bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MouseClicker: Exploring Tactile Feedback and Physical Agency for People with Hand Motor Impairments
Authors: Taheri Atieh , Gomez-Monroy Carlos Gilberto , Borja Vicente , Sra Misha
Published: February 2024

Assistive technology (AT) design is critical in enabling functionality for people with disabilities, blending essential elements of both practical utility and user experience. Traditionally, AT has successfully addressed core functional needs, such as enabling cursor movement and clicking actions with devices like computer mice. However, a comprehensive approach to AT design also necessitates a thorough consideration of sensory feedback, including tactile sensations, ergonomics, and auditory cues like button click sounds. These aspects are not merely supplementary but are integral to the device’s functionality, enhancing user interaction and long-term comfort, especially for individuals with motor impairments. In this work, we present MouseClicker, a mechatronic AT to surrogate physical agency over a computer mouse and to foster the haptic sensory experience of clicking on it tailored specifically for an individual with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) who faces challenges in using a standard mouse due to severe hand motor impairments. Our design aims at replicating the holistic experience of clicking a mouse, from its functional mechanical actions to its nuanced tactile and auditory feedback. This work details the MouseClicker’s design and reports on an exploratory user study aimed at identifying optimal vibrotactile feedback parameters – such as location, and intensity – that represent mouse button clicks. MouseClicker presents a step forward in AT design by integrating the functionality, sensory feedback, and the overall experience of taking control over non-AT devices.
Stability Analysis of Soil and Rock Mixed Slope Based on Random Heterogeneous Structure
Authors: Wang Yafei , Zhang Zhanrong , Kang Xingpei , Xie Hao , Wang Chenchen , Liu Kun
Published: February 2024

Due to the complexity in the heterogeneous internal structure and interactions between rocks and soil, the slide of soil–rock mixed slope is usually more complex than that of a homogeneous soil slope. This paper investigated the stability of soil–rock mixed slopes with finite element method (FEM) based on random heterogeneous structure. An image‐aided approach was used to generate the 2‐D and 3‐D digital rocks to ensure the morphology of digital rocks was similar with the real rocks. The 2‐D and 3‐D soil–rock mixed slopes were then generated by placing the digital rocks into the soil matrix. The generated heterogeneous structures of soil–rock mixed slope were imported into ABAQUS for numerical analysis. The effect of rock content, spatial distributions, material properties, and rock–soil interface on the stability of soil–rock mixed slopes were analyzed. Results show that the stability factor of the soil–rock mixed slope increases with the increase of rock content. The rocks can play a certain degree of antislide effect in the slope. The uneven spatial distribution of rocks has effect on the overall stability of soil–rock mixed slope. This effect is more significant when the rock content is moderate. Rocks distributed in the middle layer of the slope may improve the overall antisliding performance of the slope. The stability factor decreases with the increase of rock density. While the effect of rock elastic modulus on stability of soil–rock mixed slope is relatively limited. The contact condition at the soil–rock interface has effect on the overall stability of soil–rock mixed slope. It is recommended to properly determine the interface properties for stability analysis of soil–rock mixed slope.
The Influence of Alpha Kinase 2 Expression on Prognosis in Serous Ovarian Cancer Liver Metastasis
Authors: Sun Jia , Zhang Yingzi , Li Aijie , Yu Hao
Published: February 2024

Background. Globally, ovarian cancer is a leading contributor to cancer‐related fatalities among women, with a notable concern being the occurrence of liver metastasis as a prevalent clinical complication. This study aims to investigate the potential impact of alpha kinase 2 (ALPK2) on ovarian cancer liver metastasis (OCLM), assessing its implications for patient prognosis and tumor advancement. Our research seeks to examine the prognostic significance of ALPK2 in individuals with OCLM and unravel the consequences of ALPK2 knockdown on the proliferation and invasion of ovarian cancer cells. Methods. A retrospective analysis of 49 OCLM cases from our medical center was conducted to evaluate the prognostic significance of ALPK2 through survival analyses. Experimental investigations involved the use of shRNA to knock down ALPK2 in ovarian cancer cell lines, with subsequent scrutiny of cellular changes. Results. Survival analyses revealed that ALPK2 functions as an independent adverse prognostic factor in OCLM (HR = 3.74, 95% CI: 1.34–10.42, and P = 0.012). Knockdown experiments indicated a reduction in cell proliferation and invasion capacities, potentially associated with the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition process. Conclusions. ALPK2 emerges as a crucial oncogene promoting tumors in OCLM. Its knockdown exhibits significant therapeutic potential by hindering cancer progression. Further investigations could solidify the role and therapeutic possibilities of ALPK2 in the treatment of ovarian cancer, particularly in cases involving liver metastasis.
Navigation Path Following Platform for a Greenhouse Shuttle Robot Using the State-flow Method
Authors: Yoo Heonjong , Baek Donkyu , Choi Seong-gon
Published: February 2024

Localization is an important method for autonomous indoor robots to recognize their positions. Generally, the navigation of a mobile robot is conducted using a camera, Lidar, and global positioning system. However, for an indoor environment, GPS is unavailable. Therefore, a, state-trajectory tracking method is utilized based on a Lidar map. This paper presents the path following of an autonomous indoor mobile robot, that is, a shuttle robot, using a state-flow method via a robot operating system network. MATLAB and Linux high-level computers and an inertial measurement unit sensor are used to obtain the Cartesian coordinate information of a bicycle-type mobile robot. The path following problem can be solved in the state-flow block by setting appropriate time and linear and angular velocity variables. After the predetermined time, the linear and angular velocities are set based on the length of the path and radius of the quarter-circle of the left and right turns in the state-flow block, path planning, which can execute the work effectively, is established using the state-flow algorithm. The state-flow block produces time-series data that are sent to Linux system, which facilitates real-time mobile platform path following scenario. Several cases within the path-following problem of the mobile robot were considered, depending on the linear and angular velocity settings: the mobile robot moved forward and backward, turned in the right and left directions on the circular path. The effectiveness of the method was demonstrated using the desktop-based indoor mobile robot control results. Thus, the paper focuses on the application of the state-flow algorithm to the shuttle robot specifically in the narrow indoor environment.
Baseline Characteristics of Fabry Disease “Amenable” Migalastat Patients in Argentinian Cohort
Authors: Jaurretche Sebastián , Alonso Santiago , Calvo Mónica , Fernandez Sebastián , Figueredo Heber , Galli Beatriz , Marin Ivanna , Martinez Andrés , Mattausch Silvia , Perretta Fernando , Politei Juan , Rolon Juan Ignacio , Calabrese Esteban
Published: February 2024

Fabry disease (FD) is a multisystem lysosomal storage disorder induced by genetic variants in the alpha-galactosidase A (αGalA) gene. Some FD patients have GLA variants with a reduction in overall αGalA enzymatic activity due to mutated proteins with reduced stability, caused by protein misfolding and premature degradation, but the αGalA catalytic activity remains conserved (“amenable” genetic variants). To correct this misfolding and to prevent premature degradation, migalastat, a small iminosugar molecule was developed. We report the clinical characteristics of FD “amenable” cohort patients from Argentina, prior to starting treatment with migalastat. Seventeen Fabry adult patients were recruited from 13 Argentinian Centers; 8 males (47.1%) and 9 females (52.9%) were included. All genotypes included were missense-type “amenables” mutations. Some classic FD typical early manifestations were more frequent in patients with “classic” versus “late-onset” FD phenotype (pain, p=0.002; cornea verticillata, p=0.019). There was a statistically significant difference in estimated glomerular filtration rate in the “classic” versus “late-onset” phenotype (p=0.026) but no difference between genders (p=0.695). Left ventricular mass was similar between genders (p=0.145) and phenotypes (p=0.303). Cardiovascular risk factors were present among “late-onset” females (obesity 50% and smoke 25%). In patients who started “de novo” migalastat, the main indications were (i) heart disease, (ii) kidney damage, and (iii) pain, while in “switched from prior enzyme replacement therapy” patients, the most frequent indication was “patient decision;” this coincides with publications by other authors.
Association between Airport Ultrafine Particles and Lung Cancer Risk: The Multiethnic Cohort Study
Authors: Bookstein Arthur , Po Justine , Tseng Chiuchen , Larson Timothy V. , Yang Juan , Park Sung-shim L. , Wu Jun , Shariff-Marco Salma , Inamdar Pushkar P. , Ihenacho Ugonna , Setiawan Veronica W. , DeRouen Mindy C. , Le Marchand Loïc , Stram Daniel O. , Samet Jonathan , Ritz Beate , Fruin Scott , Wu Anna H. , Cheng Iona
Published: February 2024

Background:

Ultrafine particles (UFP) are unregulated air pollutants abundant in aviation exhaust. Emerging evidence suggests that UFPs may impact lung health due to their high surface area-to-mass ratio and deep penetration into airways. This study aimed to assess long-term exposure to airport-related UFPs and lung cancer incidence in a multiethnic population in Los Angeles County.

Methods:

Within the California Multiethnic Cohort, we examined the association between long-term exposure to airport-related UFPs and lung cancer incidence. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the effect of UFP exposure on lung cancer incidence. Subgroup analyses by demographics, histology and smoking status were conducted.

Results:

Airport-related UFP exposure was not associated with lung cancer risk [per one IGR HR, 1.01; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.97–1.05] overall and across race/ethnicity. A suggestive positive association was observed between a one IQR increase in UFP exposure and lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) risk (HR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.00–1.17) with a Phet for histology = 0.05. Positive associations were observed in 5-year lag analysis for SCC (HR, 1.12; 95% CI, CI, 1.02–1.22) and large cell carcinoma risk (HR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.01–1.49) with a Phet for histology = 0.01.

Conclusions:

This large prospective cohort analysis suggests a potential association between airport-related UFP exposure and specific lung histologies. The findings align with research indicating that UFPs found in aviation exhaust may induce inflammatory and oxidative injury leading to SCC.

Impact:

These results highlight the potential role of airport-related UFP exposure in the development of lung SCC.
TABLE 1 from Anti-Vα24Jα18 TCR Antibody Tunes iNKT Cell Responses to Target and Kill CD1d-negative Tumors in an FcγRII (CD32)-dependent Manner
Authors: Takami Mariko , Aoki Takahiro , Nishimura Katsuhiro , Tanaka Hidekazu , Onodera Atsushi , Motohashi Shinichiro
Published: February 2024

IHC scoring of CD32 in the patients with lung cancer
Supplementary Figure 2 from Anti-Vα24Jα18 TCR Antibody Tunes iNKT Cell Responses to Target and Kill CD1d-negative Tumors in an FcγRII (CD32)-dependent Manner
Authors: Takami Mariko , Aoki Takahiro , Nishimura Katsuhiro , Tanaka Hidekazu , Onodera Atsushi , Motohashi Shinichiro
Published: February 2024

Plate-bound 6B11 or anti-CD3 mAb stimulation induces degranulation of iNKT cells.
Supplementary Table S1 from Exhausted Tumor-infiltrating CD39+CD103+ CD8+ T Cells Unveil Potential for Increased Survival in Human Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Gorchs Laia , Fernández-Moro Carlos , Asplund Ebba , Oosthoek Marlies , Solders Martin , Ghorbani Poya , Sparrelid Ernesto , Rangelova Elena , Löhr Matthias J. , Kaipe Helen
Published: February 2024

Antibodies used in flow cytometry.
FIGURE 8 from Anti-Vα24Jα18 TCR Antibody Tunes iNKT Cell Responses to Target and Kill CD1d-negative Tumors in an FcγRII (CD32)-dependent Manner
Authors: Takami Mariko , Aoki Takahiro , Nishimura Katsuhiro , Tanaka Hidekazu , Onodera Atsushi , Motohashi Shinichiro
Published: February 2024

6B11 mAb-treated iNKT cells suppress tumor growth in vivo. A,E,G, Schematic of iNKT cell therapy in vivo. B–D, Human IL7/IL15 knockin NSG mice were subcutaneously injected with K562 cells on day 0. iNKT cells treated with the 6B11 mAb (50 ng/mL) or mIgG1(50 ng/mL) overnight were washed and resuspended in PBS. B, iNKT cells were intratumorally injected on days 3, 5, 7, and 9 (n = 6 or 7 mice/group). B and C, Tumor size was measured every 2 days. D, Tumors were excised at day 13 and their weight was measured. F, Human IL7/IL15 knock-in NSG mice were subcutaneously injected with K562 cells on day 0. iNKT cells treated with the 6B11 mAb as described in B were intratumorally or intravenously injected on days 3, 5, 7, and 9 (n = 5 or 6 mice/group). H, Human IL7/IL15 knock-in NSG mice were subcutaneously injected with K562 cells on day 0. iNKT cells treated with the 6B11 mAb as described in B or untreated iNKT cells were intratumorally injected on days 3, 5, 7, and 9 (n = 5 or 6 mice/group). The 6B11 mAb was further intraperitoneally administrated to mice injected with untreated NKT cells. Data are representative of two independent experiments. Data represent the mean ± SEM. *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; ***, P < 0.001; ****, P < 0.0001.
FIGURE 5 from Anti-Vα24Jα18 TCR Antibody Tunes iNKT Cell Responses to Target and Kill CD1d-negative Tumors in an FcγRII (CD32)-dependent Manner
Authors: Takami Mariko , Aoki Takahiro , Nishimura Katsuhiro , Tanaka Hidekazu , Onodera Atsushi , Motohashi Shinichiro
Published: February 2024

NK cell–activating receptors and costimulatory molecules are involved in degranulation of 6B11-mAb bound iNKT cells toward K562 cells. A and B, iNKT cells sorted using Vα24-FITC Ab/FITC MicroBeads were maintained in the presence of IL2 overnight, washed twice, and then cultured in fresh medium with IL2 for 4 or 5 days. A, iNKT cells treated with the 6B11 mAb (50 ng/mL) overnight were washed and cross-linked with goat anti-mouse IgG (10 µg/ mL) or cocultured with K562 cells (control). A CD107a assay was then performed. B, iNKT cells treated with the 6B11 mAb (50 ng/mL) overnight were washed and cocultured with K562 cells at an E/T ratio of 2:1 in the presence of anti-NKG2D, anti-DNAM1, anti-2B4, anti-LFA-1, anti-LFA-2, or isotype (mIgG, 10 µg/mL) Abs. A CD107a assay was then performed. Data are representative of two independent experiments. Data represent the mean ± SEM. ****, P < 0.0001. HD, healthy donor.
Supplementary Figure S2 from Exhausted Tumor-infiltrating CD39+CD103+ CD8+ T Cells Unveil Potential for Increased Survival in Human Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Gorchs Laia , Fernández-Moro Carlos , Asplund Ebba , Oosthoek Marlies , Solders Martin , Ghorbani Poya , Sparrelid Ernesto , Rangelova Elena , Löhr Matthias J. , Kaipe Helen
Published: February 2024

Overall survival curves for T cells, MAIT cells and B cells.
FIGURE 3 from Anti-Vα24Jα18 TCR Antibody Tunes iNKT Cell Responses to Target and Kill CD1d-negative Tumors in an FcγRII (CD32)-dependent Manner
Authors: Takami Mariko , Aoki Takahiro , Nishimura Katsuhiro , Tanaka Hidekazu , Onodera Atsushi , Motohashi Shinichiro
Published: February 2024

6B11 mAb treatment induces degranulation of iNKT cells toward some cell lines. A, The indicated cell lines were stained with an anti-CD1d mAb and analyzed by flow cytometry. B, PBMCs isolated from healthy donors were cultured in the presence of α-GalCer and IL2 for 9–10 days, followed by sorting using Vα24-FITC Ab/FITC MicroBeads. iNKT cells sorted by MACS were maintained in the presence of IL2 overnight, and then iNKT cells were washed twice and cultured in fresh medium with IL2 for 4–5 days. iNKT cells treated with the 6B11 mAb (50 ng/mL) or isotype (mIgG1) were cocultured with the indicated cell lines at an E/T ratio of 2:1. A CD107a assay was then performed. Data are representative of two independent experiments.
FIGURE 5 from Exhausted Tumor-infiltrating CD39+CD103+ CD8+ T Cells Unveil Potential for Increased Survival in Human Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Gorchs Laia , Fernández-Moro Carlos , Asplund Ebba , Oosthoek Marlies , Solders Martin , Ghorbani Poya , Sparrelid Ernesto , Rangelova Elena , Löhr Matthias J. , Kaipe Helen
Published: February 2024

Characterization of CD39+CD103+ CD8+ T cells. A, Representative flow cytometry histograms showing the data in B. B, Proportion of CD39− CD103+ (SP CD103), CD39+ CD103+ (DP), and CD39− CD103− (DN) CD8+ T cells expressing PD-1 (n = 36), TIM-3 (n = 36), PD-1-TIM-3 (n = 36), Ki67 (n = 6), and TCF1 (n = 6) in central and peripheral tissues. C, Representative flow cytometry histograms showing the data in D. D, Proportion of DP and DN CD8+ T cells expressing CCR5, CXCR6, CXCR3, CXCR4, and CXCR5 in central and peripheral tissues of 6 patients. E, Representative zebra plots showing the gating strategy for DP CD8+ T cells with high expression of CD39 (CD103+ CD39high) and low expression of CD39 (CD103+ CD39+). F, Proportion of CD103+ CD39+ and CD103+ CD39high expressing PD-1-TIM-3, CCR5, CXCR3, CXCR6, Ki67, and TCF1. F, Left, Representative flow cytometry histograms. Right, Proportion of granzyme B, perforin, and granzyme B-perforin on CD39+ CD103+ DP and CD39− CD103− DN CD8+ T cells from central and peripheral tumor tissues from 7 patients. D and F, Friedman test followed by Dunn test was used to evaluate significant difference between groups. *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; ***, P < 0.001; ns, not significant. E, Wilcoxon matched pairs signed-rank test was used to detect statistically significant differences. *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; ***, P < 0.001; ns, not significant.
FIGURE 1 from Anti-Vα24Jα18 TCR Antibody Tunes iNKT Cell Responses to Target and Kill CD1d-negative Tumors in an FcγRII (CD32)-dependent Manner
Authors: Takami Mariko , Aoki Takahiro , Nishimura Katsuhiro , Tanaka Hidekazu , Onodera Atsushi , Motohashi Shinichiro
Published: February 2024

Soluble factors in iNKT cell cultures mediate degranulation of iNKT cells toward K562 cells. A, Jurkat and K562 cells were stained with an anti-CD1d Ab and analyzed by flow cytometry. B–E, PBMCs isolated from healthy donors were cultured in the presence of α-GalCer and IL2 for 9–10 days, followed by sorting using Vα24-FITC Ab/FITC MicroBeads. iNKT cells were then treated with IL2 until analysis. B, iNKT cells maintained for 3 days after sorting were cocultured with K562, Jurkat, or α-GalCer–pulsed Jurkat cells at an E/T ratio of 2:1 and then a CD107a assay was performed. C and D, iNKT cells maintained overnight after sorting were washed and cultured in fresh medium or maintained in the same medium (control) for 2 days. C, iNKT cells were cocultured with K562 cells at an E/T ratio of 2:1 and then a CD107a assay was performed. D, iNKT cells were cocultured with K562 cells at 10:1, 5:1, and 2.5:1 E/T ratios. An LDH release assay was performed and the percentage cytotoxicity was calculated. E, Sorted iNKT cells were maintained overnight and then the culture supernatant was collected. iNKT cells maintained overnight after sorting were washed and then maintained for 4 days. The culture supernatant was added to an iNKT cell culture overnight prior to coculture with K562 cells for the CD107a assay. Data are representative of two independent experiments. Data represent the mean ± SEM. ***, P < 0.001; ****, P < 0.0001. HD, healthy donor.
Data from Anti-Vα24Jα18 TCR Antibody Tunes iNKT Cell Responses to Target and Kill CD1d-negative Tumors in an FcγRII (CD32)-dependent Manner
Authors: Takami Mariko , Aoki Takahiro , Nishimura Katsuhiro , Tanaka Hidekazu , Onodera Atsushi , Motohashi Shinichiro
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells play an essential role in antitumor immunity by exerting cytotoxicity and producing massive amounts of cytokines. iNKT cells express invariant T-cell receptors (TCR) to recognize their cognate glycolipid antigens such as α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) presented on CD1d. We recently reported that iNKT cells recognize CD1d-negative leukemia cell line K562 in a TCR-dependent manner. However, it remains controversial how iNKT cells use TCRs to recognize and exhibit cytotoxic activity toward CD1d-negative tumors cells without CD1d restriction. Here, we report that iNKT cells exerted cytotoxicity toward K562 cells via a carried over anti-Vα24 TCR mAb from positive selection by magnetic bead sorting. We found that addition of the anti-Vα24Jα18 TCR mAb (6B11 mAb) rendered iNKT cells cytotoxic to K562 cells in an FcγRII (CD32)-dependent manner. Moreover, iNKT cells treated with 6B11 mAb became cytotoxic to other CD32+ cell lines (U937 and Daudi). In addition, iNKT cells treated with 6B11 mAb suppressed K562 cell growth in a murine xenograft model in vivo. These data suggest that anti-iNKT TCR mAb treatment of iNKT cells can be applied as a therapeutic strategy to treat CD32+ cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and lung cancer.
Significance:
Our findings unveiled that iNKT cells recognize and kill CD1d-negative target tumors via the anti-iNKT TCR mAb bound to CD32 at the tumor site, thereby bridging iNKT cells and CD1d-negative tumors. These findings shed light on the therapeutic potential of anti-iNKT TCR mAbs in NKT cell–based immunotherapy to treat CD1d-negative CD32+ cancers.
Portal Vein Aneurysm in a Patient with Cirrhosis Type C Controlled by Direct-Acting Antiviral Treatment
Authors: Higashi Sena , Nakabori Tasuku , Mukai Kaori , Seiki Yusuke , Watsuji Ko , Hirao Takeru , Kawamoto Yasuharu , Urabe Makiko , Kai Yugo , Takada Ryoji , Yamai Takuo , Ikezawa Kenji , Uehara Hiroyuki , Ohkawa Kazuyoshi
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Portal vein aneurysm (PVA) is a rare saccular or fusiform portal vein dilatation. The management and optimal treatment of PVA remain unknown. Case Presentation: A 53-year-old man with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection was diagnosed with PVA measuring 28 mm in diameter. Under observation, his liver fibrosis progressed, and the PVA diameter gradually increased to 52 mm. The patient was treated with elbasvir-grazoprevir for 12 weeks, and HCV disappeared. After achieving sustained virological response, liver fibrosis improved and the PVA progression ceased. Conclusion: HCV clearance by direct-acting antiviral treatment not only regressed liver fibrosis but may have also restrained the progression of PVA in a patient with cirrhosis type C and PVA.
Further Clinical Delineation of Prolidase Deficiency Associated with c.1103T>G Variant
Authors: Eker Hatice Koçak , Tekeli Tuğba
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Prolidase deficiency is a rare multisystemic disease associated with collagen metabolism. Clinical manifestations and age of onset are highly variable. Prolidase deficiency is caused by homozygous variants in the PEPD gene. In this report, three siblings with c.1103T>G (L368R) variant in the PEPD gene are presented. They had features not described in the literature and marked intrafamilial clinical heterogeneity. This is the first family of Syrian ancestral origin with prolidase deficiency. Case Presentation: We performed whole-exome sequencing for the index case, and detected a homozygous c.1103T>G variant, in the PEPD gene. All family members were then screened for the same variant by Sanger sequencing analysis. Two siblings were found to be homozygous, and one of them had not yet developed clinical symptoms. Conclusion: Our data expand the clinical spectrum of prolidase deficiency. It also improves our knowledge of phenotype and genotype relationships of prolidase deficiency patients.
Clinical Applications of Dual‐Energy Computed Tomography for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Chen Huanwen , Bodanapally Uttam K. , Colasurdo Marco , Malhotra Ajay , Gandhi Dheeraj
Published: February 2024

Acute ischemic stroke is a leading cause for neurological disability worldwide, and treatment strategies are rapidly evolving. Patient selection for recanalization therapy and postintervention management relies heavily on diagnostic imaging. In this narrative review, we searched the existing literature for clinical applications of dual‐energy computed tomography for acute ischemic stroke. We summarized the current clinical evidence on the use of dual‐energy computed tomography for identifying early cerebral ischemia, detecting and predicting hemorrhagic transformations, and characterizing clots and stenotic plaques. We also highlight future opportunities for dual‐energy computed tomography to be used to address important diagnostic challenges during acute stroke triage and postintervention management. Dual‐energy computed tomography is a powerful tool that can be used to improve the diagnostic accuracy of ischemia, hemorrhage, and vascular lesions in the context of acute ischemic stroke.
Thladiantha subglobosa (Cucurbitaceae), a new floral-oil-offering species from southern China
Authors: ZHANG MENG , QIN YING , RENNER SUSANNE S. , SCHAEFER HANNO , HUANG SHUANG-QUAN
Published: February 2024

During field work on mutualisms between oil bees and Cucurbitaceae in Yunnan, China, we discovered a new species of Thladiantha that we here describe and illustrate. It is overall similar to T. globicarpa A.M.Lu & Zhi Y.Zhang from Guangxi, but differs in the shape of its fruits. DNA sequences of the new species analyzed in the context of a densely sampled phylogeny of Thladiantha confirm its distinctness from all other species. The molecular data also revealed another collection of the new species made in Guangxi in 1937. Like all Thladiantha, the new species offers oil in glandular hairs on its petals and is pollinated by oil-collecting Ctenoplectra bees.
Updated checklist of treehoppers of Panama (Hemiptera: Membracidae) with plant associations
Authors: FLYNN DAWN J.
Published: February 2024

An updated checklist of treehoppers (Hemiptera: Membracidae) of Panama is provided with known province distribution data. The world catalogue of Membracoidea, through April, 1997, lists 68 genera, 162 species, and 1 subspecies from Panama (McKamey, 1998). Flynn (2012) listed all known species from Panama, documenting range extensions for 29 genera, 107 species, and 1 subspecies previously unknown from Panama, bringing the treehopper fauna from Panama to 97 genera, 269 species, and 2 subspecies. Inspection of 768 additional specimens since 2012 (new total of 3,595 specimens for the study), in addition to published literature, has added 2 new genera and 40 new species bringing the treehopper fauna to 100 genera (increase of 3 genera), 313 species (increase of 44 species) from 2012, and 2 subspecies. Many new provincial sites were added to each species with an updated provincial map showing numbers of species in each province. Updated species counts per Province (with increase): Bocas del Toro 65 (+10), Chiriqui 162 (+11), Veraguas 26 (+3), San Blas 8 (+1), Herrera 9 (+1), Darien 72 (+13), Los Santos 4 (+1), Cocle 43 (+9), Colon 187 (+79), and Panama 150 (+32). Tables listing published checklists and keys for Nearctic and Neotropical treehoppers are presented.
Implementation of All-Sky Assimilation of Microwave Humidity Sounding Channels in Environment Canada’s Global Deterministic Weather Prediction System
Authors: Bani Shahabadi Maziar , Buehner Mark
Published: February 2024

Cloud-affected microwave humidity sounding radiances were excluded from assimilation in the hybrid four-dimensional ensemble–variational (4D-EnVar) system of the Global Deterministic Prediction System (GDPS) at Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). This was due to the inability of the current radiative transfer model to consider the scattering effect from frozen hydrometeors at these frequencies. In addition to upgrading the observation operator to RTTOV-SCATT, quality control, bias correction, and 4D-EnVar assimilation components are modified to perform all-sky assimilation of Microwave Humidity Sounder (MHS) channel 2–5 observations over ocean in the GDPS. The input profiles to RTTOV-SCATT are extended to include liquid cloud, ice cloud, and cloud fraction profiles for the simulation and assimilation of MHS observations over water. There is a maximum (35%) increase in the number of channel 2 assimilated MHS observations with smaller increases for channels 3–5 in the all-sky experiment compared to the clear-sky experiment, mostly because of newly assimilated cloud-affected observations. The standard deviation (stddev) of difference between the observed global positioning system radio occultation (GPSRO) refractivity observations and the corresponding simulated values using the background state was reduced in the lower troposphere below 9 km in the all-sky experiment. Verifications of forecasts against the radiosonde observations show statistically significant reductions of 1% in the stddev of error for geopotential height, temperature, and horizontal wind for the all-sky experiment between 72- and 120-h forecast ranges in the troposphere in the Northern Hemisphere domain. Verifications of forecasts against ECMWF analyses also show small improvements in the zonal mean of stddev of error for temperature and horizontal wind for the all-sky experiment between 72- and 120-h forecast ranges. This work was planned for operational implementation in the GDPS in fall 2023.
Sellar Reconstruction With a Bioabsorbable Plate After Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Pituitary Adenoma Resection: Safe and Efficacious
Authors: Thorpe Ryan Kendall , Dougherty Mark C. , Walsh Jarrett E. , Graham Scott M. , Greenlee Jeremy D.W.
Published: February 2024

Objective:

To report outcomes of a large cohort of patients who underwent endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery (EETS) for resection of a pituitary adenoma with subsequent Resorb-X plate (RXP) sellar reconstruction.

Methods:

A retrospective review of 620 EETS operations performed at a single academic center between 2005 and 2020 was conducted.

Results:

A total of 215 EETS operations of 208 patients were identified between 2012 and 2020 who underwent reconstruction with the RXP after EETS for pituitary tumor resection with a final pathologic diagnosis of pituitary adenoma. Analysis of pooled data revealed a mean preoperative tumor volume of 6.8 cm3 (range: 0.038-51.03 cm3). Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak occurred in 2 patients (0.93%). Postoperative meningitis occurred in 1 patient (0.47%). There were no cases of RXP extrusion.

Conclusions:

The rate of postoperative CSF leak and meningitis after use of the RXP for sellar reconstruction compares favorably to other methods, including use of autologous grafts and flaps. Use of RXP during EETS is a safe and efficacious method of sellar reconstruction and may obviate the need for autologous tissue reconstruction after pituitary adenoma resection.
Mid-Infrared Generated Laser-Induced Grating Signals in Methane-Containing Gas Mixtures as Indicators of Composition, Pressure, and Temperature
Authors: Sahlberg Anna-Lena , Hot Dina , Li Zhongshan , Kozlov Dimitrii
Published: February 2024

The present work is aimed at studying how spatially periodic modulations of the refractive index of the medium, i.e., laser-induced gratings (LIGs), generated in a gas mixture containing methane (CH4) by nanosecond pulses of resonant mid-infrared laser radiation, can be used to measure various gas parameters. It is investigated to what extent the temporal profiles of the LIG signals, recorded as the power of the diffracted by LIGs continuous wave probe radiation, are specific to the composition, pressure, and temperature of a selected buffer gas. This specificity is illustrated by the LIG signal profiles recorded in the experiments in different gas mixtures under various conditions. Experimental data show that large LIG signals can be obtained even in mixtures with CH4 concentrations as low as ∼100 parts per million due to the strong absorption of the excitation light and subsequent rapid, highly exothermic, and partner-dependent collisional energy exchange of the laser-excited molecules with the environment. These two factors ensure high LIG generation efficiency by a small number of CH4 molecules and high sensitivity of signal strength and profile to variations of gas parameters.
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for Distinguishing Malignancy in Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Zufry Hendra , Munawar Agus Arip
Published: February 2024

Thyroid nodules are common clinical entities, with a significant proportion being malignant. Early, accurate, and non-invasive tools to differentiate benign and malignant nodules can optimize patient management and reduce unnecessary surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and accuracy of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in distinguishing benign from malignant thyroid nodules. A diffuse reflectance spectrum for a total of 20 thyroid nodule samples (10 samples as colloid goiter and 10 samples as thyroid cancer), were acquired in the wavelength range from 1000 to 2500 nm. Spectral data from NIRS were analyzed by means of principal component analysis (PCA), quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA), and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) to classify and differentiate thyroid nodule samples. The present study found that NIRS effectively distinguished colloid goiter and thyroid cancer using the first two principal components (PCs), explaining 90% and 10% of the variance, respectively. QDA discrimination plot displayed a clear separation between colloid goiter and thyroid cancer with minimal overlap, aligning with reported 95% accuracy. Additionally, applying LDA to seven PCs from PCA achieved a 100% accuracy rate in classifying colloid goiter and thyroid cancer from near-infrared spectral data. In conclusion, NIRS offers a promising, non-invasive complementing diagnostic tool for differentiating benign from malignant thyroid nodules with high accuracy. Future work should integrate these results into predictive model development, emphasizing external validation, alternative performance metrics, and protecting against potential overfitting translation of a machine learning model to a clinical setting.
Environmental Governance at Crossroads: Civil Society’s Fight Against Industrial Pollution in Kathua Industrial Area, Jammu and Kashmir
Authors: Sharma Manik , Rao G. Durga
Published: February 2024

As a key stakeholder within the domain of environmental governance, civil society influences the actions and outcomes of regulatory mechanisms and organisations, in addition to the state, market and communities. The research article attempts to understand the influence civil society exerts in addressing the environmental concerns of three village panchayats in Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir, by studying the case of industrial pollution caused by Kathua Industrial Area. Issues like severity and impact of pollution on the affected population, awareness, participation and role of the civil society, and the ways in which the affected population negotiates with the problem of industrial pollution are analysed. It is found that civil society is unable to exert bottom-up pressure in influencing policy actions and outcomes in the study area. The reasons behind such an inability and the measures required to make civil society a reckoning force in environmental governance are also discussed in the article.
Numerical prediction of thermal conductivity and thermal expansion coefficient of glass fiber-reinforced polymer hybrid composites filled with hollow spheres
Authors: Moradi Alireza , Ansari Reza , Hassanzadeh-Aghdam Mohammad Kazem , Jamali Jamaloddin
Published: February 2024

The optimal performance of composites enriched with hollow spheres has been reported in contemporary literature, whereas their thermal properties have received less attention. In this regard, a finite element method (FEM)-based micromechanical model has been developed systematically to investigate the role of intra-matrix embedding of hollow spheres on the thermal conductivity and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of unidirectional fiber-reinforced hybrid composites. In so doing, the concept of representative volume element (RVE) considers microstructures comprising an epoxy matrix, E-glass fiber, and E-glass hollow spheres, assuming perfect bonding (ideal interface) between the components and modified approximate periodic boundary conditions. By computing the longitudinal and transverse temperature gradients generated due to the application of uniform heat flux as well as the geometrical variation in RVE owing to temperature enhancement, thermal conductivity and CTE have been respectively determined. Comprehensive evaluations have been conducted to examine the effects of microstructural-level features, including fiber volume content and orientation, plus volume content and thickness of hollow spheres, on the effective thermal conductivity and CTE of pseudo-porous ternary E-glass/epoxy composites.
Race, representativity, and the (im)probability of being a Black African professional psychology graduate: an institutional case study
Authors: Munro Nicholas , McCullough Kerry
Published: February 2024

The process of transforming South African psychology requires several coordinated initiatives. One initiative likely to unlock the transformation process in exponential ways is through attaining race-based representativity in the South African psychology workforce. Using graduation data, this article reports on the pace of racial transformation and representativity among professional psychology graduates from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Since its inception in 2004, the University of KwaZulu-Natal has made concerted efforts to transform the racial, gender, and socio-economic diversity of its student and staff body. The institution has produced at least 469 professional psychology master’s degree graduates in clinical, counselling, educational, industrial, and research psychology during this time. However, only 43.9% of these professional psychology graduates have been Black African, while the average year-on-year increase in Black African graduates was only 9.7% between 2005 and 2020. A forecasting model predicts that the University of KwaZulu-Natal is only likely to achieve national race-based representativity among its professional psychology graduates in the 2026 graduation cohort, and provincial representativity in the 2028 cohort. This article discusses why race-based representativity remains foundational in transforming professional psychology, and how and why the pace of racial transformation among professional psychology graduates at the University of KwaZulu-Natal has been relatively slow, despite transformational efforts and successes at an institutional level.
Recovering the resurrection of Jesus as essential gospel core
Authors: Hunsberger George R.
Published: February 2024

Any of our evangelistic efforts to attend to clarity, fidelity, and potency in our grasp of the gospel must engage an element at the core of the gospel that has become largely missing in our ways of telling it. God raised Jesus from the dead. What we have allowed to be peripheral is in fact an action of God by which all else has a place to stand. Restoring it at the heart of our grasp of the gospel establishes and renews every other dimension of the good news.
Research on the strategy for improving the utility of government social media information based on a multi-agent game model
Authors: Feng Ying , Zhang Shanshan , Sun Xiaoyang
Published: February 2024

Government social media (GSM) has become an important tool for government departments to open information, guide public opinion and interact with the government and the people. However, the operation and maintenance of some GSM are not standardised, and the content published is inconsistent with identity positioning, resulting in the realistic dilemma of low utility of GSM information. The purpose of this study is to explore the effective strategies to improve the effectiveness of GSM information. The research is from the perspective of information economics, this article uses evolutionary game theory to build a tripartite evolutionary game model comprising GSM operations departments, government regulators and users in order to explore the evolution process of tripartite game behaviours and the influence of subject behaviour selection on information utility. It subsequently conducts a solution and numerical simulation to demonstrate the influence of different factors on the game results. The experimental results show that there are four situations in which the utility of GSM information affects the evolution and stability strategy of the subject and that changes in different parameter values have significant effects on the results of the three-party game. The evolution trend of the subject behaviour can be changed by increasing the regulatory means of rewards and punishments and establishing an efficient operation mechanism for GSM, thus promoting system convergence to the ideal state. The results of this study can provide references and suggestions for government departments to effectively enhance the effectiveness of GSM information and promote the healthy development of GSM.
Paraprofessionals’ Implementation of Constant Time Delay Procedures With Elementary Students With High-Intensity Behavioral Support Needs
Authors: Kroesch Allison M. , Southall Sarah , Welsh-Young Nancy , Peeples Katherine N.
Published: February 2024

Paraprofessionals play a significant role in the education system. However, they often need more training on specific instructional strategies to use with the students they work with. In this study, we trained two paraprofessionals working in a self-contained U.S. elementary classroom for students with high-intensity behavioral support needs. Each paraprofessional used constant time delay to support students’ learning to read grade-level sight and science words. Paraprofessionals also gathered maintenance and generalization sessions data using individualized social stories created by the classroom teacher. Not only did the four student participants meet mastery of their personalized word sets but paraprofessionals also implemented all phases with high fidelity. We discuss limitations, implications for practice, and recommendations for future research.
High-frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Targeting Left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex for Depression Ameliorates Insomnia yet Triggers Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: A Catch-22 Situation
Authors: Joseph Jithin T. , Jammigumpula Ashok , Manibettu Vidyashree S. , Purohith Abhiram N. , Shenoy Sonia , Udupa Suma , Praharaj Samir Kumar
Published: February 2024

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a noninvasive brain stimulation technique that is effective and safe for the treatment of depression. We observed improvement in insomnia along with symptoms of depression following high-frequency rTMS over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in a patient with treatment-resistant depression, which progressed to excessive daytime sleepiness during the treatment sessions. Causality assessment suggested a probable association of rTMS with excessive sleepiness. The implications of the effect of rTMS on sleep are discussed.
COVID capitalism: The contested logistics of migrant labour supply chains in the double crisis
Authors: Scheel Stephan , Álvarez Velasco Soledad , De Genova Nicholas
Published: February 2024

The introduction to the special issue (SI) lays out the agenda and key concepts of the SI ‘COVID Capitalism: The Contested Logistics of Migrant Labour Supply Chains in the Double Crisis’. The contributions to the SI focus on the reconfiguration of the means and methods of the exploitation of migrant labour during the COVID-19 pandemic and the related reorganisation of contemporary border and migration regimes. They all focus, more or less explicitly, on the adaptation and reorganisation of migrant labour supply chains which were disrupted through the ‘double crisis’ of public health and existing border and mobility regimes during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this way, the SI seeks to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of COVID-capitalism, understood as a form of disaster capitalism, in which fractions of capital try to turn the multiple crises implicated by the pandemic into a source of profit. If and how they succeed with these endeavours is, however, not guaranteed from the outset but an empirical question. The study of migrant labour supply chains does thus not only help to develop a more nuanced understanding of disaster capitalism but also contributes to debates on the logistification of migration management.
What are the triggers for palliative care referral in burn intensive care units? Results from a qualitative study based on healthcare professionals’ views, clinical experiences and practices
Authors: Ribeiro André Filipe , Martins Pereira Sandra , Nunes Rui , Hernández-Marrero Pablo
Published: February 2024

Background:

Burns are a global public health problem, accounting for around 300,000 deaths annually. Burns have significant consequences for patients, families, healthcare teams and systems. Evidence suggests that the integration of palliative care in burn intensive care units improves patients’ comfort, decision-making processes and family care. Research is needed on how to optimise palliative care referrals.

Aim:

To identify triggers for palliative care referral in critically burned patients based on professionals’ views, experiences and practices.

Design:

Qualitative study using in-depth interviews.

Setting/participants:

All five Burn Intensive Care Units reference centres across Portugal were invited; three participated. Inclusion criteria: Professionals with experience/working in these settings. A total of 15 professionals (12 nurses and 3 physicians) participated. Reflexive thematic analysis was performed.

Results:

Three main triggers for palliative care referral were identified: (i) Burn severity and extension, (ii) Co-morbidities and (iii) Multiorgan failure. Other triggers were also generated: (i) Rehabilitative palliative care related to patients’ suffering and changes in body image, (ii) Family suffering and/or dysfunctional and complex family processes, (iii) Long stay in the burn intensive care unit and (iv) Uncontrolled pain.

Conclusions:

This study identifies triggers for palliative care in burn intensive care units based on professionals’ views, clinical experiences and practices. The systematisation and use of triggers could help streamline referral pathways and strengthen the integration of palliative care in burn intensive care units. Research is needed on the use of these triggers in clinical practice to enhance decision-making processes, early and high-quality integrated palliative care and proportionate patient and family centred care.