bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unusual lipid poor spindle cell lipoma
Authors: Schwartz Benjamin R , Subhawong Ty , Subhawong Andrea Proctor , de Souza Felipe Ferreira , Pretell-Mazzini Juan
Published: July 2023

Spindle cell lipomas (SCLs) containing minimal fat are rare and can be diagnostically challenging due to their similar radiographic appearance to other benign and malignant tumours. SCLs are benign lipomatous tumours that typically occur in middle aged to elderly men as slow-growing, painless masses in the subcutaneous tissue of the posterior neck, shoulders or back. However, rarely these tumours can arise in unusual locations such as the lower extremities. We present an unusual case of a lipid poor SCL occurring in the lower extremity. Initial clinical and radiographic findings were suspicious for a malignancy. Two core biopsies demonstrated benign fibro collagenous tissue, so a marginal excision was performed. Final histopathological and immunohistochemical stains confirmed the diagnosis of an SCL. Radiologists, pathologists and oncologic surgeons should be aware of this lipomatous tumour’s potential to present in unusual locations with minimal fatty components to increase confidence in radiologic-pathological concordance.
Hospital admissions linked to SARS-CoV-2 infection in children and adolescents: cohort study of 3.2 million first ascertained infections in England
Authors: Wilde Harrison , Tomlinson Christopher , Mateen Bilal A , Selby David , Kanthimathinathan Hari Krishnan , Ramnarayan Padmanabhan , Du Pre Pascale , Johnson Mae , Pathan Nazima , Gonzalez-Izquierdo Arturo , Lai Alvina G , Gurdasani Deepti , Pagel Christina , Denaxas Spiros , Vollmer Sebastian , Brown Katherine
Published: July 2023

Objective

To describe hospital admissions associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in children and adolescents.

Design

Cohort study of 3.2 million first ascertained SARS-CoV-2 infections using electronic health care record data.

Setting

England, July 2020 to February 2022.

Participants

About 12 million children and adolescents (age <18 years) who were resident in England.

Main outcome measures

Ascertainment of a first SARS-CoV-2 associated hospital admissions: due to SARS-CoV-2, with SARS-CoV-2 as a contributory factor, incidental to SARS-CoV-2 infection, and hospital acquired SARS-CoV-2.

Results

3 226 535 children and adolescents had a recorded first SARS-CoV-2 infection during the observation period, and 29 230 (0.9%) infections involved a SARS-CoV-2 associated hospital admission. The median length of stay was 2 (interquartile range 1-4) days) and 1710 of 29 230 (5.9%) SARS-CoV-2 associated admissions involved paediatric critical care. 70 deaths occurred in which covid-19 or paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome was listed as a cause, of which 55 (78.6%) were in participants with a SARS-CoV-2 associated hospital admission. SARS-CoV-2 was the cause or a contributory factor in 21 000 of 29 230 (71.8%) participants who were admitted to hospital and only 380 (1.3%) participants acquired infection as an inpatient and 7855 (26.9%) participants were admitted with incidental SARS-CoV-2 infection. Boys, younger children (<5 years), and those from ethnic minority groups or areas of high deprivation were more likely to be admitted to hospital (all P<0.001). The covid-19 vaccination programme in England has identified certain conditions as representing a higher risk of admission to hospital with SARS-CoV-2: 11 085 (37.9%) of participants admitted to hospital had evidence of such a condition, and a further 4765 (16.3%) of participants admitted to hospital had a medical or developmental health condition not included in the vaccination programme’s list.

Conclusions

Most SARS-CoV-2 associated hospital admissions in children and adolescents in England were due to SARS-CoV-2 or SARS-CoV-2 was a contributory factor. These results should inform future public health initiatives and research.
A framework for community health worker optimisation in conflict settings: prerequisites and possibilities from Northwest Syria
Authors: Habboush Ahmad , Ekzayez Abdulkarim , Gilmore Brynne
Published: July 2023

Background

The world will face a human resource gap of 10 million health workers in 2030. Community health workers (CHWs) can contribute to mitigating this workforce gap while improving equitable access to care and health outcomes. However, questions on how to best implement and optimise CHW programmes, especially across varied contexts, remain. As each context has its determinants for a successful CHW programme, this research identifies and assesses pertinent factors needed for optimal CHW programmes in conflict settings, specifically Northwest Syria.

Methods

A mixed-methods study in Northwest Syria consisting of a literature and document review, semistructured interviews with CHWs’ team leaders and programme managers, key informant interviews with policymakers and a survey with CHWs was conducted across three research phases from 2018 to 2022. The three phases aimed to identify, refine and finalise a framework for CHW optimisation in humanitarian conflict contexts, respectively. Qualitative data were analysed thematically, and quantitative data were statistically analysed to identify critical trends.

Results

16 interviews and 288 surveys were conducted, supplemented by key reports and literature. The framework underwent two iterative rounds of refinement, reflecting varying stakeholders’ perceptions of CHW optimisation. The resulting framework presents important implementation factors with subthemes across identified topics of institutionalisation, integration and representation for CHW optimisation in Northwest Syria and other humanitarian conflict contexts. The presented factors are similar in various ways to other fragile low/middle-income country settings. However, in protracted conflict settings like Syria, careful consideration should be given to strategic dimensions such as integration and representation.

Conclusion

For CHW programmes to impact health outcomes in humanitarian conflict settings, they require a set of implementation and design factors relevant to the context. The dynamics of humanitarian funding restrictions, health system capacity and governance structures confront achieving these requirements. Nevertheless, pioneering projects which use available resources are possible. Evidence is needed to understand the impact of CHWs’ interventions and further support implementation across humanitarian contexts.
Associations of serum aminotransferase and the risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality in Chinese type 2 diabetes: a community-based cohort study
Authors: Su Jian , Guan Haoyu , Fan Xikang , Yu Hao , Qin Yu , Yang Jie , Zhu Zheng , Shen Chong , Pan Enchun , Lu Yan , Zhou Jin-Yi , Wu Ming
Published: July 2023

Objective

Investigating the associations of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) with all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer mortality in a large cohort of community-dwelling patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Design

Community-based prospective cohort study conducted between 2013 and 2014.

Setting

44 selected townships in Changshu and Huai’an City, Jiangsu province, China.

Participants

20340 participants with T2DM were recruited in Jiangsu province, China.

Methods

We use Cox proportional hazard models to estimate the HR and 95% CIs of associations of serum ALT and AST levels with all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Restricted cubic splines were used to explore the dose-response relationships between ALT and AST levels with mortality.

Results

ALT and AST levels were inversely associated with CVD mortality, compared with the lowest quintile (Q1), the multivariable HRs of the highest quintile (Q5) was 0.82 (95% CI: 0.66 to 1.01, p for trend=0.022) and 0.78 (95% CI: 0.63 to 0.96, p for trend=0.022), respectively. Furthermore, the HRs for ALT levels in all-cause mortality were 0.90 (95% CI: 0.79 to 1.01, p for trend=0.018), and the HRs for AST levels in cancer mortality were 1.29 (95% CI: 1.02 to 1.63, p for trend=0.023). Stronger inverse effects of ALT and AST levels on all-cause mortality were observed in the older subgroup and in those with dyslipidaemia (all p for interaction <0.05). Further analysis based on gender showed that the associations between serum aminotransferases and the mortality risk were more significant in women and substantially attenuated in men.

Conclusion

Our findings suggested patients with T2DM with lower levels of ALT and AST had an increased risk of CVD mortality, which needs confirmation in future clinical trials.
Sharing voice during deliberative engagement to improve guideline adherence in dental clinics: findings from a qualitative evaluation of an online deliberative forum discussion
Authors: Gruß Inga , Dawson Tim , Kaplan Charles D , Pihlstrom Daniel J , Reich Sacha , Fellows Jeffrey L , Polk Deborah E
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Selecting effective implementation strategies to support guideline-concordant dental care is a complex process. For this research project, an online deliberative forum brought together staff from dental clinics to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of implementation strategies and barriers to implementation of a component of a dental (pit-and-fissure) guideline. The goal was to determine whether deliberative engagement enabled participants’ sharing of promotive and prohibitive voice about implementation strategies to promote guideline-concordant care.

Design

Qualitative analysis of online chat transcripts of facilitated deliberations from 31 small group sessions.

Setting

Kaiser Permanente Dental (KP Dental) in the USA.

Participants

All staff from 16 dental offices.

Results

The directed content analysis revealed that participants shared prohibitive and promotive voice when offering critique of the barriers and the implementation strategies suggested by the researchers. The analysis also revealed that the focus of the deliberations often was not on the aspect of the pit-and-fissure guideline intended by the research team for deliberation.

Conclusions

The deliberative forum discussions were a productive venue to ask staff in dental clinics to share their perspectives on strategies to promote guideline-concordant care as well as barriers. Participants demonstrated prohibitive voice and engaged critically with the materials the research team had put together. An important limitation of the deliberation was that the discussion often centred around an aspect of the pit-and-fissure guideline that already was implemented well. To ensure a deliberation oriented towards resolving challenging aspects of the pit-and-fissure guideline, greater familiarity with the guideline would have been important, as well as more intimate knowledge of the current discrepancies in guideline-concordant care.

Trial registration number

This project is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with IDNCT04682730. The trial was first registered on 18 December 2020.https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04682730.
Mental health awareness programmes to promote mental well-being at the workplace among workforce in the low-income and middle-income countries: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Luberenga Ibrahim , Kasujja Rosco , Vasanthan Lenny Thinagaran , Nyende Adam , Tumwebaze Eunice , Henry Joseph Leonard Joseph
Published: July 2023

Introduction

An understanding of the mental health awareness programmes among workforces in low/middle-income countries (LMICs) is lacking significantly in literature. Such understanding is crucial for the employers, government agencies and other stakeholders to initiate strategies to promote mental health and well-being at the workplace.

Objective

The main aim of this study is to conduct a scoping review to systematically map the research on the mental health awareness programmes among workforces in LMICs.

Methods

A comprehensive search strategy for the articles published between 2000 and 2022 will be conducted in MEDLINE, PubMed, EBSCOhost, Wiley Online Library, Cochrane and JSTOR. Various study designs such as randomised control trials, non-randomised control trials, systematic reviews, scoping reviews and observational studies that report evidence on mental health awareness programmes among workforce in LMICs will be identified through specific strategy. Search outcomes will be exported to Endnote and duplication of studies will be removed. From the list of included studies, data such as characteristics of mental health programmes, common outcome measures and domains, and motivations underlying the establishment of existing mental health awareness programmes will be extracted and analysed.

Analysis

The search outcomes will be presented in a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses flow chart. The characteristics of the research studies on mental health programmes will be outlined using tables. The various outcome domains and outcome measures reported in the studies will be presented in a bubble chart showing different outcome measures categorised and collated under a specific outcome domain. The findings on the motivations and justifications underlying the establishment of mental health awareness programmes will be summarised using a thematic analysis.

Trial registration number

https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/WPURK.
Community-based family peer navigator programme to facilitate linkage to coordinated specialty care for early psychosis among Black families in the USA: A protocol for a hybrid type I feasibility study
Authors: Oluwoye Oladunni , Stokes Bryony I , Burduli Ekaterina , Kriegel Liat S , Hoagwood Kimberly E
Published: July 2023

Background

Approximately 70% of Black/African American family members report no contact with mental health providers prior to initial diagnosis and the receipt of services for early psychosis. Black families often encounter barriers and experience delays on the pathway to coordinated specialty care programmes for early psychosis.

Methods and analysis

This mixed-methods study will (1) develop and refine a family peer navigator (FPN) for Black families designed to increase access and engagement in coordinated specialty care and (2) pilot-test FPN for Black families with 40 family members with loved ones at risk for psychosis in a randomised trial to assess the acceptability and feasibility. Families will be randomised to FPN (n=20) or a low-intensive care coordination (n=20). Other outcomes include proposed treatment targets (eg, knowledge, social connectedness), preliminary impact outcomes (time to coordinated specialty care programmes, initial family engagement), and implementation outcomes (acceptability, feasibility, appropriateness).

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval has been obtained from Washington State University Institutional Review Board and informed consent will be obtained from all participants. This study will establish an innovative culturally responsive FPN programme and implementation strategy, and generate preliminary data to support a larger hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial. Study findings will be presented at conferences and in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT05284721.
Behavioural deficits of autism spectrum disorder and associations with different gene clusters: a study with the whole-genome transmission disequilibrium test
Authors: Guo Qi , Xia Lu , Guo Ruolan , Xu Wenjian , Zhang Yue , Zhao Chunlin , Zhang Peng , Bai Ting , Ni Xin , Hao Chanjuan , Xia Kun , Li Wei
Published: July 2023

Background

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a diverse neurodevelopmental disease primarily distinguished by limited and stereotyped activities as well as impaired social interaction. Due to the high heritability of ASD, research on the disorder has emphasised on identifying the underlying genetic and epigenetic aetiology. Many ASD loci have been identified by genome-wide association studies (GWASs). However, GWASs are more susceptible to bias due to population stratification. Moreover, GWASs barely reflect the genetic aetiology of subtypes of behavioural deficits.

Methods

We applied whole-genome transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) to reveal the gene sets that are significantly associated with the four behavioural subtypes of restricted repetitive behaviours in 334 ASD trios. We further mapped the clustered genes to pathways and enriched the SFARI genes in these pathways.

Results

Four unique gene clusters (181 genes in total) that are related to four different behavioural subtypes in ASD were identified. 23 SFARI genes were enriched in these four clusters. Through pathway analysis, nine non-SFARI genes (CNDP1, ETNK1,ITPKB,KCNQ5,PDE4D,PDGFRA,PPARGC1A,ULK2,SYNJ2) were found to be linked to the SFARI genes, which may contribute to the development of ASD. Furthermore, we found that the mTOR pathway enriched with theCNDP1, PDE4D,ULK2genes is associated with neurodevelopment.

Conclusions

Whole-genome TDT test is a unique tool in clustering genes related to ASD subtypes of behavioural deficits. Several new candidate genes for ASD are revealed by pathway analysis of the clustered genes. These findings are useful for understanding the underlying mechanism of ASD.
Alcohol use and internal migration in Nepal: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ghimire Dirgha J , Cole Faith , Hermosilla Sabrina , Axinn William G , Benjet Corina
Published: July 2023

Background

Alcohol use is a leading cause of disease. Although low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have lower per capita alcohol consumption, the alcohol-attributable disease burden is high in these settings with consumption increasing. LMICs are also experiencing unprecedented levels of internal migration, potentially increasing mental stress, changing social restrictions on drinking, and increasing alcohol availability. We assessed the relationship between internal migration, opportunity to drink, and the transition from first use to regular alcohol use and alcohol use disorders (AUD) in Nepal, a low-income, South Asian country.

Methods

A representative sample of 7435 individuals, aged 15–59 from Nepal were interviewed in 2016–2018 (93% response rate) with clinically validated measures of alcohol use and disorders and life history calendar measures of lifetime migration experiences. Discrete-time hazard models assessed associations between migration and alcohol use outcomes.

Results

Net of individual sociodemographic characteristics, internal migration was associated with increased odds of opportunity to drink (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.53), onset of regular alcohol use given lifetime use (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.48) and AUD given lifetime use (OR 1.24, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.57). The statistically significant association between internal migration and opportunity to drink was specific to females, whereas the associations between migration and regular use and disorder were statistically significant for males.

Conclusions

Despite high rates of internal migration worldwide, most research studying migration and alcohol use focuses on international migrants. Findings suggest that internal migrants are at increased risk to transition into alcohol use and disorders. Support services for internal migrants could prevent problematic alcohol use among this underserved population.
Guerrilla eugenics: gene drives in heritable human genome editing
Authors: Cutter Asher D
Published: July 2023

CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing can and has altered human genomes, bringing bioethical debates about this capability to the forefront of philosophical and policy considerations. Here, I consider the underexplored implications of CRISPR-Cas9 gene drives for heritable human genome editing. Modification gene drives applied to heritable human genome editing would introduce a novel form of involuntary eugenic practice that I term guerrilla eugenics. Once introduced into a genome, stealth genetic editing by a gene drive genetic element would occur each subsequent generation irrespective of whether reproductive partners consent to it and irrespective of whether the genetic change confers any benefit. By overriding the ability to ‘opt in’ to genome editing, gene drives compromise the autonomy of carrier individuals and their reproductive partners to choose to use or avoid genome editing and impose additional burdens on those who hope to ‘opt out’ of further genome editing. High incidence of an initially rare gene drive in small human communities could occur within 200 years, with evolutionary fixation globally in a timeframe that is thousands of times sooner than achievable by non-drive germline editing. Following any introduction of heritable gene drives into human genomes, practices intended for surveillance or reversal also create fundamental ethical problems. Current policy guidelines do not comment explicitly on gene drives in humans. These considerations motivate an explicit moratorium as being warranted on gene drive development in heritable human genome editing.
Diversity and inclusion for rodents: how animal ethics committees can help improve translation
Authors: Piotrowska Monika
Published: July 2023

Translation failure occurs when a treatment shown to be safe and effective in one type of population does not produce the same result in another. We are currently in a crisis involving the translatability of preclinical studies to human populations. Animal trials are no better than a coin toss at predicting the safety and efficacy of drugs in human trials, and the high failure rate of drugs entering human trials suggests that most of the suffering of laboratory animals is futile, creating no commensurate benefit for human patients. Here, I argue that animal ethics committees have a role to play in getting us out of this crisis. Inadequate representation is a known contributor to translation failures and is a matter of both scientific and ethical concern. Ethical review committees have the authority to address it by reprioritising the values already enshrined in their guiding principles.
Method to share learning in real time at scientific meetings: lessons from the IHI-BMJ International Conference on Quality and Safety
Authors: Figueroa Johanna , McPherson Marianne E , Henriks Göran , Mountford James , Barker Pierre
Published: July 2023

Background

Capturing and disseminating key learnings on emerging themes for conference participants is challenging, yet also presents a significant opportunity to distill, share and discuss learning in real time with conference organisers and attendees. The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) andBritish Medical Journal(BMJ) collaborate annually to convene a Health Quality and Safety conference attracting 1000 to 3000 attendees each year.

Aim

To test a learning system that harvested and synthesised the key lessons shared by conference participants at the 2022 IHI-BMJ Gothenburg Forum, and to disseminate this content.

Methods

Twelve invited Forum attendees collected and shared their ‘breakthrough learnings’ via electronic survey. Three IHI team members synthesised the participants’ responses into themes that were shared and refined in real time at an in-person Forum session including 35 additional participants.

Results

Participants shared four learning themes: collaboration and co-production, trust, meaningful communication about data, and broadening the scope of the Science of Improvement field to multi-disciplinary and multi-system approaches.

Conclusions

Collection of key learning on emerging topics of interest to the health system improvement community is feasible and yielded information both for dissemination and real-time learning. While not representing the full scope of the conference learnings, the content resonated with an additional group of reviewers at the conclusion of the conference and has guided planning for the next annual meeting. This approach may be helpful in capturing key themes for discussion and planning by similar improvement communities.
Long-term potentiation and its neurotrophin-dependent modulation in the superior cervical ganglion of the rat are influenced by KCNQ channel function
Authors: Arias Erwin R. , Sánchez-Tafolla Berardo M. , Terrón Carlos , Martínez Luis A. , Zetina Maria E. , Morales Miguel A. , Cifuentes Fredy
Published: July 2023

Ganglionic long-term potentiation (gLTP) in the rat superior cervical ganglion (SCG) is differentially modulated by neurotrophic factors (Nts): brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF). KCNQ/M channels, key regulators of neuronal excitability, and firing pattern are modulated by Nts; therefore, they might contribute to gLTP expression and to the Nts-dependent modulation of gLTP. In the SCG of rats, we characterized the presence of the KCNQ2 isoform and the effects of opposite KCNQ/M channel modulators on gLTP in control condition and under Nts modulation. Immunohistochemical and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analyses showed the expression of the KCNQ2 isoform. We found that 1 µmol/L XE991, a channel inhibitor, significantly reduced gLTP (∼50%), whereas 5 µmol/L flupirtine, a channel activator, significantly increased gLTP (1.3- to 1.7-fold). Both modulators counterbalanced the effects of the Nts on gLTP. Data suggest that KCNQ/M channels are likely involved in gLTP expression and in the modulation exerted by BDNF and NGF.
Gravitational ringing and superradiant instabilities of the Kerr-like black holes in a dark matter halo
Authors: Liu Dong , Yang Yi , Övgün Ali , Long Zheng-Wen , Xu Zhaoyi
Published: July 2023

Supermassive black holes from the center of galaxy may be immersed in a dark matter halo. This dark matter halo may form a “cusp” structure around the black hole and disappear at a certain distance from the black hole. Based on this interesting physical background, we use the continued fraction method to study gravitational ringring of the Kerr-like black holes immersed in a dark matter halo, i.e., quasinormal modes (QNM) and quasibound states (QBS). We consider these gravitational ringring of black holes both in cold dark matter (CDM) model and scalar field dark matter (SFDM) model at the LSB galaxy, and compare them with Kerr black hole. By testing the states of QNM/QBS frequencies with different parameters l, m, a, we confirm the existence of the superradiant instabilities when the black holes both in CDM model and SFDM model. Besides, we also study the impacts of dark matter parameters on the QNM/QBS of black holes at the specific circumstances. In the future, these results may be used for gravitational wave detection of supermassive black holes, and may provide an effective method for detecting the existence of dark matter.
Development of a model to investigate the effect of the bias in SNIa measurements related to the inhomogeneity of space
Authors: Deledicque Vincent
Published: July 2023

It has been suggested recently that the apparent accelerated expansion of the universe could be explained by a bias in the SNIa measurements. Such events indeed occur mainly in overdense regions, where matter is located, and whose dynamics can perhaps not been considered as representative of the one of the universe. In this article, we develop a model to investigate in more detail the effect of this bias. This model depends on one single parameter, related to the void fraction of space, and leads to simple analytical relations. We determine in particular the average metric tensor in overdense regions, and deduce that the scale factor and the rate at which proper time progresses in such regions differ significantly from the corresponding values expected on the average space. We then quantitatively deduce how redshift and luminosity distance measurements are affected by the bias, taking into account the perturbation of the metric tensor. Using a value for the void fraction corresponding to the order of magnitude found in the literature, we show that the model is able to predict a distance modulus versus redshift relation being in excellent agreement with the one corresponding to a universe characterized by $$\Omega _{m,0} = 0.3$$

Ω

m
,
0

=
0.3

and $$\Omega _{\Lambda ,0} = 0.7$$

Ω

Λ
,
0

=
0.7

.
Cytokine Storm in Acute Viral Respiratory Injury: Role of Qing-Fei-Pai-Du Decoction in Inhibiting the Infiltration of Neutrophils and Macrophages through TAK1/IKK/NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Ye Xiao-Lan , Tian Sai-Sai , Tang Chen-Chen , Jiang Xin-Ru , Liu Dan , Yang Gui-Zhen , Zhang Huan , Hu You , Li Tian-Tian , Jiang Xin , Li Hou-Kai , Peng Yan-Chun , Zheng Ning-Ning , Ge Guang-Bo , Liu Wei , Lv Ai-Ping , Wang Hai-Kun , Chen Hong-Zhuan , Ho Ling-Pei , Zhang Wei-Dong , Zheng Yue-Juan
Published: July 2023

COVID-19 has posed unprecedented challenges to global public health since its outbreak. The Qing-Fei-Pai-Du decoction (QFPDD), a Chinese herbal formula, is widely used in China to treat COVID-19. It exerts an impressive therapeutic effect by inhibiting the progression from mild to critical disease in the clinic. However, the underlying mechanisms remain obscure. Both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses elicit similar pathological processes. Their severe manifestations, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), multiple organ failure (MOF), and viral sepsis, are correlated with the cytokine storm. During flu infection, QFPDD reduced the lung indexes and downregulated the expressions of MCP-1, TNF-[Formula: see text], IL-6, and IL-1[Formula: see text] in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF), lungs, or serum samples. The infiltration of neutrophils and inflammatory monocytes in lungs was decreased dramatically, and lung injury was ameliorated in QFPDD-treated flu mice. In addition, QFPDD also inhibited the polarization of M1 macrophages and downregulated the expressions of IL-6, TNF-[Formula: see text], MIP-2, MCP-1, and IP-10, while also upregulating the IL-10 expression. The phosphorylated TAK1, IKK[Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text], and I[Formula: see text]B[Formula: see text] and the subsequent translocation of phosphorylated p65 into the nuclei were decreased by QFPDD. These findings indicated that QFPDD reduces the intensity of the cytokine storm by inhibiting the NF-[Formula: see text]B signaling pathway during severe viral infections, thereby providing theoretical and experimental support for its clinical application in respiratory viral infections.
Do All Roads Lead to Rome? A Review of the Literature on Succession Politics in China
Authors: ZANG XIAOWEI
Published: July 2023

Political elites have a tremendous influence on past, present and future socioeconomic and political developments in both western and non-western countries. Unsurprisingly, the analysis of China’s elites has been crucial in the study of politics there. A large body of literature has examined the members of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, a stronghold of the nation’s political elites. Given the growing interest and research on elite politics in the PRC in recent years, this paper reviews studies of the pathways to political power and the personal qualifications of the members of the Central Committee that are central to studies of elite Chinese politics. This review paper is organized both chronologically and thematically. It shows a shift away from the study of demographics of Central Committee members toward theorizing of how recruitment into the Central Committee works. Some scholars have theorized succession politics in China as the rise of technocracy, while others have used institutionalization and factional politics to explain how China’s leaders are selected. This paper summarizes and identifies several theoretical and methodological issues in existing studies as an effort to advance research on succession politics and political evolution in China.
No Turning Back? Assessing China’s Intent to Use Force to Resolve the Taiwan Issue After 2018
Authors: WANG HSIN-HSIEN , TZENG WEI-FENG
Published: July 2023

This paper collects and analyzes the speeches of top Chinese leaders on Taiwan, the relevant remarks of Taiwan-related ministries and commissions, and important documents concerning Taiwan. It takes the visit of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan as an example to observe China’s current policy toward Taiwan and its intent to employ force. This paper argues that although the outside world has repeatedly emphasized that “Taiwan is the most dangerous place on earth” and that China will invade Taiwan by force, peaceful unification is still the main axis of its strategy toward Taiwan. Military force is an avenue for China to force unification and prevent international interference in the Taiwan issue. The results of our analysis of Taiwan-related remarks by top Chinese leaders and relevant ministries and commissions are also highly consistent with the political report of the 20th Party Congress, and there are two noteworthy points. First, China has linked “opposing independence” with “opposing interference by external forces” and the principle of “never renouncing the right to use force over Taiwan.” From Beijing’s perspective, the Taiwan issue is no longer one simply involving cross-strait relations but is embedded in China’s domestic national rejuvenation and the strategic competition between itself and the United States. Moreover, Xi Jinping is the most critical factor affecting cross–strait relations. As a strong leader with a historic mission, how Xi regards the Taiwan issue will affect both the destiny of Taiwan and the security of the entire Asia-Pacific region.
The stable isotope (C, O, S) record of Paleoproterozoic marbles, Scotland
Authors: Parnell John , Boyce Adrian J. , Armstrong Joseph G. T. , Schito Andrea , Muirhead David
Published: July 2023

Paleoproterozoic marbles occur widely in NW Scotland. The isotopically heavy carbonate carbon (

δ

13
C >3‰) in marbles that characterizes the worldwide Lomagundi–Jatuli Event (2.3–2.05 Ga) is recognized in the Laurentian Foreland, the Moine Nappe and the Sgurr Beag Nappe, over a 150 km transect across the Caledonian thrust belt. A light oxygen isotope composition distinguishes marbles that have been sheared and retrogressed by ingress of meteoric water, possibly during both Laxfordian and Caledonian orogenesis. The shearing of marbles also contributed to graphite formation (mean

δ

13
C −7.2‰). Pyrite in the marbles contains isotopically heavy sulfur, typical of Paleoproterozoic diagenetic sulfides precipitated from low-sulfate seawater. These data show that the
c.
2 Ga marbles in Scotland are a high-quality archive of information on their depositional and post-depositional history. The data emphasize a continuum of a Paleoproterozoic marble–graphite–sulfide-bearing assemblage from eastern Canada and Greenland through Scotland to Scandinavia.
PACMNET V1, N1, June 2023 Editorial
Authors: Mellia Marco , Steenkiste Peter , Qiu Lili , Bonaventure Olivier
Published: July 2023

We are very excited to introduce the first issue of the ACM Proceedings of the ACM on Networking (PACMNET) journal. The Proceedings of the ACM series presents the highest-quality research conducted in diverse areas of computer science, as represented by the ACM Special Interest Groups (SIGs). PACMNET focuses on contributions presenting significant and novel research results on emerging computer networks and their applications.

PACMNET was created to collect top-quality scholarly articles in the area of computer networking. PACMNET encourages submissions that present new technologies, novel experimentation, creative use of networking technologies, and new insights made possible using analysis. The journal is strongly supported by the ACM Special Interest Group on Communications and Computer Networks (SIGCOMM) and involves top-level researchers in its Editorial Board.bWe started working on PACMNET in 2019, with the idea of having a new journal that guarantees both a fast publication time and a very rigorous and constructive review process. The creation of PACMNET was done with the enthusiastic support of the ACM SIGCOMM community, and it will be especially attractive for networking researchers from regions where conference publications are no valued.
Stop using the elbow criterion for k-means and how to choose the number of clusters instead
Authors: Schubert Erich
Published: July 2023

A major challenge when using k-means clustering often is how to choose the parameter k, the number of clusters. In this letter, we want to point out that it is very easy to draw poor conclusions from a common heuristic, the "elbow method". Better alternatives have been known in literature for a long time, and we want to draw attention to some of these easy to use options, that often perform better. This letter is a call to stop using the elbow method altogether, because it severely lacks theoretic support, and we want to encourage educators to discuss the problems of the method - if introducing it in class at all - and teach alternatives instead, while researchers and reviewers should reject conclusions drawn from the elbow method.
The Computational Complexity of Feasibility Analysis for Conditional DAG Tasks
Authors: Baruah Sanjoy , Marchetti-Spaccamela Alberto
Published: July 2023

The Conditional DAG (CDAG) task model is used for modeling multiprocessor real-time systems containing conditional expressions for which outcomes are not known prior to their evaluation. Feasibility analysis for CDAG tasks upon multiprocessor platforms is shown to be complete for the complexity class
pspace
; assuming
np
≠
pspace
, this result rules out the use of Integer Linear Programming solvers for solving this problem efficiently. It is further shown that there can be no pseudo-polynomial time algorithm that solves this problem unless
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Koli Calling 2023 Call for Papers
Authors: Mühling Andreas , Jormanainen Ilkka
Published: July 2023

We invite you to submit a paper or poster for the 23rd Koli Calling International Conference on Computing Education Research (Koli Calling 2023) to be hosted both online, 13-14 November 2023 and in Koli, Finland, 16-19 November 2023.
Text Algorithms in Economics
Authors: Ash Elliott , Hansen Stephen
Published: July 2023

This article provides an overview of the methods used for algorithmic text analysis in economics, with a focus on three key contributions. First, we introduce methods for representing documents as high-dimensional count vectors over vocabulary terms, for representing words as vectors, and for representing word sequences as embedding vectors. Second, we define four core empirical tasks that encompass most text-as-data research in economics and enumerate the various approaches that have been taken so far to accomplish these tasks. Finally, we flag limitations in the current literature, with a focus on the challenge of validating algorithmic output.
Unique Properties of Apicomplexan Mitochondria
Authors: Lamb Ian M. , Okoye Ijeoma C. , Mather Michael W. , Vaidya Akhil B.
Published: July 2023

Apicomplexan parasites constitute more than 6,000 species infecting a wide range of hosts. These include important pathogens such as those causing malaria and toxoplasmosis. Their evolutionary emergence coincided with the dawn of animals. Mitochondrial genomes of apicomplexan parasites have undergone dramatic reduction in their coding capacity, with genes for only three proteins and ribosomal RNA genes present in scrambled fragments originating from both strands. Different branches of the apicomplexans have undergone rearrangements of these genes, with Toxoplasma having massive variations in gene arrangements spread over multiple copies. The vast evolutionary distance between the parasite and the host mitochondria has been exploited for the development of antiparasitic drugs, especially those used to treat malaria, wherein inhibition of the parasite mitochondrial respiratory chain is selectively targeted with little toxicity to the host mitochondria. We describe additional unique characteristics of the parasite mitochondria that are being investigated and provide greater insights into these deep-branching eukaryotic pathogens.
Small but Highly Versatile: The Viral Accessory Protein Vpu
Authors: Volcic Meta , Wiesmüller Lisa , Kirchhoff Frank
Published: July 2023

Human and simian immunodeficiency viruses (HIVs and SIVs, respectively) encode several small proteins (Vif, Vpr, Nef, Vpu, and Vpx) that are called accessory because they are not generally required for viral replication in cell culture. However, they play complex and important roles for viral immune evasion and spread in vivo. Here, we discuss the diverse functions and the relevance of the viral protein U (Vpu) that is expressed from a bicistronic RNA during the late stage of the viral replication cycle and found only in HIV-1 and closely related SIVs. It is well established that Vpu counteracts the restriction factor tetherin, mediates degradation of the primary viral CD4 receptors, and inhibits activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B. Recent studies identified additional activities and provided new insights into the sophisticated mechanisms by which Vpu enhances and prolongs the release of fully infectious viral particles. In addition, it has been shown that Vpu prevents superinfection not only by degrading CD4 but also by modulating DNA repair mechanisms to promote degradation of nuclear viral complementary DNA in cells that are already productively infected.
High Current Density and Low Ron Quaternary InAlGaN MIS-HEMT on Si for Power Applications
Authors: Weng You-Chen , Chung Chin-Han , Ma Cheng-Jun , Yang Chih-Yi , Lan Yu-Pin , Kuo Hao-Chung , Chang Edward-Yi
Published: July 2023

In this work, a quaternary In0.04Al0.63Ga0.33N/GaN metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS)-high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) on Si substrate using a GaN:C back-barrier (BB) layer and an AlGaN/AlN superlattice (SL) buffer layer to achieve a high breakdown voltage and a high output current density was demonstrated. Compared to the conventional device adopting AlGaN as the barrier layer, the proposed device showed a better 2DEG carrier density up to 1.9 × 1013 cm−3, a higher output current density up to 1,070 mA mm−1 (improved by 47%), an on-resistance (Ron) as low as 7.64 Ω mm (decreased by 26%), an off-state breakdown voltage up to 2,070 V, and an improved dynamic Ron performance (dynamic to static ratio increased to just 1.2 times at an applied drain-to-source stress voltage (VDS,stress) of 400 V). These results indicated the great potential of the InAlGaN/GaN MIS-HEMTs on Si for high-power switching applications.
Tailoring of Optical, Dielectric, and Structural Parameters of PVA by CdS-Ag Core-Shell Nanoparticles and UV Irradiation
Authors: Nain Aditi , Chahal Rishi Pal , Dhanda Ekta , Dahiya Sanjay
Published: July 2023

Chemical reduction process was employed for formation of CdS-Ag CSNs. Consequently, different weight % of these core shells were embedded in PVA. Further, these films were exposed with UV radiation and changes in optical, structural and dielectric parameters were observed. XRD and TEM was done to establish formation of CSNs. By evaluation of UV–vis data band gap of PVA was observed to reduce after embedding CSNs and linear and non-linear optical parameters like n0, χ[1], χ[3], n2 were discussed corresponding to weight % and UV exposure. Effect of weight % of CSNs and UV on structure, ac conductivity and dielectric parameters is discussed in detail.
Development of Alumina-Titania Composite Layers on Stainless Steel through the Detonation Spray Method and Investigation of Salt Spray Corrosion Behavior along with Surface Examination
Authors: Surya A. , Prakash R. , Senthil Kumar P. , Bharath Balji G.
Published: July 2023

Almost every metal and alloy corrodes when used in high-temperature applications. To combat this problem, ceramic coatings on the metals can be deposited for better thermal and corrosion behavior. The present study applies an alumina-titania (Al2O3-TiO2) ceramic coating to the stainless steel (SS) surface using a detonation spray process. The surface of the coated SS is probed by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The clear differences between coated and uncoated SS have been observed based on the SEM images. The XRD pattern indicates that the Al2O3-TiO2 coating on SS has been successfully deposited. The hardness of coated and uncoated SS surfaces is determined by using the Micro Vickers hardness tester, which claims that the hardness of the SS surface has decreased after coating. Salt spray tests were used to examine the corrosion behavior of coated and uncoated SS after 12 and 24 hours. After 12 hours, no corrosion was observed on the SS. After 24 hours, however, significant corrosion of uncoated SS is observed, and the coated SS shows negligible corrosion. Based on the study, it is claimed that an Al2O3-TiO2 coating on SS has improved its corrosion behavior significantly.
Study on the Physicochemical Properties of Chitosan and their Applications in the Biomedical Sector
Authors: Alemu Digafe , Getachew Efrata , Mondal Ajoy Kanti
Published: July 2023

Chitosan is a natural polymer derived from the deacetylation of chitin. It is mainly derived from crustaceans and fungal sources. It has many intrinsic properties, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, cationic nature, and nontoxicity. These features of chitosan have made it an attractive material for various applications. Furthermore, these unique properties have found significant biomedical applications, such as in drug delivery, tissue engineering, antimicrobial agent, and wound healing. However, it has its drawbacks, such as the raw material source being seasonal and localized, the extraction procedure being time-consuming, costly, and involving the use of harsh chemicals in substantial amounts, and the quality of chitosan obtained from marine sources being variable. Furthermore, studies are needed to increase the yield and utilization of chitosan for various industrial purposes. Technological improvements, such as gene modification will enhance the yield and application of chitosan. This review focuses primarily on the numerous applications of chitosan in the biomedical field, including tissue engineering, wound dressing, drug delivery, and others.
Effect of Sand Roasting on Physicochemical, Thermal, Functional, Antinutritional, and Sensory Properties of Sattu, a Nourishing form of Chickpea
Authors: Qureshi Iqra , Bashir Khalid , Jan Shumaila , Tarafdar Ayon , Habib Mehvish , Jan Kulsum
Published: July 2023

Sattu is a traditional Indian food product made of chickpea with tremendous nutritional benefits. However, the processing of sattu has not been thoroughly explored which is an impediment to industrial applications involving the development of sattu-based products. These products carry immense benefits for consumers and for widespread popularity; it is essential that the roasting of sattu for further processing be investigated for improving the properties of sattu while reducing its antinutritional factors. In this study, the impact of sand roasting on the physicochemical, sensory, antinutritional, thermal, functional, and antioxidant properties on sattu was investigated. Chickpea grains were roasted in sand for different time periods (3–17 min) and temperature combinations (171–228°C). Results revealed that samples treated at 180°C for 15 min had maximum sensory score (3.99) followed by the samples treated at 200°C for 10 min and at 228°C for 10 min. Overall sattu roasted at 180°C for 15 min was found suitable for further application.