bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A 3D social platform for the Paths of Via Regina
Authors: Brovelli M. A. , Zamboni G.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. GeoWeb 2.0, the geographic extension of Web 2.0, has opened new possibilities in terms of online dissemination and sharing of geospatial contents, thus laying the foundations for a fruitful development of Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) systems. At the same time the technological evolution and the availability of ever more efficient devices has allowed the usability of the third dimension even for the cartographic viewers, changing the way people approach to geographic information on the Web. Unlike the traditional 2D-visualization typical of the classic Web Geographic Information Systems (Web-GISs), the multi-dimensional viewers, of which virtual globes are the main examples, offer fully-realistic content visualization which allows for a much richer user experience. In this paper a 3D Web application based on the NASA World Wind virtual globe which aims at the enhancement of the foot paths on the hilly cross-border area between Italy and Switzerland is presented.
DEVELOPING A MAP USE MODEL FOR WEB MAPPING AND GIS
Authors: Veenendaal B.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Web mapping and GIS technology and applications are developing rapidly in response to growing user and application demands. Technologies over the past decade, including digital globes, positioning-enabled mobile devices and cloud-based geoweb services, have been instrumental in fostering this growth. However, not only technology, but the dissemination and access to geoweb information and services by users and applications have been and are continuing to be important drivers of growth and expansion. The access and use of geospatial information and services is widespread and worldwide, and its use is driving the need to further develop and expand geospatial web information and services. This paper considers a model for web mapping use that is based on the original map use cube by MacEachren & Kraak (1997). The model incorporates technology, usability and knowledge that must be considered for the development and future of geospatial web mapping and services. Such a model assists in the design and development of intelligent web mapping and GIS, and informs the research directions being taken in this fast evolving discipline.
SEARCH AND ORCHESTRATION OF DATA AND PROCESSES IN A FEDERATED ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Siao Him Fa J. , Reed T. W. , Tan C. , West G. , McMeekin D. A. , Moncrieff S. , Cox S.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. This paper describes on-going research on streamlining the access and use of spatial data and processes in Australia. Spatial data in Australia is available on-line at many levels of government from local authorities, state and territories (jurisdictions), and nationally from the Commonwealth and other sources. Much of this data is available via Open Geospatial Consortium and World Wide Web Consortium standard web services. This abstract discusses three related research topics that have been identified by a wide range of stakeholders through a comprehensive consultation process. These are search and discovery, federation and orchestration of data and processes. The commonality across the three research topics is that they all require Semantic Web and Artificial Intelligence methods and embrace the various standards, and if needed, propose modifications to such standards.
Identification of storm surge events over the German Bight from atmospheric reanalysis and climate model data
Authors: Befort D. J. , Fischer M. , Leckebusch G. C. , Ulbrich U. , Ganske A. , Rosenhagen G. , Heinrich H.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. A new procedure for the identification of storm surge situations for the German Bight is developed and applied to reanalysis and global climate model data. This method is based on the empirical approach for estimating storm surge heights using information about wind speed and wind direction. Here, we hypothesize that storm surge events are caused by high wind speeds from north-westerly direction in combination with a large-scale wind storm event affecting the North Sea region. The method is calibrated for ERA-40 data, using the data from the storm surge atlas for Cuxhaven. It is shown that using information of both wind speed and direction as well as large-scale wind storm events improves the identification of storm surge events. To estimate possible future changes of potential storm surge events, we apply the new identification approach to an ensemble of three transient climate change simulations performed with the ECHAM5/MPIOM model under A1B greenhouse gas scenario forcing. We find an increase in the total number of potential storm surge events of about 12 % [(2001–2100)–(1901–2000)], mainly based on changes of moderate events. Yearly numbers of storm surge relevant events show high interannual and decadal variability and only one of three simulations shows a statistical significant increase in the yearly number of potential storm surge events between 1900 and 2100. However, no changes in the maximum intensity and duration of all potential events is determined. Extreme value statistic analysis confirms no frequency change of the most severe events.
Brief Communication: The dark side of risk and crisis communication: legal conflicts and responsibility allocation
Authors: Scolobig A.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Inadequate, misinterpreted, or missing risk and crisis communication may be a reason for practitioners, and sometimes science advisors, to become the subjects of criminal investigations. This work discusses the legal consequences of inadequate risk communication in these situations. After presenting some cases, the discussion focuses on three critical issues: the development of effective communication protocols; the role, tasks, and responsibilities of science advisors; and the collateral effects of practitioners' defensive behaviours. For example, if the avoidance of personal liability becomes a primary objective for practitioners, it may clash with other objectives, such as the protection of vulnerable communities or the transparency of decision making. The conclusion presents some ideas for future research on the legal aspects of risk communication.
On the substantial influence of the treatment of friction at the grounding line
Authors: Gagliardini O. , Brondex J. , Gillet-Chaulet F. , Tavard L. , Peyaud V. , Durand G.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. The dynamical contribution of marine ice sheets to sea level rise is largely controlled by grounding line (GL) dynamics. Seroussi et al. (2014) emphasised the sensitivity of numerical ice flow model results to the practical implementation of the friction of the ice on its bed in the very close vicinity of the GL. Elmer/Ice is a reference finite element (FE) ice flow model used in recent marine ice sheet model intercomparison (MISMIP) exercises. In the model, the GL is defined as the nodes where the ice is in contact with the bedrock but belong to both grounded and floating elements. Inherently to the FE method, computing the contribution of the friction by element requires evaluating the friction at the integration points. In Elmer/Ice, this is done by interpolating the values of the friction parameter C prescribed at the nodes. In this brief communication, we discuss and compare three alternative ways to prescribe the friction at the GL: (i) C is prescribed and non null at the GL nodes, (ii) C is set to zero at the GL nodes, and (iii) C is discontinuous at the GL nodes (i.e. is prescribed and non null for grounded elements and otherwise null). So far, all published results using Elmer/Ice were obtained with the first method. Using the MISMIP3d diagnostic experiment, we first show that, although the change in the total force at the base is insignificant, the three methods lead to significantly different velocity fields. We then show that these methods also lead to different steady state GL positions and different transient behaviours. Such model sensitivity to the methods discussed here is certainly specific to the high friction prescribed in the MISMIP experiments and should be smaller in real setups where friction in the vicinity of the GL would be expected to be lower. Results obtained with the three methods are available as Supplement for future comparisons.
Debris-covered energy balance model for Imja-Lhotse Shar Glacier in the Everest region of Nepal
Authors: Rounce D. R. , Quincey D. J. , McKinney D. C.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Debris thickness plays an important role in regulating ablation rates on debris-covered glaciers as well as controlling the likely size and location of supraglacial lakes. Despite its importance, lack of knowledge about debris properties and associated energy fluxes prevents the robust inclusion of the effects of a debris layer into most glacier surface energy balance models. This study combines fieldwork with a debris-covered energy balance model to estimate debris temperatures and ablation rates on Imja-Lhotse Shar glacier located in the Everest region of Nepal. The debris properties that significantly influence the energy balance model are thermal conductivity, albedo, and surface roughness. Fieldwork was conducted to measure thermal conductivity and a method was developed using Structure from Motion to estimate surface roughness. Debris temperatures measured during the 2014 melt season were used to calibrate and validate a debris-covered energy balance model by optimizing the albedo, thermal conductivity, and surface roughness at 10 debris-covered sites. Furthermore, three methods for estimating the latent heat flux were investigated. Model calibration and validation found the three methods had similar performance; however, comparison of modeled and measured ablation rates revealed that assuming a zero latent heat flux may overestimate ablation. Results also suggest that where debris moisture is unknown, measurements of the relative humidity or precipitation may be used to estimate wet debris periods, i.e., the latent heat flux is non-zero. The effect of temporal resolution on the model was also assessed and results showed that both 6 h data and daily average data slightly underestimate debris temperatures and ablation rates, thus these should only be used to estimate rough ablation rates when no other data are available.
New insulation fiberboards from sunflower cake with improved thermal and mechanical properties
Authors: EVON Philippe , Vinet Justine , Rigal Matthieu , Labonne Laurent , Vandenbossche Virginie , Rigal Luc
Published: June 2015

New thermal insulation fiberboards were manufactured by compression molding from a cake generated during the sunflower biorefinery. Fiberboards were cohesive mixtures of a natural binder and lignocellulosic fibers from sunflower cake. The natural binder ensured the board cohesion, and fibers acted as reinforcing fillers. The influence of molding conditions, i.e. binder type and binder content, on board density, mechanical and heat insulation properties was examined. The medium-density board containing 20% starch-based binder was a good compromise between mechanical and heat insulation properties (78 mW/m K thermal conductivity). It could be positioned on walls and ceilings for thermal insulation of buildings.
Summer Issue 2015
Authors: Madden Ken , Rapoport Mark , Maxwell Colleen
Published: June 2015

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Off-Site Storage and Special Collections: A Study in Use and Impact in ARL Libraries in the United States
Authors: Priddle Charlotte , McCann Laura
Published: June 2015

Special collections libraries collect and preserve materials of intellectual and cultural heritage, providing access to unique research resources. As their holdings continue to expand, special collections in research libraries confront increased space pressures. Off-site storage facilities, used frequently by research libraries for general circulating collections, offer a solution to these pressures. Using data from a survey of special collections directors from ARL member libraries, this article examines both the current use of off-site storage facilities and its impact on core special collections activities. This study provides a foundation for what has been an underexplored area and identifies areas for further research.
Social Representations of Physical Beauty and Romantic Relationships
Authors: Schlösser Adriano , Camargo Brigido Vizeu , Teixeira Karen Cristine
Published: June 2015

A pesquisa teve como objetivo geral investigar as relações das representações sociais da beleza física no estabelecimento de relacionamentos amorosos, para modelos fotográficos e não modelos. Trata-se de um estudo com delineamento descritivo e comparativo, com corte transversal e de amostragem intencional. Participaram 120 pessoas, distribuídos de modo equivalente entre homens e mulheres, 60 deles fazendo parte do grupo que atua como modelo fotográfico, e outros 60 com indivíduos que cursam o ensino superior na área de Ciências Exatas ou Tecnológicas. Utilizou-se um questionário online autoadministrado, com perguntas fechadas, sendo submetido a um pré-teste antes da coleta dos dados. Os resultados indicaram que a beleza física tem papel central no estabelecimento de relacionamentos amorosos, sendo considerada o elemento mais importante tanto para o sexo masculino quanto para o grupo de modelos.
How to Flirt Best: The Perceived Effectiveness of Flirtation Techniques
Authors: Wade T. Joel , Slemp Jennifer
Published: June 2015

Four studies were implemented in order to ascertain how men and women flirt with potential partners and which flirtatious actions are considered most effective. Study 1 (n = 40) and Study 2 (n = 60) sought to discover the actions that men and women, respectively, engage in to indicate romantic interest to a partner. Study 3 (n = 110) sought to determine which flirtatious acts from women are perceived as most effective by men. Women’s flirtations that suggest sexual access were expected to be rated as most effective. Study 4 (n = 222) sought to determine which flirtatious acts from men are perceived as most effective by women. Men’s flirtations that suggest emotional commitment and exclusivity were expected to be rated as most effective by women. The results were consistent with the hypotheses and are discussed in terms of prior research.
Scorpion Sting in Izeh, Iran: An Epidemiological Study During 2009-2011
Authors: Ne'matollah Maghsood  , Babak Vazirianzadeh  , Arash Salahshoor
Published: June 2015

Background:Izeh is one of the counties of Khuzestan province that its people suffer from scorpion sting. So according to the high prevalence of scorpion sting in this area and the lack of a reduce cases of scorpion stings, timely treatment and prevention of mortality and morbidity resulting from this phenomenon using results of the current epidemiological investigation.Methods: This cross-sectional and retrospective study has been conducted based on statistics of scorpion sting of Izeh Health Center during 2009-2011. The data including: age, sex, season and month of stings, location of event (urban or rural), location and time of the sting, the stung organ and scorpion species were collected and recorded in the official forms and transformed into the tables and graphs for presentation. The species of scorpions were recognized using Iranian scorpion key.Results: During 2009 to 2011 a total of 5804 cases of scorpion sting referred to health and medicine centers. Most cases of scorpion sting were females (55.53%). The age range was 15- 24 year olds and the highest incidence rate of scorpion sting was on August. Totally 6 species of scorpions were recognized during the current study and Androctonus crassicaudawas the most frequent spcies which caused the scorpion sting. One of the most important results of the present study was to report Compsobuthus matthienseni as the 2nd dominant scorpion sting cause and Mesobuthus eupeus as the least cause of scorpion sting in the region, in contrast to other parts of Khuzestan which this species has been reported as the most frequent cause of scorpion sting inKhuzestan province.Conclusions:Since there is a large number of cases with a history of previous scorpion stings, it appears we can reduce the incidence of this occurrence using education of preventing and control ways from this phenomenon to persons referred to treatment in the studied area and repeat those in similar regions with high range of scorpion sting. Furthermore with focuse on the educational activities in the warm seasons, when is the peak time of scorpion activity it will be more effective in reducing this phenomenon
Effects of Moral Self, Self Esteem and Parental Bonding on Delinquency among Young People in Hong Kong
Authors: Cheng Po F. , Cheng Christopher H.K.
Published: June 2015

This study was designed to investigate the effects of global self-esteem, moral self, and parental bonding on youth’s delinquency. A sample of young Chinese adults (N=200) were drawn from public areas such as playgrounds and campus. Respondents were to complete a questionnaire consisted of the General Self, Moral Self, Parental Bonding, and Behavior Checklist on an individual basis. As a result, males reported higher delinquency as well as general self-esteem than females. Among the demographic variables, gender was found to significantly predict delinquency. For the self variables, moral self but not global self-esteem was found to predict delinquency significantly, even when the effect of gender was being controlled. Among the parenting aspects (authoritarianism, protectiveness, care), protectionism significantly predicted delinquency, while parental care and authoritarianism did not. These findings confirmed the need of considering multidimensional aspects of self-esteem and the cultural perspective in explaining the parental impacts on delinquency.
Violences en famille : quelles réponses institutionnelles ?
Authors: Lieber Marylène , Roca i Escoda Marta
Published: June 2015

Si la famille est en général synonyme d’intimité et de relations de confiance, elle peut également être un lieu d’abus, de contrôle ou de violences. Les diverses formes de violences qui se déroulent dans la sphère privée ont été dénoncées dès les années 1970 par les mouvements féministes. Elles ont alors fait l’objet d’une variété de politiques et d’actions publiques ayant pour vocation de défendre et d’accompagner les victimes, de punir et soigner les agresseurs ou de rétablir des liens familiaux distendus. En s’attachant à la façon dont ces violences ont été définies dans des contextes différents, en Europe, en Amérique du Nord et en Amérique latine, cet article a pour ambition de donner à voir les perspectives variées que recouvrent des catégories d’action publique aussi diverses que violences conjugales, violences domestiques, violences intrafamiliales ou encore féminicides ou fémicides, et les conséquences que ces différentes visions du problème ont sur sa prise en charge. Largement influencé par les études genre et la sociologie des problèmes publics, cet article, notamment à travers la présentation des contributions qui composent ce numéro de la revueEnfances Familles Générations, entend questionner les notions de violences de genre dans le cadre familial, dont les frontières sont fluctuantes et investies de façon variée, ainsi que les formes d’institutionnalisation du problème et les solutions qui sont envisagées.
Les violences conjugales, familiales et structurelles : vers une perspective intégrative des savoirs
Authors: Lessard Geneviève , Montminy Lyse , Lesieux Élisabeth , Flynn Catherine , Roy Valérie , Gauthier Sonia , Fortin Andrée
Published: June 2015

La violence conjugale est un problème social grave et persistant ; le tiers des femmes de la planète en a déjà été victime. Cet article vise à discuter des liens empiriques et théoriques entre les violences conjugales, familiales et structurelles. L’article débutera par une brève mise en contexte décrivant comment la violence conjugale s’est construite comme un problème socio-pénal au Québec. Les principales lacunes des connaissances actuelles dans le domaine seront ensuite identifiées, démontrant ainsi la nécessité de mieux comprendre les liens complexes entre les violences conjugales, familiales et structurelles, trois concepts dont les définitions pourraient s’enrichir et se compléter mutuellement. Cet article soulignera l’importance de prendre en considération les réalités diversifiées auxquelles sont confrontés les acteurs concernés par ces violences (femmes, hommes et enfants), en privilégiant une analyse globale qui intègre non seulement les facteurs individuels et interpersonnels, mais aussi les facteurs sociaux et structurels, notamment les oppressions liées au genre ou à d’autres marqueurs de l’identité sociale. La discussion sera enrichie par des modèles théoriques décrivant les différentes dynamiques de violences conjugales et familiales ainsi que par le féminisme intersectionnel, qui s’avère fort utile pour l’analyse des violences structurelles. La conclusion traitera des retombées potentielles d’une analyse des liens entre les violences conjugales, familiales et structurelles sur les politiques sociales et les programmes d’intervention pour les victimes, les agresseurs et les enfants exposés à la violence conjugale.
La compréhension des violences faites aux femmes comme problème public dans un contexte post-dictatorial : étude comparée des cas espagnol et chilien
Authors: Miranda-Pérez Fabiola , Sanz-Gavillon Anne-Claire
Published: June 2015

Depuis la fin des dictatures, en Espagne et au Chili, une importance croissante a été accordée aux politiques d’égalité, notamment à la faveur de l’action des mouvements féminins et féministes qui ont apporté de nouveaux outils permettant d’analyser la réalité sociale. Dans ce contexte, les violences envers les femmes ont pu être conceptualisées comme un problème public et la lutte contre ce phénomène s’est peu à peu convertie en un des axes principaux de l’action publique en matière d’égalité hommes-femmes. La prise en charge de cette question, par les deux États étudiés, s’est traduite par une série de négociations impliquant les différents acteurs du jeu politique. Il en a résulté l’adoption de deux lois reflétant deux lectures différentes du phénomène qui se sont matérialisées dans les expressions de « violence de genre » (violencia de género) et de « violence intrafamiliale » (violencia intrafamiliale). Dans cet article, nous chercherons à analyser les contextes qui ont influencé la compréhension du problème de la violence envers les femmes en Espagne et au Chili. Nous interrogerons les deux approches qui ont été retenues – soit la violence de genre et la violence intrafamiliale – et la portée de ces choix.
Gouvernance urbaine et décentralisation inframunicipale dans les grandes villes d’Amérique
Authors: Meloche Jean-Philippe
Published: June 2015

La Ville de Montréal affiche une structure de gouvernance décentralisée comprenant 19 arrondissements dotés de conseils élus et d’une certaine autonomie budgétaire. Cette décentralisation inframunicipale est souvent considérée excessive par les acteurs locaux. Quelques études comparatives existent sur la question, mais concernent surtout des villes européennes. Aucune ne permet de situer le cas de Montréal parmi les grandes villes d’Amérique. À travers une recension de documents officiels, la présente recherche propose un tour d’horizon sur la question pour une trentaine de grandes villes d’Amérique. Les arrangements institutionnels en place dans huit grandes villes comportant des entités inframunicipales y sont approfondis : Montréal, Toronto, New York, Los Angeles, Mexico, Bogotá, São Paulo et Buenos Aires. Il s’agit d’une première tentative de caractériser la décentralisation inframunicipale dans un contexte américain. Au final, on s’aperçoit que Montréal est significativement plus décentralisée que les autres grandes villes, mais que le processus est en développement dans certaines villes d’Amérique latine.
Bruxelles, région de l’innovation : urbanisme et intégration urbaine de l’économie de la connaissance
Authors: Ananian Priscilla
Published: June 2015

À Bruxelles, sous l’appellation « région de l’innovation », la production d’un nouveau discours, s’écartant des traditions industrielles et de l’économie de services associées à la présence des institutions internationales, a permis de renforcer d’autres réseaux d’acteurs sociaux et économiques. Ce discours a aussi favorisé la planification d’une nouvelle armature urbaine, proposée dans le tout récent projet de Plan régional de développement durable (PRDD), structurée en fonction de quelques axes et pôles de développement, alors que les entreprises des secteurs dits innovants semblent développer des logiques d’intégration urbanistique qui ne sont pas celles de la centralité. Le présent article cherche à mettre en évidence les tensions générées par des processus d’intégration urbanistique des activités de l’économie de la connaissance, issues des discours et des référentiels teintés des théories de l’innovation et de la planification urbaine, afin de mettre en question le rôle de l’urbanisme et de ses agents dans ces processus à Bruxelles.
Intégration des transports et de l’aménagement du territoire au niveau métropolitain à Toronto et à Chicago : perspectives de gouvernance verticale et horizontale
Authors: Tremblay-Racicot Fanny R. , Mercier Jean
Published: June 2015

Cet article porte sur l’intégration de l’aménagement du territoire et des transports au niveau métropolitain en Amérique du Nord. Au moyen d’une analyse de contenu d’entretiens semi-dirigés et d’une recherche documentaire, deux grandes régions métropolitaines, Toronto et Chicago, sont comparées quant à leur cheminement institutionnel vers une plus grande intégration de la planification des transports et de l’aménagement du territoire. Les interventions des différents paliers d’autorité sont décrites et comparées, mettant en exergue la manière dont le défi d’intégration est entrepris des deux côtés de la frontière. Alors que le gouvernement de l’Ontario a emprunté une approche législative et davantage centralisée, avec la création d’une agence de transport métropolitaine contrôlée par le ministre des Transports et l’adoption de deux lois de gestion de la croissance avec obligation de conformité, le gouvernement de l’Illinois a opté pour une approche plus décentralisée, avec la création d’une agence de planification régionale aux capacités de financement et à l’autorité limitées, dont le fonctionnement est basé sur la coopération volontaire entre acteurs locaux. Les différentes trajectoires empruntées dans les deux régions indiquent que la dimension verticale de la gouvernance constitue un passage obligé, à certaines étapes des politiques visant l’intégration des transports et de l’aménagement du territoire au niveau régional, et soulève des questions quant à l’impact du design institutionnel des nouvelles agences de planification sur le financement des projets de transport et les décisions relatives à l’utilisation du sol.
Marchabilité des environnements urbains autour des résidences pour personnes âgées de la région de Montréal : application de l’audit MAPPA
Authors: Negron-Poblete Paula , Lord Sébastien
Published: June 2015

Cet article porte sur la marchabilité autour des résidences pour aînés dans le Montréal métropolitain et sur la relation avec la marche qu’entretiennent les aînés habitant dans ces milieux. Des groupes de discussion ont montré que la possibilité de faire des activités ou de rencontrer des gens constitue pour les participants un facteur-clé de leur mobilité quotidienne. Toutefois, les caractéristiques de l’environnement urbain rendent parfois difficiles les déplacements à pied. La marchabilité autour de résidences et de concentrations commerciales proches a été évaluée à l’aide de l’audit environnemental MAPPA. Une typologie de marchabilité construite indique que la grande majorité des segments de rue n’offrent qu’un niveau de sécurité minimal pour les marcheurs âgés. La vie dans ce type de résidence contraint parfois les résidants à se rabattre sur des activités intérieures, et peut éventuellement mener à une certaine forme d’exclusion spatiale freinant leur participation à la vie urbaine.
Les processus de relégation scolaire : une lecture en contre-jour du rôle attribué à l’enseignant spécialisé
Authors: Gremion Lise
Published: June 2015

Depuis le début du siècle dernier, l’école suisse a ouvert des classes spéciales pour scolariser les élèves les plus vulnérables. Elle a mis en place des mesures de signalement et développé des pratiques spécifiques en rapport avec le rôle attribué à l’enseignant spécialisé. Une enquête de type interactionniste a porté sur le processus de signalement des élèves dans une école de niveaux préscolaire et primaire. L’analyse qualitative des rapports des enseignants a été menée en suivant le modèle de Goffman. Les résultats mettent en évidence le rôle de l’enseignant spécialisé qui, au sein de l’école, fonctionne comme un baromètre de l’intégration dans la vie scolaire, des pratiques de marginalisation dans les classes ordinaires et de l’exclusion scolaire de certains élèves.
State Medical Boards and Interstate Telemedicine in the Courtroom
Authors: Richman Barak D.
Published: August 2024

This Viewpoint examines physician licensure requirements administered by state medical boards and 2 lawsuits challenging the restrictions placed on interstate telemedicine.
Tyrosine Kinase 2 Inhibition With Zasocitinib (TAK-279) in Psoriasis
Authors: Armstrong April W. , Gooderham Melinda , Lynde Charles , Maari Catherine , Forman Seth , Green Lawrence , Laquer Vivian , Zhang Xinyan , Franchimont Nathalie , Gangolli Esha A. , Blau Jessamyn , Zhao Yiwei , Zhang Wenwen , Srivastava Bhaskar , Heap Graham , Papp Kim
Published: August 2024

Importance

New, effective, and well-tolerated oral therapies are needed for treating psoriasis. Zasocitinib, a highly selective allosteric tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor, is a potential new oral treatment for this disease.

Objective

To assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of zasocitinib in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This phase 2b, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multiple-dose randomized clinical trial was conducted from August 11, 2021, to September 12, 2022, at 47 centers in the US and 8 in Canada. The study included a 12-week treatment period and a 4-week follow-up period. Key eligibility criteria for participants included age 18 to 70 years; a Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score of 12 or greater; a Physician’s Global Assessment score of 3 or greater; and a body surface area covered by plaque psoriasis of 10% or greater. Of 287 patients randomized, 259 (90.2%) received at least 1 dose of study treatment.

Intervention

Patients were randomly assigned (1:1:1:1:1) to receive zasocitinib at 2, 5, 15, or 30 mg or placebo orally, once daily, for 12 weeks.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary efficacy end point was the proportion of patients achieving 75% or greater improvement in PASI score (PASI 75) at week 12. Secondary efficacy end points included PASI 90 and 100 responses. Safety was also assessed.

Results

In total, 259 patients were randomized and received treatment (mean [SD] age, 47 [13] years; 82 women [32%]). At week 12, PASI 75 was achieved for 9 (18%), 23 (44%), 36 (68%), and 35 (67%) patients receiving zasocitinib at 2, 5, 15, and 30 mg, respectively, and 3 patients (6%) receiving placebo. PASI 90 responses were consistent with PASI 75. PASI 100 demonstrated a dose response at all doses, with 17 patients (33%) achieving PASI 100 with zasocitinib, 30 mg. Treatment-emergent adverse events occurred for 23 patients (44%) receiving placebo and 28 (53%) to 31 (62%) patients receiving the 4 different doses of zasocitinib, with no dose dependency and no clinically meaningful longitudinal differences in laboratory parameters.

Conclusions and Relevance

This randomized clinical trial found that potent and selective inhibition of TYK2 with zasocitinib at oral doses of 5 mg or more once daily resulted in greater skin clearance than placebo over 12 weeks.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
NCT04999839
Association of Cardiovascular Events With Spouse’s Subsequent Dementia
Authors: Komura Toshiaki , Tsugawa Yusuke , Mayeda Elizabeth Rose , Glymour M. Maria , Inoue Kosuke
Published: August 2024

This cohort study evaluates whether a spousal cardiovascular event is associated with one’s own risk of dementia.
Housing Instability and Children’s Health and Education
Authors: Lal Aashna , Slopen Natalie
Published: August 2024

This Viewpoint examines data from the National Survey on Children’s Health reflecting effects of the housing crisis and mentions political response among voters and candidates.
Semaglutide in Psychiatry—Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Agarwal Sri Mahavir , Hahn Margaret
Published: August 2024

This Viewpoint discusses clinical trial results of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists for treating the weight gain and cardiovascular disease risk of psychiatric medications.
High Fresh Frozen Plasma to Red Blood Cell Ratio and Survival Outcomes in Blunt Trauma
Authors: Fujiwara Gaku , Okada Yohei , Ishii Wataru , Echigo Tadashi , Shiomi Naoto , Ohtsuru Shigeru
Published: August 2024

Importance

Current trauma-care protocols advocate early administration of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) in a ratio close to 1:1 with red blood cells (RBCs) to manage trauma-induced coagulopathy in patients with severe blunt trauma. However, the benefits of a higher FFP to RBC ratio have not yet been established.

Objective

To investigate the effectiveness of a high FFP to RBC transfusion ratio in the treatment of severe blunt trauma and explore the nonlinear relationship between the ratio of blood products used and patient outcomes.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a multicenter cohort study retrospectively analyzing data from the Japan Trauma Data Bank, including adult patients with severe blunt trauma without severe head injury (Injury Severity Score ≥16 and head Abbreviated Injury Scale <3) between 2019 and 2022.

Exposures

Patients were categorized into 2 groups based on the ratio of FFP to RBC: the high-FFP group (ratio >1) and the low-FFP group (ratio ≤1).

Main Outcomes and Measures

All-cause in-hospital mortality was the primary outcome. Additionally, the occurrence of transfusion-related adverse events was evaluated.

Results

Among the 1954 patients (median [IQR] age, 61 [41-77] years; 1243 male [63.6%]) analyzed, 976 (49.9%) had a high FFP to RBC ratio. Results from logistic regression, weighted by inverse probability treatment weighting, demonstrated an association between the group with a high-FFP ratio and lower in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.56-0.93) compared with a low-FFP ratio. Nonlinear trends were noted, suggesting a potential ceiling effect on transfusion benefits.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, a high FFP to RBC ratio was associated with favorable survival in patients with severe blunt trauma. These outcomes highlight the importance of revising the current transfusion protocols to incorporate a high FFP to RBC ratio, warranting further research on optimal patient treatment.
Cortical networks of parkinsonian gait: a metabolic and functional connectivity study
Authors: Pellegrini Franziska , Pozzi Nicoló G. , Palmisano Chiara , Marotta Giorgio , Buck Andreas , Haufe Stefan , Isaias Ioannis U.
Published: August 2024

Objective

Locomotion is an automated voluntary movement sustained by coordinated neural synchronization across a distributed brain network. The cerebral cortex is central for adapting the locomotion pattern to the environment and alterations of cortical network dynamics can lead to gait impairments. Gait problems are a common symptom with a still unclear pathophysiology and represent an unmet therapeutical need in Parkinson's disease. Little is known about the cortical network dynamics of locomotor control in these patients.

Methods

We studied the cortical basis of parkinsonian gait by combining metabolic brain imaging with high‐density EEG recordings and kinematic measurements performed at rest and during unperturbed overground walking.

Results

We found significant changes in functional connectivity between frontal, sensorimotor, and visuomotor cortical areas during walking as compared to resting. Specifically, hypokinetic gait was associated with poor information flow from the supplementary motor area (SMA) to precuneus and from calcarine to lingual gyrus, as well as high information flow from calcarine to cuneus.

Interpretation

Our findings support a role for visuomotor integration processes in PD‐related hypokinetic gait and suggest that reinforcing visual information may act as a compensatory strategy to allow SMA‐mediated feedforward locomotor control in PD.
FAM136A as a Diagnostic Biomarker in Esophageal Cancer: Insights into Immune Infiltration, m6A Modification, Alternative Splicing, Cuproptosis, and the ceRNA Network
Authors: Sun Shaowu , Huang Chunyao , Fan Wenbo , Wang Zhulin , Li Kaiyuan , Liu Xu , Wang Zelong , Zhao Tianliang , Zhang Guoqing , Li Xiangnan
Published: August 2024

FAM136A promotes the progression and metastasis of various tumors. However, there are few studies on the role of FAM136A in esophageal cancer (ESCA). The TCGA, GTEx, and GEO databases are employed to analyze the expression of FAM136A in ESCA, and qPCR and TMA experiments are performed for validation. Enrichment analyzes are performed to investigate the association of FAM136A expression with immune features, m6A modification, alternative splicing, cuproptosis, and the ceRNA network via bioinformatics analysis. FAM136A is highly expressed in ESCA and correlated with lymph node metastasis and overall survival (OS). Bioinformatics analysis suggested that FAM136A may participate in the following processes to promote ESCA development and progression: 1) Promotion of mast cells infiltration to influence the ESCA immune microenvironment, 2) HNRNPC upregulation to regulate m6A modification, 3) ALYREF upregulation to increase the occurrence of retained intron (RI) events, 4) CDK5RAP1 upregulation to achieve inhibition of tumor cell apoptosis, and 5) promotion of ESCA progression through the lncRNA SNHG15/hsa‐miR‐29c‐3p/FAM136A ceRNA network. FAM136A is a potential biomarker for ESCA diagnosis and treatment response evaluation, and the underlying mechanisms may be associated with immune infiltration, m6A modification, alternative splicing, cuproptosis, and the ceRNA regulatory network.
Highly‐Dispersed Single‐Crystalline Ni‐Rich Cathodes with Low Li/O Loss for High‐Power and Long‐Life Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yu Haifeng , Han Qiang , Chen Long , Chen Ling , Jiang Hao , Li Chunzhong
Published: August 2024

Highly‐dispersed single‐crystalline Ni‐rich cathodes with low Li/O loss are the key for high‐power Li‐ion batteries, but it is still a big challenge because an additional 60–110 °C higher synthesis temperature is required in comparison with the polycrystalline counterparts. Herein, a highly‐ordered and monodisperse single‐crystalline LiNi0.83Co0.12Mn0.05O2 (NCM83) cathode with an average size of 3.24 µm is reported by a Sr/Nb synergically controlling the grain surface energy strategy based on the Vegard's slopes of various ions. The solid‐phase lithiation temperature is reduced by ≈80 °C, greatly reducing Li/Ni disorder and oxygen vacancies with rapid Li‐ion diffusion kinetics and high structure stability. The introduced Sr/Nb ions remarkably increase the electron cloud density near the Fermi level, while alleviating the H2‐H3 phase transition with reduced lattice shrinkage. The as‐prepared single‐crystalline NCM83 cathode exhibits obvious increased capacity retention of 60% at 10C (vs. 0.1C) in coin‐type half‐cells and 89% after cycling 1000 times at 0.5C in pouch‐type full‐cells. The work sheds light on the low‐temperature synthesis of monodisperse and uniform single‐crystalline Ni‐rich cathodes for high‐power and long‐life Li‐ion batteries.
Emerging Advanced Photo‐Rechargeable Batteries
Authors: Yang Mingrui , Wang Denghui , Ling Yunhua , Guo Xiaoniu , Chen Weihua
Published: August 2024

The depletion of fossil fuels necessitates the efficient utilization of solar energy and the urgent resolution of its instability, intermittency, and storage challenges. Photo‐rechargeable batteries, which integrate solar cells and energy storage batteries to convert solar energy into electricity and store it as chemical energy, have gradually emerged as a novel research direction to meet the energy demands of various standalone applications such as building facades, mobile transportation devices, and outdoor settings. This review elucidates the device structure, working principles, and key parameters of photo‐rechargeable batteries. Furthermore, various photo‐rechargeable battery systems such as lithium‐ion battery, lithium‐sulfur battery, sodium‐ion battery, zinc‐ion battery, and aluminum‐ion battery are categorized and summarized, detailing their composition, operational mechanisms, and photoelectric performance. Finally, the future research directions of photo‐rechargeable batteries are delineated, advocating for the exploration of dual‐functional materials that integrate light conversion and energy storage. Specifically, emphasis is placed on studying the compatibility between optical and energy storage materials, investigating new battery operation mechanisms under illumination conditions, considering the imperative of achieving high stability and overall efficiency to enhance device performance, and elucidating the future application pathways of these technologies.
Interfacial Polymerization Fabricated Polydopamine Capsules as a Step Toward a Photothermal Protocell Model
Authors: Hu Cunjie , Chen Hui , Zheng Jing , Zhou Shaohong , Yang Xilei , Ngocho Kleins , Xie Tingliang , Wang Kemin , Liu Jianbo
Published: August 2024

Photothermal is a significant solar energy conversion process on Earth, and photothermal‐responsive protocells are a potential model for prebiotic chemistry. Here, polydopamine microcapsules are fabricated via emulsion droplets‐templated interfacial polymerization and investigated their potential as synthetic protocell models for photothermal conversion and utilization. DNAzyme‐mediated dopamine peroxidation and polymerization occur at the water/oil interface of the emulsion droplets, facilitated by a biphasic microfluidic technique, leading to the formation of uniform polydopamine microcapsules, which retain structural integrity upon transfer into a continuous water phase. These microcapsules exhibit size‐dependent semi‐permeability and high photothermal capability due to their broad spectral absorbance. The photothermal‐mediated temperature rise within the microcapsules triggers DNA denaturation and rearrangement, and intermittent photothermal irradiation modulates reversible phase separation of DNA condensates, mimicking membrane‐less organelles. This work suggests that interfacial polymerization fabricated polydopamine capsules are a plausible photothermal protocell model that can demonstrate aspects of primitive abiotic cellularity.
Probing the Wannier function of Crystalline Solids with Angle‐Resolved Photoemission Spectroscopy
Authors: He Yu , Walker Frederick J. , Ahn Charles H. , Ismail‐Beigi Sohrab
Published: August 2024

Angle‐resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) has been a widely adopted technique in the studies of quantum materials. The surface sensitivity of photoelectric effect also makes it a powerful tool to investigate surface and shallow interface phenomena. While an overwhelming majority of its use focuses on extracting the eigenenergy of the electron Bloch states in momentum space, attempts to extract information of the wave function via ARPES has been limited to molecular systems. In this perspective, it is proposed and advocated use ARPES to investigate and unravel wave function properties, as opposed to only the electron energy‐momentum dispersion relation, in crystalline solids and their interfaces. This can help enhance the rapidly growing development of material properties based on the spatial and geometric properties of the electronic wave functions.
Polarized Emission in Chiral Quasi‐2D Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diode
Authors: Shpatz Dayan Adva , Schneider Avi , Azulay Doron , Paltiel Yossi , Etgar Lioz
Published: August 2024

Chiral 2D perovskites synthesized using (R‐+)‐α‐Methylbenzylamine (R‐MBA) and (S–)‐α‐Methylbenzylamine (S‐MBA) as barrier molecules exhibit chirality at low n values, as confirmed by circular dichroism (CD) analysis. The Anisotropy factor decreases significantly with increasing the n value, reaching 0.0032 for pure 2D perovskite. These synthesized quasi‐2D chiral perovskites have been successfully integrated into light‐emitting diodes (LEDs), demonstrating polarized emission for the first time. Remarkably, n = 3, R enantiomer achieves a total external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 12.1%, with polarized EQE of 4%. In the case of n = 2, the total EQE for both enantiomers is 4.3%, with polarized EQE of 3.4%, higher than the non‐polarized EQE of 0.9%. Degree of Polarization (DOP) is employed to characterize the fraction of an electromagnetic wave that exhibits polarization. The DOP analysis reveals a significant increase for low dimensional perovskite. Particularly for n = 2, R enantiomer exhibits a DOP of 53% compared to 2.5% for the non‐chiral molecule BzA. These findings demonstrate efficient polarized emission in 2D chiral perovskite LEDs, indicating promising avenues for advanced optical device applications.
Global Analysis of a Fractional‐Order Hepatitis B Virus Model Under Immune Response in the Presence of Cytokines
Authors: Naik Parvaiz Ahmad , Yeolekar Bijal M , Qureshi Sania , Manhas Neeraj , Ghoreishi Mohammad , Yeolekar Mahesh , Huang Zhengxin
Published: August 2024

This research proposes and investigates an epidemiological model to study the dynamic behaviors of the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) under immune response and cytokine influence. The model's stability, positivity, boundedness, and equilibria are analyzed using Lyapunov functional methods and the Routh–Hurwitz criterion under Caputo fractional derivative. The study evaluates nucleoside analogues and interferon treatments, determining critical drug efficiencies. Equilibria, including infection‐free and endemic states, are analyzed using the fundamental reproduction number, , to predict disease elimination. Numerical simulations utilize the fractional Adams method and the L1 scheme, capturing memory traces as the fractional order changes. Results show the L1 scheme effectively captures memory traces, providing empirical support for the theoretical findings. Furthermore, Ulam–Hyers stability is treated according to the equilibrium point, which describes relationships between functions. Notably, the findings of the study yielded profound insights. They revealed that the HBV system remains locally asymptotic stable at disease‐free and the endemic point when . At the same time, the simulations illustrated a correlation between the rate of infection and the rise in infected individuals, indicating the feasibility of eradicating and effectively managing HBV infections through a multifaceted approach and various measures such as vaccination and effective drug administration protocols. The proposed framework can guide medical professionals and decision‐makers in developing effective strategies to limit and eliminate the spread of HBV in the population.