bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supplementary Figure S1 from Overexpression of an Engineered SERPINB9 Enhances Allogeneic T-cell Persistence and Efficacy
Authors: Teo Pei Y. , Jung Youngrock , Quach David H. , Koh Joanna , Ong Richard W. , Goh Angeline , Tan Alrina , Ng Chee H. , Seh Cheah C. , Tan Kar W. , Horak Ivan D. , Low Lionel
Published: August 2024

Supplementary Figure S1. Gating strategies employed in the study. Sample gating strategy for in vitro MLR assay using PBMCs as “recipient” cells (A) or Allo-T cells as ‘recipient’ cells (B). C, Sample gating strategy for the expression of intracellular or surface markers on T cells. D, Gating strategy to determine apoptotic cells with annexin V and live/dead staining. E, Gating strategy for “donor” and ‘recipient’ human T cells harvested from animal blood. Fig. 1 and associated supplementary figures employed gating strategy A and B (without target cells). Fig. 2D used gating strategy C. All gates were drawn based on fluorescence-minus-one or isotype controls. Fig. 3B-C employed gating strategy B and Fig. 3E, 4C and 5I employed gating strategy E. Fig. 5B-D and F-H employed gating strategy B (without ‘recipient’ cells). Fig. 5E adopted gating strategy D.
Table S2 from Improvement of Tumor Neoantigen Detection by High-Field Asymmetric Waveform Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Meng Wei , Takeuchi Yoshiko , Ward Jeffrey P. , Sultan Hussein , Arthur Cora D. , Mardis Elaine R. , Artyomov Maxim N. , Lichti Cheryl F. , Schreiber Robert D.
Published: August 2024

Frequency of mLama4 MS/MS.
Table S13 from Improvement of Tumor Neoantigen Detection by High-Field Asymmetric Waveform Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Meng Wei , Takeuchi Yoshiko , Ward Jeffrey P. , Sultan Hussein , Arthur Cora D. , Mardis Elaine R. , Artyomov Maxim N. , Lichti Cheryl F. , Schreiber Robert D.
Published: August 2024

Major 1956 and F244 neoantigens.
Figure S1 from Improvement of Tumor Neoantigen Detection by High-Field Asymmetric Waveform Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Meng Wei , Takeuchi Yoshiko , Ward Jeffrey P. , Sultan Hussein , Arthur Cora D. , Mardis Elaine R. , Artyomov Maxim N. , Lichti Cheryl F. , Schreiber Robert D.
Published: August 2024

Optimal FAIMS CV(s) improve the identification of 8–12-mer H-2Kb- or H-2Db-restricted peptides.
Supplemental Figure 1 from T-Cell Expression of CXCL13 is Associated with Immunotherapy Response in a Sex-Dependent Manner in Patients with Lung Cancer
Authors: Brennan Michelle , DeBruin David , Nwokolo Chinye , Hunt Katey S. , Piening Alexander , Donlin Maureen J. , Ferris Stephen T. , Teague Ryan M. , DiPaolo Richard J. , Alspach Elise
Published: August 2024

Supplemental Figure 1: Characterization of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell populations infiltrating tumors from male and female patients with NSCLC.
Data from Multifunctional Bispecific Nanovesicles Targeting SLAMF7 Trigger Potent Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Zhu Manman , Wu Yongjian , Zhu Tianchuan , Chen Jian , Chen Zhenxing , Ding Hanxi , Tan Siyi , He Jianzhong , Zeng Qi , Huang Xi
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy is hindered by the ineffective infiltration and functioning of cytotoxic T cells and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Signaling lymphocytic activation molecule family member 7 (SLAMF7) is a pivotal co-stimulatory receptor thought to simultaneously trigger NK-cell, T-cell, and macrophage antitumor cytotoxicity. However, the potential of this collaborative immune stimulation in antitumor immunity for solid tumors is underexplored due to the exclusive expression of SLAMF7 by hematopoietic cells. Here, we report the development and characterization of multifunctional bispecific nanovesicles (NVs) targeting SLAMF7 and glypican-3—a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)–specific tumor antigen. We found that by effectively “decorating” the surfaces of solid tumors with SLAMF7, these NVs directly induced potent and specific antitumor immunity and remodeled the immunosuppressive TME, sensitizing the tumors to programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) blockade. Our findings highlight the potential of SLAMF7-targeted multifunctional bispecific NVs as an anticancer strategy with implications for designing next-generation targeted cancer therapies.
Data from Venetoclax Induces BCL-2–Dependent Treg to TH17 Plasticity to Enhance the Antitumor Efficacy of Anti–PD-1 Checkpoint Blockade
Authors: Liao Rosy , Hsu Jocelyn Y. , Aboelella Nada S. , McKeever Joshua A. , Thomas-Toth Anika T. , Koh Andrew S. , LaBelle James L.
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The specific BCL-2 small molecule inhibitor venetoclax induces apoptosis in a wide range of malignancies, which has led to rapid clinical expansion in its use alone and in combination with chemotherapy and immune-based therapies against a myriad of cancer types. While lymphocytes, and T cells in particular, rely heavily on BCL-2 for survival and function, the effects of small molecule blockade of the BCL-2 family on surviving immune cells is not fully understood. We aimed to better understand the effect of systemic treatment with venetoclax on regulatory T cells (Treg), which are relatively resistant to cell death induced by specific drugging of BCL-2 compared to other T cells. We found that BCL-2 blockade altered Treg transcriptional profiles and mediated Treg plasticity toward a TH17-like Treg phenotype, resulting in increased IL17A production in lymphoid organs and within the tumor microenvironment. Aligned with previously described augmented antitumor effects observed when combining venetoclax with anti–PD-1 checkpoint inhibition, we also demonstrated that Treg-specific genetic BCL-2 knockout combined with anti–PD-1 induced tumor regression and conferred overlapping genetic changes with venetoclax-treated Tregs. As long-term combination therapies using venetoclax gain more traction in the clinic, an improved understanding of the immune-modulatory effects caused by venetoclax may allow expansion of its use against malignancies and immune-related diseases.
Data from Impact of scFv on Functionality and Safety of Third-Generation CD123 CAR T Cells
Authors: Fredon Maxime , Poussard Margaux , Biichlé Sabeha , Bonnefoy Francis , Mantion Charles-Frédéric , Seffar Evan , Renosi Florian , Bôle-Richard Elodie , Boidot Romain , Chevrier Sandrine , Anna François , Loustau Maria , Caumartin Julien , Gonçalves-Venturelli Mathieu , Robinet Eric , Saas Philippe , Deconinck Eric , Daguidau Etienne , Roussel Xavier , Godet Yann , Adotévi Olivier , Angelot-Delettre Fanny , Galaine Jeanne , Garnache-Ottou Francine
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells express an extracellular domain consisting of a single-chain fragment variable (scFv) targeting a surface tumor-associated antigen. scFv selection should involve safety profiling with evaluation of the efficacy/toxicity balance, especially when the target antigen also is expressed on healthy cells. Here, to assess differences in terms of efficacy and on-target/off-tumor effects, we generated five different CARs targeting CD123 by substituting only the scFv. In in vitro models, T cells engineered to express three of these five CD123 CARs were effectively cytotoxic on leukemic cells without increasing lysis of monocytes or endothelial cells. Using the IncuCyte system, we confirmed the low cytotoxicity of CD123 CAR T cells on endothelial cells. Hematotoxicity evaluation using progenitor culture and CD34 cell lysis showed that two of the five CD123 CAR T cells were less cytotoxic on hematopoietic stem cells. Using a humanized mouse model, we confirmed that CD123− cells were not eliminated by the CD123 CAR T cells. Two CD123 CAR T cells reduced tumor infiltration and increased the overall survival of mice in three in vivo models of blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm. In an aggressive version of this model, bulk RNA sequencing analysis showed that these CD123 CAR T cells upregulated genes associated with cytotoxicity and activation/exhaustion a few days after the injection. Together, these results emphasize the importance of screening different scFvs for the development of CAR constructs to support selection of cells with the optimal risk–benefit ratio for clinical development.
Supplementary Figure S2 from p300 KAT Regulates SOX10 Stability and Function in Human Melanoma
Authors: Waddell Aaron , Grbic Nicole , Leibowitz Kassidy , Wyant William Austin , Choudhury Sabah , Park Kihyun , Collard Marianne , Cole Philip A. , Alani Rhoda M.
Published: August 2024

This figure shows the correlation of EP300 and SOX10 gene copy numbers in acral melanoma datasets.
Figure 4 from p300 KAT Regulates SOX10 Stability and Function in Human Melanoma
Authors: Waddell Aaron , Grbic Nicole , Leibowitz Kassidy , Wyant William Austin , Choudhury Sabah , Park Kihyun , Collard Marianne , Cole Philip A. , Alani Rhoda M.
Published: August 2024

A-485 treatment potently downregulates SOX10 target genes in melanoma cells. A–C, IPC-298, CO79, and A375 cells were treated with 5 µmol/L A-485 for 24 hours, and RNA-seq was performed. Volcano plots of DEGs in each cell line are depicted (DEGs defined as FC > |2| and P < 0.05). D, The top five GO biological process pathways are shown for downregulated genes in each cell line. E, A heatmap of DEGs resulting from SOX10 KD in A375 cells is shown (data from GSE50535). F, The top five GO biological process pathways are shown for SOX10-activated genes (i.e., genes downregulated by SOX10 KD). G, A-485 downregulates GO biological process pathways that are activated by SOX10 in IPC-298, CO79, and A375 cells. H, Volcano plots of SOX10-activated genes differentially expressed due to A-485 treatment for IPC-298, CO79, and A375 cells. I–K, GO biological process pathways are shown for SOX10-activated genes that are downregulated by A-485.
Figure 3 from p300 KAT Regulates SOX10 Stability and Function in Human Melanoma
Authors: Waddell Aaron , Grbic Nicole , Leibowitz Kassidy , Wyant William Austin , Choudhury Sabah , Park Kihyun , Collard Marianne , Cole Philip A. , Alani Rhoda M.
Published: August 2024

A-485 induces proteasomal degradation of SOX10. A, A panel of melanoma cell lines were treated with DMSO (D) or 5 µmol/L A-485 (A) for 24 hours. SOX10 expression was assessed via RT-qPCR. B–D, IPC-298, CO79, and A375 cells were treated with 50 µg/mL CHX and/or 5 µmol/L MG-132 for the indicated time. SOX10 protein levels were assessed via immunoblotting. E–G, IPC-298, CO79, and A375 cells were treated with DMSO, 5 µmol/L A-485, 5 µmol/L MG-132, or their combination for 16 hours. SOX10 protein levels were assessed via immunoblotting. *, P < 0.05.
Prenatal Neurosurgical Counseling for Myelomeningocele and Treatment-Determining Factors for Fetal Repair
Authors: Shao Belinda , Schroeder Christian , Sagaityte Emilija , Kozel Olivia A. , Pedus Morgan , Watson-Smith Debra , Monteagudo Julie , Luks Francois I. , Carr Stephen R. , Klinge Petra M. , Svokos Konstantina A.
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Spina bifida guidelines recommend neurosurgical involvement in prenatal counseling to inform decision-making between prenatal and postnatal myelomeningocele (MMC) repair. This study examines whether families with MMC presenting to one fetal center had timely neurosurgical prenatal counseling (nPNC) encounters and assesses modifiable and non-modifiable treatment-determining factors. Methods: History and timing of nPNC were quantified among infants undergoing postnatal and prenatal MMC repair, pregnant patients referred, and MMC studies in a fetal MRI database (2015–2023). Fetal repair exclusions, presentation timing, social determinants, and reported rationale for not selecting offered fetal therapy were assessed. Results: Nearly all patients (34/35; 97%) engaged in nPNC, 82% prior to 24 weeks GA. Fourteen patients were excluded from fetal repair for lack of hindbrain herniation (43%), obstetric exclusions (21%), fetal exclusions (21%), suspected closed defect (7%), and delayed presentation (7%). These patients ultimately underwent postnatal repair (71%), and pregnancy termination (14%). The 20 fetal-repair-eligible patients selected fetal repair (50%), postnatal repair (45%), and pregnancy termination (5%). Reasons for declining fetal repair included risk (55%) and cost (22%). Conclusions: Among MMC families presenting to a regional fetal therapy center, nPNC was widely extended, in a mostly timely fashion. Very few were deterred from fetal repair by potentially modifiable barriers.
Aspects on Oxygenation in Preterm Infants before, Immediately after Birth, and Beyond
Authors: Sotiropoulos James X. , Saugstad Ola D. , Oei Ju Lee
Published: August 2024

Background: Oxygen is crucial for life but too little (hypoxia) or too much (hyperoxia) may be fatal or cause lifelong morbidity. Summary: In this review, we discuss the challenges of balancing oxygen control in preterm infants during fetal development, the first few minutes after birth, in the neonatal intensive care unit and after hospital discharge, where intensive care monitoring and response to dangerous oxygen levels is more often than not, out of reach with current technologies and services. Key Messages: Appropriate oxygenation is critically important even from before birth, but at no time is the need to strike a balance more important than during the first few minutes after birth, when body physiology is changing at its most rapid pace. Preterm infants, in particular, have a poor control of oxygen balance. Underdeveloped organs, especially of the lungs, require supplemental oxygen to prevent hypoxia. However, they are also at risk of hyperoxia due to immature antioxidant defenses. Existing evidence demonstrate considerable challenges that need to be overcome before we can ensure safe treatment of preterm infants with one of the most commonly used drugs in newborn care, oxygen.
Silício como mitigador do déficit hídrico na cultura da soja
Authors: Machado Viviane Vieira ,   Universidade Federal de Goiás, Silva Alasse Oliveira da , Mello Simone da Costa ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz,   Universidade de São Paulo. Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz
Published: August 2024

O Brasil vive o ciclo da sojicultura, sendo essa a cultura de maior destaque financeiro para o país, em que seus produtores, em condições de sequeiro, encontram desafios contínuos pelo déficit hídrico enfrentado no decorrer do ano safra, afetando o crescimento e desenvolvimento das plantas, culminando na redução dos níveis produtivos. O silício é um elemento benéfico com uso disseminado principalmente para controle de fatores bióticos, porém apresenta elevado potencial também para auxiliar a planta a superar diversos estresses abióticos, como o estresse hídrico, através de sua ação no metabolismo e fisiologia das plantas, com o fortalecimento das paredes celulares, estímulo à ação da defesa antioxidativa das plantas, atuando como supressor dos fatores de estresse, diante disso objetivou-se esclarecer suas influências no ciclo das culturas, principalmente da soja, que levariam a esse comportamento. Estudos demonstram que diversas culturas podem se beneficiar da aplicação de silicatos, como batata, sorgo, arroz, tendo as plantas caracterizadas como acumuladoras de silício as que apresentam maiores respostas à sua aplicação, em que o elemento pode afetar desde o tempo de prateleira de vegetais até a tolerância a elementos tóxicos, além de potencial mantenedor do desenvolvimento das plantas dentro de certa normalidade em frente a condições climáticas não favoráveis. Contudo, estudos no ramo da soja ainda são escassos e com resultados divergentes, sendo necessárias maiores análises em diferentes cultivares.
Anti-Obesity Medications in Patients With Heart Failure: Current Evidence and Practical Guidance
Authors: Harrington Josephine , Gale Stormi E. , Vest Amanda R.
Published: August 2024

Obesity is a significant risk factor for heart failure (HF) development, particularly HF with preserved ejection fraction and as a result, many patients with HF also have obesity. There is growing clinical interest in optimizing strategies for the management of obesity in patients with HF across the spectrums of both ejection fraction and disease severity. The emergence of anti-obesity medications with cardiovascular outcomes benefits, principally glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, has made it possible to study the impact of anti-obesity medications for patients with baseline cardiovascular conditions, including HF. However, clinical trials data supporting the safety and efficacy of treating obesity in patients with HF is currently limited to patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction, but do confirm safety and weight loss efficacy in this patient population as well as improvements in HF functional status, biomarkers of inflammation and HF stability. Here, we review the current data available surrounding the management of obesity for patients with HF, including the limitations of this evidence and ongoing areas for investigation, summarize the next phase of emerging anti-obesity medications and provide practical clinical advice for the multidisciplinary management of patients with both HF and obesity.
Patient Perceptions and Knowledge Surrounding Pregnancy After Heart Transplantation: A Multicenter Study
Authors: DeFilippis Ersilia M. , Donald Elena M. , Hoffman Karlee , Flores Rosario Karen , Agarwal Richa , Shapiro Hilary , Hong Kimberly N. , Khush Kiran K. , Punnoose Lynn , Kittleson Michelle M.
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND:

More women of childbearing age are surviving after heart transplantation (HT), many of whom have a desire to become pregnant. Limited data exist evaluating patients’ perspectives, receipt of counseling, and knowledge surrounding contraception, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and medication safety after HT.

METHODS:

We conducted a voluntary, confidential, web-based cross-sectional survey of women who were childbearing age (defined as 18–45 years) at the time of HT. Transplants occurred between January 2005 and January 2020. Surveys were conducted across 6 high-volume HT centers in the United States.

RESULTS:

There were 64 responses from women who were of childbearing age at the time of HT. Twenty-five women (39.1%) were pregnant before HT, and 6 (9.4%) women reported at least 1 pregnancy post-transplant. Fifty-three percent (n=34) reported they did not receive enough information on post-HT pregnancy before listing for HT, and 26% (n=16) did not discuss their ability to become pregnant with their care team before proceeding with HT. Following HT, 44% (n=28) still felt that they had not received enough information regarding pregnancy. The majority of women (n=49, 77%) had discussed contraception to prevent unplanned pregnancy with their transplant team. Twenty percent (n=13) reported that pregnancy was never safe after transplantation based on the information they had received from their transplant providers.

CONCLUSIONS:

Many women feel they are not receiving adequate counseling with regard to posttransplant reproductive health. This survey highlights an opportunity to improve both provider education and patient communication to better support women with HT desiring posttransplant pregnancy.
Stacking models of brain dynamics to improve prediction of subject traits in fMRI
Authors: Griffin Ben , Ahrends Christine , Gohil Chetan , Alfaro-Almagro Fidel , Woolrich Mark W. , Smith Stephen M. , Vidaurre Diego
Published: August 2024

Beyond structural and time-averaged functional connectivity brain measures, modelling the way brain activity dynamically unfolds can add important information to our understanding and characterisation of individual cognitive traits. One approach to leveraging this information is to extract features from models of brain network dynamics to predict individual traits. However, these predictions are susceptible to variability due to factors such as variation in model estimation induced by the choice of hyperparameters. We suggest that, rather than merely being statistical noise, this variability may be useful in providing complementary information that can be leveraged to improve prediction accuracy. To leverage this variability, we propose the use of stacking, a prediction-driven approach for model selection. Specifically, we combine predictions developed from multiple hidden Markov models—a probabilistic generative model of network dynamics that identifies recurring patterns of brain activity—to demonstrate that stacking can slightly improve the accuracy and robustness of cognitive trait predictions. By comparing analysis from the Human Connectome Project and UK Biobank datasets, we show that stacking is relatively effective at improving prediction accuracy and robustness when there are enough subjects, and that the effectiveness of combining predictions from static and dynamic functional connectivity approaches depends on the length of scan per subject. We also show that the effectiveness of stacking predictions is driven by the accuracy and diversity in the underlying model estimations.
Decision-Oriented Dialogue for Human-AI Collaboration
Authors: Lin Jessy , Tomlin Nicholas , Andreas Jacob , Eisner Jason
Published: August 2024

We describe a class of tasks called decision-oriented dialogues, in which AI assistants such as large language models (LMs) must collaborate with one or more humans via natural language to help them make complex decisions. We formalize three domains in which users face everyday decisions: (1) choosing an assignment of reviewers to conference papers, (2) planning a multi-step itinerary in a city, and (3) negotiating travel plans for a group of friends. In each of these settings, AI assistants and users have disparate abilities that they must combine to arrive at the best decision: Assistants can access and process large amounts of information, while users have preferences and constraints external to the system. For each task, we build a dialogue environment where agents receive a reward based on the quality of the final decision they reach. We evaluate LMs in self-play and in collaboration with humans and find that they fall short compared to human assistants, achieving much lower rewards despite engaging in longer dialogues. We highlight a number of challenges models face in decision-oriented dialogues, ranging from goal-directed behavior to reasoning and optimization, and release our environments as a testbed for future work.
Exploring Continual Learning of Compositional Generalization in NLI
Authors: Fu Xiyan , Frank Anette
Published: August 2024

Compositional Natural Language Inference (NLI) has been explored to assess the true abilities of neural models to perform NLI. Yet, current evaluations assume models to have full access to all primitive inferences in advance, in contrast to humans that continuously acquire inference knowledge. In this paper, we introduce the Continual Compositional Generalization in Inference (C2Gen NLI) challenge, where a model continuously acquires knowledge of constituting primitive inference tasks as a basis for compositional inferences. We explore how continual learning affects compositional generalization in NLI, by designing a continual learning setup for compositional NLI inference tasks. Our experiments demonstrate that models fail to compositionally generalize in a continual scenario. To address this problem, we first benchmark various continual learning algorithms and verify their efficacy. We then further analyze C2Gen, focusing on how to order primitives and compositional inference types, and examining correlations between subtasks. Our analyses show that by learning subtasks continuously while observing their dependencies and increasing degrees of difficulty, continual learning can enhance composition generalization ability.1
State of What Art? A Call for Multi-Prompt LLM Evaluation
Authors: Mizrahi Moran , Kaplan Guy , Malkin Dan , Dror Rotem , Shahaf Dafna , Stanovsky Gabriel
Published: August 2024

Recent advances in LLMs have led to an abundance of evaluation benchmarks, which typically rely on a single instruction template per task. We create a large-scale collection of instruction paraphrases and comprehensively analyze the brittleness introduced by single-prompt evaluations across 6.5M instances, involving 20 different LLMs and 39 tasks from 3 benchmarks. We find that different instruction templates lead to very different performance, both absolute and relative. Instead, we propose a set of diverse metrics on multiple instruction paraphrases, specifically tailored for different use cases (e.g., LLM vs. downstream development), ensuring a more reliable and meaningful assessment of LLM capabilities. We show that our metrics provide new insights into the strengths and limitations of current LLMs.
The Models of Transmission: Early Transmission Narratives of the Taiji tu and the Late Northern Song Intellectual Context
Authors: Ahn Thomas Dongsob
Published: August 2024

The claim that Zhou Dunyi 周敦頤 created the Taiji tu 太極圖 has been disputed ever since Zhu Xi proposed so in the twelfth century. Critics who denied Zhou’s authorship have often ascribed the Taiji tu to the recluse Chen Tuan 陳摶, with the ultimate source of this attribution being Zhu Zhen 朱震. All transmission claims are, essentially, myth, and a myth is an answer to the problems of the mythmaker. This article explores such problems that would possibly have troubled Zhu Zhen in the historical context of the late Northern Song intellectual world. An investigation of individuals and works that constituted the world of Book of Changes specialists reveals two dominant models of transmission (chuan 傳) of the Way. Those who preferred an image/number approach to the Book of Changes passed their scholarship down to a highly limited number of pupils; those who cherished a moralist understanding tended to disseminate their knowledge broadly. Zhu Zhen and other Book of Changes masters of the late Northern Song sought to reconcile the two models and one result of their efforts was the unification of the academic genealogies of the two traditions.
Le thé taïwanais à la veille de son âge d’or : De l’exploitation des théiers sauvages aux premières plantations (début XVIIIe - milieu XIXe siècle)
Authors: Chevalérias Philippe
Published: August 2024

Le thé de Formose allait connaître son âge d’or pendant les trois dernières décennies du XIXe siècle grâce à des firmes étrangères qui financèrent de nouvelles plantations sur l’île et y établirent des « tea-hong ». Mais si les hommes d’affaires occidentaux parvinrent à développer aussi rapidement le secteur du thé à Taïwan, c’est parce qu’ils pouvaient s’appuyer sur l’expérience d’immigrés chinois qui exploitaient les théiers sauvages dans les montagnes de Shuishalian 水沙連 au centre de l’île depuis le début du XVIIIe siècle, et qui avaient commencé à planter des théiers dans la région de Taïpei à des fins commerciales quelque part entre le milieu du XVIIIe siècle et le début du XIXe siècle. Remontant aux sources de l’histoire du thé taïwanais, nous apportons un éclairage sur cette période (début XVIIIe-milieu XIXe siècle) où s’est progressivement formé le socle sur lequel une industrie du thé pourrait finalement prendre racine à Formose dans les années 1860.
Nonviolent Struggle and Effective Tactics: A Comprehensive Analysis of the otpor Movement
Authors: Popovic Srda , Djinovic Slobodan , Mujkic Edin
Published: August 2024

This essay thoroughly examines the otpor! movement’s strategic and tactical endeavors from 1998 to 2000, when it played a pivotal role in challenging and eventually overthrowing Slobodan Milošević’s autocratic regime. The paper critically dissects the movement’s strategic and tactical frameworks, elucidating their interconnectedness within nonviolent struggle. Central to otpor!’s effectiveness was its deliberate avoidance of overt political ambitions and alignment with the youth demographic. The movement projected itself as singularly committed to unseating an autocratic leader, countering regime propaganda by foregrounding the nation’s welfare above narrow political interests. The trajectory of the otpor! movement underscores the intricate interplay between strategy and tactics in successful nonviolent movements. By orchestrating a meticulously constructed long-term strategy alongside various innovative tactical maneuvers, otpor! effectively harnessed public sentiment, countered regime dominance and decisively contributed to Serbia’s democratization.
Judicial Corruption in the Post-Reform Era: Assessing the Effectiveness of Legal Reforms in Indonesia
Authors: Kristiana Yudi , Hutahayan Benny
Published: August 2024

The Reform Movement initiated in 1998 in Indonesia signaled a critical juncture, aimed at dismantling the deeply ingrained corruption that characterized the Soeharto era. Despite considerable legislative initiatives, judicial corruption persists as a formidable obstacle to the effective administration of justice. This study employs progressive law theory to rigorously examine the complex dimensions of judicial corruption, its profound repercussions on the legal framework, and the urgent necessity for substantial legal reforms. Through an exploration of the mechanisms by which corruption infiltrates judicial systems, alongside the systemic alterations necessary for the strengthening of legal institutions, this analysis integrates theoretical perspectives with empirical research to propose a comprehensive framework for enduring anti-corruption strategies specifically designed for Indonesia’s judicial landscape.
Archibald Campbell, Critic of Hobbes
Authors: Douglass Robin
Published: August 2024

In the 1733 edition of An Enquiry into the Original of Moral Virtue, Archibald Campbell added two lengthy discussions of Thomas Hobbes’s views on human nature and sociability. Taken together, these constitute what is probably the most detailed engagement with Hobbes’s thought in the early decades of the eighteenth century, at least amongst British moral philosophers. This article reconstructs and analyses Campbell’s criticisms of Hobbes. In particular, it shows how Campbell responds to the opening chapter of De Cive – where Hobbes had famously denied “that Man is an Animal born fit for Society” – by maintaining that the desire of esteem, or honour, is in fact evidence that humans are naturally sociable creatures. In examining Hobbes’s account of human conflict, Campbell further argues that what Hobbes took to be features of our natural condition arise only once our desire of esteem is corrupted within civil societies.
Four new species and new records of Macrostomus Wiedemann (Diptera: Empididae) from Northern and Northeastern Regions of Brazil
Authors: SENA JASMINE DÉA NOGUEIRA , RAFAEL JOSÉ ALBERTINO , LIMEIRA-DE-OLIVEIRA FRANCISCO
Published: August 2024

Macrostomus Wiedemann is recorded for the first time in the Cerrado Biome and also from the state of Maranhão, Brazil. The following species are treated here: Macrostomus maranhensis sp. nov. and Macrostomus paraiba Rafael & Cumming (M. amazonensis species-group); Macrostomus ferrugineus (Fabricius) and Macrostomus gurupi sp. nov. (M. ferrugineus species-group), Macrostomus cummingi sp. nov. (M. pictipennis species-group) and Macrostomus paraensis sp. nov. (unplaced species-group). A map showing the distribution of these species is presented.
Ethnic disparities in mental health problems in New Caledonia and French Polynesia
Authors: Sebbane Déborah , Wathelet Marielle , Amadeo Stéphane , Goodfellow Benjamin , Roelandt Jean-Luc , Dourgnon Paul , Chevreul Karine
Published: August 2024

Objectives:

Indigenous people experience poorer mental health compared to the general population. Socioeconomic gaps partly explain these disparities. However, there is variability between populations and French overseas territories are understudied. This study examines the prevalence of mental health problems among Indigenous people in New Caledonia and French Polynesia, describing and comparing it with that of their counterparts while considering associated factors.

Methods:

We used the data from the cross-sectional Mental Health in the General Population survey in the only 3 sites for which information on indigenous status was available: Noumea (2006) and the ‘Bush’ (2008) in New Caledonia, and French Polynesia (2015–2017). Current mental health issues were screened using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview. In multivariable analyses, we considered the following factors: gender, age, education level, marital status, occupational activity and monthly income.

Results:

Overall, 2294 participants were analysed. Among the 1379 indigenous participants, 52.3% had at least one mental health issue. The prevalence of depressive disorder (18.0% vs 11.7%), alcohol use disorder (16.7% vs 11.7%) and suicide risk (22.3% vs 16.7%) were higher among indigenous participants compared to non-indigenous participants. After adjustment, the association between indigenous status and these mental health issues did not persist, except for alcohol use disorder.

Conclusion:

We found higher prevalence of depressive disorder, alcohol use disorder and suicide risk among indigenous people of French Polynesia and New Caledonia compared to their counterparts. These differences seemed largely explained by socioeconomic disparities. Future studies could explore the use of and access to healthcare by indigenous populations.
Book review: Samrat Choudhury, Northeast India: A Political History
Authors: Bhattacharya Moitree
Published: August 2024

Samrat Choudhury, Northeast India: A Political History. Harper Collins, 2023, ₹699, 432 pp.
Conservatism, Prayer, and Flourishing Among Catholic Priests
Authors: Cranney Stephen
Published: August 2024

The literature on well-being and religiosity is extensive, but the research on well-being and religiosity among clergy in particular is less developed. Additionally, little research has investigated the role of theological orientation in well-being. This brief research note investigates the interrelationships among well-being (as measured by the Harvard Flourishing Index), theological orientation (as measured by self-identified level of theological liberalism/conservatism), and prayer in a sample of ∼2,980 Roman Catholic priests. Prayer has a robust, independent, and significant relationship with flourishing across all subscales. Overall theologically conservative priests report higher flourishing, but some of this relationship is due to higher prayer. While copious prior literature has examined associations between well-being and religiosity, this study shows that some of these same patterns and themes extend even to professional clergy. Clinically speaking, it also brings attention to the particular stressors faced by liberal or less practicing clergy in a predominantly conservative religious tradition and the potential role that prayer can play in clergy well-being.
IR, climate politics, and change: opportunities for productive engagement?
Authors: Bernstein Steven
Published: August 2024

‘Change’ or ‘transformation’ are longstanding preoccupations of both International Relations (IR) and global climate change politics scholarship. Yet, the two fields largely occupy independent axiological, epistemological, normative, and ontological spaces that have led to misunderstandings, mutual criticisms, and a lack of serious engagement on these questions. The result is missed opportunities to transform IR, misdiagnoses of political dynamics of climate change, and, perversely, the limited influence of political analysis on wider climate change scholarship. This article identifies understandings of change and transformation relevant to both fields and introduces a productive epistemological and ontological shift for analyzing and normatively engaging with change in the face of uncertainty. It then introduces practical research strategies for policy-relevant and forward-looking scholarship that moves from explaining change to identifying causal logics and dynamic processes that can reinforce (or undermine) change and transformation. It concludes with illustrative analyzes of trajectories and possible limits of two macro policy changes with transformative potential: the 1.5-degree Celsius aspirational target in the Paris Agreement, and the proliferation of ‘net zero’ policies around the world.
Experimental analysis of the effect of the atomic radius of silica nanoparticles on the mechanical and thermal properties of poly lactic acid nanocomposites
Authors: Nikzad Mohammad Kazem , Ashenai Ghasemi Faramarz , Aghadavoudi Farshid
Published: August 2024

In this research, the effect of the atomic radius of silica nanoparticles (SiO2) on the tensile and thermal properties of polylactic acid (PLA) based nanocomposites was analyzed. Different nanocomposite samples were made using PLA matrix with three atomic radius ranges of 15–20 nm, 20–30 nm, and 50–70 nm, and three-volume percentages (1, 2, and 3%) SiO2 nanoparticles. First, to observe the state of dispersion of SiO2 nanoparticles in the fabricated samples, photographs were taken with the field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and the platinum coating method. FESEM images showed that 15–20 nm and 20–30 nm nanoparticles were better dispersed in the PLA matrix than 50–70 nm due to their smaller size. Then experimental tests were performed on the samples and parameters of modulus of elasticity, tensile strength, and heat deflection temperature (HDT) were measured. The results of the experiments showed that 15–20 nm SiO2 nanoparticles caused a 1% decrease in modulus of elasticity, a 2% decrease in tensile strength, and a 3.5% increase in HDT temperature. 20–30 nm SiO2 nanoparticles increased the modulus of elasticity by 8.8%, tensile strength by 1.8%, and HDT temperature by 1%. 50–70 nm SiO2 nanoparticles also caused a 3.3% increase in modulus of elasticity, a 1.1% increase in tensile strength, and a 4% increase in HDT temperature. The results showed that besides the volume fraction, the size of the reinforcing nanoparticles is also an effective factor in the mechanical properties of PLA nanocomposites.
Obstacle avoidance path planning algorithm for intelligent vehicles on structured road
Authors: Wang Jiaqi , Meng Qinghua , Liu Rong , Sun Zong-Yao
Published: August 2024

Aiming to address the obstacle avoidance issues of smoothness and real-time on structured roads for intelligent vehicles, a novel obstacle avoidance path planning algorithm is proposed which utilizes various curve fitting methods. The algorithm incorporates a cruise model that employs a third-order Bessel curve to splice sampled lane lines, generating cruise candidate paths. And in the lane change mode, quintic polynomial curves are used to generate lane change candidate paths. By simulation and experiment, the proposed obstacle avoidance algorithm is verified to be excellent in terms of obstacle avoidance and lane keeping in complex multi-obstacle scenarios on structured roads.
Adaptive nonsingular finite-time sliding mode control for a class of uncertain second-order nonlinear systems and its implementation on rigid manipulators
Authors: Boukattaya Mohamed , Ben Salem Fatma
Published: August 2024

An adaptive nonsingular finite-time sliding mode control (ANFTSMC) is presented in this study for a class of second-order nonlinear systems that are affected by uncertainty and disturbances. To approximate the unknown upper limit associated with system uncertainty, an adaptive mechanism is used as the main notion. By using these estimations as controller parameters, we can successfully mitigate the effects of external disturbances and unpredictable dynamics. Crucially, this method guarantees that errors converge in finite time without hitting singularities. So, all the way through tracking, the control inputs are smooth and limited. The suggested technique also provides a suitable coordinate transformation, which makes it applicable to a wide range of electromechanical systems, especially robotic manipulators. The stability of the closed-loop system is proven by applying the Lyapunov stability theorem. The research proves the approach works by demonstrating its ability to produce good tracking performance using simulated results.
“Establishing Policy Is Just Step One of Twenty”: How Educational Policy Protections, District Practices, and Leadership Matter to Trans PK–12 School Workers
Authors: McQuillan Mollie T. , Iskander Lee , Suárez Mario I. , Keenan Harper B.
Published: August 2024

Background/Context:

While trans adults in the U.S. and Canada report higher levels of discrimination and harassment than cisgender adults, but the existing literature lacks comprehensive descriptions of trans school workers’ believes about what would improve working conditions, satisfaction, and safety.

Purpose:

We interrogate systemic forces shaping PK-12 trans educators’ workplace experiences through two research questions: (1) What educational reforms did trans PK–12 workers believe would improve working conditions? (2) Did greater policy, organizational, and leadership support contribute to improved job satisfaction and safety?

Research Design:

The critical quantitative study employed cross-sectional, online survey data from 341 trans school workers in Canada and the United States. We used frequencies to descripe respondents’ rankings of reforms and logistic regression analysis to examine whether respondents’ reports of greater policy protections, organizational supports, and affirming leadership constributed to greater workplace safety and satisfaction.

Conclusions/Recommendations:

Trans workers reporting safer, more satisfactory school workplaces also indicate their workplaces have multiple tools across socio-ecological systems to disrupt cisnormativity. Policy protections topped workers’ rankings of beneficial reforms, but logistic regression analysis revealed policies mitigated only the most egregious physical safety concerns. Greater organizational supports and affirming leaders consistently contribute to satisfaction and safety. Policies, organizational practices, and leadership approaches working in tandem contribute to safe, satisfying workplaces for PK-12 trans school employees.
Trained Judgements Artificial Intelligence, Epistemic Tensions and the Production of Scientific Objectivity
Authors: Anichini Giulia , Kotras Baptiste
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we investigate uses of AI (Artificial intelligence) in two distinct fields: radiology and prehistoric archaeology. We examine the normative tensions between the scripts encapsulated within the technology and pre-existing professional and epistemic cultures, as well as the situations in which mechanical objectivity fits with local norms. Through ethnographic observation and interviews in French field sites, we show how in radiology a specific definition of “normal” bodies, embedded within detection tools, conflicts with medical practice, and the way in which non-consensual knowledge in archaeology can challenge the prediction of soil occupation in a prehistoric site. We also highlight the conditions under which AI tools can adhere to certain epistemic norms and become part of professional practices in radiology and prehistoric archaeology. While in radiology AI is judged by its ability to close uncertainties without imposing binary categories, in prehistoric archaeology, its epistemic validity depends on mobilizing exogenous scientific data to increase researchers’ reflexivity about their practices and knowledge, suggesting new clues and explanatory paths. This article demonstrates the effectiveness of AI technologies is shaped by local constraints, and why their objectivity is not a given property but an emergent feature arising from specific contexts of use.
A Qualitative Study on Lived Experiences of Psychotherapists Working with Trauma
Authors: Baruah Tanmayee , Pramanik Soma , Ray Deepshikha
Published: August 2024

Background:

Psychotherapists, while treating clients with a history of traumatic experiences, are exposed to vicarious trauma, which affects their mental health as well as their quality of caregiving. The present research tries to gain an insight into the lived experiences of psychotherapists while treating clients with traumatic experiences.

Methods:

In-depth individual interviews were conducted with five psychotherapists (two males and three females) with a minimum duration of continuous professional practice of 3.5 years and all of them above 30 years of age. The interviews were conducted for 30–45 minutes and recorded after taking informed consent from the participants. The data was analyzed and interpreted using the interpretative phenomenological analysis. Investigator triangulation was done to ensure the trustworthiness of the research.

Results:

The analysis reveals that the participants have experienced vicarious trauma from their therapeutic interaction with their clients on their traumatic issues, particularly during the initial phases of their career as a psychotherapist. Some of them feel that such experiences, despite being distressing, have also empowered them psychologically. The participants have reported using constructive coping strategies to deal with such vicarious trauma, such as emotional distancing, journaling, seeking personal therapy and social support, reading, physical exercise, and self-care activities.
Perspectives of international teaching assistants on working in music disciplines in American higher education
Authors: Tian Siyu
Published: August 2024

Previous researchers have identified the barriers faced by international teaching assistants (ITAs), yet few studies have specifically explored these barriers within music disciplines. Teaching assistants at American universities often encounter linguistic and sociocultural challenges, while those working in music schools may face additional obstacles due to the unique nature of the subject. The qualitative research method was used to conduct semi-structured interviews with five individuals who currently were or who had been teaching assistants in music departments of colleges and universities. This study explored the challenges faced by international teaching assistants in terms of communication, language and cultural barriers, differences in teaching methods, and difficulties in balancing learning and teaching. Tutor support became an important resource, but the support resources available varied from university to university. The result of this study highlighted the need for professional music teaching training, regular mentor meetings, and support in the daily work and professional development of international teaching assistants.
Music education alumni perceptions of undergraduate degree experiences, skills development, and job satisfaction
Authors: Hanson Josef
Published: August 2024

The purpose of this study was to investigate U.S. undergraduate music education degree alumni ( n = 3,731) perceptions of and satisfaction with their baccalaureate educational experiences, professional skills development, and careers post-graduation. A secondary aim was to determine the extent to which key aspects of undergraduate music education degree programs and/or demographic variables predicted positive career outcomes. Data for this study were gleaned from the Strategic National Arts Alumni Project’s (SNAAP) 2015, 2016, and 2017 surveys of arts alumni in the United States. Results indicated that respondents were largely satisfied with the training and experiences they received in their undergraduate degree programs, especially development of artistic technique, teaching skills, and a broad knowledge base. A large majority (85.09%) found employment relevant to their training within 1 year of graduation, and although many departed teaching to work in other career fields, those who stayed were generally satisfied with their jobs, although less so regarding compensation levels and career advancement opportunities. Skills gaps in interpersonal relations and communication suggest that collaborative work might be a weak area in undergraduate music teacher education. Logistic regression revealed statistically significant associations between several institutional satisfaction/demographic variables and high subsequent job satisfaction.