bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Structural Crack Detection through a Multiscale Multilevel Mask Deep Convolutional Neural Network and Line Similarity Index
Authors: Ham Ji-Wan , Jeong Siheon , Kim Min-Gwan , Park Joon-Young , Oh Ki-Yong
Published: September 2023

This paper proposes a novel and practical crack‐detection method for infrastructure. The proposed method exhibits three key components. First, a multiscale multilevel mask deep convolutional neural network (MSML Mask DCNN) is proposed to accurately estimate crack candidates comprising linear and curvilinear features. Second, the proposed neural network is trained using only public image‐sets. The main principle of this approach is that cracks have unique and distinct features, and therefore, public image‐sets provide sufficient information to estimate crack candidates for a neural network. Third, a line similarity index (LSI), which is calculated using the Hough transform and coordinate transformation with principal component analysis, is incorporated to eliminate non‐crack candidates from crack candidates based on two key characteristics: the variation in crack features with respect to the representative line and the number of crack features that crossed the representative line. Addressing these two crack‐related characteristics improves accuracy and robustness by effectively eliminating non‐crack features. Field tests performed inside a building and in an underground power tunnel demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed method. The MSML Mask DCNN outperformed other neural networks, accurately recognizing local crack candidates characterized by linear and curvilinear features even though only public image‐sets were used for training. The proposed LSI also effectively eliminated non‐crack candidates estimated by the MSML Mask DCNN. The proposed method is practical for real‐world applications, where several non‐crack objects and noises are typically present.
Genetic Variants That Impact Alternative Polyadenylation in Cancer Represent Candidate Causal Risk Loci
Authors: Li Bin , Cai Yimin , Chen Can , Li Gaoyuan , Zhang Ming , Lu Zequn , Zhang Fuwei , Huang Jinyu , Fan Linyun , Ning Caibo , Li Yanmin , Wang Wenzhuo , Geng Hui , Liu Yizhuo , Chen Shuoni , Li Hanting , Yang Shuhui , Zhang Heng , Tian Wen , Zhu Zhongchao , Xu Bin , Li Heng , Li Haijie , Jin Meng , Wang Xiaoyang , Zhang Shaokai , Liu Jiuyang , Huang Chaoqun , Yang Xiaojun , Wei Yongchang , Zhu Ying , Tian Jianbo , Miao Xiaoping
Published: September 2023

Alternative polyadenylation (APA) is emerging as a major mechanism of posttranscriptional regulation. APA can impact the development and progression of cancer, suggesting that the genetic determinants of APA might play an important role in regulating cancer risk. Here, we depicted a pan-cancer atlas of human APA quantitative trait loci (apaQTL), containing approximately 0.7 million apaQTLs across 32 cancer types. Systematic multiomics analyses indicated that cancer apaQTLs could contribute to APA regulation by altering poly(A) motifs, RNA-binding proteins (RBP), and chromatin regulatory elements and were preferentially enriched in genome-wide association studies (GWAS)–identified cancer susceptibility loci. Moreover, apaQTL-related genes (aGene) were broadly related to cancer signaling pathways, high mutational burden, immune infiltration, and drug response, implicating their potential as therapeutic targets. Furthermore, apaQTLs were mapped in Chinese colorectal cancer tumor tissues and then screened for functional apaQTLs associated with colorectal cancer risk in 17,789 cases and 19,951 controls using GWAS-ChIP data, with independent validation in a large-scale population consisting of 6,024 cases and 10,022 controls. A multi-ancestry–associated apaQTL variant rs1020670 with a C>G change in DNM1L was identified, and the G allele contributed to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Mechanistically, the risk variant promoted aberrant APA and facilitated higher usage of DNM1L proximal poly(A) sites mediated by the RBP CSTF2T, which led to higher expression of DNM1L with a short 3′UTR. This stabilized DNM1L to upregulate its expression, provoking colorectal cancer cell proliferation. Collectively, these findings generate a resource for understanding APA regulation and the genetic basis of human cancers, providing insights into cancer etiology.

Significance:

Cancer risk is mediated by alternative polyadenylation quantitative trait loci, including the rs1020670-G variant that promotes alternative polyadenylation of DNM1L and increases colorectal cancer risk.
A Cell Surface-Binding Antibody Atlas Nominates a MUC18-Directed Antibody–Drug Conjugate for Targeting Melanoma
Authors: Shi Jing , Jiao Tao , Guo Qian , Weng Weining , Ma Linjie , Zhang Qing , Wang Lijun , Zhang Jianjian , Chen Caiwei , Huang Yaling , Wang Mingqiao , Pan Rong , Tang Yanfang , Hu Wenhao , Meng Tao , Liu Shu-Hui , Guo Jun , Kong Yan , Meng Xun
Published: September 2023

Recent advances in targeted therapy and immunotherapy have substantially improved the treatment of melanoma. However, therapeutic strategies are still needed for unresponsive or treatment-relapsed patients with melanoma. To discover antibody–drug conjugate (ADC)–tractable cell surface targets for melanoma, we developed an atlas of melanoma cell surface–binding antibodies (pAb) using a proteome-scale antibody array platform. Target identification of pAbs led to development of melanoma cell killing ADCs against LGR6, TRPM1, ASAP1, and MUC18, among others. MUC18 was overexpressed in both tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating blood vessels across major melanoma subtypes, making it a potential dual-compartment and universal melanoma therapeutic target. AMT-253, an MUC18-directed ADC based on topoisomerase I inhibitor exatecan and a self-immolative T moiety, had a higher therapeutic index compared with its microtubule inhibitor–based counterpart and favorable pharmacokinetics and tolerability in monkeys. AMT-253 exhibited MUC18-specific cytotoxicity through DNA damage and apoptosis and a strong bystander killing effect, leading to potent antitumor activities against melanoma cell line and patient-derived xenograft models. Tumor vasculature targeting by a mouse MUC18-specific antibody–T1000-exatecan conjugate inhibited tumor growth in human melanoma xenografts. Combination therapy of AMT-253 with an antiangiogenic agent generated higher efficacy than single agent in a mucosal melanoma model. Beyond melanoma, AMT-253 was also efficacious in a wide range of MUC18-expressing solid tumors. Efficient target/antibody discovery in combination with the T moiety–exatecan linker–payload exemplified here may facilitate discovery of new ADC to improve cancer treatment.

Significance:

Discovery of melanoma-targeting antibodies using a proteome-scale array and use of a cutting-edge linker–payload system led to development of a MUC18-targeting antibody–exatecan conjugate with clinical potential for treating major melanoma subtypes.
The Unexpected Benefit of TCR Cross-Reactivity in Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Bieberich Florian , Reddy Sai T.
Published: September 2023

The ability of T-cell receptors (TCR) to recognize tumor-associated antigens (TAA) is a key driver of adoptive transfer of tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) T cells, which can be a highly effective cancer immunotherapy. While it is common knowledge that TCRs are cross-reactive and can bind multiple different peptide antigens, this is typically considered an unattractive feature and limitation for TCR-based therapies. In a recent publication in Cell, Dolton and colleagues discover that certain TCRs, isolated from TILs used for successful treatment of melanoma, possess beneficial cross-reactivity by recognizing multiple TAA. Moreover, they elucidate the cumulative value of TCR cross-reactivity on cancer cell eradication and its prospective advantages for targeted cancer immunotherapies.
C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 9 Correlates with Favorable Prognosis in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer by Promoting Immune Cell Infiltration
Authors: Cao Xi , Song Yu , Wu Huanwen , Ren Xinyu , Sun Qiang , Liang Zhiyong
Published: September 2023

C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 9 (CXCL9) plays an important role in antitumor immunity through the recruitment, proliferation, and activation of immune cells (IC).

Here, we evaluated the expression patterns of CXCL9 and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in a cohort of 268 patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) by tissue microarray (TMA). The correlations between CXCL9 expression in ICs or tumor cells (TC) and clinicopathologic parameters, PD-L1 expression, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) and survival were analyzed in this cohort (n = 268). In addition, we analyzed a TNBC dataset (n = 138) from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to identify correlation between CXCL9 expression and other immune gene expression, immune infiltration, and prognosis. The results of the TMA cohort (n = 268) showed that CXCL9 was expressed in 80.6% cases, with elevated expression levels in ICs relative to in TCs (median: 1% vs. 0%). CXCL9 expressed in ≥1% of ICs was categorized as the CXCL9-IC–positive group. CXCL9-IC expression was strongly and positively correlated with the PD-L1 expression, CD3+ TILs, CD4+ TILs, CD8+ TILs, and CD19+ TILs (all P < 0.0001). Survival analyses showed that the CXCL9-IC–positive group demonstrated prolonged disease-free survival (P = 0.038) and overall survival (P = 0.023) compared with the negative group. The analyses from TCGA cohort (n = 138) showed that elevated CXCL9 expression correlated with increased infiltration of B cells, macrophages, natural killer cells, monocytes and increased expression of immune checkpoint molecules and other CXCL family members, including CXCL10 and CXCL11. These findings confirm the regulatory role of CXCL9 in antitumor immunity and suggest a potential role in treatments involving immune checkpoint blockade.
Three new species of the Neotropical genus Hapigia Guenée from Brazil (Lepidoptera, Notodontidae, Heterocampinae)
Authors: Becker Vitor Osmar
Published: September 2023

Three new species of Hapigia Guenée, 1854, from Brazil and Ecuador, are described: H. postpallida Becker sp. nov., H. violacea Becker, sp. nov. and H. violetta Becker, sp. nov.
A new species of Dilophochila Bates, 1888 with comments on natural history and distribution of the genus (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae: Rutelinae)
Authors: Ramírez-Ponce Andrés , Zaragoza-Caballero Santiago , Curoe Daniel J.
Published: September 2023

A new species, Dilophochila glabra sp. nov. is described from the Sierra Norte, Oaxaca, Mexico. Diagnosis and images (dorsal, lateral and ventral habitus, and genitalia) of the taxonomic characters are provided. Affinities with their closest congeners and the general distribution pattern of the genus are discussed, considering that it presents a typical Mountain Paleoamerican sub-pattern. The modifications in the mouthparts of this genus due to the specialization in the intake of pine needles are commented, as well as in two other different taxa within Anomalini.
Barriers to Equity Within Environmental Justice and Climate Justice Grant Programs
Authors: Buchanan Mary , Wozniak-Brown Joanna
Published: September 2023

In 2020, Connecticut undertook a statewide engagement process via the Governor’s Council on Climate Change (GC3) to develop priorities for climate change mitigation and adaptation, especially from an equity approach. A priority action from the GC3 process called for grants to fund participation by community-based organizations and nongovernmental organizations to increase representation from communities that have been marginalized. This is similar to efforts from other states and the federal government to direct funds to historically excluded groups to redress inequities or to financially support their participation and sharing of their expertise in these processes. While the programs have the intent to address inequity, often the grantmaking mechanisms can make it harder for marginalized groups to participate in the grant process, nullifying the grant’s intent. This review of environmental justice and climate justice grant programs offers insight to grantmakers on embedding equity into the grant process and, ideally, achieving their intent.
Pandemic Response and Mutual Aid as Climate Resilience: Learning From
Community Responses in the Boston Area
Authors: Loh Penn , Estrella-Luna Neenah , Shor Katherine
Published: September 2023

Community responses to the impacts of COVID-19 in working-class communities of color in the Boston area are examples of resilience in action. Building climate resilience is not just about hardening physical infrastructure but also about strengthening social and civic infrastructure to reach and protect the most vulnerable. This article explores the lessons learned from the pandemic for more equitable approaches to climate resilience. We find that community-based organizations and networks are building social capital through mutual aid networks rooted in solidarity, care, and reciprocity and forging new collaborations with government, funders, and service providers. These social capacities have saved lives and can also help transform the systems that produce vulnerabilities and inequities in the first place. Our overarching conclusion is that resilience is rooted in our abilities to work together, mobilize resources, and take care of one another.
Cultural Conceptualization of Congratulatory Happy Events in British English and Turkish: A Cross-Cultural Perspective
Authors: Can Hümeyra , Hatipoğlu Çiler
Published: September 2023

This study investigates the cultural conceptualization of congratulatory happy events in British English and Turkish and discusses them cross-culturally. A lexical search was carried out in various corpora from the newspaper genre using the verbs congratulate in English and its dictionary counterparts tebrik etmek and kutlamak in Turkish along with their various lexical forms, which not only report the act of congratulating but also perform it. The results of the study showed that there were cultural differences and similarities in the conceptualization of congratulatory happy events. It was found that there were subtle differences between the events of tebrik etmek and kutlamak in the Turkish data and that the Turkish tebrik etmek was closer to congratulating although congratulating events were relatively more restricted. This study contributes to the socio-cultural dimension of congratulating and provides a cross-cultural understanding of congratulatory happy events with implications for foreign language education and intercultural communication.
The Effects of Foreign Language and Religiosity on Moral Decisions: Manipulating Norms and Consequences
Authors: Barabadi Elyas , Tabar Mohsen Rahmani , Booth James R.
Published: September 2023

The primary purpose of this study was to examine the association of foreign language use and religiosity to moral decision-making in the context of a realistic set of scenarios about the COVID-19 pandemic. We used the CNI model in which four variants of a single dilemma manipulated norms and consequences, which are the defining characteristics of deontology and utilitarianism, respectively. A secondary purpose of the study was to investigate the role of in-group versus out-group membership in shaping moral judgment. 461 participants responded to COVID-19 scenarios either in their native language (Persian) or foreign language (English). Contrary to findings of prior research on moral judgment, the results of the current study indicated that those using their native language showed more sensitivity to consequences compared to those using a foreign language and that less religious individuals were more likely to endorse norms compared to more religious participants. These unexpected findings may be attributed either to the use of more realistic scenarios or to some problems associated with the use of the CNI model. Further, participants’ responses did not significantly differ as a result of group membership, but in line with prior research, exploratory analyses revealed that men showed greater sensitivity to consequences.
Pseudotaeniacanthus japonicus sp. nov. (Copepoda, Cyclopoida, Taeniacanthidae) recovered from Conger japonicus Bleeker, 1879 (Actinopterygii, Anguilliformes) in Japan, with description of copepodids V-III of the species
Authors: Izawa Kunihiko
Published: September 2023

Pseudotaeniacanthus japonicus sp. nov. (Taeniacanthidae) is described based on specimens of both sexes recovered from the body surface and the bucco-branchial cavity of the beach conger, Conger japonicus Bleeker, 1879 (Congridae) in Japan. C. japonicus represents a new host for the family. Copepodids V-III of the species are also described.
“Capture with a camera!” A non-contact method for obtaining the body size data from ovigerous female land crabs during breeding migration
Authors: Hsu Chia-Hsuan , Hatch Kent A. , Hwang Wenbe , Chang Chung-Chieh , Liu Chia-Chun , Huang Wei-You , Kao Chung-Jui , Hu Yung-Jen , Cheng Chia-Hsin , Chang Yuan-Mou
Published: September 2023

Body size is a crucial metric that is often obtained during the breeding migration of female land crabs. Most commonly, these measurements are obtained by hand but hand-measuring them carries risks for both crabs and researchers. In this study, we developed a novel “photo-image approach” to measure the maximum carapace width of Cardisoma carnifex (Herbst, 1796) in the field, and compared the results with hand measurements. We found a significant relationship in the maximum carapace width measured between the two approaches (Linear regression, , ). The difference (0.54 ± 0.18 mm) and relative error (0.61 ± 0.19%) in the maximum carapace width measured between the two approaches were minimal. We suggest that the photo-image approach is feasible for determining crab size in the field. The approach holds promise for its application in citizen science projects, facilitating advancements in crab research.
Activities and Counterstrategies; Populism during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Olivares-Jirsell Jellen , Hellström Anders
Published: September 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has created an impetus for action for governments and citizens, but these actions can be challenging to understand. As a riposte, we use The Populist Divide as a framework for understanding the patchwork of populist responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our approach brings nuance to how crises are framed dependent on the trust levels between actors, thus presenting populist relationships as determined by selective trust allocation and not necessarily one of fixed ideological paradigms. Additionally, we introduce activities as the response to a measure, whether accepting or even protesting, but ultimately consenting to the legitimate powers of the leaders imposing these measures. On the other hand, counterstrategies emerging as challenges to the legitimacy of the leaders themselves.
Species delimitation in the Chlorophytum andongense complex
Authors: SÆVAREID MALIN , CARLSEN TOR , CHAPANO CHRISTOPHER , BJORÅ CHARLOTTE SLETTEN
Published: September 2023

Molecular, morphological and chromosome research have identified several subgroups in Chlorophytum. One of the subgroups has been referred to as “The paniculate spongy-rooted group”, where the delimitation of several species have been questioned. To determine if this is a natural group and to clarify taxonomic boundaries between species, molecular phylogenetic analyses were performed based on ITS, rps16 intron, trnL intron, trnL‑F spacer, psbA-trnH spacer, and rps12-rpl20 spacer. Chlorophytum hirsutum, hypothesized to be sister to C. andongense, did not resolve within “The paniculate spongy-rooted group”. A closer examination of the roots of C. hirsutum showed they were different from roots of the other members of this group. Two species, C. andongense and C. macrosporum, have been suggested to be conspecific, however, this study found that the taxa were genetically and morphologically distinct. The analyses further revealed considerable genetic variation in the geographically widespread species C. andongense, something that should be studied further.
4. Climate Engineering and the Future of Justice
Authors: Taebi Behnam , Lenzi Dominic , Buhr Lorina , Claassen Kristy , Gerola Alessio , Hofbauer Ben , Paiusco Elisa , Rijssenbeek Julia
Published: September 2023

This chapter discusses the societal and ethical challenges of climate engineering or large-scale intentional intervention in the climate system. Climate engineering is highly controversial, and raises many questions about the values of human societies and the desirability of technological visions of the future. Yet existing ethical theories and concepts may not be equipped to deal with the resulting ethical issues. To understand the potential social and political disruptiveness of climate engineering, we argue it must be placed in the context of global environmental changes caused by human activity. Yet climate engineering is also accompanied with a high degree of uncertainty and risk in terms of potential and actual unintended impacts on natural processes and society. An important challenge stems from epistemic and normative uncertainties about the reversibility and variability in spatial and temporal scales of deployment. Epistemic uncertainties arise in the methodological framework of climate science, while normative uncertainties arise faced with the challenge of reconciling a plurality of values. A key question is how forms of climate engineering enforce or hinder disruption in social practices and institutional settings in the direction of a sustainable future. Climate engineering technologies can affect and potentially disrupt existing conceptions of climate and environmental justice, due to the scale and scope of impacts upon people currently alive, future generations, and non-human species and ecosystems. The availability of climate engineering may also require rethinking the responsibility for mitigation, as well as applications of the precautionary principle. Climate engineering also raises the question of how the perspectives of affected communities can be adequately represented. While it remains unclear whether climate engineering techniques can genuinely assist in lessening the impacts of climate change, the question is whether and to what extent it should be used as a complementary approach to systemic changes in social, economic and political practices.
Tripterine enhances regulatory effect of TNF-α on Caspase-3 and induces apoptosis of lung cancer cell
Authors: Liao Wanrong , Fang Wang , Xu Juan
Published: September 2023

Lung cancer is a common malignancy of the respiratory system with a high morbidity and mortality. We intended to identify the apoptosis-promoting role of tripterine in lung cancer. Lung cancer SPC-A-1 cells were exposed to low, moderate, and high dosage of tripterine (2, 5 and 10 μmol/L)
with the model group not being intervened. After treatment, the role of tripterine in SPC-A-1 cell apoptosis was observed. In addition, lung cancer cells were transfected with TNF-α mimic (pc-TNF-α group) and TNF-α inhibitor (si-TNF-α group).
Tripterine +pc-TNF-α group was set up to determine the interaction between tripterine and TNF-α. The cell survival rate, TNF-α and Caspase-3 expression levels then were detected by MTT and flow cytometry. Tripteryglide treatment dose-dependently decreased
lung cancer cell viability and induced cell apoptosis, resulting in an increase of TNF-α expression. However, when TNF-α expression was inhibited upon transfection, SPC-A-1 cell apoptosis was suppressed. TNF-α mimics activated apoptosis and up-regulated
Caspase-3 expression. Combination of tripteryglide and TNF-α mimics more significantly elevated apoptotic rate of lung cancer cells when elevating the content of Caspase-3. SPC-A-1 cells are highly sensitive to TNF-α and TNF-α significantly increases
the activity and expression of Caspase-3. Tripteryglide can up-regulate TNF-α expression to facilitate lung cancer cell apoptosis and increase Caspase-3 expression.
Dynamic response and progressive damage modes of fault-crossing tunnels simulated using similar materials
Authors: Zhu Duan , Zhu Zhende , Zhang Cong , Dai Lun
Published: September 2023

Tunnels are widely constructed because they can effectively withstand seismic loads and avoid tunnel collapse in high-intensity seismic zones. However, in the case of fault-crossing tunnel, the fault crossing tunnel will be seriously damaged in seismic activities because the tunnel
lining follows the deformation of surrounding rock. Therefore, the researches of the dynamic response and failure modes of fault-crossing tunnel are highly significant. In this study, quartz sand, cement and detergent were used to simulate similar materials of surrounding rock. A gypsum-based
materials have been selected as similar materials for tunnels. The shaking table model tests were conducted on fault-crossing tunnel and conventional tunnel based on the Xianglushan Tunnel. The dynamic response characteristics of the fault-crossing tunnel were analyzed, and draw the conclusions:
The acceleration amplification coefficients of the two sets of tests exceeded 1. The acceleration dynamic response of the fault-crossing tunnel was greater than the conventional tunnel, and the acceleration dynamic response at the fault was greater than the monitoring surface on both sides,
rendering the acceleration dynamic response at the fault abrupt. Compared to other cross sections, tunnel lining structures at faults had the strongest dynamic response. The maximum peak strain value of the fault-crossing tunnel was magnified 4.4 times, and the bending moment value was magnified
2.3 times, relative to those of the conventional tunnel. The fault markedly increased the strain peak and bending moment values, causing cracks and damage even at a small peak acceleration value, weakening the seismic capacity of the tunnel. The lining at the fault was dominated by longitudinal
cracks, and dislocation occurred. The degree of destruction and development of tunnel at faults was greater than that of other cross sections. The research results and conclusions could provide a reference to prevent the destruction of fault-crossing tunnel in an earthquake.
Polylactic acid nanoparticles loaded with losartan potassium regulate the expression of ET-1 in acute kidney injury
Authors: Wang Congrui , Xie Xun , Ma Juan , Shu Chong , Guo Yinxue
Published: September 2023

This study explored specific mechanism of action for polylactic acid-loaded nanoparticles loaded with losartan potassium to regulate the expression of ET-1 in acute kidney injury. Preparation and identification of Polylactic acid nanoparticles (PLA-NP) loaded with losartan potassium
(PLA-NP-LP) were herein performed. After establishment of acute kidney injury rat models, the rats were assigned into model group, PLA-NP group, losartan potassium group, PLA-NP-LP group, NF-kB agonist group, NF-kB inhibitor group, NF-kB agonist and inhibitor group respectively. After one
week of intervention, rat kidney tissues were taken for Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining and Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Western blot were used to measure the levels of NF-kB and ET-1, along with analysis of levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen by an automatic
biochemical analyzer. PLA-NP-LP nanoparticles was successfully prepared with good shape. The levels of creatinine and urea nitrogen, renal tubular dilation and epithelial edema in the PLA-NP-LP group were lowest (vs. model group and losartan Potassium group), with P < 0.05. PLA-NP-LP
inhibited the expression of ET-1 and NF-kB, P < 0.05. The ET-1 expression level for rats in the NF-kB agonist combined with PLA-NP-LP group was higher (vs. PLA-NP-LP group). Moreover, the level of ET-1 decreased (P < 0.05). PLA-NP-LP can improve renal function of rats with
acute kidney injury, reduce renal tubular epithelial edema, and downregulate ET-1 in the rat kidney, by inhibiting the expression of NF-kB.
The CELTIC ranges project (comprehensive and effective laboratory test reference intervals for Irish children) methodology and results for renal profile tests in plasma on the Roche modularTM system
Authors: Leonard Ann , Bolger Turlough , Molloy Eleanor , Boran Gerard
Published: September 2023

Background

The CELTIC ranges project aims to deliver a comprehensive range of reference intervals for commonly ordered laboratory investigations suitable for use in an Irish population as well as enabling comparison with relevant international studies. In this paper, we describe our methodology used throughout the entire project and present paediatric reference intervals for renal profile tests in plasma (sodium, potassium, urea and creatinine).

Methods

1023 children aged up to 17 years were recruited from our hospital’s general practitioner paediatric phlebotomy clinic. Clinical chemistry analyses were performed on the Roche modular system and statistical analysis was completed in line with CLSI guideline EP28-A3c.

Results

The plasma reference interval for sodium for ages 0.45–16.99 years was 137–143 mmol/L in 1000 subjects (combined genders). For plasma potassium, the corresponding ranges between 1 and 16.99 years (combined genders) were 3.6–4.8 mmol/L. Apart from neonates and in keeping with other studies, age partitioning for electrolytes was not required. Data for plasma creatinine (enzymatic methodology) and urea is also presented and, as anticipated, required partitioning for both age and gender.

Conclusions

Our renal profile findings are broadly consistent with those of international studies, for example, CALIPER, HAPPI, NORDIC, PRINCE and KiGGs. Moreover, the CELTIC ranges study is also based on over 1000 subjects whose samples were analysed on the widely used Roche modular analytics system. We also expect the findings will improve knowledge of children’s metabolic health in Ireland.
Fairness and Support for Populist Parties
Authors: Kim Sung In , Hall Peter A.
Published: September 2023

On the premise that issues of fairness are important to voting behavior but often unrecognized, we explore how feelings of unfairness increase support for populist parties. We distinguish personal unfairness, the view that one’s own economic situation is unfair, from social unfairness, the view that the economic situation of others in society is unfair. Based on findings in psychology, we argue that uncertainties associated with the transition to a globalized knowledge economy heighten people’s feelings of personal unfairness and find empirical support for that contention. We develop arguments about why feelings of personal unfairness should increase support for the populist right and feelings about social unfairness should increase support for the populist left and find empirical support for them. Our results contribute to explanations for why people vote for the populist right rather than the left and underline the roles that uncertainty and issues of fairness play in electoral politics.
Inclusive integrated care for LGBTQ+ families: An exploratory qualitative study in the United Kingdom
Authors: Brown Claire
Published: September 2023

A surge in scholarship on minoritised gender and sexual identities has supported the advancement of LGBTQ+ family rights in many developed countries internationally. However, further work is needed to ensure LGBTQ+ families are fully included within integrated care systems. This article presents a subset of empirical findings from a narrative inquiry conducted in the United Kingdom. Eight LGBTQ+ participants were interviewed about their experiences and perspectives on adoption, fostering and birth children. Findings indicate that social work has a key role in addressing the cisgenderism prevalent in services, to enhance inclusivity within integrated care systems that support LGBTQ+ family life.
Bereavement Experiences of Families of Elderly Individuals Who Died Due to COVID-19
Authors: Çaynak Sibel , Boyacıoğlu Nur Elçin
Published: September 2023

This study was conducted to evaluate the bereavement experiences of families of elderly individuals who died due to the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the qualitative research methods, the case study method, was used in the study. The sample of the research consisted of 19 people who agreed to participate in the research between April and July 2022. The research data were collected using a Personal Information Form and a Semi-Structured Interview Form, which was created to conduct individual in-depth interviews. As a result of the descriptive analysis, four main themes, the ability to perform religious rituals related to the bereavement experience, feelings and thoughts about death, attitudes of those around after death, and coping strategies in the COVID-19 process. It was determined that individuals had difficulty accepting death, felt inadequate about spirituality due to limited religious rituals, had feelings of despair and guilt, and limitedly utilized social support systems.
From Mangons to Rewards: Butchery Animals as Revealing the Diversity of Trades in Belgian Cities in the Early Modern Period
Authors: Riguelle William
Published: September 2023

Focusing on the Belgian cities of Namur and Liège in the eighteenth century, this article proposes to open a discussion around legal versus illegal butchery, and the description of how it was regulated: by limiting slaughter to specific locations, specific trades, and specific times, and by the work of the people in charge of inspecting foodstuffs. At the heart of this study is the butchery animal—that is, large animals—and the profession in charge of it: the butchers. Given the importance of meat products in consumption practices, the city’s butchers had a central place: gathered in a guild, they had a privileged status, including a virtual monopoly on the slaughter of butchery animals and the sale of raw meat. However, as the meat economy was developing, master butchers were faced with a multitude of vendors who undermined their position and threatened health standards.
Perceived Relative Deprivation Across the Adult Lifespan: An Examination of Aging and Cohort Effects
Authors: Lilly Kieren J. , Sibley Chris G. , Osborne Danny
Published: September 2023

Despite being a core psychological construct for over 70 years, research has yet to examine how perceptions of deprivation relative to other individuals and/or groups develop across adulthood. As such, this preregistered study uses cohort-sequential latent growth modeling to examine changes in individual- and group-based relative deprivation (IRD and GRD, respectively) across the adult lifespan. Across 10 annual assessments of a nationwide random sample of adults ( Ntotal = 58,878; ethnic minority n = 11,927; 62.7% women; ages 21–80), mean levels of IRD trended downward across the lifespan, whereas mean levels of GRD generally increased from young-to-middle adulthood before declining across late adulthood. Subtle cohort effects emerged for both constructs, although both IRD and GRD largely followed a normative aging process. Critically, the development of GRD—but not IRD—differed between ethnic groups, providing insights into how one’s objective status may shape subjective (dis)advantage over time.
A novel Taylor expansion based filter for localization of land-vehicles
Authors: Zhao Meihong
Published: September 2023

This technical note introduces a localization method for land-vehicles based on dead-reckoning and nonlinear filter. To address the chattering phenomenon during vehicle rotating, we derive a novel dynamic model by combining lateral motion and wheel dynamics. By introducing a Taylor moment expansion method, a novel nonlinear filter framework is proposed for vehicle localization. Simulation and experimental demonstrate that the proposed scheme for land-vehicles provides considerable results in accuracy than other state-of-the-art methods.
The role of mindfulness on the psychological aspects of anorexia nervosa
Authors: Dikmeer Neşe , Ersöz Alan Burcu , Foto Özdemir Dilşad
Published: September 2023

Objective

Emotion regulation, perfectionism, and rumination are perpetuating factors in anorexia nervosa (AN). Mindfulness can be protective and therapeutic. We aimed to understand the relationship between these factors and mindfulness in AN.

Methods

20 adolescent girls in the acute phase of the AN, 16 in remission, and 40 in the control group were evaluated.

Results

Mindfulness was lowest in the acute AN group. The difference in the acute AN group regarding body dissatisfaction, emotion dysregulation, perfectionism, and mindfulness disappeared after controlling for the effects of depression and anxiety. The predictors of disordered eating in the entire study population were body dissatisfaction and depressive symptoms. Emotion regulation and perfectionism were the predictors of mindfulness in the acute AN group and the entire study population. When mindfulness decreased, concerns about body shape increased in both acute AN and remission groups, while dietary restriction and disordered eating behaviors increased only in the remission group.

Discussion

Emotion regulation difficulties in acute AN could be related to depression and anxiety. Mindfulness interventions for emotion regulation could be used for depression during the acute phase while for perfectionism in remission. Early intervention for depression and body dissatisfaction seems protective, and mindfulness could be an appropriate intervention.
LAW-IFF Net: A semantic segmentation method for recognition of marine current turbine blade attachments under blurry edges
Authors: Qi Fei , Wang Tianzhen , Wang Xiaohang , Chen Lisu
Published: September 2023

Challenges exist in the power generation efficiency and safety of marine current turbines (MCTs), as the MCT blades are often attached by foreign objects when operating underwater. It is essential for the stable operation of an MCT to recognize attachments timely and accurately. However, underwater imaging suffers from blurry edges due to light attenuation and scattering. It is challenging for accurate recognition through underwater images since blurry edges result in unclear edge features. To alleviate this problem, LAW-IFF Net is proposed in this paper, which mainly contains two parts. Firstly, this paper proposes to transform the local averages of feature maps into weight matrices, namely the locally average weighting (LAW) mechanism. It is intended to alleviate the edge gradient reduction caused by blurry edges. Secondly, the proposed improved feature fusion (IFF) mechanism aims to overcome the deviation caused by the feature fusion of different attention branches based on spatial attention. At the same time, the lightweight networks are combined with the proposed method to improve the computation speed and ensure the timeliness of recognition. Experimental results on the MCT dataset show the superiority of the proposed method in terms of accuracy and speed of attachment recognition in images with blurry edges. The experimental results on publicly available datasets show the applicability of the proposed method to other underwater images.
Reconsidering the Inclusive Research Approach: Proxy Intervention Interview as an Opportunity for the Participation of People With Cognitive Disability and Communication Challenges
Authors: Yoon Jung Hyoung
Published: September 2023

Qualitative researchers who need to interview people with cognitive disability, including intellectual, developmental, mental disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), can experience limitations in implementing an inclusive research approach using conventional methods like verbal communication. In this paper ‘proxy intervention interview’ is shown to be an inclusive research approach for incorporating the voices of artists who cannot articulate their thoughts or describe their own experiences concerning their career development. The author introduces a step-by-step process for implementing this method, including such aspects as research design, recruitment, and informed consent. Five key ethical considerations are suggested for designing an appropriate inclusive research approach to encourage the participation of people with cognitive disability, regardless of their level of capacity.
Home Triad: A New Exploration of Home for People Living With Dementia Based on Lefebvre’s Spatial Triad
Authors: Wang Wenjin , Dubois Bryce , Lu Zhipeng
Published: September 2023

Objectives:

This article examines a novel theoretical framework, which we term Home Triad, for research and practice involving people living with dementia (PLWD).

Background:

Most of the existing home-related research on PLWD focuses on interior modifications, home care interventions and models, place attachment, and/or institutional homelike environments. However, limited studies have examined the meaning of home from PLWD’s perspective, and even fewer have simultaneously considered the individual experience of PLWD, the external power (e.g., the role of design), and their interaction dynamics in the meaning-making process.

Methods:

We developed home triad based on Lefebvre’s spatial triad. Inspired by Chaudhury’s home story structure, we conducted a life story analysis of a person living with dementia, “Kai,” under four contexts—childhood home, neighborhood and city, daily routine, and attachment—within home triad.

Results:

Home triad abstracts “home” with a dialectically interconnected relationship of the conceived, perceived, and lived home. Through PLWD’s everyday life, the essence of home is primarily shaped by the interaction between their lived and perceived homes. However, a person’s experiences of and participation in home living activities are also planned and/or regulated by different groups of people (caregivers, designers, and policymakers), who play important roles in the conceived home. Critically examining how PLWD’s lived and perceived home is constrained or enabled through the conceived home deserves greater future research efforts.

Conclusion:

A systematic examination of the essence of home for PLWD using home triad can facilitate subsequent research and practice that promote PLWD’s health, well-being, and quality of life.
The effect of intravenous lidocaine on postoperative cognitive dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Geng Chuan , Hu Baoji , Jiang Jihong , Zhang Yunhe , Tang Weiqing , Pan Mengzhi , Sun Leilei , Chen Peifen , Wang Hengyue
Published: September 2023

Background

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) has been reported as a significant complication in elderly patients. Various methods have been proposed for reducing the incidence and severity of POCD. Intravenous lidocaine administration has been reported in the literature to reduce POCD, but the effect of lidocaine remains controversial.

Methods

We screened Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (up to April 2022) databases following a search strategy for intravenous lidocaine on POCD. We also screened related bibliographies on lidocaine for POCD. Ten articles comprising 1517 patients were selected and analyzed. We divided the postoperative follow-up period as follows: short term (<30 days), medium term (30–90 days), and long term (>90 days).

Outcomes

We found that lidocaine could attenuate the overall incidence of POCD, especially in the short term. There were no differences between lidocaine and placebo on the overall severity of POCD.

Conclusion

Lidocaine administered intravenously could attenuate the overall incidence of POCD and its severity in the short term.
Association of DLT versus SLT with postoperative pneumonia during esophagectomy in China: a retrospective comparison study
Authors: Guo Xukeng , Ke Weiqi , Yang Xin , Zhao Xinying , Li Meizhen
Published: September 2023

Background

Double lumen tube (DLT) and single lumen tube (SLT) are two common endotracheal tube (ETT) types in esophageal cancer surgery. Evidence of the relationship between two ETT types and postoperative pneumonia (PP) remains unclear. We aimed to determine the association between two types of ETT (DLT and SLT) and PP and assess the perioperative risk-related parameters that affect PP.

Methods

This study included 680 patients who underwent esophageal cancer surgery from January 01, 2010 through December 31, 2020. The primary outcome was PP, and the secondary outcome was perioperative risk-related parameters that affect PP. The independent variable was the type of ETT: DLT or SLT. The dependent variable was PP. To determine the relationship between variables and PP, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. The covariables included baseline demographic characteristics, comorbidity disease, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, tumor location, laboratory parameters, intraoperative related variables.

Results

In all patients, the incidence of postoperative pneumonia in esophagectomy was 32.77% (36.90% in DLT group and 26.38% in SLT group). After adjusting for potential risk factors, we found that using an SLT in esophagectomy was associated with lower risk of postoperative pneumonia compared to using a DLT (Odd ratio = 0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.22, 0.77, p = 0.0057). Besides DLT, smoking history, combined intravenous and inhalation anesthesia (CIIA) and vasoactive drug use were all significant and independent risk factors for postoperative pneumonia in esophagectomy. These results remained stable and reliable after subgroup analysis.

Conclusions

During esophagectomy, there is significant association between the type of ETT (DLT or SLT) and PP. Patients who were intubated with a single lumen tube may have a lower rate of postoperative pneumonia than those who were intubated with a double lumen tube. This finding requires verification in follow-up studies.
Effect of asciminib and vitamin K2 on Abelson tyrosine-kinase-inhibitor-resistant chronic myelogenous leukemia cells
Authors: Okabe Seiichi , Gotoh Akihiko
Published: September 2023

Background

Abelson (ABL) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are effective against chronic myeloid leukemia (CML); however, many patients develop resistance during ABL TKI therapy. Vitamin K2 (VK2) is a crucial fat-soluble vitamin used to activate hepatic coagulation factors and treat osteoporosis. Although VK2 has demonstrated impressive anticancer activity in various cancer cell lines, it is not known whether VK2 enhances the effects of asciminib, which specifically targets the ABL myristoyl pocket (STAMP) inhibitor.

Method

In this work, we investigated whether VK2 contributed to the development of CML cell lines. We also investigated the efficacy of asciminib and VK2 by using K562, ponatinib-resistant K562 (K562 PR), Ba/F3 BCR–ABL, and T315I point mutant Ba/F3 (Ba/F3 T315I) cells.

Results

Based on data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, gamma-glutamyl carboxylase (GGCX) and vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 (VKORC1) were elevated in imatinib-resistant patients (GSE130404). UBIA Prenyltransferase Domain Containing 1 (UBIAD1) was decreased, and K562 PR cells were resistant to ponatinib. In contrast, asciminib inhibited CML cells and ponatinib resistance in a dose-dependent manner. CML cells were suppressed by VK2. Caspase 3/7 activity was also elevated, as was cellular cytotoxicity. Asciminib plus VK2 therapy induced a significantly higher level of cytotoxicity than use of each drug alone. Asciminib and VK2 therapy altered the mitochondrial membrane potential.

Conclusions

Asciminib and VK2 are suggested as a novel treatment for ABL-TKI-resistant cells since they increase treatment efficacy. Additionally, this treatment option has intriguing clinical relevance for patients who are resistant to ABL TKIs.