bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Species of Hapalodectes (Hapalodectidae, Mesonychia) from the Paleocene of Mongolia
Authors: Lopatin A. V.
Published: September 2023

Hapalodectes paradux sp. nov. (Hapalodectidae, Mesonychia) is described on the base of the dentary fragment with M2–M3 from the Tsagan-Khushu locality in Mongolia (Upper Paleocene, Naran Bulak Formation, Zhigden Member). The M2 and M3 are approximately the same size, with a high protoconid, anteriorly displaced reduced metaconid, anterolingually directed protocristid, very deep posterior notch, narrow talonid, and distinct hypoconid, entoconid and hypoconulid. Based on dental characters, the new species is presumably related to the base of the lineage of Hapalodectes that dispersed to North America at the beginning of the Eocene. Tsagan-Khushu is the only known locality where two species of Hapalodectes co-occur (larger H. dux Lopatin, 2001 and smaller H. paradux sp. nov.).
Associations, unions and everything in between: contextualising the role of representative health worker organisations in policy
Authors: Sriram Veena , Brophy Sorcha A , Sharma Kartik , Elias Maya Annie , Mishra Arima
Published: September 2023

Associations, unions and other organised groups representing health workers play a significant role in the development, adoption and implementation of health policy. These representative health worker organisations (RHWOs) are a key interface between employers, governments and their members (both actual and claimed), with varying degrees of influence and authority within and across countries. Existing research in global health often assumes—rather than investigates—the roles played by RHWOs in policy processes and lacks analytical specificity regarding the definitional characteristics of RHWOs. In this article, we seek to expand and complicate conceptualisations of RHWOs as key actors in global health by unpacking the heterogeneity of RHWOs and their roles in policy processes and by situating RHWOs in context. First, we define RHWOs, present a typology of RHWO dimensions and discuss perceived legitimacy of RHWOs as policy actors. Next, we unpack the roles of RHWOs in policy processes and distinguish RHWO roles in regulation from those of regulatory agencies. The final sections situate RHWOs in political and labour relations contexts, and in sociohistorical contexts, with attention to institutional frameworks, professional hierarchies and intersectional factors such as race, gender, sexuality, class, caste and religion. We conclude by outlining research gaps in the study of RHWOs and policy, and by encouraging global health researchers and practitioners to incorporate an expanded focus on these actors. Taking this approach will generate a wider range of strategies to better engage these organisations in policy processes and will ensure stronger health workforce policies globally.
Infrared subtleties and chiral vertices at NLO: an implicit regularization analysis
Authors: Rosado Ricardo J. C. , Cherchiglia Adriano , Sampaio Marcos , Hiller Brigitte
Published: September 2023

We employ implicit regularization (IReg) in quark-antiquark decays of the Z, or of a scalar (CP-even or odd) boson at NLO, and compare with dimensional schemes to reveal subtleties involving infrared divergence cancellation and $$\gamma _5$$

γ
5

-matrix issues. Besides the absence of evanescent fields in IReg, such as $$\epsilon $$
ϵ
-scalars required in certain schemes that operate partially in the physical dimension, we verify that our procedure preserves gauge invariance in the presence of the $$\gamma _5$$

γ
5

matrix without requiring symmetry preserving counterterms while the amplitude is infrared finite as stated by the KLN theorem.
Synthesis, structure and property investigation of a three-dimensional Zn(II) metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Jiang Cong-Cong , Xu Dong-Xin , Bai Pei-Xin , Wang Yong-Xiang , Zhang Cheng , Wang Jun , Sun Shi-Xin
Published: September 2023

A new three-dimensional Zn(II) complex named [Zn(1,3-BMIB)(TBIP)⋅2H2O][Formula: see text] (1) (containning 1,3-BMIB = 1,3-bis(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)benzene, H2TBIP=5-tert-butyl isophthalic acid) had been prepared by hydrothermal synthesis. Systematic structural characterization, especially the single crystal X-ray diffraction method, discreetly reveal the complex 1 exhibits three-dimensional (3D) framework with CdSO4 topology. The 3D crystrals 1 display solid-state fluorescence behavior at room temperature, indicating the potential of the candidate materials for absorbing and using visible light. The photocatalytic properties of compound 1 were estimated through the model photodecomposition dye pollutants using methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation.
Toward the Aircraft of the Future: A Perspective from Consciousness
Authors: Ezhilarasu Cordelia Mattuvarkuzhali , Angus Jim , Jennions Ian K.
Published: September 2023

This paper envisions the possibility of a Conscious Aircraft: an aircraft of the future with features of consciousness. To serve this purpose, three main fields are examined: philosophy, cognitive neuroscience, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). While philosophy deals with the concept of what is consciousness, cognitive neuroscience studies the relationship of the brain with consciousness, contributing toward the biomimicry of consciousness in an aircraft. The field of AI leads into machine consciousness. The paper discusses several theories from these fields and derives outcomes suitable for the development of a Conscious Aircraft, some of which include the capability of developing “world-models”, learning about self and others, and the prerequisites of autonomy, selfhood, and emotions. Taking these cues, the paper focuses on the latest developments and the standards guiding the field of autonomous systems, and suggests that the future of autonomous systems depends on its transition toward consciousness. Finally, inspired by the theories suggesting the levels of consciousness, guided by the Theory of Mind, and building upon state-of-the-art aircraft with autonomous systems, this paper suggests the development of a Conscious Aircraft in three stages: Conscious Aircraft with (1) System-awareness, (2) Self-awareness, and (3) Fleet-awareness, from the perspectives of health management, maintenance, and sustainment.
PACMNET V1, CoNEXT2, September 2023 Editorial
Authors: Mellia Marco , Steenkiste Peter , Qiu Lili , Bonaventure Olivier
Published: September 2023

The Proceedings of the ACM series present the highest-quality research conducted in diverse areas of computer science, as represented by the ACM Special Interest Groups (SIGs). PACMNET focuses on contributions presenting significant and novel research results on emerging computer networks and their applications. PACMNET collects top-quality scholarly articles in the area of computer networking.We encourage submissions that present new technologies, novel experimentation, creative use of networking technologies, and new insights made possible using analysis. The journal is strongly supported by the ACM Special Interest Group on Communications and Computer Networks (SIGCOMM) and involves top-level researchers in its Editorial Board.
Introduction to the Special Issue on Citizen Centricity in Smart Cities
Authors: Anthopoulos Leonidas , Janssen Marijn , Weerakkody Vishanth
Published: September 2023

City digital transformation is being performed across the globe and it is being supported by several initiatives and policy groups. Nevertheless, this transformation is mainly technology oriented. Although there have been several interesting and impactful outcomes, like solutions for enhancing municipal efficiency and local living, the results lag behind expectations. Real transformation should also change structures and address the whole range from social to technical aspects. People-centricity in this transformation is an emerging topic that is attracting attention and some initiatives have launched. People-centric transformation can be defined as a multi-stakeholder approach to digital transformation that realizes sustainability, inclusiveness, prosperity, and human rights for the benefit of all. The aim of this special issue is to better understand all aspects of citizen centricity and how it can change the orientation of city digital transformation process. The special issue highlights the main elements of people-centricity in cities: inclusiveness, openness, engagement and empowerment via securing citizen awareness, data privacy, service simplification and transparency, and technological availability and observability.
Explainable Meta-Path Based Recommender Systems
Authors: Markchom Thanet , Liang Huizhi , Ferryman James
Published: September 2023

Meta-paths have been popularly used to provide explainability in recommendations. Although long/complicated meta-paths could represent complex user-item connectivity, they are not easy to interpret. This work tackles this problem by introducing a meta-path translation task. The objective is to translate a meta-path to its comparable explainable meta-paths that perform similarly in terms of recommendation but have higher explainability compared to the given one. We propose a definition of meta-path explainability to determine comparable explainable meta-paths and a meta-path grammar that allows comparable explainable meta-paths to be formed in a similar way as sentences in human languages. Based on this grammar, we propose a meta-path translation model, a sequence-to-sequence (Seq2Seq) model to translate a long and complicated meta-path to its comparable explainable meta-paths. Two novel datasets for meta-path translation were generated based on two real-world recommendation datasets. The experiments were conducted on these generated datasets. The results show that our model outperformed state-of-the-art Seq2Seq baselines regarding meta-path translation and maintained a better trade-off between accuracy and diversity/readability in predicting comparable explainable meta-paths. These results indicate that our model can effectively generate a group of explainable meta-paths as alternative explanations for those recommendations based on any given long/complicated meta-path.
Exploring the Explainable Aspects and Performance of a Learnable Evolutionary Multiobjective Optimization Method
Authors: Misitano Giovanni
Published: September 2023

Multiobjective optimization problems have multiple conflicting objective functions to be optimized simultaneously. The solutions to these problems are known as Pareto optimal solutions, which are mathematically incomparable. Thus, a decision maker must be employed to provide preferences to find the most preferred solution. However, decision makers often lack support in providing preferences and insights in exploring the solutions available.

We explore the combination of learnable evolutionary models with interactive indicator-based evolutionary multiobjective optimization to create a learnable evolutionary multiobjective optimization method. Furthermore, we leverage interpretable machine learning to provide decision makers with potential insights about the problem being solved in the form of rule-based explanations. In fact, we show that a learnable evolutionary multiobjective optimization method can offer advantages in the search for solutions to a multiobjective optimization problem. We also provide an open source software framework for other researchers to implement and explore our ideas in their own works.

Our work is a step toward establishing a new paradigm in the field on multiobjective optimization:
explainable and learnable multiobjective optimization
. We take the first steps toward this new research direction and provide other researchers and practitioners with necessary tools and ideas to further contribute to this field.
Neuromarkers associated with two levels of physical activity in persons with chronic conditions
Authors: Wenzell Megan L. , Moore Shirley M. , Still Carolyn H. , Wierenga Kelly L.
Published: September 2023

The influence of the brain on engagement in regular physical activity (PA) has not been well studied. We examined relationships between the activation of three neuromarkers and two PA levels in 58 persons self-managing chronic conditions. Findings suggest that individuals who optimally process health-information when the emotional tone is high (Empathic Network; DMN) may engage in more PA compared with individuals who respond to health information when the emotional tone is low (Analytic Network; TPN).
Shedding of Viral Haemorrhagic Septicaemia Virus (VHSV) from Rainbow Trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, and Quantification in Waste from Processing Preclinical Fish
Authors: Joiner Claire , Teixeira Alves Mickael , Oidtmann Birgit
Published: September 2023

Viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV) is a fish disease notifiable to the World Organisation for Animal Health. The United Kingdom is currently free from VHSV, and the introduction and onward spread of this disease could cause major economic losses in aquaculture facilities. Legislation in Great Britain requires that imports of live fish for aquaculture purposes into declared disease-free areas are of equivalent disease-free status. However, conditions on fish products are less stringent, whereby eviscerated fish or fillets can be transported from areas with disease to areas declared disease-free. Market-size rainbow trout were experimentally infected with VHSV to investigate two important factors relevant for pathogen introduction and transmission: (1) VHSV shedding, quantified by daily assessment of viral titres in tank water samples, and (2) VHSV concentrations in liquid and solid processing waste. Evisceration and filleting preclinical fish, maceration, and wastewater separation processes within a facility were mimicked, and VHSV was quantified in each fraction of the wastewater. Shedding was detected 25 hr post-challenge. Levels increased daily to peak on day 5 post-challenge, with a calculated average titre of 1.35 × 103 TCID50 mL−1 kg−1 fish, 1 day before clinical signs of disease. Preclinical fish contained virus levels in their kidney, skin, and muscle >107 TCID50 g−1. The fish had significantly higher levels in the kidney, and evisceration led to higher VHSV concentrations in the waste compared to filleting. However, there was no significant difference in levels in wastewater released from the two processes after the removal of solids, even when macerated; average titres were >104 TCID50 mL−1. The quantities of VHSV from shedding and processing can be utilised when modelling transmission and undertaking more accurate risk assessments for imports and processing of commodities, with the ultimate aim of reducing the global risk of disease from international trade and processing.
Evaluation of the Antiproliferative Properties of CpRu Complexes Containing N-Methylated Triazaphosphaadamantane Derivatives
Authors: Alguacil Andres , Scalambra Franco , Romerosa Antonio , Bento-Oliveira Andreia , Marques Fernanda , Maximiano Ines , de Almeida Rodrigo F. M. , Tomaz Ana Isabel , Valente Andreia
Published: September 2023

Piano-stool-{CpRu} complexes containing 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane (PTA), N-methyl-1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane (mPTA), and 3,7-dimethyl-1,3,7-triaza-5-phosphabyciclo[3.3.1]nonane (dmoPTA) were evaluated as drugs against breast cancer. The evaluated compounds include two new examples of this family, the complexes [RuCp(DMSO-κS)(HdmoPTA)(PPh3)](CF3SO3)2 (8) and [RuCp(PPh3)2-µ-dmoPTA-1κP-2κ2N,N′-PdCl2](CF3SO3) (11), which have been synthesized and characterized by NMR, IR, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The cytotoxic activity of compounds was evaluated against MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, and the three most active complexes were further tested against the hormone-dependent MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. Their cell death mechanism and ruthenium uptake were also evaluated, as well as their binding ability to human serum albumin.
The Effect of Auriculotherapy on an Overweight Pregnant Women’s Weight‐Gaining Pattern: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Rezvanimagham Malihe , Faal Siahkal Shahla , Ebrahimi Elham
Published: September 2023

Background. A concomitant increase in pregnancy complications has accompanied the growing global trend of excessive weight gain during pregnancy. This study evaluates the effect of ear acupressure (auriculotherapy) on the weight‐gaining pattern of overweight women during pregnancy. Materials and Methods. This study was a single‐blinded randomized clinical trial conducted between January and September 2022. This study took place in health centers of Qom University of Medical Sciences in Iran. One‐hundred thirty overweight pregnant women were selected by a purposeful sampling method and then divided into two groups by block randomization method. In the intervention group, two seeds were placed in the left ear on the metabolism and stomach points, while two seeds were placed in the right ear on the mouth and appetite points. Participants in the intervention group must press the seeds six times a day, 20 minutes before a meal for five weeks. For the placebo group, the Vaccaria seedless label was placed at the same points as the intervention group. A digital scale with an accuracy of 0.1 kg was used to weigh the pregnant women during each visit. Descriptive statistics, independent T‐test, chi‐square, and repeated measure ANOVA (analysis of variance) test were used to check the research objectives. Results. There was a statistically significant difference between the auriculotherapy and placebo groups immediately after completing the study (1120.68 ± 425.83 vs. 2704.09 ± 344.96 (g); P = 0.018), respectively. Also, there was a substantial difference in the weight gain of women two weeks (793.10 ± 278.38 vs. 1090.32 ± 330.31 (g); P < 0.001) and four weeks after the intervention (729.31 ± 241.52 vs. 964.51 ± 348.35 (g); P < 0.001) between the auriculotherapy and placebo groups. Discussion. The results of the present study indicated the effectiveness of auriculotherapy in controlling the weight gain of overweight pregnant women. This treatment could be used as a safe method, with easy access, and low cost in low‐risk pregnancies. Trial Registration. This trial is registered with IRCT20200104046002N1.
Effects of Mannitol and Xylitol on the Quality of Spicy Wheat Gluten Sticks
Authors: Ren Qiuyan , Yang Heng , Jia Ziyang , Ding Wenping , Fu Yang , Xiao Shensheng , Wei Yanmei , Zhao Kaifeng , Wu Yan , Wang Xuedong
Published: September 2023

The present study sought to evaluate the effects and mechanisms of mannitol and xylitol on the regeneration of spicy wheat gluten sticks (SWGSs) through texture profile analysis (TPA), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR). The rate constant of crystallization and the relative degree of crystallinity of SWGS substantially reduced with polyols addition after 4 weeks of storage at 4°C. The peaks near 3385 cm−1 and 1081 cm−1 in FTIR of SWGS became wider with the addition of mannitol and xylitol, indicating that mannitol and xylitol formed hydrogen bonds by binding to wheat starch. The DSC experiment results showed that the addition of mannitol and xylitol could reduce the Tp and ΔH of SWGS powder effectively under different storage times. The NMR results showed that the water in SWGS was mainly immobile water, and the addition of mannitol and xylitol could increase the content of bound water and immobile water in SWGS and reduce the water migration. These results provided deeper insights into the action mechanism of mannitol and xylitol in delaying the quality change of starch products during storage, thereby providing a reference for inhibiting SWGS regeneration. Therefore, it could be inferred that improving the quality of SWGS by adding polyol might have significant application prospects in the food industry.
Relación entre los servicios de urgencia y las unidades de cuidados intensivos
Authors: Tobar Almonacid Eduardo
Published: September 2023

Los servicios de urgencia (SU) constituyen un elemento central para la atención inicial del paciente ambulatorio que requiere de una evaluación médica de forma no programada, de carácter urgente o emergente. Las  unidades de cuidados intensivos (UCI), por su parte, cumplen un rol central en la atención sanitaria compleja de la actualidad, concentrando personal, equipamiento e infraestructura, que permiten implementar terapias de soporte vital ante condiciones de riesgo, susceptibles de ser estabilizadas y/o resueltas. El SU y la UCI comparten algunos elementos a considerar y desafíos que afrontar. El sistema sanitario chileno enfrenta un contexto marcado por el cambio demográfico, con un incremento en las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles y un patrón de causas de mortalidad que se asemeja a los países desarrollados. Entre los desafíos comunes que enfrentan ambos servicios clínicos, se encuentran el fortalecimiento continuo de la calidad y seguridad de la atención de sus pacientes, y el propiciar la continuidad de la atención. Es necesario recordar que ambos servicios clínicos son complementarios, y lo que sucede en uno impacta en el funcionamiento del otro. Para una adecuada gestión hospitalaria, y considerando como objetivo el mayor bienestar de nuestros pacientes y familias, es fundamental un funcionamiento armónico, y coordinado entre ambas unidades.
Data from A Phase I/II Trial of Oral SRA737 (a Chk1 Inhibitor) Given in Combination with Low-Dose Gemcitabine in Patients with Advanced Cancer
Authors: Jones Robert , Plummer Ruth , Moreno Victor , Carter Louise , Roda Desamparados , Garralda Elena , Kristeleit Rebecca , Sarker Debashis , Arkenau Tobias , Roxburgh Patricia , Walter Harriet S. , Blagden Sarah , Anthoney Alan , Klencke Barbara J. , Kowalski Mark M. , Banerji Udai
Published: September 2023

AbstractPurpose:
This was a Phase I/II trial of the novel checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) inhibitor SRA737 given in combination with gemcitabine. Its objectives were to establish the safety profile, recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D), pharmacokinetics profile, and clinical activity of SRA737.
Patients and Methods:
Patients with advanced solid tumors were enrolled into dose-escalation cohorts and treated in 28-day cycles with oral SRA737 on days 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, and 17, and intravenous gemcitabine on days 1, 8, and 15. Treatment was continued until progression. Each expansion cohort included up to 20 patients with specific genetically defined tumors.
Results:
The RP2D was determined to be 500 mg SRA737 combined with low-dose (250 mg/m2) gemcitabine. Of 143 enrolled patients, 77 were treated at doses of at least 500 mg SRA737 combined with 250 mg/m2 gemcitabine. Common toxicities of nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and diarrhea were primarily mild to moderate, and rarely led to treatment discontinuation. Anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia were grade ≥3 in 11.7%, 16.7%, and 10% of patients treated at the RP2D, respectively. The objective response rate (ORR) was 10.8% overall and notably the ORR in anogenital cancer was 25%. Partial tumor responses were observed in anogenital cancer, cervical cancer, high-grade serous ovarian cancer, rectal cancer, and small cell lung cancer.
Conclusions:
SRA737 in combination with low-dose gemcitabine was well tolerated with lower myelotoxicity than has been seen at standard doses of gemcitabine or with other combinations of Chk1 inhibitors with gemcitabine. Tumor responses were observed in anogenital and other solid tumors.
Whole-Exome Sequencing Identifies Mutation Profile and Mutation Signature-Based Clustering Associated with Prognosis in Appendiceal Pseudomyxoma Peritonei
Authors: Lin Yu-Lin , Zhu Jun-Qi , Ma Rui-Qing , Meng Wei , Wang Zi-Yue , Li Xin-Bao , Ma Ru , Wu He-Liang , Xu Hong-Bin , Gao Ying , Li Yan
Published: September 2023

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare malignant clinical syndrome with little known about the global mutation profile. In this study, whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed in 49 appendiceal PMP to investigate mutation profiles and mutation signatures. A total of 4,020 somatic mutations were detected, with a median mutation number of 56 (1–402). Tumor mutation burden (TMB) was generally low (median 1.55 mutations/Mb, 0.12–11.26 mutations/Mb). Mutations were mainly enriched in the function of cancer-related axonogenesis, extracellular matrix–related processes, calcium signaling pathway, and cAMP signaling pathway. Mutations in FCGBP, RBFOX1, SPEG, RTK-RAS, PI3K-AKT, and focal adhesion pathways were associated with high-grade mucinous carcinoma peritonei. These findings revealed distinct mutation profile in appendiceal PMP. Ten mutation signatures were identified, dividing patients into mutation signature cluster (MSC) 1 (N = 28, 57.1%) and MSC 2 (N = 21, 42.9%) groups. MSC (P = 0.007) was one of the four independent factors associated with 3-year survival. TMB (P = 0.003) and microsatellite instability (P = 0.002) were independent factors associated with MSC 2 grouping. Taken together, our findings provided a broader view in the understanding of molecular pathologic mechanism in appendiceal PMP and may be critical to developing an individualized approach to appendiceal PMP treatment.

Implications:

This work describes exhaustive mutation profile of PMP based on WES data and derives ten mutation signatures, which divides patients into two clusters and serve as an independent prognostic factor associated with 3-year survival.
Supplementary Table S3 from Cellular Senescence Is Immunogenic and Promotes Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Marin Ines , Boix Olga , Garcia-Garijo Andrea , Sirois Isabelle , Caballe Adrià , Zarzuela Eduardo , Ruano Irene , Attolini Camille Stephan-Otto , Prats Neus , López-Domínguez José A , Kovatcheva Marta , Garralda Elena , Muñoz Javier , Caron Etienne , Abad María , Gros Alena , Pietrocola Federico , Serrano Manuel
Published: September 2023

RNA-seq Differential Expression Analyses
Supplementary Table S2 from Cellular Senescence Is Immunogenic and Promotes Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Marin Ines , Boix Olga , Garcia-Garijo Andrea , Sirois Isabelle , Caballe Adrià , Zarzuela Eduardo , Ruano Irene , Attolini Camille Stephan-Otto , Prats Neus , López-Domínguez José A , Kovatcheva Marta , Garralda Elena , Muñoz Javier , Caron Etienne , Abad María , Gros Alena , Pietrocola Federico , Serrano Manuel
Published: September 2023

GO terms enrichment analysis of membrane proteins upregulated in 4 or more senescence conditions.
Supplementary Table S1 from Cellular Senescence Is Immunogenic and Promotes Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Marin Ines , Boix Olga , Garcia-Garijo Andrea , Sirois Isabelle , Caballe Adrià , Zarzuela Eduardo , Ruano Irene , Attolini Camille Stephan-Otto , Prats Neus , López-Domínguez José A , Kovatcheva Marta , Garralda Elena , Muñoz Javier , Caron Etienne , Abad María , Gros Alena , Pietrocola Federico , Serrano Manuel
Published: September 2023

Proteomic screen of PM-enriched proteins in senescent cells
Data from Cellular Senescence Is Immunogenic and Promotes Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Marin Ines , Boix Olga , Garcia-Garijo Andrea , Sirois Isabelle , Caballe Adrià , Zarzuela Eduardo , Ruano Irene , Attolini Camille Stephan-Otto , Prats Neus , López-Domínguez José A , Kovatcheva Marta , Garralda Elena , Muñoz Javier , Caron Etienne , Abad María , Gros Alena , Pietrocola Federico , Serrano Manuel
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Cellular senescence is a stress response that activates innate immune cells, but little is known about its interplay with the adaptive immune system. Here, we show that senescent cells combine several features that render them highly efficient in activating dendritic cells (DC) and antigen-specific CD8 T cells. This includes the release of alarmins, activation of IFN signaling, enhanced MHC class I machinery, and presentation of senescence-associated self-peptides that can activate CD8 T cells. In the context of cancer, immunization with senescent cancer cells elicits strong antitumor protection mediated by DCs and CD8 T cells. Interestingly, this protection is superior to immunization with cancer cells undergoing immunogenic cell death. Finally, the induction of senescence in human primary cancer cells also augments their ability to activate autologous antigen-specific tumor-infiltrating CD8 lymphocytes. Our study indicates that senescent cancer cells can be exploited to develop efficient and protective CD8-dependent antitumor immune responses.
Significance:
Our study shows that senescent cells are endowed with a high immunogenic potential—superior to the gold standard of immunogenic cell death. We harness these properties of senescent cells to trigger efficient and protective CD8-dependent antitumor immune responses.

See related article by Chen et al., p. 432.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 247
Peritumoral Immune-suppressive Mechanisms Impede Intratumoral Lymphocyte Infiltration into Colorectal Cancer Liver versus Lung Metastases
Authors: Ye Jian , Guo Weihua , Wang Chongkai , Egelston Colt A. , D'Apuzzo Massimo , Shankar Geereesh , Fakih Marwan G. , Lee Peter P.
Published: September 2023

Patients with microsatellite stable (MSS) colorectal cancer with liver metastases are resistant to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy, while about one-third of patients with colorectal cancer without liver metastases, particularly those with lung-only metastases, respond to ICI. We analyzed primary colorectal cancer tumors and major metastatic sites (liver, lung, peritoneal) using multiplex immunofluorescence and whole-slide spatial analyses to identify variations in immune contexture and regional localization within the tumor microenvironment. While levels of T and B cells within peritumoral regions were similar, their levels were significantly lower within the tumor core of liver and peritoneal metastases compared with lung metastases. In contrast, antigen-presenting cells (APC) and APC–T cell interactions were more abundant in all regions of lung metastases. We also identified an abundance of lymphoid aggregates throughout lung metastases, but these were present only within peritumoral regions of liver and peritoneal metastases. Larger lymphoid aggregates consistent with features of tertiary lymphoid structures were observed within or adjacent to primary tumors, but not metastatic lesions. Our findings were validated using NanoString GeoMx DSP, which further showed that liver metastases had higher expression of immune-suppressive markers, while lung metastases showed higher proinflammatory activity and T-cell activation markers. Peritoneal metastases demonstrated higher expression of cancer-associated fibroblast–related proteins and upregulated PD-1/PD-L1 signaling molecules. Our results demonstrate that functional status and spatial distribution of immune cells vary significantly across different metastatic sites. These findings suggest that metastatic site–dependent immune contexture may underlie discordant responses to ICI therapy in patients with MSS colorectal cancer.

Significance:

Our results demonstrate that functional status and spatial distribution of immune cells vary significantly across different metastatic sites in MSS colorectal cancer. These findings suggest that metastatic site–dependent immune contexture may underlie discordant responses to ICI therapy in patients with MSS colorectal cancer.
The effect of adding sodium tripolyphosphate on thiobarbituric acid value, crispiness, and organoleptic on salted egg crackers
Authors: Susanti Siti , Kamil Rafli Zulfa , Fardiah Finky Firsya
Published: September 2023

Crackers are one of the dry foods that can experience volume expansion when fried. Salted egg crackers are a form of innovation and product diversification in crackers, which are made using ingredients containing starch and various other additives. This study aims to determine the exact concentration in the use of sodium tripolyphosphate as a crunch in dough on the crispness, thiobarbituric acid (TBA) value, and organoleptic of the salted egg crackers. There were 4 sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) concentration treatments, namely 0% (T1), 0.25% (T2), 0.5% (T3), and 0.75% (T4). This research method consists of experimental design, research procedures, parameter tests, and data analysis. The results of the analysis of the TBA value showed that the difference in the concentration of STPP affected the rancidity of the salted egg crackers, where the higher the concentration of STPP, the higher the TBA value. Crispness and organoleptic analysis showed the highest value and overall preference, namely 0.75% (T3) treatment. This study concludes that the difference in the concentration of the addition of sodium tripolyphosphate affects the crispness of crackers.
Nanoparticle-Based Therapies in Hypertension
Authors: Story Darren , Aminoroaya Alireza , Skelton Zak , Kumari Manisha , Zhang Yapei , Smith Bryan Ronain
Published: September 2023

Nearly 1.4 billion people worldwide suffer from arterial hypertension, a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease which is now the leading cause of death. Despite numerous drugs designed to treat hypertension, only ≈14% of hypertensive individuals have their blood pressure under control. A critical factor negatively impacting the efficacy of available treatments is their poor bioavailability. This leads to increased dosing requirements which can result in more side effects, resulting in patient noncompliance. A recent solution to improve dosing and bioavailability issues has been to incorporate drugs into nanoparticle carriers, with over 50 nanodrugs currently on the market across all diseases, and another 51 currently in clinical trials. Given their ability to improve solubility and bioavailability, nanoparticles may offer significant advantages in the formulation of antihypertensives to overcome pharmacokinetic shortcomings. To date, however, no antihypertensive nanoformulations have been clinically approved. This review assesses in vivo study data from preclinical antihypertensive nanoformulation development and testing. Combined, the results of these studies suggest nanoformulation of antihypertensive drugs may be a promising solution to overcome the poor efficacy of currently available antihypertensives, and with further advances has the potential to open paths for new substances that have heretofore been clinically unrealistic due to poor bioavailability.
China’s Transition to Collective Labor Relations: Top-Down and Bottom-Up Mechanisms
Authors: Kai Chang
Published: September 2023

The article analyzes the development, characteristics, and tendency of China’s labor relations and the labor movement in recent years. It points out that China has begun the transition from individual labor relations to collective labor relations with the strike wave in the summer of 2010 as the main turning point. In the process of transformation, there are two kinds of forces and two ways to accomplish the labor movement. One is the top-down labor union movement led by the authorities within the system; the other is the bottom-up labor movement formed spontaneously by workers outside the system. The article particularly analyzes the emergence of, and mutual relationship between these two types of transition, as well as their influence and significance on China’s labor relations.
Full-Circumference Prosthetic Grafts for Replacing a Retrohepatic Inferior Vena Cava Segment During Hepatectomy for Tumor
Authors: Suzuki Kaori , Takahashi Yuki , Shiozawa Toshimitsu , Matsuo Kenichi , Shimizu Hiroaki , Tanaka Kuniya
Published: September 2023

Background

Although hepatectomy including inferior vena cava (IVC) resection is becoming more common, some details remain uncertain such as use of artificial materials to replace a tumor-involved, damaged, or narrowed retrohepatic IVC segment.

Methods

Surgical outcomes of 12 patients who underwent hepatectomy with IVC resection including reconstruction using synthetic tubular grafts were investigated to clarify safety and feasibility.

Results

Operative time (median, 573 min; range, 268 to 774) and the blood loss (1076 mL; 155 to 2960) were acceptable. In-hospital mortality was 8% (1/12), and morbidity was 42% (5/12). Among the 12 patients, 2 were planned to undergo IVC reconstruction without an artificial graft. In one patient, prosthetic repair was adopted because of massive bleeding from the IVC wall during dissection of tumor from the IVC. In the other, severe stricture became evident during attempted direct closure of the partially resected IVC wall.

Discussion

Ongoing experience has increased our acceptance of combined liver and IVC resection. We believe that segmental IVC resection and reconstruction with a prosthetic tubular graft could be chosen more frequently in managing liver tumors suspected to involve the IVC.
The necessary confluence of sociology and social impact assessment in the era of global change
Authors: Ortiz Guadalupe , Aledo Antonio
Published: September 2023

Despite the intrinsic and natural connection between sociology and social impact assessment, the latter often does not hold a prominent place in the academic theory and practice of sociology. This monograph aims to justify and reclaim the rightful position of social impact assessment within the sociological discipline, through the contributions of some of the most renowned international experts in this field. This introductory article reflects on the necessary mutual contribution between sociology and social impact assessment, which, through their epistemological, methodological and axiological dialogues, establish an applied working space aimed at providing solutions for real-world problems. Sociology and social impact assessment must join forces to become agents not only of knowledge production but also of improvement of the living conditions of those in situations of social vulnerability, being this an urgent task in the face of contemporary global changes and growing inequalities.
Psychosocial and integration needs of unaccompanied children in Greece
Authors: Ntagka Kleoniki , Cochliou Despina
Published: September 2023

This article seeks to fill the research gap on the psychosocial and integration needs of unaccompanied children and the challenges they encounter to reach autonomy and social integration. To address this issue, the study utilized a qualitative research survey interviewing 18 field professionals, which indicated that the key challenges include insufficient preparation, institutionalization, uncertainty about the future, asylum procedures, and social exclusion, while proposing the implementation of an integration plan focusing on education, vocational training, and contact with the local community. This article aims to offer a better understanding of children’s needs and how practitioners could protect children more effectively.
Armies and Influence: Elite Experience and Public Opinion on Foreign Policy
Authors: Jost Tyler , Kertzer Joshua D.
Published: September 2023

When is the public more likely to defer to elites on foreign policy? Existing research suggests the public takes its cues from co-partisans, but what happens when co-partisans disagree? We argue that the public defers to elites whose prior experiences signal expertise and favorable intentions. Elites with backgrounds in socially esteemed institutions are thus especially powerful cue-givers, even when the core competencies of those institutions are not directly related to the issue at hand. Using two conjoint experiments, we find that the American public defers to more experienced elites generally, but is especially deferential toward elites with experience in trusted institutions: the public defers more to elites with military backgrounds, even when considering non-military issues. The theory and findings suggest that where elites sat in the past shapes how much power they wield once standing in office.
The public sphere in the mode of systematically distorted communication
Authors: Kempf Victor
Published: September 2023

The contemporary proliferation of “filter bubbles” and “echo chambers” seems to render obsolete the notion of a public sphere in the singular. In my article, I would like to argue against this view: Following Jürgen Habermas, “the public sphere” can be understood as the concomitant horizon of communicative action, while the latter permeates society as a whole. On the basis of this socio-philosophical approach, the omnipresent tendencies toward fragmentation appear as reactive attempts to ward off this socially established and context-transcending context of discussion. Habermas himself, however, has never adopted this perspective. Instead, he interprets the various symptoms of the decline of the public sphere—including its fragmentation—as the result of a “colonization of the lifeworld” by economic, bureaucratic, and technological system logics. However, on the basis of the concept of “systematically distorted communication,” which was still crucial for Habermas’s early work, it is possible to reconstruct how the lifeworld context of communicative action, out of which the public sphere emerges, is not only corroded and cut through from the outside by system logics but also exhibits its own dialectic of the refusal of discourse and the overcoming of this refusal. The fragmentation of the public sphere that we are confronted with today can be theoretically interpreted and politically addressed as a precarious standstill of this dialectic.
Exploring shared identity theory as an expanded conceptualization of Alzheimer’s caregiving
Authors: Lang Samantha F. , Fowers Blaine J. , Wang Jue
Published: September 2023

Informal caregivers provide critical support to the growing population of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). To assist caregivers, researchers’ dominant theoretical model has been a stress and coping approach for nearly four decades. Although the stress and coping approach is appropriate for many caregivers, it may be too narrow a lens for understanding caregivers who are primarily focused on maintaining their relationship with their loved one and providing the highest quality of care. This study was designed to empirically explore Shared Identity Theory, which emphasizes the inherent value of the relationship between care partners (“shared identity”) and how their shared identity relates to caregiver burden and exemplary care. This exploratory study examined Shared Identity Theory using structural equation modeling in a national sample of 263 informal ADRD caregivers. Our analyses provided support for an overall factor of Shared Identity that explained its four component factors (Communal Orientation, Communal Strength, Collective Identity, and Shared Goals). We then found that shared identity had a substantial positive relationship with exemplary care and a substantial negative relationship with caregiver burden. Shared identity seems to benefit both care recipients and the caregiving relationship. This study suggests the importance of expanding the scope of the caregiving literature to include a primary focus on this powerful relationship.
Sustainability Outcomes in SMEs: A Configurational View of the Interplay of Strategic Orientations and Environmental Conditions
Authors: Khizar Hafiz Muhammad Usman , Iqbal Muhammad Jawad , Murshed Feisal , Ahsan Mujtaba
Published: September 2023

Despite concerted scholarly and managerial interests in sustainability, integrating the principle of sustainable development in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) remains an elusive goal. This article examines the complex interdependent nature of three strategic orientations (entrepreneurial orientation, market orientation, and sustainability orientation) and two external environmental conditions (competitive intensity and institutional support) and how they may jointly affect SME's financial, social, and environmental goals (triple bottom line or TBL)—in a nonlinear, configurational way. In accordance with this broad objective, the authors utilize fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) on a sample of 289 SMEs operating in a developing economy. This approach enables nuanced detection of the various ways in which causal conditions (i.e., strategic orientations) and contextual conditions (i.e., external environmental factors) together can lead to the presence and absence of TBL. The analyses reveal complex causality between TBL and its antecedent conditions that cannot be explained solely by isolated net effects. Specifically, for each TBL dimension, two distinctive configurations are found to be consistently sufficient, thereby providing important theoretical and managerial implications.
Competitive dynamics of lead firms and their systems suppliers in the automotive industry
Authors: Yeung Godfrey
Published: September 2023

Lead firms play a dominant role in the governance structure of conventional global production network (GPN) analyses but this framework is not fully applicable in sectors where (new) regulations, technologies and subsequent market changes have a disruptive effect on its governance structure. This paper proposes an analytical framework to examine how disruptive effects of industrial megatrends in forms of new regulations and technologies and the subsequent market changes could alter the competitive dynamics between lead firms and their tier-I suppliers. Although lead firms are becoming more specialized and highly efficient in specific product segments, they may not always have inter-firm control over their tier-I suppliers. GPN boundaries become more permeable when there is an external shock, such as new regulations or massive shifts in consumer demand, or the entrance of an entirely new lead firm, possibly due to a technological breakthrough or innovative use of existing technologies in a product. This external shock could have disruptive effects on the GPN, from the exit of current lead firms to the entrance of new tier-I suppliers or lead firms. Consequently, a reconstituted GPN with a newly established boundary is then produced. Applying the analytical framework to the automotive industry, it is argued that selected (and new) systems suppliers with expertise in micro-electronics are not only in a prime position to capture the value generated by the increasingly stringent regulatory environment on safety and environmental standards, but also more resilient than the incumbent automakers to three emerging megatrends: electrification, digitalization and autonomous driving.

JEL: F23, L14, L20, L62
International missions of the Suomen Joutsen: Finland's naval diplomacy, 1931–1939
Authors: Rizzi Andrea
Published: September 2023

The aim of this article is to analyse the identity-making role played by the maritime factor in promoting the international picture of the young Finnish republic by using the case study of the frigate Suomen Joutsen on its international voyages from 1931 to 1939. The rituals of naval diplomacy meant that the political, diplomatic and commercial authorities of the nations visited were brought on board the ship and contacts were made with the recently established Finnish consular network. In addition to such contacts, the extensive use of the press and radio was an important factor in promoting the young Finnish republic. Moreover, in countries with important communities of Finnish emigrants, contacts were made with those groups. Finally, with a floating exhibition of Finnish products on board, it was possible to establish commercial relations. Hence, the international cruises of the Suomen Joutsen were fundamental channels for the representation of the young Finnish nation.