaches, in that an explicit focus of learning was on engaging other stakeholders to enable adoption by farmers. For example, access to IPM products, providing new services and creating new policies were intrinsically part of the learning process, alongside learning on-farm IPM techniques. The main consideration is to ease farmers from being locked into the practice of pesticide reliance. The method facilitated multi-stakeholder learning that led to an adaptation of the IPM tools and techniques in the case examined. The priority of this new method was socio-technical learning, wherein varied stakeholders modify interactions, incentives and arrangements relating to pest management. Comparing 2016 and 2019 data, there was a significant reduction in insecticide, herbicide, and rodenticide applications. The observed outcomes indicate the potential to enable a wider spread of IPM technologies.
Determining optimal drying conditions through analysis of the sample movement in a heat pump dryer
Authors: Kim Hyewon , park Chung Hee , Oh Ji-Hyun
Published: June 2023

This study analyzes the effect of sample movement on the drying performance based on the drying conditions in a heat pump dryer. The sample movement changes are analyzed by controlling hot air flow into the drum and the mechanical force caused by drum rotation. A drying program is then developed for controlling the drying conditions. Considering the sample movement in the heat pump dryer, for the drum rotating at 50 rpm along with hot air flow, the sample mainly moves at the center of the drum, resulting in more changes in the local movement of the sample than those when only hot air is introduced, or only drum rotation is operated. Moreover, for the abovementioned condition, the drying period was the lowest and the wrinkle recovery is excellent, but the shrinkage increases. Therefore, by identifying the sample movements affecting the drying performance, the drying period decreases as the sample moves, occupying the entire space including the center of the drum. The shrinkage increases when the sample is at the center of the drum. However, it is advantageous for wrinkle recovery when the sample is in the first quadrant and tumbles. On this basis, the drying process is classified into three stages. Hot air flow, drum rotation speed, and drum rotation direction conditions are combined, resulting in efficient wrinkle recovery and shrinkage reduction simultaneously.
Lagged Dependent Variable Predictors, Classical Measurement Error, and Path Dependency: The Conditions Under Which Various Estimators are Appropriate
Authors: Holm Anders , Hjorth-Trolle Anders , Andersen Robert
Published: June 2023

Lagged dependent variables (LDVs) are often used as predictors in ordinary least squares (OLS) models in the social sciences. Although several estimators are commonly employed, little is known about their relative merits in the presence of classical measurement error and different longitudinal processes. We assess the performance of four commonly used estimators: (1) the standard OLS estimator, (2) an average of past measures (AVG), (3) an instrumental variable (IV) measured at one period previously (IV), and (4) an IV derived from information from more than one time before (IV2). We also propose a new estimator for fixed effects models—the first difference instrumental variable (FDIV) estimator. After exploring the consistency of these estimators, we demonstrate their performance using an empirical application predicting primary school test scores. Our results demonstrate that for a Markov process with classic measurement error (CME), IV and IV2 estimators are generally consistent; LDV and AVG estimators are not. For a semi-Markov process, only the IV2 estimator is consistent. On the other hand, if fixed effects are included in the model, only the FDIV estimator is consistent. We end with advice on how to select the appropriate estimator.