bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inclusion of dietary Quillaja saponin and seaweed on growth efficiency, noxious gas emissions, and fecal score in weaning pigs
Authors: Khan Sharif Uddin , Song Jun ho , Kim In Ho
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to investigate the dietary effects of Quillaja saponin (QS) and seaweed (SW) on growth performance, fecal score, and gas emissions in weaning pigs. A total of 120, 21-day old crossbred ([Yorkshire × Landrace] × Duroc) weaning pigs were randomly assigned to three treatment groups. These dietary treatments consisted of (1) TRT1: CON (basal diet), (2) TRT2: CON + 200 mg/kg QS, and (3) TRT3: CON + 500 mg/kg SW. Pigs were raised in 10 replicate pens per treatment (two males per pen and two females per pen) for 5 weeks based on body weight and sex. The inclusion of QS significantly ( p < 0.05) increased average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) during the overall period compared to the control diet. Moreover, the tendency to increase ADG was found at weeks 1 and 5, whereas ADFI showed a tendency to increase at week 1 with the supplementation of QS compared to the CON diet. However, the feed conversion ratio, fecal score, and gas emission failed to show significant effects throughout the experiment. In summary, QS has a beneficial effect on the growth performance of weaning pigs without any negative effect on gas emission and fecal score.
Structure design and service performance of bionic conical pick
Authors: Yan Honghong , Zhang Longbao
Published: October 2023

Heavy equipment such as continuous mining machines and shearers are widely used in coal mining projects, and conical picks are essential cutting tools. During the cutting process, different conical pick structures can have significant impacts on the cutting performance of the equipment, and the wear resistance of the conical picks will directly affect the efficiency and reliability of the equipment. In this paper, a bionic dimple-structured conical pick is designed, and a mathematical model of the dimple structure is established. The cutting performance, self-rotation performance, and wear resistance of dimple-type picks (DTPs) and ordinary-type picks (OTPs) are studied using the discrete element software EDEM and the dynamic analysis software ADAMS. The results show that during the cutting process, the trend of rotational torque over time for both types of conical picks first increases and then decreases, with the maximum rotational torque of DTP being greater than that of OTP, indicating that the self-rotation performance of DTP is superior to OTP. Compared with OTP, DTP exhibits a smaller total wear amount and better wear resistance performance. When comparing end plates equipped with DTP to those with OTP, the end plates with DTP have a smaller load fluctuation coefficient, lower cutting resistance, lower specific energy consumption for cutting, and greater total coal mass.
Deep Compressed Sensing based Data Imputation for Urban Environmental Monitoring
Authors: Chang Qingyi , Tao Dan , Wang Jiangtao , Gao Ruipeng
Published: October 2023

Data imputation is prevalent in crowdsensing, especially for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. On the one hand, data collected from sensors will inevitably be affected or damaged by unpredictability. On the other hand, extending the active time of sensor networks has urgently aspired environmental monitoring. Using neural networks to design a data imputation algorithm can take advantage of the prior information stored in the models. This paper proposes a preprocessing algorithm to extract a subset for training a neural network on an IoT dataset, including time window determination, sensor aggregation, sensor exclusion and data frame shape selection. Moreover, we propose a data imputation algorithm using deep compressed sensing with generative models. It explores novel representation matrices and can impute data in the case of a high missing ratio situation. Finally, we test our subset extraction algorithm and data imputation algorithm on the EPFL SensorScope dataset, respectively, and they effectively improve the accuracy and robustness even with extreme data loss.
Multi-User Mobile Augmented Reality with ID-Aware Visual Interaction
Authors: Cai Xinjun , Yang Zheng , Dong Liang , Ma Qiang , Miao Xin , Liu Zhuo
Published: October 2023

Most existing multi-user Augmented Reality (AR) systems only support multiple co-located users to view a common set of virtual objects but lack the ability to enable each user to directly interact with other users appearing in his/her view. Such multi-user AR systems should be able to detect the human keypoints and estimate device poses (for identifying different users) in the meantime. However, due to the stringent low latency requirements and the intensive computation of the preceding two capabilities, previous research only enables either of the two capabilities for mobile devices even with the aid of the edge server. Integrating the two capabilities is promising but non-trivial in terms of latency, accuracy, and matching. To fill this gap, we propose
DiTing
to achieve real-time ID-aware multi-device visual interaction for multi-user AR applications, which contains three key innovations:
Shared On-device Tracking
to merge the similar computation for optimized latency,
Tightly Coupled Dual Pipeline
to enhance the accuracy of each task through mutual assistance, and
Body Affinity Particle Filter
to precisely match device poses with human bodies. We implement
DiTing
on four types of mobile AR devices and develop a multi-user AR game as a case study. Extensive experiments show that
DiTing
can provide high-quality human keypoint detection and pose estimation in real time (30fps) for ID-aware multi-device interaction and outperform the state-of-the-art baseline approaches.
Enhancing Podcasting by Leveraging AI
Authors: Austin Andrea , Samuel Anita
Published: October 2023

This article explores how generative AI tools can be used in the different steps of creating a podcast, from the planning stage to publicizing the podcast. Educators can find podcasting a daunting task. The suggestions in this article will walk a person through the process of creating a podcast and provide examples of tools that can be used to make the process easy.
Aftershock Forecasting
Authors: Hardebeck Jeanne L. , Llenos Andrea L. , Michael Andrew J. , Page Morgan T. , Schneider Max , van der Elst Nicholas J.
Published: October 2023

Aftershocks can compound the impacts of a major earthquake, disrupting recovery efforts and potentially further damaging weakened buildings and infrastructure. Forecasts of the probability of aftershocks can therefore aid decision-making during earthquake response and recovery. Several countries issue authoritative aftershock forecasts. Most aftershock forecasts are based on simple statistical models that were first developed in the 1980s and remain the best available models. We review these statistical models and the wide-ranging research to advance aftershock forecasting through better statistical, physical, and machine-learning methods. Physics-based forecasts based on mainshock stress changes can sometimes match the statistical models in testing but do not yet outperform them. Physical models are also hampered by unsolved problems such as the mechanics of dynamic triggering and the influence of background conditions. Initial work on machine-learning forecasts shows promise, and new machine-learning earthquake catalogs provide an opportunity to advance all types of aftershock forecasts.
▪Several countries issue real-time aftershock forecasts following significant earthquakes, providing information to aid response and recovery.▪Statistical models based on past aftershocks are used to compute aftershock probability as a function of space, time, and magnitude.▪Aftershock forecasting is advancing through better statistical models, constraints on physical triggering mechanisms, and machine learning.▪Large high-resolution earthquake catalogs provide an opportunity to advance physical, statistical, and machine-learning aftershock models.
PSiamRML: Target Recognition and Matching Integrated Localization Algorithm Based on Pseudo-Siamese Network
Authors: Fan Jiwei , Yang Xiaogang , Lu Ruitao , Xie Xueli , Wang Siyu
Published: October 2023

The positioning function of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is a challenging and fundamental research topic and is the premise for UAVs to realize autonomous navigation. The disappearance of satellite signals makes it challenging to achieve accurate positioning. Thus, visual positioning algorithms based on computer vision have been proposed in recent years and these algorithms have produced good results. However, these algorithms have relatively simple functions and cannot perceive the environment. Their versatility is poor, and mismatching often occurs, which affects the positioning accuracy. Aiming to address the need for integrated target recognition, target matching, and positioning of UAVs, we propose an algorithm that integrates the target recognition, matching, and positioning functions by combining the single-shot multibox detector (SSD) algorithm with the deep feature matching algorithm. This algorithm is based on the idea of pseudo-Siamese networks and the SSD algorithm, introducing a deep feature matching method to directly calculate the correspondence between two images. The main idea is to use the VGG network trained by the SSD target recognition algorithm to extract deep features, without any special training for feature matching. Finally, by sharing neural network weights, the integrated design of target recognition and image-matching localization algorithms is achieved. Mismatches between the real-time and reference images are addressed by introducing the grid-based motion statistics algorithm to optimize the matching result and improve the correct matching efficiency of the target. The University-Release dataset was used to compare and analyze the performance of the proposed algorithm to verify its superiority and feasibility. The results show that the matching accuracy of the PSiamRML algorithm is generally good and that it significantly compensates for changes in the contrast, scale, brightness, blur, deformation, and so on, apart from improving the stability and robustness. Finally, a matching test scenario with aerial images captured by an S1000 six-rotor UAV served to verify the effectiveness and practicability of the PSiamRML algorithm.
On the Existence and Stability of Positive Solutions of Eigenvalue Problems for a Class of P-Laplacian
ψ
-Caputo Fractional Integro-Differential Equations
Authors: Awad Yahia
Published: October 2023

This article introduces a generalized approach for analyzing stability and establishing the existence of positive solutions in a specific type of differential equations known as p-Laplacian

ψ

-Caputo fractional differential equations with fractional integral boundary conditions. The study utilizes various techniques, including the analysis of Green’s function properties and the application of Guo–Krasnovelsky’s fixed point theorem on cones. By employing these methods, the research establishes novel findings concerning the existence and nonexistence of positive solutions. The investigation relies on fractional integrals, differential operators, and fundamental lemmas as fundamental tools. To assess solution stability, the Hyers–Ulam concept is employed, which extends prior research and introduces a specific definition. The article also provides numerical examples that support the obtained results, thereby demonstrating the practical applicability and accuracy of the proposed methods. Moreover, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of this subject matter and highlights real-life applications for these types of problems. Overall, this study offers a comprehensive analysis of stability and solution existence in a specific class of differential equations, with implications that extend to real-world scenarios such as engineering systems, financial modeling, population dynamics, epidemiology, and ecological studies. These types of problems arise in various fields where modeling and analyzing complex phenomena are necessary.
Mobile Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Powered by Diesel Fuel: System Simulation and Life Cycle Analysis
Authors: Hwang Hyewon , Yoon Jisu , Choi Wonjae
Published: October 2023

Diesel engine generators used at construction sites generate noise, vibration, and large amounts of pollutant emissions. With the strengthening of emission standards for construction equipment, technologies must be developed to meet new requirements. We proposed and analyzed a mobile proton-exchange membrane fuel cell diesel-powered system to address these issues. The proposed system consisted of an autothermal reformer, a proton-exchange membrane fuel cell, and a balance of plant components. Previous studies on the system have not explored the optimal design and operating condition of the system and have not shown whether the proposed system is superior to the system using the hydrogen-fueled proton-exchange membrane fuel cell system in the life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions point of view. In this study, we clarified system operation characteristics, determined the operational design point, and evaluated system performance and life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions. The system was analyzed by constructing a zero-dimensional simulation model. Several control parameters were varied in parametric studies to determine the operational design point (steam-to-carbon ratio of 2, oxygen-to-carbon ratio of 0.5, fuel utilization factor of 0.85, and heat exchanger effectiveness of 0.85). Considering system performance, the determined design point achieved a 32.3% efficiency. Additionally, we assessed the life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions of the system and compared them with those of an alternative system, which is a hydrogen-fueled proton exchange membrane fuel cell system. It was confirmed that in the United States of America, the proposed system emits 1010.2 g-CO2-eq/kWh of greenhouse gas at a 300 km fuel transportation distance, which is similar to a hydrogen-fueled proton-exchange membrane fuel cell system (1001.1 g-CO2-eq/kWh). The proposed system emits less greenhouse gas emissions than the hydrogen-fueled proton-exchange membrane fuel cell system if the distance from the hydrogen production site to the construction site is more than 318 km. Therefore, for a construction site far from a hydrogen production plant, the proposed diesel-fueled proton-exchange membrane fuel cell system is preferable from both the greenhouse gas emissions and convenience perspectives.
Temporal Trends and Early Outcomes of Transcatheter versus Surgical Mitral Valve Repair in Atrial Fibrillation Patients
Authors: Zhou Chi , Tan Kai , Liu Weili , Li Shaohua , Xia Zongyi , Song Yanxu , Lian Zhexun
Published: October 2023

Objectives. To study trends of utilization, in-hospital outcomes, and short outcomes in patients undergoing transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) vs. surgical mitral valve repair (SMVR) in atrial fibrillation (AF). Background. TMVR is a treatment option in inoperable or high-risk patients with mitral regurgitation (MR). AF is a common comorbidity of MR. Data comparing between TMVR and SMVR in MR patients with AF is lacking. Methods. The National Readmission Database from 2016 to 2019 was utilized to identify hospitalizations undergoing TMVR or SMVR with AF. Outcomes of interest included mortality, postoperative complications, length of stay, and 30-day readmission rate. Results. A total of 9,195 patients underwent TMVR and 16,972 patients underwent SMVR with AF; the number of AF undergoing TMVR was increasing from 1,342 in 2016 to 4,215 in 2019 and SMVR. The incidence of in-hospital mortality decreased from 2.6% in 2016 to 1.8% in 2019. We identified length of stay>5 days, dyslipidemia, cerebrovascular disease, heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, and urgent/emergent admissions as independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality. After matching, we included 4,680 patients in each group; the in-hospital death, transfusion, acute kidney injury, sepsis, stroke, and mechanical ventilation were lower in TMVR compared with SMVR. TMVR was associated with a similar rate of all-cause readmission at 30 days compared with SMVR. Conclusion. Patients with AF receiving TMVR have been increasing along with progressive improvement in in-hospital death and length of stay. Compared to SMVR, AF patients receiving TMVR had a lower rate of in-hospital death and postoperative complications.
Prediction of the Frost Resistance of Iron Ore Tailings Concrete Based‐BP Neural Network
Authors: Fu Chun , Li Xiaohong , Han Jie , Li Haijun , Wu Haotian , Liu Songyang
Published: October 2023

In order to predict the relative dynamic elastic modulus (RDEM), which is used to reflect the frost resistance of iron ore tailings concrete, the backpropagation neural network (BPNN) was used in this study. Here, one hidden layer was chosen in the structure of BPNN. It is well known that the number of neurons in the hidden layer is the key of BPNN; hence, checking the features of overfitting was chosen in this paper to determine the number of neurons in the hidden layer. According to the actual conditions of freeze–thaw cycle test, a BPNN model of 2D input vector and 1D output vector was established. Thirty datasets from the test were used for training and test the proposed ANN. The results showed that the predicted values were in good agreement with the measured ones, and the correlation coefficient between them reached 0.9505. It showed that the BPNN, with the ability to solve nonlinear problems, had great advantages in predicting RDEM, and it can be used as reliable and simple forecasting tools for the prediction of frost resistance of iron ore tailings concrete.
Rewind for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Astill Wright Laurence , Barawi Kali , Kitchiner Neil , Kitney Danielle , Lewis Catrin , Roberts Alice , Roberts Neil P. , Simon Natalie , Ariti Cono , Nussey Ian , Muss David , Bisson Jonathan I.
Published: October 2023

Background. The Rewind Technique (Rewind) is a psychological therapy for people with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is already used regularly in the National Health Service (NHS), the third sector and private practice across the UK. This study set out to explore the potential efficacy and feasibility of remotely delivered Rewind for the treatment of PTSD. Methods. This study was a two-armed, exploratory RCT to assess the preliminary efficacy, adherence, feasibility, and factors affecting outcome of Rewind versus a waitlist control group. Results. The entire trial was delivered remotely using video calls for treatment sessions and outcome assessments. A total of 40 participants were randomised with 80% retention at the primary endpoint of 8-week postrandomisation. The difference in Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 scores between the immediate and delayed Rewind arms was 12.64 (95% CI, 2.29 to 22.99,

F
=
6.38

,

df
=
1

,

p
=
0.02

) at 8 weeks. The Cohen’s

d

was 1.05 indicating a large effect size at 8 weeks with maintenance in symptom improvement at 16 weeks. Conclusion. Rewind, delivered remotely, demonstrated a large effect size in treating symptoms of PTSD within this trial cohort. This trial demonstrates a preliminary signal of efficacy supporting the clinical use of Rewind in the treatment of people with PTSD.
A Transmission Line Defect Detection Method Based on YOLOv7 and Multi-UAV Collaboration Platform
Authors: Chang Rong , Xiao Peng , Wan Hongqiang , Li Songlin , Zhou Chengjiang , Li Fei
Published: October 2023

In order to prevent the economic losses caused by large-scale power outages and the life safety losses caused by circuit failures, the main purpose of this paper is to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and reliability of transmission line defect detection, and the main innovation is to propose a transmission line defect detection method based on YOLOv7 and the multi-UAV collaboration platform. First, a novel multi-UAV collaboration platform is proposed, which improved the search range and detection efficiency for defect detection. Second, YOLOv7 is used as a detector for multi-UAV collaboration platform, and several improvements improved the efficiency of defect detection under complex backgrounds. Finally, a complete transmission line defect images dataset is constructed, and the introduction of several defect images such as insulator self-blast and cracked insulators avoids the problem of low application value of single defect detection. The results indicate that the proposed method not only enhances the detection range and efficiency but also improves the detection accuracy. Compared with YOLOv5-S, which has good detection performance, YOLOv7 improves accuracy by 1.2%, recall by 4.3%, and mAP by 4.1%, and YOLOv7-Tiny achieves the fastest speed 1.2 ms and the smallest size 11.7 Mb. Even if the images contain complex backgrounds and noises, a mAP of 0.886 can still be obtained. Therefore, the proposed method provides effective support for transmission line defect detection and has broad application scenarios and development prospects.
Verschlimmbesserung: Craniospinal Radiotherapy Is Essential in WNT Medulloblastoma Patients
Authors: Gottardo Nicholas G. , Gajjar Amar
Published: October 2023

Standard-risk WNT medulloblastoma patients have an excellent prognosis (>90% progression-free survival) using the combination of standard dose craniospinal radiotherapy (CSI) (23.4 Gy) followed by platinum and alkylator based chemotherapy. A recent pilot study that attempted to completely omit radiotherapy was terminated early as all patients (n = 3) relapsed rapidly (on treatment or within 6 months of completing treatment). The study highlights that therapy is the most important prognostic factor, with CSI still required to cure even the most favorable subgroup of medulloblastoma patients.

See related article by Cohen et al., p. 5031
Receptor-interacting Protein Kinase 2 Is an Immunotherapy Target in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Sang Wenhua , Zhou Yiduo , Chen Haiyan , Yu Chengxuan , Dai Lisi , Liu Zhongkun , Chen Lang , Fang Yimin , Ma Panpan , Wu Xiangji , Kong Hao , Liao Wenting , Jiang Hong , Qian Junbin , Wang Da , Liu Yun-Hua
Published: October 2023

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a highly lethal malignancy because of its aggressive nature and the paucity of effective treatment options. Almost all registered drugs have proven ineffective in addressing the needs of patients with PDAC. This is the result of a poor understanding of the unique tumor–immune microenvironment (TME) in PDAC. To identify druggable regulators of immunosuppressive TME, we performed a kinome- and membranome-focused CRISPR screening using orthotopic PDAC models. Our data showed that receptor-interacting protein kinase 2 (RIPK2) is a crucial driver of immune evasion of cytotoxic T-cell killing and that genetic or pharmacologic targeting of RIPK2 sensitizes PDAC to anti–programmed cell death protein 1 (anti–PD-1) immunotherapy, leading to prolonged survival or complete regression. Mechanistic studies revealed that tumor-intrinsic RIPK2 ablation disrupts desmoplastic TME and restores MHC class I (MHC-I) surface levels through eliminating NBR1-mediated autophagy-lysosomal degradation. Our results provide a rationale for a novel combination therapy consisting of RIPK2 inhibition and anti–PD-1 immunotherapy for PDAC.

Significance:

PDAC is resistant to almost all available therapies, including immune checkpoint blockade. Through in vivo CRISPR screen, we identified that RIPK2 plays a crucial role in facilitating immune evasion by impeding antigen presentation and cytotoxic T-cell killing. Targeting tumor-intrinsic RIPK2 either genetically or pharmacologically improves PDAC to anti–PD-1 immunotherapy.

See related commentary by Liu et al., p. 208 .

This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 201
FIGURE 4 from Peritumoral Immune-suppressive Mechanisms Impede Intratumoral Lymphocyte Infiltration into Colorectal Cancer Liver versus Lung Metastases
Authors: Ye Jian , Guo Weihua , Wang Chongkai , Egelston Colt A. , D'Apuzzo Massimo , Shankar Geereesh , Fakih Marwan G. , Lee Peter P.
Published: October 2023

Higher antigen presentation potential in lung metastases. A, Correlations of the immune cell density between histologic regions. PCC were calculated from the density of each immune cell type in different histologic regions. B, Representative images of primary and metastatic colorectal cancer tumors stained with mIF panel 4. The cancer cells, TCF1+ CD4 T cells, stem-like CD8 T cells and APCs were color coded and identified as Fig. 1C. The yellow dash lines indicate the boundaries between inner and outer invasive margin. C, Mean number of TCF1+ CD4 T cells and stem-like CD8 T cells around 10 µm radius of APCs and mean number of APCs around 10 µm radius of TCF1+ CD4 T cells and stem-like CD8 T cells. D, Paired comparison of cell density between each two organs in the different histologic regions. Statistical significance was determined by Wilcoxon signed-rank test. E, GSEA of liver and lung metastases samples from GES48468. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases were used to determine significantly modified pathways. Bars in red and blue represent, respectively, a positive and negative enrichment in the associated pathway. The x axis shows the normalized enrichment score (NES) of the analysis, and the y axis the enriched pathways. F, Heat map of top genes differentially expressed in GES48468 primary and metastatic colorectal cancer tumor samples from KEGG_ANITGENE_PROCESSING_AND_PRESENTATION pathway.
Ein Fall von VEXAS-Syndrom mit ungewöhnlichen Granulomen im Knochenmark: ein diagnostisches Dilemma
Authors: Vu Khiem T. , Wolfe Rachel M. , Lambird Jonathan E. , Maracaja Danielle L.V.
Published: October 2023

Hintergrund: VEXAS ist eine kürzlich beschriebene entzündliche Erkrankung, die durch Mutationen im UBA1-Gen verursacht wird. Die Symptome sind vielfältig und umfassen Fieber, Knorpelentzündung, Lungenentzündung, Vaskulitis, neutrophile Dermatosen und makrozytäre Anämie. Zytoplasmatische Einschlüsse in myeloischen und erythroiden Vorläuferzellen im Knochenmark sind ein charakteristisches Merkmal. Hier berichten wir über den ersten Fall von VEXAS mit nicht verkäsenden Granulomen im Knochenmark. Fallvorstellung: Ein 62-jähriger asiatischer Mann stellte sich mit hohem Fieber, Erythema nodosum, entzündlicher Arthritis und periorbitaler Entzündung vor. Die Laborwerte wiesen anhaltend erhöhte Entzündungsmarker und eine makrozytäre Anämie auf. Im Laufe der Jahre verbesserten sich seine Symptome und Entzündungsmarker nur unter der Behandlung mit Glukokortikoiden und traten wieder auf, wenn die Prednison-Dosis unter 15–20 mg täglich gesenkt wurde. Er unterzog sich einer Knochenmarksbiopsie, die nicht verkäsende Granulome zeigte, und einer PET-Untersuchung, die eine hilar/mediastinale Lymphadenopathie ergab. Bei ihm wurde zunächst eine IgG4-bedingte Erkrankung (behandelt mit Rituximab) diagnostiziert und später eine Sarkoidose (behandelt mit Infliximab). Nachdem diese Mittel versagt hatten, wurde die Möglichkeit von VEXAS in Betracht gezogen und später durch molekulare Tests bestätigt.
Cognitive Impairment and Anxiety Are Prevalent in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Golenia Aleksandra , Olejnik Piotr , Żołek Norbert , Wojtaszek Ewa , Małyszko Jolanta
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Cognitive impairment (CI) is common in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), including kidney transplant recipients. Patients with cognitive problems may find it difficult to comply with medical recommendations after kidney transplantation (KT), which can be the cause of many complications, poorer prognosis, and increased hospitalization rates after transplantation. Additionally, some patients after KT may experience depression and anxiety, which are prevalent comorbidities in patients with ESKD. Methods: In this single-center, cross-sectional study, we included 56 consecutive adult patients after KT. Cognitive function was assessed using the Addenbrooke Cognitive Test III (ACE III). In addition, all patients were screened for depression and anxiety using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The impact of immunosuppressive therapy and other disease-related variables on cognitive function was also assessed. Results: A total of 56 KT patients, with a mean age of 50.3 ± 11.7 years, transplanted ≤35 months ago were included in the study. The prevalence of CI was 30%. Compared with cognitively unimpaired patients, patients with CI scored significantly lower in all cognitive domains. Furthermore, better cognitive functioning after KT was significantly associated with more years of schooling. We found no significant correlation between CI and age at assessment, duration of dialysis before KT, creatinine levels, creatinine clearance, uric acid levels, hemoglobin levels, comorbid cardiovascular diseases, and immunosuppressive therapy. In addition, the prevalence of depression and anxiety in screening tests was 12.5% and 27%, respectively, and patients receiving higher daily dose of prednisone had higher HADS scores on both the depression and anxiety subscales (not statistically significant). Discussion: Cognitive disorders are a relevant issue in kidney transplant recipients. There might be many factors, both before and after KT, that have a negative impact on cognition. Therefore, further research is needed to increase knowledge about the course and profile of cognitive function after KT.
Age-Dependent Effects of Transgenic 2D2 Mice Used to Induce Passive Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis in C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Nichols James M. , Kaplan Barbara L.F.
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative autoimmune disease that worsens with age. Here, we examined the influence of age on passive experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (P-EAE), a model to study MS, using young and mature adult 2D2 transgenic donor mice to induce pathology in WT C57BL6/J mice. Methods: Lymphocytes from young adult (i.e., 10-week-old) or mature adult (i.e., 6-month-old) transgenic donor mice were characterized by flow cytometry prior to injection of cultured leukocytes into adult female WT recipient mice, with a special focus on transgenic T cell phenotypes. Results: Our findings show age-dependent changes in memory T cell phenotypes correlated with more severe clinical and histological disease when donor cells originated from young as compared to mature adult mice. Conclusion: Not only do these results demonstrate that the age of the 2D2 transgenic donor mice is critical in establishing P-EAE, but the differential effects might also identify age-dependent factors that contribute to EAE and perhaps MS.
Was ist die beste Relapstherapie bei der ANCA-assoziierten Vaskulitis?
Authors: von Vietinghoff Sibylle
Published: October 2023

Objective: Following induction of remission with rituximab in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) relapse rates are high, especially in patients with history of relapse. Relapses are associated with increased exposure to immunosuppressive medications, the accrual of damage and increased morbidity and mortality. The RITAZAREM trial compared the efficacy of repeat-dose rituximab to daily oral azathioprine for prevention of relapse in patients with relapsing AAV in whom remission was reinduced with rituximab. Methods: RITAZAREM was an international randomized controlled, open-label, superiority trial that recruited 188 patients at the time of an AAV relapse from 29 centres in seven countries between April 2013 and November 2016. All patients received rituximab and glucocorticoids to reinduce remission. Patients achieving remission by 4 months were randomised to receive rituximab intravenously (1000 mg every 4 months, through month 20) (85 patients) or azathioprine (2 mg/kg/day, tapered after month 24) (85 patients) and followed for a minimum of 36 months. The primary outcome was time to disease relapse (either major or minor relapse). Results: Rituximab was superior to azathioprine in preventing relapse: HR 0.41; 95% CI 0.27 to 0.61, p<0.001. 19/85 (22%) patients in the rituximab group and 31/85 (36%) in the azathioprine group experienced at least one serious adverse event during the treatment period. There were no differences in rates of hypogammaglobulinaemia or infection between groups.
Single-Molecule Spatial Transcriptomics of Human Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms Uncovers Calcification-Related
CARTPT
-Expressing Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Mizrak Dogukan , Zhao Yang , Feng Hao , Macaulay Jane , Tang Ying , Sultan Zain , Zhao Guizhen , Guo Yanhong , Zhang Jifeng , Yang Bo , Chen Y. Eugene
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND:

Although single-cell RNA-sequencing is commonly applied to dissect the heterogeneity in human tissues, it involves the preparation of single-cell suspensions via cell dissociation, causing loss of spatial information. In this study, we employed high-resolution single-cell transcriptome imaging to reveal rare smooth muscle cell (SMC) types in human thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) tissue samples.

METHODS:

Single-molecule spatial distribution of transcripts from 140 genes was analyzed in fresh-frozen human TAA samples with region and sex-matched controls. In vitro studies and tissue staining were performed to examine human CART prepropeptide (
CARTPT
) regulation and function.

RESULTS:

We captured thousands of cells per sample including a spatially distinct
CARTPT
-expressing SMC subtype enriched in male TAA samples. Immunoassays confirmed human CART (cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript) protein enrichment in male TAA tissue and truncated CARTPT secretion into cell culture medium. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein, a cardiovascular risk factor, induced
CARTPT
expression, whereas
CARTPT
overexpression in human aortic SMCs increased the expression of key osteochondrogenic transcription factors and reduced contractile gene expression. Recombinant human CART treatment of human SMCs further confirmed this phenotype. Alizarin red staining revealed calcium deposition in male TAA samples showing similar localization with human CART staining.

CONCLUSIONS:

Here, we demonstrate the feasibility of single-molecule imaging in uncovering rare SMC subtypes in the diseased human aorta, a difficult tissue to dissociate. We identified a spatially distinct
CARTPT
-expressing SMC subtype enriched in male human TAA samples. Our functional studies suggest that human CART promotes osteochondrogenic switch of aortic SMCs, potentially leading to medial calcification of the thoracic aorta.
THE MEDIATING AND REGULATORY ROLE OF ORGANIZATIONAL DESENSITIZATION IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SHRINKAGE OF AIM AND LOSS OF MOTIVATION
Authors: TUTAR Hasan , MUTLU Hakan Tahiri
Published: October 2023

Employees spend a significant part of their lives in the workplace, and the time spent here wears them out physically, mentally, and psychologically. This situation, which we call employee attrition, makes itself felt more especially in places with job satisfaction and insufficient motivation. The main purpose of this research is to question the attrition of employees through loss of motivation, shrinkage of aim and organizational desensitization. The research method is cross-sectional research in quantitative and general screening models. The study's sample was determined according to the random sampling technique and consisted of employees working in different universities. The data of the research were collected by online survey method. The research examined the mediator and moderator role of organizational desensitization in the relationship between shrinkage of aim and loss of motivation in employees. In addition, the differences in the levels of loss of motivation, shrinkage of aim, and organizational desensitization, which are the sub-dimensions of attrition of the employees, were examined according to the demographic variables. According to the findings, it was determined that goal decrease and organizational desensitization positively affected the loss of motivation, and organizational desensitization had a mediating and regulatory role in the effect of goal decrease on motivation loss. These findings showed that a negative emotional state affects another negative emotional state in employees, and negative emotions affect other emotions with a kind of emotional contagion.
GLOCALIZATION: AN EMERGING STRATEGY IN THE CONTEXT OF LOCAL-GLOBAL DIALECTICS AND THE WORLD BANK'S CONTRIBUTION
Authors: YALIN Basri , ARIÖZ Zeynep
Published: October 2023

Since the 1970s, the global economic system has been reshaped in the light of neo-liberal policies, and financialization has become widespread and deepened with monetary policies that replaced the Keynesian "Welfare State" approach. The transition of the economic system resulted in a corresponding alteration at the spatial dimension. This transformation, which was accelerated by the globalisation process, has rebuilt the local by introducing new models of governance. The study argues that the World Bank is one of the principal institutions that played a pivotal role in formulating the strategies for this transformation. The aim of the study is to show how the concepts of governance and glocalism, as the implementation strategies of neoliberal policies, are institutionalised and promoted through the World Bank. The study concludes that the World Bank is primarily characterised as a regulatory political entity rather than solely functioning as a technical organisation in the glocalization process, which refers to adapting global socio-economic systems to local or regional contexts.
Supersession and Superseded Causes in Aristotle
Authors: Lewis Frank A.
Published: October 2023

Aristotle’s theory of causes requires a first, unmoved mover outside the sublunary world, along with soul as first and unmoved mover in the natural world below. Aristotle separates the charmed group of causes headed by soul that are jointly sufficient for typical animal behaviour from external causes. The border between external and charmed is permeable: crops growing in the field are co-opted to become an instrument of soul that nourishes the animal. (Instruments of soul like the sumphuton pneuma are internal to the animal from the start.) But no causes, not even the Unmoved Mover, may supersede soul as unmoved mover.
Current Scholarship and Future Directions in Hobbes Studies
Authors: Lloyd S.A.
Published: October 2023

Today the study of Hobbes is both reputable and flourishing, to judge by the numbers in recent years of publications, submissions, conferences, workshops, and sessions at professional meetings devoted to Hobbes, along with growing interest from scholars in China and Latin America. I recently conducted a survey of colleagues working on Hobbes; a non-scientific survey, it included scholars working in a variety of departments. This research note reports the views of more than three dozen respondents, who answered three questions: (1) what has been at stake in Hobbes debates?; (2) have any conclusions been decisively established?; and (3) what are the open questions for the future? The answers evidence a lack of consensus but also demonstrate that we have increasingly refined and sophisticated theoretical arguments for and against contending positions.
The Commodification of Cold War Ideologies: the Reception of Casals in Japan and the Sinophone World in the Post-Cold War Era
Authors: Wang Min-Erh
Published: October 2023

This article examines the reception of Pablo Casals, the Spanish cellist and humanitarian, in Japan, Taiwan, China, and Hong Kong in the post-Cold War era from the perspective of consumer capitalism. It argues that although the Cold War ended in 1991, instead of being criticised, the Cold War ideologies, including communism, anti-communism, socialism, and humanitarianism, were intertwined with and consolidated by capitalism in the post-Cold War era. This article reveals how the legacies of Casals were interpreted differently in these places within the context of domestic and regional politics and discusses how the Cold War ideologies were commodified in the post-Cold War era. By conducting a multilateral dialogue between Japan and the Sinophone world, this article attempts to gain a clearer understanding of the geopolitical history of East Asia in the post-Cold War era from a musical perspective.
Nomenclatural notes in miscellaneous species of Acianthera (Pleurothallidinae, Orchidaceae)
Authors: BRITO A. L. V. TOSCANO DE , SMIDT ERIC DE CAMARGO
Published: October 2023

A new combination, Acianthera kautskyi, is proposed. Acianthera sudae is proposed as a new synonym of the former. Acianthera crinita has been shown to be distinct from A. kautskyi. We provide in this article the taxonomic comments, illustrations, and images on these two taxa.
Limits on Love: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Psychoanalytic Texts
Authors: Morris Faithlynn
Published: October 2023

Critical discourse methodology and a Black feminist lens were used to examine the discourse of contemporary psychoanalysis, specifically to investigate the relationship between language, love, and power. Findings of the analysis include the following. The discourse encourages engagement with linguistic shortcuts, wherein concepts such as oppression and bigotry are used as conduits to discuss intrapsychic experiences. The discourse frames whiteness as the center of experience and marginalizes Blackness, Indigenousness, and other nonwhite perspectives. The discourse is vague about what constitutes love and what place love should have in clinical work. Ultimately, the discourse of the texts in this analysis suggests there is more work to do, more areas in the discipline to disrupt, and more love to give.
Evaluating Skeletal Maturity at Time of Surgical Correction of Pectus Excavatum Based on Medial Clavicle Epiphyseal Ossification
Authors: Carter Michela , Prendergast Francis , Krauss Jillian , Zeineddin Suhail , Pitt J. Benjamin , Sullivan Gwyneth A. , Abdullah Fizan , Gulack Brian C. , Goldstein Seth D.
Published: October 2023

Background

Surgical correction of pectus excavatum (SCOPE) is dependent upon chest wall pliability with optimal timing prior to complete skeletal maturation. Measures of skeletal maturity are not readily available for operative planning; therefore, surgeons use age as proxy despite patient-specific rates of skeletal maturation. We aimed to determine whether preoperative skeletal maturity is associated with postoperative pain as surrogate for chest wall pliability.

Methods

Children ≤18 years who underwent SCOPE from 2020 to 2022 were retrospectively identified. Preoperative CT within 3 months of procedure was reviewed by 2 radiologists and 1 surgeon. Skeletal maturity was determined by Schmeling-Kellinghaus classification which stages secondary epiphyseal ossification of the medial clavicle. Inter-rater reliability was evaluated. Schmeling-Kellinghaus stage and postoperative pain were compared.

Results

Of twenty-eight records reviewed, 57% were Schmeling-Kellinghaus stage 1. High inter-rater reliability was identified (inter-radiologist: kappa = .95, P < .001, all raters: kappa = .78, P < .001). Median age at operation was 15.5 years (interquartile range: 14.8-16.0) and increased with skeletal maturity ( P < .001). When comparing stage 1 (n = 16) to >1 (n = 12), stage 1 had lower maximum pain scores ( P < .001), total morphine equivalents ( P < .001), and benzodiazepine use ( P < .001) after surgery.

Conclusions

The Schmeling-Kellinghaus classification system is a valid proxy of skeletal maturity that can be applied with high inter-rater reliability. SCOPE during stage 1 was found to have less postoperative pain and narcotic use than more mature stages. This is proof of concept that skeletal maturity should be considered when determining optimal timing of surgical correction. Future research will evaluate the impact of skeletal maturity on postoperative outcomes.
Relationships between student mobility and academic and behavioural outcomes in Western Australian public primary schools
Authors: Gannon Jacqueline , Budgeon Charley A , Li Ian W
Published: October 2023

The number of times children change schools, or student mobility, is associated with multiple adverse outcomes across the life span. This study used administrative data from the Western Australian Department of Education for public primary school students who completed Year 6 between 2016 and 2019 to examine potential associations between student mobility and academic (using National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy [NAPLAN] participation and scores) and behaviour outcomes (measured through school suspensions). The odds of participating (vs. not participating) in NAPLAN were significantly lower for students with high mobility. High mobility students also achieved significantly lower scores, on average, on NAPLAN literacy and numeracy at Year 3 and Year 5 compared with low mobility students. However, there was no evidence of an association between student mobility and school suspensions. These findings highlight the need for action to address substantial academic detriment for mobile students, many of whom are likely to be from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Furthermore, current policies to address academic disadvantage are likely to exclude those students at substantial academic risk and require revision to be appropriately triaged.
Supporting Young Exceptional Children’s Mental Health in the Early Childhood Classroom
Authors: Hsieh Wu-Ying
Published: October 2023

The mental health of students with disabilities has received increasing attention, yet it is difficult for early childhood teachers to identify young children with mental health issues and access support. Research has shown the lack of timely intervention might cause more serious emotional issues later. The interplay of disability, young age, and mental health issues complicate the teaching of early childhood teachers. The purpose of this article is to highlight the difficulties early childhood teachers are experiencing when a child with special needs requires additional support services for social-emotional and behavioral concerns. Barriers or challenges that exist to accessing mental health services for young children and their families are discussed. Through the use of vignettes, we present six strategies to assist early childhood special education professionals in addressing the mental health needs of young children, including 1) recognizing the warning signs of mental health needs for early identification and intervention, 2) utilizing screening tools to detect a child’s mental health needs, 3) selecting and providing school-based supports, 4) monitoring the child’s response to school-based mental health supports, 5) collaborating with mental health professionals and partnering with families, and 6) securing additional networks and resources to support children with special needs.