bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Course of a Rare Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Smooth Muscle Tumor and Its Genomic Analysis
Authors: Miyahara Jun , Shimazu Kazuhiro , Saito Ayano , Saito Mitsuru , Fukuda Koji , Yoshida Taichi , Taguchi Daiki , Shinozaki Hanae , Takahashi Naoto , Nanjyo Hiroshi , Shibata Hiroyuki
Published: August 2023

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can rarely induce smooth muscle tumors (SMTs). A 20-year-old female patient underwent kidney transplantation for renal failure. Since then, she has been treated with immunosuppressants, including a calcineurin inhibitor, tacrolimus, and prednisolone, owing to the immunological rejection. Three years later, she developed large liver tumors (diameter >5 cm) and multiple small lung tumors that were identified as EBV-SMTs based on the results of liver biopsy/histopathology. No intervention was performed except for the addition of a mammalian target of the rapamycin inhibitor, everolimus, which inhibits both immune reaction and SMT growth. Finally, after 8 years, the transplanted kidney became nonfunctional, and immunosuppressant administration became unnecessary as urinary dialysis was started. Under these circumstances, SMT growth was observed despite the absence of immunosuppressant administration. Three months after the cessation of the immunosuppressants, EBV-SMTs in the liver and lungs shrank slightly. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the genomic profile of this rare tumor. The clinical course of our patient indicates that EBV can induce SMTs, and immunological suppression of EBV may inhibit the activity of these tumors.
Trichoscopy as a Tool to Evaluate Early Dissecting Cellulitis in Patients Affected by Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Prospective Monocentric Observational Study
Authors: May Lee Marco , Naldi Luigi , Piraccini Bianca Maria , Starace Michela V.R. , Alessandrini Aurora , Sechi Andrea
Published: August 2023

Background: Dissecting cellulitis (DC) is a rare neutrophilic dermatosis that leads to cicatricial alopecia. Although DC and Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) have similar characteristics, their association remains poorly understood. Objectives: In this prospective observational study, we used trichoscopy to identify subclinical signs of DC in male patients aged 18 years or older, presenting with HS. The objective of this study was to use trichoscopy to identify subclinical signs of DC in patients with confirmed diagnosis of HS. Method: In this prospective, monocentric, observational study, we used trichoscopy to identify subclinical signs of DC in male patients aged 18 years or older, presenting with HS for their initial visit at our HS outpatient clinic from February 1, 2022, to January 31, 2023. Results: Of the 23 male patients with HS, 8 (35%) had subclinical trichoscopy findings consistent with DC. The most frequent location was the vertex (6/8), and the majority of patients had early/inflammatory trichoscopic signs of DC (5/8). Additionally, patients with trichoscopic findings consistent with DC had a higher Hurley stage and the International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System (IHS4). Among the cases with trichoscopic findings compatible with DC, the majority (6/8) were classified as having a “follicular” HS according to the Canoui-Poitrine classification. Patients were treated according to European S1 guidelines on HS. Conclusions: This is the first study to evaluate subclinical DC findings in HS patients using trichoscopy. Although the trichoscopic findings of DC are heterogeneous, the use of this non-invasive technique, in conjunction with clinical evaluation, can improve diagnostic accuracy and lead to earlier diagnosis. These findings suggest a potential association between HS and DC, indicating the need for further studies to evaluate this relationship.
Trichoscopic Findings Post Hair Restoration Surgery
Authors: Bloch Leila David , Rocchetto Helena
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Trichoscopy is a noninvasive diagnostic method for hair and scalp diseases. Data on trichoscopy post hair restoration surgery are limited, and some authors show no relevant changes. Case Presentation: Trichoscopic findings in 45 patients are described, after being followed for 12 months after hair restoration surgery. They evolved without any hair disease. Conclusion: Trichoscopy showed some hair shaft abnormalities previously described in alopecia areata and chemotherapy-induced alopecia.
Hydroxychloroquine Attenuates hERG Channel by Promoting the Membrane Channel Degradation: Computational Simulation and Experimental Evidence for QT-Interval Prolongation with Hydroxychloroquine Treatment
Authors: Wang Xiqiang , Feng Yunfei , Liu Senmiao , Liu Jing , Pan Shuo , Wei Linyan , Ma Yanpeng , Liu Zhongwei , Xing Yujie , Wang Junkui , Cui Qianwei , Zhang Yong , Wang Tingzhong , Cai Chuipu
Published: August 2023

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to millions of confirmed cases and deaths worldwide and has no approved therapy. Currently, more than 700 drugs are tested in the COVID-19 clinical trials, and full evaluation of their cardiotoxicity risks is in high demand. Methods: We mainly focused on hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), one of the most concerned drugs for COVID-19 therapy, and investigated the effects and underlying mechanisms of HCQ on hERG channel via molecular docking simulations. We further applied the HEK293 cell line stably expressing hERG-wild-type channel (hERG-HEK) and HEK293 cells transiently expressing hERG-p.Y652A or hERG-p.F656A mutants to validate our predictions. Western blot analysis was used to determine the hERG channel, and the whole-cell patch clamp was utilized to record hERG current (IhERG). Results: HCQ reduced the mature hERG protein in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Correspondingly, chronic and acute treatment of HCQ decreased the hERG current. Treatment with brefeldin A (BFA) and HCQ combination reduced hERG protein to a greater extent than BFA alone. Moreover, disruption of the typical hERG binding site (hERG-p.Y652A or hERG-p.F656A) rescued HCQ-mediated hERG protein and IhERG reduction. Conclusion: HCQ can reduce the mature hERG channel expression and IhERG via enhancing channel degradation. The QT prolongation effect of HCQ is mediated by typical hERG binding sites involving residues Tyr652 and Phe656.
Advances for Dysphagia in the Digital Age: Integrative Imaging and Wearable Technologies
Authors: Malandraki Georgia A.
Published: August 2023

Background: In the past four to five decades, the field of swallowing science has made significant strides in the evaluation and treatment of swallowing disorders (dysphagia). Despite these strides, several gaps in knowledge remain and optimal approaches for dysphagia management have yet to be established. Part of this hindrance stems from our relatively limited understanding of the complex underlying swallowing mechanisms which further limits our ability to examine how these mechanisms may be altered in patients with dysphagia and how to optimally target them in therapy. To overcome this hindrance, it is critical that we develop sensitive new tools and methods that will allow for the precise and personalized examination of patients’ complex swallowing control and neurophysiological changes, and for the direct targeting of this control to improve treatment effectiveness. Summary: Herein, the advantages and limitations of current approaches in the study of swallowing biomechanics and central and peripheral swallowing control mechanisms are first summarized. Then, two examples of recent technological advances developed by the author’s multidisciplinary team are described, including an integrative MRI sequence that allows for the simultaneous examination of oropharyngeal swallow and brain activity (SimulScan), and a novel wearable surface electromyography sensor technology (i-Phagia) designed for swallowing rehabilitation monitoring. The current state, limitations, and future applications of both technologies are discussed. Upon optimization and validation, such technological advancements can offer unprecedented opportunities to gain direct and precise insights on the swallowing mechanism. Information gained from these and similar new technologies can act as a catalyst for the future development of optimized personalized dysphagia care. By leveraging advances in current methods, multidisciplinary collaborations, and new digital age technologies, the field of dysphagia can take the next giant leap forward in improving clinical care and patient lives. Key Messages: There is a critical need to develop sensitive new tools and methods that will allow for the precise and personalized examination of the complex swallowing mechanism and lead to the development of physiology-based and more effective interventions. The digital age is the ideal time to begin leveraging the technological advancements of fields such as imaging, electrophysiology, wearables, and machine learning to advance dysphagia research and practice. A new integrative MRI sequence and a novel wearable surface electromyography sensor technology developed by the author’s team are presented, as examples of recent technological advances that can play an important role in the future of personalized dysphagia care.
Real-World Outcomes of FLOT versus CROSS Regimens for Patients with Oesophagogastric Cancers
Authors: Shahnam Adel , Nindra Udit , McNamee Nicholas , Yoon Robert , Asghari Ray , Ng Weng , Karikios Deme , Wong Mark
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Treatment of oesophageal (OC), gastro-oesophageal junction (GOJ), and gastric cancer (GC) includes either neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for Oesophageal Cancer Followed by Surgery Study (CROSS) for OC or GOJ or perioperative 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin, and docetaxel (FLOT) for OC, GOJ, and GC adenocarcinomas. This study aims to describe the real-world outcomes of patients with GC, GOJ, and OC treated with FLOT or CROSS and identify variables associated with efficacy through exploratory analysis. We also aimed to evaluate the comparison of FLOT and CROSS for the treatment of OC and GOJ adenocarcinomas. Methods: This is a retrospective observational study of patients with locally advanced OC, GOJ, or GC treated with FLOT or CROSS between January 2015 and June 2021 in 5 cancer centres across Sydney, Australia. Long-rank test was used to compare survival estimated between subgroups. Hazard ratios for univariate and multivariate analyses were estimated with Cox proportional regression. Results: The study included 168 patients. The 24-month relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) for FLOT were 59% and 69%, respectively. The median RFS was 29.6 months and median OS was not reached. For CROSS, the 24-month RFS and OS were 55% and 63% with a median RFS and OS of 28.5 and 40.2 months, respectively. There was no difference in OS and RFS between the treatments. FLOT was less tolerable than CROSS with more dose reductions, treatment discontinuation, and clinically relevant grade 3 and 4 toxicity. Neutrophil lymphocyte ratio was associated with survival for both treatments. Conclusion: Similar efficacy outcomes were seen in this real-world population compared to the clinical trials for FLOT and CROSS.
Vascular Dysfunction in Polycystic Kidney Disease: A Mini-Review
Authors: Dennis Melissa R. , Pires Paulo W. , Banek Christopher T.
Published: August 2023

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is one of the most common hereditary kidney diseases, which is characterized by progressive cyst growth and secondary hypertension. In addition to cystogenesis and renal abnormalities, patients with PKD can develop vascular abnormalities and cardiovascular complications. Progressive cyst growth substantially alters renal structure and culminates into end-stage renal disease. There remains no cure beyond renal transplantation, and treatment options remain largely limited to chronic renal replacement therapy. In addition to end-stage renal disease, patients with PKD also present with hypertension and cardiovascular disease, yet the timing and interactions between the cardiovascular and renal effects of PKD progression are understudied. Here, we review the vascular dysfunction found in clinical and preclinical models of PKD, including the clinical manifestations and relationship to hypertension, stroke, and related cardiovascular diseases. Finally, our discussion also highlights the critical questions and emerging areas in vascular research in PKD.
Application Value of Limb Ischemic Preconditioning in Preventing Intradialytic Hypotension during Maintenance Hemodialysis
Authors: Mao Yaqin , Xu Linfang , Xu Juntian , Tang Yushang , Liu Tongqiang
Published: August 2023

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of limb ischemia preconditioning (LIPC) in the treatment of intradialytic hypotension (IDH) in patients with maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). Methods: This was a single-center, prospective, and randomized controlled case study. A total of 38 patients with MHD who met the inclusion criteria from September 2021 to August 2022 were selected from the Blood Purification Center of our hospital. They were randomly divided into the LIPC group (n = 19) and the control group (n = 19). For patients in the LIPC group, the femoral artery blood flow was blocked with an LIPC instrument for 5 min (pressurized to 200 mm Hg) before each dialysis, and they were reperfused for 5 min. The cycle was repeated five times, with a total of 50 min for 12 weeks. The control group was pressurized to 20 mm Hg with an LIPC instrument, and the rest was the same as the LIPC group. The blood pressure of 0 h, 1 h, 2 h, 3 h, 4 h, and body weight before and after hemodialysis were measured in the two groups during hemodialysis, the incidence of IDH and the changes of serum troponin I (TNI) and creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB) levels before and after the intervention were observed, and the ultrafiltration volume and ultrafiltration rate were recorded. Results: At the 8th and 12th week after intervention, the MAP in the LIPC group was higher than that in the control group (103.28 ± 12.19 mm Hg vs. 93.18 ± 11.11 mm Hg, p = 0.04; 101.81 ± 11.36 mm Hg vs. 91.81 ± 11.92 mm Hg, p = 0.047). The incidence of IDH in the LIPC group was lower than that in the control group (36.5% vs. 43.1%, p = 0.01). The incidence of clinical treatment in IDH patients in the LIPC group was lower than that in the control group (6.3% vs. 12.4%, p = 0.00). The incidence of early termination of hemodialysis in the LIPC group was lower than that in the control group (1.6% vs. 3.8%, p = 0.01). The levels of TNI and CK-MB in the LIPC group after the intervention were lower than those in the control group (322.30 ± 13.72 ng/dL vs. 438.50 ± 24.72 ng/dL, p = 0.00; 159.78 ± 8.48 U/dL vs. 207.00 ± 8.70 U/dL, p = 0.00). The changes of MAP before and after the intervention were negatively correlated with the changes of TNI and CK-MB before and after the intervention (r = −0.473, p = 0.04; r = −0.469, p = 0.04). There were no differences in dry body mass and ultrafiltration rate between the two groups before and after the LIPC intervention (p > 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis shows that TNI is the main influencing factor of ΔMAP. No LIPC-related adverse events were found during the study period. Conclusion: LIPC can effectively reduce the incidence of IDH in patients with MHD and may be associated with the alleviation of myocardial damage.
Can Frequent Toothbrushing Reduce the Risk of Cirrhosis among Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease? Hints from a Registry-Based Study
Authors: Keklikkiran Caglayan , Stepanova Maria , Younossi Zobair , Yilmaz Yusuf
Published: August 2023

Introduction: While poor oral hygiene has been previously associated with an increased risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), its association with hepatic fibrosis remains unclear. Here, we sought to analyze if toothbrushing frequency, an easy-to-assess indicator of oral health habits, would be associated with liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by transient elastography (TE) in patients with an established diagnosis of NAFLD. Methods: In this registry-based study, LSM was measured in 1,156 patients with NAFLD and analyzed in relation to the self-reported daily frequency of toothbrushing. LSM values ≥12 kPa were considered indicative of cirrhosis. Results: A trend toward a stepwise decrease (cross-sectional p = 0.13) in LSM was found in patients who reported having their teeth brushed more frequently: less than once a day (10.6 ± 8.6 kPa; 13% of the study sample), once a day (9.95 ± 8.40 kPa; 40%), twice a day (9.21 ± 7.63 kPa; 43%), and after every meal (8.91 ± 5.30 kPa; 4%). Patients who brushed their teeth less than once a day had a significantly higher prevalence of LSM values ≥12 kPa (p < 0.05). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, the association of LSM values ≥12 kPa with toothbrushing habits remained statistically significant for less than once a day (odds ratio = 1.69, 95% confidence interval = 1.07−2.66, p = 0.02) with reference to twice a day or after every meal. Conclusion: Among patients with NAFLD, there is an independent association between brushing teeth less than once a day and TE-established cirrhosis.
Health and Well‐Being in Older Adults With a Surgically Closed or an Unrepaired Ventricular Septal Defect
Authors: Maagaard Marie , Eckerström Filip , Schram Anne‐Sif Lund , Jensen Heidi Amalie Rosendahl , Hjortdal Vibeke
Published: August 2023

Background

Older adults with a congenital ventricular septal defect (VSD) recently exhibited reduced heart rate variability and exercise capacity. It is unknown whether these findings affect health‐related quality of life.

Methods and Results

Adults with VSDs and healthy controls, all concurrently included as part of another clinical study, completed the Danish National Health Survey questionnaire. Questionnaire data distributed to the general population were included and matched 10:1 with patients. Thirty patients with surgically closed VSDs (mean±SD age, 51±8 years), 300 adults from the general population (mean±SD age, 50±8 years), and 30 controls (mean±SD age, 51±9 years), as well as 30 patients with unrepaired VSDs (mean±SD age, 55±11 years), 300 adults from the general population (mean±SD age, 55±12 years), and 30 controls (mean±SD age, 55±10 years) completed the questionnaire. Educational level, social relations, and physical activity were comparable between groups. A larger proportion of patients with unrepaired VSDs compared with the general population experienced migraine (47% versus 24%;
P
=0.04), whereas more patients with surgically closed VSDs were affected by depression (13% versus 4%;
P
=0.02). For health‐related quality of life, patients with surgically closed VSDs reported lower physical functioning (
P
<0.01), physical component summary (
P
<0.01), general health perception (
P
<0.01), and higher stress score (
P
=0.03) compared with the general population and healthy controls. Patients with unrepaired VSDs reported lower scores on physical functioning (
P
=0.03), bodily pain (
P
<0.01), and mental health (
P
=0.02), and a higher stress score (
P
=0.03), than controls.

Conclusions

Older patients with VSDs report lower self‐perceived physical functioning, lower general health, and higher stress levels, all in line with previous findings, like lower exercise capacity and dysfunctional cognitive abilities, in adults with VSDs. Incessant follow‐up is paramount, as neither successfully closed nor hemodynamically insignificant VSD is equivalent with untroubled healthy aging.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03684161.
Protein Biomarkers of Early Menopause and Incident Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Ramirez Mariana F. , Honigberg Michael , Wang Dongyu , Parekh Juhi K. , Bielawski Kamila , Courchesne Paul , Larson Martin D. , Levy Daniel , Murabito Joanne M. , Ho Jennifer E. , Lau Emily S.
Published: August 2023

Background

Premature and early menopause are independently associated with greater risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, mechanisms linking age of menopause with CVD remain poorly characterized.

Methods and Results

We measured 71 circulating CVD protein biomarkers in 1565 postmenopausal women enrolled in the FHS (Framingham Heart Study). We examined the association of early menopause with biomarkers and tested whether early menopause modified the association of biomarkers with incident cardiovascular outcomes (heart failure, major CVD, and all‐cause death) using multivariable‐adjusted linear regression and Cox models, respectively. Among 1565 postmenopausal women included (mean age 62 years), 395 (25%) had a history of early menopause. Of 71 biomarkers examined, we identified 7 biomarkers that were significantly associated with early menopause, of which 5 were higher in women with early menopause including adrenomedullin and resistin, and 2 were higher in women without early menopause including insulin growth factor‐1 and CNTN1 (contactin‐1) (Benjamini‐Hochberg adjusted
P
<0.1 for all). Early menopause also modified the association of specific biomarkers with incident cardiovascular outcomes including adrenomedullin (
P
int
<0.05).

Conclusions

Early menopause is associated with circulating levels of CVD protein biomarkers and appears to modify the association between select biomarkers with incident cardiovascular outcomes. Identified biomarkers reflect several distinct biological pathways, including inflammation, adiposity, and neurohormonal regulation. Further investigation of these pathways may provide mechanistic insights into the pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment of early menopause‐associated CVD.
Association of Dental Diseases and Oral Hygiene Care With the Risk of Heart Failure in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Huh Youn , Yoo Jung Eun , Park Sang‐Hyun , Han Kyungdo , Kim Seon Mee , Park Hye Soon , Cho Kyung Hwan , Ahn Jin‐Soo , Jun Sang Ho , Nam Ga Eun
Published: August 2023

Background

To evaluate the association of dental diseases and oral hygiene care with incidence of heart failure (HF) among patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods and Results

This study included 173 927 patients with type 2 diabetes aged ≥40 years, who underwent Korean National Health Insurance Service health examinations in 2008 and were followed up until the end of 2017. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for HF were estimated using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. During a median follow‐up of 9.3 years, 1.94% of participants developed HF. An increased number of missing teeth was associated with a higher risk of HF (
P
<0.001). HRs of HF increased among individuals with ≥15 missing teeth (HR, 1.37 [95% CI, 1.14–1.64]) compared with those without missing teeth. Decreased risk of HF was observed in individuals with ≥1 time/year of professional dental cleaning (HR, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.87–0.99]) and in those with ≥2 times/d of toothbrushing (HR, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.82–0.98]) compared with those without these practices. While combined presence of missing teeth and periodontal disease (
P
=0.004) or dental caries (
P
=0.007) increased HF risk, combined oral hygiene care was associated with further HF risk reduction (
P
=0.024). Better oral hygiene care was associated with decreased HF risk, even as the number of missing teeth increased (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

Among patients with type 2 diabetes, dental diseases and oral hygiene care are important determinants of HF development. Dental disease management and good oral care may prevent HF in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Two new species and one newly recorded species of the genus Chilo Zincken, 1817 (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) from China, with a list of Chinese species
Authors: KIM YONGNAM , QI MUJIE
Published: August 2023

Three species of the genus Chilo are studied in China. Chilo argenteus sp. nov. collected from Yunnan and C. sinuafasciata sp. nov. collected from Hainan are described as new in science. Chilo partellus (Swinhoe, 1885) is newly recorded for the Chinese fauna. Images of adults and genitalia of the three species are provided. A list of 19 known Chilo species in China is included.
Erthesina fullo (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae): old and new stories of an invasive stink bug
Authors: KMENT PETR , LAVAY MARTIN , ZEMAN ŠIMON , YASUNAGA TOMOHIDE
Published: August 2023

The Yellow-Spotted Stink Bug Erthesina fullo (Thunberg, 1783) (Pentatomomorpha: Pentatomoidea: Pentatomidae: Pentatominae: Halyini), native in East and South-East Asia, was recently discovered introduced in both Europe (Albania, 2017) and South America (Brazil: São Paulo, 2020). We report two cases of interception of living specimens in the Czech Republic. The first specimen (Zlín, 2021) was found in a sealed container with shoes imported from China, the second specimen (Prague, 2023) was recieved in a parcel sent from Poland. We also present the interesting story of Erthesina fullo in Japan, where the species was introduced to Dejima Island in Nagasaki (Kyushu) already before 1775; at that time Dejima was the only place in Japan where Dutch and Chinese ships were allowed to trade during the isolationist Edo period (1603–1868). One old name, also proposed based on specimens originating from Japan, Cimex aloes Lichtenstein, 1796, syn. nov., is proposed a junior subjective synonym of E. fullo. The invasion of Erthesina fullo in Japan seems to be the oldest exactly localised invasion in Heteroptera. The taxonomy of Erthesina Spinola, 1837 is discussed, the genus currently includes 9 species. The genus is in urgent need of revision and the resulting problems with identification of its species, including E. fullo, are pointed out. Distribution of all Erthesina species is briefly reviewed.
Decadal Variations in the Meridional Thermal Contrast in East Asia and Its Adjacent Regions: Relative Roles of External Forcing and Internal Variability
Authors: Zhang Kaiwen , Zuo Zhiyan , Xiao Dong
Published: August 2023

Against the backdrop of global warming, the Eurasian continent and its surrounding areas have experienced ununiform warming in recent decades. Variations in the meridional thermal contrast (MTC) in East Asia and its adjacent regions have a critical influence on the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM); therefore, its forcings were analyzed in this study. The results show that the MTC in East Asia and the surrounding regions showed significant decadal changes during the interval 1960–2014, with a decadal strengthening in the late 1970s and a decadal weakening in the late 1990s. Further investigation showed that internal variability was the dominant control on these two decadal changes of MTC, accounting for 135% and 78.5% of the two observed changes in the 1970s and 1990s, respectively. Based on pacemaker experiments and a method that reconstructs decadal changes in the interdecadal Pacific oscillation (IPO), we found that a positive phase of the IPO tends to cause cooling in the low latitudes and warming in the mid–high latitudes and that a negative phase of the IPO tends to cause warming in the low latitudes and cooling in the mid–high latitudes, which in turn can explain 54.4% and 35.8% of the two internally generated decadal changes in the MTC, respectively. The Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO), when in the same phase as the IPO, exhibits an opposing pattern of surface air temperature. This only had a significant influence in the late 1990s, where it explained 37.9% of the internally generated decadal changes in the MTC. Our findings highlight that internal variability, especially that relating to the IPO and the AMO, should be considered when predicting future changes in thermal conditions in East Asia and its adjacent regions.
Effect of Storm Size on Sea Surface Cooling and Tropical Cyclone Intensification in the Western North Pacific
Authors: Liu Yuhao , Guan Shoude , Lin I.-I. , Mei Wei , Jin Fei-Fei , Huang Mengya , Zhang Yihan , Zhao Wei , Tian Jiwei
Published: August 2023

The effect of tropical cyclone (TC) size on TC-induced sea surface temperature (SST) cooling and subsequent TC intensification is an intriguing issue without much exploration. Via compositing satellite-observed SST over the western North Pacific during 2004–19, this study systematically examined the effect of storm size on the magnitude, spatial extension, and temporal evolution of TC-induced SST anomalies (SSTA). Consequential influence on TC intensification is also explored. Among the various TC wind radii, SSTA are found to be most sensitive to the 34-kt wind radius (R34) (1 kt ≈ 0.51 m s−1). Generally, large TCs generate stronger and more widespread SSTA than small TCs (for category 1–2 TCs, R34: ∼270 vs 160 km; SSTA: −1.7° vs −0.9°C). Despite the same effect on prolonging residence time of TC winds, the effect of doubling R34 on SSTA is more profound than halving translation speed, due to more wind energy input into the upper ocean. Also differing from translation speed, storm size has a rather modest effect on the rightward shift and timing of maximum cooling. This study further demonstrates that storm size regulates TC intensification through an oceanic pathway: large TCs tend to induce stronger SST cooling and are exposed to the cooling for a longer time, both of which reduce the ocean’s enthalpy supply and thereby diminish TC intensification. For larger TCs experiencing stronger SST cooling, the probability of rapid intensification is half of smaller TCs. The presented results suggest that accurately specifying storm size should lead to improved cooling effect estimation and TC intensity prediction.

Significance Statement

Storm size has long been speculated to play a crucial role in modulating the TC self-induced sea surface temperature (SST) cooling and thus potentially influence TC intensification through ocean negative feedback. Nevertheless, systematic analysis is lacking. Here we show that larger TCs tend to generate stronger SST cooling and have longer exposure to the cooling effect, both of which enhance the strength of the negative feedback. Consequently, larger TCs undergo weaker intensification and are less likely to experience rapid intensification than smaller TCs. These results demonstrate that storm size can influence TC intensification not only from the atmospheric pathway, but also via the oceanic pathway. Accurate characterization of this oceanic pathway in coupled models is important to accurately forecast TC intensity.
Protest Policing, Normative Alignment, and Riot Gear: An Experiment
Authors: Thompson Andrew J. , Pickett Justin T. , Graham Amanda , Cullen Francis T.
Published: August 2023

To examine if police expressions of solidary with protesters improve public opinion toward the police, we embedded a picture- and information-based experiment in a YouGov survey ( N = 1,150), wherein respondents were randomly exposed to police expressions of solidarity with protesters. We also randomized whether the pictured officers were wearing riot gear. We find little evidence that expressions of solidarity or riot gear significantly affect public affinity for the police or support for accountability reforms in policing. Past studies show that outside of the context of protests, officers’ behavior toward civilians has asymmetric effects, such that positive actions matter less than negative ones. Our findings suggest that this may be true within the protest context as well.
Optimization of the quilting method and filling quality of cold-proof down clothing based on thermal insulation performance
Authors: Yu Wei-dong , Wang Lifang , Liu Hongling , Rodrigue Denis , Du Zhaoqun , Yu Weidong , Wang Xiaodong
Published: August 2023

This work investigates the thermal insulation performances of clothing based on down and a quilting method. The effect of several parameters was studied, including the amount of down, quilting number, and their geometry. An experimental study was combined with a geometrical model to confirm that a regular hexagonal geometry is the best to maximize the heat insulation properties. For the overall tiling, the best thermal resistance was obtained by using 8.67 g of down, and the thermal conductivity is the lowest when the filling was 5.14 g down. The heat resistance was also found to increase by decreasing the quilting number, but the effect is less significant as the number increases. Also, a lower amount of down in each quilting place resulted in higher heat loss. So, improving the filling down quality helped to increase heat retention. The correct space division and filling quality lead to improved warmth retention of cold protection down products.
Robust superhydrophobic cotton fabrics based on nano-silica particles hybrid epoxy resin: self-cleaning, anti-fouling, anti-abrasion and oil–water separation
Authors: Lv Zhong , Zhou Cun
Published: August 2023

The design strategy of this study, using epoxy resin (EP) with excellent chemical/mechanical stability as a raw material, can obtain robust superhydrophobic cotton fabrics. Firstly, two different properties of nano-silica particles (nano-SiO2 microspheres and nano-SiO2 sols) were obtained by the sol–gel method. The hydrophobicity of cotton fabric can be significantly improved by hybridizing EP with nano-SiO2 particles to construct a robust rough structure of cotton fabric. At the same time, the introduction of the low surface energy substance octadecylamine, which can form intermolecular crosslinking with dodecyltrimethoxysilane and EP by hydrogen bonding, was introduced and the hydrophobicity of cotton fabric was further improved. It was concluded that these superhydrophobic cotton fabrics could withstand 10 sandpaper abrasion tests and different pH solution treatments with a certain degree of chemical/mechanical stability performance. The as-prepared cotton fabric exhibited excellent separation efficiency for dichloromethane/water mixtures. The reactive yellow SNE (200%) dye as a contaminant can be easily carried away by water droplets and has an excellent self-cleaning effect. The superhydrophobic cotton fabric that was prepared in this way repelled the stain solution and showed excellent stain resistance. The results indicated that these superhydrophobic cotton fabrics had excellent properties of self-cleaning, anti-fouling, anti-abrasion and oil–water separation. In addition, the superhydrophobic cotton fabric obtained by simple preparation has a wide range of promising applications for self-cleaning in households, industrial activities and outdoor decoration.
Risk factors and outcome of acute kidney injury in children with snake envenomation
Authors: Das Kedarnath , Das Siddhanta , Mohakud Nirmal Kumar , Pradhan Subal Kumar , Sahu Sanjay Kumar
Published: August 2023

Our study evaluates the risk factors of acute kidney injury (AKI) in children with snake envenomation. Out of 145 cases, 54 (37%) developed AKI. Unsurprisingly, the mortality increased with oliguria and higher levels of creatinine. Bleeding manifestations were also more common among the AKI group.
COVID-19 Pandemic and Education: Nigerian Parents’ Approach and Perception of Children’s Education Based on Socioeconomic Indicators
Authors: Idika Ezinne O. , Obiagu Adaobiagu N. , Ibe Ebere
Published: August 2023

This paper, using 201 parents’ reports collected via a descriptive survey, explores (a) how children from different socioeconomic backgrounds (education and income) engage in learning in the absence of inclusive actions to keep learning ongoing in a Nigeria; and (b) the indirect impact of COVID-19 on children’s education (children’s access to learning materials, engagement in learning, and educational achievement). Findings showed that many Nigerian children engaged in learning and parents perceived educational achievement during pandemic school closure as worse. Socioeconomic backgrounds were associated with patterns of engagement. Children from highly educated and high-income backgrounds had significantly higher access to learning resources, which were also associated with their greater engagement in learning, than those children from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Children from low-income backgrounds were more engaged in face-to-face outside the home learning. This could have been due to the low access to online resources and low compliance to COVID-19 rules (driven by mistrust in government) of low-income and less educated families. Implications of findings for informing educational intervention programs, including post-COVID pedagogies, are discussed.
Path planning of unmanned surface vehicle based on artificial potential field approach considering virtual target points
Authors: Luan Tiantian , Tan Zhenggang , You Bo , Sun Mingxiao , Yao Hanhong
Published: August 2023

Aiming at the local minimum problem and target unreachable problems in the path planning of unmanned surface vehicle (USV), a path planning algorithm of USV considering virtual target point is proposed. For the target unreachable problem, a repulsive force potential field function is created. According to the measured distance between the target and the obstacle, the repulsive force of the target is zero, so that the USV can reach the target point. For the local minimum problem, the local minimum caused by various obstacles is analyzed, simulated annealing (SA) and artificial potential field approach (APFA) are combined to solve the minimum point problem caused by general obstacles. For the local minimum problem caused by special U-shaped obstacles, a virtual target point algorithm (VTPA) is established to solve this problem. The simulation results prove that this algorithm solves the problem of long path caused by too large repulsive force. Compared with Dual-Tree Rapidly exploring Random Tree (DT-RRT) algorithm, the efficiency of this algorithm has been significantly improved. Algorithm running time was reduced by 33.4%. Path length was reduced by 17.8%. Not only the time is saved, but also the path planning is optimized, so that the speed of the algorithm is accelerated.
An attention mechanism-guided domain adversarial network for gearbox fault diagnosis under different operating conditions
Authors: Han Baokun , Li Bo , Du Huadong , Wang Jinrui , Xing Shuo , Song Lijin , Ma Junqing , Ma Hao
Published: August 2023

In recent years, transfer learning has been widely used in mechanical fault diagnosis with some achievements. However, most transfer learning methods do not perform well in diagnosis when the speed and load change simultaneously. Inspired by the adversarial learning mechanism, a transfer learning method named attention mechanism-guided domain adversarial network (AMDAN) is proposed in this paper. AMDAN regards the convolutional neural networks (CNNs) as the generator of the domain adversarial network to learn mutually invariant features and the domain classifier as the discriminator of the domain adversarial network. Attention mechanism is introduced to take into account the interchannel and intraspace feature fusion to improve the training efficiency. Then, multi-kernel maximum mean discrepancy (MK-MMD) is used to measure the distance of different feature spaces to achieve domain alignment. Finally, the superiority of AMDAN is verified by two sets of gear fault diagnosis experiments. The experimental results show that AMDAN has the highest classification accuracy and the strongest generalization ability compared with other methods.
Co-development of internalizing symptoms and regulatory emotional self-efficacy in adolescence: Time-varying effects of COVID-19-related stress and social support
Authors: Skinner Ann T. , De Luca Lisa , Nocentini Annalaura , Menesini Ersilia
Published: August 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted opportunities for adolescents to progress through a typical developmental trajectory of adjustment and self-regulation. Adolescents across many contexts have shown an increase in adjustment difficulties during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic levels. Utilizing data collected from 830 Italian adolescents from one time-point just prior to when pandemic restrictions were enacted, and then at two additional time-points 12 and 24 months later, we examined trajectories of internalizing symptoms, regulatory self-efficacy for managing negative emotions, and the time-varying impact of COVID-related stress and social support. Latent Growth Curve Analyses (LGCAs) revealed that COVID stress predicted increased internalizing symptoms and decreased regulatory self-efficacy beyond what was estimated by the developmental trajectory. Further, at Time 3, the impact of perceived COVID stress on internalizing symptoms and regulatory self-efficacy was stronger than at Time 2. Co-development results were similar for males and females. There was no time-varying impact of social support on the co-development of internalizing symptoms and regulatory self-efficacy. The findings are important for informing interventions to strengthen coping strategies for adolescents during stressful community-wide events.
Is more information always better? Associations among parents’ online information searching, information overload, and self-efficacy
Authors: Glatz Terese , Lippold Melissa A.
Published: August 2023

The internet constitutes an important platform for parents to find information. How online information searching is linked to parental self-efficacy (PSE)—defined as parents’ perceptions about their abilities to have a positive impact on their children—is still unknown. This two-wave study examined cross-lagged associations between PSE and parents’ online information searching, as well as the prospective effect of perceived information overload on PSE and online information searching. Moreover, we examined whether these associations differed depending on the online context (governmental-run or nongovernmental-run websites). We used a sample of 214 parents of children (equal number of boys and girls) <4 years (85% of the parents were mothers and 93% were born in Sweden), who completed an online survey twice, 1 year apart. The results showed that parents who felt more efficacious at T1 reported a decrease in online information searching over time. The frequency of parents online searching, however, did not predict changes in PSE. In addition, the effects of information overload depended on the type of websites parents used. Among parents who used both types of websites to search for information, higher information overload was linked with increases in information searching and decreases in PSE over time. The results suggest that perceptions of low self-efficacy and feelings of overload might motivate parents to use the internet more to search for information.
Randomized Controlled Trial Aversion among Public Sector Leadership: A Survey Experiment
Authors: Cardon Emily , Lopoo Leonard
Published: August 2023

Background: While randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are typically considered the gold standard of program evaluation, they are infrequently chosen by public sector leaders, defined as government and nonprofit decision-makers, when an impact evaluation is required. Objectives: This study provides descriptive evidence on RCT aversion among public sector leaders and attempts to understand what factors affect their likelihood of choosing RCTs for impact evaluations. Research Design: The authors ask if public sector leaders follow similar preference patterns found among non-public sector leaders when choosing either an RCT or a quasi-experimental design and use a survey experiment to determine which factors affect the RCT choice. Subjects: The study sample includes 2050 public sector leaders and a comparison group of 2060 respondents who do not lead public sector organizations. Measures: The primary outcome measure is selecting an RCT as the preferred evaluation option. Results: When asked to make a decision about an impact evaluation, the majority of people do not choose an RCT. While also averse to RCTs, public sector leaders are about 13% more likely to prefer a RCT to a quasi-experimental evaluation compared to the general population. Public sector leaders are less likely to use RCTs for evaluations of more intense interventions, potentially because they are perceived to be superior to the options available for the control group. Conclusion: Funders should be aware that when given a choice, public sector leaders prefer other options to RCTs. Greater awareness of the benefits of RCTs could increase their use in the public sector.
Work-based placements in European higher music education institutions
Authors: Phillips Keith , Habron-James John , Sætre Jon Helge
Published: August 2023

Although there is considerable research from Australia demonstrating that work-integrated learning (WIL) helps higher music education (HME) students develop their professional skills, there is little evidence from Europe. WIL involves the integration of theory and practice and workbased experiential learning is an important component of this process, giving students opportunities to become self-reflective in their application of theoretical principles in a work context. The aim of this project was to understand how practicums were implemented in European conservatoires and what political drivers and pedagogies underpinned them. A survey of conservatoires and semi-structured interviews with staff, students and placement hosts were analysed. Survey results show that 74.3% of respondents said their institutions offered undergraduate placements. Themes relating to the educational and political drivers, ethical issues, barriers to provision and challenges were derived from the interview data. Our findings suggest that although placements are varied in terms of preparation, support and assessment, they are highly valued by all stakeholder groups and sometimes pivotal in the development of musical identities. We hope our findings can help HME institutions understand the value in giving students opportunities to apply knowledge and skills in professional contexts and inspire the establishment of practicum programmes where they do not already exist.
More Sex, Less Identity: Towards a Naturalistic Queer Theory
Authors: Skerjanec Blaz
Published: August 2023

This article identifies two strands of thinking about sexuality and identity within queer theory: culturalist and naturalist. First, the article critically assesses culturalist queer theory penned by Judith Butler and Lee Edelman by showing that their theories, even when acutely aware of the traps of exclusionary identity politics, remain indebted to thinking on the basis of exclusion and separation by positing a rigid identity and the untouchability of the ‘human’, of the ‘cultural’. The article proceeds by taking acts of sex as objects of analysis and, with the help of Leo Bersani, elaborates how naturalistic thinking might help us break with the double edict of both culturalist thought and contemporary identity politics, i.e. sociocentrism and the injunction to the untouchability and unbespeakability of the singular (‘human’, ‘cultural’, ‘queer’, ‘gay’, ‘lesbian’, ‘trans’, ‘black’, etc.).