bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Finite-time stability control with hardware-in-the-loop testing of a chaotic permanent magnet synchronous motor
Authors: Iqbal Arif , Bakhsh Farhad Ilahi , Singh Girish Kumar
Published: July 2024

Stability of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) is of prime importance for the successful operation of the drive system, which is found to be dependent on initial operating conditions showing chaotic characteristic. Therefore, the paper presents the stabilization of a chaotic PMSM system through the finite-time stability approach. From this aspect, three controllers have been developed which are effective for the suppression of machine chaotic behaviour. Proposed controllers are simpler and numerically stable in comparison with previous works. Furthermore, performance comparisons of the proposed controllers are also presented in term of their settling time and peak overshoot. Selection among the proposed controllers depends on the consideration of a particular operating index (settling time or peak overshoot) wherein, performance also varies on system parameter

λ
.

Performance evaluation of proposed controllers has been presented in MATLAB environment. In order to validate the obtained MATLAB results, a real-time analysis has been carried out using Typhoon Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) emulator. The comparison shows that both results follow the same trend and are closely coordinated with each other, which validates the proposed controllers.
Reducing the spike rate of deep spiking neural networks based on time-encoding
Authors: Fontanini Riccardo , Pilotto Alessandro , Esseni David , Loghi Mirko
Published: July 2024

A primary objective of Spiking Neural Networks is a very energy-efficient computation. To achieve this target, a small spike rate is of course very beneficial given the event-driven nature of such a computation. A network that processes information encoded in spike timing can, by its nature, have such a sparse event rate, but, as the network becomes deeper and larger, the spike rate tends to increase without any improvements in the final accuracy. If, on the other hand, a penalty on the excess of spikes is used during the training, the network may shift to a configuration where many neurons are silent, thus affecting the effectiveness of the training itself. In this paper, we present a learning strategy to keep the final spike rate under control by changing the loss function to penalize the spikes generated by neurons after the first ones. Moreover, we also propose a 2-phase training strategy to avoid silent neurons during the training, intended for benchmarks where such an issue can cause the switch off of the network.
A population-based case-control analysis of risk factors associated with mortality during the 2021 western North American heat dome: focus on chronic conditions and social vulnerability
Authors: McLean Kathleen E , Lee Michael J , Coker Eric S , Henderson Sarah B
Published: July 2024

Western North America experienced an unprecedented extreme heat event (EHE) in early summer 2021. In the province of British Columbia (BC), this event was associated with an estimated 740 excess deaths, making it one of the deadliest weather events in Canadian history. This study uses a population-based case-control design to compare 1597 adults (cases) who died during the EHE (25 June–2 July 2021) with 7968 similar adults (controls) who survived. The objective was to identify risk factors for death during the EHE by examining differences in chronic diseases and social vulnerability between the cases and controls. We used care setting, age category, sex, and geographic area of cases to identify comparable surviving controls. We used logistic regression to estimate the odds ratio (OR) for each chronic disease, adjusted for care setting, age category, sex, and geographic area. We further adjusted for individual-level low-income status to identify changes in the estimated ORs with the addition of this indicator of social vulnerability. The risk factor most strongly associated with EHE mortality was individual-level low income. The fully adjusted OR [95% confidence interval] for receiving income assistance was 2.42 [1.98, 2.95]. The chronic disease most strongly associated with EHE mortality was schizophrenia, with a fully adjusted OR of 1.93 [1.51, 2.45]. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, parkinsonism, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, ischemic stroke, and substance use disorder were also associated with significantly higher odds of EHE mortality. These results confirm the roles of social vulnerability, mental illness, and other specific underlying chronic conditions (renal, respiratory, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and neurological) in risk of mortality during EHEs. This information is being used to inform policy and planning to reduce risk during future EHEs in BC and across Canada.
Estimating methane emissions from manure: a suitable case for treatment?
Authors: Ward Neil , Atkins Andrew , Atkins Penny
Published: July 2024

Methane from livestock is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. Under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Annex I countries’ National Inventories report emissions from cattle as enteric or from manure management at ratios of between 3:1 and 9:1 depending on country and cattle type. Field research generally supports the inventories’ assumptions about enteric emissions, but these ratios have focused interest on enteric emissions and diverted attention away from those from manure management. Official calculations about manure management emissions factors are more varied than those for enteric emissions and evidence from field measurements suggests inventories may be underestimating manure management emissions especially in the dairy sector. This paper has three objectives. First, it reviews the science underpinning the international framework for estimating methane emissions from manure management. Second, it presents data from two dairy farms in south-west England where measured emissions of methane from slurry storage facilities are found to be four to five times greater than the assumptions in the UK’s inventory. If these measurements were representative of the UK, the implication is that total methane emissions from the UK dairy herd would be over 40% greater than the level reported to the UNFCCC and the proportion of total methane emissions from dairy cows arising from manure management would be almost a half rather than less than a quarter. Finally, the paper assesses the potential value if methane were captured from slurry storage facilities. Its value as a biogas is estimated to be £500 million per year for the UK dairy industry (at forecourt diesel prices). The paper concludes that the scale of emissions and the potential economic value of lost biogas are sufficient to warrant urgent research and action to reduce emissions from manure management with the beneficial prospect that a valuable new income stream for farm businesses could also be realised.
Combined clinical, structural and cellular studies discriminate pathogenic and benign TRPV4 variants
Authors: Berth Sarah H , Vo Linh , Kwon Do Hoon , Grider Tiffany , Damayanti Yasmine S , Kosmanopoulos Gage , Fox Andrew , Lau Alexander R , Carr Patrice , Donohue Jack K , Hoke Maya , Thomas Simone , Karam Chafic , Fay Alex J , Meltzer Ethan , Crawford Thomas O , Gaudet Rachelle , Shy Michael E , Hellmich Ute A , Lee Seok-Yong , Sumner Charlotte J , McCray Brett A
Published: July 2024

Dominant mutations in the calcium-permeable ion channel TRPV4 (transient receptor potential vanilloid 4) cause diverse and largely distinct channelopathies, including inherited forms of neuromuscular disease, skeletal dysplasias and arthropathy. Pathogenic TRPV4 mutations cause gain of ion channel function and toxicity that can be rescued by small molecule TRPV4 antagonists in cellular and animal models, suggesting that TRPV4 antagonism could be therapeutic for patients. Numerous variants in TRPV4 have been detected with targeted and whole exome/genome sequencing, but for the vast majority, their pathogenicity remains unclear.

Here, we used a combination of clinical information and experimental structure-function analyses to evaluate 30 TRPV4 variants across various functional protein domains. We report clinical features of seven patients with TRPV4 variants of unknown significance and provide extensive functional characterization of these and an additional 17 variants, including structural position, ion channel function, subcellular localization, expression level, cytotoxicity and protein-protein interactions. We find that gain-of-function mutations within the TRPV4 intracellular ankyrin repeat domain target charged amino acid residues important for RhoA interaction, whereas ankyrin repeat domain residues outside of the RhoA interface have normal or reduced ion channel activity.

We further identify a cluster of gain-of-function variants within the intracellular intrinsically disordered region that may cause toxicity via altered interactions with membrane lipids. In contrast, assessed variants in the transmembrane domain and other regions of the intrinsically disordered region do not cause gain of function and are likely benign. Clinical features associated with gain of function and cytotoxicity include congenital onset of disease, vocal cord weakness and motor-predominant disease, whereas patients with likely benign variants often demonstrated late-onset and sensory-predominant disease. These results provide a framework for assessing additional TRPV4 variants with respect to likely pathogenicity, which will yield critical information to inform patient selection for future clinical trials for TRPV4 channelopathies.
C/EBPε and its acetylation in PMN enhance the tolerance to trauma
Authors: Cheng Shaowen , Zhu Junyu , Bian Yangyang , Yao Jiangling , Zhang Wei , Yin Shuangqin , Kuang Tianyin , Xian Lina , Liang Huaping
Published: July 2024

Severe trauma can lead to numerous serious complications, threating the well-being and vitality of the afflicted. The quantity and functionality of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) undergo rapid transformations in response to severe trauma, playing a pivotal role in the trauma response. The absence of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein ε (C/EBPε) profoundly impairs the functionality of PMNs, a function of paramount importance in trauma. In this study, by generating mice with C/EBPε knocked out or overexpressed, we substantiate that C/EBPε ensures the restoration of PMN function, enhancing the expression of antimicrobial proteins and thereby promoting trauma recovery. Furthermore, diminished expression of C/EBPε is observed in trauma patients, with levels displaying a negative correlation with ISS and APACHE II scores, suggesting its potential as a prognostic indicator for clinical treatment. Mechanistically, we uncover the upregulation of SIRT1 and the inhibition of P300 participating in the suppression of C/EBPε acetylation, consequently reducing the resilience of mice to trauma. Therapeutic interventions, whether through the sole administration of PMN, nicotinamide (NAM) treatment, or their combination, all result in an increased survival rate in traumatic mice. In conclusion, our study elucidates the role of C/EBPε in enhancing the resilience to trauma and identifies C/EBPε acetylation as a critical regulatory mechanism, offering potential therapeutic approaches involving PMN transfusion and NAM treatment.
Automatic deep learning detection of overhanging restorations in bitewing radiographs
Authors: Magat Guldane , Altındag Ali , Pertek Hatipoglu Fatma , Hatipoglu Omer , Bayrakdar İbrahim Sevki , Celik Ozer , Orhan Kaan
Published: July 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of deep convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithms for the detecting and segmentation of overhanging dental restorations in bitewing radiographs.

Methods

A total of 1160 anonymized bitewing radiographs were used to progress the artificial intelligence (AI) system for the detection and segmentation of overhanging restorations. The data were then divided into three groups: 80% for training (930 images, 2399 labels), 10% for validation (115 images, 273 labels), and 10% for testing (115 images, 306 labels). A CNN model known as You Only Look Once (YOLOv5) was trained to detect overhanging restorations in bitewing radiographs. After utilizing the remaining 115 radiographs to evaluate the efficacy of the proposed CNN model, the accuracy, sensitivity, precision, F1 score, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were computed.

Results

The model demonstrated a precision of 90.9%, a sensitivity of 85.3%, and an F1 score of 88.0%. Furthermore, the model achieved an AUC of 0.859 on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The mean average precision (mAP) at an intersection over a union (IoU) threshold of 0.5 was notably high at 0.87.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that deep CNN algorithms are highly effective in the detection and diagnosis of overhanging dental restorations in bitewing radiographs. The high levels of precision, sensitivity, and F1 score, along with the significant AUC and mAP values, underscore the potential of these advanced deep learning techniques in revolutionizing dental diagnostic procedures.
The elephant trunk: a rare morphology of the left atrial appendage—a case report
Authors: Fischer Patrick , Mahfoud Felix , Böhm Michael , Ukena Christian
Published: July 2024

Background

Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are at increased risk for thromboembolic events including stroke. The primary source for thromboembolism in these patients is thrombus formation in the left atrial appendage (LAA). Depending on the individual thromboembolic risk, long-term anticoagulation is recommended. In certain patients, however, long-term anticoagulation is contraindicated, and interventional closure of the LAA (LAAC) represents an alternative approach to lower the thromboembolic risk and avoid oral anticoagulation.

Case summary

An 83-year-old male underwent LAAC at our centre in November 2022. Prior to the procedure, a thrombus in the left atrium (LA) or LAA was excluded by transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE), and the anatomy of the LAA was assessed as eligible for LAAC with no evidence of anatomical irregularities. After contrast medium injection, angiography revealed an atypical anatomic variant of the LAA with a substantially long, elephant trunk–like course.

Discussion

We present a previously not described unique anatomic variant of the LAA: the elephant trunk morphology. Left atrial appendage anatomy is very heterogeneous, and detailed knowledge of LAA morphology is important for endovascular LAA procedures as well as for predicting the risk of thromboembolic events. Despite thorough pre-procedural imaging, anatomic variants may remain obscured.
Plethora of New Marsupial Genomes Informs Our Knowledge of Marsupial MHC Class II
Authors: Silver Luke W , Hogg Carolyn J , Belov Katherine
Published: July 2024

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) plays a vital role in the vertebrate immune system due to its role in infection, disease and autoimmunity, or recognition of “self”. The marsupial MHC class II genes show divergence from eutherian MHC class II genes and are a unique taxon of therian mammals that give birth to altricial and immunologically naive young providing an opportune study system for investigating evolution of the immune system. Additionally, the MHC in marsupials has been implicated in disease associations, including susceptibility to Chlamydia pecorum infection in koalas. Due to the complexity of the gene family, automated annotation is not possible so here we manually annotate 384 class II MHC genes in 29 marsupial species. We find losses of key components of the marsupial MHC repertoire in the Dasyuromorphia order and the Pseudochiridae family. We perform PGLS analysis to show the gene losses we find are true gene losses and not artifacts of unresolved genome assembly. We investigate the associations between the number of loci and life history traits, including lifespan and reproductive output in lineages of marsupials and hypothesize that gene loss may be linked to the energetic cost and tradeoffs associated with pregnancy and reproduction. We found support for litter size being a significant predictor of the number of DBA and DBB loci, indicating a tradeoff between the energetic requirements of immunity and reproduction. Additionally, we highlight the increased susceptibility of Dasyuridae species to neoplasia and a potential link to MHC gene loss. Finally, these annotations provide a valuable resource to the immunogenetics research community to move forward and further investigate diversity in MHC genes in marsupials.
Error propagation and model update analysis in three-dimensional CSEM inversion
Authors: Dehiya Rahul
Published: July 2024

This study examines error propagation from data to model space during 3-D inversion of controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) data using a Gauss–Newton-based algorithm. An expression for model parameter correction is obtained using higher order generalized singular value decomposition for various regularization strategies. Inverse modelling is performed for different types of noise employing distinct regularization schemes to investigate the impact of error. Data corrupted with random noise suggest that the random noise mainly propagates when regularization parameters are small, owing to the high-frequency nature of random noise. Furthermore, the random noise predominantly causes artefacts in the shallower part of the inverted model. However, it has little impact on the estimation of major anomalies because the anomaly primarily depends on the smoothly varying parts of data. These observations are valid for both isotropic and anisotropic inversions. Resistive geological anomalies, like vertical dyke or vertical fractures, may pose a significant challenge for isotropic inversion in terms of convergence and data fit, even if the subsurface is isotropic. On the other hand, anisotropic inversion performs remarkably well in such cases, showing faster convergence and better data fit than isotropic inversion. Anisotropic inversion is indispensable in the case of an anisotropic host medium, as isotropic inversion produces significant artefacts and poorer data fit. Numerical experiments suggest that, in general, anisotropic inversion produces relatively better data fit and faster convergence, even in the case of isotropic subsurface. However, due to the varying degree of sensitivity of CSEM data on thin resistive bodies, caution is required in interpreting an anisotropy obtained using anisotropic inversion. An investigation of field data also supports the observations obtained using synthetic experiments.
Temporary sinus node dysfunction following ablation of atrial fibrillation in patients with aberrancy of the sinus node artery: a case series
Authors: Aerts Luca , den Uijl Dennis W , Luermans Justin G L , Maesen Bart
Published: July 2024

OBJECTIVES

Our goal was to investigate sinus node dysfunction (SND) as a rare complication following surgical and catheter atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation in patients with an aberrant sinus node artery (SNA).

METHODS

We used a retrospective analysis of 3 patients with an aberrant SNA who underwent different AF ablation procedures: 1 concomitant to aortic valve replacement, 1 thoracoscopic hybrid AF ablation and 1 catheter AF ablation.

RESULTS

All patients experienced temporary SND perioperatively. In the first patient, sinus rhythm (SR) recovered by postoperative day 6. In the second patient, SR returned by postoperative day 14. The third patient had a sinus arrest during ablation that restored to SR immediately post-procedure. All patients had normal SR at the 3-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Awareness of SNA anatomy can help to prevent iatrogenic SND during AF ablation. If SND occurs, a wait-and-see approach is recommended, given that sinus node function seems to recover. Because SND recovers, the benefits of posterior wall isolation could outweigh the disadvantages of temporary SND.
How the Perception of Corruption Shapes the Willingness to Bribe: Evidence From An Online Experiment
Authors: Incio José , Seifert Manuel
Published: July 2024

Does the perception of corruption shape the willingness to bribe? This study evaluates the socio-psychological determinants of corruption by measuring how different types of messages influence the probability of engaging in corruption for access to public health, social programs, and official documents. This research uses the social norms approach to explore the link among messaging, perception, and behavior. An online experiment was conducted in Peru for two weeks between October and November 2021, using social media (Facebook) to recruit participants (n = 2584). The participants were divided into two treatment groups and one control group. Those in the treatment groups received informational displays on (i) the perception of corruption as widespread in the public sector (descriptive norm) or (ii) corruption as morally wrong (injunctive norm). The control group did not receive a message. Exposure to messages on corruption increased the overall probability of engaging in corruption. Unexpectedly, those in the injunctive norm group increased their willingness to bribe. Furthermore, this study also found significant differences in bribing behavior based on the different types of public service, gender, and age.
Safety and Efficacy of SAB-185 for Nonhospitalized Adults With COVID-19: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Chew Kara W , Taiwo Babafemi O , Moser Carlee , Daar Eric S , Wohl David Alain , Ritz Justin , Javan Arzhang Cyrus , Li Jonathan Z , Fischer William , Greninger Alexander L , Bausch Christoph , Luke Thomas , Call Robert , Neytman Gene , Giganti Mark J , Fletcher Courtney V , Hughes Michael D , Eron Joseph J , Currier Judith S , Smith Davey M ,   for the ACTIV-2/A5401 Study Team, Chew Kara , Smith David (Davey) , Daar Eric , Wohl David , Currier Judith , Eron Joseph , Javan Arzhang Cyrus , Hughes Michael , Moser Carlee , Giganti Mark , Ritz Justin , Hosey Lara , Roa Jhoanna , Patel Nilam , Colsh Kelly , Rwakazina Irene , Beck Justine , Sieg Scott , Li Jonathan , Fletcher Courtney , Fischer William , Evering Teresa , Ignacio Rachel Bender , Cardoso Sandra , Corado Katya , Jagannathan Prasanna , Jilg Nikolaus , Perelson Alan , Pillay Sandy , Riviere Cynthia , Singh Upinder , Taiwo Babafemi , Gottesman Joan , Newell Matthew , Pedersen Susan , Dragavon Joan , Jennings Cheryl , Greenfelder Brian , Murtaugh William , Kosmyna Jan , Gapara Morgan , Shahkolahi Akbar
Published: July 2024

Background

We evaluated the fully human polyclonal antibody product SAB-185 in a phase 3 trial for COVID-19.

Methods

Nonhospitalized high-risk adults within 7 days of symptom onset were randomized 1:1 to open-label SAB-185 3840 units/kg or casirivimab/imdevimab 1200 mg. Noninferiority comparison was undertaken for pre-Omicron population (casirivimab/imdevimab expected to be fully active) and superiority comparison for the Omicron population (casirivimab/imdevimab not expected to be active). Primary outcomes were the composite of all-cause hospitalizations/deaths and grade ≥3 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) through day 28. A secondary outcome was time to sustained symptom resolution.

Results

Enrollment ended early due to low hospitalization/death rates upon Omicron emergence; 255 adults were in pre-Omicron and 392 in Omicron populations. Hospitalizations/deaths occurred in 6 (5.0%) and 3 (2.2%) of pre-Omicron SAB-185 and casirivimab/imdevimab arms (absolute difference 2.7%; 95% confidence interval [CI], −2.3%-8.6%); and 5 (2.5%) versus 3 (1.5%) (absolute difference 1.0%; 95% CI, −2.3%-4.5%) for Omicron. All risk ratios for grade ≥3 TEAEs were not significant. Time to symptom resolution was significantly shorter for SAB-185 for Omicron only: 18 versus >25 days; P =.006.

Conclusions

SAB-185 had an acceptable safety profile with faster symptom resolution in the Omicron population.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT04518410.
Exploring disparities in HIV-1 pretreatment and acquired drug resistance in China from 2003 to 2022
Authors: Wang Zhaoquan , Jiang He , Pang Xianwu , Li Jianjun , Liang Shujia , Huang Jinghua , Li Dejian , Hou Wenxuan , Chen Ni , Lan Guanghua
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To investigate the epidemic patterns of pretreatment drug resistance (PDR) and acquired drug resistance (ADR) in HIV-1 sequences from China.

Methods

HIV-1 pol sequences and associated epidemiological data were collected from the Los Alamos HIV Sequence Database, NCBI, HIV Gene Sequence Database and PubMed. Genotypic resistance and subtypes were identified using the Stanford HIV Drug Resistance Database.

Results

A total of 36 263 sequences from ART-naïve individuals and 1548 sequences from ART-experienced individuals with virological failure were evaluated. PDR prevalence was 6.64%, initially decreasing and then increasing to 7.84% (2018–22) due to NNRTI. Pooled ADR prevalence (44.96%) increased, with NNRTI and NRTI aligning with the overall trend. The percentage of multidrug resistance was more than that of single-drug resistance in PDR and especially ADR annually. PDR was most prevalent in Central China followed by Southwest and North. ADR prevalence was highest in North China followed by Northwest and Southwest. In ADR sequences, high-level resistance was more common, especially in NRTI. PDR sequences exhibited low-level or intermediate resistance, especially PI. Drug resistance mutations revealed distinct patterns in PDR and ADR. CRF01_AE, the predominant subtype in China, exhibited the highest proportions among most ART drugs and drug resistance mutations, with a few exceptions where CRF07_BC (prominent in the Northwest), CRF55_01B and CRF08_BC (prominent in the Southwest) showed the highest proportions.

Conclusions

HIV-1 PDR and ADR prevalence in China exhibited diverse epidemiological characteristics, underscoring the importance of ongoing national monitoring of PDR, ADR and subtype; patient education on adherence; and personalized regimens.
A ‘Common Sense’ Response to Health Inequalities in Peru? Public-Private Partnerships in Health and the Implications for the Right to Health and Economic Inequality
Authors: Gianella Camila , Gideon Jasmine , Salas Mariana , Bayliss Kate , De Falco Rossella , Romero María José , Iguiñiz Ruth
Published: July 2024

Drawing on the case of Peru, our analysis looks at the ways in which the mainstream media creates support for government policies aimed at implementing Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in the health sector. Peru has a highly fragmented and segmented healthcare system, and the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the deeply embedded inequalities in accessing healthcare across the country. Nevertheless, the construction of hospitals financed and managed via a PPP arrangement has been one of the major solutions proposed and implemented by successive Peruvian governments in response to the health sector’s challenges. As our analysis demonstrates, the media has played a significant role in promoting this ‘common sense’ agenda whereby greater reliance on the private sector is presented as a solution to the weaknesses of the public sector. Our article considers the wider evidence on the role of PPPs in the health sector and contends that there is very little evidence on the system-wide benefits of PPPs, thus raising significant concerns about their ability to address health inequalities effectively. It also raises important questions about how far PPPs are able to support states in guaranteeing the right to health for their citizens.
Approaches, Goals, and Scientific Integrity in Music Therapy Research with Individuals on the Autism Spectrum: An Integrative Review
Authors: Whipple Jennifer , Schwartzberg Edward Todd
Published: July 2024

Scientific integrity is fundamental to evidence-based practice (EBP) and essential in music therapy (MT) research and clinical practice. Researchers conducted an integrative review of approaches and interventions employed by music therapists (MTs) with individuals on the autism spectrum in the context of how studies are analyzed by the National Autism Center (NAC) and National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence and Practice (NCAEP). Researchers identified 880 database records meeting initial search criteria (i.e., autism spectrum disorder, autism, PDD-NOS, MT, and music interventions); 36 studies remained after screening for duplication, topic relevance, and adherence to inclusion criteria. Included studies were published between 1964 and 2021, in English language, in free open-access journals, worldwide; peer reviewed; conducted by MTs; empirical quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods design; intervention-based; and presented separate data for participants on the autism spectrum. Content and quantitative analyses identified deficits in scientific integrity and the following gaps in studies reviewed: Motor Skills and Placement (NAC-defined intervention targets), Computer-based and Songwriting and Composition (MT techniques), and Wellness and Bonny Method of Guided Imagery in Music (clinical approaches); no patterns were evident among NAC Interventions with MT techniques and approaches. Analysis of 5-point Scientific Merit Ratings yielded a mean 2.78 rating. A comparison of NAC and NCAEP terminology (i.e., how MT researchers report independent variables) indicated eight titles mention specific non-music interventions, 19 mention MT, 14 include music-based technique descriptors, and two mention both non-music interventions and MT. Researchers offer guidelines regarding identity-inclusive language, scientific integrity, and clarity of EBPs within MT intervention research with individuals on the autism spectrum.
An international multi-institutional validation of T1 sub-staging of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm-derived pancreatic cancer
Authors: Habib Joseph R , Rompen Ingmar F , Campbell Brady A , Andel Paul C M , Kinny-Köster Benedict , Damaseviciute Ryte , Brock Hewitt D , Sacks Greg D , Javed Ammar A , Besselink Marc G , van Santvoort Hjalmar C , Daamen Lois A , Loos Martin , He Jin , Quintus Molenaar I , Büchler Markus W , Wolfgang Christopher L
Published: July 2024

Background

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN)–derived pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is resected at smaller sizes compared with its biologically distinct counterpart, pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN)–derived PDAC. Thus, experts proposed T1 sub-staging for IPMN-derived PDAC. However, this has never been validated.

Methods

Consecutive upfront surgery patients with IPMN-derived PDAC from 5 international high-volume centers were classified by the proposed T1 sub-staging classification (T1a ≤0.5, T1b >0.5 and ≤1.0, and T1c >1.0 and ≤2.0 cm) using the invasive component size. Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests were used to compare overall survival (OS). A multivariable Cox regression was used to determine hazard ratios (HRs) with confidence intervals (95% CIs).

Results

Among 747 patients, 69 (9.2%), 50 (6.7%), 99 (13.0%), and 531 patients (71.1%), comprised the T1a, T1b, T1c, and T2-4 subgroups, respectively. Increasing T-stage was associated with elevated CA19-9, poorer grade, nodal positivity, R1 margin, and tubular subtype. Median OS for T1a, T1b, T1c, and T2-4 were 159.0 (95% CI = 126.0 to NR), 128.8 (98.3 to NR), 77.6 (48.3 to 108.2), and 31.4 (27.5 to 37.7) months, respectively (P < .001). OS decreased with increasing T-stage for all pairwise comparisons (all P < .05). After risk adjustment, older than age 65, elevated CA19-9, T1b [HR = 2.55 (1.22 to 5.32)], T1c [HR = 3.04 (1.60 to 5.76)], and T2-4 [HR = 3.41 (1.89 to 6.17)] compared with T1a, nodal positivity, R1 margin, and no adjuvant chemotherapy were associated with worse OS. Disease recurrence was more common in T2-4 tumors (56.4%) compared with T1a (18.2%), T1b (23.9%), and T1c (36.1%, P < .001).

Conclusion

T1 sub-staging of IPMN-derived PDAC is valid and has significant prognostic value. Advancing T1 sub-stage is associated with worse histopathology, survival, and recurrence. T1 sub-staging is recommended for future guidelines.
Schisandrin B restores M1/M2 balance through miR-124 in lipopolysaccharide-induced BV2 cells
Authors: Yang Yunfang , Liu Rihong , Sun Yixuan , Wu Bo , He Bosai , Jia Ying , Yan Tingxu
Published: July 2024

Background

In this study, Schisandrin B (SCHB), the main active component of Schisandra chinensis extract (SCE), was taken as the research object. From gene, microRNA (miR-124), and the level of protein expression system to study the influences of microglia phenotype to play the role of nerve inflammation.

Methods

In this study, we investigated the role of miR-124 in regulating microglial polarization alteration and NF-κB/TLR4 signaling and MAPK signaling in the LPS-induced BV2 by PCR, western blot, ELISA, immunofluorescence, and cytometry.

Results

SCE and SCHB significantly reduced the NO-releasing, decreased the levels of TNF-α, iNOS, IBA-1, and ratio of CD86+/CD206+, and increased the levels of IL-10, Arg-1. In addition, SCE and SCHB inhibited the nucleus translocation of NF-κB, decreased the expressions of IKK-α, and increased the expressions of IκB-α. Besides, the expressions of TLR4 and MyD88, and the ratios of p-p38/p38, p-ERK/ERK, and p-JNK/JNK were reduced by SCE and SCHB treatments. Furthermore, SCHB upregulated the mRNA levels of miR-124. However, the effects of SCHB were reversed by the miR-124 inhibitor.

Conclusions

These findings suggested SCHB downregulated NF-κB/TLR4/MyD88 signaling pathway and MAPK signaling pathway via miR-124 to restore M1/M2 balance and alleviate depressive symptoms.
Reducing stomatal density by expression of a synthetic epidermal patterning factor increases leaf intrinsic water use efficiency and reduces plant water use in a C4 crop
Authors: Ferguson John N , Schmuker Peter , Dmitrieva Anna , Quach Truyen , Zhang Tieling , Ge Zhengxiang , Nersesian Natalya , Sato Shirley J , Clemente Tom E , Leakey Andrew D B
Published: July 2024

Enhancing crop water use efficiency (WUE) is a key target trait for climatic resilience and expanding cultivation on marginal lands. Engineering lower stomatal density to reduce stomatal conductance (gs) has improved WUE in multiple C3 crop species. However, reducing gs in C3 species often reduces photosynthetic carbon gain. A different response is expected in C4 plants because they possess specialized anatomy and biochemistry which concentrates CO2 at the site of fixation. This modifies the relationship of photosynthesis (AN) with intracellular CO2 concentration (ci), such that photosynthesis is CO2 saturated and reductions in gs are unlikely to limit AN. To test this hypothesis, genetic strategies were investigated to reduce stomatal density in the C4 crop sorghum. Constitutive expression of a synthetic epidermal patterning factor (EPF) transgenic allele in sorghum led to reduced stomatal densities, reduced gs, reduced plant water use, and avoidance of stress during a period of water deprivation. In addition, moderate reduction in stomatal density did not increase stomatal limitation to AN. However, these positive outcomes were associated with negative pleiotropic effects on reproductive development and photosynthetic capacity. Avoiding pleiotropy by targeting expression of the transgene to specific tissues could provide a pathway to improved agronomic outcomes.
Differential processing of RNA polymerase II at DNA damage correlates with transcription-coupled repair syndrome severity
Authors: Gonzalo-Hansen Camila , Steurer Barbara , Janssens Roel C , Zhou Di , van Sluis Marjolein , Lans Hannes , Marteijn Jurgen A
Published: July 2024

DNA damage severely impedes gene transcription by RNA polymerase II (Pol II), causing cellular dysfunction. Transcription-Coupled Nucleotide Excision Repair (TC-NER) specifically removes such transcription-blocking damage. TC-NER initiation relies on the CSB, CSA and UVSSA proteins; loss of any results in complete TC-NER deficiency. Strikingly, UVSSA deficiency results in UV-Sensitive Syndrome (UVSS), with mild cutaneous symptoms, while loss of CSA or CSB activity results in the severe Cockayne Syndrome (CS), characterized by neurodegeneration and premature aging. Thus far the underlying mechanism for these contrasting phenotypes remains unclear. Live-cell imaging approaches reveal that in TC-NER proficient cells, lesion-stalled Pol II is swiftly resolved, while in CSA and CSB knockout (KO) cells, elongating Pol II remains damage-bound, likely obstructing other DNA transacting processes and shielding the damage from alternative repair pathways. In contrast, in UVSSA KO cells, Pol II is cleared from the damage via VCP-mediated proteasomal degradation which is fully dependent on the CRL4CSA ubiquitin ligase activity. This Pol II degradation might provide access for alternative repair mechanisms, such as GG-NER, to remove the damage. Collectively, our data indicate that the inability to clear lesion-stalled Pol II from the chromatin, rather than TC-NER deficiency, causes the severe phenotypes observed in CS.
Use of Cigarettes and E-Cigarettes, Impulsivity, and Anxiety: Influences on Suicidal Ideation Among Youth and Young Adults in Texas
Authors: Wilkinson Anna V , Chen Baojiang , Swann Alan C , Graham David P , Nielsen David A , Kosten Thomas R , Loukas Alexandra , Mantey Dale S , Bataineh Bara S , Harrell Melissa B
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Cigarette use and smoking intensity increase risk of suicidal ideation. Less is known about e-cigarette use. Here we examine direct influences of cigarette versus e-cigarette use on suicidal ideation among 16- to 23-year-olds in Texas.

Aims and Methods

Since 2019, the Texas Adolescent Tobacco and Marketing Surveillance Study collected data on suicidal ideation every 6 months covering the previous 2 weeks. Youths answering that they had “thoughts that you would be better off dead, or of hurting yourself” on more than 2 of 14 days were categorized as having suicidal ideation. Generalized linear mixed-effects logistic regressions examined the influence of ever and past 30-day (P30D) use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, impulsivity, and anxiety on suicidal ideation, controlling for gender, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status (SES), and grade in school. Interactions between ever and P30D use of both products and (a) impulsivity and (b) gender were examined.

Results

Of the 2329 participants, 29.1% reported ever and 6.5% reported P30D cigarette use, 48.2% reported ever and 11.6% reported P30D e-cigarette use, and 18.5% reported suicidal ideation. Ever cigarette use among females (aOR = 1.83; 95% CI: 1.36 to 2.46), P30D e-cigarette use (aOR = 1.30; 95% CI: 1.00 to 1.68), and P30D cigarette use (aOR = 1.47; 95% CI: 1.06 to 2.05) were independently associated with higher risk for suicidal ideation after adjusting for covariates. Impulsivity and anxiety directly increased risk of suicidal ideation regardless of product type used. Hispanic youth had higher risk of suicidal ideation than White youth, while higher levels of SES were protective.

Conclusions

Cigarette/e-cigarette use, as well as impulsivity and anxiety, directly increase the risk of suicidal ideation.

Implications

Clinicians should ask young adults with a history of tobacco use, anxiety, or impulsive behavior about suicidal ideation. Nicotine prevention and cessation programs might be more effective if they simultaneously target substance use and mental health. Culturally appropriate support is needed for ethnic and racial minority youth and young adults in school, college, and at work. When evaluating and understanding risk, the role of multiple social identities (such as minority status, gender, and SES) is important.
Factors Associated With Hepatitis A Seropositivity at 23 Years After Childhood Vaccination
Authors: Scobie Heather M , Negus Susan , Stevenson Timothy , Bressler Sara , Bruden Dana , Simons Brenna C , Snowball Mary , Hofmeister Megan G , Bruce Michael , Townshend-Bulson Lisa , Fischer Marc , McMahon Brian
Published: July 2024

We evaluated factors associated with the presence of hepatitis A virus antibodies 23 years after initiating vaccination at ages 6–15 months. Among 67 participants, 86% (42/49) of those vaccinated at ages 12–15 months and 61% (11/18) of those vaccinated at 6 months remained seropositive at 23 years. Lack of maternal antibodies at enrollment and higher initial vaccine response were independently associated with higher antibody concentrations at 23 years. Further research is needed to assess the duration of hepatitis A vaccine protection and possible need for a booster dose.
Publishing, Copyright, Legislation and Litigation
Authors: Sanjek Rick
Published: July 2024

With their diversified array of revenue sources, music publishers benefited immediately from advances in digital technology. Growth continued throughout the period except for mechanical royalties, which stalled as the rise in rates and digital revenue was countered by the decline in CD sales. Martin Bandier led EMI to the #1 spot, Universal bought the BMG publishing interests, and Richard Rowe in New York and Donna Hilley in Nashville built the Sony-Michael Jackson partnership Sony/ATV Music into a powerhouse. Publishing overtook records and retail in attracting investors as independent catalog aggregators and administrators competed for acquisitions. Other topics include the Digital Millennial Copyright Act; the No Electronic Theft Act and cybersquatting; the battle against Napster; the case against MP3.com; the RIAA prosecution of consumer infringement; and the digital transformation of publishing ledgers into metadata spreadsheets in the pursuit of an integrated global database through CISAC, the international association of copyright societies.
The Convergence of Social Work Practice
Authors: Mulkerin Colleen M
Published: July 2024

The range of what we think and do is limited by what we fail to notice. And because we fail to notice that we fail to notice, there is little we can do to change; until we notice how failing to notice shape[s] our thoughts and deeds.
Wars of Ambition
Authors: Ostovar Afshon
Published: July 2024

Wars of Ambition is about America’s decline and Iran’s rise in the Middle East. At the dawn of the 21st century, U.S. influence in the Middle East remained strong. The events of 9/11 upended that seemingly inexorable course, and prompted the Bush administration’s bold plan to remake the Middle East centered on war with Iraq. The war created an opportunity for Iran to advance its own opposing ambitions to transform the region into a bastion of resistance to Western hegemony, and bringing an end to Israel’s existence as a Jewish state. The resulting clash for divergent regional orders intensified the Iraq War and, following the Arab Spring, engulfed the region in a competition for influence and supremacy involving local (Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UAE, Qatar, and Israel) and foreign powers (Russia and China). This book explores the evolution of that process as it unfolded across a span of over two decades, and examines how contending agendas are both infused with and transcend regional politics. With Iran’s empowerment and its revisionist campaign running in concert with those of Russia and China, the contest for the Middle East has become a microcosm of a larger geopolitical battle between those aiming to preserve the American-led global order and those seeking to overturn it. That sweeping examination is constructed as a narrative in order to capture the tumult of this period as it unfolded, and shows how the battle for the Middle East reflects the politics and dividing lines of an emergent multipolar world.
Upheaval
Authors: Ostovar Afshon
Published: July 2024

This chapter discusses how the 2009 protests in Iran were a foreshock to the Arab Spring. It examines how the United States and regional powers adopted contradictory and conflicting approaches to Arab Spring protests. The Obama administration’s support for protestors in Egypt and push for Hosni Mubarak’s resignation enraged Saudi Arabia and the UAE, sparking distrust and resentment. Libya, Bahrain, and Yemen showed the contradictions of regional policies, with Gulf Arab states broadly supporting protestors in Libya and Yemen against their rulers, while condemning them in Bahrain. Iran’s support for Bahrain aggravated tensions with Saudi Arabia, and in the context of its nuclear advancements, underpinned the violence of the shadow war both fought by and against Iran. The shadow war also exposed the steps that Israel was willing to take to discourage Iran’s nuclear program and that Iran would take in retaliation.
The Quest for Tripoli
Authors: Ostovar Afshon
Published: July 2024

This chapter examines how foreign and regional powers intervened in Libya and shaped the outcomes of its second civil war. With the United States and Europe hesitant to become involved, Turkey, Qatar, the UAE, Russia, and Egypt filled the void and backed opposing sides in the war. Extensive Emirati and Russian backing for Khalifa Haftar’s campaign to topple the UN-recognized government in Tripoli gave his Tobruk-based forces an early advantage in the war. However, the Turkish military intervention, which was backed by Qatar, shifted momentum in the conflict, preserved the Tripoli government, and led to a partial reversal of Haftar’s advances. Turkey’s effort in Libya was part of its larger strategy to expand influence and secure a greater share of energy resources in the Mediterranean and Aegean seas.
What Made Nineteenth-Century Ballet So Successful?
Authors: Fullington Doug , Smith Marian
Published: July 2024

This chapter posits four main reasons for the success of nineteenth-century ballets. First, they were made accessible to audiences in several ways, including convincing performances by the lead actors (who sometimes addressed the audience directly from the footlights) and the availability of detailed librettos explaining the action. Second, ballets satisfied a seemingly insatiable appetite for foreign culture with their enticing settings in faraway places, though as we may easily see in retrospect, depictions of Others (including Roma, Muslim, Black, and Jewish characters) reflect the values of west-European Christian imperialism. (In Le Corsaire, the depictions of Medora and her uncle Lanquedem, both Jewish, offer a particularly interesting case, Medora being sympathetic but Lanquedem unsympathetic.) Third, ballets prominently featured female characters (including charismatic star ballerinas, attractive corps de ballet women, and, in France, curvy-figured women in travesty). Fourth, they offered a great variety of music, movement styles, and scene types.
Giselle in Paris and Lyon
Authors: Fullington Doug , Smith Marian
Published: July 2024

This chapter discusses the first production of Giselle, beginning with its genesis story, taken from accounts by Théophile Gautier. Next, the score by Adolphe Adam is described in detail, with a discussion of recurring melodies and borrowings from Puget, Weber, and from Adam’s score for Faust. Giselle’s use of typical ballet conventions of the period is enumerated; they include humor, violence, the presence of children, spectacle, and special effects. A short description of source material leads to a detailed account of the mime and action of Giselle as it is described in the Titus répétiteur. The chapter ends with a discussion of choreographic echoes of Act One appearing in Act Two; for instance, the light-hearted first encounter of the lovers in Act One is echoed in their first encounter in Act Two after Giselle has emerged from her grave as a Wili.