bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of incorporating domain knowledge with deep learning in identifying benign and malignant gastric whitish lesions: A retrospective study
Authors: Zeng Xiaoquan , Yang Lang , Dong Zehua , Gong Dexin , Li Yanxia , Deng Yunchao , Du Hongliu , Li Xun , Xu Youming , Luo Chaijie , Wang Junxiao , Tao Xiao , Zhang Chenxia , Zhu Yijie , Jiang Ruiqing , Yao Liwen , Wu Lianlian , Jin Peng , Yu Honggang
Published: February 2024

Background and Aim

Early whitish gastric neoplasms can be easily misdiagnosed; differential diagnosis of gastric whitish lesions remains a challenge. We aim to build a deep learning (DL) model to diagnose whitish gastric neoplasms and explore the effect of adding domain knowledge in model construction.

Methods

We collected 4558 images from two institutions to train and test models. We first developed two sole DL models (1 and 2) using supervised and semi‐supervised algorithms. Then we selected diagnosis‐related features through literature research and developed feature‐extraction models to determine features including boundary, surface, roundness, depression, and location. Then predictions of the five feature‐extraction models and sole DL model were combined and inputted into seven machine‐learning (ML) based fitting‐diagnosis models. The optimal model was selected as ENDOANGEL‐WD (whitish‐diagnosis) and compared with endoscopists.

Results

Sole DL 2 had higher sensitivity (83.12% vs 68.67%, Bonferroni adjusted P = 0.024) than sole DL 1. Adding domain knowledge, the decision tree performed best among the seven ML models, achieving higher specificity than DL 1 (84.38% vs 72.27%, Bonferroni adjusted P < 0.05) and higher accuracy than DL 2 (80.47%, Bonferroni adjusted P < 0.001) and was selected as ENDOANGEL‐WD. ENDOANGEL‐WD showed better accuracy compared with 10 endoscopists (75.70%, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

We developed a novel system ENDOANGEL‐WD combining domain knowledge and traditional DL to detect gastric whitish neoplasms. Adding domain knowledge improved the performance of traditional DL, which provided a novel solution for establishing diagnostic models for other rare diseases potentially.
Implementation of peer‐to‐peer oral care objective structured clinical examination‐based learning for nursing students
Authors: Haresaku Satoru , Miyoshi Maki , Muramatsu Masumi , Monji Mayumi , Aoki Hisae , Maeda Hitomi , Miyazono Mami , Obuse Mika , Nakashima Fuyuko , Uchida Souhei , Iino Hidechika , Akinaga Kazuyuki , Chishaki Akiko , Naito Toru
Published: February 2024

Aim

Nurses' skills and confidence in providing oral care to patients play important roles in healthcare. Studies have proved that peer‐to‐peer learning and assessment can help improve nurses’ skills and confidence. However, no study has investigated it using an objective assessment checklist. This study investigated an oral hygiene practice training program for nursing students. It focused on their oral healthcare skills, confidence, and perspectives regarding implementing an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE).

Methods

A pre‐ and post‐survey of 97 nursing students from a nursing school in Japan was conducted as a peer‐to‐peer oral health education training program that included an assessment and performance checklist.

Results

Confidence in performing and assessing oral care significantly improved after attending the program. Furthermore, the changes were significantly greater in the developed program than in the training program without the checklist. The mean total assessment scores (0–25) of the first, second, third, and fourth participants in the four‐student groups were 22.1, 23.4, 23.9, and 24.1, respectively. The mean scores of the second, third, and fourth participant groups were significantly higher than that of the first participant group (p < .01). Fifty‐two positive and 58 negative comments were received regarding the implementation of the program with professional assessments and the checklist. The most common positive comment mentioned that the evaluation by professionals improved oral care learning and skills.

Conclusions

This study developed a program to improve nursing students' confidence and oral care delivery skill building in an OSCE‐style delivery.
MicroRNA‐29b‐3p degenerates terminally differentiated dopaminergic SH‐SY5Y cells by perturbation of mitochondrial functions
Authors: Sarkar Sana , Pandey Anuj , Yadav Sanjeev Kumar , Raghuwanshi Pragati , Siddiqui Mohammed Haris , Srikrishna Saripella , Pant Aditya Bhushan , Yadav Sanjay
Published: February 2024

Mitochondrial dysfunction is the main cause of gradual deterioration of structure and function of neuronal cells, eventually resulting in neurodegeneration. Studies have revealed a complex interrelationship between neurotoxicant exposure, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neurodegenerative diseases. Alteration in the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) has also been linked with disruption in mitochondrial homeostasis and bioenergetics. In our recent research (Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology (2023) https://doi.org/10.1007/s10571‐023‐01362‐4), we have identified miR‐29b‐3p as one of the most significantly up‐regulated miRNAs in the blood of Parkinson's patients. The findings of the present study revealed that neurotoxicants of two different natures, that is, arsenic or rotenone, dramatically increased miR‐29b‐3p expression (18.63‐fold and 12.85‐fold, respectively) in differentiated dopaminergic SH‐SY5Y cells. This dysregulation of miR‐29b‐3p intricately modulated mitochondrial morphology, induced oxidative stress, and perturbed mitochondrial membrane potential, collectively contributing to the degeneration of dopaminergic cells. Additionally, using assays for mitochondrial bioenergetics in live and differentiated SH‐SY5Y cells, a reduction in oxygen consumption rate (OCR), maximal respiration, basal respiration, and non‐mitochondrial respiration was observed in cells transfected with mimics of miR‐29b‐3p. Inhibition of miR‐29b‐3p by transfecting inhibitor of miR‐29b‐3p prior to exposure to neurotoxicants significantly restored OCR and other respiration parameters. Furthermore, we observed that induction of miR‐29b‐3p activates neuronal apoptosis via sirtuin‐1(SIRT‐1)/YinYang‐1(YY‐1)/peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma coactivator‐1alpha (PGC‐1α)‐regulated Bcl‐2 interacting protein 3‐like‐dependent mechanism. Collectively, our studies have shown the role of miR‐29b‐3p in dysregulation of mitochondrial bioenergetics during degeneration of dopaminergic neurons via regulating SIRT‐1/YY‐1/PGC‐1α axis.

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The influence of physical activity, body mass index and urinary levels of prostaglandin (PGF2α) with the incidence of primary dysmenorrhea in adolescents
Authors: Jusuf Elizabet Catherine , Octaviani Dian , Husain Michael Grant , Jumrah
Published: February 2024

Objective

This study aims to investigate the effect of physical activity, body mass index (BMI), and levels of prostaglandins (PGF2α) urine on the occurrence of dysmenorrhea in adolescents.

Methods

A total of 128 female students included in the study. The study was conducted from January to March 2023 using a cross‐sectional design. This study utilized the Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ) and gynecological examination with ultrasonography. The urinary prostaglandin (PGF2α) was measured using the enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA). Data were analyzed using the chi‐square test and logistic regression test.

Results

The age range of the participants included in the study was 14–17, with a mean age of 15.85 ± 0.65. There was an correlation between physical activity, BMI, and urinary prostaglandin (PGF2α) levels with the incidence of dysmenorrhea in adolescents (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, it revealed that underweight, and had a high urinary prostaglandin significant correlated to primary dysmenorrhea with odds ratio 4.78 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.98–11.54) and 4.88 (95% CI 1.98–12.08), respectively. High physical activity and overweight was not associated with incidence of dysmenorrhea in adolescents.

Conclusion

This study provides valuable insights into the correlation between physical activity, BMI, and levels of prostaglandins (PGF2α) in urine. A high level of urinary prostaglandin was found to be the most influential factor in the incidence of primary dysmenorrhea in adolescents. By addressing factors associated with dysmenorrhea in adolescents, healthcare professionals can potentially enhance well‐being by reducing menstrual pain and encouraging a healthy lifestyle to prevent dysmenorrhea.
Role of the mitophagy‐apoptosis axis in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovarian syndrome
Authors: Kobayashi Hiroshi , Shigetomi Hiroshi , Matsubara Sho , Yoshimoto Chiharu , Imanaka Shogo
Published: February 2024

Aim

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder characterized by menstrual irregularities, androgen excess, and polycystic ovarian morphology, but its pathogenesis remains largely unknown. This review focuses on how androgen excess influences the molecular basis of energy metabolism, mitochondrial function, and mitophagy in granulosa cells and oocytes, summarizes our current understanding of the pathogenesis of PCOS, and discuss perspectives on future research directions.

Methods

A search of PubMed and Google Scholar databases were used to identify relevant studies for this narrative literature review.

Results

Female offspring born of pregnant animals exposed to androgens recapitulates the PCOS phenotype. Abnormal mitochondrial morphology, altered expression of genes related to glycolysis, mitochondrial biogenesis, fission/fusion dynamics, and mitophagy have been identified in PCOS patients and androgenic animal models. Androgen excess causes uncoupling of the electron transport chain and depletion of the cellular adenosine 5′‐triphosphate pool, indicating further impairment of mitochondrial function. A shift toward mitochondrial fission restores mitochondrial quality control mechanisms. However, prolonged mitochondrial fission disrupts autophagy/mitophagy induction due to loss of compensatory reserve for mitochondrial biogenesis. Disruption of compensatory mechanisms that mediate the quality control switch from mitophagy to apoptosis may cause a disease phenotype. Furthermore, genetic predisposition, altered expression of genes related to glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, or a combination of these factors may also contribute to the development of PCOS.

Conclusion

In conclusion, fetuses exposed to a hyperandrogenemic intrauterine environment may cause the PCOS phenotype possibly through disruption of the compensatory regulation of the mitophagy‐apoptosis axis.
A retrospective observational cohort study on the postoperative respiratory complications and their risk factors in brachycephalic dogs undergoing BOAS surgery: 199 cases (2019‐2021)
Authors: Filipas M. C. , Owen L. , Adami C.
Published: February 2024

Objectives

To observe the occurrence of postanaesthetic respiratory complications and to determine their prevalence and risk factors in dogs undergoing brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome surgery.

Materials and Methods

Data from 199 clinical records were retrospectively analysed. Univariable logistic regression followed by multivariable logistic regression was used to identify associations between the dependent variables (set as the postoperative respiratory complications observed in the study dogs) and various independent covariates. The quality of model‐fit was assessed using the likelihood ratio test. P≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Four postoperative respiratory complications were observed: hypoxaemia (n=10/199; 5%), dyspnoea requiring tracheal re‐intubation (n=13/199, 7%), dyspnoea requiring tracheostomy (n=10/199, 5%) and aspiration pneumonia (n=12/199, 6%). Univariable logistic regression showed an association between postoperative aspiration pneumonia and increasing body condition score and American Society of Anaesthesiology classification; however, when these covariates were evaluated in the multivariable model significance was not maintained. Risk factors for tracheostomy were preoperative and postoperative aspiration pneumonia (odds ratio: 9.52, 95% confidence interval: 1.56 to 57.93) and increasing brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome grade (odds ratio: 4.65, 95% confidence interval: 0.79 to 27.50).

Clinical Significance

High brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome grade and aspiration pneumonia, either developing peri‐operatively or as pre‐existing condition, may represent risk factors for postoperative tracheostomy. Preoperative diagnosis of aspiration pneumonia may further increase the risk of postoperative complications.
A pandemic of metrics
Authors: Adams Vincanne , Chandler Clare , Kelly Ann H. , Livingston Julie
Published: February 2024

The COVID‐19 pandemic prompted critical attention to the performative power of metrics. We suggest that the existential capacities of metrics as a means of pandemic living warrant further consideration. We describe how the COVID‐19 pandemic that came into existence as a public health and political event could only have occurred because of the anticipatory metrical practices that were used to transform SARS‐COV‐2 into a matter of global health concern. By exploring the affective potencies of COVID‐19 metrics we show their abilities to engage the public in ways that cannot be contained; in detailing the narrative arcs created through metrics we show their opportunities, misdirections, and erasures. A pandemic way of life persists: a pandemic of metrics.
Plant–pollinator network architecture does not impact intraspecific microbiome variability
Authors: Smith Gordon P. , Cohen Hamutahl , Zorn Jocelyn F. , McFrederick Quinn S. , Ponisio Lauren C.
Published: February 2024

Variation in how individuals interact with food resources can directly impact, and be affected by, their microbial interactions due to the potential for transmission. The degree to which this transmission occurs, however, may depend on the structure of forager networks, which determine the community‐scale transmission opportunities. In particular, how the community‐scale opportunity for transfer balances individual‐scale barriers to transmission is unclear. Examining the bee–flower and bee–microbial interactions of over 1000 individual bees, we tested (1) the degree to which individual floral visits predicted microbiome composition and (2) whether plant–bee networks with increased opportunity for microbial transmission homogenized the microbiomes of bees within that network. The pollen community composition carried by bees was associated with microbiome composition at some sites, suggesting that microbial transmission at flowers occurred. Contrary to our predictions, however, microbiome variability did not differ based on transfer opportunity: bee microbiomes in asymmetric networks with high opportunity for microbial transfer were similarly variable compared to microbiomes in networks with more evenly distributed links. These findings suggest that microbial transmission at flowers is frequent enough to be observed at the community level, but that community network structure did not substantially change the dynamics of this transmission, perhaps due to filtering processes in host guts.
Unmanned aerial vehicle–human collaboration route planning for intelligent infrastructure inspection
Authors: Pan Yue , Li Linfeng , Qin Jianjun , Chen Jin‐Jian , Gardoni Paolo
Published: February 2024

Motivated by the strengths of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the UAV–human collaboration route planning (UHCRP) for intelligent infrastructure inspection is a problem worthy of discussion to help reduce human costs and minimize the risk of noninspected infrastructures under limited resources. To facilitate UHCRP, this paper proposes a novel deep reinforcement learning (DRL)‐based approach to well handle multi‐source uncertain features and constraints at a fast speed. To begin with, UHCRP is mathematically described and reformulated as a dual interdependent deep reinforcement learning (diDRL) framework to reflect real‐world scenarios. Afterward, a novel policy network named the attention‐based deep neural network (A‐DNN) is introduced to learn the route planning decisions for the combinatorial optimization problem. In particular, A‐DNN is made up of an encoder and a dual decoder for UAV and human inspection, where the multi‐head attention mechanism is incorporated to generate richer representations for model performance improvement. Performance of the proposed dual multi‐head attention model (DAM) has been tested in simulations and a real‐world case study regarding wind farm inspection. Results indicate that DAM under the sampling decoding strategy can deliver a high‐quality path plan and show better generalizability for larger scale problem sizes compared to single‐head attention model (SAM), multi‐head attention model (AM), and two baseline models, namely OR‐Tools and genetic algorithm. Moreover, DAM trained by randomly generated data can be directly employed to solve the practical problem with standardization of inputs. Overall, DRL integrates decision‐making for inspection method selection and inspected infrastructure selection, providing adaptive and intelligent inspection path planning for UAV and human in complex and dynamic engineering environments.
Oesophageal pressure monitoring in intubated patients by intensive care units' nurses: An educational study
Authors: Campfort Maëva , Laurioux Flavie , Olivier Pierre‐Yves , Piquilloud Lise , Mercat Alain , Beloncle François
Published: February 2024

Trained ICU nurses may perform oesophageal pressure measurements which may help facilitate its implementation in the usual patient care to better assess lung and chest wall mechanics and easily detect patient‐ventilator asynchronies. We thus conducted a prospective educational study aiming to assess the ability of ICU nurses to perform reliable oesophageal pressure measurements after a short dedicated training program. All the 11 nurses who completed the program succeeded their practical evaluation (nine (82%) at the first evaluation and two (18%) at their second attempt). These results show that this training program is feasible and that trained ICU nurses can perform accurate oesophageal pressure measurements in mechanically ventilated patients.
Altering the substitution and cross‐linking of glucuronoarabinoxylans affects cell wall architecture in Brachypodium distachyon
Authors: Tryfona Theodora , Pankratova Yanina , Petrik Deborah , Rebaque Moran Diego , Wightman Raymond , Yu Xiaolan , Echevarría‐Poza Alberto , Deralia Parveen Kumar , Vilaplana Francisco , Anderson Charles T. , Hong Mei , Dupree Paul
Published: February 2024

The Poaceae family of plants provides cereal crops that are critical for human and animal nutrition, and also, they are an important source of biomass. Interacting plant cell wall components give rise to recalcitrance to digestion; thus, understanding the wall molecular architecture is important to improve biomass properties. Xylan is the main hemicellulose in grass cell walls. Recently, we reported structural variation in grass xylans, suggesting functional specialisation and distinct interactions with cellulose and lignin. Here, we investigated the functions of these xylans by perturbing the biosynthesis of specific xylan types.

We generated CRISPR/Cas9 knockout mutants in Brachypodium distachyon XAX1 and GUX2 genes involved in xylan substitution. Using carbohydrate gel electrophoresis, we identified biochemical changes in different xylan types. Saccharification, cryo‐SEM, subcritical water extraction and ssNMR were used to study wall architecture.

BdXAX1A and BdGUX2 enzymes modify different types of grass xylan. Brachypodium mutant walls are likely more porous, suggesting the xylan substitutions directed by both BdXAX1A and GUX2 enzymes influence xylan‐xylan and/or xylan–lignin interactions.

Since xylan substitutions influence wall architecture and digestibility, our findings open new avenues to improve cereals for food and to use grass biomass for feed and the production of bioenergy and biomaterials.
Deficiencies in cluster‐2 ALA lipid flippases result in salicylic acid‐dependent growth reductions
Authors: Davis James A. , Poulsen Lisbeth R. , Kjeldgaard Bodil , Moog Max W. , Brown Elizabeth , Palmgren Michael , López‐Marqués Rosa L. , Harper Jeffrey F.
Published: February 2024

P4 ATPases (i.e., lipid flippases) are eukaryotic enzymes that transport lipids across membrane bilayers. In plants, P4 ATPases are named Aminophospholipid ATPases (ALAs) and are organized into five phylogenetic clusters. Here we generated an Arabidopsis mutant lacking all five cluster‐2 ALAs (ala8/9/10/11/12), which is the most highly expressed ALA subgroup in vegetative tissues. Plants harboring the quintuple knockout (KO) show rosettes that are 2.2‐fold smaller and display chlorotic lesions. A similar but less severe phenotype was observed in an ala10/11 double KO. The growth and lesion phenotypes of ala8/9/10/11/12 mutants were reversed by expressing a NahG transgene, which encodes an enzyme that degrades salicylic acid (SA). A role for SA in promoting the lesion phenotype was further supported by quantitative PCR assays showing increased mRNA abundance for an SA‐biosynthesis gene ISOCHORISMATE SYNTHASE 1 (ICS1) and two SA‐responsive genes PATHOGENESIS‐RELATED GENE 1 (PR1) and PR2. Lesion phenotypes were also reversed by growing plants in liquid media containing either low calcium (~0.1 mM) or high nitrogen concentrations (~24 mM), which are conditions known to suppress SA‐dependent autoimmunity. Yeast‐based fluorescent lipid uptake assays revealed that ALA10 and ALA11 display overlapping substrate specificities, including the transport of LysoPC signaling lipids. Together, these results establish that the biochemical functions of ALA8–12 are at least partially overlapping, and that deficiencies in cluster‐2 ALAs result in an SA‐dependent autoimmunity phenotype that has not been observed for flippase mutants with deficiencies in other ALA clusters.
Limits of open innovation during the organizational change: a case study of a Partner Campus
Authors: Shahzad Khuram , Dan Sorin , Imran Faisal , Holtkamp Philipp , Niemi Mari K. , Meyer Martin
Published: February 2024

The literature on open innovation (OI) has mainly been focused on the ‘bright side’ of OI, thus neglecting the limits of OI implementation influencing innovation processes during organizational change. It requires to develop a better understanding about the limits of OI. Therefore, this study explores the limits of OI during organizational change and provides approaches that drive firms to offset these limits. The empirical analysis is based on an in‐depth single case study and data was collected through semi‐structured interviews with the representatives engaged with Partner Campus – an OI initiative developed by a multinational manufacturing company. We have found that during the change process of adapting collaborative and absorptive capabilities, and developing organizational readiness, several internal and external challenges limit the company's drive to open up. Internal challenges arise when organizations start the change process in unfreezing stage. The traditional organizational culture and structure challenge incumbent firms to break the existing silos and utilize knowledge and resources effectively for OI implementation, hindering intra‐organizational collaboration. While external challenges arise when organizations transform their endeavors across organizational boundaries and collaborate with external stakeholders. When firms lack knowledge integration and technological capabilities, OI creates collaborative complexity given the magnitude of involved diverse actors and activities at different levels, which challenges the organizations to maintain the longevity of OI practices, resulting in several risks that limit firms to open up. However, we have identified the capabilities and actions that firms can take to strengthen a collaborative environment by counterbalancing these challenges. We contribute to the literature on OI by identifying and assessing the limits of OI, embedded in the organizational change process, that hinder organizational drive for OI. We also contribute to organizational change literature by identifying specific changes related to organizational processes, structure, and culture, and outlining approaches that can support a smooth transition.
Influence of a private–public risk pool and an opt‐out framing on earthquake protection demand for Canadian homeowners in Quebec and British Columbia
Authors: Kunreuther Howard , Conell‐Price Lynn , Li Bohan , Kovacs Paul , Goda Katsuichiro
Published: February 2024

This article describes the design and analysis of web‐based choice experiments that examine how the demand for earthquake protection in Quebec and British Columbia (BC), Canada, is influenced by the default option and the structure of the insurance plan. Homeowners in both provinces were given the opportunity to purchase protection against earthquake losses when presented with one of the following options: the current private insurance plan and proposed public–private Risk Pools with different levels of the public layer. The default frame was changed so the homeowner could either opt‐in by purchasing this coverage or opt‐out of being given this protection and receiving a premium discount. Assigning participants to the public–private Risk Pools rather than the current private insurance plan increases the likelihood of purchasing earthquake insurance protection by an odds ratio of 2.7 or greater in BC and Quebec. Furthermore, opt‐out enrollment design substantially increases take‐up of earthquake protection relative to opt‐in enrollment. The policy implications of these findings are discussed.
The role of experience in Hegel's conception of the relation to nature
Authors: Bubbio Paolo Diego
Published: February 2024

This article explores Hegel's conception of experience, positing it as the entry point for grasping the implications of the philosophy of nature. The article briefly examines Hegel's view of nature, focusing on its transformative journey from externality to integration with the conscious I. Subsequently, the purpose of Hegel's philosophy of nature is discussed, and recent interpretations are compared. The article unfolds the notion of experience as a bridge between the subjective dimension explored in the Phenomenology of Spirit and the understanding of reality presented in the Encyclopedia. Experience, considered in its threefold meaning of unveiling, actively interpreting, and generating rationality within nature, dynamically shapes both the self‐conscious subject and the natural world across logic, nature, and spirit. Finally, the article highlights experience as mediating both the epistemological and the metaphysical relationship between nature and spirit. The article concludes by arguing that the transformative power of experience plays a central role in overcoming the separation between spirit and nature, fostering a mediated unity between the human subject and the natural world.
Examining the relationship between suicide ideation frequency and intergenerational acculturative conflict between Mexican descent college students and their caregivers using the interpersonal theory of suicide
Authors: Meza Jocelyn I. , Piña‐Watson Brandy , Lopez Daisy , Bonilla Gisel Suarez , Sanchez Maria R. , Manzo Gabriela , Garcia Aundrea
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Suicide is the third leading cause of death among US young adults, with significant racial/ethnic disparities related to the risk for suicide among Latine young adults. Despite the elevated risk for suicide, culturally relevant risk factors are not well‐known. Intergenerational acculturative conflict (IAC) among Latine youth is a sociocultural factor associated with suicide ideation.

Method

Although widely cited, the interpersonal theory of suicide (IPTS) lacks consistent support among Latine groups. The following cross‐sectional study examined relationships between IAC categories (cultural preference, autonomy, and dating/staying out late), IPTS risk factors (i.e., thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness), and suicide ideation frequency among 376 Mexican descent college students sampled using participant pools and snowball sampling (73.7% female: Mage = 19.88).

Results

Mediation analyses supported the hypotheses that IPTS risk factors partially explained the links between IAC categories and suicide ideation frequency.

Conclusions

These findings advance our understanding of how sociocultural constructs, such as IAC, influence the IPTS and future advancements in culturally responsive treatments for suicide.
Fearlessness about death and suicidal ideation: Religious identity matters
Authors: Hart Frances G. , Stewart Jeremy G. , Hudson Chloe C. , Fan Kailyn , Björgvinsson Thröstur , Beard Courtney
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Religion is a salient aspect of patient background in treatment (The psychology of religion and coping: Theory, research, practice; Guilford Press). However, research investigating the role of religion in suicide is lacking and inconsistent (Journal of Religion and Health, 57, 2478–2499). The current study (1) clarifies the association between religious identity and fearlessness about death in a psychiatric sample and (2) tests whether religious identity moderates the association between fearlessness about death and suicidal ideation.

Methods

Participants were 155 patients seeking treatment in a partial hospital program. Religious identity was assessed using the Identities in Treatment Scale (The Behavior Therapist). Fearlessness about death was assessed with two relevant items from the acquired capability with rehearsal for suicide scale (Psychological Assessment, 28, 1452–1464), as in prior studies (Suicide & Le‐Threatening Behavior, 50, 1230–1240; Journal of Affective Disorders Reports, 12, 100492).

Results

Fearlessness about death interacted with religious identity to predict suicidal ideation, b = 0.47, 95% C.I. [0.02, 0.91], p = 0.042. Conditional effects showed that greater fearlessness about death was associated with greater suicidal ideation among non‐religious patients, b = −0.56, 95% C.I. [−0.88, −0.24], p = 0.001, but not in religious patients, b = −0.09, 95% C.I. [−0.41, 0.22], p = 0.559.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that fearlessness about death is a risk factor for suicidal ideation, but only among those who do not identify as religious. Results from this study inform theories of suicide and elucidate the influence of religious identity on links among suicide risk factors and suicide‐related outcomes.
Crime and violence on the margins of society: How justice‐based power vacuums create deprived neighbourhoods
Authors: Cayli Messina Baris
Published: February 2024

How have crime, conflict, and violence shaped the social structure of neighbourhoods across diverse spatial and temporal landscapes in marginalised urban communities? To address to this central question, this study examines the socio‐political dynamics of New York City and Palermo, as well as the role of authoritarian actors, by juxtaposing different historical periods and contrasting the influences of political institutions with extra‐legal entities such as gangs and mafias. Utilising visual images, archival documents, and geographical mapping, the study introduces the concept of ‘justice‐based power vacuums’. This novel theoretical concept elucidates the mechanisms through which coercive power fosters social environments susceptible to extra‐legal domination, effectively entrapping vulnerable groups, be they ethnic or racial minorities or economically disadvantaged groups. I argue that while crime, conflict, and violence, especially under the auspices of gangs and mafias, often become the focal point, it is the obscured role of political authorities that stands as the genesis of such complex social problems. The present comparative historical social research indicates that recognising and addressing these obscured political influences is essential for a holistic understanding and subsequent mitigation of the structural challenges in urban social life that create deprived neighbourhoods across time and space similarly and perpetuate marginalisation in these communities.
Making meat moral: A comparison of rearing and killing practices in Swedish cattle farming
Authors: Wernersson Hanna Charlotta , Boonstra Wiebren Johannes
Published: February 2024

To eat or not eat meat? That has become a central sustainability question. This article zooms in on the moral sustainability of cattle farming and does so from an on‐farm perspective: through an ethnographic study of two Swedish cattle farms, we explore how rearing animals for food is made moral. The farms represent two distinct styles of farming, and discursive and non‐discursive methods are used to analyse differences in narratives and practices. We combine insights from the farming styles literature with affective and multispecies approaches to theorise farming moralities as situated, embedded and relational beliefs that pertain to practices of work. Our study demonstrates how scale and endogeneity are key factors shaping farming morality by generating different on‐farm notions of animal agency and interspecies relationships. We discuss the implications of this conclusion for a potential shift in meat practices.
Measuring metro station area's TODness: An exploratory study of Shenyang based on multi‐source urban data
Authors: Yi Zheng , Zhang Zhehao , Wang Haiming
Published: February 2024

Transit‐oriented development (TOD) promotes sustainable urban growth by integrating land use and transportation systems around public transportation nodes. Many high‐density Chinese cities have effectively applied TOD. However, studies on TODness in cities with relatively less‐developed metro networks are still nascent. This study developed a new geographic information system‐based method to assess TODness utilizing data from official departments and open sources. We employed 15 sub‐indicators of “Transit (T),” “Oriented (O),” and “Development (D)” dimensions to assess the TODness of Shenyang metro station areas (MSAs). We tested the validity of this tool by examining the relationship between TODness and urban vitality using an ordinary least squares model. Each MSA was comprehensively quantified and organized by categorizing their TODness into five types. The results indicate that the TODness index was closely associated with urban vitality, thereby validating the reasonableness of the proposed tool. Furthermore, the TODness of Shenyang's MSAs presents a spatial distribution of “high, medium, and low” from the urban center to the periphery. The proposed method is expected to enhance the effectiveness of TOD planning by providing a comprehensive and data‐driven approach.
Steel, security and the WTO Dispute Settlement Mechanism: A trade catastrophe in the making
Authors: Reinert Kenneth A.
Published: February 2024

The World Trade Organization's (WTO's) Dispute Settlement Mechanism has been rendered ineffective by the refusal of the United States to allow appointments to its Appellate Body. The implicit reason for this poor state of affairs is the desire of the United States to protect its steel sector under the WTO's national security exception. The arguments made by the United States in this regard are mostly spurious and reflect its status as a current bad faith actor within the WTO. The posture of the United States is undermining both the effectiveness and legitimacy of this important trade institution. This article examines both the events leading up to this situation, the commercial interests behind them, and their legitimacy under WTO law.
Effect of Combined Training With Balance, Strength, and Plyometrics on Physical Performance in Male Sprint Athletes With Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Jouira Ghada , Rebai Haithem , Alexe Dan Iulian , Sahli Sonia
Published: February 2024

Individuals with intellectual disabilities often face unique challenges in physical capabilities, making traditional training methods less effective for their specific needs. This study aimed to investigate the effect of combining balance, plyometric, and strength (CBPS) training with sprint training on physical performance in male athletes with intellectual disabilities. Twenty-seven participants were randomly assigned to either a CBPS group or a control group that only maintained their regular sprint training. Participants underwent pre- and posttraining tests, including measures of balance, jumping, agility, and sprinting ability. The results showed that the CBPS group demonstrated significant improvements (p < .05) in one-leg stance, crossover-hop jump, squat jump, countermovement jump, and 10- and 30-m sprint at posttraining compared with pretraining. CBPS training combined with sprinting significantly improves physical performance in male athletes with intellectual disabilities, suggesting implications for tailored training programs to enhance their physical fitness and overall health.
Psychosocial Outcomes Associated With Types and Intensities of Physical Activity in People With Spinal Cord Injury: The Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy and Functionality
Authors: Castan Alex , Bonilla Iván , Chamarro Andrés , Saurí Joan
Published: February 2024

Background: Low rates of participation and quality of life (QoL) and high rates of psychological distress are common in spinal cord injury (SCI) population. Research has supported the mediating role of self-efficacy and functionality in improving psychosocial outcomes. Furthermore, evidence supports the impact of physical activity (PA) on psychosocial variables, but little is known about the types and intensities of PA. The objective of this study was to determine whether functionality and/or general self-efficacy (GSE) mediate the relationships between the various types of PA: (1) lifestyle and (2) leisure-time physical activity (LTPA); and various intensities of PA: (1) mild, (2) moderate, and (3) heavy PA with participation, psychological distress, and perception of QoL. Methods: The Physical Activity Recall Assessment for SCI, and measures of functionality, GSE, participation, psychological distress, and perception of QoL were administered to 159 participants. Path analysis was performed using Jeffrey’s Amazing Statistics Program. Results: GSE significantly mediated, and functionality partially significantly mediated, the relationship between LTPA and psychosocial outcomes. GSE and functionality did not mediate the relationship between lifestyle activity and psychosocial outcomes. Conclusions: It is recommended that people with SCI perform LTPA on a regular basis to achieve psychosocial benefits. These programs should be accompanied by strategies to improve GSE.
N-MYC regulates cell survival via eIF4G1 in inv(16) acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Peramangalam Philomina Sona , Surapally Sridevi , Veltri Anthony J. , Zheng Shikan , Burns Robert , Zhu Nan , Rao Sridhar , Muller-Tidow Carsten , Bushweller John H. , Pulikkan John A.
Published: February 2024

N-MYC (encoded byMYCN) is a critical regulator of hematopoietic stem cell function. While the role of N-MYC deregulation is well established in neuroblastoma, the importance of N-MYC deregulation in leukemogenesis remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate that N-MYC is overexpressed in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells with chromosome inversion inv(16) and contributes to the survival and maintenance of inv(16) leukemia. We identified a previously unknownMYCNenhancer, active in multiple AML subtypes, essential for MYCN mRNA levels and survival in inv(16) AML cells. We also identified eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4 gamma 1 (eIF4G1) as a key N-MYC target that sustains leukemic survival in inv(16) AML cells. The oncogenic role of eIF4G1 in AML has not been reported before. Our results reveal a mechanism whereby N-MYC drives a leukemic transcriptional program and provides a rationale for the therapeutic targeting of the N-MYC/eIF4G1 axis in myeloid leukemia.
Stat5 induces androgen receptor (
AR
) gene transcription in prostate cancer and offers a druggable pathway to target AR signaling
Authors: Maranto Cristina , Sabharwal Lavannya , Udhane Vindhya , Pitzen Samuel P. , McCluskey Braedan , Qi Songyan , O’Connor Christine , Devi Savita , Johnson Scott , Jacobsohn Kenneth , Banerjee Anjishnu , Iczkowski Kenneth A. , Wang Liang , Dehm Scott M. , Nevalainen Marja T.
Published: February 2024

Androgen receptor (AR) drives prostate cancer (PC) growth and progression, and targeting AR signaling is the mainstay of pharmacological therapies for PC. Resistance develops relatively fast as a result of refueled AR activity. A major gap in the field is the lack of understanding of targetable mechanisms that induce persistent AR expression in castrate-resistant PC (CRPC). This study uncovers an unexpected function of active Stat5 signaling, a known promoter of PC growth and clinical progression, as a potent inducer of
AR
gene transcription. Stat5 suppression inhibited
AR
gene transcription in preclinical PC models and reduced the levels of wild-type, mutated, and truncated AR proteins. Pharmacological Stat5 inhibition by a specific small-molecule Stat5 inhibitor down-regulated Stat5-inducible genes as well as AR and AR-regulated genes and suppressed PC growth. This work introduces the concept of Stat5 as an inducer of
AR
gene transcription in PC. Pharmacological Stat5 inhibitors may represent a new strategy for suppressing AR and CRPC growth.
An immunosuppressive vascular niche drives macrophage polarization and immunotherapy resistance in glioblastoma
Authors: Yang Fan , Akhtar Md Naushad , Zhang Duo , El-Mayta Rakan , Shin Junyoung , Dorsey Jay F. , Zhang Lin , Xu Xiaowei , Guo Wei , Bagley Stephen J. , Fuchs Serge Y , Koumenis Constantinos , Lathia Justin D. , Mitchell Michael J. , Gong Yanqing , Fan Yi
Published: February 2024

Cancer immunity is subjected to spatiotemporal regulation by leukocyte interaction with neoplastic and stromal cells, contributing to immune evasion and immunotherapy resistance. Here, we identify a distinct mesenchymal-like population of endothelial cells (ECs) that form an immunosuppressive vascular niche in glioblastoma (GBM). We reveal a spatially restricted, Twist1/SATB1-mediated sequential transcriptional activation mechanism, through which tumor ECs produce osteopontin to promote immunosuppressive macrophage (Mφ) phenotypes. Genetic or pharmacological ablation of Twist1 reverses Mφ-mediated immunosuppression and enhances T cell infiltration and activation, leading to reduced GBM growth and extended mouse survival, and sensitizing tumor to chimeric antigen receptor T immunotherapy. Thus, these findings uncover a spatially restricted mechanism controlling tumor immunity and suggest that targeting endothelial Twist1 may offer attractive opportunities for optimizing cancer immunotherapy.
Considering intentional stratospheric dehydration for climate benefits
Authors: Schwarz Joshua P. , Gao Ru-Shan , Thornberry Troy D. , Rollins Andrew W. , Rosenlof Karen H. , Portmann Robert W. , Bui ThaoPaul , Jensen Eric J. , Ray Eric A.
Published: February 2024

We introduce a climate intervention strategy focused on decreasing water vapor (WV) concentrations near the tropopause and in the stratosphere to increase outbound longwave radiation. The mechanism is the targeted injection of ice-nucleating particles (INP) in air supersaturated with respect to ice at high altitudes in the tropical entryway to the stratosphere. Ice formation in this region is a critical control of stratospheric WV. Recent airborne in situ data indicate that targeting only a small fraction of air parcels in the region would be sufficient to achieve substantial removal of water. This “intentional stratospheric dehydration” (ISD) strategy would not counteract a large fraction of the forcing from carbon dioxide but may contribute to a portfolio of climate interventions by acting with different time and length scales of impact and risk than other interventions that are already under consideration. We outline the idea, its plausibility, technical hurdles, and side effects to be considered.
Few- and single-molecule reservoir computing experimentally demonstrated with surface-enhanced Raman scattering and ion gating
Authors: Nishioka Daiki , Shingaya Yoshitaka , Tsuchiya Takashi , Higuchi Tohru , Terabe Kazuya
Published: February 2024

Molecule-based reservoir computing (RC) is promising for achieving low power consumption neuromorphic computing, although the information-processing capability of small numbers of molecules is not clear. Here, we report a few- and single-molecule RC that uses the molecular vibration dynamics in the para-mercaptobenzoic acid (pMBA) detected by surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) with tungsten oxide nanorod/silver nanoparticles. The Raman signals of the pMBA molecules, adsorbed at the SERS active site of the nanorod, were reversibly perturbated by the application of voltage-induced local pH changes near the molecules, and then used to perform time-series analysis tasks. Despite the small number of molecules used, our system achieved good performance, including >95% accuracy in various nonlinear waveform transformations, 94.3% accuracy in solving a second-order nonlinear dynamic system, and a prediction error of 25.0 milligrams per deciliter in a 15-minute-ahead blood glucose level prediction. Our work provides a concept of few-molecular computing with practical computation capabilities.
Body-temperature softening electronic ink for additive manufacturing of transformative bioelectronics via direct writing
Authors: Kwon Do A , Lee Simok , Kim Choong Yeon , Kang Inho , Park Steve , Jeong Jae-Woong
Published: February 2024

Mechanically transformative electronic systems (TESs) built using gallium have emerged as an innovative class of electronics due to their ability to switch between rigid and flexible states, thus expanding the versatility of electronics. However, the challenges posed by gallium’s high surface tension and low viscosity have substantially hindered manufacturability, limiting high-resolution patterning of TESs. To address this challenge, we introduce a stiffness-tunable gallium-copper composite ink capable of direct ink write printing of intricate TES circuits, offering high-resolution (~50 micrometers) patterning, high conductivity, and bidirectional soft-rigid convertibility. These features enable transformative bioelectronics with design complexity akin to traditional printed circuit boards. These TESs maintain rigidity at room temperature for easy handling but soften and conform to curvilinear tissue surfaces at body temperature, adapting to dynamic tissue deformations. The proposed ink with direct ink write printing makes TES manufacturing simple and versatile, opening possibilities in wearables, implantables, consumer electronics, and robotics.