bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparison of fixation and immunofluorescence protocols for successful reproducibility and improved signal in human left ventricle cardiac tissue
Authors: Taper Matthew , Carrington Glenn , Peckham Michelle , Lal Sean , Hume Robert D.
Published: June 2024

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) are crucial techniques for studying cardiac physiology and disease. The accuracy of these techniques is dependent on various aspects of sample preparation and processing. However, standardised protocols for sample preparation of tissues, particularly for fresh‐frozen human left ventricle (LV) tissue, have yet to be established and could potentially lead to differences in staining and interpretation. Thus, this study aimed to optimise the reproducibility and quality of IF staining in fresh‐frozen human LV tissue by systematically investigating crucial aspects of the sample preparation process. To achieve this, we subjected fresh‐frozen human LV tissue to different fixation protocols, primary antibody incubation temperatures, antibody penetration reagents, and fluorescent probes. We found that neutral buffered formalin fixation reduced image artefacts and improved antibody specificity compared to both methanol and acetone fixation. Additionally, incubating primary antibodies at 37°C for 3 h improved fluorescence intensity compared to the commonly practised 4°C overnight incubation. Furthermore, we found that DeepLabel, an antibody penetration reagent, and smaller probes, such as fragmented antibodies and Affimers, improved the visualisation depth of cardiac structures. DeepLabel also improved antibody penetration in CUBIC cleared thick LV tissue fragments. Thus, our data underscores the importance of standardised protocols in IF staining and provides various means of improving staining quality. In addition to contributing to cardiac research by providing methodologies for IF, the findings and processes presented herein also establish a framework by which staining of other tissues may be optimised.
Restoring function to inactivating G protein‐coupled receptor variants in the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis1
Authors: Radomsky Tarryn , Anderson Ross C. , Millar Robert P. , Newton Claire L.
Published: June 2024

G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) are central to the functioning of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis (HPG axis) and include the rhodopsin‐like GPCR family members, neurokinin 3 receptor, kappa‐opioid receptor, kisspeptin 1 receptor, gonadotropin‐releasing hormone receptor, and the gonadotropin receptors, luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor and follicle‐stimulating hormone receptor. Unsurprisingly, inactivating variants of these receptors have been implicated in a spectrum of reproductive phenotypes, including failure to undergo puberty, and infertility. Clinical induction of puberty in patients harbouring such variants is possible, but restoration of fertility is not always a realisable outcome, particularly for those patients suffering from primary hypogonadism. Thus, novel pharmaceuticals and/or a fundamental change in approach to treating these patients are required. The increasing wealth of data describing the effects of coding‐region genetic variants on GPCR function has highlighted that the majority appear to be dysfunctional as a result of misfolding of the encoded receptor protein, which, in turn, results in impaired receptor trafficking through the secretory pathway to the cell surface. As such, these intracellularly retained receptors may be amenable to ‘rescue’ using a pharmacological chaperone (PC)‐based approach. PCs are small, cell permeant molecules hypothesised to interact with misfolded intracellularly retained proteins, stabilising their folding and promoting their trafficking through the secretory pathway. In support of the use of this approach as a viable therapeutic option, it has been observed that many rescued variant GPCRs retain at least a degree of functionality when ‘rescued’ to the cell surface. In this review, we examine the GPCR PC research landscape, focussing on the rescue of inactivating variant GPCRs with important roles in the HPG axis, and describe what is known regarding the mechanisms by which PCs restore trafficking and function. We also discuss some of the merits and obstacles associated with taking this approach forward into a clinical setting.
The effects of enoxaparin treatment in a xenograft mouse model of oral squamous cell carcinoma: A pilot study
Authors: Ekici Yeliz , Soluk‐Tekkesin Merva , Küçüksezer Umut Can , Celebioglu Hazal Banu Olgun , Tuncer Erman Bulent , Bedeloglu Elcin , Tuncer Feyza Nur
Published: June 2024

Background

Recent studies suggest that enoxaparin may have therapeutic effects on oral squamous cell carcinoma. We aimed to assess this effect utilizing xenograft mouse model through evaluations of proliferation and angiogenesis markers at the RNA and protein levels.

Methods

Mice were divided into enoxaparin treatment (n = 4), positive control (n = 4) and negative control (n = 3) groups. Immunohistochemical analyses were performed utilizing Bcl‐2, Bax and Ki‐67 antibodies. Expression levels of proliferation and apoptosis related genes were calculated utilizing qRT‐PCR. Time‐dependent proliferation assays were performed in OSC‐19 and HEK293 cell‐lines.

Results

Bax antibody showed positive staining in the cytoplasm and nuclei of tumor cells, while Bcl‐2 antibody displayed staining only in the cytoplasm. A proliferation index of 15%–20% was found in all groups with the Ki‐67 marker indicating no metastasis. Enoxaparin treatment caused decrease in BCL2, BAX and CCNB1 genes' expressions. Compared to HEK293, proliferation assays demonstrated higher division rates in OSC‐19 with a significant decrease in viability after 96 h.

Conclusion

Reduced BCL‐2 expression indicates a regression of tumor growth, but reduced BAX expression is not correlated with increased apoptosis. Despite the aggressive nature of OSC‐19, our results showed a low cell viability with a high division rate when compared with the control HEK293. This paralleled our in vivo findings that showed absence of lymph node metastasis across all mice groups. This discrepancy with the literature suggests that further investigations of the underlying mechanisms and protein‐level analyses are needed to draw definitive conclusions about the effect of enoxaparin on OSC‐19 behavior.
Surface hardness and wear resistance of prefabricated and CAD‐CAM milled artificial teeth: A cross‐over clinical study
Authors: Ali Sarah Abdelaal , Abozaed Heba Wageh , Jazar Husn A. , Mostafa Aisha Z. H.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

To clinically evaluate the surface roughness and wear resistance of prefabricated and CAD‐CAM milled acrylic resin teeth for complete dentures.

Materials and methods

In a cross‐over study design, 10 completely edentulous patients were randomly included in this study and given two complete dentures. The first complete denture was made using prefabricated teeth, while the second was constructed using CAD‐CAM milled teeth. Following insertion (T0), 3 months (T3), and 6 months (T6), the complete dentures were scanned. Utilizing 3D surface super‐imposition techniques, the vertical (2D wear), and volumetric (3D wear) material loss were measured. The hardness of the teeth was evaluated at the time of denture insertion (T0) and then after 6 months (T6) of denture insertion by digital Vickers hardness tester. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software. Paired groups were compared by paired t‐test. Also, a repeated measure test was used. The significant difference was considered if p ≤ 0.05.

Results

The time of denture function was linearly correlated with the wear of the prefabricated and CAD‐CAM milled denture tooth. Prefabricated acrylic teeth had significantly more vertical and volumetric wear after 3 and 6 months, compared to CAD‐CAM milled denture teeth where p‐values were 0.01, 0.009, 0.003, and 0.024, respectively. Additionally, CAD‐CAM milled teeth displayed significantly higher hardness values than prefabricated teeth both before and after 6 months of use where p‐values were 0.001. After 6 months, all studied teeth showed a decrease in their hardness.

Conclusions

In terms of wear resistance and surface hardness, CAD‐CAM milled acrylic resin teeth were superior to prefabricated acrylic resin artificial teeth once the complete denture functions.
Does inequality impede risk management? Evidence from a lab experiment in Ghana
Authors: Gallenstein Richard A.
Published: June 2024

Low income households in agrarian developing economies face considerable livelihood risks, which have negative impacts on welfare. A growing literature focuses on internal constraints on development, which can negatively affect saving and investment behavior. Here I propose that internal constraints may also hinder risk management. Specifically, I present a theoretical model that explores how fairness preferences may create an internal constraint on risk sharing, particularly in a context of wealth inequality, and thereby also affect demand for formal insurance. To test this theory, I utilize a lab experiment, conducted in Ghana, to investigate the impact of wealth inequality on utilization of risk‐management tools, interpersonal risk sharing and formal insurance, and explore how fairness preferences may mediate this effect. I find that inequality reduces risk sharing and increases demand for insurance. Moreover, I find suggestive evidence that fairness preferences create an internal constraint on risk sharing under inequality.
RETRACTED: The effect of thermostable and enteric‐coated multi‐protease on the performance and digestibility of laying hen fed low‐protein diets
Authors: Tajudeen Habeeb , Hosseindoust Abdolreza , Ha Sanghun , Mun Junyoung , Park Serin , Kim Kwangmun , Rodríguez Raquel , Kim Jinsoo
Published: June 2024

This study evaluated the efficacy of a multi‐protease on the performance, egg quality and digestibility of laying hen. The study had four treatments: Control (without multi‐protease, CON), Pro 1.2 (CON + 0.1% multi‐protease), Pro 2.4 (CON + 0.2% multi‐protease) and Pro 3.6 (CON + 0.3% multi‐protease). Each treatment was replicated six times (replicate = experimental unit = one pen with 15 hens) to give a total of 360 layer hens of the Hy‐line breed. The study lasted for a total of 3 months (14 day adaptation period + 84 days experimental period). The effects of the additive were assessed on: the performance variables, egg quality and ileal amino acid (AA) digestibility. At the end of the study, dietary supplementation with Pro 2.4 and Pro 3.6 improved (p < 0.05) hen‐day egg production, egg mass and eggshell thickness compared with CON at the peak phase. Further improvements (p < 0.05) were observed in the digestibility of crude protein and AAs such as isoleucine, lysine, threonine and cysteine at Pro 2.4 and Pro 3.6 protease supplementation levels compared with CON, while arginine and alanine were higher (p < 0.05) at Pro 3.6 compared with CON. No differences were reported for other performances such as body weight, average daily feed intake, average egg weight, feed conversion ratio, eggshell hardness and all the egg qualities measured. Overall, the results from this study showed better efficacy at Pro 2.4 and Pro 3.6 on the performance of laying hen during the peak phase.
The light and the dark side of judicial resistance
Authors: Šipulová Katarína
Published: June 2024

How can courts resist political attacks? Despite the rich empirical studies of attacks on courts, we lack better understanding of how judges react to these challenges. Little or no attention has been paid to the theoretical aspects of judicial resistance; the structural, personal or socio‐economical motives of judges, or the dynamics between the resistance, democratic resilience and the rule of law. This article draws a novel concept map and suggests that the future scholarship should focus on three dimensions of judicial resistance. The first captures the variety of techniques available to judges who wish to avert, punish or invalidate an attack, whether they act individually or collectively and on‐bench or off‐bench. The second dimension zooms in on the motives for resistance, including the ability of judges to recognize an attack and see it as critical. It outlines factors that potentially form the cost‐benefit analysis behind judges' decisions to resist. Finally, the third dimension prompts to look into the effects of resistance (the dark and the light side), it analyses the conformity of judicial resistance with or against the principle of the rule of law and suggest its repercussions on how the public trusts and understands the courts (long‐term perspective).
Unusual formations in the B. R. Chinchorro Bank: Miniature atolls
Authors: Torruco Daniel , González‐Solís Alicia
Published: June 2024

There are unique reef patches in the Biosphere Reserve Banco Chinchorro reef lagoon that have an unusual formation. They appear to be miniature atolls. These formations are at a depth of 2–6 m, and present flourishing coral growth, whereas a few meters away others are strongly decayed. To define the cause of this phenomenon, an analysis of three of these formations was carried out to try to relate the structure of the corals that make up these formations to environmental factors. We recorded in tidal cycles, 12 environmental parameters, and micronutrients. Despite their closeness, two patches show high biodiversity, whereas the third shows low diversity. These results show notable differences between the three patches resulting from position on the reef (leeward and windward), in addition, these patterns relate to the undercurrent of possible relict water that drains from the lagoon microsystem of the main island of the reef, Cayo Centro, toward the miniature atolls.
Differences in bulk Fe content and density between type I and type II ordinary chondrite chondrules: Implications for parent body heterogeneities in oxidation state and O‐isotopic composition
Authors: Rubin Alan E.
Published: June 2024

Type II chondrules have higher oxidation states than type I chondrules; in ordinary chondrites (OC), type II chondrules tend to be larger, richer in bulk Fe, and have higher densities than type I chondrules. Magnesian type IA chondrules tend to be richer in 16O than type II chondrules. Because the aerodynamic behavior of a particle is a function of the product of its size and density, type I and type II chondrules (or their precursors) were partly separated in the ordinary chondrite zone of the solar nebula prior to the accretion of OC parent asteroids. LL chondrites acquired a chondrule population with the highest type II/type I ratios, L chondrites acquired chondrules with an intermediate ratio, and H chondrites acquired chondrules with the lowest type II/type I ratios. This contributed to the observed differences among OC groups in oxidation state and O‐isotopic composition: in going from H to L to LL, mean oxidation state increases and mean Δ17O values increase. Higher oxidation is marked by increases in the FeO contents of olivine, low‐Ca pyroxene, chromite, and ilmenite; increases in the TiO2 content of chromite; and increases in the Co content of kamacite.
Early feeding practices and eating behaviour in preschool children: The CORALS cohort
Authors: Ortega‐Ramírez Ana Daniela , Maneschy Ivie Reis , Miguel‐Berges María L. , Pastor‐Villaescusa Belen , Leis Rosaura , Babio Nancy , Navas‐Carretero Santiago , Portoles Olga , Moreira Ana , Jurado‐Castro José Manuel , Flores‐Rojas Katherine , Vázquez‐Cobela Rocío , Picáns‐Leis Rosaura , Mimbreros Gisela , Flores‐Barrantes Paloma , Martínez José Alfredo , Castro‐Collado Cristina , Ferré‐Pallás Natalia , Gimenez‐Legarre Natalia , Gil‐Campos Mercedes , Salas‐Salvadó Jordi , de Miguel‐Etayo Pilar , Moreno Aznar Luis A. ,   The Childhood Obesity Risk Assessment Longitudinal Study (CORALS)
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to investigate if the duration of breastfeeding and the method at initiation of complementary feeding affect eating behaviour in children aged 3−6 years. This is a cross‐sectional analysis from the Childhood Obesity Risk Assessment Longitudinal Study project, an ongoing longitudinal cohort study that aims to identify childhood obesity risk factors in Spanish children. A total of 1215 children aged 3−6 years were included. Breastfeeding duration and the method of initiation of complementary feeding [baby‐led weaning (BLW), traditional/spoon or mixed method] were evaluated. Eating behaviour at 3−6 years was assessed with the Child Eating Behaviour Questionnaire. Generalized linear models were fitted to assess the association between the aforementioned exposures and eating behaviour.

Children breastfed for ≥4 months were less likely to be fussy eaters at 3−6 years compared to those breastfed for <1 month (OR: 0.86 95% CI: 0.76−0.98; p = 0.031). Compared to those children using the traditional/spoon‐feeding method, those initiating complementary feeding through BLW or through a mixed approach were more likely to have higher scores on the enjoyment of food (EF) (OR, 95% CI: 1.33, 1.13−1.57; p = 0.001 and 1.17, 1.05−1.30; p = 0.002, respectively) and lower scores on food fussiness (FF) at 3−6 years (0.76, 0.62−0.91; p = 0.004 and 0.87, 0.78−0.98; p = 0.033, respectively). Breastfeeding for ≥4 months and initiation of complementary feeding with the BLW and a mixed approach were associated with greater EF and lower FF, which should endure practice.
Quantum‐enhanced machine learning technique for rapid post‐earthquake assessment of building safety
Authors: Bhatta Sanjeev , Dang Ji
Published: June 2024

Fast, accurate damage assessment of numerous buildings for large areas is vital for saving lives, enhancing decision‐making, and expediting recovery, thereby increasing urban resilience. The traditional methods, relying on expert mobilization, are slow and unsafe. Recent advances in machine learning (ML) have improved assessments; however, quantum‐enhanced ML (QML), a rapidly advancing field, offers greater advantages over classical ML (CML) for large‐scale data, enhancing the speed and accuracy of damage assessments. This study explores the viability of leveraging QML to evaluate the safety of reinforced concrete buildings after earthquakes, focusing on classification accuracy only. A QML algorithm is trained using simulation datasets and tested on real‐world damaged datasets, with its performance compared to various CML algorithms. The classification results demonstrate the potential of QML to revolutionize seismic damage assessments, offering a promising direction for future research and practical applications.
Seasonal dynamics and punctuated carbon sink reduction suggest photosynthetic capacity of boreal silver birch is reduced by the accumulation of hexose
Authors: Tian Manqing , Salmon Yann , Lintunen Anna , Oren Ram , Hölttä Teemu
Published: June 2024

The ‘assimilates inhibition hypothesis’ posits that accumulation of nonstructural carbohydrates (NSCs) in leaves reduces leaf net photosynthetic rate, thus internally regulating photosynthesis. Experimental work provides equivocal support mostly under controlled conditions without identifying a particular NSC as involved in the regulation.

We combined 3‐yr in situ leaf gas exchange observations (natural dynamics) in the upper crown of mature Betula pendula simultaneously with measurements of concentrations of sucrose, hexoses (glucose and fructose), and starch, and similar measurements during several one‐day shoot girdling (perturbation dynamics). Leaf water potential and water and nitrogen content were measured to account for their possible contribution to photosynthesis regulation.

Leaf photosynthetic capacity (A/Ci) was temporally negatively correlated with NSC accumulation under both natural and perturbation states. For developed leaves, leaf hexose concentration explained A/Ci variation better than environmental variables (temperature history and daylength); the opposite was observed for developing leaves.

The weaker correlations between NSCs and A/Ci in developing leaves may reflect their strong internal sink strength for carbohydrates. By contrast, the strong decline in photosynthetic capacity with NSCs accumulation in mature leaves, observed most clearly with hexose, and even more tightly with its constituents, provides support for the role of assimilates in regulating photosynthesis under natural conditions.
Mycorrhizal associations modify tree diversity−productivity relationships across experimental tree plantations
Authors: Luo Shan , Schmid Bernhard , Hector Andy , Scherer‐Lorenzen Michael , Verheyen Kris , Barsoum Nadia , Bauhus Juergen , Beyer Friderike , Bruelheide Helge , Ferlian Olga , Godbold Douglas , Hall Jefferson S. , Hajek Peter , Huang Yuanyuan , Hölscher Dirk , Kreft Holger , Liu Xiaojuan , Messier Christian , Nock Charles , Paquette Alain , Parker John D. , Parker William C. , Paterno Gustavo B. , Reich Peter B. , Rewald Boris , Sandén Hans , Sinacore Katherine , Stefanski Artur , Williams Laura , Eisenhauer Nico
Published: June 2024

Decades of studies have demonstrated links between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, yet the generality of the relationships and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear, especially for forest ecosystems.

Using 11 tree‐diversity experiments, we tested tree species richness–community productivity relationships and the role of arbuscular (AM) or ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungal‐associated tree species in these relationships.

Tree species richness had a positive effect on community productivity across experiments, modified by the diversity of tree mycorrhizal associations. In communities with both AM and ECM trees, species richness showed positive effects on community productivity, which could have resulted from complementarity between AM and ECM trees. Moreover, both AM and ECM trees were more productive in mixed communities with both AM and ECM trees than in communities assembled by their own mycorrhizal type of trees. In communities containing only ECM trees, species richness had a significant positive effect on productivity, whereas species richness did not show any significant effects on productivity in communities containing only AM trees.

Our study provides novel explanations for variations in diversity–productivity relationships by suggesting that tree–mycorrhiza interactions can shape productivity in mixed‐species forest ecosystems.
Assembling packs: Outreach nurses, disaffiliated persons, and sorcerers
Authors: Johansson Jim A. , Turcotte Pier‐Luc , Holmes Dave
Published: June 2024

Nurses working in outreach capacities frequently encounter disaffiliated or ‘hard to reach’ populations, such as those experiencing homelessness, those who use substances, and those with mental health concerns. Despite best efforts, nurses regularly fail to find meaningful engagement with these populations. Mobilizing the work of Deleuze and Guattari, this paper will critically examine conventional outreach nursing practices as rooted in the royal science of psychiatry, which many ‘survivors’ of psychiatric interventions reject. The field of Mad Studies offers an understanding of patient resistance to outreach nursing interventions. Delueze and Guattari's concepts of packs and sorcerers provide a framework to envision alternative nursing practices as a form of resistance and creativity, where new alliances may be formed outside the coercive confines of traditional practices. In response to patient resistance, outreach nurses themselves must assemble packs and engage in acts of sorcery.
Pain, symptoms and therapy satisfaction in adult oncologic patients at admission to palliative care: An Italian prospective, multicenter, observational study
Authors: Carbonara L. , Casale G. , Bosetti C. , Uggeri S. , Armento G. , Blasi M. , De Marinis M. G. , Corli O.
Published: June 2024

Background

Pain in cancer patients is a complex clinical problem. Pain is systematically assessed and treated during palliative care, but little is known about how it is addressed before starting palliative care.

Aim

This study primarily analyzed pain, symptoms, ongoing therapy at patients' admittance to the palliative care unit, and the relationships between pain and tumor, comorbidities, performance status and quality of life (QoL). Notably, patient satisfaction with the received antalgic therapy was assessed.

Methods

A multicentric, prospective, observational study was conducted in seven Italian palliative centers. The population consisted of adult cancer patients admitted to specialist palliative care units in hospice and home care.

Results

The sample consisted of 476 patients. Ninety‐three patients reported moderate pain of 4.0 and worst pain of 5.9 at the initial medical examination. The pain was high, and QoL was lower in breakthrough pain. The pain was lower in older subjects when it was discontinuous and when it was also treated with corticosteroids. A total of 61% of the patients were unsatisfied with the prescribed pain therapy.

Conclusions

Before the beginning of palliative care, physicians do not manage pain adequately. We support the idea that palliative care is not only intended for the last days of life but must be started early and simultaneously with oncological treatments. All that, in our opinion, is often ignored, and we hope that our study could have a positive influence and that the study results stimulate further research in this area with in‐depth studies.
MaHsf24, a novel negative modulator, regulates cold tolerance in banana fruits by repressing the expression of HSPs and antioxidant enzyme genes
Authors: Si Jia , Fan Zhong‐qi , Wu Chao‐jie , Yang Ying‐ying , Shan Wei , Kuang Jian‐fei , Lu Wang‐jin , Wei Wei , Chen Jian‐ye
Published: June 2024

Transcriptional regulation mechanisms underlying chilling injury (CI) development have been widely investigated in model plants and cold‐sensitive fruits, such as banana (Musa acuminata). However, unlike the well‐known NAC and WRKY transcription factors (TFs), the function and deciphering mechanism of heat shock factors (HSFs) involving in cold response are still fragmented. Here, we showed that hot water treatment (HWT) alleviated CI in harvested banana fruits accomplishing with reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and increased antioxidant enzyme activities. A cold‐inducible but HWT‐inhibited HSF, MaHsf24, was identified. Using DNA affinity purification sequencing (DAP‐seq) combined with RNA‐seq analyses, we found three heat shock protein (HSP) genes (MaHSP23.6, MaHSP70‐1.1 and MaHSP70‐1.2) and three antioxidant enzyme genes (MaAPX1, MaMDAR4 and MaGSTZ1) were the potential targets of MaHsf24. Subsequent electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with quantitative PCR (ChIP‐qPCR) and dual‐luciferase reporter (DLR) analyses demonstrated that MaHsf24 repressed the transcription of these six targets via directly binding to their promoters. Moreover, stably overexpressing MaHsf24 in tomatoes increased cold sensitivity by suppressing the expressions of HSPs and antioxidant enzyme genes, while HWT could recover cold tolerance, maintaining higher levels of HSPs and antioxidant enzyme genes, and activities of antioxidant enzymes. In contrast, transiently silencing MaHsf24 by virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) in banana peels conferred cold resistance with the upregulation of MaHSPs and antioxidant enzyme genes. Collectively, our findings support the negative role of MaHsf24 in cold tolerance, and unravel a novel regulatory network controlling bananas CI occurrence, concerning MaHsf24‐exerted inhibition of MaHSPs and antioxidant enzyme genes.
‘A better sort of reader’: Wittgenstein on literary reading
Authors: Rozema David
Published: June 2024

F. R. Leavis, the leading literary critic at Cambridge from 1930 to 1960, recounts the time when his friend Ludwig Wittgenstein told him to ‘give up literary criticism!’ The remark came as a surprise to Leavis, and it remains somewhat puzzling to anyone who reads of the encounter, for there are few contextual clues as to why Wittgenstein would say such a thing. But there are clues in Wittgenstein's many remarks on literature, music and other art forms scattered throughout his writings. In this paper, I will present what I think Wittgenstein's concern was with the sort of literary criticism Leavis practised, contrasting it with the sort of reading, and the sort of reader, that Wittgenstein (and others) would consider a literary way of reading; the sort of reader he thought was ‘a better sort of reader’.
Exploring predictors of help‐seeking behaviors among women with postpartum depression: A social media recruited sample
Authors: Jones Aubrey , Duong Chinh C.
Published: June 2024

Background

Postpartum depression is among the most common complications associated with child‐bearing having a period prevalence rate of 17%. Despite the prevalence of postpartum depression, recognition and treatment remains low.

Methods

This paper examines the predictors of help‐seeking behavior among a sample (N = 326) of postpartum women. A cross‐sectional survey was deployed, and participants were recruited via social media through snowball and convenient sampling techniques.

Results

Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the data. Results indicate the severity of depression and favorable attitudes toward help‐seeking were predictors of help‐seeking behavior among postpartum women in this sample.

Discussion/conclusion

This study has implications for healthcare workers, including the allied health professions. Access to treatment is, in part, influenced by a woman's ability to ask for help from health professionals. Social workers and nurses have an opportunity to educate and discuss postpartum mental health and improve treatment seeking.
Time point of virus yellows infection is crucial for yield losses in sugar beet, and co‐infection with beet mosaic virus is negligible under field conditions
Authors: Borgolte Simon , Varrelmann Mark , Hossain Roxana
Published: June 2024

Beet chlorosis virus (BChV), beet mild yellowing virus (BMYV) and beet yellows virus (BYV) transmitted by Myzus persicae cause virus yellows (VY) disease in sugar beet. M. persicae also transmits beet mosaic virus (BtMV), which is often associated with VY. So far, field trials to determine the effect of infection time point on yield have used 100% inoculation density and little is known about the yield effect of BtMV in mixed infections with VY species under field conditions. Therefore, we conducted sugar beet field trials using a new inoculation protocol with densities of 3%–10% in combination with different infection time points; we also tested the effect of BtMV/VY species mixed infections on white sugar yield (WSY). We observed a wide range of WSY losses for BChV (3.6%–26.8%), BMYV (1.7%–22.0%) and BYV (3.7%–37.0%) depending on infection time point, with no further significant losses after BBCH Stages 18/19, 35 and 39, respectively. Both the time of infection and area under disease progress curve showed excellent correlation with WSY losses for all VY species. BtMV had no significant effect on WSY losses either as a single infection or in mixed infections with BChV or BYV compared to control or single infections of these viruses. However, BMYV/BtMV mixed infection showed significantly increased WSY loss (+13.6%) compared to single BMYV infection. Our results can be used to predict yield losses in practical fields and to develop economic control thresholds for decision support systems.
Regulatory agency reputation acquisition: A Q Methodology analysis of the views of agency employees
Authors: Fahy Lauren A. , Klijn Erik‐Hans , van Erp Judith
Published: June 2024

This article reports findings of a Q Methodology study in which we explored the opinions of employees from eight Dutch regulatory agencies on how agencies gain their reputation. This is the largest study to date examining employee's views on the relative importance of different factors in reputation acquisition by public organizations, and the first analyzing employees in regulatory agencies. Results reveal five distinct “profiles” of opinion among employees about the factors most important in reputation acquisition. Regression analysis, further, supports that different regulatory agencies are dominated by employees with different opinions on how reputation is formed. These findings contribute to the growing empirical literature on how regulatory agencies, and their various employees, understand and approach reputation management.
The voice of implementation: Exploring the link between street‐level integration and sectoral policy outcomes
Authors: Steinbacher Christina
Published: June 2024

Ineffective policies plague democratic systems and challenge their legitimacy. While existing research highlights the importance of street‐level bureaucrats (SLBs) as de facto “policymakers,” our understanding of SLBs' aggregate effects on policy outcomes remains limited. Therefore, this paper proposes a shift in perspective, redirecting attention from the micro level toward institutional structures. It introduces the concept of street‐level integration, which captures institutional structures enabling SLBs to form a strong voice of implementation and contribute to policy design through three integrative pathways. Analyzing the effects of street‐level integration on environmental outcomes in 21 OECD countries over time, the findings reveal that street‐level integration not only directly enhances outcomes through increased implementation performance but also acts as a vital factor for policy formulation increasing the effectiveness of existing and newly adopted policies. While highlighting the importance of institutional structures and SLBs for successful policymaking, the paper also offers practical recommendations for institutional reforms.
Dual Liminality Conditioned by Existing Citizenship: Highly Skilled Chinese Immigrants Navigating Legality and Career in the U.S.
Authors: Wang Jane Jia‐Yin
Published: June 2024

Immigrants need to constantly manage their legal status while straddling uncertain life circumstances and shifting policies. U.S. immigrant policies treat immigrants based on U.S. internal and international political needs. This practice is only further heightened during a global crisis such as the recent COVID‐19 pandemic. Immigrants' existing citizenship contributes to the constraints they experience. Using Chinese international students studying in graduate programs as an example, this paper studies the dual liminality highly skilled immigrants experience in sustaining their legal status and developing their careers. Adopting a life course perspective, this paper reveals that liminal legality constrains immigrants' career choices as they transition from students to full‐time professionals. Acquiring legal status takes precedence over their career goals. They may forfeit career opportunities to secure legal status. Moreover, their Chinese citizenship hinders their career advancement. In recent years, United States–China rivalry in international politics and intellectual competition has intensified. Combined with a racialized construction of U.S. citizenship, highly skilled Chinese immigrants experience a heightened sense of vulnerability vis‐a‐vis institutional scrutiny and mistreatment.
Understanding Staphylococcus aureus in hyperglycaemia: A review of virulence factor and metabolic adaptations
Authors: O'Connor Madeline J. , Bartler Angelica V. , Ho Kelly C. , Zhang Kenneth , Casas Fuentes Rolando J. , Melnick Bradley A. , Huffman Kristin N. , Hong Seok Jong , Galiano Robert D.
Published: June 2024

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most commonly detected bacteria in diabetic skin and soft tissue infections. The incidence and severity of skin and soft tissue infections are higher in patients with diabetes, indicating a potentiating mechanism of hyperglycaemia and infection. The goal of this review is to explore the metabolic and virulence factor adaptations of S. aureus under hyperglycaemic conditions. Primary data from identified studies were included and summarised in this paper. Understanding the nexus of hyperglycaemia, metabolism, and virulence factors provides insights into the complexity of diabetic skin and soft tissue infections attributed to S. aureus.
Anti‐pig antibodies in swine veterinarian serum: Implications for clinical xenotransplantation
Authors: Byrne Guerard W. , McGregor Christopher G. A.
Published: June 2024

Recent clinical xenotransplantation and human decedent studies demonstrate that clinical hyperacute rejection of genetically engineered porcine organs can be reliably avoided but that antibody mediated rejection (AMR) continues to limit graft survival. We previously identified porcine glycans and proteins which are immunogenic after cardiac xenotransplantation in non‐human primates, but the clinical immune response to antigens present in glycan depleted triple knockout (TKO) donor pigs is poorly understood. In this study we use fluorescence barcoded human embryonic kidney cells (HEK) and HEK cell lines expressing porcine glycans (Gal and SDa) or proteins (tetraspanin‐29 [CD9], membrane cofactor protein [CD46], protectin, membrane attack complex inhibition factor [CD59], endothelial cell protein C receptor, and Annexin A2) to screen antibody reactivity in human serum from 160 swine veterinarians, a serum source with potential occupational immune challenge from porcine tissues and pathogens. High levels of anti‐Gal IgM were present in all samples and lower levels of anti‐SDa IgM were present in 41% of samples. IgM binding to porcine proteins, primarily CD9 and CD46, previously identified as immunogenic in pig to non‐human primate cardiac xenograft recipients, was detected in 28 of the 160 swine veterinarian samples. These results suggest that barcoded HEK cell lines expressing porcine protein antigens can be useful for screening human patient serum. A comprehensive analysis of sera from clinical xenotransplant recipients to define a panel of commonly immunogenic porcine antigens will likely be necessary to establish an array of porcine non‐Gal antigens for effective monitoring of patient immune responses and allow earlier therapies to reverse AMR.
The mitochondrial calcium uniporter: Balancing tumourigenic and anti‐tumourigenic responses
Authors: Colussi Danielle M. , Stathopulos Peter B.
Published: June 2024

Increased malignancy and poor treatability associated with solid tumour cancers have commonly been attributed to mitochondrial calcium (Ca2+) dysregulation. The mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter complex (mtCU) is the predominant mode of Ca2+ uptake into the mitochondrial matrix. The main components of mtCU are the pore‐forming mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (MCU) subunit, MCU dominant‐negative beta (MCUb) subunit, essential MCU regulator (EMRE) and the gatekeeping mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake 1 and 2 (MICU1 and MICU2) proteins. In this review, we describe mtCU‐mediated mitochondrial Ca2+ dysregulation in solid tumour cancer types, finding enhanced mtCU activity observed in colorectal cancer, breast cancer, oral squamous cell carcinoma, pancreatic cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma and embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. By contrast, decreased mtCU activity is associated with melanoma, whereas the nature of mtCU dysregulation remains unclear in glioblastoma. Furthermore, we show that numerous polymorphisms associated with cancer may alter phosphorylation sites on the pore forming MCU and MCUb subunits, which cluster at interfaces with EMRE. We highlight downstream/upstream biomolecular modulators of MCU and MCUb that alter mtCU‐mediated mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake and may be used as biomarkers or to aid in the development of novel cancer therapeutics. Additionally, we provide an overview of the current small molecule inhibitors of mtCU that interact with the Asp residue of the critical Asp‐Ile‐Met‐Glu motif or through other allosteric regulatory mechanisms to block Ca2+ permeation. Finally, we describe the relationship between MCU‐ and MCUb‐mediating microRNAs and mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake that should be considered in the discovery of new treatment approaches for cancer.

image
Tensor-Based Data-Driven Identification of Partial Differential Equations
Authors: Lin Wanting , Lu Xiaofan , Zhang Linan
Published: June 2024

We present a tensor-based method for model selection which identifies the unknown partial differential equation that governs a dynamical system using only spatiotemporal measurements. The method circumvents a disadvantage of standard matrix-based methods which typically have large storage consumption. Using a recently developed multidimensional approximation of nonlinear dynamical systems (MANDy), we collect the nonlinear and partial derivative terms of the measured data and construct a low-rank dictionary tensor in the tensor-train (TT) format. A tensor-based linear regression problem is then built, which balances the learning accuracy, model complexity, and computational efficiency. An algebraic expression of the unknown equations can be extracted. Numerical results are demonstrated on datasets generated by the wave equation, the Burgers' equation, and a few parametric partial differential equations (PDEs).
A Dynamic Material Flow Model for Risk-Informed Decision-Making in Decarbonizing Global Aluminum Manufacturing
Authors: Deng Sidi , Zhu Yongxian , Cooper Daniel R. , Sutherland John W.
Published: June 2024

Aluminum is the world's second most consumed metal, and its production contributes substantially to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. When formulating decarbonization strategies, it is imperative to ensure their coherence and alignment with existing industrial practices and standards. A material flow analysis (MFA) is needed to gain a holistic and quantitative understanding of the flows and stocks of products/materials associated with all participants within the supply chain. To support risk-informed decision policymaking in decarbonizing aluminum manufacturing, this study develops a dynamic system model that maps global aluminum flows and computes their embedded GHG emissions. A baseline scenario is devised to reflect the current business and operation landscape, and three decarbonization strategies are proposed. Deterministic simulation is performed to generate dynamic material flows and performance metrics. Monte Carlo simulation is then implemented to evaluate the robustness of the system's performance under demand uncertainties. The results reveal the immense carbon implications of material efficiency, as well as the preponderant role of post-consumer scrap recycling in decarbonizing aluminum manufacturing. Informed by simulation outputs, macro decarbonization guidelines are formulated for various criteria. The object-oriented programming framework that underlies the dynamic MFA may be integrated with network analysis, agent-based simulation, and geospatial interfaces, which may lay the foundation for modeling more fine-grained material flows and supply chain structures.
Inspirational Stimuli to Support Creative Ideation for the Design of Artificial Intelligence-Powered Products
Authors: Jin Xiaoneng , Dong Hua , Evans Mark , Yao Anqi
Published: June 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize product design, and designers need to know how to best leverage its capabilities. Based on the concept–knowledge (C-K) theory, a set of inspirational stimuli (IS) for the design of AI-powered products (ISfAI) has been developed to contribute to the conceptual design stage. We extracted 40 ISs from 1755 granted AI patents using a five-step process and validated their feasibility through a controlled experiment using three design aids: brainstorming, ISfAI sheet, and ISfAI cards. Results suggest that the ISfAI cards can serve as a creative tool to enabling practitioners to generate a greater range of high-quality AI-powered ideas, particularly in terms of novelty, creativity, elaboration, and flexibility. This study has practical implications for developing AI-powered products and services.
Convex Optimization Based Design of Finite Impulse Response Filters for Reference Shaping
Authors: Stein Adrian , Singh Tarunraj
Published: June 2024

This paper explores design of finite impulse response (FIR) filters for controlling underdamped systems while dealing with uncertainties in model parameters. By setting magnitude constraints in the frequency domain within a convex programing framework, it ensures that dominant resonant modes are attenuated at the end of the maneuver, high-frequency unmodeled modes are not excited, and there is no inordinate accentuation of frequencies in the passband of the filter. A mobile platform with an attached flexible beam serves as a testbed to validate the designs for rest to rest maneuvers, demonstrating how different cost functions of error between the desired and optimized magnitude response affect the filter performance. The study also examines robustness in the notch area by shifting the natural frequencies of the system by shifting a tip mass at the free end of the beam. The total energy at the final maneuver time of the first three system modes is calculated as a vibration suppression metric and is used to compare established input shapers with the proposed finite impulse response filters.
Using Convolutional Neural Networks in Installation Analysis of Lazy-Wave Flexible Risers
Authors: Barbosa Felliphe Góes Fernandes , Gonzalez Gabriel Mattos , Sagrilo Luis Volnei Sudati
Published: June 2024

The design phase of offshore installation projects is supported by numerical simulations. These analyses aim to evaluate the mechanical behavior of the equipment involved, such as vessels and flexible pipes, during that operation. Therefore, a common approach is to take the ocean wave loads modeled as deterministic ones (or regular wave approach), which is a simplification that, on the one hand, allows low computational cost, but, on the other one, lacks the representation of the actual behavior of the wave loads, usually better represented by means of an irregular wave modeling. In the way of searching for an irregular wave analysis procedure to be used in the daily design of lazy-wave riser installation analyses, this work proposes an artificial neural network (ANN)-based approach. The proposed model aims to achieve it by training a convolutional neural network (CNN) fed by generated data from short-length finite element-based numerical simulations. This surrogate model can predict quite well the pipe's top tension and approximately the axial tension in the touchdown zone (TDZ) for different configuration stages during the riser's installation operation. Moreover, the proposed model works for different environmental scenarios, which boosts the computational simulation time reduction in this phase of riser design.
Numerical Seakeeping Analysis for a Floating Helicopter After Ditching in Water
Authors: Katsuno Eduardo Tadashi , Peters Andreas , el Moctar Ould
Published: June 2024

This paper investigates the seakeeping behavior of helicopters after an emergency landing in water, focusing on a Northern North Sea wave climate and considering a realistic helicopter geometry. Computational fluid dynamics techniques, including the cell-centered finite volume method and boundary element methods, were utilized to analyze motion responses and load distribution. The study ensures numerical result reliability through recommended simulation practices. Results indicate that the inviscid model produces similar outcomes to the viscous model in decay tests with roll, pitch, and heave motions. Natural periods for roll, pitch, and heave motions were obtained. Linearity between incident wave amplitude and pitch/heave response was noted for regular waves, while roll linearity was limited for small angles. In irregular wave conditions, helicopters tended to align perpendicular to waves over time, resulting in increased peak roll angles with higher significant wave heights. Exceedance rates of maximum roll peaks, useful for the assessment of capsizing probability, were quantified for different significant wave heights.