bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phlomoides cuonaensis (Lamiaceae), a new species from Xizang (China), and lectotypification of the name Notochaete hamosa
Authors: ZHAO YUE , QIAN MEI-LING , TIAN QIN , SUKHORUKOV ALEXANDER P. , XIANG CHUN-LEI
Published: February 2024

Phlomoides is the second largest genus within Lamiaceae subfamily Lamioideae, and China is one of three diversity centers of the genus. In this study, we described and illustrated a new species, Phlomoides cuonaensis, from Cuona City, Xizang Autonomous Region, China. Molecular phylogenetic analyses revealed that P. cuonaensis and two morphologically similar species, P. hamosa and P. longiaristata, form a distinct clade within Phlomoides. Synapomorphies of this small clade are hooked floral bracts and calyx spines. The new species differs from the other two in trichome density and size on the calyx, floral bract, and nutlet, and in the length of the calyx and bract. Micro-morphological features of nutlets of these three species were examined using scanning electron microscopy. In addition, a lectotype for the name Notochaete hamosa (≡ Phlomoides hamosa) was designated.
A review of the genus Mirocastnia J. Y. Miller, 1980 (Lepidoptera: Castniidae) with records of recently collected specimens
Authors: GONZÁLEZ JORGE M. , THÖNY HUBERT , WORTHY ROBERT
Published: February 2024

A new record of the rare species Mirocastnia pyrrhopygoides (Houlbert) from Ecuador is reported, along with range extensions for M. smalli (J. Y. Miller) and M. canis (Lathy). In addition, the genus Mirocastnia J. Y. Miller is revised and the diagnostic phenotypic characteristics of males and females, as well as male genitalia, are illustrated. Details on its natural history, biogeography, and biology are included with the purpose of solving the confusion in the taxonomy of the genus. All taxa previously considered to be species are herein relegated to subspecific status, i.e. M. pyrrhopygoides canis stat. nov. and M. p. smalli stat. nov.
Heritable Phenotypic Variations in the Self-Pollinated Progeny from Grafted Cucumber with Pumpkin as Rootstock
Authors: Jiang Li-na , Zhang Liang-Zhao , He Song-Tao , Zhai Yu-Fei , Zhou Jun-Guo
Published: February 2024

This study investigated whether grafting cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) onto pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch.) rootstocks can induce phenotypic variations in the self-bred cucumber progeny. The phenotypic traits of the self-pollinated progeny of grafted ‘Zhenghuang
1409’ cucumber were significantly different from those of the naturally rooted ‘Zhenghuang 1409’ parent line. Compared with the ‘Zhenghuang 1409’ cucumber inbred line, the first self-pollinated and naturally rooted generation of grafted cucumber displayed reduced
length and width of the leaf at the node of the second female flower, a tapered petiole and stem, increased internode length, shorter plants, decreased fruit diameter, longer fruit stalk, thicker pulp, decreased seed length and width, and a lower 100-grain weight. Similar changes in most of
these phenotypic traits were observed in the second generation of self-pollinated plants from grafted cucumber. By observing plant phenotypic traits, two leaf phenotypic variations were observed in the first generation of selfed grafted cucumber, and these two phenotypes were inherited in
the second selfed generation.
Effects of Chaihu Guizhi Ganjiang Decoction (CGGD) Combined with Cognitive Behavioral Intervention on Cognitive Behavior and Depressive State in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder After Modified Electroconvulsive Therapy
Authors: Sun Xiaoli , Shi Zengke , Shen Yonghui , Liu Junyun , Wang Ping , Li Wanwen
Published: February 2024

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a mental disease characterized by depressed mood, anhedonia, and lack of energy. Modified electroconvulsive therapy (MECT) can effectively alleviate depression. However, it has been reported that MECT may cause cognitive impairments. Therefore, it is imperative to explore a new treatment approach with high efficacy in alleviating depressive symptoms and ensuring safety. In this study, we investigate the clinical efficacy of Chaihu Guizhi Ganjiang Decoction (CGGD) combined with cognitive behavioral intervention in patients with MDD after MECT and elucidate the therapeutic mechanism of CGGD in treating MDD. A total of 90 patients with MDD who underwent MECT at our hospital from 2021.01 to 2023.01 were included and randomly divided into 2 groups: a regular group received cognitive behavioral intervention and a coalition group received cognitive behavioral intervention combined with CGGD. A comparative analysis was performed on the clinical efficacy, cognitive function, and depressive state between the two groups. We observed that the coalition group exhibited a significantly higher total effective rate (93.33%) compared to the regular group (73.3%). After the intervention, the HAMD scores in the coalition group were lower than those in the regular group. Furthermore, our results demonstrated that compared to the regular group, the coalition group showed higher numbers of total tests and correct responses and lower numbers of wrong responses and persistent errors. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the combined treatment can effectively enhance antidepressant effects and improve cognitive function in patients with MDD after MECT.
Novel Synthesis of Fluorescein Isothiocyanate-Based Fluorescent Nanoprobes in Imaging Lung Inflammation
Authors: Dai Li , Wang Wenjun , Yan Jie , Liu Yong
Published: February 2024

We aimed to examine the novel synthesis of fluorescent nanoprobes synthesized in imaging lung inflammation and diseased tissues. All reagents were purchased from commercial suppliers to synthesize the PLGA, PEG, GFP, RFP, rhodamine, and magnetic fluorescent nanoprobes. We performed
experiments using human lung cells from the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Cell Center. The cells were cultured in a DMEM medium. Confocal microscopy was used to label the cells during imaging. All statistical analyses were performed in GraphPad Prism. There were significant differences
in the fluorescent intensities of all nanoprobes. The fluorescence intensity of the iron oxide nanoprobes was significantly higher than all other probes, while Cy5.5 and RFP nanoprobes had significantly higher fluorescence intensity than PEG and FITC. Moreover, we found that GFP has a better
quantum yield than RFP, while RFP has longer emission wavelengths than GFP. Fluorescent nanoprobes have shown great potential as a non-invasive and sensitive tool for imaging lung inflammation and diseased tissue.
[ARTICLE WITHDRAWN] ASAP1 Promotes Cholangiocarcinoma Progression via Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway
Authors: He Jiaqi , Liu Han , Cai Jianhua , Shen Sheng , Wang Jiwen , Liu Houbao
Published: February 2024

[ARTICLE WITHDRAWN] THIS ARTICLE WAS WITHDRAWN BY THE PUBLISHER IN April 2024
LncRNA BACE1-AS Accelerates the Progression of Gastric Cancer Through Regulating as a ceRNA of miR-422a to Positively Control BRD4 Expression
Authors: Cao Wei , Yang Yang , Wei Xiao , Chen Weichang
Published: February 2024

Gastric cancer (GC) is a leading global cause of cancer-related mortality, necessitating urgent research on its pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment. In this study, we investigated the expressions of LncRNA BACE1-AS, mRNA BRD4, and miR-422a in GES-1 and GC cells under various treatments
using RT-PCR. Western Blots confirmed protein expressions in HGC-27 and SNU-1 cells. EDU and MTT assays assessed cell proliferation, while Transwell tests determined invasion capacity, and flow cytometry analyzed apoptosis. BACE1-AS and BRD4 were significantly elevated in cancerous tissues
compared to paired non-cancerous tissues. BACE1-AS knockdown inhibited invasion and proliferation, promoting apoptosis. miR-422a mimics suppressed proliferation and invasion while enhancing apoptosis, and miR-422a mimics with BRD4 overexpression had the opposite effect. Moreover, BAX protein
increased in the si-BACE1-AS group but decreased in the si-BACE1-AS+miR-422a inhibitor group. Si-BACE1-AS and miR-422a mimics reduced the expression of C-Myc, CyclinD1, Survivin, CDK4, and Bcl-2, while the si-BACE1-AS+miR-422a inhibitor and miR-422a mimics+BRD4-OV groups showed the opposite
trend. Our findings suggest that LncRNA BACE1-AS positively regulates gastric cancer progression by modulating BRD4 as a competitive endogenous RNA for miR-422a. This LncRNA BACE1-AS/BRD4/miR-422a signaling axis presents potential targets for developing therapeutic strategies against gastric
cancer.
Activation of Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 Antagonizes the Reactive Oxygen Species Modulator 1-Induced Oxidative Stress in Nucleus Pulposus Cells
Authors: Li Weibin , Cao Yasen
Published: February 2024

This study investigates the role of Reactive Oxygen Species Modulator 1 (ROMO1) in oxidative stress within nucleus pulposus (NP) cells and its potential regulation by Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Intervertebral disc samples from patients were collected, and ROMO1,
Nrf2, collagen I/II levels were analyzed to establish their potential connection. Human NP cells were cultured and exposed to H2O2 to induce oxidative stress. To elucidate ROMO1’s impact on NP cell metabolism, NP cells were transfected with ROMO1. Concurrently,
Nrf2 activators and inhibitors were used to modulate Nrf2 expression during culturing. Oxidative stress was assessed through CAT and SOD1 gene expression analysis and measurement of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. NP cell status was determined by evaluating cell viability
and collagen I/II expression. Results indicated elevated ROMO1 expression in severe intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) and after H2O2 treatment. ROMO1 overexpression increased ROS production, suppressed CAT, SOD, and collagen II expression, while elevating collagen I and negatively affecting
cell viability. However, Nrf2 activation effectively suppressed ROMO1 expression and protected NP cells from oxidative stress induced by H2O2 or ROMO1. In conclusion, ROMO1 exacerbates oxidative stress and contributes to NP cell degeneration, a process mitigated by Nrf2
activation.
Potential Role of Odanacatib in the Treatment of Postmenopausal Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Authors: Liu Peng , Liu Songqi , Gao Tiantian , Zhang Zhengping , Yang Junsong , Liu Jijun , Li Dichen
Published: February 2024

Odanacatib (ODN), a cathepsin K (CatK) inhibitor, is widely used for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. However, whether ODN is efficient in delaying intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) remaining unknown. We aimed to explore the effect of ODN in the postmenopausal IVDD
using an ovariectomized (OVX) mouse model. We collected the disc tissues from female spinal fracture patients and analyzed the CatK expression in different estrogen levels. Besides, we injected ranged concentration of OND subcutaneously in the OVX mice and tested the disc height index (DHI),
aggrecan positive area, collagen I, collagen II, inflammatory factors, and apoptosis-related gene expression comparing to control. The intervertebral disc degraded and the CatK gene expression decreased in the disc lacking of estrogen. OVX method increased the collagen I, MMP-3, MMP-13, caspase-3,
and caspase-8 expression, but reduced DHI, and the content of aggrecan and collagen II, indicating an IVDD tendency. However, the ODN treatment could suppress MMP-3, MMP-13, caspase-3, and caspase-8 and protect the stability of extracellular matrix (ECM). ODN is a potential drug to delay the
IVDD by suppressing apoptosis and ECM degradation.
Long-Noncoding RNA (lncRNA) EGOT Prevents the Malignant Process of Colorectal Carcinoma by Regulating BTG3
Authors: Wang Zhengdong , Gu Dezhi , Zhou Aiming
Published: February 2024

This study investigates the role of the long non-coding RNA EGOT in colorectal cancer (CRC) by examining its expression in 40 pairs of CRC and adjacent normal tissues and assessing its impact on clinical outcomes. EGOT was found to be downregulated in CRC tissues, and low EGOT levels
were associated with a higher likelihood of lymphatic and distant metastasis, as well as poorer overall and progression-free survival in CRC patients. Functional experiments revealed that overexpression of EGOT in SW480 cells reduced cell viability, migration, and wound closure, while knockdown
of EGOT in LoVo cells had the opposite effect. In vivo experiments with nude mice confirmed that EGOT downregulation accelerated CRC growth, whereas its overexpression slowed tumor growth. The study identified BTG3 as the target gene of EGOT, and they exhibited a negative correlation
in CRC tissues. Rescue experiments demonstrated that BTG3 could reverse the effects of EGOT on CRC cell phenotypes. In conclusion, EGOT is a downregulated molecule in CRC, closely associated with metastasis and patient prognosis. It exerts a suppressive influence on CRC cell proliferation,
migration, and tumorigenesis by negatively regulating BTG3.
Characteristics of Generating Cells in Wintertime Orographic Clouds
Authors: Tessendorf Sarah A. , Ikeda Kyoko , Rasmussen Roy M. , French Jeffrey , Rauber Robert M. , Korolev Alexei , Xue Lulin , Blestrud Derek R. , Dawson Nicholas , Meadows Melinda , Kunkel Melvin L. , Parkinson Shaun
Published: February 2024

During the Seeded and Natural Orographic Wintertime clouds: the Idaho Experiment (SNOWIE) field campaign, cloud-top generating cells were frequently observed in the very high-resolution W-band airborne cloud radar data. This study examines multiple flight segments from three SNOWIE cases that exhibited cloud-top generating cells structures, focusing on the in situ measurements inside and outside these cells to characterize the microphysics of these cells. The observed generating cells in these three cases occurred in cloud tops of −15° to −30°C, with and without overlying cloud layers, but always with shallow layers of atmospheric instability observed at cloud top. The results also indicate that liquid water content, vertical velocity, and drizzle and ice crystal concentrations are greater inside the generating cells compared to the adjacent portions of the cloud. The generating cells were predominantly <500 m in horizontal width and frequently exhibited drizzle drops coexisting with ice. The particle imagery indicates that ice particle habits included plates, columns, and rimed and irregular crystals, likely formed via primary ice nucleation mechanisms. Understanding the sources of natural ice formation is important to understanding precipitation formation in winter orographic clouds, and is especially relevant for clouds that may be targeted for glaciogenic cloud seeding as well as to improve model representation of these clouds.

Significance Statement

This study presents the characteristics of cloud-top generating cells in winter orographic clouds, and documents that fine-scale generating cells are ubiquitous in clouds over complex terrain in addition to having been observed in other types of clouds. The generating cells exhibited enhanced concentrations of larger drizzle and ice particles, which suggests the environments of these fine-scale features promote ice formation and growth. The source of ice formation in winter clouds is critical to understanding and modeling the precipitation formation process. Given the ubiquity of cloud-top generating cells in many types of clouds around the world, this study further motivates the need to investigate methods for representing subgrid-scale environments to improve ice formation in numerical models.
Coupled Stratospheric Ozone and Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation Feedbacks on the Northern Hemisphere Midlatitude Jet Response to 4xCO2
Authors: Orbe Clara , Rind David , Waugh Darryn W. , Jonas Jeffrey , Zhang Xiyue , Chiodo Gabriel , Nazarenko Larissa , Schmidt Gavin A.
Published: February 2024

Stratospheric ozone, and its response to anthropogenic forcings, provides an important pathway for the coupling between atmospheric composition and climate. In addition to stratospheric ozone’s radiative impacts, recent studies have shown that changes in the ozone layer due to 4xCO2 have a considerable impact on the Northern Hemisphere (NH) tropospheric circulation, inducing an equatorward shift of the North Atlantic jet during boreal winter. Using simulations produced with the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) high-top climate model (E2.2), we show that this equatorward shift of the Atlantic jet can induce a more rapid weakening of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC). The weaker AMOC, in turn, results in an eastward acceleration and poleward shift of the Atlantic and Pacific jets, respectively, on longer time scales. As such, coupled feedbacks from both stratospheric ozone and the AMOC result in a two-time-scale response of the NH midlatitude jet to abrupt 4xCO2 forcing: a “fast” response (5–20 years) during which it shifts equatorward and a “total” response (∼100–150 years) during which the jet accelerates and shifts poleward. The latter is driven by a weakening of the AMOC that develops in response to weaker surface zonal winds that result in reduced heat fluxes out of the subpolar gyre and reduced North Atlantic Deep Water formation. Our results suggest that stratospheric ozone changes in the lower stratosphere can have a surprisingly powerful effect on the AMOC, independent of other aspects of climate change.
Radical Healing Community-Based Participatory Research to Eliminate Health Disparities
Authors: Roncoroni Julia , Tucker Carolyn M.
Published: February 2024

The health disparities experienced by Black older adults are associated with social determinants of health, all of which are inextricably linked to anti-Black racism. Research led by counseling psychologists has implications for promoting mental and physical health equity. We describe a new model, based on the integration of the radical healing framework and the community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach, for promoting mental and physical health and wellness among Black older adults. This model is called the radical healing CBPR model. Finally, we provide an example of a program informed by this model that helped improve the health outcomes and quality of life of Black older adults living in the low-income area of a city in the southeastern part of the United States. Notably, Black adults similar to the program participants, participated in the development and implementation of this program in ways that are consistent with the radical healing CBPR model.
Review Essay
Authors: Kumar Rupak
Published: February 2024

Himanshu Roy (Ed.), Social Thought in Indic Civilization. Sage Publications, 2022, 324 pp., ₹1395. ISBN: 978-93-5479-446-9.
Book review: Sangit Kumar Ragi, The Puritan Is Political: Mapping Islamic Radicalism
Authors: Mani Shambhavi
Published: February 2024

Sangit Kumar Ragi, The Puritan Is Political: Mapping Islamic Radicalism. Vitasta Publications, 2023, 441 pp., $29.99 (Hardcover). ISBN: 9789390961733.
Assessment of damping and flexural behaviour of hybrid fibre-particulate composites
Authors: Ribeiro Filho Sergio Luiz Moni , Thomas Garcia Carlos , Durão Luís Miguel P , Christoforo André Luis , Ondra Vaclav , Silveira Márcio Eduardo , Panzera Tulio Hallak , Scarpa Fabrizio
Published: February 2024

Hybrid composites are an advanced solution that offers multifunctional capabilities, including exceptional strength-to-weight ratios, vibrational damping and impact absorption. This work describes the damping capacity and flexural behaviour of a hybrid fibrous-particulate system composed of glass/carbon fabrics and three distinct micro-inclusions: silica particles, carbon waste microfibres, and cement. A statistical methodology based on the full factorial design is applied to identify the effects of fibre stacking sequence, including carbon-C5, glass-G5, C2G3, G3C2, GCGCG and CG3C, microparticle inclusions and matrix/fibre volume fraction (40/60 and 60/40) on damping and bending responses. A non-linear finite element (FE) analysis is conducted to explore the stress distribution based on the stacking sequence and predict the failure mechanisms of the hybrid laminate. The results indicate significant interaction effects, with hybrid architectures showcasing approximately 33% higher performance compared to glass fibre composites. A greater dependence on the fibre layup sequence is found for the damping factor, flexural modulus and strength. Notably, the incorporation of silica microparticles leads to an increase in flexural strength. Furthermore, a greater volume fraction of the matrix phase enhances the rheological efficiency in terms of the fibre-particle interface. Carbon fibre layers placed symmetrically on both beam sides (CG3C) and bottom layers (G3C2) significantly enhance the bending performance of hybrid composites.
IL-36 Regulates Neutrophil Chemotaxis and Bone Loss at the Oral Barrier
Authors: Liu J. , Meng H. , Mao Y. , Zhong L. , Pan W. , Chen Q.
Published: February 2024

Tissue-specific mechanisms regulate neutrophil immunity at the oral barrier, which plays a key role in periodontitis. Although it has been proposed that fibroblasts emit a powerful neutrophil chemotactic signal, how this chemotactic signal is driven has not been clear. The objective of this study was to investigate the site-specific regulatory mechanisms by which fibroblasts drive powerful neutrophil chemotactic signals within the oral barrier, with particular emphasis on the role of the IL-36 family. The present study found that IL-36γ, agonist of IL-36R, could promote neutrophil chemotaxis via fibroblast. Single-cell RNA sequencing data disclosed that IL36G is primarily expressed in human and mouse gingival epithelial cells and mouse neutrophils. Notably, there was a substantial increase in IL-36γ levels during periodontitis. In vitro experiments demonstrated that IL-36γ specifically activates gingival fibroblasts, leading to chemotaxis of neutrophils. In vivo experiments revealed that IL-36Ra inhibited the infiltration of neutrophils and bone resorption, while IL-36γ promoted their progression in the ligature-induced periodontitis mouse model. In summary, these data elucidate the function of the site-enriched IL-36γ in regulating neutrophil immunity and bone resorption at the oral barrier. These findings provide new insights into the tissue-specific pathophysiology of periodontitis and offer a promising avenue for prevention and treatment through targeted intervention of the IL-36 family.
Graph Out Loud: Pre-Service Teachers’ Data Decisions and Interpretations of CBM Progress Graphs
Authors: Toste Jessica R. , Filderman Marissa J. , Clemens Nathan H. , Fry Erica
Published: February 2024

Data-based instruction (DBI) is a process in which teachers use progress data to make ongoing instructional decisions for students with learning disabilities. Curriculum-based measurement (CBM) is a common form of progress monitoring, and CBM data are placed on a graph to guide decision-making. Despite the central role that graph interpretation plays in the successful implementation of DBI, relatively little attention has been devoted to investigating this skill among special education teachers. In the present study, we examined the data decisions of 32 U.S. pre-service special education teachers (29 females and 3 males). Participants viewed data presented sequentially on CBM progress graphs and used a think-aloud procedure to explain their reasoning each time they indicated they would make instructional changes. We also asked participants to make the same type of decisions in response to static CBM progress graphs depicting 10 weeks of data. Overall, there was inconsistency in pre-service teachers’ responses related to when or why they would make an instructional change. Decisions were often influenced by graph-related features, such as variability in the data. Furthermore, responses suggested misunderstandings that led to premature instructional change decisions and reliance on individual data points.
AI as Person, Paradigm, and Structure: Notes toward an Ethics of AI
Authors: Scherz Paul
Published: February 2024

The unique capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) have forced theologians to develop analytical categories beyond the instrumentalist model of technology. Recent work examines AI in terms of whether it has the qualities of a person, its effects on character, and its embedding in structures of sin. Constructive responses have focused on principles, communities, and virtues. None of these responses fully addresses concerns raised by critical analyses, suggesting that moral theology is still searching for a replacement for the instrumentalist model of technology.
Development and Validation of a School Alienation Scale for Junior High School Students in Taiwan
Authors: Lu Yi-Jen , Tseng Bei-Lu , Huang Guo-Ching
Published: February 2024

This study addressed the issue of school alienation (SA) among high school students in Taiwan; SA is believed to contribute to dropout, violence, gangs, and deviant behavior. To measure SA, we propose a four-construct model in this study, comprising powerlessness, normlessness, meaninglessness, and social isolation. Using two studies, an SA scale (SAS) was developed and validated. Study 1 developed and preliminarily validated the four constructs of SA using item and exploratory factor analyses with 227 junior high school students as participants. Study 2 validated the theoretical structure of SA using second-order confirmatory factor analysis with a sample of 708 junior high school students. The cross-validation of Studies 1 and 2 demonstrated that the proposed SAS is robust, valid, and effective for measuring the degree of SA among students.
Politics in Organization Studies: Multi-disciplinary traditions and interstitial positions
Authors: O’Doherty Damian , De Cock Christian
Published: February 2024

This Perspectives article delves into the archives of Organization Studies covering the period 1986–2010 to advance and develop our thinking of politics and political thinking in organization studies. In our Benjamin-inflected reading, we look for the revolutionary energies that reside in what may at first appear as perhaps ‘outmoded’ articles in an intellectual environment where the obsolescence of ideas and concepts seems to increase at pace. The purpose of the excavation of our six chosen texts is to build a constellation of what we call ‘interstitial positions’ that reside within and outside the analytical contours of these texts. In this way we bring these texts into a critical condition in the hope that their constellation can act as a real force in the present and help illuminate our contemporary situation. We might then renew our sense of possibility and choice about the organizational worlds we inhabit and open future avenues for thinking politics informed by the distinctive disciplinary traditions of organization studies.
Abdication of Responsibility for Father–Child Contact in a Group of Black South African Non-resident Father Families: A Systems Perspective
Authors: Nell Erika , Lesch Elmien
Published: February 2024

Much of what is known about non-resident fathers is based on studies conducted in North America and Europe, and on the accounts of only one family member. This article draws from a study which utilised a family systems perspective and obtained the views of four members of ten Black South African non-resident father families ( N = 40) with infrequent father–child contact. The aim was to investigate if and how non-resident fathers’ contact with adolescent children was influenced by relationships with various family members. Individual interviews were conducted with each of the family member and thematically analysed. Here, we engage with one of the master themes that shows the circular dynamic in families in which various family members held implicit assumptions about who was responsible for father–child contact and, subsequently, did not view the responsibility to be theirs. Infrequent or lack of non-resident father–child contact should therefore be addressed as a family systems issue.
Effects of a guideline for children with cerebral visual impairment on the daily practices of vision habilitation and rehabilitation workers
Authors: Fonteyn-Vinke Anke , Fakir Hajar , Steendam Marieke , Vervloed Mathijs P J
Published: February 2024

To support vision rehabilitation workers, an intervention guideline for the rehabilitation of children with cerebral visual impairment (CVI) was developed. It combines currently available theoretical and practice-based knowledge in the domains of academic performance and mobility. The aim of this study was to evaluate the perceived value of the guideline by professionals. Two studies were performed. First, a process analysis of the guideline was performed to evaluate its strengths and weaknesses. Eleven therapists used a concept of the guideline for 3 months and were interviewed about their expectations (before) and experiences (afterwards). In a second study, the guideline was introduced to 24 professionals working with school-aged children with CVI. The participants filled in a short survey with five questions about their perceived knowledge of and skills in dealing with CVI. The guideline complied with the expectations of the professionals, and the professionals improved in knowledge of CVI and the ability to explain what CVI is. The survey results indicated improvement in self-confidence to perform CVI-specific interventions, and the interviews also showed professionals had expected to learn more options for intervention. After training, the professionals felt more secure about their interventions while using the guideline. This was probably caused by an improvement in their knowledge about CVI and about available interventions. However, the improvement was small and still not perfect and could be enlarged by adding more concrete intervention suggestions to the guideline. The intervention guideline for CVI offers an overview of available theoretical and practice-based knowledge. Improvement in knowledge on CVI can be used directly in rehabilitation practices. A great advantage of the guideline is that therapists are now better prepared to explain the nature and consequences of CVI to a client.
Pathophysiology of cluster headache: From the trigeminovascular system to the cerebral networks
Authors: Coppola Gianluca , Abagnale Chiara , Sebastianelli Gabriele , Goadsby Peter J.
Published: February 2024

Background

Despite advances in neuroimaging and electrophysiology, cluster headache’s pathogenesis remains unclear. This review will examine clinical neurophysiology studies, including electrophysiological and functional neuroimaging, to determine if they might help us construct a neurophysiological model of cluster headache.

Results

Clinical, biochemical, and electrophysiological research have implicated the trigeminal-parasympathetic system in cluster headache pain generation, although the order in which these two systems are activated, which may be somewhat independent, is unknown. Electrophysiology and neuroimaging have found one or more central factors that may cause seasonal and circadian attacks. The well-known posterior hypothalamus, with its primary circadian pacemaker suprachiasmatic nucleus, the brainstem monoaminergic systems, the midbrain, with an emphasis on the dopaminergic system, especially when cluster headache is chronic, and the descending pain control systems appear to be involved. Functional connection investigations have verified electrophysiological evidence of functional changes in distant brain regions connecting to wide cerebral networks other than pain.

Conclusion

We propose that under the impact of external time, an inherited misalignment between the primary circadian pacemaker suprachiasmatic nucleus and other secondary extra- suprachiasmatic nucleus clocks may promote disturbance of the body’s internal physiological clock, lowering the threshold for bout recurrence.
Fusion-GRU: A Deep Learning Model for Future Bounding Box Prediction of Traffic Agents in Risky Driving Videos
Authors: Monjurul Karim Muhammad , Qin Ruwen , Wang Yinhai
Published: February 2024

To ensure the safe and efficient navigation of autonomous vehicles and advanced driving assistance systems in complex traffic scenarios, predicting the future bounding boxes of surrounding traffic agents is crucial. However, simultaneously predicting the future location and scale of target traffic agents from the egocentric view poses challenges because the vehicles’ egomotion causes considerable field-of-view changes. Moreover, in anomalous or risky situations, tracking loss or abrupt motion changes limit the available observation time, requiring learning of cues within a short time window. Existing methods typically use a simple concatenation operation to combine different cues, overlooking their dynamics over time. To address this, this paper introduces the Fusion-Gated Recurrent Unit (Fusion-GRU) network, a novel encoder-decoder architecture for future bounding box localization. Unlike traditional gated recurrent units (GRUs), Fusion-GRU accounts for mutual and complex interactions among input features. Moreover, an intermediary estimator coupled with a self-attention aggregation layer is also introduced to learn sequential dependencies for long-range prediction. Finally, a GRU decoder is employed to predict the future bounding boxes. The proposed method is evaluated on two publicly available datasets, Risky Object Localization and Honda Egocentric Vehicle Intersection. The experimental results showcase the promising performance of the Fusion-GRU, demonstrating its effectiveness in predicting future bounding boxes of traffic agents.
Large-Scale Triaxial Testing of Geogrid-Stabilized Field-Sourced Fouled Ballast Under Simulated Progressive Rainfall Wetting and Cyclic Loading Conditions
Authors: Huang Shihao , Qian Yu
Published: February 2024

Railroad track ballast composed of uniformly graded crushed aggregate is susceptible to fouling from substances like ballast fines degraded during track service, coal dust, clay, and sand. Fouling reduces the drainage capacity of ballast, often leading to water accumulation and subsequent performance degradation. Fouled ballast with high moisture content experiences excessive settlement and could benefit from stabilization for safe operations. While previous studies have highlighted the efficacy of geogrids in stabilizing fouled ballast and minimizing the overall track settlement, the effect of geogrid on the performance of fouled ballast under progressive rainfall wetting and continuous cyclic loading conditions remains unexplored. This study examines the performance of geogrid-stabilized field-sourced fouled ballast through large-scale triaxial tests. The findings reveal that the inclusion of a single-layer geogrid can effectively reduce settlement and deformation rates under equivalent water content conditions. A layer of geogrid could prevent sample failure under saturated conditions, retaining approximately 1,000 kPa post-cyclic shear strength. Furthermore, the results indicate that geogrid stabilization enhances the resilience of fouled ballast and maintains the track geometry under progressive rainfall conditions. These findings offer crucial insights for geogrid applications in railroad maintenance.
Practical aesthesis
Authors: Shields Rob , Hardy Nicholas
Published: February 2024

Aesthesis, the classical term for sensing and perceiving, is at the heart of innumerable problems that plague global society. The purpose of this article is to open a conversation on aesthesis. We survey the roots and relevance of aesthesis as a direct albeit contested relation and engagement with the world and with Others. From its pre-Socratic origins, aesthesis has been both a pragmatic, somatic concept, prompting a re-evaluation of the distinction between experience and abstraction. We trace its ongoing repression from Plato through ‘western’ theories of formal Aesthetics. Drawing on a relational interpretation of Protagoras’ aesthesis, we argue that modern pragmatists and radical empiricists, as well as more contemporary critics of the ‘colonization’ of aesthesis (Mignolo and Vasquez) by formal Aesthetics recognize and develop the relational and ethical aspects of aesthesis. We consider the role of the body, affect, and of the intangible or virtual qualities of aesthesis. The ethics of obligations (Weil) in the polis (Arendt) shows how aesthesis informs politics despite its repression in favour of moral and legal norms. We argue this is relevant to contemporary crises such as xenophobia and ecocidal climate warming.
Do People Prefer Home Palliative Care? A Survey Study and Assessment of Associated Factors in China
Authors: Tong Juncheng , Wang Shuaiyan , Cao Jiawei
Published: February 2024

Objectives: This study examined people's preference for the location to receive palliative care services and determined the associated factors. Methods: A questionnaire with reference to the Chinese version of the Hospice Attitude Scale and the Death Correspondence Scale was designed, piloted, revised, and distributed online and in person to collect data (N = 762). Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the effects of relevant factors. Results: The average age of the participants was 38.1, with a relatively even gender distribution. Over 90% of the participants were either single/never married (44.9%) or married with children (46.0%). 58.1% of the respondents (N = 428) indicated that they would like to receive palliative care at home, compared to 41.9% who preferred receiving such care in institutions or other places (N = 309). Each time people's attitudes toward death became one point more positive, they were 10.2% more likely to choose to receive palliative care services at home. People with a neutral attitude toward palliative care, single/never married or divorced with children, and having/had an occupation in health and social work had higher odds of preferring receiving palliative care at home. Those who had poor self-rated health or with an educational background of primary school or lower or some college had lower odds of preferring receiving palliative care at home. Conclusions: The research showed that attitudes toward death and other factors were associated with people's preferences for palliative care locations. More accessible and affordable community-based and home-based palliative care services should be further explored and provided.
Epidemiology and Outcomes of Critical Illness and Novel Predictors of Mortality in an Ethiopian Medical Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Worku Aschalew , Haisch Deborah , Parekh Madhavi , Sultan Amir , Shumet Abebe , G/Selassie Kibrom , O’Donnell Max , Binegdie Amsalu , Sherman Charles B. , Schluger Neil W.
Published: February 2024

Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) bear most of the global burden of critical illness. Managing this burden requires improved understanding of epidemiology and outcomes in LMIC intensive care units (ICUs), including LMIC-specific mortality prediction scores. This study was a retrospective observational study at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, examining all consecutive medical ICU admissions from June 2014 to April 2015. The primary outcome was ICU mortality; secondary outcomes were prolonged ICU stay and prolonged mechanical ventilation. ICU mortality prediction models were created using multivariable logistic regression and compared with the Mortality Probability Model-II (MPM-II). Associations with secondary outcomes were examined with multivariable logistic regression. There were 198 admissions during the study period; mortality was 35%. Age, shock on admission, mechanical ventilation, human immunodeficiency virus, and Glasgow Coma Scale ≤8 were associated with ICU mortality. The receiver operating characteristic curve for this 5-factor model had an AUC of 0.8205 versus 0.7468 for MPM-II, favoring the simplified new model. Mechanical ventilation and lack of shock were associated with prolonged ICU stays. Mortality in an LMIC medical ICU was high. This study examines an LMIC medical ICU population, showing a simplified prediction model may predict mortality as well as complex models.
Updated Review of Radiologic Imaging and Intervention for Acute Pancreatitis and Its Complications
Authors: Willis Joshua , vanSonnenberg Eric
Published: February 2024

This is a current update on radiologic imaging and intervention of acute pancreatitis and its complications. In this review, we define the various complications of acute pancreatitis, discuss the imaging findings, as well as the timing of when these complications occur. The various classification and scoring systems of acute pancreatitis are summarized. Advantages and disadvantages of the 3 primary radiologic imaging modalities are compared. We then discuss radiologic interventions for acute pancreatitis. These include diagnostic aspiration as well as percutaneous catheter drainage of fluid collections, abscesses, pseudocysts, and necrosis. Recommendations for when these interventions should be considered, as well as situations in which they are contraindicated are discussed. Fortunately, acute pancreatitis usually is mild; however, serious complications occur in 20%, and admission of patients to the intensive care unit (ICU) occurs in over 10%. In this paper, we will focus on the imaging and interventional radiologic aspects for the serious complications and patients admitted to the ICU.
Parameters influencing electrospun nanofiber diameter of polylactide incorporated with cellulose nanofibrils and nanocrystals
Authors: Sari Burcu , Kaynak Cevdet
Published: February 2024

The main purpose of this study was to investigate effects of various electrospinning parameters on the morphology and diameter of cellulose nanofibril (CNF) filled polylactide (PLA) nanofibers. For this purpose, first of all effects of three important electrospinning parameters; polymer solution concentration, solution feeding rate and collector distance to feeding tip were studied. Then, effects of using higher amount of CNF, effects of using cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) particles, and effects of adding potassium chloride salt were also investigated. It was observed that when optimum electrospinning parameters were determined, then it was possible to obtain almost “bead-free” morphology and “finest” average diameter of 232 nm for PLA/CNF electrospun fibers. Increasing values of feeding rate and collector distance parameters resulted in bead formation and thicker diameters. On the other hand, increasing CNF amount, using CNC particles and adding KCl salt, all resulted in further decreases in the diameter down to 152 nm; mainly due to increased charge density of the polymer solution. Moreover, in vitro degradation analysis of all types of electrospun nanofiber mats in a simulated body fluid revealed that increasing the immersion period increased their degradation rate in terms of “% weight loss”. It was also observed that, mats with fine diameter fibers had higher degradation rate.
Experimental study on static and dynamic mechanical properties of composite buffer with entangled metallic wire materials and viscous fluid
Authors: Wu Yi-Wan , Rao Zhi-Qiang , Cheng Hu , Huo Bo-Chen , Bai Hong-Bai
Published: February 2024

This article proposes a composite buffer based on two characteristics: porous throttling and damping energy dissipation of entangled metal wire material (EMWM). A series of quasi-static tests and low-speed impact tests were carried out to analyze its stiffness and damping characteristics. The filling degrees of cushioning force curves and energy absorption rate were proposed as quantitative evaluation indicators for the composite buffer under low-speed impact. Test results showed that the stiffness and damping of the composite buffer layer increase with the increasing density of the EMWM damping layer under quasi-static conditions, but the static loss factor fluctuates. Under low-speed impact load, the composite buffer demonstrates stable force output, with an energy absorption rate above 85% and favourable filling degrees. This work provides a practical reference for its engineering application.
A method to synthesise groove cam Geneva mechanisms with increased dwell period
Authors: Pasika Viacheslav , Nosko Pavlo , Nosko Oleksii , Bashta Oleksandr , Heletiy Volodymyr , Melnyk Volodymyr
Published: February 2024

The present study develops a method to synthesise the groove cam Geneva mechanism with increased dwell period. The main condition of the synthesis is to provide the desired law of motion of the wheel. Additional synthesis conditions are the limitation of the maximum pressure angle and the limitation of the minimum curvature radius of the cam profile. Unlike the conventional Geneva mechanisms, the synthesised groove cam Geneva mechanisms enable motion of the wheel due to an arbitrarily specified law, double locking of the wheel at its dwell-to-motion and motion-to-dwell transitions, absence of soft impacts in the extreme positions. The analysis shows that for the cycloidal law of motion, number of slots in range 3–15 and additional dwell coefficient in range 0–0.7, the operating time coefficient can be provided in wide range from 0.053 to 0.765. The effectiveness of the method is illustrated by numerical examples.
Impact of preeclampsia on infant and maternal health among women with rheumatic diseases
Authors: Milne Megan E , Clowse Megan EB , Zhao Congwen , Goldstein Benjamin A , Eudy Amanda M
Published: February 2024

Objectives

We sought to identify the impact of preeclampsia on infant and maternal health among women with rheumatic diseases.

Methods

A retrospective single-center cohort study was conducted to describe pregnancy and infant outcomes among women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with and without preeclampsia as compared to women with other rheumatic diseases with and without preeclampsia.

Results

We identified 263 singleton deliveries born to 226 individual mothers (mean age 31 years, 35% non-Hispanic Black). Overall, 14% of women had preeclampsia; preeclampsia was more common among women with SLE than other rheumatic diseases (27% vs 8%). Women with preeclampsia had a longer hospital stay post-delivery. Infants born to mothers with preeclampsia were delivered an average of 3.3 weeks earlier than those without preeclampsia, were 4 times more likely to be born preterm, and twice as likely to be admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. The large majority of women with SLE in this cohort were prescribed hydroxychloroquine and aspirin, with no clear association of these medications with preeclampsia.

Conclusions

We found preeclampsia was an important driver of adverse infant and maternal outcomes. While preeclampsia was particularly common among women with SLE in this cohort, the impact of preeclampsia on the infants of all women with rheumatic diseases was similarly severe. In order to improve infant outcomes for women with rheumatic diseases, attention must be paid to preventing, identifying, and managing preeclampsia.