bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel DDCC-Based Current-Mode Two-Integrator-Loop Active-C Biquad
Authors: Arslanalp Remzi
Published: October 2022

In this study, a novel DDCC-based two-integrator-loop universal active-C biquad with a companding process scheme is proposed. The proposed filter employs some processing blocks such as integrators and summing blocks. The use of the block diagram design procedure is attractive and systematic. The state space synthesis technique is utilized for the topology of the integrator design. Several advantages of the proposed filter are briefly expressed as: simultaneously realizing five second-order filter functions such as low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, all-pass and notch filter responses; offering resistorless realization; dissipating low power; having electronic tunability feature of its pole frequency and quality factor orthogonally; not suffering from disadvantages of the passive element matching problems. Some simulation results including frequency and time domain analysis results by using the PSpice program are carried out to confirm the theoretical ones. All the obtained simulation results are discussed.
AN AGE-STRUCTURED MODEL FOR PERTUSSIS TRANSMISSION WITH MULTIPLE INFECTIONS STUDYING THE EFFECTS OF CHILDHOOD DTAP AND ADOLESCENT TDAPVACCINES
Authors: HAN QING
Published: October 2022

An age-structured deterministic model with multiple infections that accounts for decaying maternal antibody, waning infection-acquired and vaccine-induced immunity is formulated to study the transmission dynamics of pertussis and the effect of childhood DTaP and adolescent Tdap vaccines. The expression of the reproduction number [Formula: see text] is derived for the ODE model in the case of proportionate mixing. Estimated age-dependent transmission probability and empirical contact data are used in the simulation of the ODE model from which the basic reproduction number [Formula: see text] is estimated to be around 15. The combination of DTaP and Tdap vaccines fails to bring [Formula: see text] under one and thus pertussis remains endemic despite sustained high coverage of vaccination. While both DTaP and Tdap vaccines have remarkable effect on reducing the incidences of the age groups being directly vaccinated, the adolescent booster dose Tdap is also found to provide some indirect protection for infants though very limited ([Formula: see text] incidence reduction).
Persistence and periodic measure of a stochastic predator–prey model with Beddington–DeAngelis functional response
Authors: Yang Jiangtao
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we study a stochastic predator–prey model with Beddington–DeAngelis functional response and time-periodic coefficients. By analyzing the stability of the solution on the boundary and some stochastic estimates, the threshold conditions for the time-average persistence in probability and extinction of each population are established. Furthermore, the existence of a unique periodic measure of the model is also presented under the condition of the time-average persistence in probability of the model. Several numerical simulations are given to verify the effectiveness of the theoretical results and to illustrate the effects of the white noises on the persistence and periodic measure of the model.
Deep-skin third-harmonic generation (THG) imagingin vivoexcited at the 2200 nm window
Authors: Chen Xinlin , Pan Yi , Qiu Ping , Wang Ke
Published: October 2022

The skin is heterogeneous and exerts strong scattering and aberration onto excitation light in multiphoton microscopy (MPM). Shifting to longer excitation wavelengths may help reduce skin scattering and aberration, potentially enabling larger imaging depths. However, previous demonstrations of skin MPM employ excitation wavelengths only up to the 1700[Formula: see text]nm window, leaving an open question as to whether longer excitation wavelengths are suitable for deep-skin MPM. Here, in order to explore the longer-wavelength territory, first, we demonstrate characterization of the broadband transmittance of excised mouse skin, revealing a high transmittance window at 2200[Formula: see text]nm. Then, we demonstrate third-harmonic generation (THG) imaging in mouse skin in vivo excited at this window. With 9[Formula: see text]mW optical power on the skin surface operating at 1[Formula: see text]MHz repetition rate, we can get THG signals of 250[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m below the skin surface. Comparative THG imaging excited at the 1700[Formula: see text]nm window shows that as imaging depth increases, THG signals decay even faster than those excited at 2200[Formula: see text]nm. Our results thus uncover the 2200[Formula: see text]nm window as a new, promising excitation window potential for deep-skin MPM.
Enhancing IoT Project Success through Agile Best Practices
Authors: Moedt van Bolhuis Wouter , Bernsteiner Reinhard , Hall Margeret , Fruhling Ann
Published: October 2022

Worldwide spending on Internet of Things (IoT) applications is forecasted to surpass $1 trillion by 2022. To stay competitive in this growing technological industry segment, lowering costs while increasing productivity and shortening time-to-market will become increasingly important. Adopting Agile Software Development practices for IoT projects may provide this competitive advantage, as it enables organizations to respond to change, while being dynamic and innovative. Applying a mixed-methods approach, agile IoT practitioners around the world and from diverse industries were surveyed and interviewed. Our study recommends that Agile Software Development team makeup, practices, and methods should be tailored to the specific industry, culture, people, and IT application of an organization. People play an important role in the success of agile projects; therefore, our research focuses on identifying the critical attributes of agile teams to maximize success. Our study identified the five critical agile practices: Collective Code Ownership, Continuous Integration, Single Team, Dedicated Customer, and Sprint Planning and found that both technical and soft skills are essential for successful IoT development.
An Underdeveloped Metaphor: The Mismatched Designs and Motivations of Digital Picture Interactions
Authors: Axtell Benett , Gong Eleen , Munteanu Cosmin
Published: October 2022

Picture interactions are key to daily and long-term social connections between families and communities, especially through reminiscence. Across the nearly 200-year history of domestic photography, this social reminiscence has been accomplished largely through photo albums. However, in the now common digital setting, albums are pushed aside for the endless film roll metaphor. In this article, we explore this metaphor through the 20-year history of proposed digital picture interactions from Human–Computer Interaction research, and compare this to ongoing interactions with modern picture tools. Through these, we reveal that this prominent design metaphor does not create space for social reminiscence, but does fit the novel use of immediate sharing seen across social networking. Furthermore, the endless and ever-growing nature of digital film rolls are not meaningfully browsable for either intended use. We close by reconnecting to the past works that explore the broad potential of digital pictures.
Batman and Robin in Healthcare Knowledge Work: Human-AI Collaboration by Clinical Documentation Integrity Specialists
Authors: Bossen Claus , Pine Kathleen H.
Published: October 2022

This article describes the successful collaboration “in the wild” between Clinical Documentation Integrity Specialists (CDIS) and an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-embedded software to conduct knowledge work. CDIS review patient charts in near real-time to improve clinicians’ documentation, with the goal to make medical documentation more accurate, consistent and complete. CDIS collaborate with an AI-embedded “Computer Assisted Coding” (CAC) system that scans records from the Electronic Healthcare Record and auto-suggests codes based on natural language processing. CDIS find the CAC's suggestions are often inaccurate—often humorously so. Still, they find the CAC to be a useful helper, like Robin is to Batman. This human-AI collaboration is contingent on several factors: the flexible integration of the AI into the workflow similar to the notion of unremarkable AI; supporting the CDIS’ sensemaking; the CDIS’ knowledge about the CAC being predictably unreliable, an experience by the CDIS of the AI's value; humans remaining in control; and ability to experiment with the AI, which spurs reflection and learning for these knowledge workers.
The Impacts of Covid-19 on Players of
Pokémon GO
Authors: Dunham John , Papangelis Konstantinos , Laato Samuli , Lalone Nicolas , Lee Jin , Saker Michael
Published: October 2022

Since its creation, the Location-Based Game (LBG),
Pokémon GO
, has been embraced by a community of fans across the world. Due to its recency, the impact of COVID-19 on the community of
Pokémon GO
players is underexplored. We address how COVID-19 has impacted the players of
Pokémon GO
by building upon existing work focusing on player gratifications and impacts in
Pokémon GO
. Through semi-structured interviews, we provide a snapshot of the state of LBG play during unprecedented times. These player interviews demonstrate (1) the importance of in-person socialization to LBG, (2) additional ways players use the game as a coping mechanism, and (3) how intentionality mediates player perceptions of people-place relationships. Furthermore, we explore how Niantic influenced these behaviors through changes to how players interact with points of interest and engage with elder game mechanics such as raiding.
Fundamental Investigation of Direct Cathode Regeneration Using Chemically Delithiated Lithium Cobalt Oxides
Authors: Bhuyan Md. Sajibul Alam , Shin Hosop
Published: October 2022

Reusing valuable cathode materials from end-of-life (EOL) Li-ion batteries can help decrease dependence on mining of raw materials for producing cathodes, while preventing commodity prices from rising. This study employed chemically delithiated cathodes that are analogous to spent cathodes but free of impurities to fundamentally elucidate the effectiveness of cathode regeneration. Two lithium cobalt oxides (LCOs) at different degrees of delithiation were synthesized via chemical delithiation. Their material and electrochemical characteristics were systematically compared before and after hydrothermal-based cathode regeneration. The material and electrochemical characteristics were further evaluated and compared with those of pristine LCO. Both LCOs, at high and low states of health (SOH), recovered their reversible capacity and cycle performance comparable to those of pristine LCO. However, the high-rate performance (2C) of the regenerated LCOs was not comparable to that of pristine LCO. The slight increase in cell resistance of the regenerated LCOs was attributed to their lower high-rate performance, which was identified as a key challenge of cathode regeneration. Our study provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of cathode regeneration by elucidating the process underlying regeneration of disordered Li-deficient LCOs at different levels of SOH.
Dynamic Multi-Dimensional Numerical Transport Study of Lithium-Ion Battery Active Material Microstructures for Automotive Applications
Authors: Lopata Joseph S. , Garrick Taylor R. , Wang Fengkun , Zhang Han , Zeng Yangbing , Shimpalee Sirivatch
Published: October 2022

In support of GM’s traction battery efforts, we derived and implemented a method to describe the electrochemical performance of a battery cell considering the nuances of the electrode microstructure at the anode and the cathode and the corresponding impact on the electrochemical transport in the solid and liquid phases. To assess the capability of the method, we compared model results from the microstructure framework with the commonly used continuum-level porous electrode model, commonly referred to as the pseudo-2-dimensional model, or the Newman Model. The microstructure modeling framework was applied to simulate the electrochemical and transport processes within the battery cell to predict the concentration gradients, local state-of-charge distributions, reaction distributions, and the overall terminal voltage of the system. In this report, we provide a commentary on the validity and practicality of the microstructure approach to drive battery cell design.
Extension of the TOPSIS Method for Decision Making Problems under Complex Fuzzy Data Based on the Central Point Index
Authors: Barbat Salameh , Barkhordariahmadi Mahnaz , Kermani Vahidmomenaei
Published: October 2022

This paper presents the CP-TOPSIS Model in group decision-making using complex Fuzzy Data. Complex numbers were employed in this model, and the central point index was used to define both the negative and positive ideals as well as the distance between each option. In this approach, the options are graded using complex data (due to replacing linguistic variables). One of the advantages of this model in decision-making is the capability that creates a complex fuzzy technique for investigating, grading, and selecting the best option related to complex fuzzy data. The results show that this model effectively rates and grades the complex fuzzy data through an alternative period. Quantum mechanics wave functions could not be analyzed, nor could signals or time series or stock exchange transactions predict factors of a multiperiod alternation, nor could predictions be made about any of these variables. As a result, there are numerical results in rating with high precision.
OMICS Approaches Evaluating Keloid and Hypertrophic Scars
Authors: Bakhtyar Nazihah , Amini-Nik Saeid , Jeschke Marc G.
Published: October 2022

Abnormal scar formation during wound healing can result in keloid and hypertrophic scars, which is a major global health challenge. Such abnormal scars can cause significant physiological pain and psychological distress and become a financial burden. Due to the biological complexity of scar formation, the pathogenesis of such scars and how to prevent them from forming remains elusive. In this review paper, we delve into the world of “omics” approaches to study abnormal scars and provide examples of genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, epigenomics, and metabolomics. The benefits of “omics” approaches are that they allow for high-throughput studies and the analysis of 100s to 1000s of genes and proteins with the accumulation of large quantities of data. Currently in the field, there is a lack of “omics” review articles describing pathological scars. In this review, we summarize genome-wide linkage analysis, genome-wide association studies, and microarray data to name a few omics technologies. Such data can provide novel insights into different molecular pathways and identify novel factors which may not be captured through small-scale laboratory techniques.
Growth Promotion of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Seedlings Using Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) Isolated from Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Awlachew Zewdu Teshome , Mengistie Gebeyehu Yibeltie
Published: October 2022

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are beneficial soil microorganisms that colonize plant roots and enhance plant growth by a wide variety of mechanisms. In this work, five Bacillus and two Cyanobacteria isolates were successfully isolated and characterized. A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of PGPR on the growth of three cultivars of rice seedlings. Pots were laid down in a complete random design and 100 ml of spore and Cyanobacteria suspension were poured on the soil surface surrounding each seedling. After 45 days, the seedlings were uprooted and shoot and root parameters were recorded. All the Bacillus and Cyanobacteria isolates showed positive effects on the growth of rice seedlings as compared to control; however, their effectiveness varies from isolate to isolate and also from cultivar to cultivar. Bacterial isolates B3 and B5 showed the highest mean value and statistically significant difference (

P
<
0.05

) in most of the root and shoot parameters of cultivars Jegna and Getachew, respectively, as compared to other bacterial isolates. Both cyanobacterial isolates showed the highest and statistically significant difference (

P
<
0.01

) in almost all the above ground and underground growth parameters compared to other bacterial isolates in all the three cultivars of rice. Similarly, C2 and C1 recorded the highest growth promotion efficacy of shoot and root length (50.07% and 78.27%) on Edget and Getachew cultivars, respectively. Hence, the present study suggests that the use of PGPR isolates such as B3, B5, C1, and C2 as inoculant biofertilizers might be beneficial for rice cultivation as they enhanced the growth of rice seedlings.
Student Competency for Midtrimester Obstetrics Scan upon Completion of the Master’s Degree in Medical Sonography
Authors: Hairunpijit Surapa , Siripongsakun Surachate , Chotipanich Chanisa , Hiranrat Pantajaree , Narkwichean Amarin , Laosooksathit Wipada
Published: October 2022

Objectives. To evaluate the competency of medical sonographer students who have completed training to estimate the gestational age (GA) and perform fetal biometric measurements compared to obstetricians. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional observational study at the end of the medical sonographer students’ practice sessions. In total, 80 midtrimester (18–28 weeks) pregnant women were recruited, and an ultrasound was performed according to the International Society of Sonography in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG) guideline. Estimated GA calculated from fetal biometric measurements was compared between medical sonographer students and qualified obstetricians. Subsequently, images were randomly evaluated by maternal-fetal medicine specialists to assess the measurement performance. Results. There was no significant difference in the estimated GA between the medical sonographer students and obstetricians (mean difference, 0.01 ± 2.92 day,

p

 = 0.89). However, there was a significant difference in the measurement of the head circumference (HC) and abdominal circumference (AC) (

p

 < 0.001). The overall image quality of the fetal head, abdomen, and femur was considered a good to excellent score (77.5%–80%). There was a perfect and nearly perfect agreement regarding the presence of the placenta previa, adequacy of amniotic fluid, and position of the placenta (k = 0.9–1.0). Conclusions. The medical sonographer students demonstrated competency in GA estimation by fetal biometry measurement similar to obstetricians. However, the quality of the acquired images, according to the ISUOG recommendation, needs improvement, and this should be emphasized in the sonography course curriculum. The results suggest that medical sonographers can relieve obstetricians’ workload for ultrasound screening in midtrimester pregnancies.
Clinical and Histopathological Factors Associated with the Tumoral Expression of TGF-β1, MED15, CD16, and CD57 in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Elahi Maryam , Rakhshan Vahid
Published: October 2022

Introduction. Factors associated with the expression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) biomarkers “CD16, CD57, TGF-β1, and MED15” are not assessed, except in few controversial studies of some of these biomarkers. This study aimed to highlight factors that can correlate with tumoral overexpression of these biomarkers. Methods. In this genetically-matched case-control study, biomarker expressions in all available OSCC tissues and their adjacent normal tissues at the National Tumor Center (n = 384 (4 biomarkers × (48 cancers + 48 controls))) were measured using qRT-PCR. Factors associated with tumoral overexpression of CD16, CD57, TGF-β1, and MED15 (compared to the benign control) were evaluated, using log-level multiple linear regressions and Spearman (α = 0.05). Results. Tumoral CD16 upregulation was observed in younger patients (β = −0.284,

P
=
0.040

) and cigarette smokers (β = 0.397,

P
=
0.005

). Tumoral CD57 was upregulated in males (β = 0.341,

P
=
0.008

), smokers (β = 0.401,

P
=
0.002

), and cases without vascular invasion (β = −0.242,

P
=
0.042

). Tumoral TGF-β1 was elevated in smokers (β = 0.452,

P
=
0.001

) and smaller tumors (β = −0.322,

P
=
0.045

). Tumoral MED15 was overexpressed in smokers (β = 0.295,

P
=
0.036

) and cases lacking perineural invasion (β = −0.394,

P
=
0.007

). Conclusion. As the most consistent finding, smoking might be positively associated with tumoral overexpression of all biomarkers. Tumoral increase in CD57 might be positively associated with metastasis while being negatively correlated with vascular and lymphatic invasion. Tumor size might be negatively associated with tumoral TGF-β1 expression.
Modifying Covariance Localization to Mitigate Sampling Errors from the Ensemble Data Assimilation
Authors: Chang Mingheng , Zuo Hongchao , Duan Jikai
Published: October 2022

The ensemble-based Kalman filter requires at least a considerable ensemble (e.g., 10,000 members) to identify relevant error covariance at great distances for multidimensional geophysical systems. However, increasing numerous ensemble sizes will enlarge sampling errors. This study proposes a modified Cholesky decomposition based on the covariance localization (CL) scheme, namely a covariance localization scheme with modified Cholesky decomposition (CL-MC). Our main idea utilizes a modified Cholesky (MC) decomposition technique for estimating the background error covariance matrix; meanwhile, we employ the tunable singular value decomposition method on the background error covariance to improve the ensemble increment and avoid the imbalance of the system. To verify if the proposed method can effectively mitigate the sampling errors, numerical experiments are conducted on the Lorenz-96 model and large-scale model (SPEEDY model). The results show that the CL-MC method outperforms the CL method for different data assimilation parameters (ensemble sizes and localizations). Furthermore, by performing one year of assimilation experiments on the SPEEDY model, it is found that the 1-day forecast RMSEs obtained by the CL are approximately equal to the 5-day forecast RMSEs of CL-MC. So, the CL-MC method has potential advantages for long-term forecasting. Maybe the proposed CL-MC method achieves good prospects for widespread application in atmospheric general circulation models.
A Practical Application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process and Integer Linear Programming for Fuzzy Front-End Project Selection
Authors: Seboni Lone , Moreri Kealeboga
Published: October 2022

Purpose. This study applies a novel approach that integrates AHP with integer linear programming (ILP), to address a gap in management literature regarding the need to consider both sustainability and COVID-19 impact on project selection, with a view to avoid implementation failures. Design/Methodology/Approach. A case study approach involving experts in semiconductor manufacturing was conducted, using the Delphi method, to determine weights of various criteria, including additional new criteria associated with both sustainability and COVID-19 issues considered in the selection decision for four candidate projects. Findings. Integrated results revealed two projects to be selected (projects 1 and 3). Whilst AHP results revealed more information about the ranking of all four projects, the ILP model results complemented the findings by indicating that 2 projects (projects 1 and 3) should be selected, taking account of not only resource constraints but also sustainability issues and customer behavior towards selected projects, influenced by COVID-19 impact. Originality/Value. The value lies in not only proposing a novel framework that integrates AHP with ILP but also adding to our understanding of the importance to incorporate both sustainability and COVID-19 impacts on semiconductor industry project selection, both of which have significance for the industry in terms of maximizing implementation success for selected projects.
Monocarboxylate Transporters: Role and Regulation in Corneal Diabetes
Authors: Shrestha Pawan , Whelchel Amy E. , Nicholas Sarah E. , Liang Wentao , Ma Jian-Xing , Karamichos Dimitrios
Published: October 2022

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic diseases that is known to cause structural and functional ocular complications. In the human cornea, DM-related complications affect the epithelium, stroma, and nerves. Monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) are a family of proton-linked plasma membrane transporters that carry monocarboxylates across plasma membranes. In the context of corneal health and disease, their role, presence, and function are largely undetermined and solely focused on the most common MCT isoforms, 1 through 4. In this study, we investigated the regulation of MCT1, 2, 4, 5, 8, and 10, in corneal DM, using established 3D self-assembled extracellular matrix (ECM) in vitro models. Primary stromal corneal fibroblasts were isolated from healthy (HCFs), type I (T1DMs), and type II (T2DMs) DM donors. Monoculture 3D constructs were created by stimulating stromal cells on transwells with stable vitamin C for two or four weeks. Coculture 3D constructs were created by adding SH-SY5Y neurons at two different densities, 12 k and 500 k, on top of the monocultures. Our data showed significant upregulation of MCT1 at 4 weeks for HCF, T1DM, and T2DM monocultures, as well as the 500 k nerve cocultures. MCT8 was significantly upregulated in HCF and T1DM monocultures and all of the 500 k nerve cocultures. Further, MCT10 was only expressed at 4 weeks for all cocultures and was limited to HCFs and T1DMs in monocultures. Immunofluorescence analysis showed cytoplasmic MCT expression for all cell types and significant downregulation of both MCT2 and MCT4 in HCFs, when compared to T1DMs and T2DMs. Herein, we reveal the existence and modulation of MCTs in the human diabetic cornea in vitro. Changes appeared dependent on neuronal density, suggesting that MCTs are very likely critical to the neuronal defects observed in diabetic keratopathy/neuropathy. Further studies are warranted in order to fully delineate the role of MCTs in corneal diabetes.
Application of DTCWT Decomposition and Partial Differential Equation Denoising Methods in Remote Sensing Image Big Data Denoising and Reconstruction
Authors: Zeng Wei
Published: October 2022

The precision of the traditional satellite remote sensing image denoising model cannot deal well with some precise production scenes. To solve this problem, this research proposes an improved remote sensing image processing model, in which the dual tree complex wavelet transform (DTCWT) method is used to conduct multiscale decomposition of the impact, and the fourth-order differential equation is used to denoise the decomposed complex high-frequency subband information, and then the denoised subbands are reconstructed into the denoised image. Through these two advanced signal-processing methods, the quality of reconstructed signals is improved and the noise content of various types is greatly reduced. The experimental results show that the normalized root mean square error of the denoising model designed in this study after training convergence is 0.02. When the noise variance is 0.030, the structure similarity, peak signal to noise ratio, and normalized signal to noise ratio are 0.74, 25.3, and 0.76, respectively, which are better than all other comparison models. The experimental data prove that the satellite remote sensing image data denoising model designed in this study has better denoising performance, and has certain application potential in high-precision satellite remote sensing image big data processing.
A Rare Congenital Perineal Groove
Authors: Abate Enyew
Published: October 2022

Background. Perineal groove is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by nonepithelialized mucous membrane that appears as an erythematous sulcus in the perineal midline, extending from the posterior vaginal fourchette to the anterior anal orifice. It is one of the uncommon anomalies of anogenital region that is unknown to many clinicians, and it is usually misdiagnosed as an anal fissure, perineal trauma, diaper dermatitis, infection, or sexual abuse. Case Presentation. Seven-day-old female neonate was brought by her parents after they observe reddish discoloration of her genitalia. Upon examination, there was a vertical perineal wet groove-like unkeratinized erythematous lesion with no bleeding, sign of infection, or inflammation that extends from the posterior vaginal fourchette to the anal rim. The newborn was sent home after counseling with a reassessment plan in case of complications. Conclusions. Recognition of the congenital perineal groove at birth is important for the health care providers to deliver an appropriate parental counseling and appropriate follow-up.
Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetics of TAK-931, a Cell Division Cycle 7 Inhibitor, in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors: A Phase I First-in-Human Study
Authors: Kuboki Yasutoshi , Shimizu Toshio , Yonemori Kan , Kojima Takashi , Kondo Shunsuke , Koganemaru Shigehiro , Iwasa Satoru , Harano Kenichi , Koyama Takafumi , Lu Vickie , Zhou Xiaofei , Niu Huifeng , Yanai Tomoko , Garcia-Ribas Ignacio , Doi Toshihiko , Yamamoto Noboru
Published: October 2022

Purpose:

We conducted a first-in-human, dose-escalation study, to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and activity of TAK-931, a cell division cycle 7 inhibitor, in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors.

Experimental Design:

Patients ages ≥20 years received oral TAK-931: once daily for 14 days in 21-day cycles (schedule A; from 30 mg); once daily or twice daily for 7 days on, 7 days off in 28-day cycles (schedule B; from 60 mg); continuous once daily (schedule D; from 20 mg); or once daily for 2 days on, 5 days off (schedule E; from 100 mg) in 21-day cycles.

Results:

Of the 80 patients enrolled, all had prior systemic treatment and 86% had stage IV disease. In schedule A, 2 patients experienced dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) of grade 4 neutropenia and the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was 50 mg. In schedule B, 4 patients experienced DLTs of grade 3 febrile neutropenia (n = 3) or grade 4 neutropenia (n = 1); the MTD was 100 mg. Schedules D and E were discontinued before MTD determination. The most common adverse events were nausea (60%) and neutropenia (56%). Time to maximum plasma concentration of TAK-931 was approximately 1–4 hours postdose; systemic exposure was approximately dose proportional. Posttreatment pharmacodynamic effects correlating to drug exposure were observed. Overall, 5 patients achieved a partial response.

Conclusions:

TAK-931 was tolerable with a manageable safety profile. TAK-931 50 mg once daily days 1–14 in 21-day cycles was selected as a recommended phase II dose and achieved proof of mechanism.

Trial registration ID:

NCT02699749

Significance:

This was the first-in-human study of the CDC7 inhibitor, TAK-931, in patients with solid tumors. TAK-931 was generally tolerable with a manageable safety profile. The recommend phase II dose was determined to be TAK-931 50 mg administered once daily on days 1–14 of each 21-day cycle. A phase II study is ongoing to confirm the safety, tolerability, and antitumor activity of TAK-931 in patients with metastatic solid tumors.
Rituximab in Subepidermal Blistering Diseases
Authors: Tan Wen Hao , Sim Jingwei , Sultana Rehena , Lee Haur Yueh
Published: October 2022

Background: Although rituximab is known to be effective in the treatment of pemphigus, its role in subepidermal autoimmune blistering diseases is unclear and currently limited to off-label use. Summary: This is a meta-analysis of case reports, case series, and retrospective studies on the effectiveness and safety of rituximab in bullous pemphigoid, mucous membrane pemphigoid, ocular pemphigoid, and epidermolysis bullosa acquisita. We compared remission and relapse rates in patients who received rituximab with those who only received conventional medical therapy. Comparisons were also made among disease subgroups. Key Message: The present analysis suggests that patients with subepidermal autoimmune blistering diseases treated with rituximab achieve a higher rate of complete remission and encounter their first relapse after a longer time interval. However, time to remission and total relapse rates were similar between groups. Adverse events and mortality rates were no more common in patients who received rituximab. This analysis was limited by the absence of randomized controlled trials and the observation that rituximab was used as a late rescue therapy in most reports. In conclusion, rituximab may be effective in subepidermal blistering disease, but randomized controlled studies are required for the validation of current observational data.
Abnormal Cytokines in Trauma Patients Explained by Obesity, Musculoskeletal Disease, Smoking, and Lung Disease
Authors: Søegaard Erik Ganesh Iyer , Kan Zhanna , Aass Hans Christian Dalsbotten , Koirala Rishav , Hauff Edvard , Thapa Suraj Bahadur
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Low-grade inflammation observed through abnormal plasma cytokine levels has been associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is not clear whether PTSD independently causes the inflammation or if it is mainly through co-occurring somatic factors such as smoking and obesity. We wanted to explore the effects of biopsychosocial factors on cytokine levels in a clinical setting. Methods: The sample consisted of 51 patients with PTSD, 58 trauma patients without PTSD, and 40 matched controls. We selected cytokines and relevant risk factors for systemic inflammation through pairwise correlations. Then, we used linear regression to analyze the individual and combined effects of these on the (Log10) cytokines, particularly estimating the effect of PTSD adjusted for other factors. Results: Higher age, female gender, cigarette smoking, presence of lung and musculoskeletal disease, use of antipsychotic medication, and higher BMI were correlated with higher levels of interleukins IL-1RA, IL-2RA, and IL-6. In the adjusted regression analysis, higher BMI was associated with increased IL-1RA (B = 0.06, p < 0.01), IL-2RA (B = 0.01, p < 0.01), and IL-6 (B = 0.01, p = 0.03). Presence of musculoskeletal disease was associated with increased IL-1RA (B = 0.72, p < 0.01) and IL-6 (B = 0.16, p = 0.01), and decreased IL-2RA (B = −0.09, p < 0.01). Cigarette smoking (B = 0.16, p = 0.01) and presence of lung disease (B = 0.14, p = 0.02) were associated with increased IL-6. PTSD diagnosis was associated with decreased IL-2RA (B = −0.06, p = 0.04). Discussion/Conclusion: Altered cytokine levels in distressed trauma-affected individuals are probably mostly through co-occurring risk factors and not PTSD diagnosis. Increased BMI and musculoskeletal (pain) disease may be particularly strong risk factors and should be addressed.
Risk Factors for Perioperative Brain Lesions in Infants With Congenital Heart Disease: A European Collaboration
Authors: Bonthrone Alexandra F. , Stegeman Raymond , Feldmann Maria , Claessens Nathalie H.P. , Nijman Maaike , Jansen Nicolaas J.G. , Nijman Joppe , Groenendaal Floris , de Vries Linda S. , Benders Manon J.N.L. , Haas Felix , Bekker Mirielle N. , Logeswaran Thushiha , Reich Bettina , Kottke Raimund , Hagmann Cornelia , Latal Beatrice , Dave Hitendu , Simpson John , Pushparajah Kuberan , Austin Conal , Kelly Christopher J. , Arulkumaran Sophie , Rutherford Mary A. , Counsell Serena J. , Knirsch Walter , Breur Johannes M.P.J.
Published: October 2022

Background:

Infants with congenital heart disease are at risk of brain injury and impaired neurodevelopment. The aim was to investigate risk factors for perioperative brain lesions in infants with congenital heart disease.

Methods:

Infants with transposition of the great arteries, single ventricle physiology, and left ventricular outflow tract and/or aortic arch obstruction undergoing cardiac surgery <6 weeks after birth from 3 European cohorts (Utrecht, Zurich, and London) were combined. Brain lesions were scored on preoperative (transposition of the great arteries N=104; single ventricle physiology N=35; and left ventricular outflow tract and/or aortic arch obstruction N=41) and postoperative (transposition of the great arteries N=88; single ventricle physiology N=28; and left ventricular outflow tract and/or aortic arch obstruction N=30) magnetic resonance imaging for risk factor analysis of arterial ischemic stroke, cerebral sinus venous thrombosis, and white matter injury.

Results:

Preoperatively, induced vaginal delivery (odds ratio [OR], 2.23 [95% CI, 1.06–4.70]) was associated with white matter injury and balloon atrial septostomy increased the risk of white matter injury (OR, 2.51 [95% CI, 1.23–5.20]) and arterial ischemic stroke (OR, 4.49 [95% CI, 1.20–21.49]). Postoperatively, younger postnatal age at surgery (OR, 1.18 [95% CI, 1.05–1.33]) and selective cerebral perfusion, particularly at ≤20 °C (OR, 13.46 [95% CI, 3.58–67.10]), were associated with new arterial ischemic stroke. Single ventricle physiology was associated with new white matter injury (OR, 2.88 [95% CI, 1.20–6.95]) and transposition of the great arteries with new cerebral sinus venous thrombosis (OR, 13.47 [95% CI, 2.28–95.66]). Delayed sternal closure (OR, 3.47 [95% CI, 1.08–13.06]) and lower intraoperative temperatures (OR, 1.22 [95% CI, 1.07–1.36]) also increased the risk of new cerebral sinus venous thrombosis.

Conclusions:

Delivery planning and surgery timing may be modifiable risk factors that allow personalized treatment to minimize the risk of perioperative brain injury in severe congenital heart disease. Further research is needed to optimize cerebral perfusion techniques for neonatal surgery and to confirm the relationship between cerebral sinus venous thrombosis and perioperative risk factors.
Analysis of Mulan’s Poor Reception in China from the Perspective of Orientalism
Authors: Tong Zhaosheng
Published: October 2022

The undesirable reception of Disney’s Mulan (2020) is attributable to complicated factors. This paper combs Hua Mulan’s images in Chinese literary and visual discourses, and confirms her as a virtuous epitome and a national heroine in Chinese mainstream culture, whereas in Mulan, she is portrayed as a warrior with magic “qi” and homosexual orientation, representing modern feminists’ pursuits for gender recognition and equality. Besides, the assertive collage of Chinese cultural elements severely impairs the authenticity of her story. Superficially, the arbitrary appropriation of Chinese culture causes the poor reception of the movie, which, however, if situated within the framework of Orientalism with a lineal examination of the Chinese-culture-related Hollywood movies, more underlying causes, ideological, political and commercial, can be uncovered. The film’s failure bespeaks the predicament confronted by contemporary Hollywood film industry. If Hollywood film producers want to reap lucrative gains from the booming Chinese film market, they should rectify their outdated condescending attitudes and do more in updating their production concepts, innovation, empathy and cooperation. This paper may be of significance as a reference to the practice and study of film adaptation, production and marketing across cultures.
Negotiating Textuality and Aesthetic Tropes in Fújì Performance
Authors: Boluwaduro Stephen Olabanji
Published: October 2022

Fújì music, a Yorùbá popular art, has over the time been criticised as a local musical idiom devoid of any sophisticated aesthetic and functional values, and meant only for the illiterates. This study investigates the multiplicity of aesthetic performances in this Yorùbá art through close examination of a range of Fújì musical song texts in a bid to articulate Yorùbá socio-cultural realities. Engaging an aspect of Ackerman’s concept of hybridity, this study analyses selected works of two Nigerian Fújì musical artistes, Sikiru Ayinde Balogun (a.k.a. Barrister) and Rasaki Kolawole Ilori (a.k.a. Kollington Ayinla) who are representatives of the first generation of Fújì musical artistes. I argue that Fújì music possesses utilitarian relevance to Nigerian audiences as it is engaged in various ways to generate multiple meanings in linguistic, literary and musicological senses through syncretic complexities of postcolonial socio-cultural dialectical practices in Nigeria. The study concludes that Fújì song performance inherently possesses and articulates an array of social values and aesthetics.
The Poetics of Place and Belonging in Joe Ushie’s Poetry
Authors: Inyabri Idom T.
Published: October 2022

Joe Ushie’s poetry is highly expressive of a poet persona’s place consciousness. In this paper I interrogate selected poems that articulate a sense of place and belonging in his four collections of poems: Popular Stand and Other Poems (1992), Lambs at the Shrine (1995), Hill Songs (2000), and A Reign of Locust (2004). Utilising the theoretical provisions of postcolonial ecocriticism, I see his imagery as a creative strategy to express his belongingness, foreground a marginalised cultural space, and draw attention to the vagaries of a once idyllic environment in the throes of vain postcolonial politics, commercial greed, and poverty. Thus, while remaining close to the poet’s indigenous imagination, I conclude that Ushie’s aesthetics of place and belonging is anchored firmly in the environmentalist ethics of pursuit for a healthy environment.
Political Ambition and Psychiatric Manifestations in Femi Osofisan’s A Restless Run of Locusts
Authors: Omobowale Emmanuel Babatunde , Kekeghe Stephen Ese
Published: October 2022

Existing studies, in Nigeria, have explored the interplay of physical and psychological diseases with a central focus on different psychiatric conditions as well as their social triggers. This article examines ambition as a major intensifier of neurotic and psychotic episodes in Femi Osofisan’s play, A Restless Run of Locusts. Freud’s psychoanalytic theory is adopted to account for the mental states of the characters, as manifested in their moods, conducts, gait, physical dispositions and utterances. The play is subjected to a critical analysis to reveal some psychiatric symptoms elicited by grave ambition, as exhibited by its protagonist and other characters featured in it. Besides a close reading of the primary text, secondary materials on the field of psychiatry and literature give insights to the study. The play reveals different psychotic and neurotic features which emerge from the fierce greed and ambition of the protagonist in his craving for political positions and privileges. Through verbal and behavioural displays, Osofisan’s protagonist undergoes a gradual descent into mental derangement, from neuroses to psychoses.
Can the Perceived Timing of Multisensory Events Predict Cybersickness?
Authors: Sadiq Ogai , Barnett-Cowan Michael
Published: October 2022

Humans are constantly presented with rich sensory information that the central nervous system (CNS) must process to form a coherent perception of the self and its relation to its surroundings. While the CNS is efficient in processing multisensory information in natural environments, virtual reality (VR) poses challenges of temporal discrepancies that the CNS must solve. These temporal discrepancies between information from different sensory modalities leads to inconsistencies in perception of the virtual environment which often causes cybersickness. Here, we investigate whether individual differences in the perceived relative timing of sensory events, specifically parameters of temporal-order judgement (TOJ), can predict cybersickness. Study 1 examined audiovisual (AV) TOJs while Study 2 examined audio-active head movement (AAHM) TOJs. We deduced metrics of the temporal binding window (TBW) and point of subjective simultaneity (PSS) for a total of 50 participants. Cybersickness was quantified using the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ). Study 1 results (correlations and multiple regression) show that the oculomotor SSQ shares a significant yet positive correlation with AV PSS and TBW. While there is a positive correlation between the total SSQ scores and the TBW and PSS, these correlations are not significant. Therefore, although these results are promising, we did not find the same effect for AAHM TBW and PSS. We conclude that AV TOJ may serve as a potential tool to predict cybersickness in VR. Such findings will generate a better understanding of cybersickness which can be used for development of VR to help mitigate discomfort and maximize adoption.
Brutalised, Broken and Betrayed: The Falklands Veteran in 1980s British Film
Authors: Edwards Sam
Published: October 2022

This article examines how the British Falklands veteran was depicted in three late 1980s films: Resurrected (1989), Tumbledown(1988) and For Queen and Country (1989). Like many contemporaneous depictions of American Vietnam veterans, all three productions explore the difficult homecoming of the “returning soldier”, paying close attention to questions of health, well-being, national identity, class and race. To this extent, all three films “use” the figure of the veteran for pointed social and political commentary, with the mores and values of 1980s Britain the subject of engaged critique: from unemployment and the collapse of class solidarity, to the pettiness of government bureaucracy, to the racism of the State and its agents. In doing so, 1980s era depictions of the Falklands veteran established a powerful template which continues to shape and inform perceptions of the “stigmatized veteran” in contemporary British culture.
Early Labor Movement Strike Violence, the Press, and the Upton Sinclair Hypothesis
Authors: Isaac Larry W. , Coley Jonathan S. , Ingersoll Hannah
Published: October 2022

During the labor movement’s formative years, Upton Sinclair was among the most vehement critics of the press for, as he claimed, a wide variety of “capitalist corruptions.” The authors examine one of Sinclair’s central charges in his The Brass Check, the first major book-length criticism of the U.S. corporate press: When strikers are violent, they get reported on the wire services; when they are not violent, they are ignored by the wires and thus the papers. This press selection process serves to create in public consciousness a strong association between strikes and violence. Focusing on coverage by the New York Sun and New York Times for fourteen major strikes spanning the Gilded Age and Progressive Era, evidence suggests that Sinclair’s claim was, with some qualification, generally correct. The authors discuss implications of negative press as “soft repression” during the formative years of the labor movement and prior to journalism’s major moves at professionalization.
Typifications in Eupatorieae (Asteraceae)
Authors: COSTA REBOUÇAS NATANAEL , LACERDA GIACOMIN LEANDRO , ROQUE NÁDIA , DE OLIVEIRA BÜNGER MARIANA
Published: October 2022

During a taxonomic revision of Eupatorieae (Asteraceae) from Ceará state, Brazil, we found that nomenclatural acts were required according to the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (ICBN). After analyzing protologues and original material, we have designated three lectotypes for names within Ayapana, Barrosoa, and Dissothrix. Details and discussions are presented for each species.
Typification of the Lacaita’s name Senecio stabianus (Asteraceae), basionym of the Italian endemic Senecio ovatus subsp. stabianus
Authors: STINCA ADRIANO
Published: October 2022

In order to investigate the nomenclature of taxa described by Charles Carmichael Lacaita, in this paper the name Senecio stabianus is lectotypified based on a specimen mounted on two sheets, which constitute a single gathering, traced in BM. Currently, this Italian endemic taxon is treated as a subspecies of S. ovatus and listed in the IUCN Red List.