bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Number of participants in multiple perpetrator sexual aggressions
Authors: Framis Andrea Gimenez‐Salinas , Ramirez Meritxell Perez , Alvarez Jose Luis Gonzalez , Soto Juan Enrique
Published: September 2022

The present study aims to explore differences between lone, duo and 3+ group sexual aggressions by adult strangers from a Spanish sample based on victims' and offenders' socio‐demographic characteristics and sexual offences. Additionally, the study aims to provide evidence of whether duo offences should be considered a different category that MPR and whether we can differentiate them from lone and 3+ group offenders. A sample of 400 sexual stranger offenders whose victims were women over 13 years of age has been analysed to find differences and predictive variables for lone (N = 298), duo (N = 43) and 3+ group (N = 59) sexual aggressions. Kruskal–Wallis tests and chi‐squared analysis were used to compare the three groups and then multinomial logistic regression analysis were conducted to identify the predictive variables of group size. Results support previous studies comparing group sexual offences by its size; and that duos could be a singular category with more similarities with multiple perpetrator rape offences (age and ethnicity of offenders, similar violent control and sexual behaviour during the aggression). Some singularities have also been encountered, such as higher levels of alcohol and drug use of the perpetrators; severe consequences of their actions with more injuries to their victims; use of weapons; and less use of vehicles, which can be related to crime locations that are rarely outdoors.
Anthropometric deficits and the associated risk of death by age and sex in children aged 6–59 months: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Thurstans Susan , Wrottesley Stephanie V. , Fenn Bridget , Khara Tanya , Bahwere Paluku , Berkley James A. , Black Robert E. , Boyd Erin , Garenne Michel , Isanaka Sheila , Lelijveld Natasha , McDonald Christine M. , Mertens Andrew , Mwangome Martha , O'Brien Kieran S. , Stobaugh Heather , Taneja Sunita , West Keith P. , Guerrero Saul , Kerac Marko , Briend André , Myatt Mark
Published: September 2022

Risk of death from undernutrition is thought to be higher in younger than in older children, but evidence is mixed. Research also demonstrates sex differences whereby boys have a higher prevalence of undernutrition than girls. This analysis described mortality risk associated with anthropometric deficits (wasting, underweight and stunting) in children 6–59 months by age and sex. We categorised children into younger (6–23 months) and older (24–59 months) age groups. Age and sex variations in near‐term (within 6 months) mortality risk, associated with individual anthropometric deficits were assessed in a secondary analysis of multi‐country cohort data. A random effects meta‐analysis was performed. Data from seven low‐or‐middle‐income‐countries collected between 1977 and 2013 were analysed. One thousand twenty deaths were recorded for children with anthropometric deficits. Pooled meta‐analysis estimates showed no differences by age in absolute mortality risk for wasting (RR 1.08,p = 0.826 for MUAC < 125 mm; RR 1.35,p = 0.272 for WHZ < −2). For underweight and stunting, absolute risk of death was higher in younger (RR 2.57,p < 0.001) compared with older children (RR 2.83,p < 0.001). For all deficits, there were no differences in mortality risk for girls compared with boys. There were no differences in the risk of mortality between younger and older wasted children, supporting continued inclusion of all children under‐five in wasting treatment programmes. The risk of mortality associated with underweight and stunting was higher among younger children, suggesting that prevention programmes might be justified in focusing on younger children where resources are limited. There were no sex differences by age in mortality risk for all deficits.
Are Presidential Candidates Impervious to Deception Detection? A Test of Voters' Truth‐Default
Authors: Clementson David E. , Xie Tong
Published: September 2022

This study applies truth‐default theory (TDT) to presidential candidates. TDT holds that people tend to passively believe others without consciously considering whether they are being told the truth. But do voters have a truth‐default toward presidential candidates? In an experiment, voters across the United States (N = 294) watched a news interview in which a presidential candidate was either honest or deceptive. Party affiliation was also manipulated. Consistent with TDT, thought‐listing tasks revealed that most voters did not mention deception after exposure to the presidential campaign interview. Voters largely defaulted to the truth even when sustaining outgroup partisan exposure and deception, and when asked about the candidate's demeanor. Filling out closed‐ended scales, though, voters reported distrust, suspicion, and perceiving deceptive messaging. The discussion concerns the implications of voters' perceptions of a presidential candidate's veracity varying based on how voters are prompted.
Conditional distributions of frame variables and voting behaviour in probability‐based surveys and opt‐in panels
Authors: Pekari Nicolas , Lipps Oliver , Roberts Caroline , Lutz Georg
Published: September 2022

Probability‐based web surveys are increasingly challenged by decreasing response rates and high costs. A cheap and convenient solution is to use ‘opt‐in’ online panels, which are based on non‐probability samples. However, the quality of the data such panels produce is subject to debate. To improve our understanding in this regard, especially in the Swiss context, we compare conditional distributions of sociodemographic variables and voting behaviour of two probability‐based web surveys and three opt‐in panels. Indeed, point estimates in opt‐in panels are well studied, but bivariate relationships between variables, arguably more important for researchers in political science research, have received less attention. Our analysis has the advantage of most variables of interest being included in the sampling frame and thus the true values are known for each conditional distribution. Our results show a lack of consistency and reproducibility in the results from opt‐in panels, which leads us to recommend care when using this type of data.
A phenomenological model for COVID‐19 data taking into account neighboring‐provinces effect and random noise
Authors: Calatayud Julia , Jornet Marc , Mateu Jorge
Published: September 2022

We model the incidence of the COVID‐19 disease during the first wave of the epidemic in Castilla‐Leon (Spain). Within‐province dynamics may be governed by a generalized logistic map, but this lacks of spatial structure. To couple the provinces, we relate the daily new infections through a density‐independent parameter that entails positive spatial correlation. Pointwise values of the input parameters are fitted by an optimization procedure. To accommodate the significant variability in the daily data, with abruptly increasing and decreasing magnitudes, a random noise is incorporated into the model, whose parameters are calibrated by maximum likelihood estimation. The calculated paths of the stochastic response and the probabilistic regions are in good agreement with the data.
A discrete truncated Zipf distribution
Authors: Boamah‐Addo Kwame , Kozubowski Tomasz J. , Panorska Anna K.
Published: September 2022

We provide a comprehensive account of fundamental properties of a truncated discrete Zipf distribution, complementing the results available in the literature. In particular, we obtain results on existence and uniqueness of maximum likelihood parameter estimators and propose new testing methodology for the shape parameter. We also include data examples illustrating applicability of this stochastic model.
Nutrition management of critically ill adult patients requiring non-invasive ventilation: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Viner Smith Elizabeth , Ridley Emma J. , Rayner Christopher K. , Chapple Lee-anne S.
Published: September 2022

Objective:

This scoping review will identify the current available literature and key concepts in the nutrition management of critically ill adult patients requiring non-invasive ventilation.

Introduction:

Current international nutrition guidelines include recommendations for the nutrition management of critically ill patients who are receiving invasive mechanical ventilation; however, these guidelines do not address nutrition management of patients receiving non-invasive ventilation. This scoping review aims to explore and describe the existing available literature on the nutrition management of critically ill adults requiring non-invasive ventilation.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will consider original research (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods studies) reporting on any nutrition parameter for critically ill adult patients (≥16 years) requiring non-invasive ventilation in the intensive care unit. Concepts of interest based on the general intensive care nutrition literature include route of nutrition, recommendations related to macro- or micro-nutrients, nutrition provision, barriers to nutrition provision, and strategies for nutrition management.

Methods:

This review will be conducted in accordance with JBI methodology for scoping reviews using a three-step search strategy. MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science will be searched to obtain original research available in English and published after 1990. Google Scholar will be searched for gray literature. Duplicates will be removed and studies will be selected by two independent reviewers based on the inclusion criteria. The same two reviewers will extract data in duplicate using a data extraction tool. Any disagreements will be resolved via consensus with a third reviewer. Data extraction will be synthesized in tabular and diagrammatic format.
Modeling and Analysis of a Novel Offshore Binary Species Free-Floating Longline Macroalgal Farming System
Authors: Chen Ming , Yim Solomon C. , Cox Daniel T. , Yang Zhaoqing , Huesemann Michael H. , Mumford Thomas F. , Wang Taiping
Published: September 2022

The investigation of innovative macroalgal cultivation is important and needed to optimize farming operations, increase biomass production, reduce the impact on the ecosystem, and lower system and operational costs. However, most macroalgal farming systems (MFSs) are stationary, which need to occupy a substantial coastal area, require extensive investment in farm infrastructure, and cost high fertilizer and anchoring expenses. This study aims to model, analyze, and support a novel binary species free-floating longline macroalgal cultivation concept. The expected outcomes could provide a basis for the design and application of the novel MFS to improve biomass production, decrease costs, and reduce the impact on the local ecosystem. In this paper, Saccharina latissima and Nereocystis luetkeana were modeled and validated, and coupled with longline to simulate the binary species MFS free float in various growth periods and associated locations along the US west coast. The numerical predictions indicated the possibility of failure on the longline and breakage at the kelp holdfasts is low. However, the large forces due to an instantaneous change in dynamic loads caused by loss of hydrostatic buoyancy when the longline stretches out of the water would damage the kelps. Buoy-longline contact interactions could damage the buoy, resulting in the loss of the system by sinking. Furthermore, the kelp-longline and kelp-kelp entanglements could potentially cause kelp damage.
Optimization of Band Gaps in Rotors With Longitudinal Periodicity and Quasi-Periodicity
Authors: Bueno Lamas Patrick , Nicoletti Rodrigo
Published: September 2022

Structures with inertia periodicity present the phenomenon of band gap formation, i.e., the appearance of regions in the frequency spectrum with a higher modal spacing and lower vibration response. Rotating machines can also present such phenomenon when their working elements are mounted periodically along the shaft (longitudinal periodicity). In the present work, this phenomenon in rotating machines is reviewed, and it is shown that band gaps can be moved toward desired locations in the frequency spectrum by mounting the working elements at optimized positions along the shaft. For that, a mathematical model of the rotating machine is correlated to experimental results, and the model is used to optimize the position of the working elements (disks) in the rotor. The optimized rotor is then experimentally tested, and the resultant band gap is measured. The obtained experimental results show that one can indeed tailor the band gaps and move them toward higher or lower frequencies as desired without changing the inertia of the working elements.
Reducing Geometric Uncertainty in Computational Hemodynamics by Deep Learning-Assisted Parallel-Chain MCMC
Authors: Du Pan , Wang Jian-Xun
Published: September 2022

Computational hemodynamic modeling has been widely used in cardiovascular research and healthcare. However, the reliability of model predictions is largely dependent on the uncertainties of modeling parameters and boundary conditions, which should be carefully quantified and further reduced with available measurements. In this work, we focus on propagating and reducing the uncertainty of vascular geometries within a Bayesian framework. A novel deep learning (DL)-assisted parallel Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method is presented to enable efficient Bayesian posterior sampling and geometric uncertainty reduction. A DL model is built to approximate the geometry-to-hemodynamic map, which is trained actively using online data collected from parallel MCMC chains and utilized for early rejection of unlikely proposals to facilitate convergence with less expensive full-order model evaluations. Numerical studies on two-dimensional aortic flows are conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness and merit of the proposed method.
Designing for Cross-Cutting Skill Development and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in a Foundational Kinesiology Course
Authors: Gross M. Melissa , Marquardt Kairos , Hasson Rebecca E. , Vesia Michael , King Anthony R. , Bodary Peter F.
Published: September 2022

Pedagogical strategies continue to improve and evolve with the primary purpose of preparing learners for life and career challenges. The focus on discipline-specific content and individual assessment has dominated higher education practice, including those in kinesiology. Although there is a clear vision to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion in kinesiology curricula, we also need to improve important foundational skills (e.g., quantitative literacy, information literacy, teamwork skills) that our students need to succeed in our programs and beyond. Our narrative review highlights how we tackled these two challenges in an intentional redesign of our foundational kinesiology course. In addition, we outline how we integrated our siloed content and moved to coinstruction of a large, team-based-learning class that employs a diverse set of learning assessments and is supported by near-peer learning assistants.
Combination Therapy to Kill Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Its Nonreplicating Persister Phenotype
Authors: Yamada Walter , Kim Sarah , Almoslem Mohammed , Kim Soyoung , Myrick Jenny , Nole Jocelyn , Duncanson Brandon , Louie Arnold , Peloquin Charles A. , Schmidt Stephan , Drusano George L. , Neely Michael
Published: September 2022

Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(Mtb) exists in various metabolic states, including a nonreplicating persister (NRP) phenotype which may affect response to therapy. We have adopted a model-informed strategy to accelerate discovery of effective Mtb treatment regimens and previously found pretomanid (PMD), moxifloxacin (MXF), and bedaquiline (BDQ) to readily kill logarithmic- and acid-phase Mtb.
How to use the Bristol Stool Chart in childhood constipation
Authors: Harvey Samuel , Matthai Sona , King David Anthony
Published: September 2022

Constipation in children is common and is a frequent cause for healthcare attendances in both primary and secondary care. The Bristol Stool Chart has become ubiquitous as an aid in the diagnosis and treatment of constipation, but many clinicians may not be aware of its origins or strengths and weaknesses. In this article, we outline the history and rationale behind the development of the Bristol Stool Chart and how it should be used in childhood constipation.
What is ‘community resilience’? Responding to COVID-19 in rural Zimbabwe
Authors: Bwerinofa Iyleen Judy , Mahenehene Jacob , Manaka Makiwa , Mulotshwa Bulisiwe , Murimbarimba Felix , Mutoko Moses , Sarayi Vincent , Scoones Ian
Published: September 2022

Based on real-time recording and reflection of responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, this article identifies the features of ‘community resilience’ across sites in rural Zimbabwe. The findings confirm the importance of local knowledge, social networks and communication, as highlighted in the literature. In addition, a number of other aspects are emphasised, including the importance of adaptable livelihoods, innovation and collective learning. Flexible adaptation was especially important for responding to lockdowns, as livelihoods had to be reconfigured in response to public health measures. Meanwhile, innovation and shared learning was vital for generating local treatment responses to the disease. In the Zimbabwe context, these adaptation and innovation capabilities emerge from a particular historical experience where resilience in the face of harsh economic conditions and in the absence of state support has been generated over years. This is often a more resigned coping than a positive, empowering, transformational form of resilience. While adaptation, innovation and shared learning capabilities proved useful during the pandemic, they are not evenly spread, and there is no singular ‘community’ around which resilience emerges. The article therefore argues against seeing ‘community resilience’ as the magic bullet for disaster preparedness and response in the context of pandemics. Instead, the highly differentiated local practices of adaptation, innovation and shared learning—across gender, age and wealth differences—should be seen as an important complement to public, state-led support in health emergencies and so are part of a wider, plural health system.
Vitamin D status: a U-shaped relationship for SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in UK healthcare workers
Authors: Lugg Sebastian T , Mackay William R , Faniyi Aduragbemi A , Faustini Sian E , Webster Craig , Duffy Joanne E , Hewison Martin , Shields Adrian M , Parekh Dhruv , Richter Alex G , Scott Aaron , Thickett David R
Published: September 2022

Background

There is increasing evidence that vitamin D (VD) deficiency may increase individuals’ risk of COVID-19 infection and susceptibility. We aimed to determine the relationship between VD deficiency and sufficiency and COVID-19 seropositivity within healthcare workers.

Methods

The study included an observational cohort of healthcare workers who isolated due to COVID-19 symptoms from 12 May to 22 May 2020, from the University Hospitals Birmingham National Health Service Foundation Trust. Data collected included SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion status, serum 25(OH)D3levels, age, body mass index (BMI), sex, ethnicity, job role and comorbidities. Participants were grouped into four VD categories: (1) Severe VD deficiency (VD<30 nmol/L); (2) VD deficiency (30 nmol/L ≤VD<50 nmol/L); (3) VD insufficiency (50 nmol/L ≤VD<75 nmol/L); (4) VD sufficiency (VD≥75 nmol/L).

Results

When VD levels were compared against COVID-19 seropositivity rate, a U-shaped curve was identified. This trend repeated when participants were split into subgroups of age, sex, ethnicity, BMI and comorbidity status. Significant difference was identified in the COVID-19 seropositivity rate between VD groups in the total population and between groups of men and women; black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) group; BMI<30 (kg/m2); 0 and +1 comorbidities; the majority of which were differences when the severely VD deficient category were compared with the other groups. A larger proportion of those within the BAME group (vs white ethnicity) were severely VD deficient (p<0.00001). A larger proportion of the 0 comorbidity subgroup were VD deficient in comparison to the 1+ comorbidity subgroup (p=0.046).

Conclusions

Our study has shown a U-shaped relationship for COVID-19 seropositivity in UK healthcare workers. Further investigation is required to determine whether high VD levels can have a detrimental effect on susceptibility to COVID-19 infection. Future randomised clinical trials of VD supplementation could potentially identify ‘optimal’ VD levels, allowing for targeted therapeutic treatment for those at risk.
Research protocol to evaluate the effectiveness of shockwave therapy, photobiomodulation and physical therapy in the management of non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy in runners: a randomised control trial with elective cross-over design
Authors: Tenforde Adam S , Vogel Katie E L , Tam Joshua , Silbernagel Karin Grävare
Published: September 2022

Background

Achilles tendinopathy (AT) is a common overuse injury in runners. While the mainstay of treatment for AT is tendon loading exercises (physical therapy and exercise programme (EXER)), some patients have refractory symptoms. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) and photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) have each been evaluated to facilitate tendon healing; the influence of combining treatments is unknown and limited studies have been completed in runners. This randomised control study, with an elective cross-over at 3 months, will evaluate the efficacy of three forms of treatment of non-insertional AT: (1) EXER (loading programme specific to Achilles tendon combined with physical therapy); (2) EXER and ESWT; (3) EXER, ESWT and PBMT. Sixty runners will be assigned using block randomisation into one of three treatment groups (n=20). After 3 months, each participant may elect a different treatment than previously assigned and will be followed for an additional 3 months. The EXER Achilles loading programme will be standardised using the Silbernagel at-home programme. The primary outcome of interest is treatment group responses using the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment—Achilles (VISA-A) Score. Secondary outcomes include the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System—29 questions, the University of Wisconsin Running Injury and Recovery Index, heel raise to fatigue test, hopping test and ultrasound measurements. We will also capture patient preference and satisfaction with treatment. We hypothesise that the cohorts assigned EXER+ESWT+PBMT and EXER+ESWT will see greater improvements in VISA-A than the EXER cohort, and the largest gains are anticipated in combining ESWT+PBMT. The elective cross-over phase will be an exploratory study and will inform us whether patient preference for treatment will impact the treatment response.

Trial registration number

NCT04725513.
Satisfaction with telemedicine-delivered inflammatory bowel disease care depends on disease activity, personality and economic factors
Authors: Storan Darragh , Lavelle Joseph , Burke Anne-Marie , Hamzawi Mary , Brett-Kilmurray Orna , De Dominicis Noemi , McHugh Louise , Mulcahy Hugh E
Published: September 2022

Objective

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) traditionally receive follow-up care at face-to-face outpatient clinics. During the COVID-19 pandemic, gastroenterology societies recommended IBD clinics to be carried out remotely where possible using telephone or telemedicine-delivered virtual clinics. Previous studies have demonstrated patient satisfaction with virtual clinics but few studies have examined factors that impact satisfaction or assessed patient’s personal perception of the virtual clinic experience.

Design/method

Patients who had their IBD clinic appointment changed from face-to-face to telephone virtual clinic completed a questionnaire relating to their clinical experience and preference for future care. Qualitative data were also collected and evaluated using content analysis to identify major themes associated with the patient experience.

Results

141 patients were included for analysis. The virtual clinic satisfaction questionnaire was found to be valid while patients expressed high-satisfaction levels with virtual clinics (median satisfaction score 18, range 0–20). Multivariate analysis identified open personality type (p=0.004), short disease duration (p=0.047) and higher cost to attend clinic (p=0.047) as predictors of high-satisfaction levels, with active disease (p=0.035) and an agreeable personality type (p=0.042) associated with low satisfaction levels. Content analysis of the qualitative data identified three major themes connected to virtual clinic convenience, lack of physical interaction and disease activity.

Conclusion

Patients expressed high levels of satisfaction with telemedicine-delivered IBD clinics, with most wishing to continue their use. Personality type should be recognised as an important variable affecting clinical satisfaction, in addition to socioeconomic and disease-related factors.
Handgrip strength and the risk of major depressive disorder: a two-sample
Mendelian randomisation study
Authors: Li Nanxi , Zhou Rui , Zhang Bin
Published: September 2022

Background

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common psychiatric disease and
a leading cause of disability worldwide. Handgrip strength (HGS) as an
objective physical fitness test is a practical index for identifying
many diseases. Previous studies drew different conclusions about the
relationship between HGS and MDD.

Aims

We aim to explore whether HGS has an effect on the risk of
MDD.

Methods

HGS-related single-nucleotide polymorphisms identified by a
genome-wide association study were used as instrumental variables in
this Mendelian randomisation (MR) study. Summary data on MDD were
obtained from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium. Four methods were
applied, including inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR Egger, weighted
median and weighted mode. Additional sensitivity analyses, including
leave-one-out, heterogeneity test, pleiotropy test and confounders
identification, were conducted to test the robustness of our
results.

Results

Each 1 kg increase in left HGS is associated with a 21.95%
reduction in the risk of MDD (OR IVW = 0.781,
95% CI: 0.650 to 0.937, p=0.009), while no significant correlation
exists in the estimation of right HGS (p=0.146). Sensitivity analyses
demonstrated statistical significance (β IVW =
−0.195, p=0.023) after excluding some genetic loci that cause
pleiotropy.

Conclusions

Increased left HGS is associated with a reduced risk of MDD. In the
future, it may be used as an index for the clinical screening,
observation and treatment of MDD.
CARD9 in neutrophils protects from colitis and controls mitochondrial metabolism and cell survival
Authors: Danne Camille , Michaudel Chloé , Skerniskyte Jurate , Planchais Julien , Magniez Aurélie , Agus Allison , Michel Marie-Laure , Lamas Bruno , Da Costa Gregory , Spatz Madeleine , Oeuvray Cyriane , Galbert Chloé , Poirier Maxime , Wang Yazhou , Lapière Alexia , Rolhion Nathalie , Ledent Tatiana , Pionneau Cédric , Chardonnet Solenne , Bellvert Floriant , Cahoreau Edern , Rocher Amandine , Arguello Rafael Rose , Peyssonnaux Carole , Louis Sabine , Richard Mathias L , Langella Philippe , El-Benna Jamel , Marteyn Benoit , Sokol Harry
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) results from a combination of genetic predisposition, dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and environmental factors, leading to alterations in the gastrointestinal immune response and chronic inflammation. Caspase recruitment domain 9 (Card9), one of the IBD susceptibility genes, has been shown to protect against intestinal inflammation and fungal infection. However, the cell types and mechanisms involved in the CARD9 protective role against inflammation remain unknown.

Design

We used dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced and adoptive transfer colitis models in total and conditional CARD9 knock-out mice to uncover which cell types play a role in the CARD9 protective phenotype. The impact ofCard9deletion on neutrophil function was assessed by an in vivo model of fungal infection and various functional assays, including endpoint dilution assay, apoptosis assay by flow cytometry, proteomics and real-time bioenergetic profile analysis (Seahorse).

Results

Lymphocytes are not intrinsically involved in the CARD9 protective role against colitis. CARD9 expression in neutrophils, but not in epithelial or CD11c+cells, protects against DSS-induced colitis. In the absence of CARD9, mitochondrial dysfunction increases mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production leading to the premature death of neutrophilsthrough apoptosis, especially in oxidative environment. The decreased functional neutrophils in tissues might explain the impaired containment of fungi and increased susceptibility to intestinal inflammation.

Conclusion

These results provide new insight into the role of CARD9 in neutrophil mitochondrial function and its involvement in intestinal inflammation, paving the way for new therapeutic strategies targeting neutrophils.
GD2-targeting CAR-T cells enhanced by transgenic IL-15 expression are an effective and clinically feasible therapy for glioblastoma
Authors: Gargett Tessa , Ebert Lisa M , Truong Nga T H , Kollis Paris M , Sedivakova Kristyna , Yu Wenbo , Yeo Erica C F , Wittwer Nicole L , Gliddon Briony L , Tea Melinda N , Ormsby Rebecca , Poonnoose Santosh , Nowicki Jake , Vittorio Orazio , Ziegler David S , Pitson Stuart M , Brown Michael P
Published: September 2022

Background

Aggressive primary brain tumors such as glioblastoma are uniquely challenging to treat. The intracranial location poses barriers to therapy, and the potential for severe toxicity. Effective treatments for primary brain tumors are limited, and 5-year survival rates remain poor. Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy has transformed treatment of some other cancers but has yet to significantly benefit patients with glioblastoma. Early phase trials of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy in patients with glioblastoma have demonstrated that this approach is safe and feasible, but with limited evidence of its effectiveness. The choices of appropriate target antigens for CAR-T-cell therapy also remain limited.

Methods

We profiled an extensive biobank of patients’ biopsy tissues and patient-derived early passage glioma neural stem cell lines for GD2 expression using immunomicroscopy and flow cytometry. We then employed an approved clinical manufacturing process to make CAR- T cells from patients with peripheral blood of glioblastoma and diffuse midline glioma and characterized their phenotype and function in vitro. Finally, we tested intravenously administered CAR-T cells in an aggressive intracranial xenograft model of glioblastoma and used multicolor flow cytometry, multicolor whole-tissue immunofluorescence and next-generation RNA sequencing to uncover markers associated with effective tumor control.

Results

Here we show that the tumor-associated antigen GD2 is highly and consistently expressed in primary glioblastoma tissue removed at surgery. Moreover, despite patients with glioblastoma having perturbations in their immune system, highly functional GD2-specific CAR-T cells can be produced from their peripheral T cells using an approved clinical manufacturing process. Finally, after intravenous administration, GD2-CAR-T cells effectively infiltrated the brain and controlled tumor growth in an aggressive orthotopic xenograft model of glioblastoma. Tumor control was further improved using CAR-T cells manufactured with a clinical retroviral vector encoding an interleukin-15 transgene alongside the GD2-specific CAR. These CAR-T cells achieved a striking 50% complete response rate by bioluminescence imaging in established intracranial tumors.

Conclusions

Targeting GD2 using a clinically deployed CAR-T-cell therapy has a sound scientific and clinical rationale as a treatment for glioblastoma and other aggressive primary brain tumors.
Association of one-point glucocorticoid-free status with chronic damage and disease duration in systemic lupus erythematosus: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sada Ken-ei , Katayama Yu , Asano Yosuke , Hayashi Keigo , Miyawaki Yoshia , Ohashi Keiji , Katsuyama Eri , Katsuyama Takayuki , Takano-Narazaki Mariko , Matsumoto Yoshinori , Yoshimi Ryusuke , Shimojima Yasuhiro , Ohno Shigeru , Kajiyama Hiroshi , Ichinose Kunihiro , Sato Shuzo , Fujiwara Michio , Yajima Nobuyuki
Published: September 2022

Objective

It is still unclear how glucocorticoids (GCs) affect the long-term clinical course of patients with SLE. The objective of this study is to explore the factors associated with GC-free treatment status.

Methods

Using data from the lupus registry of nationwide institutions, GC dose at registration was compared between short, middle and long disease durations of <5, 5–20 and ≥20 years, respectively. After excluding patients who never used GC, we evaluated the relationship between GC-free status and chronic damage using Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Damage Index.

Results

GC doses at enrolment of the 1019 patients were as follows: GC-free in 101 (10%); 0<prednisolone (PSL) ≤5 mg/day in 411 (40%); 5<PSL ≤7.5 in 169 (17%); 7.5<PSL ≤10 in 194 (19%) and PSL≥10 in 144 (14%) patients. Of the patients who were not currently using GCs, patients who never used GC more frequently had short disease duration (66% with short, 23% with middle and 17% with long disease duration, p=0.00029). Univariate analysis of patients who underwent GC treatment showed that patients without GCs exhibited older age, lower disease activity, less immunosuppressant and hydroxychloroquine use and higher C3 levels. Among patients with a disease duration of ≥20 years, GC-free status was more frequent in patients without chronic damage (11% vs 4%, p=0.023). After adjusting for age, sex and disease activity, no chronic damage accrual was associated with GC-free status (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.1 to 11.3).

Conclusion

Even in the patients with long disease duration, one-point GC-free treatment status might be related to no chronic damage accrual.
The mid-Cretaceous Peninsular Ranges orogeny: a new slant on Cordilleran tectonics? III: the orogenic foredeep
Authors: Hildebrand Robert S. , Bhattacharya Janok P. , Whalen Joseph B.
Published: September 2022

The Cretaceous Western Interior Basin reflects the interplay between the North American craton and allochthonous terranes to the west. We divide the basinal stratigraphy into three successions, Aptian–Albian, Cenomanian–Turonian, and Santonian–Maastrichtian, each related to periods of deformation in the adjacent fold-thrust belt. Here we focus on the Cenomanian–Turonian succession, where progressive west to east uplift and fluvial incision of older Aptian–Albian sedimentary rocks (Cedar Mtn–San Pitch–Thermopolis–Skull Creek–Mannville) are interpreted as a migrating forebulge. Uplift was underway at 103 Ma in the west (Paddy–Blackleaf–Muddy sandstones) and propagated eastward throughout the trough by 99.5 Ma (Viking–Bow Island–Newcastle sandstones). The incised fluvial valleys were subsequently filled by swampy and shallow marine facies, then overlain by dark, marine Neogastroplites-bearing shale and associated bentonites of the 100–97.5 Ma Shell Creek–Mowry–Slater River–Goodrich–Shaftesbury–Westgate shales. The shales are characterized by a distinctive condensed horizon with abundant fish scales, teeth, and bones. They are interpreted as outer-trench slope deposits, with the overlying anoxic horizon representing a starved isochronous unit formed atop the slope deposits. The starved horizon is overlain by prodeltaic muddy clinoforms of easterly migrating clastic wedges (Trevor–Dunvegan–Frontier–Cintura–Mexcala) that can be traced 800 km atop the fish-scale hash and contain hinterland-derived 99–90 Ma detrital zircons. Although the Western Interior Basin has long been considered a retro-arc trough, the overall succession instead suggests that the Cretaceous–Turonian part represents a collisional foredeep created during the ∼100 Ma collision between the arc-bearing Peninsular Ranges composite terrane and North America. The accretion brought tyrannosaurids, pachycephalosaurs, snakes, and marsupials to North America.
Greater tree species diversity and lower intraspecific competition attenuate impacts from temperature increases and insect epidemics in boreal forests of western Quebec, Canada
Authors: Chavardès Raphaël D. , Balducci Lorena , Bergeron Yves , Grondin Pierre , Poirier Véronique , Morin Hubert , Gennaretti Fabio
Published: September 2022

We investigated how the surrounding environment influences the growth of dominant trees and their responses to temperature and insect epidemics in boreal forests of eastern Canada. We focused on 82 black spruce and jack pine focal trees in stands spanning a double gradient of species diversity and soil texture within a 36 km2 area of western Quebec. For these trees, we compared their diameter at breast height, growth rates, temperature–growth relations, and growth during insect defoliator epidemics. We used linear models to study how surrounding tree attributes and soil properties affected the growth of focal trees. Models showed that tree growth responses and responses to temperature and insect epidemics were generally negative with higher intraspecific competition and positive with greater tree species diversity. Growth of both species benefitted from lower soil sand content. Our research offers novel insights on the potential role of the surrounding environment, notably tree competition and species diversity, in mitigating the vulnerability of eastern Canada's boreal trees to anthropogenic climate change and insect epidemics.
Forefront Canada Prairie spring red wheat
Authors: Iqbal M. , Spaner D. , Strenzke K. , Ciechanowska I. , Beres B.
Published: September 2022

Forefront is an awned hard red spring wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar with high yield potential, shorter stature with good lodging tolerance, and excellent rust resistance. During the three years of testing in the High Yield Wheat Cooperative test (2017–19), Forefront yielded similar to and matured one day later than the highest yielding check cultivar AAC Foray. Forefront had 10 cm shorter plants than AAC Foray, with a similar lodging score. Forefront had slightly higher test weight, lower grain weight, and higher grain protein content than AAC Foray. Forefront was rated “resistant” to the prevalent races of leaf, stem, and stripe rusts, whereas “moderately susceptible” to common bunt and Fusarium head blight (FHB) during the three years of testing. The end-use quality characteristics of Forefront were within the range of the checks of the Canada Prairie Spring Red market class.
Design of the digital interface circuit system for MEMS gyroscope
Authors: Zhang Huan , Chen Weiping , Yin Liang , Fu Qiang , Zhang Yufeng
Published: September 2022

In this paper, a digital closed-loop measurement and control system of MEMS vibrating silicon gyro is proposed, which includes the sensitive structure model of gyro and the design of interface circuit. Because of the high sensitivity and precision of the MEMS gyroscope under the condition of modal matching, the measurement and control circuit is established under the condition of modal matching. The system uses automatic gain control (AGC) to control the amplitude of self-excited oscillation of the driving loop, which has the characteristics of simple and quick start. First, the working principle of gyro sensitive structure is introduced and an interface circuit with digital drive and detection mode is designed. Second, a high precision one-bit sigma-Delta ([Formula: see text] analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is designed, and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the modulator is 102.5 dB at 10 kHz bandwidth. Third, a nonlinear multiplier is used in the driving loop to realize fast self-excited start-up of gyro, and a proportional integral (PI) controller is used in the self-excited loop to realize stable oscillation. Finally, Simulink is used to simulate and verify the sensitive structure model and the measurement and control system. The nonlinearity of the gyroscope is tested by experiment, and the well measurement and control precision of the gyro interface circuit is verified.
Risk management planning on a volcanic island: fear and loathing in Ischia (Italy)
Authors: Tomasone Mario , Avvisati Gala , Cirillo Francesca , Colucci Orazio , Marotta Enrica , Fiorenza Elisa , Vertechi Enrico , Simonetti Biagio
Published: September 2022

The volcanic island of Ischia (southern Italy) represents an interesting challenge as far as both risk analysis and risk management planning (RMP) go; hence, it is detailed here as a study case. We analysed the strengths and weaknesses of the emergency plans brought forward following the August 2017 earthquake, elaborating and revising scientific information, and involving researchers and experts with very different competences and backgrounds (e.g. engineers, architects, geologists, volcanologists, sociologists and information science experts). In particular, the historical evolution of the emergency plans prior to this event was recollected; the social context, on the basis of both literature and new statistical results, was analysed; and the guidelines proposed and/or implemented in other similar contexts in the world were examined. This work analyses and discusses the results, and proposes models that are universally applicable. Indeed, the key factors necessary for a 3E (Effective, Efficient and Effectual) RMP have been identified and described. These factors must characterize the RMP of the island of Ischia – and, in general, of any volcanic island – in order to be able to manage the occurrence of an emergency in the best possible way.
Tunable Encrypted Deduplication with Attack-resilient Key Management
Authors: Yang Zuoru , Li Jingwei , Ren Yanjing , Lee Patrick P. C.
Published: September 2022

Conventional encrypted deduplication approaches retain the deduplication capability on duplicate chunks after encryption by always deriving the key for encryption/decryption from the chunk content, but such a deterministic nature causes information leakage due to frequency analysis. We present
TED
, a tunable encrypted deduplication primitive that provides a tunable mechanism for balancing the tradeoff between storage efficiency and data confidentiality. The core idea of
TED
is that its key derivation is based on not only the chunk content but also the number of duplicate chunk copies, such that duplicate chunks are encrypted by distinct keys in a controlled manner. In particular,
TED
allows users to configure a storage blowup factor, under which the information leakage quantified by an information-theoretic measure is minimized for any input workload. In addition, we extend
TED
with a distributed key management architecture and propose two attack-resilient key generation schemes that trade between performance and fault tolerance. We implement an encrypted deduplication prototype
TEDStore
to realize
TED
in networked environments. Evaluation on real-world file system snapshots shows that
TED
effectively balances the tradeoff between storage efficiency and data confidentiality, with small performance overhead.
A Research on University Students’ Behavioral Intention to Use New-generation Information Technology in Intelligent Foreign Language Learning
Authors: Yu Shanshan
Published: September 2022

A better understanding of how advancement in science and technology affect students’ learning behavior in an academic setting can help all educators in higher education. With the advancement of science and technology, the new-generation information technology represented by “Cloud Computing, Big Data, Internet of Things, Mobile Network, and Artificial Intelligence” has been profoundly changing the form of education, accelerating the transformation from Teaching 1.0 to Learning 2.0. To investigate the factors influencing university students using a new-generation information technology in intelligent foreign language learning, this study proposed a research model based on Technology Acceptance Model. The sample data were collected from a survey of 237 students at a university. The analysis of structural equation modeling indicated that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, construction of foreign language intelligence classroom, and computer self-efficacy all have a positive impact on learners’ behavioral intention. These findings suggest that more emphasis should be laid on students’ learning characteristics, advantages of a new generation of technology, as well as teachers’ intelligent literacy, to further promote the deep integration of the new-generation information technology and intelligent foreign language learning, improving the learning effectiveness ultimately and effectively.
Traffic Flow Forecasting in the COVID-19: A Deep Spatial-temporal Model Based on Discrete Wavelet Transformation
Authors: Li Haoran , Lv Zhiqiang , Li Jianbo , Xu Zhihao , Wang Yue , Sun Haokai , Sheng Zhaoyu
Published: September 2022

Traffic flow prediction has always been the focus of research in the field of Intelligent Transportation Systems, which is conducive to the more reasonable allocation of basic transportation resources and formulation of transportation policies. The spread of COVID-19 has seriously affected the normal order in the transportation sector. With the increase in the number of infected people and the government's anti-epidemic policy, human outgoing activities have gradually decreased, resulting in increasingly obvious discreteness and irregularities in traffic flow data. This article proposes a deep-space time traffic flow prediction model based on discrete wavelet transform (DSTM-DWT) to overcome the highly discrete and irregular nature of the new crown epidemic. First, DSTM-DWT decomposes traffic flow into discrete attributes, such as flow trend, discrete amplitude, and discrete baseline. Second, we design the spatial relationship of the transportation network as a graph and integrate the new crown pneumonia epidemic data into the characteristics of each transportation node. Then, we use the graph convolutional network to calculate the spatial correlation of each node, and the temporal convolutional network to calculate the temporal correlation of the data. In order to solve the problem of high discreteness of traffic flow data during the epidemic, this article proposes a graph memory network (GMN), which is used to convert discrete magnitudes separated by discrete wavelet transform into high-dimensional discrete features. Finally, use DWT to segment the predicted traffic data, and then perform the inverse discrete wavelet transform between the newly segmented traffic trend and discrete baseline and the discrete model predicted by GMN to obtain the final traffic flow prediction result. In simulation experiments, this work was compared with the existing advanced baselines to verify the superiority of DSTM-DWT.
Synthesis of rGO – ZnO composite and the effect of ammonia
Authors: Dash Ritambhara , Bhattacharyya Arnab Sankar
Published: September 2022

ZnO was synthesized by Sol gel method using zinc nitrate as precursor. A change in band gap was observed with change in different dopant concentrations. The rGO – ZnO composite showed nucleation of crystallites in a preferential crystallographic orientation. The crystallite growth was enhanced with increase in ammonia concentration.
Effect of divalent (Cu, Ni) ion doping in ZnO
Authors: Dash Ritambhara , Bhattacharyya Arnab Sankar
Published: September 2022

ZnO was synthesized by Sol gel method using zinc nitrate as precursor and doped with Cu and Ni. Stress in lattice was evident from the XRD peak shifts. A decrease in crystallite size due to Zener pinning was observed. A variation in absorption intensity based on the defect energy levels was observed. A difference in energy of the emission and absorption spectra resulting from defects in the material and non-radiative decay was seen. A change in band gap was observed with change in different dopant concentrations.