bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacologic Activation of STING in the Bladder Induces Potent Antitumor Immunity in Non–Muscle Invasive Murine Bladder Cancer
Authors: Huang Kuan-Chun , Chandra Dinesh , McGrath Shannon , Dixit Vaishali , Zhang Chi , Wu Jiayi , Tendyke Karen , Yao Huilan , Hukkanen Renee , Taylor Noel , Verbel David , Kim Dae-Shik , Endo Atsushi , Noland Thomas A. , Chen Yu , Matijevic Mark , Wang John , Hutz Janna , Sarwar Nadeem , Fang Francis G. , Bao Xingfeng
Published: March 2022

Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is an innate immune receptor activated by natural or synthetic agonists to elicit antitumoral immune response via type I IFNs and other inflammatory cytokines. Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is the standard of care as intravesical therapy for patients with high-risk non–muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). There are limited options available for patients with NMIBC who developed BCG unresponsiveness. In this study, we characterized in vitro and in vivo antitumor effects of E7766, a macrocyle-bridged STING agonist, via intravesical instillation in two syngeneic orthotopic murine NMIBC tumor models resistant to therapeutic doses of BCG and anti–PD-1 agents. E7766 bound to recombinant STING protein with a Kd value of 40 nmol/L and induced IFNβ expression in primary human peripheral blood mononuclear cells harboring any of seven major STING genotypes with EC50 values of 0.15 to 0.79 μmol/L. Intravesical E7766 was efficacious in both NMIBC models with induction of effective immunologic memory in the treated animals. Pharmacologic activation of the STING pathway in the bladder resulted in IFN pathway activation, infiltration of T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, dendritic cell activation, and antigen presentation in bladder epithelium, leading to the antitumor activity and immunity. In addition, measurements of the pharmacodynamic markers, Ifnβ1 and CXCL10, in bladder, urine, and plasma, and of STING pathway intactness in cancer cells, supported this mode of action. Taken together, our studies reveal an antitumor immune effect of pharmacologic activation of the STING pathway in bladder epithelium and thus provide a rationale for subsequent clinical studies in patients with NMIBC.
Comprehensive Surfaceome Profiling to Identify and Validate Novel Cell-Surface Targets in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Wang Yifei , Tian Xiangjun , Zhang Wendong , Zhang Zhongting , Lazcano Rossana , Hingorani Pooja , Roth Michael E. , Gill Jonathan D. , Harrison Douglas J. , Xu Zhaohui , Jusu Sylvester , Kannan Sankaranarayanan , Wang Jing , Lazar Alexander J. , Earley Eric J. , Erickson Stephen W. , Gelb Tara , Huxley Philip , Lahdenranta Johanna , Mudd Gemma , Kurmasheva Raushan T. , Houghton Peter J. , Smith Malcolm A. , Kolb Edward A. , Gorlick Richard
Published: March 2022

Immunoconjugates targeting cell-surface antigens have demonstrated clinical activity to enable regulatory approval in several solid and hematologic malignancies. We hypothesize that a rigorous and comprehensive surfaceome profiling approach to identify osteosarcoma-specific cell-surface antigens can similarly enable development of effective therapeutics in this disease. Herein, we describe an integrated proteomic and transcriptomic surfaceome profiling approach to identify cell-surface proteins that are highly expressed in osteosarcoma but minimally expressed on normal tissues. Using this approach, we identified targets that are highly expressed in osteosarcoma. Three targets, MT1-MMP, CD276, and MRC2, were validated as overexpressed in osteosarcoma. Furthermore, we tested BT1769, an MT1-MMP–targeted Bicycle toxin conjugate, in osteosarcoma patient-derived xenograft models. The results showed that BT1769 had encouraging antitumor activity, high affinity for its target, and a favorable pharmacokinetic profile. This confirms the hypothesis that our approach identifies novel targets with significant therapeutic potential in osteosarcoma.
Unilateral Poststroke Periodic Limb Movements: A Case Series
Authors: Coletti Moja Mario , Cravero Erika , Logozzo Irene , Mairano Claudia , Labate Carmelo
Published: March 2022

Periodic limb movements (PLM) and restless leg syndrome (RLS) are involuntary common sleep-related movements which often hamper sleep onset; they are mostly idiopathic and bilateral but are seldom described secondary after a stroke. These cases are rare, often unilateral, and because of the usually transitory duration of symptoms, often under-recognized. When a treatment is required, it can be tricky and the drug choice not foregone. We report 2 patients with unilateral poststroke PLM with similar clinical pictures but different symptoms, therapy, and outcome. The first is a long-lasting unilateral PLM video case with chronic vascular lesions leading to insomnia even if with no urgence or any subjective symptoms as in RLS but well responding only to a definite RLS treatment. The second case is an acute, short-duration self-limiting PLM with positive brain MRI lesion imaging. Our cases suggest that unilateral poststroke PLM even if distinct in subjective and radiological features from secondary RLS can sometimes have a definite and effective dopaminergic treatment if long-lasting. Putative mechanism of chronic case 1 PLM could be due to a further stroke sparing sensory pathways and making the patient unaware of subjective RLS-like symptoms.
Congenital Heart Disease in Adults with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease
Authors: Chedid Maroun , Hanna Christian , Zaatari Ghaith , Mkhaimer Yaman , Reddy Prajwal , Rangel Laureano , Zubidat Dalia , Kaidbay Daniel-Hasan Nabil , Irazabal Maria V. , Connolly Heidi M. , Senum Sarah R. , Madsen Charles D. , Hogan Marie C. , Zoghby Ziad , Harris Peter C. , Torres Vicente E. , Johnson Jonathan N. , Chebib Fouad T.
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is caused mainly by pathogenic variants in PKD1 or PKD2 encoding the polycystin-1 and -2 proteins. Polycystins have shown to have an essential role in cardiac development and function in animal models. In the current study, we describe the clinical association between ADPKD and congenital heart disease (CHD). Methods: Medical records from Mayo Clinic were queried for all patients with confirmed ADPKD and CHD between 1993 and 2020. CHD was categorized into left-to-right shunt, obstructive, and complex lesions. Patent foramen ovale, mitral valve prolapse, and bicuspid aortic valve anomalies were excluded. Results: Twenty-five out of 1,359 (1.84%) ADPKD patients were identified to have CHD. Of these, 84% were Caucasians and 44% were males. The median (Q1–Q3) age (years) at CHD diagnosis was 12.0 (2.0–43.5). Fourteen patients (56%) had left-to-right shunt lesions, 6 (24%) had obstructive lesions and 5 (20%) complex lesions. Seventeen patients (68%) had their defects surgically corrected at a median age (Q1–Q3) of 5.5 (2.0–24.7). Among 13 patients with available genetic testing, 12 (92.3%) had PKD1 pathogenic variants, and none had PKD2. The median (Q1–Q3) age at last follow-up visit was 47.0 (32.0–62.0) and median (Q1–Q3) eGFR was 35.8 (11.4–79.0) mL/min/1.73 m2. Three patients (12%) died; all of them had left-to-right shunt lesions. Discussion/Conclusion: We observed a higher CHD frequency in ADPKD than the general population (1.84 vs. 0.4%). While only PKD1 pathogenic variants were identified in this cohort, further studies are needed to confirm this novel finding and understand the role of polycystins in the development of the heart and vessels.
Air Pollution and Weather Conditions Are Associated with Daily Outpatient Visits of Atopic Dermatitis in Shanghai, China
Authors: Ye Chengbin , Gu Huijing , Li Mengyi , Chen Renjie , Xiao Xiang , Zou Ying
Published: March 2022

Background: Non-optimum weather conditions and air pollution have the potential to increase the risk of atopic dermatitis (AD), but the associations are rarely evaluated, especially in developing countries. Objective: To investigate the independent influence and interaction effects of meteorological factors and air pollutants on the onset of AD. Methods: Daily data on outpatient visits of AD were obtained from Shanghai Dermatology Hospital and comprised 34,633 patients during the period from January 2013 to December 2018. Meteorological conditions and air pollutant concentrations in Shanghai, China, during the 6-year period were collected. We applied the overdispersed generalized additive model and the distributed lag model to explore the short-term cumulative effects of environmental factors on AD. Results: AD symptoms were aggravated by extreme low temperature (1st percentile, 0.5°C) (RR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.16–1.51) and per 10 unit decrease of humidity (RR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.12–2.47). The increased concentration of air pollutants except ozone (O3) contributed to the increased risk of AD outpatients. A 10 μg/m3 increase in sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were associated with 6.03% (95% CI: 2.29%, 9.91%), and 1.96% (95% CI: 0.46%, 3.48%) increase of AD outpatients. AD patients in the 8- to 17-year-old group were most susceptible to extreme low temperature, and patients in the 0- to 7-year-old group were most susceptible to air pollutants, including particulate matter (PM10), SO2, and NO2. Men were more sensitive to the effects of extreme low temperature than women, while women were more vulnerable to air pollutants. The adverse effects of SO2 and NO2 on AD can be enhanced significantly by the warm season or other pollutants. Conclusion: Exposure to a lower temperature, lower humidity, and higher levels of air pollutants is significantly associated with increased risks of AD incidence. These impacts were more pronounced in children less than 7 years old, women, and warm seasons.
Come as You Are: Examining Autistic Identity Development and the Neurodiversity Movement through an Intersectional Lens
Authors: Botha Monique , Gillespie-Lynch Kristen
Published: March 2022

Singer intended for neurodiversity to be a new category of intersectionality. However, intersectionality has been neglected in autism research and practice. This paper aims to inform an intersectional approach to autism by exploring autistic identity development in relation to other marginalized identities. We reviewed literature about neurodiversity, intersectionality, discrimination, and the identity development of autistic people, racial/ethnic minorities, and gender and sexual minorities. We discuss minority stress and evidence that cultural traditions alleviate it. Autistic culture can reframe personal difficulties as a politicized struggle. While the stereotype of autism is one of withdrawal, the history of autistic people coming together for justice defies this notion. Intersectionality teaches us that we must understand differences within the autistic community if we wish to help all autistic people experience the dignity they deserve. Using an intersectional lens, we can become more flexible in our understanding of positive autistic identity development and strategies to promote it.
The Overlooked Impact of Lower Uterine Segment Contractions on Second Trimester Cervical Assessment
Authors: Farràs Alba , Higueras Teresa , Goya María , Calero Inés , Maiz Nerea , Carreras Elena
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Asymptomatic contractions in the lower uterine segment (LUS) may affect uterocervical angle and cervical length (CL); however, this has never been investigated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of LUS contractions on uterocervical angle, CL, and LUS thickness. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, observational, single-cohort study conducted on 102 asymptomatic singleton pregnancies between 19.0 and 22.6 weeks of gestation. Uterocervical angle and CL were measured by transvaginal ultrasound at two different time points with an interval of at least 20 min. LUS thickness was also measured as an indirect marker of myometrial contraction. A linear and curvilinear regression were performed to explore a potential association between LUS contractions, measured as increments in LUS thickness, and changes in CL and uterocervical angle. Results: The linear regression between changes in LUS thickness and changes in CL showed that LUS contractions impact CL; for every 1-mm increase in LUS thickness, CL increased by 0.909 mm, when the isthmus was included in the CL measurement (R2 = 0.358; β = 0.909; p < 0.001). By contrast, when the isthmus was not included in the measurement, a curvilinear relation between changes in LUS thickness and changes in CL was found (R2 = 0.077; β1 = 0.575, β2 = 0.038; p = 0.018). The relation between changes in uterocervical angle and changes in LUS thickness was not significant. Discussion/Conclusion: LUS contractions can be observed in many asymptomatic women during the second trimester of pregnancy. LUS contractions lead to an increase in CL and LUS thickness, thus impacting ultrasound cervical assessments. These contractions do not affect the uterocervical angle.
“From Scenic Interpretation to Fluent Speaking: Literary Texts “Linie 1” in the German Classroom”
Authors: Cansrina Genita , Gantrisia Kamelia , Ratnasari Dewi
Published: March 2022

These article explores the question of how literary texts can be didactizised in foreign language classroom. Based on the hypothesis that the students are still shy and reserved despite the sufficient knowledge of German, the main goal of this research ist an attempt to make the learners speak. Scenic interpretation, whose term originated from the scenic play, was concepted by Scheller (1996) in order to give literature back its meaning when he noticed the students showed a distance to foreign literary texts. This method connected the theater pedagogy with the teaching of German as a foreign language, in which two central orientations can be distinguished, namely process orientation and product orientation. In the field of foreign language acquisition, this method serves to improve oral communication skills and thus a process-oriented orientation is pursued. If one considers scenic interpretation as a methodological approach in German teaching, teaching with the means of theater is part of an action-oriented teaching, in which the students are in the center, because they themselves are active and the teacher gets more the tasks as an organizer of the learning process.  The selected corpus of this research ist “Linie 1”, a musical revue by Ludwig (2007), in which Berlin dialect can be often be heard as one of the signs of authentic conversation in the scenes of subway. Not only from hearing, but also from seeing, learners get input from this musical performance, through which it is assumed that it is easier for them to imagine the spaces, the situation, the relationship and the images to interpret the texts. In order to make the students aware of the contrastive considerations, questionnaires are distributed to them, in which a few questions are asked according to the learner´s sensations. Furthermore, these literary texts are didactizised using the Four Strands model developed by Paul Nation (2007). The preliminary result of this research can be said, that after one semester sessions, the students speak more fluently because they are familiarized with the text and therefore they have more self-confidence.
Development of Textbook “Translation Theory for Beginners” The book helps Students in understanding translation theory
Authors: Rahman Yunanfathur , Pujosusanto Ari , Samsul Suwarno Imam
Published: March 2022

Since 2020 there has been a translation theory course in the curriculum of the German Studies Department at UNESA. This course is the basis for the skills that will be learned by the students in the following semesters. It is necessary to provide good textbooks as study material for this course. A good textbook is very helpful in preparing the learning process through to the implementation of the learning. Textbook is part of the learning resources. Textbooks are books that are put together for the benefit of the learning process. Textbooks can come from research or the results of a thought about something or a study in a particular field, which are then formulated as learning material. The development of the textbook “Translation Theory for Beginners” is intended to make it easier for students to understand, as it is based on mastering the German language in the third semester. The research and development steps carried out consist of three parts, namely preliminary studies, product development and learning about product tests. Preliminary studies have been carried out and information has been produced which will be used as a reference in planning the development of the "Translation Theory for Beginners" textbook.
Time-Aware Language Models as Temporal Knowledge Bases
Authors: Dhingra Bhuwan , Cole Jeremy R. , Eisenschlos Julian Martin , Gillick Daniel , Eisenstein Jacob , Cohen William W.
Published: March 2022

Many facts come with an expiration date, from the name of the President to the basketball team Lebron James plays for. However, most language models (LMs) are trained on snapshots of data collected at a specific moment in time. This can limit their utility, especially in the closed-book setting where the pretraining corpus must contain the facts the model should memorize. We introduce a diagnostic dataset aimed at probing LMs for factual knowledge that changes over time and highlight problems with LMs at either end of the spectrum—those trained on specific slices of temporal data, as well as those trained on a wide range of temporal data. To mitigate these problems, we propose a simple technique for jointly modeling text with its timestamp. This improves memorization of seen facts from the training time period, as well as calibration on predictions about unseen facts from future time periods. We also show that models trained with temporal context can be efficiently “refreshed” as new data arrives, without the need for retraining from scratch.
Three new species of Pachyrhynchus Germar 1824, (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Entiminae) from Mindanao Island, The Philippines, with taxonomical notes
Authors: BOLLINO MAURIZIO
Published: March 2022

Three new species of Pachyrhynchus Germar, 1824 are described from Mindanao Island, The Philippines: P. similis sp. nov., P. subanon sp. nov., and P. chrysomaculatus sp. nov. For each new taxon habitus photographs of male and female, and illustrations of male genitalia are provided. The author also proposes to consider the above species together with the closest ones as belonging to the new atrocyaneus species group.
Persistent Discrepancies between Observed and Modeled Trends in the Tropical Pacific Ocean
Authors: Seager Richard , Henderson Naomi , Cane Mark
Published: March 2022

The trends over recent decades in tropical Pacific sea surface and upper ocean temperature are examined in observations-based products, an ocean reanalysis and the latest models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase six and the Multimodel Large Ensembles Archive. Comparison is made using three metrics of sea surface temperature (SST) trend—the east–west and north–south SST gradients and a pattern correlation for the equatorial region—as well as change in thermocline depth. It is shown that the latest generation of models persist in not reproducing the observations-based SST trends as a response to radiative forcing and that the latter are at the far edge or beyond the range of modeled internal variability. The observed combination of thermocline shoaling and lack of warming in the equatorial cold tongue upwelling region is similarly at the extreme limit of modeled behavior. The persistence over the last century and a half of the observed trend toward an enhanced east–west SST gradient and, in four of five observed gridded datasets, to an enhanced equatorial north–south SST gradient, is also at the limit of model behavior. It is concluded that it is extremely unlikely that the observed trends are consistent with modeled internal variability. Instead, the results support the argument that the observed trends are a response to radiative forcing in which an enhanced east–west SST gradient and thermocline shoaling are key and that the latest generation of climate models continue to be unable to simulate this aspect of climate change.
How China’s Fengyun Satellite Precipitation Product Compares with Other Mainstream Satellite Precipitation Products
Authors: Sun Zhangli , Long Di , Hong Zhongkun , Hamouda Mohamed A. , Mohamed Mohamed M. , Wang Jianhua
Published: March 2022

Satellite-based and reanalysis precipitation estimates are an alternative and important supplement to rain gauge data. However, performance of China’s Fengyun (FY) satellite precipitation product and how it compares with other mainstream satellite and reanalysis precipitation products over China remain largely unknown. Here five satellite-based precipitation products (i.e., FY-2 precipitation product, IMERG, GSMaP, CMORPH, and PERSIANN-CDR) and one reanalysis product (i.e., ERA5) are intercompared and evaluated based on in situ daily precipitation measurements over mainland China during 2007–17. Results show that the performance of these precipitation products varies with regions and seasons, with better statistical metrics over wet regions and during warm seasons. The infrared–microwave combined precipitation [i.e., IMERG, GSMaP, and CMORPH, with median KGE (Kling–Gupta efficiency) values of 0.53, 0.52, 0.59, respectively] reveals better performance than the infrared-based only product (i.e., PERSIANN-CDR, with a median KGE of 0.31) and the reanalysis product (i.e., ERA5, with a median KGE of 0.43). IMERG performs well in retrieving precipitation intensity and occurrence over China, while GSMaP performs well in the middle to low reaches of the Yangtze River basin but poorly over sparsely gauged regions, e.g., Xinjiang in northwest China and the Tibetan Plateau. CMORPH performs well over most regions and has a greater ability to detect precipitation events than GSMaP. The FY-2 precipitation product can capture the overall spatial distribution of precipitation in terms of both precipitation intensity and occurrence (median KGE and CSI of 0.54 and 0.55), and shows better performance than other satellite precipitation products in winter and over sparsely gauged regions. Annual precipitation from different products is generally consistent, though underestimation exists in the FY-2 precipitation product during 2015–17.

Significance Statement

Intercomparison between the FY-2 precipitation product and mainstream precipitation products is valuable to guide applications of satellite precipitation products to China and its subregions. This study illustrates uncertainties in various satellite precipitation products, and could guide optimization of algorithms of precipitation retrieval and data fusion/merging to improve the accuracy and resolution of satellite precipitation products.
Seasonal Climate Effects on Influenza–Pneumonia Mortality and Public Health
Authors: Jury Mark R. , Kerr Jane
Published: March 2022

We study how seasonal climate affects influenza–pneumonia (I-P) mortality using monthly health and climate data over the past 20 years, reduced to mean annual cycle and statistically correlated. Results show that I-P deaths are inversely related to temperature, humidity, and net solar radiation in the United States, South Africa, and Puerto Rico (r < −0.93) via transmission and immune system response. The I-P mortality is 3–10 times as high in winter as in summer, with sharp transitions in autumn and spring. Public health management can rely on seasonal climate-induced fluctuations of I-P mortality to promote healthy lifestyle choices and guide efforts to mitigate epidemic impacts.
Rhabdomyosarcoma Arising in an Old Rhytidectomy Scar
Authors: Ruthberg Jeremy S. , Meleca Joseph B. , Ko Jennifer S. , Billings Steven D. , Ku Jamie A.
Published: March 2022

Objective:

The clinical evaluation and management of an adult with head and neck rhabdomyosarcoma is explored to delineate the diagnostic challenge posed by soft-tissue sarcomas bordering scar tissue.

Case Report:

A 59 year old female presents with persistent, evolving paresthesia and burning in the right posterior neck, which was found to be in close proximity to a well-healed rhytidectomy scar. Serial biopsies were non-diagnostic. Six months after initial presentation, rhabdomyosarcoma was diagnosed subsequent to histopathological and immunohistochemistry analysis. A wide local excision with posterolateral neck dissection was performed.

Conclusion:

A high index of suspicion for soft-tissue sarcoma should be maintained for patients with persistent soft-tissue lesions, especially in areas of scarred tissue, who present with new-onset neurological symptoms in the context of nondiagnostic biopsies.
Self-Preferencing and Competitive Damages: A Focus on Exploitative Abuses
Authors: Bougette Patrice , Budzinski Oliver , Marty Frédéric
Published: March 2022

Conceived as a theory of competitive harm, self-preferencing has been at the core of recent European landmark cases (e.g., Google Android, Google Shopping). In the context of EU competition law, beyond the anticompetitive leveraging effect, self-preferencing may lead to vertical and horizontal exclusionary abuses, encourage exploitation abuses, and generate economic dependence abuses. In this paper, we aim at characterizing the various forms of self-preferencing, investigating platforms’ capacity and incentives to do so through their dual role, by shedding light on the economic assessment of these practices in an effects-based approach. We analyze the different options for remedies in this context, by insisting on their necessity, adequacy, and proportionality.
Two-Step Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis Modeling for Accurate Classification of Edible Sea Salt Products Using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy
Authors: Park Jeong , Kumar Sandeep , Han Song-Hee , Singh Vivek K. , Nam Sang-Ho , Lee Yonghoon
Published: March 2022

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has been widely applied to material classification in various fields, and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) is one of the frequently used classical multivariate statistics to construct classification models based on the LIBS spectra. However, classification accuracy of the PLS-DA model is sensitive to the number of classes and their similarities. Considering this characteristic of PLS-DA, we suggest a two-step PLS-DA modeling approach to improve the classification accuracy. This strategy was demonstrated for a six-class problem in which six commercial edible sea salts produced in Japan, South Korea, and France are classified using their LIBS spectra. At the first step, test spectra were sorted into four classes and one extended class, composed of the two other most confusing classes, and then the test spectra in the extended class were further classified into each of the two constituent classes which were modeled separately from the other four classes. This two-step classification has been found to remarkably improve the PLS-DA classification accuracy by maximizing the difference between the confusing classes in the second-step modeling.
Effects of various porosities on the damage evolution behavior of carbon fiber/epoxy composites using acoustic emission and micro-CT
Authors: Wang Jie , Zhou Wei , Wei Zhi-yuan , Ding Zhen-jun , Ma Lian-hua , Liu Jia
Published: March 2022

Void defects can reduce the mechanical properties of composites and increase the potential danger of composite components in service. The effects of various porosities on damage evolution behaviors of carbon fiber/epoxy composites are deeply investigated by combining the damage visualization and acoustic emission response. The results showed that the increased porosity accelerates the damage evolution from micro-scale to macro-damage. Acoustic signals in composites are captured in advance when the porosity is high, and the voids below the kink band accelerate matrix cracking and delamination, while specimens with low porosity easily cause fiber damage and fiber/matrix debonding. Additionally, applying extra pressure during the resin transfer molding process can decrease the porosity, but excessive extra pressure may result in an inverse result. The method combining acoustic emission and micro-CT can provide a reference for improving quality and the health monitoring of composites.
Analysis of in-plane compression failure mechanism in carbon fiber braided composite with different off-axial angles
Authors: Xiao Jia , Wu Zhenyu , Pan ZhongXiang , Ouyang Weihao , Shi Lin
Published: March 2022

This paper focuses on the in-plane compression mechanism of two-dimensional biaxial braided composite laminates under quasi-static compression and dynamic compression. Three types of specimens with different off-axial angles in respect of OA00, OA60, and OA90 were employed for compression experiments. The surface damage process of the specimen was recorded using optical camera and infrared thermal imaging technology. The internal damage morphology of the tested specimens was analyzed by X-ray computed tomography. The progressive damage behavior of braiding yarns and matrix resin was simulated by a three-dimensional meso-level finite element model. Experimental and simulation results revealed that the off-axial angle significantly affects mechanical properties and damage mechanisms. The stress distribution and compression deformation of braiding yarns are affected by the boundary conditions of load-bearing yarn, which relies on the off-axial angle. The stress of OA00 specimen is concentrated at the interface of yarn and matrix resin. The failure mode of OA00 specimen is dominated by the shear band, which is induced by the interface microcracks between yarn and matrix resin. The stress of OA60 and OA90 specimens are concentrated at the undulation position of the braiding yarn. The critical failure mode of OA60 and OA90 specimens is delamination induced by interlaminar microcracks. The OA60 specimen achieves a better compression response with respect to bearing the load and absorbing the fracture energy because the sub-laminate that is formed after delamination can continue to bear the load until its intralaminar fracture occurs.
Sex Work, Hate Crime and the Criminal law
Authors: Sanders Teela , Scoular Jane , Campbell Rosie
Published: March 2022

It has been well established at a global level that sex workers are often victims of direct violence in the course of their work, targeted by their ‘perceived vulnerability’ as a marginalised group. In one police force in England (Merseyside) since 2006 they have addressed this victimisation through adopting a ‘hate crime’ approach to policing crimes against sex workers. The aims of this paper are first, to review the implementation of the hate crime model applied to crimes against sex workers; second, to explore how police forces are adopting the policy across the UK, and the operational barriers to doing so; and third to explore the legal, theoretical and critical issues raised by treating crimes against sex workers as a type of hate crime through policing models. The conclusion weighs up some of the challenges to expanding the current law to include sex workers as a target group for increased protection, assessing that a fully funded policing approach may well be sufficient alongside law reform around decriminalisation of sex work. This article will draw on data from police forces in England. We acknowledge that much more work is needed to establish the sex work community's views on the value, if any, of the hate crime approach.
Redesigning Juvenile Probation to Align With Behavioral Health and Positive Development Principles: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Cunningham Kathryn A. , Gubner Noah R. , Vick Kristin , Herting Jerald R. , Walker Sarah C.
Published: March 2022

Science advisory boards and policy organizations have called for adolescent brain science to be incorporated into juvenile probation operations. To achieve this, Opportunity-Based Probation (OBP), a probation model that integrates knowledge of adolescent development and behavior change principles, was developed in collaboration with a local juvenile probation department. The current study compares outcomes (recidivism and probation violations) for youth in the OBP condition versus probation as usual. Inverse probability weighting (IPW) and coarsened exact matching (CEM) were used to estimate causal effects of OBP’s average treatment effect (ATE). Results indicated clear effects of OBP on reducing criminal legal referrals, but no significant effects were observed for probation violations. Overall, results provide promising recidivism-reduction effects in support of developmentally grounded redesigns of juvenile probation.
Temporal variation of hydrogeochemical characteristics and processes of aquifers in the Liuqiao coal mine
Authors: Wang Guangtao , Wu Jiwen , Zhai Xiaorong , Zhang Hongmei , Bi Yaoshan
Published: March 2022

Studying the characteristics and hydrogeochemical evolution processes of groundwater can contribute to the prevention of water-related hazards and ensure sustainable management of groundwater resources. In this study, the hydrogeochemical characteristics and evolution processes of the coal-bearing sandstone aquifer and Carboniferous limestone aquifer of the Taiyuan formation in the Liuqiao coal mine in Huaibei coalfield were assessed using piper diagram, Gibbs diagrams, ionic proportion ratios, and principal component analysis (PCA). The results showed that Na+ + K+ and SO42− were the dominant cations and anion, respectively, in both aquifers. The coefficients of variation of six hydrochemical parameters increased gradually, reflecting the formation of different water chemical compositions. The formation of hydrochemical compositions was dominated by water-rock interaction, including the dissolution of rock salt, cation exchange adsorption and pyrite oxidation. In addition, the PCA revealed two first components, explaining the highest proportion of variance. Over time, the water sample points were mostly found in the second and third quadrants, indicating the groundwater salinization effect as a result of the gradual increase in the cation alternating adsorption.
Prevalence and Factors Related to Visual Impairments in Children With Bilateral Cataract Following Surgery and the Potential Need for Education and Rehabilitation Services
Authors: Yahalom Claudia , Kochavi Moria Medezinsky , Mechoulam Hadas , Cohen Evelyne , Anteby Irene
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Pediatric cataract is still a major cause for childhood visual impairment. The goal of our study was to analyze the prevalence of children with impaired vision (6/15 or worse) after surgery for bilateral cataract, to evaluate factors associated with it and to emphasize the importance for visual rehabilitation including the use of visual aids, educational measures, and social worker services.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of medical records from children who underwent surgery for cataract up to age 6 years, with a follow-up of at least 4 years. Clinical characteristics retrieved from medical records included visual acuity, presence of nystagmus and/or strabismus, age at surgery, intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, and others.

Results

Fifty-five children were included in the study. Follow-up ranged from 4 to 13 years (Mdn = 6.8). Visual impairment was found in 15/24 (62.5%) of children operated on before the age of 6 months (group 1), and in 7/31 (22.5%) n those operated after the age of 6 months (group 2; p = .019). Thirty-eight of the 55 children had a primary IOL implantation; nystagmus and microphthalmos were also associated with higher rates of visual impairment.

Discussion

Despite early and modern surgery, long-term visual outcome remains poor in children undergoing bilateral cataract surgery at young age. When discussing visual prognosis with parents, it is important to recognize factors associated with visual impairment, such as need for surgery before age 6 months, nystagmus and microphthalmos, as well as the importance for early visual rehabilitation services when needed.

Implications for Practitioners

Our study aims to highlight the high number of children left with visual impairment and blindness following modern and timely treatment for early cataract. Early referral for visual rehabilitation will optimize quality of life in these children and will probably allow a wider range of opportunities as adults.
The status of homelessness: Access to housing for asylum-seeking migrants as an instrument of migration control in Italy and Sweden
Authors: Giansanti Enrico , Lindberg Annika , Joormann Martin
Published: March 2022

Homelessness and other forms of destitution among asylum-seeking migrants are currently on the rise across Europe, as migrants’ access to social rights, including housing, has been restricted through repressive migration policies, fuelled by the welfare nationalism and chauvinism that surge among European states. This article explores the largely overlooked homelessness experienced by migrants seeking asylum in two different geographic and political contexts: Italy and Sweden. Building on research conducted over six years, including interviews with state officials, social and NGO workers, and testimonies of asylum-seeking migrants, we trace the logics and effects of policies that not only fail to deliver minimum welfare provisions to asylum-seeking migrants, but which produce and use homelessness as a way of controlling this group. The implications for asylum-seeking migrants include racialised discrimination, class-based and poverty-related health issues, and other harms, which are the direct result of policies that render access to fundamental social rights, including housing, into instruments of migration control.
Measuring emotional intelligence of outstanding students: An empirical study using Chapman scale
Authors: Ellala Ziyad K. , Abu Attiyeh Jamal H. , Ellala Saeb K. , Kaba Abdoulaye
Published: March 2022

The current study aimed to identify the level of emotional intelligence of outstanding students at the College of Education, Al Ain University (AAU), the United Arab Emirates, and their counterparts at Princess Nourah University (PNU), in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A sample of 77 students was selected from both universities, of whom 41 students (20 males vs. 21 females) were from AAU and 36 female students from PNU. The study adopted the Chapman Emotional Intelligence Scale, which consists of five dimensions: self-awareness, self-motivation, emotion regulation, relationship management, and emotional development. The results of the study showed that the level of emotional intelligence of outstanding students at both universities ranged from high to very high. Furthermore, there were statistically no significant differences in the level of emotional intelligence as a function of the university. Finally, recommendations have been given.
Microsimulation Model Calibration with Approximate Bayesian Computation in R: A Tutorial
Authors: Shewmaker Peter , Chrysanthopoulou Stavroula A. , Iskandar Rowan , Lake Derek , Jutkowitz Earic
Published: March 2022

Mathematical health policy models, including microsimulation models (MSMs), are widely used to simulate complex processes and predict outcomes consistent with available data. Calibration is a method to estimate parameter values such that model predictions are similar to observed outcomes of interest. Bayesian calibration methods are popular among the available calibration techniques, given their strong theoretical basis and flexibility to incorporate prior beliefs and draw values from the posterior distribution of model parameters and hence the ability to characterize and evaluate parameter uncertainty in the model outcomes. Approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) is an approach to calibrate complex models in which the likelihood is intractable, focusing on measuring the difference between the simulated model predictions and outcomes of interest in observed data. Although ABC methods are increasingly being used, there is limited practical guidance in the medical decision-making literature on approaches to implement ABC to calibrate MSMs. In this tutorial, we describe the Bayesian calibration framework, introduce the ABC approach, and provide step-by-step guidance for implementing an ABC algorithm to calibrate MSMs, using 2 case examples based on a microsimulation model for dementia. We also provide the R code for applying these methods.
Stakeholders as Value Creators: The Role of Multi-Level Networks in Employee Wellness Programs
Authors: Ruvalcaba Cecilia , Akdevelioglu Duygu , Schroeder Jonathan
Published: March 2022

Recognizing the inherent limitations of a single level dyadic approach to stakeholders, this research uses a multi-level social networks perspective to examine value creation in wellness stakeholder networks. This study argues that stakeholder interactions at multiple levels of the network create value for the network and contribute to the marketization of wellness. At the macro level, network relationships create value through embeddedness, which shapes the structural boundaries of employee wellness programs. At the meso level, the stakeholders are relationally embedded in their networks and they create social and market congruence. At the micro level, the relationship among embedded actors contribute to the creation of cultural norms and institutionalization of employee wellness programs. The findings add to our understanding of value creation in stakeholder networks by going beyond dyads to focus on multi-level relationships and embedded actors. This article contributes to research by showing how embeddedness of the stakeholders in multi-layered networks and ties between these actors create value in wellness stakeholder networks. The findings provide insights into the marketization process of wellness as an important aspect of the contemporary marketplace.
Contrast-enhanced double inversion recovery sequence for patients with multiple sclerosis: feasibility of subtraction images between pre- and post-contrast images
Authors: Tomura Noriaki , Saginoya Toshiyuki , Sanpei Takashi , Konno Takashi , Fujihara Kazuo
Published: March 2022

Background

Few reports have examined the feasibility of a post-contrast double inversion recovery (DIR) magnetic resonance (MR) sequence in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) because of partial or complete signal loss of enhancing MS lesions.

Purpose

To compare subtracted images of DIR (pre-contrast – post-contrast DIR images) with contrast enhanced T1-weighted (CE-T1W) images in the depiction of contrast enhancement of MS lesions.

Material and Methods

In total, 27 patients were included. Two neuroradiologists interpreted both images of CE-T1W imaging and subtracted DIR, and interpretation of the images was classified into a score of 1–5 (from 5, definitely superior contrast of lesions on DIR subtraction compared to conventional CE-T1W imaging, to 1, definitely superior contrast of lesions on CE-T1W imaging. The interrater agreement (κ coefficient) was measured. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-noise-ratio (CNR) of the lesion were compared.

Results

A significant difference ( P <  0.001) in scoring was seen between conventional CE-T1W imaging (2.1 ± 1.5 with one reviewer and 2.4 ± 1.5 with the other) and DIR subtraction (4.4 ± 1.0 with one reviewer and 4.7 ± 0.8 with the other). SNR from conventional CE-T1W imaging (24.8 ± 14.7) was significantly superior to that from DIR subtraction (4.0 ± 1.0; P <  0.001). CNR in DIR subtraction (326.4 ± 250.0) was significantly superior to that in conventional CE-T1W imaging (0.8 ± 5.5; P <  0.001). For interrater agreement in the evaluation of contrast enhancement of the lesions, κ coefficients were 0.84 for conventional CE-T1W imaging and 0.72 for DIR subtraction.

Conclusion

Subtracted DIR image enables more obvious contrast enhancement of the MS lesions compared with conventional CE-T1W imaging.
Magnetic resonance imaging in differentiating between aggressive and non-aggressive bone tumors
Authors: Tanutit Pramot , Pakdee Wisitsak , Laohawiriyakamol Teeranan , Iamthanaporn Khanin
Published: March 2022

Background

While radiography remains essential in the initial evaluation of bone lesions, tissue biopsy or further imaging is often required to clarify indeterminate radiographic features. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assists radiologists in evaluating lesions with indeterminate features as it has advantages in delineating tumorous tissues and bone marrow.

Purpose

To evaluate the association factors of MRI for bony aggressiveness.

Material and Methods

A retrospective analysis of 226 MRI examinations from patients diagnosed with bone tumors in a tertiary hospital during 2008–2018 was performed. All the MR images were interpreted by musculoskeletal radiologists without diagnostic information. The bony lesions were categorized into aggressive and non-aggressive groups using tumor margin, cortical changes, periosteal reaction, joint extension, extraosseous soft tissue involvement, tumor homogeneity, and enhancement pattern from the MR images. Univariable and multivariable analysis were applied for each feature on the MRI scans. In addition, sensitivity and specificity were calculated for MRI diagnoses of aggressive bone lesions.

Results

In total, 180 aggressive and 46 non-aggressive bone lesions were examined on MRI. The sensitivity and specificity of MRI for differentiating between aggressive and non-aggressive bone lesions were 98.89% and 50%, respectively. Ill-defined margin, cortical break, cortical signal changes, sunburst and Codman's triangle periosteal reaction, joint extension, and tumoral and heterogeneous enhancement could be predictive signs for aggressive bone lesions.

Conclusion

MRI can be a valuable tool to assist in distinguishing aggressive from non-aggressive bone lesions. In cases of indeterminate radiographic features, MRI could be used as an additional imaging to improve diagnostic accuracy and could reduce unnecessary invasive procedures.
BYL719 (alpelisib) for the treatment of PIK3CA-mutated, recurrent/advanced cervical cancer
Authors: Bogani Giorgio , Chiappa Valentina , Bini Marta , Ronzulli Dominique , Indini Alice , Conca Elena , Raspagliesi Francesco
Published: March 2022

Purpose:

Advanced/recurrent cervical cancer has limited therapeutic options, with a median progression-free survival after the failure of systemic treatments ranging between 3.5 and 4.5 months. Here, we reported our preliminary experience in the use of BYL719 (alpelisib) in advanced/recurrent cervical cancer after failure of at least 2 lines of treatment. The Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano approved this investigation.

Methods:

From April 2020 to September 2020, 17 consecutive patients with recurrent cervical cancer had Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). Of these, six patients harboring the PIK3CA mutation were included in the study. All patients had been treated with at least 2 previous lines of systemic treatment: 3 patients received >2 prior lines of treatment in the recurrent or metastatic setting; 60% had received prior bevacizumab in combination with chemotherapy. All patients started alpelisib at the daily dosage of 300 mg.

Results:

Investigator-assessed confirmed objective response rate (ORR) was 33%. The disease control rate (DCR) was 100%. According to RECIST 1.1, two patients had a partial response (PR), and four patients had stable disease (SD). No complete response was observed. The mean duration of response (DOR) was 11.5 (SD 3.75) months; five patients had PR lasting for >9 months. One patient stopped the treatment at 0.82 months due to the onset of a grade 2 adverse event (AE) (skin rash). Grade 3 treatment-related AEs included: lymphoedema (n = 1, 17%) and rash (n = 1, 17%). No treatment-related grade 4-5 AEs occurred.

Conclusions:

Our preliminary data highlighted a high level of efficacy in this setting of patients. Further trials are needed to assess the safety and effectiveness of alpelisib in PIK3CA-mutated recurrent/advanced cervical cancer.