bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Semi-democracy to Autocracy
Authors: Almeida Correia Sérgio de
Published: December 2024

Under the agreement signed with Portugal, which defined the terms of the handover to China, Macau became a Special Administrative Region on 20 December 1999. China undertook to maintain the way of life, the rights and freedoms of the residents and the essence of the laws previously in force, and guarantee the inapplicability of the socialist system. Events in Hong Kong since 2019 and the concerns of the Central Government have led to changes in the national security law and electoral laws which, among other things, have imposed political screening on candidates for the Legislative Assembly and Chief Executive, which can lead to their exclusion without appeal, while criminalising calls for blank votes, null votes, and abstentions. This article answers the question of whether these changes are compatible with the guarantees provided, the Luso-Chinese Joint Declaration and Macau’s Basic Law.
Raising and Lowering Awareness in the Digital Space
Authors: Berdiqulov Aziz
Published: December 2024

Since the wave of repressions targeting primarily Muslim minorities in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), minorities in danger resorted to various online platforms in order to increase awareness about the situation they face and to archive available evidence for future use. Thus, the narrative was created that portrays ill-treatment, forced assimilation, unlawful detention, and cultural erasure. Most Muslims and activists started using the online video platforms of Douyin, which is native to China, and TikTok, its international equivalent, to share videos aimed at domestic and international audiences. These videos vary in production quality and messages, but almost all of them are designed to mobilize viewers to learn more about the human rights crisis in the XUAR and take action. Similarly, Chinese officials started using Douyin and TikTok to create counternarratives via their own videos. Videos by Chinese authorities (e.g., local police departments in Xinjiang) or by China-sponsored content creators depict Muslims enjoying their culture, language, and religion, and the region is often shown as peaceful and rapidly developing, thanks to the efforts of the Chinese government. This article aims to look at examples of Douyin and TikTok videos by both Muslims and human rights activists and pro-CCP (Chinese Communist Party) content creators through the lenses of multimodal discourse analysis to identify potential trends and shared approaches. The theoretical framework includes digital activism, oppositional media resource mobilization, and surveillance studies, focusing on how digital activism emerges as a response to digital repression. The article concludes with findings of how video content by pro-Muslim minority and pro-CCP creators battle on the online spaces of Douyin and TikTok for a dominant narrative, which can be categorized as reactive and proactive measures against state (digital) repression.
Bacillus subtilis DE111 partially reverses endothelial dysfunction in western-diet fed mice
Authors: Risk B.D. , Graham E.L. , Zhang M. , Wei Y. , Stark G.C. , Brown G.D. , Gentile C.L. , Weir T.L.
Published: December 2024

Imbalances in the gut microbiome have emerged as an important factor in endothelial dysfunction, a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Thus, interventions targeting the microbiome may prove helpful in preventing or reversing this impairment. We previously reported that spore-forming Bacillus subtilis DE111 improved endothelial function in a cohort of healthy, non-obese humans after a four-week intervention. Building on these promising results, the present study sought to investigate whether administering B. subtilis DE111 could reverse endothelial dysfunction in mice with diet-induced obesity. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a Western diet (WD; n = 24) or standard diet (SD; n = 24) for ten weeks to induce endothelial dysfunction, after which half of the animals in each group (n = 12) were allocated to receive B. subtilis DE111 (hereafter, PB) formulated into the diet for an additional eight weeks. Outcomes included endothelial-dependent arterial dilation, glucose tolerance, body weight changes, microbiota profiles, and assessments of intestinal permeability and mucosal immunity markers. Furthermore, a cell culture model of gut barrier function was used to assess the effects of PB on gut barrier integrity. PB treatment significantly attenuated WD-induced mesenteric endothelial-dependent arterial dilation, independent of changes in other cardiometabolic parameters or changes in gut barrier function. In vitro trans-epithelial electrical resistance of the Caco-2 cell culture confirmed that neither PB-conditioned media nor faecal waters from B. subtilis-treated human stool resulted in gut barrier improvements, nor did they protect against inflammation-associated barrier disruptions. Unsurprisingly, microbiota analysis revealed significant differences in Shannon’s alpha diversity of WD-fed animals compared to SD. These data suggest that PB consumption significantly attenuated WD diet-induced endothelial dysfunction; however, the underlying mechanisms of this protection were not determined. Improvement in endothelial function was independent of PB-mediated changes to body weight or gut barrier function. Further studies should explore B. subtilis-mediated immune responses or metabolite production as mechanisms underlying these endothelial protective effects.
Revisiting the “Inner Asianness” of the Qing Dynasty from the Perspective of Multilingual Composition
Authors: Qiang Guangmei , Fordham Carl Gene
Published: December 2024

Scholars of the New Qing History school in the United States argue that the use of multi-ethnic languages during the Qing dynasty played a crucial role in shaping its distinctive “Inner Asianness,” in contrast to earlier dynasties of the Central Plain. However, this perspective dose not align entirely with historical facts. Firstly, the multilingual writing system of the Qing dynasty was largely influenced by the political and cultural traditions of the preceding Ming dynasty in the Central Plain, rather than being solely a product of Inner Asian influence. Secondly, the Qing rulers used multilingual composition primarily as a practical measure to govern a diverse empire, not as a means of emphasizing their Inner Asian identity. Furthermore, the Qing rulers identified themselves as the rightful successors of the Central Plain in terms of their political and cultural heritage. They used multilingual composition to establish a unified writing system centered around Confucian values, ultimately transforming the Manchu regime into a unified dynasty integrated into the China’s broader historical narrative.
Effect of photoperiod and 20-hydroxyecdysone on post-embryonic development and diapause disruption in Cirina butyrospermi Vuillet (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) under laboratory conditions
Authors: Ouédraogo Z.S. , Badolo A. , Maria A. , Siaussat D. , Niassy S. , Sanon A.
Published: December 2024

Cirina butyrospermi (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae), commonly known as the shea caterpillar, is an edible insect in several West African countries. However, this insect is seasonal due to a long pupal diapause. This study therefore aims to explore the potential for mass rearing of C. butyrospermi by determining the role of photoperiod and 20-hydroxyecdysone in disrupting or shortening diapause. Exposure of larval growth to different photoperiod conditions, i.e. L.D. 6:18, L.D. 8:16, L.D. 10:14 and L.D. 12:12, affected larval weight and adult emergence. With respect to the photoperiod treatments applied to larval growth from neonate to fourth instar, caterpillars reared under L.D. 6:18 conditions weighed more than those reared under the other photoperiods. However, photoperiod treatments did not significantly affect the pupation rate. Adult emergence was only observed under L.D. 6:18 photoperiod conditions for a diapause average duration of 140.85 days. The recorded emergence percentage was 38.46 ± 1.33%, and emergences occurred over a period of ten days. When the L.D. 6:18 photoperiod conditions were applied only on the fourth instar larvae, 24.39 ± 1.41% of pupae developed to adults in 34.50 days on average and emergences were grouped in 4 days. Injections of increasing doses of 20-hydroxyecdysone into diapausing pupae resulted in diapause breaking within 23-28 days in 7-47% of treated pupae, depending on the dose of 20-hydroxyecdysone and the pupal weight. Conversely, diapause remained in non-treated pupae during the study period. Short photoperiod and 20-hydroxyecdysone are key drivers for diapause termination in C. butyrospermi. The possible interaction between 20E doses and treated pupae weight provides new insights into the hormone’s efficacy in breaking pupal diapause in C. butyrospermi. While the results need further clarification, they represent a significant step towards mass breeding of this important food insect.
Theories of Apparent and Real Correlation between Reason and Divine Law in Twelver Shīʿī Legal Theory
Authors: Gleave Robert
Published: December 2024

For the Muʿtazila, “reason” (either as a human faculty or as an abstract process of argumentation and deduction) can uncover the moral properties of actions. In Twelver Shīʿī legal theory, this position was subject to extensive elaboration, and discussions around the relationship between an action’s moral properties and its legal assessments (aḥkām) gave rise to a theory of “necessary correlation” (mulāzama) between legal and moral descriptions of actions. In the thirteenth/nineteenth century, Twelver Shīʿī legal theory (uṣūl al-fiqh) experienced a renaissance, and many established concepts were reevaluated, including the theory of mulāzama. One innovative, but controversial, new version of mulāzama was proposed by Muḥammad Ḥusayn b. Muḥammad ʿAbd al-Raḥīm al-Iṣfahānī (d. 1253/1837 or 1261/1845) in his book al-Fuṣūl al-Gharawiyya fī al-Uṣūl al-Fiqhiyya (“The Gharawī Chapters in Legal Theory”). He argued that the correlation was logically necessary, but only at the level of appearance (ẓāhir), leaving the question of “real” (ḥaqīqī) correlation moot. In this article, I examine al-Iṣfahānī’s theory and its reception (and ultimately, its rejection) in subsequent Twelver Shīʿī legal theory.
Decolonising Environmental Justice
Authors: Wiktor-Mach Dobrosława , Hajiagha Azad Rahim , Hamelink Wendelmoet
Published: December 2024

This article explores the practices and discourses of environmental justice in Iranian Kurdistan/Rojhelat. In the face of unprecedented destruction of the natural environment, Kurdish people, including a significant number of women, organise themselves to defend ecosystems, lakes, rivers, and forests, making them part of the global environmental justice movement. Local communities face growing challenges such as water scarcity, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, exploitation of natural resources, and pollution, which directly affect their lives and health. Drawing on decolonial and critical perspectives of environmental justice studies, we ask how Kurdish activists understand the concepts of “justice” and “environment” in the context of discriminatory practices of the capitalist, patriarchal, and authoritarian Iranian state. Based on interviews and fieldwork in the region, this article argues that the global environmental justice movement should pay closer attention to the contextual realities of the subaltern, their aims and ideas related to nature, justice, and women empowerment.
Interpretable Quality Control of Sparsely Distributed Environmental Sensor Networks Using Graph Neural Networks
Authors: Lasota Elżbieta , Houben Timo , Polz Julius , Schmidt Lennart , Glawion Luca , Schäfer David , Bumberger Jan , Chwala Christian
Published: December 2024

Environmental sensor networks play a crucial role in monitoring key parameters essential for understanding Earth’s systems. To ensure the reliability and accuracy of collected data, effective quality control (QC) measures are essential. Conventional QC methods struggle to handle the complexity of environmental data. Conversely, advanced techniques such as neural networks are typically not designed to process data from sensor networks with irregular spatial distribution. In this study, we focus on anomaly detection in environmental sensor networks using graph neural networks, which can represent sensor network structures as graphs. We investigate its performance on two datasets with distinct dynamics and resolution: commercial microwave link (CML) signal levels used for rainfall estimation and SoilNet soil moisture measurements. To evaluate the benefits of incorporating neighboring sensor information for anomaly detection, we compare two models: graph convolution network (GCN) and a graph-less baseline: long short-term memory (LSTM). Our robust evaluation through a five-fold cross validation demonstrates the superiority of the GCN models. For CML, the mean area under receiver operating characteristic curve for the GCN was 0.941 compared to 0.885 for the baseline LSTM, and for SoilNet, it was 0.858 for GCN and 0.816 for the baseline LSTM. Visual inspection of CML time series revealed that the GCN proficiently classified anomalies and remained resilient against rain-induced events often misidentified by the baseline LSTM. However, for SoilNet, the advantage of GCN was less pronounced, likely due to inconsistent and less precise labeling. Through interpretable model analysis, we demonstrate how feature attributions vividly illustrate the significance of neighboring sensor data, particularly in distinguishing between anomalies and expected changes in the signal level in the time series.
Soil Moisture–Latent Heat Flux Coupling in Climate Modeling: Insights and Implications from the Offline Land Model
Authors: Tokuda Daisuke , Hsu Hsin , Dirmeyer Paul A.
Published: December 2024

Understanding the relationship between soil moisture (SM) and latent heat flux (LE) is crucial for forecasting seasonal extremes like heat waves and droughts and grasping long-term climate systems. Despite its importance, substantial disparities exist among various models’ interpretations of this relationship. This study defines four SM–LE indicators: wilting point, critical SM, saturated LE, and SM–LE slope, characterizing SM–LE regimes and corresponding breakpoints delineating the regimes using segmented regression, and scrutinizes model disparities by contrasting conventional coupled simulations with matching offline land model (LM) simulations within phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) framework. It is revealed that those indicators have lower variability among ensemble members from the same model than among different models. Moreover, all indicators except for the SM–LE slope demonstrate strong correlations between the coupled and uncoupled simulations using the same LMs. While the spatial distributions of breakpoint values correspond only moderately well with the indicators’ values, they improve after adjusting for model atmospheric biases of precipitation and downward radiation. The impact of the atmospheric fields on the four SM–LE indicators is well correlated between the coupled and offline experiments, except for the relationship between precipitation and the wilting point. Consequently, this indicates a significant constraint of the SM–LE relationship in coupled model simulations determined by the LM’s behavior. Thus, one may determine much about the land–atmosphere coupling behavior parsimoniously in a model system without running the fully coupled model, justifying a hierarchical approach for model development and assessment.
Upper-Ocean Processes and Sea Ice Production in the Southeastern Amundsen Sea Polynya in Austral Autumn
Authors: Zheng Yixi , Webber Benjamin G. M. , Heywood Karen J. , Stevens David P. , Stammerjohn Sharon E. , Hall Rob A.
Published: December 2024

The mixed layer of polynyas is vital for local climate as it determines the exchange of properties and energy between ocean, sea ice, and atmosphere. However, its evolution is poorly understood, as it is controlled by complex interactions among these components, yet highly undersampled, especially outside summer. Here, we present a 2-month, high vertical-resolution, full-depth hydrographic dataset from the southeastern Amundsen Sea polynya in austral autumn (from mid-February to mid-April 2014) collected by a recovered seal tag. This novel dataset quantifies the changes in upper-ocean temperature and salinity stratification in this previously unobserved season. Our seal-tag measurements reveal that the mixed layer experiences deepening, salinification, and intense heat loss through surface fluxes. Heat and salt budgets suggest a sea ice formation rate of ∼3 cm per day. We use a one-dimensional model to reproduce the mixed layer evolution and further identify key controls on its characteristics. Our experiments with a range of reduced or amplified air–sea fluxes show that heat loss to the atmosphere and related sea ice formation are the principal determinants of stratification evolution. Additionally, our modeling demonstrates that horizontal advection is required to fully explain the mixed layer evolution, underlining the importance of the ice-covered neighboring region for determining sea ice formation rates in the Amundsen Sea polynya. Our findings suggest that the potential overestimation of sea ice production by satellite-based methods, due to the absence of oceanic heat flux, could be offset by horizontal advection inhibiting mixed layer deepening and sustaining sea ice formation.
Communal Grazing Land Distribution and Land Use Conflict in East Gojjam Zone: Insight From Baso Liben District, North-Western Ethiopia
Authors: Tessema Adane Mengist , Amsalu Tadesse Birhanu , Dadi Teshome Taffa
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to assess how the distribution of communal grazing land to youths contributes to conflict in Ethiopia. Utilizing a qualitative approach with a descriptive case study design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with purposively selected informants and document review. The findings revealed that conflicts often arise between Gotts, Kebeles, and even across district boundaries due to the perception of communal lands as unowned property. Therefore, it is essential to promote adequate legal frameworks and self-governing institutions to sustainably manage the commons.
REV-ERBα Inhibits Osteoclastogenesis and Protects against Alveolar Bone Loss
Authors: Zhang C. , Tan L. , Li J. , Shen Z. , Yao J. , Huang Y. , Wu L. , Yu C. , Gao L. , Zhao C.
Published: December 2024

Circadian rhythm disruption is thought to be associated with periodontitis, and molecular clock genes play critical roles in regulating bone homeostasis. However, the specific contribution of molecular clock genes to alveolar bone resorption caused by periodontitis is poorly understood. In this study, we introduced a novel Periodontitis Circadian Rhythm Score (PeriCRS) model that was established through machine learning using periodontal transcriptomic data from periodontitis clinical cohorts in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. This approach revealed the potential regulatory role of circadian rhythm disruption in periodontitis and identified key molecular clock genes associated with alveolar bone destruction. Moreover, we established an experimental periodontitis model with circadian rhythm disturbance via periodontal ligation in mice exposed to a 6-h advanced LD12:12 cycle every 2 d. Our bioinformatics analysis revealed that NR1D1, which encodes REV-ERBα, is a pivotal factor in the impact of circadian rhythm disruption on periodontitis in periodontal tissues. Next, we confirmed the abnormal expression of the molecular clock gene Rev-erbα in inflammatory periodontal tissue in mice and confirmed that circadian rhythm disruption altered REV-ERBα expression. Furthermore, the activation of REV-ERBα with the agonist SR9009 notably decreased RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation and suppressed the expression of osteoclast-related factors. Subsequent in vivo experiments demonstrated that SR9009 mitigated alveolar bone loss caused by periodontitis. Mechanistically, we found that the IL-22-STAT3 pathway inhibited REV-ERBα expression and modulated RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation in vitro. Our results elucidate the role of REV-ERBα in osteoclastogenesis and suggest a potential new therapeutic avenue for addressing alveolar bone resorption associated with periodontitis.
Pluralising pluralism in the study of populism
Authors: Yates Alex
Published: December 2024

Despite the widespread claim that populism and pluralism are incompatible, the latter is rarely defined clearly in the existing literature. This is significant as such purported incompatibility is used to argue that populist politics cannot sit comfortably within liberal democracy. I begin this article by examining the theoretical foundations of research on populism and pluralism, particularly from scholars who adopt the ideational approach. I highlight how this conception of pluralism is limited to protecting minority rights through liberal-democratic institutions, without considering how such institutions are often exclusionary. I then turn to the contributions of Ernesto Laclau and Chantal Mouffe on populism, pluralism, and hegemony. I suggest that while Mouffe sacrifices the counter-hegemonic potential of populism in pursuit of pluralism, Laclau sacrifices pluralism for counter-hegemony through his insistence that the universal can only be articulated through the particular. Moving beyond Laclau’s part-as-whole formulation, I develop an understanding of pluralism rooted in non-belonging, which grounds plurality in shared constitutive lack. This allows for the advancement of an indeterminate concept of ‘the people’ without the imposition of a universalised particular. Thinking of pluralism in these terms provides critical scholars of populism with a conceptualisation which does not depend solely on a liberal vocabulary.
A core outcome set for best care for the dying person: Results of an international Delphi study and consensus meeting
Authors: Zambrano Sofia C. , Egloff Martina , Gonzalez-Jaramillo Valentina , Christen-Cevallos Rosero Andri , Allan Simon , Barnestein-Fonseca Pilar , Ellershaw John , Fischer Claudia , Haugen Dagny Faksvåg , Lunder Urška , Martin-Rosello Marisa , Mason Stephen , Rasmussen Birgit , Sigurðardóttir Valgerdur , Simon Judt , Tripodoro Vilma A. , van der Heide Agnes , van Zuylen Lia , Voltz Raymond , Fürst Carl Johan , Williamson Paula R. , Eychmüller Steffen ,   on behalf of iLIVE
Published: December 2024

Background:

Outcome measurement is essential to progress clinical practice and improve patient care.

Aim:

To develop a Core Outcome Set for best care for the dying person.

Design:

We followed the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) Initiative guidelines, which involved identifying potential outcomes via a systematic literature review (n = 619 papers) and from participants in the “iLIVE” project (10 countries: 101 patients, 37 family members, 63 clinicians), followed by a two-round Delphi study, and a consensus meeting.

Setting/participants:

Clinicians, researchers, family members, and patient representatives from 20 countries participated in the Delphi Rounds 1 (n = 462) and 2 (n = 355). Thirty-two participants attended the consensus meeting.

Results:

From the systematic review and the cohort study we identified 256 and 238 outcomes respectively, from which we extracted a 52-outcome list covering areas related to the patients’ physical, psychosocial, and spiritual dimensions, family support, place of care and care delivery, relational aspects of care, and general concepts. A preliminary 13-outcome list reached consensus during the Delphi. At the consensus meeting, a 14-item Core Outcome Set was ratified by the participants.

Conclusions:

This study involved a large and diverse sample of key stakeholders in defining the core outcome set for best care for the dying person, focusing on the last days of life. By actively integrating the perspectives of family carers and patient representatives from various cultural backgrounds this Core Outcome Set enriches our understanding of essential elements of care for the dying and provides a solid foundation for advancing quality of end-of-life care.
Long lasting argon neuroprotection in a non-human primate model of transient endovascular ischemic stroke
Authors: González Torrecilla Sandra , Delbrel Alisée , Giacomino Laura , Meunier David , Sein Julien , Renaud Luc , Brige Pauline , Garrigue Philippe , Hak Jean Francois , Guillet Benjamin , Brunel Hervé , Farjot Géraldine , Brochier Thomas , Velly Lionel
Published: December 2024

In the past decade, noble gases have emerged as highly promising neuroprotective agents. Previous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of argon neuroprotection in rodent models of cerebral ischemia. The objective of the present pre-clinical study was to confirm the neuroprotective effect of argon in a non-human primate model of endovascular ischemic stroke. Thirteen adult Macaca mulatta were subjected to a focal cerebral ischemia induced by a transient (90 min) middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). The monkeys were randomly allocated to a control group (n = 8) and an argon group (n = 5). Pre-mixed gas (40–60 oxygen-argon) was applied 30 min after the onset of tMCAO to 30 min after reperfusion. Infarct volumes were measured from the MRI scans conducted 1 hour and 1 month after the reperfusion. A clinical neurological assessment was performed 24 hours and 1 month after tMCAO. Our results show that Argon dramatically reduced ischemic core volume after ischemia compared to the control group with a long-lasting improvement of post-stroke infarct volume at 1 month. In addition, the neurological scale suggests a better prognosis in argon-treated animals without reaching the significance threshold. These pre-clinical results in gyrencephalic non-human primates support the potential use of this therapeutic approach for future clinical studies.
Preclinical validation and kinetic modelling of the SV2A PET ligand [18F]UCB-J in mice
Authors: Everix Liesbeth , Elvas Filipe , Miranda Menchaca Alan , Khetarpal Vinod , Liu Longbin , Bard Jonathan , Staelens Steven , Bertoglio Daniele
Published: December 2024

Synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A) is ubiquitously expressed in presynaptic terminals where it functions as a neurotransmission regulator protein. Synaptopathy has been reported during healthy ageing and in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of SV2A can be used to evaluate synaptic density. The PET ligand [11C]UCB-J has high binding affinity and selectivity for SV2A but has a short physical half-life due to the 11C isotope. Here we report the characterization and validation of its 18F-labeled equivalent, [18F]UCB-J, in terms of specificity, reproducibility and stability in C57BL/6J mice. Plasma analysis revealed at least one polar radiometabolite. Kinetic modelling was performed using a population-based metabolite corrected image-derived input function (IDIF). [18F]UCB-J showed relatively fast kinetics and a reliable measure of the IDIF-based volume of distribution ( VT(IDIF)). [18F]UCB-J specificity for SV2A was confirmed through a levetiracetam blocking assay (50 to 200 mg/kg). Reproducibility of the VT(IDIF) was determined through test-retest analysis, revealing significant correlation (r2 = 0.773, p < 0.0001). Time-stability analyses indicate a scan duration of 60 min to be sufficient to obtain a reliable VT(IDIF). In conclusion, [18F]UCB-J is a selective SV2A ligand with optimal kinetics in mice. Further investigation is warranted for (pre)clinical applicability of [18F]UCB-J in synaptopathies.
Leveraging Mendelian randomization to inform drug discovery and development for ischemic stroke
Authors: Daghlas Iyas , Gill Dipender
Published: December 2024

Discovery and development of efficacious and safe pharmacological therapies is fraught with challenges. As proteins constitute the majority of drug targets and are encoded by genes, naturally occurring genetic variation within populations can provide valuable insights to inform drug discovery and development efforts. The drug target Mendelian randomization (MR) paradigm leverages these principles to investigate the causal effects of drug targets in humans. This review examines the application of drug target MR in informing the efficacy and development of therapeutics for ischemic stroke prevention and treatment. We consider applications of MR for existing and novel treatment strategies, including targeting blood pressure, lipid metabolism, coagulation, inflammation and glycemic control. Several of these genetically supported targets are under evaluation in late-stage clinical trials. Methodological limitations of drug target MR are addressed, followed by an outline of future research directions. We anticipate that careful application of drug target MR will enhance the efficiency of drug development for ischemic stroke, consequently accelerating the delivery of effective medications to patients.
A Qualitative Study and Future Research Agenda for Cultivating Critical Thinking in Culturally Diverse Postgraduate Students
Authors: Green Malcolm , Stangl Loren , Denz Frances , Cope Simon
Published: December 2024

Critical thinking, based on Western cognitive models, is a commonly expected and desired skill in learners in Western academic institutions. This phenomenological study uses an interpretivist paradigm to explore culturally-influenced perceptions of critical thinking. It suggests ways through which marketing instructors and culturally diverse, postgraduate students can change their perspectives to enhance critical-thinking enactment and expression in culturally diverse marketing classrooms. The study expounds a clarified construct of critical thinking and presents a critical-thinking cultivation framework to empower culturally diverse, postgraduate, marketing students with the ability and self-authority to engage in critical thinking. In addition, a toolset of critical-thinking cultivation techniques is offered that marketing instructors can use in the classroom to enable them to achieve their course and university objectives.
RAB32 promotes glioma cell progression by activating the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Sinan , Jiang Xudong , Wei Qing , Huang Liji , Huang Zhuoyan , Zhang Lina
Published: December 2024

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the role of RAB32 in glioblastomas and its molecular mechanisms that regulate gliomas.

Methods

The expression and prognostic value of RAB32 were evaluated using western blotting and the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive, Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas, and The Cancer Genome Atlas databases. Lentivirus containing sh-RAB32 or OE-RAB32 was used to manipulate RAB32 expression in glioma cells. The effects of RAB32 on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were determined by western blotting, cell counting kit-8, plate cloning, wound healing, and transwell assays. Gene set enrichment analysis was used to screen for associations between the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway and RAB32. The role of this pathway was verified using JAK/STAT3 inhibitors.

Results

RAB32 expression was significantly upregulated in patients with glioma and in glioma cell lines. The expression level was positively correlated with the glioma grade and served as an independent prognostic factor. In vitro experiments revealed that RAB32 knockdown inhibited glioblastoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while the opposite effects were observed with overexpression and could be inhibited by the JAK/STAT3 inhibitor BP-1-102.

Conclusion

RAB32 promotes malignant progression of glioblastoma cells through the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, providing new possibilities for therapeutic targets for glioblastoma.
‘I had my guard up for a long time and that probably didn’t help’: Exploring care leavers’ experiences of the barriers to accessing mental health support during adolescence using photo-elicitation and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Authors: Young Helena , Melia Yvonne , Chance-Lawton Laura
Published: December 2024

Children in care are more likely to experience significant mental health difficulties and consequently poorer long-term outcomes. However, they are less likely to receive professional mental health support than children living with their birth parents. Exploration of the barriers to accessing support from the perspective of care-experienced young people is limited within the literature; the present study aimed to bridge this gap. Six care leavers aged 18–25 years old engaged in a photo-elicitation-based interview that explored their experiences of the barriers to accessing professional mental health support during adolescence. Data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), and five group experiential themes and 10 subthemes were identified. The group themes were ‘A lost cause’, ‘Alone no matter what’, ‘Don’t talk about mental health problems’, ‘Misunderstood’ and ‘Nobody helped us’. The clinical implications are discussed, as well as recommendations for future research.
Two service evaluations of LEAPlets – An early years programme for children in foster care and adoption, based on the BUSS® (Building Underdeveloped Sensorimotor Systems) Model
Authors: Lloyd Sarah , Jones Natalie , Smith Danielle
Published: December 2024

BUSS® is a relationally based intervention, bringing an appreciation of the role nurture, touch and movement play in the development of bodily regulation in early childhood. Following a neurosequential understanding of development ( Perry and Hambrick, 2008 ), BUSS® works to support foster carers and adoptive parents in understanding both the disruptive impact of trauma on the development of their child’s foundation sensorimotor systems and the critical role they can play in ameliorating this disruption. Good bodily regulation offers children a platform upon which relationships, emotional regulation and learning can grow ( Lloyd, 2023 ).

LEAPlets is a group for children and their parents and carers, based on the BUSS® Model. It aims to build attachment relationships, supporting parents and carers in understanding and rebuilding their child’s foundation sensorimotor systems.

This paper brings together two service evaluation projects of LEAPlets carried out by clinical psychologists in training. The first evaluation is of LEAPlets as a school readiness programme for children in foster care in Leeds. The second evaluation is the LEAPlets group in One Adoption West Yorkshire (OAWY) for new adoptive parents and their newly adopted children.

While more research is needed, both studies showed improvements for the children in bodily and emotional regulation, communication and relationships, as well as positive changes in skill development, understanding of their child, and relationships for foster carers and adoptive parents. Models like LEAPlets, which address both the relational and sensorimotor consequences of early trauma, may usefully form part of early intervention programmes for care-experienced children. Training to run LEAPlets groups has been developed, and groups are now running in England, Wales and the Republic of Ireland. This will be explored and discussed, with reference to school readiness, impact on foster carers and supporting adoptive families early in their life together.
Development and evaluation of a liposome hydrogel system for enhanced delivery of drospirenone at higher doses
Authors: Zhang Xuena , Wang Xuehan , Xu Juan , Wang Ting
Published: December 2024

Drospirenone (DROP) is a highly effective, low-toxicity, safe new generation progestin that counteracts estrogen-related sodium retention, is well tolerated, and has a positive effect on premenstrual syndrome (PMS). However, the low water solubility of DROP and its chemical instability resulted in low bioavailability. In this study, we developed a two-step delivery system to enhance drospirenone’s solubility and stability. We prepared a drospirenone liposome complex to optimize the encapsulation process and achieve an encapsulation efficiency of (84.9 ± 0.73) %, with an 878-fold increase in solubility under optimal conditions. To address the instability of high drug-loading liposomes, we immobilized the drospirenone liposome inclusion complex using a cellulose-based hydrogel. The system achieved uniform loading of liposomes in the hydrogel, as confirmed by SEM and FTIR analysis. 0.5 g hydrogel can be loaded with up to 96.48 mg drospirenone, and the encapsulation efficiency is (80.4 ± 1.17%). It was indicating the potential for wider application of drospirenone with enhanced water solubility and improved stability. At the same time, it also provides support for sustained-release systems or large dose drug delivery.
Cultivating communications skills as career preparation through multiple project experiences
Authors: Madan Ryan , LeChasseur Kimberly , Boucher-Yip Esther
Published: December 2024

Communication skills remain in high demand among employers. PBL provides multiple opportunities for students to practice communication. Yet there is little exploration of PBL environments’ potential for aiding student communications development. We used quasi-experimental methods to examine whether the communication skills gained during PBL increased with multiple high-quality projects and the extent to which those communication skills contributed to career preparation. We surveyed 420 alumni from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and conducted one way analyses of variance and hierarchical multiple linear regression. Alumni attribute significant improvement in their communication skills to their experiences with project-based learning, which increased significantly with multiple high-quality project experiences. Gains in communication skills was a significant predictor of how prepared alumni report being for their careers, even after controlling for growth in self-efficacy and the specific influence of capstone project experiences. This study is one of the first to look at the return on investment to students’ learning of having multiple project experiences.
“Let’s get PrEP’d” – A pilot service evaluation of the LVNDR health digital pre-exposure prophylaxis pathway for HIV prevention
Authors: Wells Joshua S. , Ching Jennifer , Boyadjian Araxie , El Badaoui Christopher
Published: December 2024

Background

Despite the availability of PrEP, 2023 data have demonstrated an increase in new HIV diagnoses. LGBTQ + individuals are disproportionately affected by HIV. PrEP access is crucial but limited due to high demand on sexual health services. Additional modalities of PrEP access may help to address this unmet need. LVNDR Health, a digital solution for LGBTQ + care, sought to evaluate its PrEP pathway.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional service evaluation of users accessing the LVNDR digital PrEP pathway between December 2022-April 2023. Operational data (e.g., appointment attendance) were derived from the clinical dashboard. Service-user feedback (e.g., service experience) was sought using a bespoke questionnaire. Descriptive statistics are reported for socio-demographic information. Non-parametric between-group analyses are reported.

Results

In total, 90 users completed the end-to-end pathway and received PrEP. Average time for pathway completion was 2.7 weeks. A survey response rate of 71.0% was achieved. Users reported significantly higher service satisfaction, inclusivity, and accessibility, compared to their most recent experience accessing PrEP ( p < .01). Up to 89% of users strongly agreed they would switch to a digital PrEP service if made available.

Conclusion

Digital PrEP shows acceptability among LGBTQ + populations. More research is needed to assess scalability, digital equity, and cost-effectiveness.
Rethinking the Role of Teams and Training in Geopolitical Forecasting: The Effect of Uncontrolled Method Variance on Statistical Conclusions
Authors: Hauenstein Clifford E. , Thomas Rick P. , Illingworth David A. , Dougherty Michael R.
Published: December 2024

Using data from a geopolitical forecasting tournament, Mellers et al. (2014) [Psychological strategies for winning a geopolitical forecasting tournament. Psychological Science, 25, 1106–1115] concluded that forecasting ability was improved by allowing participants to work in teams and providing them with probability training. Here, we reevaluated Mellers et al.’s conclusions using an item response theory framework that models latent ability from forecasting choices. We found that the relationship between latent ability estimates and forecast accuracy differed from the interpretation of the original findings once key extraneous variables were statistically controlled. The best fit models across the first 2 years of the tournament included one or more extraneous variables that substantially eliminated, reduced, and, in some cases, even reversed the effects of the experimental manipulations of teaming and training on latent forecasting ability. We also show that latent traits associated with strategic responding can discriminate between superforecasters and non-superforecasters, making it difficult to identify the latent factors that underlie the superforecasters’ superior performance.
Theoretical analyses of the performance parameters of PEM fuel cells at various operating temperatures and pressures
Authors: Atak Nisa Nur , Dogan Battal , Yesilyurt Murat Kadir
Published: December 2024

In the present study, the performance parameters for a single-cell PEM fuel cell with 50 cm2 active surface area and 0.0178 cm polymer membrane thickness at 4 different operating temperatures (303, 323, 343, and 363 K) and 4 different operating pressures (3, 6, 9, and 12 atm) was investigated by theoretical analysis. Hydrogen and oxygen partial pressures, membrane resistivity, internal resistance, activation, ohmic and concentration losses, cell voltage, power density, and thermal efficiency were calculated using this analysis. It has been observed that the augmentation of temperature and pressure in the fuel cell leads to a favorable increase in cell voltage, power density, and thermal efficiency. The thermal efficiency values were found to be 23% and 39%, respectively at the following conditions: temperatures of 303 K and 363 K, current density of 1 A/cm2, and constant pressure. At the same current density, the thermal efficiency is 29% and 32% at 3 atm and 12 atm operating pressures at a constant temperature. When operated under constant current density and temperature conditions, an increase in the operating pressure of the PEMFC from 3 atm to 12 atm results in a corresponding increase in cell voltage, from 0.4422 V to 0.4755 V, respectively. It was observed that the influence of temperature on the thermal efficiency of the PEM fuel cell was led to be higher than the influence of pressure.
Fixed-time tracking control for multiple nonholonomic mobile robots based on visual servoing
Authors: Ou Meiying , Zhang Zhenxing , Sun Haibin , Li Lingchun , Wang Xianbing
Published: December 2024

The problem of fixed-time tracking control for multiple nonholonomic mobile robots systems is studied, where a camera with uncalibrated parameters is used to measure the status of each robot. By employing graph theory, fixed-time stability theory, adding a power integrator technique and Lyapunov stability analysis, a novel type of fixed-time controller is proposed for each mobile robot, and the control schemes can make the tracking errors of each robot converge to zero within fixed time. The convergence time obtained in this paper is independent of initial conditions of the whole system, this control method is more practical in some situations. In the end, some simulation examples are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
The effect of scientific conspiracy theories on scepticism towards biotechnologies
Authors: Marques Mathew D , Kerr John R , Stukas Arthur A , McLennan Jim
Published: December 2024

Many conspiracy theories implicate scientists and science. We investigated the impact of exposure to scientific conspiracies about biotechnologies. Across three preregistered online studies ( Ns = 1,000), participants who read information about conspiracies involving agribiotechnology companies or biobank scientists were more likely to endorse conspiracies. Other effects of exposure to conspiracy information were mixed. In Study 1, reading about an agricultural biotechnology conspiracy had a small significant effect on reducing intentions to eat genetically modified food. In Study 2, exposure to a conspiracy involving biobank scientists decreased support for biobanks, mediated by decreased trust in biobank scientists. In Study 3, this conspiracy had no effect on wider beliefs of the role of science in society (science populism), nor support of genetically modified food-promoting policies. Overall, we found that exposure to conspiracies involving scientific claims increased conspiracy belief endorsement and can further negative effects. However, the effects of conspiracies on science populism appear limited.
Spontaneous natural killer cell lymphoproliferative disorder in a rhesus macaque
Authors: Barro Marietta V. , Garzel Laura M. , Keesler Rebekah I. , Casey Kerriann M. , Olstad Katherine J.
Published: December 2024

Lymphoproliferative disorders of natural killer (NK)-cell lineage are well documented in humans but have yet to be documented in non-human primates (NHPs). Here we describe a case of NK-cell lymphoproliferative disorder/leukemia in a 20-y-old captive female rhesus macaque ( Macaca mulatta). The animal clinically had mild splenomegaly and marked lymphocytosis with small-to-medium lymphocytes in blood smears. By flow cytometry and cluster differentiation, the lymphocytes were CD3-negative, CD8-positive, CD4-negative, and CD20-negative for cell surface markers; immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of intracellular CD3 and granzyme B. This immunoprofile is consistent with a NK-cell phenotype. Histologically, these cells were predominantly intravascular within the splenic red pulp, liver sinusoids, and to a lesser degree bone marrow. Oncogenic viruses, such as Mason-Pfizer monkey viruses (MPMV; formerly, and commonly known as, simian retroviruses or SRV; Retroviridae, Betaretrovirus maspfimon); simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV; Retroviridae, Lentivirus simimdef), and primate T-lymphotropic virus 1 (PTLV1; commonly known as simian T-lymphotropic virus type 1, STLV1; Retroviridae, Deltaretrovirus priTlym1), were not detected in this animal by serology. Immunohistochemistry using EBNA2 antibody to detect rhesus and cynomolgus monkey lymphocryptovirus (McGHV4/RLV and McGHV10 respectively; Orthoherpesviridae, Lymphocryptovirus macacinegamma4 and Lymphocryptovirus macacinegamma13, respectively) was negative. Together these findings are consistent with a diagnosis of naturally occurring NK-cell lymphoproliferative disorder. NK-cell lymphoproliferative disorder has not been reported previously in rhesus macaques, to our knowledge.