bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal Classification Model for Text Detection and Recognition in Video Frames
Authors: Eshwarappa Laxmikant , Rajput G. G.
Published: August 2023

Currently, the identification of text from video frames and normal scene images has got amplified awareness amongst analysts owing to its diverse challenges and complexities. Owing to a lower resolution, composite backdrop, blurring effect, color, diverse fonts, alternate textual placement among panels of photos and videos, etc., text identification is becoming complicated. This paper suggests a novel method for identifying texts from video with five stages. Initially, “video-to-frame conversion”, is done during pre-processing. Further, text region verification is performed and keyframes are recognized using CNN. Then, improved candidate text block extraction is carried out using MSER. Subsequently, “DCT features, improved distance map features, and constant gradient-based features” are extracted. These characteristics subsequently provided “Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM)” for detection. Finally, OCR is done to recognize the texts in the image. Particularly, the Self-Improved Bald Eagle Search (SI-BESO) algorithm is used to adjust the LSTM weights. Finally, the superiority of the SI-BESO-based technique over many other techniques is demonstrated.
Implementation of Logic Gates Using Drain Engineering Dual Metal Gate-Based Charge Plasma TFET (DE-DMG-CP-TFET)
Authors: Mahoviya Nikita , Singh Prabhat , Yadav Dharmendra Singh
Published: August 2023

For digital applications, researchers are exploring the use of Tunnel Field-Effect Transistors (TFETs) as an alternative to Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors (MOSFETs). TFETs offer unique qualities that can be harnessed in digital applications. The presented work focuses on the Drain Engineering Dual Metal Gate based Charge Plasma TFET (DE-DMG-CP-TFET) and its ability to implement various logic functions utilizing 2D device simulations. This simulation refers to employing computational tools to analyze electronic devices in two spatial dimensions, considering parameters such as current-voltage characteristics, electric field analysis, and energy band diagrams. This simulation-based approach enables a comprehensive understanding of the device’s operation under different conditions and facilitates the optimization of its performance. The simulations provide insights into the impact of design parameters, material properties, and device configurations on its functionality. By leveraging the ambipolar nature and gate-controlled tunneling capability of TFETs, compact logic functions can be realized by carefully designing the gate-source overlap and selecting an appropriate silicon body thickness. This research highlights the potential of TFETs in compact logic implementation and demonstrates the value of two-dimensional device simulations in understanding device behavior and optimizing performance. It is demonstrated that by biasing the two gates individually, a single DE-DMG-CP-TFET may implement logic operations like OR, AND, NAND and NOR. Using a gate-source overlap (LOV) and picking the right silicon body thickness are crucial for obtaining distinct logic functions from a DE-DMG-CP-TFET.
Adversary for Social Good: Leveraging Adversarial Attacks to Protect Personal Attribute Privacy
Authors: Li Xiaoting , Chen Lingwei , Wu Dinghao
Published: August 2023

Social media has drastically reshaped the world that allows billions of people to engage in such interactive environments to conveniently create and share content with the public. Among them, text data (e.g., tweets, blogs) maintains the basic yet important social activities and generates a rich source of user-oriented information. While those explicit sensitive user data like credentials have been significantly protected by all means, personal private attribute (e.g., age, gender, location) disclosure due to inference attacks is somehow challenging to avoid, especially when powerful natural language processing (NLP) techniques have been effectively deployed to automate attribute inferences from implicit text data. This puts users’ attribute privacy at risk. To address this challenge, in this article, we leverage the inherent vulnerability of machine learning to adversarial attacks, and design a novel text-space
Adv
ersarial attack for
S
ocial
G
ood, called
Adv4SG
. In other words, we cast the problem of protecting personal attribute privacy as an adversarial attack formulation problem over the social media text data to defend against NLP-based attribute inference attacks. More specifically, Adv4SG proceeds with a sequence of word perturbations under given constraints such that the probed attribute cannot be identified correctly. Different from the prior works, we advance Adv4SG by considering social media property, and introducing cost-effective mechanisms to expedite attribute obfuscation over text data under the black-box setting. Extensive experiments on real-world social media datasets have demonstrated that our method can effectively degrade the inference accuracy with less computational cost over different attribute settings, which substantially helps mitigate the impacts of inference attacks and thus achieve high performance in user attribute privacy protection.
MSSM: A Macaulay2 Package for the Vacuum Moduli Space
Authors: He Yang-Hui , Jejjala Vishnu , Nelson Brent D. , Schenck Hal , Stillman Michael
Published: August 2023

The Standard Model of particle physics has been amazingly successful at explaining interactions between three of the four fundamental forces of physics: the strong force, the weak force, and electro-magnetism. But it is an incomplete theory, failing to incorporate gravity.

The Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (MSSM) is an approach to including gravity and supersymmetry in the standard model, by adding new particle states and interactions to the standard model. For example, supersymmetry pairs fermions (such as electrons) with bosons (such as photons).

A starting point in the study of the MSSM is the Vacuum Moduli Space, which is a highly complicated algebraic variety introduced by Witten: it is the image of an affine variety
X
⊆ C
49
under a symplectic quotient map to C
973
. We describe the Macaulay2 software package MSSM, which facilitates computational investigation of the Vacuum Moduli Space.
Faithful Real-Time Animation of Parametrized (Semi-) Algebraic Expressions via Cylindrical Algebraic Decomposition
Authors: Brown Christopher , Kovács Zoltán , Recio Tomás
Published: August 2023

We present some current improvements, implemented in the software package GeoGebra Discovery, that combine symbolic computation and graphics algorithms to faithfully visualize (semi-)algebraic expressions. Our implementation allows fluid animation of set of (semi-)algebraic sets of dimension 1 in a desktop application or a web browser. We use the Tarski library to create a cylindrical algebraic decomposition of the input, and its plot2d command, which is processed further in GeoGebra Discovery, to provide the user with a familiar look and feel.
Effective Homology of Universal Covers
Authors: Marco-Buzunáriz Miguel A. , Romero Ana , Divasón Jose
Published: August 2023

We present an algorithm for constructing the effective homology for the universal cover of simplicial sets with effective homology, provided that a nilpotency condition holds. This can be useful for computing higher homotopy groups, since this process can be seen as the first step in the Whitehead tower. Our algorithm can be applied to some spaces satisfying a particular condition. We also present implementations of this method in SageMath and Kenzo.
FFCSA - Finite Field Constructions, Search, and Algorithms
Authors: Zidarič Nuša , Gong Guang , Aagaard Mark , Jurišić Aleksandar , Konovalov Olexandr
Published: August 2023

In this work we present the new GAP package FFCSA - Finite Field Constructions, Search, and Algorithms. It was designed to enable Design Space Exploration for hardware implementations of cryptographic algorithms defined over finite fields. FFCSA constructions and searches are used to produce the design space, and FFCSA algorithms, parameterized for the current candidate field, are used to generate expressions needed for implementation in hardware.
Drinfeld Modules in SageMath
Authors: Ayotte David , Caruso Xavier , Leudière Antoine , Musleh Joseph
Published: August 2023

We present the first implementation of Drinfeld modules fully integrated in the SageMath ecosystem. First features were released with SageMath 10.0.
Optimization of Growth Parameters of the RF-Sputtered CuInGaSe2 Thin Films for Photovoltaic Applications
Authors: Desarada Sachin V. , Chavan Kalyan B. , Chaure Shweta , Chaure Nandu B.
Published: August 2023

CuInGaSe2 (CIGS) thin films were deposited by RF sputtering using a single quaternary target. The effects of various sputtering parameters, such as substrate temperature, sputtering power, and gas flow rate, were studied systematically. The structural, morphological, compositional, and optical properties of the films were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX), and UV–vis-NIR spectroscopy. The samples exhibited the chalcopyrite type tetragonal structure of CIGS, as confirmed by the XRD analysis. Raman spectroscopy represents the presence of Cu poor ordered vacancy compound (OVC) phase in all the present samples. The growth of the sample at a higher substrate temperature resulted in a higher crystalline nature with a suppressed OVC phase and energy bandgap of 1.18 eV. The deposition of CIGS at 160 W sputtering power favors growth towards (112) Bragg crystal plane, suppressing the (220)/(204) plane of CIGS, shows change in preferred orientation with a lower sputtering power at 80 and 120 W. The sample grown at a gas flow rate of 60 standard cubic centimeters per minute (SCCM) exhibited compact grain growth with marginally improved crystallinity. The sample grown at 160 W, 300 °C, and 60 SCCM showed better crystalline and morphological properties, and it can be used as an absorber layer for highly efficient CIGS thin-film solar cells.
An Adaptive Large Neighborhood Search Heuristic for the Electric Vehicle Routing Problems with Time Windows and Recharging Strategies
Authors: Duan Ya-ru , Hu Yong-shi , Wu Peng
Published: August 2023

This study addresses a new electric vehicle routing problem with time windows and recharging strategies (EVRPTW-RS), where two recharging policies (i.e., full or partial recharging) and three recharging technologies (i.e., normal, rapid, and ultra-rapid) are considered. For this problem, we first develop a mixed-integer linear programming model defined in a series of vertices including a depot, a series of recharging stations, and a set of customers. Due to the strong NP-hardness of EVRPTW-RS, a tailored adaptive large neighborhood search heuristic (ALNS) which contains a number of advanced efficient procedures tailored to handle the proposed problem is developed. Numerical experiments for benchmark instances generated based on the Greater Toronto Area and Ontario in Canada are conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed model and ALNS. Computational results demonstrate that the ALNS is highly effective in solving EVRPTW-RS and outperforms commercial solver CPLEX. Moreover, the advantages of the proposed recharging strategies are illustrated and some recommendations are provided for stakeholders when using electric vehicles for delivery.
The Effect of Bonding Surface Design on Shear Bond Strength of 3D-Printed Orthodontic Attachments
Authors: Noorollahian Saeed , Zarei Zahra , Sadeghalbanaei Leila , Pakzamir Khashayar
Published: August 2023

Introduction. This study compared the shear bond strength (SBS) of four innovative designs of the bonding surface of 3D-printed orthodontic attachments with conventional mesh design. Methods. In this in vitro study, the bonding surface design in different groups was as follows: Group 1, flat surface without any feature as a negative control; Group 2, concentric circles with no cuts; Group 3, concentric circles with 16 radial cuts; Group 4, concentric circles with 32 radial cuts; Group 5, small cones with a flat end and rounded edges; Group 6, mesh-based commercially available metal brackets of the maxillary central incisor (standard edgewise, Dentaurum®) as a positive control (n = 20). In Groups 1–5, attachments were designed with SolidWorks® Software and printed with a 2K DLP-LCD printer with hard tough resin (eSun®). All the samples were bonded to the restorative composite resin (Solafil®) surfaces with orthodontic composite resin (CuRAY-ECLIPSE®). The samples were examined for SBS with a universal testing machine after thermocycling (1,000 cycles of 5‒55°C). Data were analyzed with Shapiro–Wilk, one-way ANOVA, and Bonferroni tests. The statistical significance level was set at 0.05. Results. The mean SBS was significantly different between all the groups (P<0.001) except for Groups 2 and 5 (P=1.00) and Groups 2 and 6 (P=1.00). Group 4 had the highest mean of SBS. Conclusion. The bonding surface design significantly influenced the SBS of orthodontic attachments. The concentric circles with 32 cuts had higher bond strength than other designs and can be suggested as a new bonding surface design for orthodontic attachments.
Dulaglutide Protects Mice against Diabetic Sarcopenia-Mediated Muscle Injury by Inhibiting Inflammation and Regulating the Differentiation of Myoblasts
Authors: Deng Fengyi , Wu Wenyan , Fan Xingyu , Zhong Xing , Wang Nuojin , Wang Yue , Pan Tianrong , Du Yijun
Published: August 2023

Background. Type 2 diabetes mellitus increases the risk of sarcopenia, which is characterized by decreased muscle mass, strength, and function. However, there are no effective drugs to treat diabetic sarcopenia, and its underlying mechanism remains unknown. Here, we aimed to determine whether the GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) dulaglutide (Dul) affects the progression of diabetic sarcopenia. Methods. db/db mice were injected intraperitoneally with 0.6 mg/kg dulaglutide for 10 weeks. Mouse muscle tissues were then pathologically evaluated and stained with F4/80 or MPO to detect macrophages and neutrophils, respectively. In addition, inflammatory factors and FNDC5 in the muscle tissues were detected using qRT-PCR. Moreover, C2C12 cells were induced to enable their differentiation into skeletal muscle cells, and muscle factor levels were then detected. Furthermore, changes in muscle factor levels were detected at various glucose concentrations (11 mM, 22 mM, and 44 mM). Results. In vivo, dulaglutide alleviated muscle tissue injury; reduced levels of the inflammatory factors, IL-1β, IL-6, CCL2, and CXCL1; and reversed the level of FNDC5 in the muscle tissues of db/db mice. In vitro, a C2C12 cell differentiation model was established through the observation of cell morphology and determination of myokine levels. Upon stimulation with high glucose, the differentiation of C2C12 cells was inhibited. Dulaglutide improved this inhibitory state by upregulating the levels of both FNDC5 mRNA and protein. Conclusions. Treatment with the GLP-1RA dulaglutide protects db/db mice against skeletal muscle injury by inhibiting inflammation and regulating the differentiation of myoblasts. High glucose inhibited the differentiation of C2C12 cells and decreased the mRNA and protein levels of myokines. Dulaglutide could reverse the differentiation state induced in C2C12 cells by high glucose.
Inhibition of METTL3 Results in a Cell-Intrinsic Interferon Response That Enhances Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Guirguis Andrew A. , Ofir-Rosenfeld Yaara , Knezevic Kathy , Blackaby Wesley , Hardick David , Chan Yih-Chih , Motazedian Ali , Gillespie Andrea , Vassiliadis Dane , Lam Enid Y.N. , Tran Kevin , Andrews Byron , Harbour Michael E. , Vasiliauskaite Lina , Saunders Claire J. , Tsagkogeorga Georgia , Azevedo Aleksandra , Obacz Joanna , Pilka Ewa S. , Carkill Marie , MacPherson Laura , Wainwright Elanor N. , Liddicoat Brian , Blyth Benjamin J. , Albertella Mark R. , Rausch Oliver , Dawson Mark A.
Published: August 2023

Therapies that enhance antitumor immunity have altered the natural history of many cancers. Consequently, leveraging nonoverlapping mechanisms to increase immunogenicity of cancer cells remains a priority. Using a novel enzymatic inhibitor of the RNA methyl­transferase METTL3, we demonstrate a global decrease in N6-methyladenosine (m6A) results in double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) formation and a profound cell-intrinsic interferon response. Through unbiased CRISPR screens, we establish dsRNA-sensing and interferon signaling are primary mediators that potentiate T-cell killing of cancer cells following METTL3 inhibition. We show in a range of immunocompetent mouse models that although METTL3 inhibition is equally efficacious to anti–PD-1 therapy, the combination has far greater preclinical activity. Using SPLINTR barcoding, we demonstrate that anti–PD-1 therapy and METTL3 inhibition target distinct malignant clones, and the combination of these therapies overcomes clones insensitive to the single agents. These data provide the mole­cular and preclinical rationale for employing METTL3 inhibitors to promote antitumor immunity in the clinic.

Significance:

This work demonstrates that METTL3 inhibition stimulates a cell-intrinsic interferon response through dsRNA formation. This immunomodulatory mechanism is distinct from current immunotherapeutic agents and provides the molecular rationale for combination with anti–PD-1 immune-checkpoint blockade to augment antitumor immunity.

This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 2109
Supplementary Table S2 from Whole genome CpG-resolution DNA methylation profiling of HNSCC reveals distinct mechanisms of carcinogenesis for fine-scale HPV+ cancer subtypes
Authors: Qin Tingting , Li Shiting , Henry Leanne E , Chou Elysia , Cavalcante Raymond G , Garb Bailey F , D'Silva Nisha J. , Rozek Laura S. , Sartor Maureen A
Published: August 2023

RNA and DNA methylation Gene Set Enrichment results
Data from Development and validation of a 15-gene expression signature with superior prognostic ability in stage II colorectal cancer
Authors: Rokavec Matjaž , Özcan Elif , Neumann Jens , Hermeking Heiko
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Currently, there is no consensus about the use of adjuvant chemotherapy for stage II colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Here, we aimed to identify and validate a prognostic mRNA expression signature for the stratification of stage II CRC patients according to their risk for relapse. First, publicly available mRNA expression profiling datasets from 792 primary, stage II CRCs from 6 different training cohorts were analyzed to identify genes that are consistently associated with patient relapse free survival (RFS). Second, the identified gene expression signature was experimentally validated using NanoString technology and computationally refined on primary CRC samples from 205 stage II CRC patients. Third, the refined signature was validated in two independent publicly available cohorts of 166 stage II CRC patients. Bioinformatics analysis of training cohorts identified a 61-gene signature that was highly significantly associated with RFS (HR=37.08, p=2.68*10-106, sensitivity=89.29%, specificity=89.61%, and AUC=0.937). The experimental validation and refinement revealed a 15-gene signature that robustly predicted relapse in three independent cohorts: an in-house cohort (HR=20.4, p=8.73*10-23, sensitivity=90.32%, specificity=80.99%, AUC=0.812), GSE161158 (HR=5.81, p=3.57*10-4, sensitivity=64.29%, specificity=81.67%, AUC=0.796), and GSE26906 (HR=7.698, p=7.26*10-8, sensitivity=61.54%, specificity=78.33%, AUC=0.752). In the pooled training cohort the 15-gene signature (HR=4.72, p=7.76*10-25, sensitivity=75%, specificity=67.44%, AUC=0.784) was superior to the Oncotype-DX-colon-7-gene signature (HR=2.698, p=6.3*10-8, sensitivity=62.16%, specificity=55.5%, AUC=0.633). We report the identification and validation of a novel mRNA expression signature for robust prognostication and stratification of stage II CRC patients, with superior performance in the analyzed validation cohorts when compared to clinico-pathologic biomarkers and signatures currently used for stage II CRC prognostication.
Sensing Cytosolic DNA Lowers Blood Pressure by Direct cGAMP-Dependent PKGI Activation
Authors: Su Jie , Coleman Pierre , Ntorla Angeliki , Anderson Rhys , Shattock Michael J. , Burgoyne Joseph R.
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND:

The major cytosolic DNA sensor cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) has emerged as a key mediator of inflammation that underlies cardiovascular disease. On interaction with double-stranded DNA, cGAS generates the second messenger 2′,3′-cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) that directly binds to and activates the stimulator of interferon genes, which in turn leads to enhanced expression of genes encoding interferons and proinflammatory cytokines. Here, we show that cGAMP generated by cGAS also directly activates PKGI (cGMP-dependent protein kinase 1), a mechanism that underlies crosstalk between inflammation and blood pressure regulation.

METHODS:

The ability of cGAS and cGAMP to activate PKGI was assessed using molecular, cellular, and biochemical analyses, and in myography experiments, as well. The release of cGAMP from the endothelium was measured using an ELISA, and its uptake into the vascular smooth muscle was assessed using molecular and biochemical approaches, including the identification and targeting of specific cGAMP transporters. The blood pressure of wild-type and cGAS
–/–
mice was assessed using implanted telemetry probes. cGAS was activated by in vivo transfection with G3-YSD or mice were made septic by administration of lipopolysaccharide.

RESULTS:

The detection of cytosolic DNA by cGAS within the vascular endothelium leads to formation of cGAMP that was found to be actively extruded by MRP1 (multidrug resistance protein 1). Once exported, this cGAMP is then imported into neighboring vascular smooth muscle cells through the volume-regulated anion channel, where it can directly activate PKGI. The activation of PKGI by cGAMP mediates vasorelaxation that is dependent on the activity of MRP1 and volume-regulated anion channel, but independent of the canonical nitric oxide pathway. This mechanism of PKGI activation mediates lowering of blood pressure and contributes to hypotension and tissue hypoperfusion during sepsis.

CONCLUSIONS:

The activation of PKGI by cGAMP enables the coupling of blood pressure to cytosolic DNA sensing by cGAS, which plays a key role during sepsis by mediating hypotension and tissue hypoperfusion.
Toward a Roadmap for Best Practices in Pediatric Preventive Cardiology: A Science Advisory From the American Heart Association
Authors: Perak Amanda M. , Baker-Smith Carissa , Hayman Laura L. , Khoury Michael , Peterson Amy L. , Ware Adam L. , Zachariah Justin P. , Raghuveer Geetha ,   on behalf of the American Heart Association Council on Hypertension; Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing; Council on Lifelong Congenital Heart Disease and Heart Health in the Young
Published: August 2023

Cardiovascular disease risk factors are highly prevalent among youth in the United States and Canada. Pediatric preventive cardiology programs have independently developed and proliferated to address cardiovascular risk factors in youth, but there is a general lack of clarity on best practices to optimize and sustain desired outcomes. We conducted surveys of pediatric cardiology division directors and pediatric preventive cardiology clinicians across the United States and Canada to describe the current landscape and perspectives on future directions for the field. We summarize the data and conclude with a call to action for various audiences who seek to improve cardiovascular health in youth, reduce the burden of premature cardiovascular disease, and increase healthy longevity. We call on heart centers, hospitals, payers, and policymakers to invest resources in the important work of pediatric preventive cardiology programs. We urge professional societies to advocate for pediatric preventive cardiology and provide opportunities for training and cross-pollination across programs. We encourage researchers to close evidence gaps. Last, we invite pediatric preventive cardiology clinicians to collaborate and innovate to advance the practice of pediatric preventive cardiology.
New insights into Aspergillus guangdongensis (Aspergillaceae) and its first global record since the original description
Authors: WEI YU-HUI , LIOU GUEY-YUH , TZEAN SHEAN-SHONG , HSIEH SUNG-YUAN
Published: August 2023

Aspergillus guangdongensis was included in the Aspergillus section Ochraceorosei. A notable feature of this section is that the majority of the described species are recognized only from the type strain. A. guangdongensis accommodates only a single strain, and the intraspecific variation within this species has not been realized. In investigating fungi from soil and stored plant seeds, two isolates, namely, BCRC 32544 and BCRC 32546, were identified as A. guangdongensis newly recorded from Taiwan. This is the first global record since its original description. To the best of our knowledge, all known species of section Ochraceorosei have not been previously reported in Taiwan. Our study also involved the phylogenetic analyses based on four loci genes (ITS, BenA, CaM, and RPB2), as well as a comparison of cultural and morphological characteristics between strains of A. guangdongensis and among closely related species, revealing obvious intraspecific variability. Aspergillus spp. produce a diverse array of important secondary metabolites, which have motivated great interests in scientific research groups. Therefore, a brief summary of research articles on the metabolites produced by the related species within the series Funiculosi under the Aspergillus section Ochraceorosei have been presented in this study.
One new species of Xizicus in the genus subgenus Paraxizicus (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Meconematinae) from Yunnan Province, China
Authors: ZHANG QIANWEN , BIAN XUN
Published: August 2023

This paper describes one new species of the genus Xizicus (in subgenus Paraxizicus) from Yunnan Province, China, which can be distinguished by the shapes of the median process of male tenth abdominal tergite, cerci and subgenital plate. Based on the specimen deposited in Guangxi Normal University, the illustrations of the new species are provided.
Uncharted Territories: First report of Euwallacea fornicatus (Eichhoff) in South America with new reproductive hosts records.
Authors: CERIANI-NAKAMURAKARE ESTEBAN , JOHNSON ANDREW J. , GOMEZ DEMIAN F.
Published: August 2023

We report the presence of the invasive ambrosia beetle, Euwallacea fornicatus (Eichhoff, 1868), for the first time in South America. The identity is established by morphological and molecular methods, although the sequences suggest that it represents a separate haplotype from the populations that have caused significant damage in South Africa, Israel, and California, and is most phylogenetically similar to specimens from Asia and greenhouses in Europe. This pest is one of the most successful invaders, causing high economic and ecological impacts in the regions where it is introduced. Our records are from the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina, one of the most populated and largest port cities in South America, where attacks by this beetle are present on a wide range of living street trees. The large number of trees attacked and the new records of reproductive host species suggest that the beetle is already established and widespread in the city’s urban forest. This context implies that the beetle may pose a threat to the urban and natural environment, as well as to the forests and fruit production of the region.
Informamos la presencia del escarabajo invasor de ambrosía, Euwallacea fornicatus (Eichhoff, 1868), por primera vez en Sudamérica. La identificación se estableció mediante métodos morfológicos y moleculares, si bien las secuencias sugieren que representa un haplotipo distinto de las poblaciones que han causado daños significativos en Sudáfrica, Israel y California, resulta filogenéticamente más similar a especímenes de Asia e invernaderos de Europa. Esta plaga es una de las especies invasoras más exitosas, causando altos impactos económicos y ecológicos en las regiones donde es introducida. Nuestros registros provienen de la ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina, una de las ciudades portuarias más pobladas y grandes de Sudamérica, donde los ataques de este coleóptero están presentes en una amplia diversidad de especies pertenecientes al arbolado urbano. El gran número de árboles atacados y los nuevos registros de especies hospedadoras reproductoras sugieren que el coleóptero ya está establecido y extendido en el bosque urbano de la ciudad. Este contexto implica que el coleóptero puede suponer una amenaza para el medio urbano y natural, así como para los bosques y la producción frutícola de la región.
Comprehensive Evaluation of Global Precipitation Products and Their Accuracy in Drought Detection in Mainland China
Authors: Zhang Huihui , Loaiciga Hugo A. , Du Qingyun , Sauter Tobias
Published: August 2023

Thorough evaluations of satellite precipitation products are necessary for accurately detecting meteorological drought. A comprehensive assessment of 15 state-of-the-art precipitation products (i.e., IMERG_cal, IMERG_uncal, GSMaP-G, CPC-Global, TRMM3B42, CMORPH-CRT, PERSIANN-CDR, PERSIANN, PERSIANN-CCS, SM2RAIN, CHIRPS, ERA5, ERA-Interim, MERRA-2, and GLDAS) is herein conducted for the period 2010–19 giving special attention to their performance in detecting meteorological drought over mainland China at 0.25° spatial resolution. The cited precipitation products are compared against China’s gridded gauge-based Daily Precipitation Analysis (CGDPA) product, derived from 2400 meteorological stations, and their quality is assessed at daily, seasonal, and annual precipitation time scales. Meteorological droughts in the datasets are determined by calculating the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI). The performance of the precipitation products for drought detection with respect to the SPEI is assessed at three time scales (1, 3, and 12 months). The results show that the GSMaP-G outperforms other satellite-based datasets in drought detection and precipitation estimation. The MERRA-2 and the ERA5 are on average closer to the CGDPA reference data than other reanalysis products for precipitation estimation and drought detection. These products capture well the spatial and temporal pattern of the SPEI in southern and eastern China having a probability of detection (POD) above 0.6 and a correlation coefficient (CC) above 0.65. CPC-Global, IMERG, and the ERA5 reanalysis product are ideal candidates for application in western China, especially in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau and the Xinjiang Province. Generally, the accuracy of precipitation products for drought detection is improved with longer time scales of the SPEI (i.e., SPEI-12). This study contributes to drought-hazard detection and hydrometeorological applications of satellite precipitation products.

Significance Statement

The purpose of this study is to comprehensively evaluate the quality of 15 global satellite-based, gauge-based, and reanalysis precipitation products for meteorological drought detection at 1-, 3-, and 12-month time scales. This work systematically evaluates these products’ capacity to capture precipitation occurrence and intensity in different seasons. This is followed by a comparison of the precipitation products’ performance in drought detection. This work’s findings and evaluation results will improve the ability of those who develop precipitation products in identifying error sources and further improving retrieval algorithms. This paper’s results will serve as a valuable reference for end users seeking to better understand the application of precipitation products to drought detection.
Let’s Stop the Pain: A Trauma-Informed Care Approach to Pediatric Vaccination
Authors: Jee Sandra , Conn Anne-Marie , Manly Jody Todd
Published: August 2023

Exposure to pain during routine vaccinations and other injections can cause lifelong anxiety for pediatric patients that may persist into adulthood. Teaching pediatric providers and staff to use intentional and humane approaches to pain management, including distraction, positioning, and use of purposeful language can help to mitigate these fears. We share our experience with assessing pre and post changes to pain management in our pediatric outpatient setting caring for underserved patients and implementing a trauma-informed care approach.
The impact of COVID-19 on acute psychiatric admissions for first and repeated episode psychosis
Authors: Kelbrick Marlene , da Silva Ksenija , Griffiths Chris , Ansari Saba , Paduret Gabriela , Tanner James , Mann Nick , Johnson Sara
Published: August 2023

Background:

There is limited evidence of the longer-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on acute admissions for psychosis in the UK.

Aims:

We examined the impact of COVID-19 on rates of admissions for first and repeated episode psychosis, and changes in patient profile and seasonal patterns, over a period of 12 months.

Method:

We conducted a retrospective case note review of all patients admitted with a primary psychosis (F20-29 ICD 10 diagnosis) to an NHS psychiatric inpatient unit. We compared the 12 months pre-COVID-19 period between 1 March 2019 and 28 February 2020, and the 12 months post-COVID-19 period between 1 March 2020 and 28 February 2021.

Results:

The results showed increase rates of admissions post-COVID-19 in both first and repeated episode psychosis, the patient profile had more females and older age in the repeated episode group, with increased employment rates. Combined group data for both pre- and post-COVID-19 periods showed an increased trend in spring and summer admissions, and even though not statistically significant, more pronounced post-COVID-19.

Conclusions:

Our findings highlight the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on acute psychosis admissions over a 12-month period. The results provide evidence for the ‘stress-pathogenesis’ in the context of genetic vulnerability in psychosis. Preventative strategies in the context of the ‘stress-pathogenesis model’, improved access to and responsiveness within NHS transformation efforts needs to be adjusted to fit local need and environmental changes.
Type of Violence and Ingroup Identity: Evidence From the Spanish Civil War
Authors: Martínez Sergi
Published: August 2023

Wartime violence and authoritarian repression against civilians take various forms. Past research has explored the causes and consequences of violence, but no previous work simultaneously assessed the long-term effects of different types of violence on political identities. This paper contends that indiscriminate attacks can reinforce ingroup identity, whereas the role of civilian agency in selective violence may have a detrimental impact. Equipped with original data capturing municipality-level exposure to both selective and indiscriminate violence during the Spanish civil war (1936–1939) in Biscay (Basque Country), this study examines its legacy on voting behavior (1983–2015). Results indicate that fascist airstrikes increased Basque nationalism while selective violence diminished the popularity of Basque parties. Individual and community-level evidence suggests that airstrikes fostered the intergenerational transmission of political attitudes. Violence can boost national identities, but it can also erode them: it depends on the type.
When a Child Dies by Suicide: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Study
Authors: Black Vicki , Heo Seongkum
Published: August 2023

Suicide is a global concern for the well-being of families. When parents experience their child’s death by suicide, their well-being can be substantially impaired. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of parents whose children died by suicide. Data were collected from 25 mothers through interviews between 2019 and 2021 and analyzed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. The data revealed five superordinate themes, including (1) who am I; (2) the unrelenting questions; (3) my existence on earth is brutal and cruel; (4) grief; and (5) the meaning. Each superordinate theme includes two to four supporting clusters. Parents’ grief associated with a child’s suicide is overwhelming and paralyzing but is often a journey to find the meaning or the reason for the death. Parents are traumatized and emotionally vulnerable. Healthcare providers need to support parents who lose their children to death by suicide.
Creating a Blutbuche and Barebacking archive: An analysis of Kim de l’Horizon’s Blutbuch (2022)
Authors: Jiang Xiaohu
Published: August 2023

Blutbuch, Kim de l’Horizon’s debut and semi-autobiographical novel, portrays a homosexual protagonist resisting constraints upon their body, gender and sexuality – the normative and taken-for-granted division between the two sexes. As the protagonist adds new academic materials and sexual experiences to their Blutbuche (copper beech) and Barebacking (unprotected sexual practices) archive, they also realise how the plant’s cultural history resembles the gender history in European countries across the centuries – interference regulates both the plant’s colour and the human body and prevailing discrimination based on gender and race. The protagonist’s struggle with their mixed emotions towards their Swiss-German family background represented by their grandmother and mother changes from confusion and estrangement to affection and understanding. They undergo an anxious and tough journey while comprehending the complex interconnectedness between language and tradition, tree and body.
Ethnic-Racial Socialization of White Children by White Parents: A Systematic Review
Authors: Nieri Tanya , Montoya Lissette , Carlos Clarissa
Published: August 2023

This systematic review of the literature examined the extent and nature of white parent’s ethic-racial socialization (ERS) of white children, the factors associated with white parents’ ERS, and the child outcomes of white parents’ ERS. It followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The review included 43 English-language works published between January 2000 and June 2021 and referenced in PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science, or Sociological Abstracts. It showed that white parents are engaged in ERS, employing many of the same strategies identified in research with parents of color as well as strategies identified as specific to white families. The review revealed child and parent factors related to ERS and child outcomes of ERS, including racial attitudes. In contrast with parents of color’s ERS, white parents’ ERS tends to teach strategies of advantage, preparing children to maintain their privilege. We offer recommendations for practice and future research.
The Use of In Silico Methods to Identify and Assess Antigenic Regions Suitable for the Development of Peptide-based Pan-viral Vaccines
Authors: Saravanakumar Shayana , Chatterjee Jhinuk
Published: August 2023

The constant evolution of pathogenic viral variants and the emergence of new viruses have reinforced the need for broad-spectrum vaccines to combat such threats. The spread of new viral variants leading to epidemic and pandemic infection can be effectively contained, if broad-spectrum vaccines effective against the newer viral variants are readily available. The development of broad-spectrum, pan-neutralising antibodies against viruses which, in general terms, are very antigenically different — such as HIV, influenza virus and paramyxoviruses — has been reported in the literature. The amino acid sequences used to generate a range of approved recombinant anti-viral vaccines were analysed by using in silico methods, with the aim of identifying highly antigenic peptide regions that may be suitable for the development of broad-spectrum peptide-based anti-viral vaccines. This was achieved through the use of open-source data, an algorithm-driven probability matrix, and published in silico prediction tools (SVMTriP, IEDB-AR, VaxiJen 2.0, AllergenFP v. 1.0, AllerTOP v. 2.0, ToxinPred and ProtParam) to evaluate antigenicity, MHC-I and MHC-II binding potential, immunogenicity, allergenicity, toxicity and physicochemical properties. We report a pan-antigenic peptide region with strong affinity for MHC-I and MHC-II, and good immunogenic potential. According to the output from the relevant in silico tools, the peptide was predicted to be non-toxic, non-allergic and to possess the desired physicochemical properties for potentially successful vaccine production. With further investigation and optimisation, this peptide could be considered for use in the development of a broad-spectrum anti-viral vaccine that may protect against emerging new viruses. Our approach of using in silico methods to identify candidate antigenic peptides with the desired physicochemical properties could potentially circumvent the use of some animal studies for peptide vaccine candidate evaluation.
Late adverse events to iodinated contrast media in patients treated with IL-2: a safety report from the Danish Renal Carcinoma Group (DaRenCa) study – 1
Authors: Drljevic-Nielsen Aska , Skou Nikolaj , Mains Jill R , Pedersen Erik M , Rasmussen Finn , Donskov Frede
Published: August 2023

Background

A higher incidence of late adverse events (LAEs) to iodinated contrast media in interleukin-2 (IL-2)-treated patients has been reported.

Purpose

To assess the incidence of LAEs after administration of iodinated contrast media in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) treated with IL-2.

Material and Methods

Patients were randomized to treatment with IL-2 and interferon-α with/without bevacizumab in the Danish Renal Carcinoma Group study – 1. Patients underwent a computed tomography (CT) scan at baseline, at one month, at three months, and every third month until RECIST 1.1 defined progression. LAEs due to iodinated contrast media were systematically registered according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events classification.

Results

In total, 89 patients were included and underwent a total of 507 contrast-enhanced CT scans. An overall incidence of 46 (9.1%) LAEs was observed in 38 of 89 (42.7%) patients; 3 LAEs at baseline (3.4% of all baseline scans), 39 (13.9%) LAEs during IL-2-based therapies, and 4 (2.9%) LAEs after termination of IL-based therapies. There was no difference in progression-free survival, overall survival, and treatment response in patients experiencing LAEs compared to patients without LAEs ( P = 0.2, P = 0.5, and P = 0.6, respectively).

Conclusion

Patients with mRCC demonstrated a higher incidence of LAEs after administration of iodinated contrast during ongoing IL-2 therapy, indicating that iodinated contrast media may cause a recall phenomenon of IL-2 toxicities in patients with mRCC. Treatment with IL-2 should not be a contraindication for contrast-enhanced scans in patients with mRCC but expertise and vigilance are required.
Association between Modic changes and intervertebral vacuum phenomenon severity in patients undergoing percutaneous cement discoplasty
Authors: Camino-Willhuber Gaston , Kido Gonzalo , Vildoza Santiago , Martinez Ezequiel , Tani Soji , Petracchi Matias , Gruenberg Marcelo , Sola Carlos , Bendersky Mariana
Published: August 2023

Background

Modic changes and intervertebral vacuum phenomenon (IVP) are considered spinal degenerative changes. The correlation between Modic and IVP has not been analyzed in the literature.

Purpose

To analyze the correlation between IVP severity, Modic changes, and subchondral sclerosis across the lumbar spine in patients with lumbar degeneration.

Material and Methods

This is a retrospective study analyzing patients who underwent percutaneous cement discoplasty at a single institution between 2015 and 2020. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scans were analyzed to make the measurements. Modic type and grade as well as severity of IVP were preoperatively measured. The association between Modic type, grade, subchondral sclerosis, and the presence of IVP was analyzed.

Results

In total, 110 patients (mean age = 77.03 ± 7.1 years) were finally included in the study. Per level correlation analysis showed a significant positive association between IVP and Modic type, IVP and Modic grade, and IVP and subchondral sclerosis. Moreover, subchondral sclerosis was significantly associated with Modic type and grade.

Conclusion

Our study showed a significant positive correlation among Modic changes, IVP, and subchondral sclerosis throughout the lumbar spine. Our findings support the theory that endplate degeneration parameters are associated with the presence and severity of IVP.
Aseptic meningitis followed by mononeuritis multiplex in a patient with primary Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Nakamura Hideki , Tanikawa Yutaka , Nishihara Masahiro , Tsukamoto Masako , Nagasawa Yosuke , Akiya Kumiko , Natori Naotoshi , Kitamura Noboru , Takayama Tadateru , Nakajima Hideto
Published: August 2023

A 38-year-old woman was admitted to hospital because of fever and headache. Increased cerebrospinal cell count and protein without evidence of infection led to a diagnosis of aseptic meningitis. Although she improved with acyclovir and glyceol, she experienced left forearm pain and sensory disturbance with drop fingers. Poor derivation of compound muscle action potentials in the left radial nerve was observed, leading to a diagnosis of mononeuritis multiplex with sensorimotor neuropathy. Because the patient had primary Sjögren’s syndrome with anti-Ro/SS-A antibody and salivary gland hypofunction, treatment with methylprednisolone, intravenous immunoglobulin, and intravenous cyclophosphamide was followed by oral glucocorticoid therapy. After these intensive therapies, her drop fingers gradually improved, although sensory disturbance remained. In conclusion, we report a case of aseptic meningitis and subsequent mononeuritis multiplex that was successfully treated with intensive immunotherapy in a patient with primary Sjögren’s syndrome.
High level of HIV viral suppression in a cross-sectional study of Ugandan men with urethritis and bacterial STI
Authors: Beck Evan J , Laeyendecker Oliver , Saraf Sharada , Ashokkumar Swetha , Onzia Annet , Melendez Johan H , Chan Justin , Kyambadde Peter , Gough Ethan , Parkes-Ratanshi Rosalind , Manabe Yukari C , Hamill Matthew M
Published: August 2023

Background

Urethritis associated with non-viral sexually transmitted infections (STI) increases the risk of HIV acquisition and transmission in those living with HIV (LWH) without viral load suppression (VLS). Compared to women, men typically have lower rates of HIV VLS. We assessed the prevalence of VLS and drug resistance mutations in men LWH and urethral discharge syndrome (UDS) in Kampala, Uganda.

Methods

Men with UDS were recruited in Kampala October 2019-November 2020. Medical, demographic, and behavioural data were collected with biological samples. All reactive HIV results (rapid, sequential algorithm) underwent confirmatory HIV antibody- and HIV incidence-testing, and viral load (VL) measurement. The pol and gp41 regions were sequenced on samples with VLs >1000 cpm, phylogenetic trees were generated, and resistance mutations were investigated.

Results

50 of 250 participants (20%) had reactive HIV rapid tests and 48/50 (96%) were aware of their HIV status and using antiretroviral therapy (ART). The median age was 38 years (IQR 32-45), 27/50 (54%) had engaged in transactional sex, and 30/50 (60%) reported alcohol before sex. VLS was present in 46/50 (92%). There were no major resistance mutations present in any samples analyzed.

Conclusions

The prevalence of HIV and VLS was greater in these men than in the general Ugandan adult population. Most men LWH were on ART and thus less likely to transmit HIV despite demonstrating sexual behaviours associated with high-risk of STIs. These data emphasize that high levels of ART coverage and VLS are achievable among men with UDS in urban Kampala.