bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MAD2L1 Induces Tumor Progression through Influencing Multiple Immune Components: A Multi-Omics Analysis with Potential Inhibitor Prediction
Authors: Soltan Mohamed A. , Eid Refaat A. , Shati Ayed A. , Al-Qahtani Saleh M. , Alqahtani Youssef A. , Dawood Samy A. , Alshehri Mohammed A. , Zaki Mohamed Samir A. , Alshaya Dalal Sulaiman , Fayad Eman , Binjawhar Dalal Nasser , Alsharif Ghadi , Eldeen Muhammad Alaa
Published: August 2024

Mitotic arrest deficient 2 like 1 (MAD2L1) is a component of the mitotic spindle assembly checkpoint that prevents the onset of anaphase until all chromosomes are properly aligned at the metaphase plate, a process that confirms genomic stability. As several human cancers experience abnormal expression of such components, MAD2L1 has been studied in different human cancers owing to its oncogenic behavior. Here, we employed several omics-related tools to investigate the characteristics of MAD2L1 in a pan-cancer model of analysis, with a focus on its impact on the infiltration of multiple immune components in the tumor microenvironment as a mechanism allowing for tumor progression and poor patient survival. Our analysis revealed that MAD2L1 was significantly upregulated in several human tumors, and this upregulation was further confirmed at the protein level. In addition, a significant hypomethylation status of MAD2L1 was detected in multiple cancers compared with the corresponding controls. The consequences of this upregulation on tumor progression and clinical outcome were further assessed, where tumor stage, grade and metastasis were positively correlated with MAD2L1 overexpression in a panel of tumors. Moving to the immune interaction, our analysis demonstrated that MAD2L1 significantly increased the infiltration of the myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and reduced the infiltration of tumor-attacking natural killer (NK) cells. Furthermore, MAD2L1 expression positively correlated with the expression of exhaustion markers and immunosuppressive chemokines. Owing to its role in tumor progression, we detected MAD2L1 as a target for anticancer therapy, where high-throughput screening (HTS) was performed to identify possible inhibitors that could act as antitumor drugs. Our screening process identified nine FDA-approved drugs with favorable binding energies (>−7 kcal/mol) among the 3180 compounds examined. Meropenem, Glipizide and Dolutegravir were particularly promising candidates, showing distinctive interactions within the active pocket of MAD2L1. Here, we describe the stages and output of our multi-omics analysis with a drug screening assessment.
Approximately Counting Answers to Conjunctive Queries with Disequalities and Negations
Authors: Focke Jacob , Goldberg Leslie Ann , Roth Marc , Živný Stanislav
Published: August 2024

We study the complexity of approximating the number of answers to a small query

\(\varphi\)

in a large database

\(\mathcal{D}\)

. We establish an exhaustive classification into tractable and intractable cases if

\(\varphi\)

is a conjunctive query possibly including disequalities and negations:

—

If there is a constant bound on the arity of

\(\varphi\)

, and if the randomised Exponential Time Hypothesis (rETH) holds, then the problem has a fixed-parameter tractable approximation scheme (FPTRAS) if and only if the treewidth of

\(\varphi\)

is bounded.

—

If the arity is unbounded and

\(\varphi\)

does not have negations, then the problem has an FPTRAS if and only if the adaptive width of

\(\varphi\)

(a width measure strictly more general than treewidth) is bounded; the lower bound relies on the rETH as well.

Additionally we show that our results cannot be strengthened to achieve a fully polynomial randomised approximation scheme (FPRAS): We observe that, unless

\(\mathrm{NP}=\mathrm{RP}\)

, there is no FPRAS even if the treewidth (and the adaptive width) is

\(1\)

. However, if there are neither disequalities nor negations, we prove the existence of an FPRAS for queries of bounded fractional hypertreewidth, strictly generalising the recently established FPRAS for conjunctive queries with bounded hypertreewidth due to Arenas, Croquevielle, Jayaram and Riveros (STOC 2021).
Multimodal Emotion-Cause Pair Extraction with Holistic Interaction and Label Constraint
Authors: Li Bobo , Fei Hao , Li Fei , Chua Tat-seng , Ji Donghong
Published: August 2024

The multimodal emotion-cause pair extraction (MECPE) task aims to detect the emotions, causes, and emotion-cause pairs from multimodal conversations. Existing methods for this task typically concatenate representations of each utterance from distinct modalities and then predict emotion-cause pairs directly. This approach struggles to effectively integrate multimodal features and capture the subtleties of emotion transitions, which are crucial for accurately identifying causes—thereby limiting overall performance. To address these challenges, we propose a novel model that captures holistic interaction and label constraint (HiLo) features for the MECPE task. HiLo facilitates cross-modality and cross-utterance feature interaction with various attention mechanisms, establishing a robust foundation for precise cause extraction. Notably, our model innovatively leverages emotion transition features as pivotal cues to enhance causal inference within conversations. The experimental results demonstrate the superior performance of HiLo, evidenced by an increase of more than 2% in the F1 score compared to existing benchmarks. Further analysis reveals that our approach adeptly utilizes multimodal and dialogue features, making a significant contribution to the field of emotion-cause analysis. Our code is publicly available athttps://is.gd/MVdYmx.
Privacy-Enhancing Technologies in Biomedical Data Science
Authors: Cho Hyunghoon , Froelicher David , Dokmai Natnatee , Nandi Anupama , Sadhuka Shuvom , Hong Matthew M. , Berger Bonnie
Published: August 2024

The rapidly growing scale and variety of biomedical data repositories raise important privacy concerns. Conventional frameworks for collecting and sharing human subject data offer limited privacy protection, often necessitating the creation of data silos. Privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs) promise to safeguard these data and broaden their usage by providing means to share and analyze sensitive data while protecting privacy. Here, we review prominent PETs and illustrate their role in advancing biomedicine. We describe key use cases of PETs and their latest technical advances and highlight recent applications of PETs in a range of biomedical domains. We conclude by discussing outstanding challenges and social considerations that need to be addressed to facilitate a broader adoption of PETs in biomedical data science.
MMP-8 causes leftward shift in end-diastolic pressure-volume relationship and may explain the development of diastolic dysfunction in septic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Maiorov Ida , Bagrov Konstantin , Efraim Roy , Ankri Eliyahu Galit , Livneh Amit , Landesberg Amir
Published: August 2024

MMP-8, released from activated neutrophils and macrophages, is markedly elevated in sepsis, correlating with sepsis severity and mortality. MMP-8 targets collagen I of the cardiac ECM and induces diastolic dysfunction with fluid unresponsiveness, associated with decreased EDV, reduced sarcomere length, and diminished systolic function. Unlike other MMPs that predominantly cleave collagen-III and contribute to cardiac dilatation, thereby increasing sarcomere length, MMP-8 leads to a leftward shift in the EDPVR, resulting in diastolic and systolic dysfunctions.
Acute partial sleep deprivation attenuates blood pressure responses to cycling exercise
Authors: Bommarito Julian C. , Stapleton Rileigh K. , Murray Nathan S. , Burr Jamie F. , Millar Philip J.
Published: August 2024

A single night of partial sleep deprivation (PSD) can increase ambulatory blood pressure (BP) the following day. Despite this phenomenon, the present study found that acute PSD attenuates systolic BP responses to both constant load cycling and a 20-min cycling time trial in young healthy adults. Interestingly, the attenuated systolic BP responses following PSD appeared to be modulated by sex such that attenuations were observed in males but not in females.
Menstrual and oral contraceptive pill cycles minimally influence vascular function and associated cellular regulation in premenopausal females
Authors: Williams Jennifer S. , Cheng Jem L. , Stone Jenna C. , Kamal Michael J. , Cherubini Joshua M. , Parise Gianni , MacDonald Maureen J.
Published: August 2024

Comprehensive evaluation of the cardiovascular system in naturally cycling and second and third generation OCP users indicates no major influence of hormonal phases examined on endothelial function and smooth muscle function in the arteries of the upper and lower limbs, arterial stiffness, or underlying cellular mechanisms. Study findings challenge the historical exclusion of female participants due to potentially confounding hormonal cycles; researchers are encouraged to consider the hormonal environment in future study design.
Synergistic Therapeutic Effects and Immunoregulatory Mechanism of Maxing Shigan Decoction Combined with Sijunzi Decoction on Viral Pneumonia in Mice
Authors: Huang Huimin , Yang Huanhua , Zhang Zurong , Song Yunlong , Li Li , Li Ke , Zhang Junjie , Qi Xiaoyu , Wu Ying
Published: August 2024

Influenza is defined in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as an epidemic febrile illness and is usually treated with herbal compound formulas under the guidance of the “Qu Xie and Fu Zheng” theories. Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang (MXSGD) is a prominent remedy for clearing heat and detoxifying toxins in the clinical treatment of influenza in TCM, playing the role of “Qu Xie.” Si Jun Zi Tang (SJZD) is recognized as one of the “Fu Zheng” formulas for strengthening the spleen and nourishing the stomach, with immunomodulatory effects. In this study, we followed the principles of “Qu Xie and Fu Zheng” to explore the effects of MXSGD combined with SJZD on viral pneumonia and its mechanism. Results showed that the couse of MXSGD and SJZD was effective in reducing the mortality rates and severity of lung pathology in lethally infected FM1 mice compared to the use of either drug alone. Moreover, further research demonstrated that the combined use suppressed TLRs and NLRP3 inflammatory signaling pathways at 4 dpi while promoting them at 7 dpi. At 10 dpi, there was a significant increase in CD11c+ and CD103+ DCs in the lungs. Together, SJZD improved the therapeutic effectiveness of MXSGD in treating influenza virus pneumonia than when used alone. MXSGD and SJZD exhibit synergistic effects in the treatment of influenza, as evidenced by the inhibition of TLR7 and NLRP3 inflammatory pathways early in the infection and facilitation of the response later. They also increase CD11c+ and CD103+ DC levels, as well as balancing Th1/Th2 cytokines.
Perceptions of Patient Safety Competence among Undergraduate Nursing and Nursing Associate Students: A Comparative Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: De Rezende Helena , Ooms Ann , Kaya Guldane Damla , Wang Chao
Published: August 2024

Background. Nursing professionals are pivotal in coordinating care and incorporating quality and safety strategies to enhance patient outcomes. Therefore, nursing education is paramount in preparing nurses to deliver safe care. Aim. In this study, we aimed to explore the self‐reported patient safety competence acquired by undergraduate nursing students in classroom and clinical settings and to compare their perceptions of how broader patient safety issues are addressed in their programmes. Methods. We conducted a cross‐sectional study in a public university in London, United Kingdom, and included Bachelor of Science nursing students from all fields of nursing and Nursing Associate students (n = 250, response rate 21.3%). Students completed the Health Professional Education Patient Safety Survey (H‐PEPSS). Paired t‐tests examined the differences in learning (classroom versus clinical setting). Analysis of variance was used to explore differences in self‐reported patient safety competencies across programmes and to compare students’ perceptions of how broader patient safety issues are addressed in their curricula. Results. Mean domain scores indicate high confidence levels in patient safety competence for learning gained in both classroom and clinical settings for all students (>4.0/5.0). Results also indicate a consensus among students from various programmes that broader patient safety issues are adequately addressed in the curricula. Self‐reported confidence was highest in respondents enrolled in the Nursing Associate programme and students with prior experience in a clinical setting. Students were confident about their learnings of patient safety in their educational programmes. Conclusions. Greater patient safety competence indicates comprehension and familiarity with knowledge boundaries, which in turn acknowledges the limitations of autonomous practice. Our findings underscore the need for targeted educational interventions to enhance specific areas of patient safety competence and emphasise the shared responsibility of educators in fostering a culture of safety within healthcare.
Virulence and Antimicrobial‐Resistant Gene Profiles of Salmonella spp. Isolates from Chicken Carcasses Markets in Ibague City, Colombia
Authors: Lozano-Villegas Kelly Johanna , Rondón-Barragán Iang Schroniltgen
Published: August 2024

Salmonella spp. is one of the leading causes of foodborne bacterial infections, with major impacts on public health and healthcare system. Salmonella is commonly transmitted via the fecal‐to‐oral route, and food contaminated with the bacteria (e.g., poultry products) is considered a common source of infection, being a potential risk for public health. The study aims to characterize the antimicrobial resistance‐ and virulence‐associated genes in Salmonella isolates recovered from chicken marketed carcasses (n = 20). The presence of 14 antimicrobial and 23 virulence genes was evaluated using end‐point PCR. The antimicrobial genes were detected in the following proportion among the isolates: blaTEM 100%, dfrA1 and blaCMY2 90% (n = 18), aadA1 75% (n = 15), sul1 and sul2 50% (n = 10), floR 45% (n = 9), qnrD 20% (n = 4), and aadA2 15% (n = 3). catA, sul3, qnrS, and aac(6′)-Ib genes were absent in all isolates. Regarding virulence‐associated genes, all Salmonella strains contain invA, fimA, avrA, msgA, sopB, and sopE. The cdtB gene was present in 95% (n = 19) of isolates, whereas spvC and spvB were present in 55% (n = 11). Other virulence genes such as spiC, lpfC, lpfA, and csgA were present in 90% (n = 18) of strains. The presence of antimicrobial and virulence genes in several Salmonella strains in chicken meat suggests the potential pathogenicity of the strains, which is relevant given the possibility of cross‐contamination which represents a significant threat to public health.
The Weight of Genetic Drift: A Pedigree‐Based Evaluation of the Breton Horse Population in Brazil
Authors: Medeiros Bruno B. , Barcelos Kate M. C. , Andrade Millena Oliveira , Cristina da Paz Carvalho Michele , Miranda Victoria Rocha , de Oliveira Maia Kalebe , Reinhardt Susana , Patterson Rosa Laura
Published: August 2024

The genetic diversity of Breton horses in Brazil is a critical concern, mainly due to the small population size and low number of births per year. Given that the inbreeding was overlooked by breeders for multiple generations, we estimated the genetic diversity of this population utilizing pedigree‐based measures of population diversity. A total of 1394 six‐generation pedigrees representing the full population of registered Breton horses in Brazil defined a total population (TP, N = 2679), with horses born between 2000 and 2022, reproductively active and alive, as reported by the breed association, representing the reference population (RP, N = 731). Using the R package PurgeR, we estimated inbreeding coefficient (Fped), maternal inbreeding coefficient (Fda m), paternal inbreeding coefficient (Fsire), individual reproductive values, number of equivalents to complete generations (t), and unbiased ancestral inbreeding coefficient (Fa). We established the equivalent complete generations (ECG), effective population size (Ne), total number of founders (Nf), effective number of founders (Nfe), total number of ancestors (Na), effective number of ancestors (Nae), founder genomes (Ng), and the inbreeding coefficient estimated with effective population size (Ne) and generation numbers (t) (FNe:t), as well as Nfe/Nae and Nfe/Ng ratios for the RP. The RP inbreeding levels have stabilized, although they are still significantly rising by generation (t), and the Nfe/Ng ratio strongly suggests genetic drift. Pedigree‐based analysis demonstrates that only five stallions have sired 52.83% of the RP individuals, which along with the Nae value of 36.73 implies that the observed inbreeding can be arising from patrilines. Our results suggest that observed inbreeding is due to Popular Sire Effect, highlighting the importance of monitoring breeding schemes and genetic diversity to maintain health.
Quality of Counselling, Exposure to Vaccination Messages, and Caregivers’ Knowledge on the Uptake of Pentavalent Vaccine in Six Northern Nigerian States
Authors: Alabi Matthew , Dougherty Leanne , Etim Eno-Obong , Adedimeji Adebola
Published: August 2024

Background. Pentavalent (Penta) vaccine coverage for children aged 12–23 months is used as the prime substitute for determining vaccination coverage and monitoring the performance of the national immunization program. However, the coverage for Penta vaccine in Nigeria remains low. Quality interaction between caregivers and providers and access to appropriate information are associated with healthcare utilization and acceptance of recommended health behaviours. This study examines the quality of counselling (QOC), caregivers’ exposure to vaccination messages, and child’s uptake of the Penta vaccine. Methods. This was a cross‐sectional study that utilized quantitative data obtained through a survey. Caregivers (n = 561) of children aged 2–24 months accessing child vaccination services who received Penta vaccines at randomly selected health facilities (n = 163) offering routine immunization (RI) services were surveyed. Penta uptake was coded as binary; hence, binary logistic regression was performed using Stata 14. Result. We found that 56% of the caregivers received quality counselling. Although awareness of child vaccination was high (70%), two‐thirds had limited exposure through health communication channels. The uptake of all three doses of Penta vaccine was 43% among eligble children. Factors associated with Penta uptake include caregivers’ knowledge of when a child should receive their first vaccination (aOR = 2.08 and 95% CI = 1.01–4.29), sources of child vaccination messages, namely, place of worship (aOR = 2.78 and 95% CI = 1.15–6.67), community health workers (CHWs; aOR = 1.95 and 95% CI = 1.14–3.34), community leader (aOR = 2.21 and 95% CI = 1.11–4.41), and residence in the northwest region (aOR = 2.60 and 95% CI = 1.51–4.48). Conclusion. Given the low quality of counselling and the positive influence of religious and traditional leaders, interventions that prioritize strengthening patient–provider interaction and community structure are crucial for increasing child vaccination coverage in Nigeria.
Supplementary Table S1 from Coordinated Targeting of S6K1/2 and AXL Disrupts Pyrimidine Biosynthesis in PTEN-Deficient Glioblastoma
Authors: Behrmann Catherine A. , Ennis Kelli N. , Sarma Pranjal , Wetzel Collin , Clark Nicholas A. , Von Handorf Kate M. , Vallabhapurapu Subrahmanya , Andreani Cristina , Reigle James , Scaglioni Pier Paolo , Meller Jarek , Czyzyk-Krzeska Maria F. , Kendler Ady , Qi Xiaoyang , Sarkaria Jann N. , Medvedovic Mario , Sengupta Soma , Dasgupta Biplab , Plas David R.
Published: August 2024

Key Resources
Data from Coordinated Targeting of S6K1/2 and AXL Disrupts Pyrimidine Biosynthesis in PTEN-Deficient Glioblastoma
Authors: Behrmann Catherine A. , Ennis Kelli N. , Sarma Pranjal , Wetzel Collin , Clark Nicholas A. , Von Handorf Kate M. , Vallabhapurapu Subrahmanya , Andreani Cristina , Reigle James , Scaglioni Pier Paolo , Meller Jarek , Czyzyk-Krzeska Maria F. , Kendler Ady , Qi Xiaoyang , Sarkaria Jann N. , Medvedovic Mario , Sengupta Soma , Dasgupta Biplab , Plas David R.
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Intrinsic resistance to targeted therapeutics in PTEN-deficient glioblastoma (GBM) is mediated by redundant signaling networks that sustain critical metabolic functions. Here, we demonstrate that coordinated inhibition of the ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (S6K1) and the receptor tyrosine kinase AXL using LY-2584702 and BMS-777607 can overcome network redundancy to reduce GBM tumor growth. This combination of S6K1 and AXL inhibition suppressed glucose flux to pyrimidine biosynthesis. Genetic inactivation studies to map the signaling network indicated that both S6K1 and S6K2 transmit growth signals in PTEN-deficient GBM. Kinome-wide ATP binding analysis in inhibitor-treated cells revealed that LY-2584702 directly inhibited S6K1, and substrate phosphorylation studies showed that BMS-777607 inactivation of upstream AXL collaborated to reduce S6K2-mediated signal transduction. Thus, combination targeting of S6K1 and AXL provides a kinase-directed therapeutic approach that circumvents signal transduction redundancy to interrupt metabolic function and reduce growth of PTEN-deficient GBM.
Significance:
Therapy for glioblastoma would be advanced by incorporating molecularly targeted kinase-directed agents, similar to standard of care strategies in other tumor types. Here, we identify a kinase targeting approach to inhibit the metabolism and growth of glioblastoma.
Impedance and Functional Outcomes in Robotic-Assisted or Manual Cochlear Implantation: A Comparative Study
Authors: Gersdorff Guillaume , Peigneux Nicolas , Duran Unal , Camby Severine , Lefebvre Philippe P.
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Preservation of residual hearing, mainly the low frequencies, is the current main objective of cochlear implantation. New electrode arrays and the development of minimally invasive surgery have allowed electroacoustic stimulation. Over the past several years, robotic-assisted cochlear implant surgery aimed to improve the insertion process while respecting inner ear structures. However, the introduction of a foreign body inside the cochlea can lead to the development of fibrous tissue around the electrode array, or even induce osteogenesis. These histological changes disrupt the parameters of the cochlear implant, resulting in elevated impedance. In addition, long-term auditory performance can be affected, with a deterioration in word comprehension. We evaluated the potential impact of RobOtol® on impedance changes over time, leading to potentially positive functional outcomes. Methods: Cochlear implant surgery with a round window approach was performed under general anesthesia. Fifteen Med-El Flex24 electrode arrays were inserted manually and 24 using RobOtol®. All subjects underwent pure-tone audiometry tests before the surgery and at regular intervals up to 1 year after the surgery. Based on the pure-tone average at the low frequencies from 250 to 1,000 Hz, we divided the patients according to the degree of auditory preservation (full preservation ≤15 dB, partial preservation 15 dB–30 dB, significant loss >30 dB). These different groups were compared in terms of impedance changes and auditory performance, specifically word recognition score. Results: We found proportionally fewer patients who experienced significant low-frequency hearing loss after robotic insertion (53.33% in the manual group compared to 41.67% in the robot-assisted insertion group). Impedance changes at the apex of the electrode array, especially at the first electrode (p = 0.04), after robotic surgery, with less overall variability, a continuous decreasing trend without secondary elevation, and lower values in cases of complete residual hearing preservation (for the three first electrodes: p = 0.017, p = 0.04, p = 0.045). The speech intelligibility amelioration over time showed favorable evolution in patients with complete residual hearing preservation regardless of the insertion method. However, in the absence of auditory preservation, the positive evolution continued more than 6 months after robotic surgery but stagnated after manual insertion (difference at 1 year, p = 0.038; median auditory capacity index 83% vs. 57%). Conclusion: Atraumatic electrode array insertion with consistent, slow speed and the assistance of RobOtol® minimizes disturbances in the delicate neurosensory structures of the inner ear and leads to better auditory performance.
Emergence of Self-Replicating Hierarchical Structures in a Binary Cellular Automaton
Authors: Yang Bo
Published: August 2024

We have discovered a novel transition rule for binary cellular automata (CAs) that yields self-replicating structures across two spatial and temporal scales from sparse random initial conditions. Lower-level, shape-shifting clusters frequently follow a transient attractor trajectory, generating new clusters, some of which periodically self-duplicate. When the initial distribution of live cells is sufficiently sparse, these clusters coalesce into larger formations that also self-replicate. These formations may further form the boundaries of an expanding complex on an even larger scale. This rule, dubbed “Outlier,” is rotationally symmetric and applies to 2-D Moore neighborhoods. It was evolved through genetic programming during an extensive search for rules that foster open-ended evolution in CAs. While self-replicating structures, both crafted and emergent, have been created in CAs with state sets intentionally designed for this purpose, the Outlier may be the first known rule to facilitate nontrivial emergent self-replication across two spatial scales in binary CAs.
Sufis and Sultans in Eighteenth-Century Delhi: Re-evaluating the Political Letters of Shāh Walī Allāh of Delhi (d. 1762)
Authors: Morgan Daniel Jacobius
Published: August 2024

While Shāh Walī Allāh’s political letters have been the subject of much scholarly discussion, they are still deeply misunderstood. These misunderstandings are due, primarily, to erroneous attributions of recipients, misidentified individuals in the letters, and the failure to read these “political letters” alongside Walī Allāh’s broader epistolographic corpus, contemporary biographical texts and political chronicles of the period. This article argues that far from being a critic of the Mughal Empire per se, Walī Allāh was closely associated with leading members of ʿĀlamgīr II’s court. Moreover, his famous “invitation” to the Afghan ruler Aḥmad Shāh Abdālī, ostensibly asking him to invade Hindustan, should properly be understood as an ultimately unsuccessful attempt to attract the favorable attention of a military leader in order to mitigate the danger posed by his troops.
Prostitution in Nineteenth-Century Tehran
Authors: Vejdani Farzin
Published: August 2024

This article examines the shifting lines between ethics and law in the policing and punishment of prostitution in nineteenth-century Tehran. It begins by exploring Tehran’s urban policing and legal institutions before examining how illicit sexual acts were defined alternatively as sins or crimes, depending on the relative publicness of the act, in prescriptive and legal texts. It then turns to how this played out in practice by analyzing a first-hand account of a private party and a rare testimonial document signed by neighborhood residents complaining about a pimping and procurement ring in their midst. Prostitutes and pimps regularly evaded penal sanction through close contacts with the police, which prompted an array of government strategies to address prostitution. Finally, the article ends by discussing known cases of punishment for prostitution and pimping in Tehran, including two Tehrani prostitutes whose crimes drew the attention of Nāṣir al-Dīn Shāh.
Reconciling Peoples and Places: Perpetual Re-interpretation in Perceptions of Social and Cultural Identities in Northeast China
Authors: Kim Loretta E.
Published: August 2024

Genesis and development of ethnic and national identities have been topics of continual interest and importance for historical research but, as taken for granted, may obscure the similarities between populations now recognized as separate groups and blur social and cultural boundaries between distinct sub-groups within a community. This article explores how the scope and application of identities as determined by “place” and by “people” as well as a combined emphasis on both place and people have evolved in the modern history of Northeast China, with broader implications for the study of Asia through comparison with other regions of the world.
How to Research the Multiethnic Empire and Its Colonial Legacy: a Response Paper to “Reconciling Peoples and Places” by Loretta Kim
Authors: Ziehaus Stephanie
Published: August 2024

Current and past historical research on Russia and China’s borderlands heavily relies on the concept of ethnicity. Both the Russian and Qing empires ascribed to an “ethnic mode of ruling” in their borderlands, reflected in the estate inorodtsy and the Eight Banner system. In view of how strongly state-determined categories of ethnic identification can influence historical analysis, this paper observes that the focus of research is shifting from “ethnicity” to “regionality”. The paper also explores how the communist regimes in Russia and China of the 20th century handled the legacy of the multiethnic empire with the politicization of ethnic groups.
Contributions to Iranian Etymology II
Authors: Fattori Marco
Published: August 2024

In this article the possible Iranian etymology of three hitherto unexplained Old Armenian words is discussed: Arm. aptak ‘slap, blow’ < Ir. *apitāka-, to be compared with Man.Parth. and MP abdāg ‘assailant’; Arm. žapawēn ‘hem, border’ compound of Parth. *žī(h), equivalent of NP zeh ‘string, hem, decoration’ + Arm. apawēn ‘cover, shelter, refuge’; Arm. xawsim ‘to speak’ from a metathetic form of MIr. *wā̆xs-, inchoative formation from the root *vac- ‘to speak’. Finally, Szemerényi’s convincing explanation of Arm. awgnem ‘to help’ and zawravign ‘aid, helper, defender’ as related to an OIr. noun *abigna- ‘helper’ attested in several anthroponyms (e.g. OP Bagābigna-) is reaffirmed and substantiated since it remained mostly unnoticed in the subsequent literature.
“A Rose for the Russian Orthodox Church”
Authors: Beliakova Nadezhda
Published: August 2024

The article studies the unofficial trip of Cardinal Franz König, the head of the Catholic Church of Austria and Roman cardinal. In November 1980, König initiated a ten-day tour through the USSR for a delegation of 30 people – board members of the Pro Oriente Foundation (focused on developing communication with the Eastern Churches). The tour was presented as a pilgrimage, not an official visit. But König’s being the Archbishop of Vienna, and therefore on the list of Austria’s highest state officials, gave this trip a political and diplomatic component. The article is based on materials collected in the archive of Cardinal König, oral history interviews and diaries. The privately organized trip raises the question of the degree to which the “Iron Curtain” was impenetrable for the representatives of the Catholic world, especially at a time of increasing international complexity following the development of the Solidarity movement in Poland and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. The focus of the article is on the symbolic meaning of trips around the Soviet Union and how they were presented in the media for the various “Western” religious circles and especially in the Austrian media. This trip seems likely to illustrate Cardinal Franz König’s concept that Vienna would be a bridge between the churches of the West and the East. The article attempts to show the specific diplomatic, ecclesiastical and touristic dimensions of this trip.
Estimating farmers’ net change in profit when using insect frass as an input for Brassica crops
Authors: Foolen-Torgerson K.L. , Meijering J.V. , van Voorn G.A.K.
Published: August 2024

This research addresses a knowledge gap in understanding the economic feasibility and ecological benefits of frass in circular agriculture. Its primary objective is to estimate the net change in profit that farmers can expect by adding insect frass to their array of crop and soil health promoters used in Brassica production. As such, the study contributes to estimating the role of circular agricultural practices in promoting environmental sustainability and economic efficiency. Assuming applications of frass occur in the current season, in four years and again in eight years, frass is expected to consistently generate an increase in net profit in Brassica production. Specifically, conventional broccoli production having the highest increase and conventional Brussels sprouts production the lowest increase. Frass is expected to be economically justifiable, even attractive over the years for farmers. While reducing the need for alternative chemical pesticides, frass could contribute to improved soil life and quality. It facilitates balanced and efficient plant growth and contributes to the plant’s systemic resistance to pests and diseases. Frass offers opportunities for arable farmers who are expected to achieve higher profits while using less chemical inputs.
You Won’t Break My Soul: Black Women’s Contemporary Anti-Work Philosophies and Post-Work Experiences
Authors: Berry Sharla
Published: August 2024

The Great Resignation represented a shift in employee attitudes toward work. While many workers sought new employment, some workers are increasingly withdrawing from work altogether. This article explores the unique ways in which Black women are adopting an anti-work stance and creating post-work experiences for themselves. Using qualitative content analysis of the works of writer, author, and activist Tricia Hersey and content creator and public intellectual Stephanie Perry, the article identifies three core elements of the emerging Black women’s anti-work movement and three popular pathways that reflect Black women’s post-work choices. The article also considers the ways in which Black women’s contemporary post-work philosophies represent a shift away from collective action and policy intervention and a shift toward individual responses to the problem of work.
Two Types of Transitions to Relatively Fast Spinup in Tropical Cyclone Simulations with Weak-to-Moderate Environmental Vertical Wind Shear
Authors: Schecter David A.
Published: August 2024

Tropical cyclone intensification is simulated with a cloud-resolving model under idealized conditions of constant SST and unidirectional environmental vertical wind shear maximized in the middle troposphere. The intensification process commonly involves a sharp transition to relatively fast spinup before the surface vortex achieves hurricane-force winds in the azimuthal mean. The vast majority of transitions fall into one of two categories labeled S and A. Type S transitions initiate quasi-symmetric modes of fast spinup. They occur in tropical cyclones after a major reduction of tilt and substantial azimuthal spreading of inner-core convection. The lead-up also entails gradual contractions of the radii of maximum wind speed rm and maximum precipitation. Type A transitions begin before an asymmetric tropical cyclone becomes vertically aligned. Instead of enabling the transition, alignment is an essential part of the initially asymmetric mode of fast spinup that follows. On average, type S transitions occur well after and type A transitions occur once the cyclonically rotating tilt vector becomes perpendicular to the shear vector. Prominent temporal peaks of lower-tropospheric CAPE and low-to-midlevel relative humidity averaged over the entire inner core of the low-level vortex characteristically coincide with type S but not with type A transitions. Prominent temporal peaks of precipitation and midlevel vertical mass flux in the meso-β-scale vicinity of the convergence center characteristically coincide with type A but not with type S transitions. Despite such differences, in both cases, the transitions tend not to begin before the distance between the low-level convergence and vortex centers divided by rm reduces to unity.
“Status,” Inter-Normativity, and Socio-Professional Differentiation among Construction Workers in Douala, Cameroon
Authors: Bakebek Ludovic
Published: August 2024

Based on qualitative research conducted in the construction sector in Douala, Cameroon, this article analyses the contractual practices that underpin employment relationships between construction actors. The aim is to provide an account of the social dynamics that lead to the differentiation of employment conditions in the construction sector beyond the binary categorisations that set formal against informal in analyses of African labour markets. The central argument here is that, beyond formality, the relationship between stability/protection and uncertainty/precariousness is based on the category of status, defined as the “perceived quality” of workers. Employment relationships based on status are organised through interrelated legal, social, and moral norms (inter-normativity) that contribute to differentiating socio-professional experiences. This is illustrated through a series of case studies, ranging from the salaried segment of the construction sector to the large market of auto-construction dominated by micro-entrepreneurs.
A Convergence Analysis of Road Accidents Across Indian States
Authors: Shaurav Kumar , Sahoo Pradipta Kumar , Rath Badri Narayan
Published: August 2024

The present study investigates whether there is any evidence of club convergence for incidence of per capita road accidents across Indian states. The study uses the quantitative technique of the Phillips and Sul convergence approach to discover state convergence patterns based on the per capita accident cases. Although the findings suggest a divergence for aggregate panel of states, but there is existence of convergence among few states together as a group. Furthermore, our analysis shows a divergence in the number of road accident cases in both urban and rural areas, but there is evidence of club convergence across states in both urban and rural areas. The divergence finding clearly indicates that traffic accidents occur more often in certain states. The government must pay attention and should come up with more stringent policy to reduce the cases of road accidents in India.

JEL Codes: R4, R41
Wind conversion systems effects on power grid and ability of thyristor controlled series capacitor and static synchronous series compensator devices for dynamic performance enhancing
Authors: Yahia Saoudi , Taha Rachdi , Ayachi Errachdi
Published: August 2024

In this paper, two wind power farms are proposed to produce the active power using two variable profiles of the wind and to be closer to real conditions. Indeed, in order to ensure the proper functioning of the electrical power system, two FACTS devices are installed in series between buses 1 and 3, separately. The effects of disturbances, in the form of variable profiles of the wind, affecting the voltages and frequencies in the IEEE 14-bus system are studied. After simulation, good results are obtained in terms of the overall stability of the electrical energy system despite the use of two variable profiles of the wind. The found results prove, both, the voltage errors in each bus, and, the losses in each line by installing of the FACTS. In addition, the harmonics created by the wind disturbances are limited.
Exploring perspectives on how to improve psychological treatment for women from minoritised ethnic communities: A qualitative study with service users
Authors: Arundell Laura-Louise , Saunders Rob , Barnett Phoebe , Leibowitz Judy , Buckman Joshua EJ , Pilling Stephen
Published: August 2024

Background:

Women are disproportionately impacted by depression and anxiety disorders and in particular, women from minoritised ethnic communities experience inequalities in access to outcomes of psychological treatment for these disorders. Better understanding from the views of service users about the factors that impact their access to, and experiences of care could help to optimise treatment for these groups.

Method:

This study explored experiences of treatment and gathered suggestions about treatment improvement, from the perspectives of women currently using psychological therapy services. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 female NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression (NHSTTad) service users from minoritised ethnic communities. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results:

Four high-order themes were identified: (1) cultural identity and experiences of mental health and treatment, (2) challenges associated with treatment, (3) facilitators of good treatment experiences and outcomes and (4) improvements for women from minoritised ethnic communities.

Conclusions:

Findings showed that cultural sensitivity and awareness are important to minoritised ethnic women receiving therapy. Challenges included access difficulties and limitations of treatment options offered, alongside personal challenges of engaging in therapy. Facilitators of good treatment experiences and outcomes included flexibility on the part of the service, as well as therapist-related factors such as identity characteristics (age, gender and culture of therapist), a good therapeutic relationship and the therapist’s ability to deliver person-centred care. Improvements included ensuring care is culturally sensitive, reducing waiting times or providing better support for people on waiting lists, providing a flexible service that takes individual needs into account, increasing workforce diversity and reaching out to underserved communities. Many of the suggested improvements are generalisable to underserved minoritised ethnic groups, regardless of gender and could be applied to other psychological therapies services other than NHSTTad.
Recommendations for Implementing Anti-Ableism Across the Psychology Curriculum
Authors: Calma-Roddin Nicole
Published: August 2024

Introduction

As teachers of psychology, we have unique opportunities to promote anti-ableism in our classes.

Statement of the Problem

Disability is a relatively common experience. Unfortunately, so is ableism. While psychology courses often cover topics that can be used to promote anti-ableism, this is not often done.

Literature Review

I discuss literature on prejudice-reducing interventions (e.g., education, awareness of implicit bias, contact, and training in bias-reducing strategies) to support recommended teaching methods and aid in the creation of predictions that may be tested in future research.

Teaching Implications

Based on my experience teaching a range of undergraduate psychology courses, and my own experience as a disabled person, I offer recommendations to engage students in anti-ableism across a variety of courses (e.g., Social Psychology, Introduction to Psychology, and Biopsychology).

Conclusion

Topics that many psychology courses already include can be adapted, with an awareness of the literature on prejudice reduction, to promote anti-ableism and further research on such teaching methods.
Designing for Successful Educational Experiences in Virtual Reality Environments
Authors: Carreon Adam , Rowland Amber , Smith Sean , Lowery Alisa , Mosher Maggie
Published: August 2024

Virtual Reality (VR) and immersive instruction hold great promise to alter instruction for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Yet, the voices of the direct users (e.g., the teachers and students) are often underutilized or not at all utilized in the creation of educational applications, particularly in the field of VR. The purpose of this study was to understand how teachers and students understand the design elements of future VR educational environments. We conducted interviews with middle school teachers of students with ASD and middle school students with ASD to understand the varying preferences of features and functions as future users of VR in their classrooms. Data analysis revealed three primary themes, engagement, motivation, and navigation, were crucial regarding the design and experience of virtual environments for the participants. Overall, we conclude and discuss that aligning the design of educational technology experience with the perspectives of direct users and aligning with elements of a research-based framework of UDL seems to offer great promise to improving future virtual experiences and student outcomes.
Evaluation of end-organ protection in newborns and infants after surgery of aortic arch hypoplasia: A prospective randomized study
Authors: Soynov IA , Gorbatikh Yu N , Kulyabin Yu Yu , Manukian SN , Rzaeva KA , Velyukhanov IA , Nichay NR , Kornilov IA , Arkhipov AN
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Surgical repair of aortic arch hypoplasia in children requires a “dry” surgical field with reliable end-organ protection. Perfusion strategies commonly involve deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) and variations of the continuous perfusion techniques, such as selective antegrade cerebral perfusion (SACP) and full-flow perfusion with double aortic cannulation (DAC). We aimed to evaluate the end-organ protection in the surgery of aortic arch hypoplasia in newborns and infants using DHCA and DAC.

Materials and methods

66 newborns and infants with aortic arch hypoplasia and biventricular anatomy were enrolled in this prospective study. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups according to the perfusion strategy – DHCA ( n = 33); and DAC ( n = 33). Primary endpoint: acute kidney injury (AKI), graded according to the KDIGO score. Secondary endpoints: neurological sequelae (pre- and postoperative MRI), in-hospital mortality.

Results

The lowest temperature was 32 (28; 34)°С in the DAC group and 23 (20; 25)°С in the DHCA group. The patients with DAC had lower incidence of AKI (6 patients (18.2%) versus 19 patients (57.6%); p = .017). In the multivariate analysis, the inotropic index at 48 h was identified as a risk factor, increasing the risk of AKI by 4%. The DHCA group was associated with a 3.8-fold increase in the risk of AKI. There was no difference in hospital mortality between the DAC and DHCA groups (1 patient (3%) versus 3 patients (9.1%); p = .61). Neurological sequelae by MRI scan were observed in 18 patients (54.5%) in the DHCA group compared to 5 patients (15.15%) in the DAC group ( p = .026). The only risk factor identified in the multivariate analysis for neurological lesions on MRI scan was the DHCA group, which increased the risk by 8.8 times.

Conclusions

Surgical reconstruction of the aortic arch hypoplasia using the method of full-body perfusion reduces the incidence of neurological lesions and renal complications requiring renal replacement therapy compared with the deep hypothermic circulatory arrest in neonates and infants.