bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple Myeloma: Molecular Pathogenesis and Disease Evolution
Authors: Heider Michael , Nickel Katharina , Högner Marion , Bassermann Florian
Published: November 2021

Background: Multiple myeloma is the second most common hematologic malignancy, which to date remains incurable despite advances in treatment strategies including the use of novel substances such as proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs, and monoclonal antibodies. Summary: The bone marrow-based disease is preceded by the 2 sequential premalignant conditions: monoclonal gammo­pathy of undetermined significance and smoldering myeloma. Plasma cell leukemia and extramedullary disease occur, when malignant clones lose their dependency on the bone marrow. Key genetic features of these plasma cell dyscrasias include chromosomal aberrations such as translocations and hyperdiploidy, which occur during error-prone physiologic processes in B-cell development. Next-generation sequencing studies have identified mutations in major oncogenic pathways and tumor suppressors, which contribute to the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma and have revealed insights into the clonal evolution of the disease, particularly along different lines of therapy. More recently, the importance of epigenetic alterations and the role of the bone marrow microenvironment, including immune and osteogenic cells, have become evident. Key Messages: We herein review the current knowledge of the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma, which is crucial for the development of novel targeted therapeutic strategies. These can contribute to the endeavor to make multiple myeloma a curable disease.
Linguistic Relevance and Applicability of the Spanish VHI-10 in a Population outside Spain
Authors: Castro M. Eugenia , Timmons Sund Lauren , Bhatt Neel K. , Hapner Edie R.
Published: November 2021

Introduction: The Voice Handicap Index 10 (VHI-10) has been translated to many languages. There are substantial differences between the translation methods. Translated questionnaires without appropriate linguistic validation may not capture cultural differences or be understood by the participants in the manner intended by the original developers. This also holds true between dialects within a language. There are two versions of the VHI-10 in Spanish, both translated in Spain. Considering the cultural and dialectical differences amongst Spanish speakers, it is hypothesized that these translations may not be applicable globally. The purpose of this study was to determine the linguistic relevance and applicability of the currently available versions of the VHI-10 in Spanish amongst Spanish speakers outside of Spain. Methods: This study used mixed methods qualitative and quantitative procedures consisting of semi-structured interviews and quantitative analysis of data. Sixty-nine participants met the inclusion criteria. Participants with and without a diagnosis of dysphonia were included. Demographic data collected included age, gender, cultural/dialectical background, level of education, and number of years residing in Southern California. Participants were provided the currently available translated versions of the VHI-10 in Spanish (V1 and V2). After reading both questionnaires, a semi-structured interview was conducted by a bilingual SLP. Semi-structured interview responses were coded to determine patterns of words marked as problematic/not understood or non-representative of the Spanish dialect spoken by the participants. Results: The majority of participants marked at least one word in both versions as problematic/not understood or non-representative of the Spanish dialect spoken (60/69, 87.0% for V1 and 63/69, 92.3%, for V2). The two words most frequently marked as problematic/not understood or non-representative of the Spanish dialect spoken were “hándicap” (marked by 51/69 participants, 73.9%) and “minusvalía” (marked by 52/69 participants, 75.4%). Conclusions: Data analysis demonstrates that the majority of participants marked words as not understood/non-representative of their dialect on either V1 or V2. One question not understood or not answered could have an impact on how we interpret this patient-reported outcome measure in clinical practice. Use of currently available Spanish translations of the VHI-10 may yield unreliable results when used amongst Spanish speakers outside Spain due to dialectal and cultural differences. Future work will include validation of a voice patient-reported outcome measure that is culturally and linguistically appropriate for Spanish speakers outside Spain.
Manipulative Approach In Teaching Fractions
Authors: Parungao Rea C.
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to determine the effects of using manipulatives in teaching fractions.

 

Quasi- experimental method of research was used in this study. It was conducted during the first quarter of S.Y. 2019-2020 among the respondents were randomly selected. Two sections of Arayat National High School were the respondents of the study. The control group was the 7-Rosal while the 7-Sampaguita was the experimental group. Both groups were given a pretest prior to the discussion about fractions and a posttest after instruction using the traditional method (control group) and the use of manipulatives (experimental group). The results were then evaluated, analysed through SPSS, and interpreted. Mean, t-test and ANCOVA were utilized to analyze and interpret the data.

This study found out that the post-test scores of the respondents from the two groups improved in comparison to their pre-test scores.  The mean pretest and mean posttest scores of both groups showed significant difference. The results showed that the use of virtual manipulatives in converting fractions to decimals had significant difference compared the use of the traditional method. On the contrary, teaching fractions on a number line did not have significant difference. Out of the four operations on fractions, three showed that the use of concrete manipulatives was highly effective.

This study recommends that teachers must test the prior knowledge of their students before discussing about fractions to determine the students’ strengths and weaknesses. Although both traditional method and the manipulative approach showed improvement on the post-test results in teaching fractions, still, teachers are encouraged to use manipulatives in teaching fractions to improve students’ performance. It is important for teachers to provide their students opportunities for hands-on manipulation of objects in order to grasp the concepts of fractions more easily. Lastly, teachers must develop the use of concrete and virtual manipulatives in teaching fractions to promote active learning that can enhance students’ mathematics performance and can help them to realize that mathematics is an enjoyable subject.
Impact analysis of agile method based on risk management for developing technology management in (SMEs) Small and Medium- Enterprises
Authors: Younus Ahmed Muayad , Abumandil Mohanad
Published: November 2021

Nowadays, information systems such as the Agile model can adapt to the structures and processes of smart organizations, particularly SMEs. The faster an information technology company adopts risk management-based Agile in a work environment, the higher its performance and energy efficiency. To maximize the value generated by agile decision-makers or managers, SMEs must have the capability and willingness to adopt new risk management-based technology models. Additionally, the study identifies a gap in the use of the Agile Model to influence the success of SME projects in the Middle East region's SMEs (, UAE, KSA, Oman, Egypt, Iraq, and Qatar). The study is aimed at SMEs in the electronics and energy sectors, as well as IT businesses and big data projects, with the goal of encouraging them to adopt an Agile model. This study was characterized positively in numerous ways, including the adoption of technology in the workplace to accommodate abrupt changes in energy management schemes and various government policies promoting energy conservation. Additionally, employee training and adaptability in dealing with programs that can affect the process help accomplish the objectives. Restructuring medium and small businesses to improve their energy management and overall performance.
Understanding the Aortic Root Using Computed Tomographic Assessment: A Potential Pathway to Improved Customized Surgical Repair
Authors: Tretter Justin T. , Izawa Yu , Spicer Diane E. , Okada Kenji , Anderson Robert H. , Quintessenza James A. , Mori Shumpei
Published: November 2021

There is continued interest in surgical repair of both the congenitally malformed aortic valve, and the valve with acquired dysfunction. Aortic valvar repair based on a geometric approach has demonstrated improved durability and outcomes. Such an approach requires a thorough comprehension of the complex 3-dimensional anatomy of both the normal and congenitally malformed aortic root. In this review, we provide an understanding of this anatomy based on the features that can accurately be revealed by contrast-enhanced computed tomographic imaging. We highlight the complimentary role that such imaging, with multiplanar reformatting and 3-dimensional reconstructions, can play in selection of patients, and subsequent presurgical planning for valvar repair. The technique compliments other established techniques for perioperative imaging, with echocardiography maintaining its central role in assessment, and enhances direct surgical evaluation. This additive morphological and functional information holds the potential for improving selection of patients, surgical planning, subsequent surgical repair, and hopefully the subsequent outcomes.
Intermittent Fasting Enhances Right Ventricular Function in Preclinical Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Prisco Sasha Z. , Eklund Megan , Moutsoglou Daphne M. , Prisco Anthony R. , Khoruts Alexander , Weir E. Kenneth , Thenappan Thenappan , Prins Kurt W.
Published: November 2021

Background

Intermittent fasting (IF) confers pleiotropic cardiovascular benefits including restructuring of the gut microbiome and augmentation of cellular metabolism. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare and lethal disease characterized by right ventricular (RV) mitochondrial dysfunction and resultant lipotoxicity and microbiome dysbiosis. However, the effects of IF on RV function in PAH are unexplored. Therefore, we investigated how IF altered gut microbiota composition, RV function, and survival in the monocrotaline model of PAH.

Methods and Results

Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly allocated into 3 groups: control, monocrotaline‐ad libitum feeding, and monocrotaline‐IF (every other day feeding). Echocardiography and invasive hemodynamics showed IF improved RV systolic and diastolic function despite no significant change in PAH severity. IF prevented premature mortality (30% mortality rate in monocrotaline‐ad libitum versus 0% in monocrotaline‐IF rats,
P
=0.04). IF decreased RV cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and reduced RV fibrosis. IF prevented RV lipid accrual on Oil Red O staining and ceramide accumulation as determined by metabolomics. IF mitigated the reduction in jejunum villi length and goblet cell abundance when compared with monocrotaline‐ad libitum. The 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing demonstrated IF changed the gut microbiome. In particular, there was increased abundance of
Lactobacillus
in monocrotaline‐IF rats. Metabolomics profiling revealed IF decreased RV levels of microbiome metabolites including bile acids, aromatic amino acid metabolites, and gamma‐glutamylated amino acids.

Conclusions

IF directly enhanced RV function and restructured the gut microbiome. These results suggest IF may be a non‐pharmacological approach to combat RV dysfunction, a currently untreatable and lethal consequence of PAH.
Clonal Hematopoiesis Is Associated With Higher Risk of Stroke
Authors: Bhattacharya Romit , Zekavat Seyedeh M. , Haessler Jeffrey , Fornage Myriam , Raffield Laura , Uddin Md Mesbah , Bick Alexander G. , Niroula Abhishek , Yu Bing , Gibson Christopher , Griffin Gabriel , Morrison Alanna C. , Psaty Bruce M. , Longstreth William T. , Bis Joshua C. , Rich Stephen S. , Rotter Jerome I. , Tracy Russell P. , Correa Adolfo , Seshadri Sudha , Johnson Andrew , Collins Jason M. , Hayden Kathleen M. , Madsen Tracy E. , Ballantyne Christie M. , Jaiswal Siddhartha , Ebert Benjamin L. , Kooperberg Charles , Manson JoAnn E. , Whitsel Eric A. ,   NHLBI Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine Program, Natarajan Pradeep , Reiner Alexander P.
Published: November 2021

Background and Purpose:

Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) is a novel age-related risk factor for cardiovascular disease–related morbidity and mortality. The association of CHIP with risk of incident ischemic stroke was reported previously in an exploratory analysis including a small number of incident stroke cases without replication and lack of stroke subphenotyping. The purpose of this study was to discover whether CHIP is a risk factor for ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke.

Methods:

We utilized plasma genome sequence data of blood DNA to identify CHIP in 78 752 individuals from 8 prospective cohorts and biobanks. We then assessed the association of CHIP and commonly mutated individual CHIP driver genes (
DNMT3A
,
TET2
, and
ASXL1
) with any stroke, ischemic stroke, and hemorrhagic stroke.

Results:

CHIP was associated with an increased risk of total stroke (hazard ratio, 1.14 [95% CI, 1.03–1.27];
P
=0.01) after adjustment for age, sex, and race. We observed associations with CHIP with risk of hemorrhagic stroke (hazard ratio, 1.24 [95% CI, 1.01–1.51];
P
=0.04) and with small vessel ischemic stroke subtypes. In gene-specific association results,
TET2
showed the strongest association with total stroke and ischemic stroke, whereas
DMNT3A
and
TET2
were each associated with increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke.

Conclusions:

CHIP is associated with an increased risk of stroke, particularly with hemorrhagic and small vessel ischemic stroke. Future studies clarifying the relationship between CHIP and subtypes of stroke are needed.
Cossidae (Lepidoptera) of Iran: a review with description of two new species
Authors: ALIPANAH HELEN , YAKOVLEV ROMAN , FALSAFI HOSSEIN , WITT THOMAS , SALDAITIS AIDAS
Published: November 2021

A taxonomic revision of the Iranian species of the family Cossidae is conducted. Sixthy-nine species and 16 subspecies in 26 genera and five subfamilies, namely Catoptinae, Mehariinae, Stygiinae, Cossinae and Zeuzerinae, are identified. Meharia baluchestana Alipanah & Yakovlev, sp. n. and Cossulus kopetdaghensis Yakovlev & Alipanah, sp. n. are described. Dyspessa elbursensis derbenti Daniel, 1964 is raised to the species level, Dyspessa derbenti Daniel, 1964, stat. n.; Dieida ledereri (Staudinger, 1817) is considered as the senior synonym of D. persa Strand in Stichel, 1911, syn. n.; Cossus coccus araraticus Teich, 1896 is considered as a senior synonym of C. c. armeniaca Rothschild, 1912, syn. n.; C c. kossai Wiltshire, 1957 as a senior synonym of C. c. omrana Wiltshire, 1957, syn. n.; and Deserticossus arenicola iranica (Austaut, 1897), syn. n. and D. arenicola transcaucasicus (Zukowsky, 1936), syn. n. are newly synonymized with D. arenicola arenicola (Staudinger, 1879). Additionally, the genus Mormogystia Schoorl, 1990, and 15 species, namely Dyspessa alpherakyi (Christoph in Romanoff, 1885), D. artemis Yakovlev, 2008, D. blonda Yakovlev, 2008, D. stroehlei Yakovlev, 2008, D. tsvetaevi Yakovlev, 2008, Barchaniella inspersa (Christoph, 1887), B. sacara (Grum-Grshimailo, 1902), Cossulus intractatus (Staudinger, 1887), C. mollis (Christoph, 1887), C. stertzi (Püngeler, 1899), Deserticossus campicola (Eversmann, 1854), Kotchevnik durelli Yakovlev, 2004, Mormogystia reibellii (Oberthür, 1876), Eremocossus erebuni Yakovlev, 2008 and Phragmataecia turkmenbashi Yakovlev, 2008 are newly reported for the fauna of Iran. Moreover, the hitherto unknown female of Kotchevnik durelli is described. Additional data of the species previously reported from Iran is provided and the collecting data maps of the entire studied species are presented.
A new genus of Chamaemyiidae (Diptera: Lauxanioidea) predaceous on Adelgidae (Hemiptera), with a key to chamaemyiid species associated with Pinaceae-feeding Sternorrhyncha
Authors: GAIMARI STEPHEN D. , HAVILL NATHAN P.
Published: November 2021

A new genus of Chamaemyiidae (Diptera: Lauxanioidea) is described, namely Leucotaraxis gen. nov. (type species Leucopis atrifacies Aldrich; other included species Leucotaraxis argenticollis (Zetterstedt), comb. nov., Leucotaraxis piniperda (Malloch), comb. nov., and Leucotaraxis sepiola sp. nov.). These species are predators of Adelgidae (Hemiptera) infesting Pinaceae. Leucotaraxis argenticollis is Holarctic, while the other three species are Nearctic. The phylogeny of Leucotaraxis with other representatives of Chamaemyiidae was elucidated using mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences and the genus was found to be monophyletic. Egg and puparial stages are discussed or described and illustrated for all species except Leucotaraxis sepiola. A key is provided to all species of Chamaemyiidae known to attack Pinaceae-infesting Sternorrhyncha, an annotated list of these taxa is provided, and a habitus photograph is provided for each genus with such species. In addition, a lectotype is designated for Leucopis olivacea Meijere, and it is synonymized under Neoleucopis obscura (Haliday), syn. nov.
Onthophagus acernorus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae: Onthophagini), a new dung beetle species from Jalisco, Mexico
Authors: MOCTEZUMA VICTOR , HERNÁNDEZ BENJAMÍN , SÁNCHEZ-HUERTA JOSÉ LUIS , NAVARRETE-HEREDIA JOSÉ LUIS , MARTÍNEZ-RODRÍGUEZ PABLO ANTONIO
Published: November 2021

The Onthophagus chevrolati Harold, 1869 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae: Onthophagini) species complex was recently studied, and a majority of its species were newly described or redescribed (see Moctezuma & Halffter 2020). Onthophagus viridichevrolati Moctezuma & Halffter, 2020 was the only species within the O. chevrolati species complex recognized to occur in the Mexican state of Jalisco (Moctezuma & Halffter 2020). Recently, new material belonging to the O. chevrolati species complex was collected from the maple (Acer; Sapindaceae) forests of Talpa de Allende, Jalisco, Mexico. The examination of these specimens showed that they are morphologically similar to O. chevrolati Harold, 1869 and belong to an undescribed species. In this study, we provide photographs of the habitus (male and female) and male genitalia of O. acernorus   new species; an identification key to separate it from O. chevrolati, and an updated distribution map of the O. chevrolati species complex.
Predicting Winter Wheat Heading Date: A Simple Model and Its Validation in Kansas
Authors: Zhao H. D. , Sassenrath G. F. , Zambreski Z. T. , Shi L. , Lollato R. , Wolf E. De , Lin X.
Published: November 2021

Accurate prediction of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) heading date is important for determining the potential incidence of diseases and abiotic stresses such as freeze or heat events. Wheat phenological modeling requires cultivar- and crop-zone-specific vernalization and photoperiod knowledge. Previous models applied in Kansas showed that the uncertainties of predicting heading date were large and could be improved. In this study, a modification to the Scientific Impact Assessment and Modeling Platform for Advanced Crop and Ecosystem Management (SIMPLACE) model was developed and implemented to improve the accuracy of winter wheat heading date estimation. The cultivar- and crop-zone-specific model parameters were calculated using a Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation. The modified models were calibrated by using the longest observation site to cover all cultivars planted in each crop zone. Model performance was then evaluated for seven winter wheat cultivars at eight experiment sites distributed across four crop zones in Kansas. Our modified model (MS) had a root-mean-square error (RMSE) between predicted and observed heading date of 4 days, which reflects an improved accuracy by 5–8 days on average compared to the Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM) or the original SIMPLACE models. There was a clear correlation between the uncertainty of the modeled heading date and the sowing date in previous models. Our modified model demonstrates that integrating nonlinear temperature response functions, temperature stress factors, and sowing date information improved prediction of the heading date in winter wheat across Kansas.
Diurnal Cycles of Synthetic Microwave Sounding Lower-Stratospheric Temperatures from Radio Occultation Observations, Reanalysis, and Model Simulations
Authors: Sweeney Aodhan J. , Fu Qiang
Published: November 2021

An observationally based global climatology of the temperature diurnal cycle in the lower stratosphere is derived from 11 different satellites with global positioning system–radio occultation (GPS-RO) measurements from 2006 to 2020. Methods used in our analysis allow for accurate characterization of global stratospheric temperature diurnal cycles, even in the high latitudes where the diurnal signal is small but longer time-scale variability is large. A climatology of the synthetic Microwave Sounding Unit (MSU) and Advanced MSU (AMSU) Temperature in the Lower Stratosphere (TLS) is presented to assess the accuracy of diurnal cycle climatologies for the MSU and AMSU TLS observations, which have traditionally been generated by model data. The TLS diurnal ranges are typically less than 0.4 K in all latitude bands and seasons investigated. It is shown that the diurnal range (maximum minus minimum temperature) of TLS is largest over Southern Hemisphere tropical land in the boreal winter season, indicating the important role of deep convection. The range, phase, and seasonality of the TLS diurnal cycle are generally well captured by the WACCM6 simulation and ERA5 dataset. We also present an observationally based diurnal cycle climatology of temperature profiles from 300 to 10 hPa for various latitude bands and seasons and compare the ERA5 data with the observations.
Storm-Scale Polarimetric Radar Signatures Associated with Tornado Dissipation in Supercells
Authors: Segall Jacob H. , French Michael M. , Kingfield Darrel M. , Loeffler Scott D. , Kumjian Matthew R.
Published: November 2021

Polarimetric radar data from the WSR-88D network are used to examine the evolution of various polarimetric precursor signatures to tornado dissipation within a sample of 36 supercell storms. These signatures include an increase in bulk hook echo median raindrop size, a decrease in midlevel differential radar reflectivity factor (ZDR) column area, a decrease in the magnitude of the ZDR arc, an increase in the area of low-level large hail, and a decrease in the orientation angle of the vector separating low-level ZDR and specific differential phase (KDP) maxima. Only supercells that produced “long-duration” tornadoes (with at least four consecutive volumes of WSR-88D data) are investigated, so that signatures can be sufficiently tracked in time, and novel algorithms are used to isolate each storm-scale process. During the time leading up to tornado dissipation, we find that hook echo median drop size (D0) and median ZDR remain relatively constant, but hook echo median KDP and estimated number concentration (NT) increase. The ZDR arc maximum magnitude and ZDR–KDP separation orientation angles are observed to decrease in most dissipation cases. Neither the area of large hail nor the ZDR column area exhibit strong signals leading up to tornado dissipation. Finally, combinations of storm-scale behaviors and TVS behaviors occur most frequently just prior to tornado dissipation, but also are common 15–20 min prior to dissipation. The results from this study provide evidence that nowcasting tornado dissipation using dual-polarization radar may be possible when combined with TVS monitoring, subject to important caveats.
Gender and Educational Differentials in Marital Sorting of Hispanic Young Adults
Authors: Choi Kate H. , Tienda Marta
Published: November 2021

Over the past few decades, Hispanic young adults have made impressive gains in educational attainment, but improvements have not been even by gender, with Latinas now averaging more schooling than Latinos. These developments in education have implications for Latinx marital sorting behavior and the marriage conditions that they face. Using data from the American Community Survey, we examine intermarriage patterns of Hispanics ages 25 to 34, focusing on gender differences in assortative mating along ethnic and educational lines. We show that college-educated Latinos are less likely than both their lesser-educated peers and college-educated Latinas to marry partners who are less educated than themselves. We also reveal that highly educated Latinas are more likely than Latinos with comparable levels of education to intermarry. We discuss implications for the intergenerational maintenance of Hispanicity as an ethno-race, and for their ability to transmit the socioeconomic gains obtained via educational improvements to future generations of Hispanics.
Beyond the Tipping Point: Searching for a New Vision for Latino College Success in the United States
Authors: Flores Stella M. , Carroll Tim , Lyons Suzanne M.
Published: November 2021

While Latinos have seen an increase in college enrollment and attainment over the last decade, completion rates relative to non-Hispanic whites are stagnant, resulting in a steady or widening gap in the attainment of college degrees. This article summarizes research related to Latinos’ college success, highlighting the promise of Latino-attentive approaches for boosting college completion. We elaborate on how parental and teacher contributions and behaviors, family-level considerations of costs and benefits, and the value of a college degree at a community level present opportunities to increase Latinos’ attainment of postsecondary degrees. We also present an original multivariate assessment that indicates how the presence of Hispanic-serving institutions and in-state resident tuition benefits for immigrant students may raise the odds of college enrollment and completion rates for Latinos. Our findings suggest that incorporating Latino-attentive policies are beneficial to college completion among Latinos.
Means-Tested Safety Net Programs and Hispanic Families: Evidence from Medicaid, SNAP, and WIC
Authors: Bitler Marianne , Gennetian Lisa A. , Gibson-Davis Christina , Rangel Marcos A.
Published: November 2021

Hispanic families have historically used means-tested assistance less than high-poverty peers, and one explanation for this may be that anti-immigrant politics and policies are a barrier to program participation. We document the participation of Hispanic children in three antipoverty programs by age and parental citizenship and the correlation of participation with state immigrant-based restrictions. Hispanic citizen children with citizen parents participate in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid more than Hispanic citizen children with noncitizen parents. Foreign-born Hispanic mothers use Medicaid less than their socioeconomic status would suggest. However, little evidence exists that child participation in Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) varies by mother’s nativity: foreign-born mothers of Hispanic infants participate in WIC at higher rates than U.S.-born Hispanic mothers. State policies that restrict immigrant program use correlate to lower SNAP and Medicaid uptake among citizen children of foreign-born Hispanic mothers. WIC participation may be greater because it is delivered through nonprofit clinics, and WIC eligibility for immigrants is largely unrestricted.
Higher Education and Justice-Impacted Students: Toward a Radical Reimagining
Authors: Corbett Erin S. , Wall Jarrod M.
Published: November 2021

In this special issue, the five previous articles trace the longstanding presence and integration of carceral practices in both K-12 and postsecondary education systems. As illuminated by the authors, carceral practices disproportionately criminalize students of color and impact pathways, trajectories, and how educational opportunities are experienced. In our review and closing comments for this special issue, we expand and share three emergent themes running throughout this volume: 1) Power Analysis, an investigation of macro systems and structures that determine specific contexts entrapping current and prospective students in the carceral system; 2) Worth/Value, an interrogation of the paradigms contributing to the devaluation, and ultimate criminalization, of Black and Latinx students within educational spaces; 3) Reform or Reimagine?, an inquiry and challenge on whether to advance with useful, but insufficient, changes to an unjust system or a move forward with new wide-sweeping and radical approaches to minimize damage to individuals. Our paper concludes with reimagining educational systems using these more radical approaches.
Case Report of a Novel Technique for Fecal Diversion
Authors: Chu Quyen , Briley Tyler S.
Published: November 2021

An estimated 100,000 individuals within the United States experience operations that result in a colostomy or ileostomy each year. Ostomy formation is used in surgery for operations involving several pathologies involving the small intestine or colon. Evidence shows that loop ileostomy or loop colostomy for fecal diversion effectively reduce the complications of anastomotic dehiscence. Anastomotic leak can cause significant morbidity and mortality. The role of temporary fecal diversion though a loop ileostomy or colostomy is vital in protecting tenuous anastomoses in the pelvis, immunocompromised patients, or those who are septic. 4 We present a case of a patient with a perforated colon cancer who required an innovative technique for fecal diversion.
Surgical Diagnoses of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Not Found on Previous Endoscopic Ultrasound: A Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Davidyuk Vladimir , Bhutiani Neal , Gold Maks K. , Mortensen Garrett F. , Trestrail Timothy , Brown Amber N , Vitale Rebecca J. , McClave Stephen A. , Vitale Gary C.
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Pancreatic cancer is a leading cause of death in North America and Western Europe with rising rates in the developing world. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) with FNA (fine needle aspiration) is a critical component in the evaluation and diagnosis of pancreatic lesions with a high sensitivity and specificity. In this paper, we report patients at our center who eventually developed pancreatic cancer despite an early negative EUS, and identifying factors that may result in a missed diagnosis.

Methods

The University of Louisville database was queried for patients who had a Whipple procedure for presumed benign disease and had a pre-operative EUS between 2008 and 2018. Patients who had pancreatic adenocarcinoma on final pathology were identified. Demographic, clinical, EUS, operative, and pathologic details were reviewed for each case in efforts to identify factors associated with failure to diagnose a pancreatic malignancy on EUS.

Results

Five patients who had pancreatic adenocarcinoma on final pathology were reviewed in detail and their cases are presented in the paper. Four of the patients had dilation of the common bile duct, three had chronic pancreatitis. Two of them had previous surgery on the pancreas or bile ducts.

Conclusions

All of the patients presented in the paper had variables that made their EUS evaluation challenging. A high index of suspicion must be maintained in patients that do not improve after appropriate treatment of their strictures or pancreatic lesions. In the future, new techniques, such as fine needle biopsy and biomarker assays, may improve diagnosis accuracy.
Leader Tolerance of Ambiguity: Implications for Follower Performance Outcomes in High and Low Ambiguous Work Situations
Authors: O’Connor Peter J. , Jimmieson Nerina L. , Bergin Adele J. , Wiewiora Anna , McColl Laird
Published: November 2021

Individuals high in tolerance of ambiguity (TOA) are comfortable with, desire, and strive to manage ambiguous situations. We predicted leader TOA would be associated with better follower performance outcomes, depending on the level (Study 1) and nature (Study 2) of follower role ambiguity. Data were collected from employees (Study 1, n = 423) and managerial employees (Study 2, n = 326) who rated their leader on three facets of TOA and provided self-reports of their own performance outcomes. Positive implications of leader TOA for follower learning goal orientation and job performance (Study 1) were most pronounced when followers perceived low role ambiguity and, in the prediction of situational coping (Study 2), when ambiguous work situations were categorized as challenges (unexpected events requiring problem-solving) compared to hindrances. Findings have theoretical implications for understanding when TOA in leaders is optimal and have practical relevance for leaders seeking to adapt to the situational needs of their followers.
Individual fibre inclination segmentation from X-ray computed tomography using principal component analysis
Authors: Salling Filip B , Jeppesen Niels , Sonne Mads R , Hattel Jesper H , Mikkelsen Lars P
Published: November 2021

This study presents a holistic segmentation procedure, which can be used to obtain individual fibre inclination angles from X-ray computed tomography. The segmentation approach is based on principal component analysis and was successfully applied for a unidirectional and an air-textured glass fibre–reinforced composite profile. The inclination results show a weighted mean fibre inclination of 2.1° and 8.0° for the unidirectional and air-textured profile, respectively. For the air-textured composite, fibre inclinations of up to 55° were successfully segmented. The results were verified by comparative analysis with equivalent results obtained from structure tensor analysis – showing no notable deviation. The comparable characteristics in combination with the distinct differences of the two material systems make this case study ideal for verification and validation of idealized models. It is shown how this approach can provide fast, accurate and repeatable inclination estimates with a high degree of automation.
Oral and Verbal Praxis in Impaired Language Learners
Authors: Narayanan Swapna , Vijayan Kavya , Vastare Guruprasad Mekhala , Prabhu P Prashanth , Barman Animesh
Published: November 2021

In the context of language descriptions, the terms oral and verbal praxis refer to volitional movements for performing oral gestures and movements for speech. These movements involve programming articulators and rapid sequences of muscle firings that are required for speech sound productions. A growing body of research has highlighted the links between oral motor kinematics and language production skills in both typically developing (TD) children and children with developmental language disorders, including Specific Language Impairment (SLI). Yet, there have been limited attempts to assess the link between non-linguistic and linguistic development. In the present study, we investigated oral and verbal praxis behaviors in children with SLI. Fifteen children with SLI formed a clinical group and 15 children with typical development who were matched to the clinical group for chronological age, gender, and socio-economic status formed the TD group. We assessed participants in both groups for their language abilities with age-appropriate standardized language tests. To investigate oral and verbal praxis behaviors, we administered the Assessment Protocol for Oral Motor, Oral Praxis and Verbal Praxis Skills to the two groups. We used the non-parametric Mann–Whitney U test to compare the two groups with respect to oral and verbal praxis measures; and we found a significant difference between isolated and sequential movements in the oral praxis section in two age subgroups of these groups ( p ≤ .05). Spearman’s correlations revealed a strong correlation between core language scores and sequential movements in the younger children with SLI and in TD children. These results showed co-morbidity between SLI and poor oral motor skills, suggesting that SLI is not just a language disorder, but a group of co-morbid conditions that include oral motor and verbal praxis difficulties.
Reducing the Burden of Decision in Digital Democracy Applications: A Comparative Analysis of Six Decision-making Software
Authors: Deseriis Marco
Published: November 2021

The more digital democracy applications lower the costs of political participation, allowing ordinary citizens to propose their own policy initiatives, the more they increase the burden of decision for the very same citizens, who are required to debate and vote on many issues. Drawing from this paradox, this article considers how the designers and administrators of six popular decision-making software (DMS) have introduced software features and norms of use whose function is to reduce the aggregate burden of decision for participants in digital democracy initiatives (DDIs). Building upon Andrew Feenberg’s definition of the design code of technology as a technical stabilization of social demands, this article considers how different DMS stabilize the democratic interventions of a plurality of actors, affecting political equality along two axes of the democratic process: the relationship between the exchange of opinions and the synthesis of opinion and the relationship between agenda setting and voting. This article concludes that the design code of digital democracy software reflects an ongoing tension between the need of governing actors to make the democratic process manageable and the pressure of social actors to make it more equal and inclusive.
Evaluation and collaboration in creating online audio descriptions of visual art
Authors: Luque Colmenero María Olalla , Soler Gallego Silvia
Published: November 2021

AccesArte is an accessibility project that is part of the internship programme at Kaleidoscope, a non-profit organization founded by the authors to apply audio description (AD) research to developing accessibility programmes. The project consists of ADs of a thematic selection of visual artworks, and the development of eclectic and experience-oriented AD types. It uses online, open access videos and performs a formative and summative evaluation of the resources, with the latter being online, open and ongoing. The goal of this article is to offer a detailed description and critical analysis of the project, with an emphasis on the formative evaluation process. In this regard, the formative evaluation has allowed us to include blind and partially sighted (BPS) consultants in the process, improve resource quality, and enrich the interns’ learning experience.
Bosnian voices from the bottom of the well: Genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity and victims’ right to remedies
Authors: Begicevic Alma
Published: November 2021

Human rights advocates call for reparation as an important step to acknowledge and repair historical injustice and mass harms. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, victims of war continue to seek monetary reparation for non-pecuniary damages caused by genocide: murder, injury to human body and dignity, and harms inflicted upon a close family member. They seek legal remedies using national, foreign, and international human rights judicial venues. Drawing from qualitative, ethnographic research data and archival documents, the article examines legal claims and public discourse regarding reparation and makes a case for a reconceptualization of reparation by including victim voices. The article concludes that despite being absent from the post-conflict victims’ reparation programs in Bosnia and Herzegovina, monetary reparation has assumed a social valuation attribute. On the one hand, it is a victim’s call for retributive, legal conceptions of justice – that someone who escaped international and national criminal justice programs pays. On the other hand, it is a tool to draw attention to Bosnian victims’ present civil and political exclusions that came with the international post-conflict peace treaty. While the post-war reconstruction focused on international trials, democratization, restorative justice, and state building programs, it also restricted socio-economic and cultural rights by redefining the citizenship and dismantling the welfare state. Reparation is a debt owed to victims.
Creation of a three-dimensional printed spine model for training in pain procedures
Authors: Koh Jae Chul , Jang Yoo Kyung , Seong Hyunyoung , Lee Kae Hong , Jun Seungwoo , Choi Jong Bum
Published: November 2021

Objective

Technological developments have made it possible to create simulation models to educate clinicians on surgical techniques and patient preparation. In this study, we created an inexpensive lumbar spine phantom using patient data and analyzed its usefulness in clinical education.

Methods

This randomized comparative study used computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging data from a single patient to print a three-dimensional (3D) bone framework and create a mold. The printed bones and structures made from the mold were placed in a simulation model that was used to train residents. The residents were divided into two groups: Group L, which received only an audiovisual lecture, and Group P, which received an additional 1 hour of training using the 3D phantom. The performance of both groups was evaluated using pretest and post-test analyses.

Results

Both the checklist and global rating scores increased after training in both groups. However, some variables improved significantly only in Group P. The overall satisfaction score was also higher in Group P than in Group L.

Conclusions

We have described a method by which medical doctors can create a spine simulation phantom and have demonstrated its efficiency for procedural education.
Urban political ecology: a critical reconfiguration
Authors: Gandy Matthew
Published: November 2021

Urban political ecology now finds itself at a crossroads between gradual marginalization or renewed intellectual impetus. Despite some recent critical re-evaluations of the field, there remain a series of conceptual tensions that have only been partially explored. I consider six issues in particular: the uncertain relations between urban political ecology and the biophysical sciences; the emergence of extended conceptions of agency and subjectivity; the redefinition of space, scale, and the urban realm; renewed interest in urban epidemiology; the delineation of urban ecological imaginaries; and finally, the emergence of evidentiary materialism as an alternative posthuman configuration to new materialist ontologies. I conclude that a conceptually enriched urban political ecology could play an enhanced role in critical environmental research.
What Counts as Commute Travel? Identification and Resolution of Key Issues around Measuring Complex Commutes in the National Household Travel Survey
Authors: Kash Gwen , Mokhtarian Patricia L.
Published: November 2021

We use travel diary data from the 2017 National Household Travel Survey (NHTS) Georgia subsample to address critical issues associated with analyzing complex work journeys. To define the work journey, we discuss the importance of defining commute anchors by both purpose and location. We then compare two alternate measures for determining what portion of each journey should be counted as commute distance: the last leg of the journey (the NHTS default), and a modeled counterfactual simple commute to estimate the distance that would have been traveled had no stops been made. The average complex commute distance obtained using the counterfactual method was 63% higher than the estimate based on using the last leg alone. Using the last-leg method may understate Georgia’s annual commute distance by 2.6 billion miles (10% of the total, including both simple and complex commutes). We argue that the last-leg method is not an accurate gauge of work travel, particularly among populations such as women, who are more likely to trip chain on their commutes.
Instrumentation Results of New Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware Crash Tested Barriers for William P. Lane, Jr. Bridge
Authors: Hopper Travis A , Lopez Maria , Eshenaur Scott
Published: November 2021

Two new bridge barriers were crash tested in accordance with AASHTO Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH) guidelines for future use on the William P. Lane Bridge over the Chesapeake Bay: (1) a combination barrier consisting of a reinforced concrete parapet with a top steel rail evaluated for Test Level 4 (TL-4); and (2) a combination barrier consisting of a steel parapet with a top steel rail evaluated for test levels TL-4 and TL-5. For the first test configuration, the reinforced concrete barrier was attached to a representative overhang deck slab using anchor rods. In the vicinity of the vehicle impact points, load cells were installed to measure forces in anchor bolts, and strain gauges were attached to reinforcing bars to resolve measured strain data into forces through the overhang deck slab. In the second test configuration, the steel barrier was supported by evenly spaced representative floorbeams using a bolted base plate connection. Strain gauges were attached to elements of the barrier at support locations adjacent to the vehicle impact point to evaluate force transfer through the barrier system into the base plate connections. Linear potentiometers were installed to measure lateral dynamic deflection of the barrier near the vehicle impact region. This paper presents the analysis results of the force, strain, and displacement data measured in the barrier and deck structural components during crash load testing.
Development of Operation Guidelines for Leader–Follower Autonomous Maintenance Vehicles at Work Zone Locations
Authors: Tang Qing , Hu Xianbiao , Qin Ruwen
Published: November 2021

The rapid advancement of connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) technologies, although possibly years away from wide application to the general public travel, are receiving attention from many state Departments of Transportation (DOT) in the niche area of using autonomous maintenance technology (AMT) to reduce fatalities of DOT workers in work zone locations. Although promising results are shown in testing and deployments in several states, current autonomous truck mounted attenuator (ATMA) system operators are not provided with much practical driving guidance on how to drive these new vehicle systems in a way that is safe to both the public and themselves. To this end, this manuscript aims to model and develop a set of rules and instructions for ATMA system operators, particularly when it comes to critical locations where essential decision making is needed. Specifically, three technical requirements are investigated: car-following distance, critical lane-changing gap distance, and intersection clearance time. Newell’s simplified car-following model, and the classic lane-changing behavior model are modified, with roll-ahead distance taken into account, to model the driving behaviors of the ATMA vehicles at those critical decision-making locations. Data are collected from real-world field testing to calibrate and validate the developed models. The modeling outputs suggest important thresholds for ATMA system operators to follow. For example, on a freeway with a speed limit of 70 mph and ATMA operating speed of 10 mph, car-following distance should be no less than 75 ft for the lead truck and 100 ft for the follower truck, the critical lane-changing gap distance is 912 ft, and a minimum intersection clearance is 15 s, which are all much higher than the requirements for a general vehicle.