bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decreased flow in ischemic stroke with coexisting intracranial artery stenosis and white matter hyperintensities
Authors: Song Xiaowei , Chen Wenwen , Zhao Xihai , Zheng Zhuozhao , Sang Zhenhua , Li Rui , Wu Jian
Published: July 2024

Background

Stroke patients with coexisting intracranial artery stenosis (ICAS) and white matter lesions (WML) usually have a poor outcome. However, how WML affects stroke prognosis has not been determined.

Objective

To investigate the quantitative forward flow at the middle cerebral artery in ICAS patients with different degrees of WML using 4D flow.

Design

Single-center cross-sectional cohort study.

Methods

Ischemic stroke patients with symptomatic middle cerebral artery (MCA) atherosclerosis were included, and they were divided into 2 groups based on Fazekas scale on Flair image (mild group = Fazekas 0-2, and severe group = Fazekas >2), TOF-MRA and 4D flow were performed to quantify the stenosis degree and forward flow at the proximal of stenosis. The flow parameters were compared between different white matter hyperintensity (WMH) groups, as well as in different MCA stenosis groups, logistic regression was used to validate the association between forward flow and WMH.

Results

A total of 66 patients were included in this study (mean age 56 years old, 68.2% male). 77.3% of them presented with WMH (Fazekas 1-5). Comparison of flow index between mild and severe WMH groups found a significantly lower forward flow (2.34 ± 1.09 vs 3.04 ± 1.35), higher PI (0.75 ± 0.43 vs 0.66 ± 0.32), and RI (0.49 ± 0.19 vs 0.46 ± 0.15) at ipsilateral infarction MCA in the severe WMH group, all P-values <0.05. After adjusting for other covariates, forward mean flow at ipsilateral infarction MCA is still associated with severe WMH independently, OR = 0.537, 95% CI (0.294, 0.981), P = 0.043.

Conclusion

Intracranial artery stenosis patients with coexisting severe WMH suffer from significantly decreased flow, which could explain the poor clinical outcome in this population, and also provide some insight into recanalization therapy in the future.
Psychosocial experience of the Covid-19 crisis among people who use or inject drugs in Algeria: A community-based qualitative study
Authors: Di Ciaccio Marion , Boulahdour Nassima , Tadjeddine Abdelaziz , Brouk Nafaa , Ouchallal Rachida , Hami Noria , Bourhaba Othmane , Adami Elisa , Lorente Nicolas , Delabre Rosemary M , Karkouri Mehdi , Rojas Castro Daniela
Published: July 2024

The COVID-19 crisis had a global impact and many marginalised groups, such as people who use or inject drugs, are more vulnerable to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its consequences due to their pre-existing health inequalities. Moreover, people who use/inject drugs are also criminalised in some countries such as Algeria. This analysis aimed to explore the psychosocial experience of the COVID-19 crisis among people who use/inject drugs in Algeria. Twenty-nine qualitative interviews were conducted in 2021 with a community-based approach. Results of the thematic content analysis showed the intersectional effects of the COVID-19 crisis among people who use or inject drugs through the experience of a double crisis: one related to COVID-19 and the second to their specific difficulties related to drug use. Addressing social inequalities in health of people who use or inject drugs, through better recognition of their rights and needs, is crucial to improving their health.
Backlash, white privilege and anger: Resistance to the equality, diversity and inclusion agenda in the British television industry
Authors: Lee David
Published: July 2024

This article investigates the manifestation and dissemination of reactionary attitudes and discourses within the British television production community, explicitly and implicitly opposing the equality, diversity and inclusion agenda that has gained prominence in recent years. Utilising anonymous, in-depth qualitative interviews with 14 white, male, able-bodied, neurotypical and heterosexual industry professionals, predominantly from middle- or upper-class backgrounds, working in various production roles around London, the study explores their perspectives on the equality, diversity and inclusion agenda within both the industry and broader society. The research sheds light on pockets within the screen industries where awareness of social and male ‘white privilege’ is lacking. Positioned within the context of increased diversity and inclusion initiatives, the article critically analyses the growing circulation of ‘diversity backlash’ narratives. It aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of resistance to equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives within the industry, advocating for informed challenges to these attitudes. The article explores connections between anti-diversity discourses in the media industry and wider societal discourses on race, gender and identity. By examining links to meritocratic and individualistic narratives around ‘hard work’, individualism and ‘fairness’, the research contributes to the socio-cultural analysis of how equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives are experienced within the screen industries. The study explores diversity fatigue and white privilege framed within the ideology of meritocracy, to investigate the dynamics of resistance and opposition to equality, diversity and inclusion measures. It highlights the need for an understanding of these discourses to successfully embed equality, diversity and inclusion agendas within media institutions and practices, particularly in the face of societal and industry-wide resistance. The research concludes by emphasising the systemic resistance within privileged pockets of the screen industries, calling for a deeper examination of the emergence and circulation of reactionary discourses that may impede the progress of essential equality, diversity and inclusion programmes and activities within the cultural economy.
A multi-layer membrane filter made of potassium catalyst and three-way catalyst for a passive after-treatment system
Authors: Suteerapongpun Teerapat , Ogura Masaru , Hanamura Katsunori
Published: July 2024

A multi-layer membrane has been fabricated to integrate a Three-Way Catalyst (TWC) and Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF) into one device, called a four-way catalytic converter. The top layer, made of nano-scale potassium catalyst particles, traps Particulate Matter (PM) with almost 100% filtration efficiency at all times and oxidizes PM (mostly soot) with a significantly reduced temperature of 476°C at the oxidation peak. Moreover, the bottom layer catalyst is comprised of sub-micro TWC particles to combine NO reduction and CO oxidation capabilities. The effective temperature range for the simultaneous removal of all pollutants was between 420°C–500°C.
Multicultural conversations: The nature and future of culture, identity and nationalism
Authors: Modood Tariq , Parekh Bhikhu , Tyler Colin , Uberoi Varun , Connelly James
Published: July 2024

Despite well-known criticism of multiculturalism in Britain, the Netherlands, Germany, Canada, Australia, India and elsewhere since 9/11, such policies have proliferated ( Banting and Kymlicka, 2013 ; Mathieu, 2018 ) and the Canadian and Australian policies of multiculturalism have since celebrated their 50th birthdays. Political theories of multiculturalism have proliferated in this period too ( Lenard, 2022 ; Modood, 2007/2013 ; Patten, 2014 ; Parekh, 2006 , 2019 ; Phillips, 2007 ; Tyler, 2011 ). Schools of multiculturalist thought have been identified ( Levey, 2019 ; Uberoi and Modood, 2019 ), as have contextual methods in the political theory and normative sociology of multiculturalism ( Modood, 2020 ; Modood and Thompson, 2018 ). New historical inquiries into the origins of the political thought of multiculturalism have begun ( Tyler, 2017 ; Uberoi, 2021 ) and the ideas of multiculturalists have been altered to defend majority rights ( Koopmans and Orgad, 2022 ). Current and former politicians continue to debate its merits ( Braverman, 2023 ; Denham, 2023 ). Policies of multiculturalism and multiculturalist ideas have thus proved more resilient than many had thought. In the following conversation chaired by James Connelly, which took place on 20 June 2023, Bhikhu Parekh, Tariq Modood, Varun Uberoi, and Colin Tyler discuss the history, varied natures, and future of the contested multiculturalist ideas of “culture,” “identity” and “nationalism”.
Spectral feature informed variational model and its applications to machinery fault diagnosis
Authors: Jiang Xingxing , Wang Xin , Song Qiuyu , Du Guifu , Zhu Zhongkui
Published: July 2024

Variational mode extraction (VME), a novel signal decomposition method based on a frequency-domain filter in essence, has recently become a potential tool in fault diagnosis. However, the original VME algorithm is not provided with full self-adaptation, and its performance in the extraction of fault features is subject to predefining the initial parameters, including initial center frequency (ICF) and balance parameter. To address these issues, a spectral feature informed variational model (SFIVM) algorithm is constructed to overcome the defects of parameters setting and efficiently realize the fault diagnosis without prior knowledge. Specifically, a spectral feature detector inspired by the convergence property of ICF is first developed to reveal the spectral features, including the detected center frequencies and boundary frequencies. Then, a balance parameter estimation formula is designed to adaptively determine the target balance parameter by taking advantage of the above spectral features. Finally, a highly efficient decomposition model is proposed to extract the fault-related mode from the vibration signal, where iterative optimization is unnecessary. The effectiveness of the proposed SFIVM method is verified by one simulated and two experimental cases. Moreover, its superiority and high efficiency are demonstrated by comparing it with some advanced and classical fault diagnosis methods.
The implications of critical theory for adult education policy
Authors: Rasmussen Palle
Published: July 2024

The German tradition of critical theory (often called the Frankfurt School), represented by such authors as Theodor Adorno, Max Horkheimer, and Oskar Negt, have given crucial contributions to social and cultural theory in investigating and conceptualizing contradictory conditions of modern Western societies. This paper will discuss the ways in which these critical theorists have approached adult learning and education. Important elements are the role of adult learning in confronting the past and the present of Western societies (Adorno, Horkheimer) and the potential of experience-based learning in supporting open and democratic cultures and communities (Negt). Except for Negt, adult education was a minor topic for these critical theory scholars. Nevertheless, their contributions include important comments on and implications for adult education policy, including questions such as the responsibility of states for education, the democratic character of educational institutions, and the relationship between skills for work and for civil life. Critical theory holds important insights in the societal embedding of adult education and consequences for the objectives. These insights can guide (and have guided) critical research in adult education policy, but they need to be combined with policy analysis concepts and systematic empirical work.
Psychometric properties of the Spousal Assault Risk Assessment from samples of people having perpetrated intimate partner violence
Authors: Allard Victoria , Higgs Tamsin , Slight Maéva
Published: July 2024

Since it was first published in 1995, the Spousal Assault Risk Assessment (SARA) Guide has become one of the most used and researched intimate partner violence (IPV) risk measures worldwide. Yet, no recent review has formally and systematically established the psychometric properties of this measure. Furthermore, the third version of the SARA (SARA-V3) was published in 2015, with no psychometric critique to date. This review aimed to provide an inclusive and exhaustive literature review of all psychometric properties (i.e., predictive validity, convergent validity, internal consistency, and inter-rater) of the SARA, including V3. A systematic search of 17 databases was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Academic journals, book chapters, and gray literature were included but conference presentations were not. To be included studies had to report a psychometric property of any version of the SARA and be composed of individuals having committed IPV. The search identified 28 records published between 1997 and 2022. Results showed that although the literature on the SARA is mostly positive, it is much more varied in terms of both results and research quality than its widespread implementation might suggest. Most studies were conducted using case files in a research context with non-diverse samples, undermining ecological validity. Results for convergent and predictive validity were mostly positive. However, reliability statistics were under-researched and showed poorer results. Lastly, little research has gone into validating the SARA-V3, with what is available suggesting poorer reliability and validity than its predecessor. Practitioners are cautioned against transitioning to the newer version before further validation research has occurred.
Partisan Differences in Voters’ Desire for Punishment in Response to Politicians’ Moral Transgressions
Authors: Redlawsk David P. , Walter Annemarie S.
Published: July 2024

Research shows that politicians are often not electorally punished for immoral behavior. Yet, voters may still desire to see politicians punished outside of the election context for committing moral transgressions. Moreover, these desires may be conditioned by the partisanship of the voter, the transgressor, and voters’ perceptions of moral violation severity. To examine such effects, we conduct a vignette study asking 2997 U. S. respondents to consider politicians’ moral violations. We randomly varied the moral principle violated (Care, Fairness, Loyalty, Authority, Sanctity, and a social norm violation) and the partisanship of the politician (Republic/Democrat/Nonpartisan). When voters perceive the severity of a moral violation to be low, Republicans express a stronger desire to punish than do Democrats. Republicans’ desire for punishment depends on the group of the transgressor, with higher levels of punitiveness desired for out-party transgressors than in-party. However, when voters perceive severity to be moderate or high, Democrats have the stronger desire to punish the politician involved, but they show no in-party bias. Across the moral violations presented, Republicans and Democrats differ in perceptions of severity of politicians’ immoral behavior. Results show partisan voters’ heterogeneity in punitiveness, with the relationship strongly mediated by perceived severity of the moral violation.
A Century of Band Contest Literature Lists: From National Origins to the State of Florida
Authors: Groulx Timothy J.
Published: July 2024

Band repertoire lists for the National Band Contests evolved from a desire to make school bands “more educational” in the 1920s. The national band contest repertoire lists (1924–1943) formed the basis for the wind band canon during the first half of the twentieth century. Many state band organizations developed their own lists when national contests ended after World War II. This study was an analysis of the pieces and composers that were on the Florida band contest lists, how the lists evolved, and who influenced them, especially compared to the national lists. Findings include greater diversity in Florida’s concert music committee membership than National, but likely only since 1991. The percentage of original wind band works on Florida’s lists maintained the final proportions of the National Band Contest lists (approximately 50%–53%). White male composer representation over the 75 years of lists remained extremely high (98.08% of all works), though the proportion of women composers and composers of color on annual additions since 2015 has increased dramatically.
Digital Life Stories of People With Cancer: Impacts on Research
Authors: Rossi Silvia , Claudot Frédérique , Lambert Aurélien , Kivits Joelle
Published: July 2024

This article examines the influence that digital life stories (DLS) can have on cancer research, using the PARCA1 project as an example. After describing the theoretical framework of DLS, we present the PARCA1 project. The PARCA1 project was anchored in the French context (Grand Est region) and aimed at producing knowledge on patients’ experience of the cancer pathway through DLS. It involved 10 patients chosen to favor heterogeneity in profiles and experiences of illness. The paper describes the digital tool and the life stories methodology used to accompany the DLS. Next, it presents the methods and strategies used by participants to complete their DLS and the relationship between people with cancer and the accompanying researcher. Following this, we present (1) the impact of DLS on people with cancer, i.e., their progressive engagement in research, and (2) the impact on research, i.e., the methodological impact of people with cancer on research. In the discussion and conclusion, we explore how DLS can impact individuals who engage in them and their role in research.
Fluctuating pressure gradients and corrugated surfaces effects on wind turbines power output
Authors: Duwairi Hamzeh , Sukkar Nesreen , Alrbai Mohammad
Published: July 2024

This paper investigates the effect of corrugated surfaces on the wind turbines power output for both laminar and turbulent flows. Conservation principles including continuity and momentum equations, wind turbine power equations, and the corrugated surface equation have been implemented to build up a theoretical model then which has been solved using MATLAB. This model simulates wind turbines power output and analyzes several case studies implementing different parameters such as air pressure wave amplitude (Po), air wave fluctuation frequency (n), and wind layer turbulence (b). Also, different complex terrains in two main scenarios representing two different positions (X) of the wind turbine are analyzed. This analysis indicates the importance of wind turbines micro siting. In addition, it is found that increasing the pressure ratio increased wind turbine power output, while increasing the frequency decreased the power ratio of the wind turbines for both laminar and turbulent flow conditions. Increasing turbulence for the turbulent model increased the power ratio.
The electric cars era transforming the car repairs and services landscape
Authors: Albatayneh Aiman
Published: July 2024

The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) is undoubtedly revolutionizing the automotive industry, and its impact on the car repair and service business is profound. While exciting opportunities emerge, the shift also presents significant challenges, potentially leading to the disappearance of certain jobs and parts. In this research, we explore the impact of electric cars on the future car repair and service landscape. By 2030, EVs will constitute 60% of global car sales, underscoring the significant shift towards electric mobility. This transition is expected to reduce maintenance costs by up to 40% compared to conventional vehicles due to the simpler design and fewer moving parts in EVs. Certain body parts, including radiators and exhaust systems specific to gasoline cars, will also become redundant as EVs become more prevalent in the market. However, amidst these disappearing parts, there are emerging opportunities in the automotive industry. The rise of EVs will necessitate new areas of expertise, such as battery diagnostics, charging infrastructure installation, and software updates, creating new job opportunities for trained technicians. Furthermore, there will be a growing focus on software and electronics as they play a bigger role in car functionality. This shift emphasizes the importance of upskilling existing technicians in these areas to capitalize on new avenues within the automotive sector, aligning with the evolving landscape of electric mobility.
Polygamy on Trial: Analyzing Anti-Polygamy Legislation in Nineteenth-Century United States
Authors: Bogdan Ludmila , Botelho Flora , Power Séamus
Published: July 2024

This study examines nineteenth-century United States anti-polygamy legislation, focusing on its intersections with multiculturalism and minority rights. By analyzing the historical and legal aspects of these laws, we identify their impact on Mormon communities and immigrant groups, aimed at enforcing cultural assimilation. Our findings reveal tensions between religious freedom and societal concerns over polygamy, particularly in Christian contexts. The research highlights a paradox in liberal democracies, where safeguarding minority rights often clashes with societal values, leading to legislation against practices seen as disruptive. It emphasizes the delicate balance between cultural pluralism, multiculturalism, minority rights, and societal cohesion in nineteenth-century America, shedding light on the ongoing relevance of these debates today. This study calls for further exploration of arguments against culturally or religiously inspired practices in Western democracies.
Gender and socioeconomic perspectives on students’ emotional well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Christensen Jacob Højgaard
Published: July 2024

This study examines emotional well-being variations among students ( n = 13,398) across 5 countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Secondary analysis is conducted using data from the Responses to Educational Disruption Survey (REDS), which focused on the pandemic experiences, including well-being, of 8th-grade students. The study constructs an emotional well-being scale employing bi-factor models and multidimensional item response theory, encompassing students’ concerns, loneliness, social isolation, and negative emotions. Cross-analyses with gender and socioeconomic status (SES) reveal significant between-group disparities, measured by Cohen’s d effect sizes. It uncovers gender gaps in emotional well-being, with girls consistently scoring lower in most countries. SES effects on emotional well-being vary among countries, with SES group distinctions generally smaller than gender disparities. Thus, gender appears to have played a more significant role than SES in relation to 8th-grade students' emotional well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Using large language models to generate baseball spray charts in the absence of numerical data
Authors: Michielssen Senne , Maloof Adam , Haumacher Joe , Dreger Alexander , Bonicki Kyle , Hallgren Karl
Published: July 2024

Although baseball has been revolutionized by analytics, not all teams have access to high quality data. While many high school, collegiate, and club teams do not have high speed cameras and radars, they often do record a text-based play-by-play account of the game. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate how to use large language models to convert play-by-play information into quantitative data. We walk through the specific example of spray charts, which depict where on the baseball diamond a hitter tends to put the ball in play. Spray charts are a particularly relevant example because of their use in informing in-game strategy decisions (e.g., the infield shift). This study successfully generates spray charts for collegiate baseball players with 95% accuracy.
Bureaucratic and benign? The violent continuum of Home Office reporting in the UK
Authors: Schmid-Scott Amanda
Published: July 2024

The border, the body, immigration reporting centres, and detention facilities, the violence of border regimes operates across these sites through a continuum, successively steering migrants towards subjugation, destitution and removal. Adopting a feminist framing of violence, which attends to the inherent interconnectedness between different sites and scales of violence, this paper focuses on immigration reporting to examine how its sites and practices enact various forms of violence over migrant bodies. Drawing upon ethnographic fieldwork and interviews with asylum-seekers in Bristol and Salford, I argue that a host of spatiotemporal practices produce various forms of violence which become intimately inflicted and experienced, and yet which are inextricably tethered to the foundational logics of sovereign state politics. How reporting sites and processes function reflect the contemporary means through which violence is both imposed and concealed on those who have been categorised as ‘unwanted’ by the state.
Use of Color Channel Optimization in 3D Heads-Up Vitrectomy vs Standard Operating Microscope for Macular Surgeries
Authors: Agarwal Aniruddha , Ghazi Nicola , El Ghrably Ibraheem , Iovino Claudio , Peiretti Enrico , Alcibahy Yasmine , Menia Nitin Kumar , Chhablani Jay , Pichi Francesco , Grewal Dilraj
Published: July 2024

Purpose: To compare the efficacy and safety of color channel optimization with 3-dimensional (3D) heads-up vitrectomy (3D HUD group) vs standard operating microscope vitrectomy (control group) for macular surgery. Methods: This retrospective multicenter comparative study comprised patients having 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy for macular hole, epiretinal membrane (ERM), or vitreomacular traction. The minimum follow-up was 6 months. Surgeons completed a subjective questionnaire after each case. The main outcome measures were safety related (dye reinjection rate, macular ERM or internal limiting membrane [ILM] peeling time, endoillumination intensity). Other outcome measures included total surgical time, surgical outcomes, and subjective surgeon-related parameters. Results: The study included 74 eyes (36 in 3D HUD group; 38 in control group). There were no statistical differences in baseline parameters between groups. Significantly more eyes in the control group than in the 3D HUD group required dye reinjection (23.7% vs 5.6%; P = .03). Less time was required for ERM and ILM peeling in the 3D HUD group (both P < .01); however, the total surgical time was the same between groups. Eyes in the 3D HUD group required lower endoillumination ( P < .001). There were no between-group differences in the rates of complications. Surgeons said depth perception was better in the control group (P < .001), with no differences in comfort or visibility. Conclusions: 3D heads-up–based color channel optimization for macular surgeries is safe and effective. Although it may have safety advantages, it did not affect the visual or anatomic outcomes or total surgical time and did not improve surgeon comfort or visibility.
Enabling touch in an art museum: A curatorial reflection
Authors: Engen Line
Published: July 2024

In 2016 the National Museum in Oslo launched a nationwide touring exhibition that allowed visitors for the first time to touch the sculptures of modernist Aase Texmon Rygh. The aim was to encourage visitors to experience these abstract stone works through the body before engaging with various contextualising practices for a more comprehensive process of meaning-making. Allowing members of the public to touch original sculpture in an exhibition context was new not only for the National Museum but also internationally, and the exhibition generated considerable professional and media attention. In my role as the exhibition’s curator, I set out to investigate the interdisciplinary process of developing the exhibition concept and the audience response through a practice-led research project. Drawing on different theoretical perspectives, such as learning theory and interdisciplinary sensory research, and audience surveys which were conducted during the exhibition, I wanted to learn more about how audiences experienced touching the sculptures, and how touch affected their process of meaning making. In this paper, I share some of my findings and also reflect on the importance of practitioners doing research on their own practice.
Open Acromioclavicular Joint Reconstruction via Cerclage With Semitendinosus Allograft
Authors: Tully Nicholas W. , Glover Mark A. , van der List Jelle P. , Albertson Benjamin S. , Waterman Brian R.
Published: July 2024

Background:

Acromioclavicular (AC) joint separations occur most often in young male patients, commonly in athletes. Initially described by Jones et al. in 2001, reconstruction with semitendinosus allograft via cerclage has been increasingly adopted in recent times, though this not been as well described in video journals.

Indications:

Operative management of AC joint separation is classically indicated in Rockwood grade IV or higher AC joint injuries and controversial for grade III separations. One such treatment is AC joint reconstruction with semitendinosus allograft as described in this 37-year-old male patient, with a grade IIIB AC joint separation.

Technique Description:

A 6-cm incision was created overlying the clavicle. No distal clavicle excision was performed, but coracoclavicular (CC) scar tissue was elevated with medial and lateral windows about the coracoid. A passing suture was placed around the coracoid, and holes were drilled in the clavicle at 17% and 31% of the total clavicle length, consistent with ratios described by Rios et al; 5-mm tunnels were created corresponding to the trapezial and conoid limbs of the CC ligaments and tapped to 5.5 mm. A semitendinosus allograft was passed and fixed with two 5.5 × 15 mm polyetheretherketone (PEEK) screws after primary fixation with a FiberTape cerclage looped around the coracoid and clavicle independently with use of a tensiometer for maximal tightening. A FiberTak was used to fix the additional graft limb at the acromion to stabilize the AC joint and reinforced on itself with 0 vicryl. The patient was placed in a sling and assigned physical therapy (PT) focusing on limiting shoulder abduction and forward flexion for the first 6 weeks.

Results:

At 6 months postoperation, the patient continues to progress from PT, with low pain and near full range of motion. Although PT protocols vary widely, a full recovery is expected by 6 months, with the patient able to return to work, lifting no greater than 50 pounds.

Discussion/Conclusion:

This study describes the treatment of an acute grade IV AC joint separation in a 37-year-old male patient. Further adoption of AC joint reconstruction utilizing a semitendinosus allograft via cerclage continues to be a viable option for patients requiring operative management.

Patient Consent Disclosure Statement:

The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.
Fragility-based seismic assessment of traditional masonry buildings on Azores (Portugal) using simulated ground-motion records
Authors: Bernardo Vasco , Karimzadeh Shaghayegh , Caicedo Daniel , Hussaini Sayed Mohammad Sajad , Lourenço Paulo B
Published: July 2024

Traditional unreinforced masonry structures are extremely vulnerable to seismic events, featuring large losses in many countries worldwide. This study focuses on the seismic assessment of a traditional masonry structures located in Faial Island—Azores (Portugal), which was hit by an earthquake of M w = 6.2 on 9 July 1998. A set of analyses was conducted through a probabilistic performance-based seismic approach, employing a stochastic finite-fault ground-motion simulation method to derive region-specific records and nonlinear numerical models to compute the capacity of the building. Subsequently, analytical fragility curves were derived considering different seismic scenarios. The results show a significant probability of the structural typology to reach moderate to extensive damage in the case of the specific earthquake, as observed in reality. The study holds significant importance in regions with limited recorded seismic activity, as they offer potential benefits for seismic risk management and mitigation strategies.
Performance of hydraulic structures during 6 February 2023 Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye, earthquake sequence
Authors: Onder Cetin Kemal , Cuceoglu Faik , Ayhan Bilal Umut , Yildirim Sefa , Aydin Seckin , Demirdogen Sarper , Er Yasemin , Gurbuz Ayhan , Moss Robb Eric S
Published: July 2024

The earthquake sequence that occurred on 6 February 2023 in Türkiye, Kahramanmaraş, had a significant impact on 140 dams, most of which are located within a distance of 50 km from surface projection of the fault rupture. These dams experienced moderate to high levels of seismic intensity, with peak ground acceleration (PGA) estimated to vary between 0.1 and 1.3 g during the Pazarcık earthquake and 0.15 to 0.45 g during the Elbistan earthquake, depending on their proximity to the fault rupture. Although all dams were able to maintain water-retaining capabilities, some of them suffered from moderate to large permanent deformations. As part of the emergency response measures, the water levels at two of these dams, namely Sultansuyu and Arıklıkaş, were lowered in a controlled manner. Following the earthquakes, a comprehensive survey of all hydraulic structures within the influence zone was conducted, and the findings are represented in this study. These findings revealed that earthfill and rockfill dams sustained more significant damage compared with concrete dams, particularly in areas close to the fault rupture, where the shaking intensity was most pronounced. The amount of permanent displacements was observed to consistently increase with the height of the dam’s transverse section.
Novel approach for energy-spectrum-based probabilistic seismic hazard analysis in regions with limited strong earthquake data
Authors: Zhang Haizhong , Zhang Rui , Zhao Yan-Gang
Published: July 2024

With the rapid development of energy-based seismic design, probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) in terms of the input energy spectrum, E I, has become increasingly important. Generally, implementing E I-based PSHA requires a ground-motion prediction equation (GMPE) for E I. However, although a GMPE for E I can be constructed in regions with abundant earthquake data based on regression analyses, it is difficult to obtain in regions lacking strong ground-motion records. Therefore, this study proposes a new approach for performing E I-based PSHA in regions with limited earthquake data. Instead of using a GMPE for E I directly, a model of Fourier amplitude spectrum (FAS) is adopted, which can be determined using a small number of earthquake data with small-to-moderate magnitudes. Then, the E I of the ground motion is obtained from FAS based on the relationship between E I and FAS. Furthermore, to calculate the annual intensity exceedance rate within the proposed framework of adopting the FAS model, a highly efficient method, namely, the moment method, is applied. Several numerical examples indicate that the proposed approach not only is suitable for regions lacking strong ground-motion records but also performs very efficiently in calculating the annual intensity exceedance rate.
How I (Diagnose and) Treat Myeloid / Lymphoid Neoplasms with Tyrosine Kinase Gene Fusions
Authors: Reiter Andreas , Metzgeroth Georgia , Cross Nicholas C.P.
Published: July 2024

The fifth edition of the WHO classification and the International Consensus Classification (ICC) both include a category "myeloid/lymphoid neoplasms with eosinophilia and tyrosine kinase (TK) gene fusions" (WHO, MLN-TK; ICC, M/LN-eo-TK). This rare group comprises phenotypically and prognostically heterogeneous disorders that present a significant diagnostic challenge. The rapid and reliable identification of patients with MLN-TK may be delayed due to genetic complexity and significant phenotypic differences, which include chronic phase and primary/secondary blast phase (BP) of myeloid, or lymphoid or mixed phenotype in the bone marrow (BP-BM) and/or at extramedullary sites (extramedullary disease, EMD). As a result, the entire armamentarium of conventional molecular genetic and cytogenetic techniques complemented by modern sequencing technologies such as RNA sequencing or whole genome sequencing are often required to identify an underlying TK fusion. TK inhibitors (TKIs) with variable efficacy are available for all fusion genes, but a long-term favorable clinical course under TKI monotherapy is currently only observed in MLN-PDGFRA/PDGFRB fusion genes on imatinib. Since primary/secondary BP-BM/EMD occur more frequently in MLN-FGFR1/JAK2/FLT3/ETV6::ABL1, a sequential combination of selective TKIs with or without prior intensive chemotherapy, rarely local local radiationradiotherapy and/or subsequent allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation should be considered.
KDM6A regulates immune response genes in multiple myeloma
Authors: Dupéré-Richer Daphné , Riva Alberto , Barwick Benjamin G. , Maji Sayantan , Casellas Román Heidi , Li Jianping , De Umasankar , Sobh Amin , Quickstad Gabrielle , Piper Crissandra , Kulis Marta , Ezponda Teresa , Martín-Subero José Ignacio , Tonon Giovanni , Zhang Weizhou , Mitsiades Constantine S. , Boise Lawrence H. , Bennett Richard L. , Licht Jonathan D.
Published: July 2024

The histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27) demethylase lysine demethylase 6A (KDM6A) is a tumor suppressor in multiple cancers, including multiple myeloma (MM). We created isogenic MM cells disrupted for KDM6A and tagged the endogenous protein to facilitate genome-wide studies. KDM6A binds genes associated with immune recognition and cytokine signaling. Most importantly, KDM6A binds and activates NLRC5 and CIITA, which encode regulators of major histocompatibility complex genes. Patient data indicate that NLRC5 and CIITA are downregulated in MM with low KDM6A expression. Chromatin analysis shows that KDM6A binds poised and active enhancers and KDM6A loss led to decreased H3K27ac at enhancers, increased H3K27me3 levels in body of genes bound by KDM6A, and decreased gene expression. Reestablishing histone acetylation with an HDAC3 inhibitor leads to upregulation of major histocompatibility complex expression, offering a strategy to restore immunogenicity of KDM6A-deficient tumors. Loss of Kdm6a in Kirsten rat sarcoma virus (K-RAS)-transformed murine fibroblasts led to increased growth in vivo associated with decreased T-cell infiltration.
Significant pituitary siderosis is common in transfusion-dependent sickle cell disease
Authors: Vadivelan Akhila , Doyle Eamon K. , Carson Susan , Denton Christopher , Veluswamy Saranya , Hofstra Thomas , Coates Thomas D. , Wood John
Published: July 2024

Chronically transfused patients with sickle cell disease typically do not exhibit iron-mediated extrahepatic toxicity. However, we demonstrate that the pituitary gland is vulnerable to iron deposition, and it occurs regardless of other extrahepatic involvement. Severe pituitary siderosis is associated with early organ dysfunction.
NK- and T-cell repertoire is established early after allogeneic HSCT and is imprinted by CMV reactivation
Authors: Schäfer Antonia , Calderin Sollet Zuleika , Hervé Marie-Priscille , Buhler Stéphane , Ferrari-Lacraz Sylvie , Norman Paul J. , Kichula Katherine M. , Farias Ticiana D. J. , Masouridi-Levrat Stavroula , Mamez Anne-Claire , Pradier Amandine , Simonetta Federico , Chalandon Yves , Villard Jean
Published: July 2024

Besides genetic influences, nongenetic factors such as graft-versus-host disease and viral infections have been shown to be important shapers of the immune reconstitution and diversification processes after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). However, differential susceptibility to immune modulation by nongenetic factors is not fully understood. We determined to follow the reconstitution of the T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire through immune sequencing of natural killer (NK) cells using a 35-marker spectral flow cytometry panel and in relation to clinical events. A longitudinal investigation was performed on samples derived from 54 HSCT recipients during the first year after HSCT. We confirmed a significant contraction in TCR repertoire diversity, with remarkable stability over time. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation had the ability to significantly change TCR repertoire clonality and composition, with a long-lasting imprint. Our data further revealed skewing of NK-cell reconstitution in CMV reactivated recipients, with an increased frequency of KIR2DL2L3S2+ adaptive, cytolytic, and functional CD107a+ NK cells, concomitant with a reduced pool of NKG2A+ NK cells. We provided support that CMV might act as an important driver of peripheral homeostatic proliferation of circulating specific T and NK cells, which can be viewed as a compensatory mechanism to establish a new peripheral repertoire.
Overlooked, dismissed, and downplayed: reversion ofMycobacterium tuberculosisimmunoreactivity
Authors: Dale Katie D. , Schwalb Alvaro , Coussens Anna K. , Gibney Katherine B. , Abboud Alison J. , Watts Krista , Denholm Justin T.
Published: July 2024

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused byMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb). Following infection, immune responses toMtbantigens can be measured using the tuberculin skin test or an interferon-γ release assay. The gain ofMtbimmunoreactivity, a change from a negative to a positive tuberculin skin test or interferon-γ release assay result, is called conversion and has long been used as a measure ofMtbexposure. However, the loss of immunoreactivity (reversion; a positive followed by a negative result) has often been overlooked. Instead, in clinical and epidemiological circles,Mtbimmunoreactivity is commonly considered to persist lifelong and confer a lifetime of disease risk. We present a critical review, describing the evidence for reversion from cohort studies, ecological studies and studies of TB progression risk. We outline the inconsistent reasons why reversion has been dismissed from common understanding and present evidence demonstrating that, just as conversion predominantly indicates prior exposure toMtbantigens, so its opposite, reversion, suggests the reduction or absence of exposure (endogenous or exogenous).Mtbimmunoreactivity is dynamic in both individuals and populations and this is why it is useful for stratifying short-term TB progression risk. The neglect of reversion has shaped TB research and policy at all levels, influencing clinical management and skewingMtbinfection risk estimation and transmission modelling, leading to an underestimation of the contribution of re-exposure to the burden of TB, a serious oversight for an infectious disease. More than a century after it was first demonstrated, it is time to incorporate reversion into our understanding of the natural history of TB.
A narrative review of chemokine receptors CXCR1 and CXCR2 and their role in acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Toya Sophie , Struyf Sofie , Huerta Luis , Morris Peter , Gavioli Elizabeth , Minnella Enrico Maria , Cesta Maria Candida , Allegretti Marcello , Proost Paul
Published: July 2024

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a severe form of acute respiratory failure characterised by extensive inflammatory injury to the alveolocapillary barrier leading to alveolar oedema, impaired gas exchange and, ultimately, hypoxaemia necessitating the use of supplemental oxygen combined with some degree of positive airway pressure. Although much heterogeneity exists regarding the aetiology, localisation and endotypic characterisation of ARDS, what remains largely undisputed is the role of the innate immune system, and in particular of neutrophils, in precipitating and propagating lung injury. Activated neutrophils, recruited to the lung through chemokine gradients, promote injury by releasing oxidants, proteases and neutrophil extracellular traps, which ultimately cause platelet aggregation, microvascular thrombosis and cellular death. Among various neutrophilic chemoattractants, interleukin-8/C-X-C motif ligand 8 and related chemokines, collectively called ELR+ chemokines, acting on neutrophils through the G protein-coupled receptors CXCR1 and CXCR2, are pivotal in orchestrating the neutrophil activation status and chemotaxis in the inflamed lung. This allows efficient elimination of infectious agents while at the same time minimising collateral damage to host tissue. Therefore, understanding how CXCR1 and CXCR2 receptors are regulated is important if we hope to effectively target them for therapeutic use in ARDS. In the following narrative review, we provide an overview of the role of ELR+ chemokines in acute lung injury (ALI) and ARDS, we summarise the relevant regulatory pathways of their cognisant receptors CXCR1/2 and highlight current preclinical and clinical evidence on the therapeutic role of CXCR1 and CXCR2 inhibition in animal models of ALI, as well as in ARDS patients.
Diaphragmatic palsy following lung transplantation
Authors: Eltonsy Amr M. , Amlani Karan , Schleicher Mary , McCurry Kenneth R. , Mehta Atul C.
Published: July 2024

Diaphragmatic palsy after lung transplantation has been reported infrequently. Given the role of the diaphragm in respiration, the palsy may play a significant role in the post-surgical recovery as well as morbidity and mortality. This review summarises the current literature to better understand diaphragmatic palsy in the post lung-transplant setting among adults. A thorough literature search was conducted through multiple databases and 91 publications were identified that fit the research question. The review aimed to report the burden of this problem, explore different modalities of diagnosis reported, the effect of various clinical factors and treatment modalities, as well as their effects on outcomes. Additionally, it aimed to highlight the variability, limitations of reported data, and the absence of a standardised approach. This review emphasises the crucial need for more dedicated research to better address this clinical challenge.
Comparative transcriptomics identifies genes underlying growth performance of the Pacific black-lipped pearl oyster Pinctada margaritifera
Authors: Dorant Y. , Quillien V. , Le Luyer J. , Ky C. L.
Published: July 2024

Background

In bivalves, the rate at which organisms grow is a major functional trait underlying many aspects of their commercial production. Growth is a highly polygenic trait, which is typically regulated by many genes with small to moderate effects. Due to its complexity, growth variability in such shellfish remains poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate differential gene expression among spat of the pearl oyster Pinctada margaritifera with distinct growth phenotypes.

Results

We selected two groups of P. margaritifera spat belonging to the same F2 cohort based on their growth performance at 5.5 months old. Transcriptome profile analysis identified a total of 394 differentially expressed genes between these Fast-growing (F) and Slow-growing (S) phenotypes. According to functional enrichment analysis, S oysters overexpressed genes associated with stress-pathways and regulation of innate immune responses. In contrast, F oysters up-regulated genes associated with cytoskeleton activity, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. Analysis of genome polymorphism identified 16 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) significantly associated with the growth phenotypes. SNP effect categorization revealed one SNP identified for high effect and annotated for a stop codon gained mutation. Interestingly, this SNP is located within a gene annotated for scavenger receptor class F member 1 (SRF1), which is known to modulate apoptosis. Our analyses also revealed that all F oysters showed up-regulation for this gene and were homozygous for the stop-codon mutation. Conversely, S oysters had a heterozygous genotype and a reduced expression of this gene.

Conclusions

Altogether, our findings suggest that differences in growth among the same oyster cohort may be explained by contrasted metabolic allocation between regulatory pathways for growth and the immune system. This study provides a valuable contribution towards our understanding of the molecular components associated with growth performance in the pearl oyster P. margaritifera and bivalves in general.