bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Hub Genes in Tuberculosis via Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Zhang Tiancheng , Rao Guihua , Gao Xiwen
Published: October 2021

Background. Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious chronic bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). It is one of the deadliest diseases in the world and a heavy burden for people all over the world. However, the hub genes involved in the host response remain largely unclear. Methods. The data set GSE11199 was studied to clarify the potential gene network and signal transduction pathway in TB. The subjects were divided into latent tuberculosis and pulmonary tuberculosis, and the distribution of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was analyzed between them using GEO2R. We verified the enriched process and pathway of DEGs by making use of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO). The construction of protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of DEGs was achieved through making use of the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING), aiming at identifying hub genes. Then, the hub gene expression level in latent and pulmonary tuberculosis was verified by a boxplot. Finally, through making use of Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), we further analyzed the pathways related to DEGs in the data set GSE11199 to show the changing pattern between latent and pulmonary tuberculosis. Results. We identified 98 DEGs in total in the data set GSE11199, 91 genes upregulated and 7 genes downregulated included. The enrichment of GO and KEGG pathways demonstrated that upregulated DEGs were mainly abundant in cytokine-mediated signaling pathway, response to interferon-gamma, endoplasmic reticulum lumen, beta-galactosidase activity, measles, JAK-STAT signaling pathway, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, etc. Based on the PPI network, we obtained 4 hub genes with a higher degree, namely, CTLA4, GZMB, GZMA, and PRF1. The box plot showed that these 4 hub gene expression levels in the pulmonary tuberculosis group were higher than those in the latent group. Finally, through Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), it was concluded that DEGs were largely associated with proteasome and primary immunodeficiency. Conclusions. This study reveals the coordination of pathogenic genes during TB infection and offers the diagnosis of TB a promising genome. These hub genes also provide new directions for the development of latent molecular targets for TB treatment.
A New Method for Identifying Key and Common Themes Based on Text Mining: An Example in the Field of Urban Expansion
Authors: Zhang Yanwei , Lu Xinhai , Lin Chaoran , Wu Feng , Li Jinqiu
Published: October 2021

Urban land use is a core area of multidisciplinary research that involves geography, land science, and urban planning. With the rapid progress of global urbanization, urban expansion has become a research focus in recent years. Therefore, how to scientifically and accurately identify key and common themes in the urban expansion literature has become crucial for scientific research institutions in various countries. This paper proposes a new framework for identifying such themes based on an analysis of scientific literature and by using text mining and thematic evolutionary analysis. First, the latent Dirichlet allocation algorithm is used to capture the thematic clustering of scientific literature. Second, the key degree of the thematic node in the thematic evolution transfer network is used to represent the key feature of a theme, and the PageRank algorithm is employed to measure the critical score of this theme. When recognizing common themes, the common features of various themes are digitized and mapped to a specially selected quadratic function to measure the degree of commonness. Finally, the hidden Markov model is used to build a thematic prediction model. This method can efficiently identify key and common themes from the literature and provide theoretical and technical support for future research in related fields.
Research on Digital Application of Lighting Design in Public Space Based on Cloud Computing and Data Mining
Authors: Huang Yan , Zhang Yongfeng
Published: October 2021

Light comes along with everything in the world, which makes the world full of vigor and vitality. The appearance and development of urban landscape art lighting have added a surprise to human beings and have also increased their desire and pursuit for life. This paper describes the characteristics and functions of intelligent lighting control system in landscape public space based on cloud computing and big data, and how to use remote measurement and control technology. The system is composed of intelligent sensing layer, network transport layer, and big data processing application layer, which can collect the location and running status information of urban lighting equipment in real time. The application mode, management mode, and service mode of traditional lighting were changed through a remote platform, and the sustainable development mode of energy saving and environmental protection in the future was realized. The importance of humanized lighting design in landscape public space and the scientificalness of humanized lighting design in landscape public space lighting design are further clarified. This paper hopes to have certain reference value and guiding significance in landscape public space lighting design.
GNG4 Promotes Tumor Progression in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Liang Liang , Huang Jun , Yao Ming , Li Lei , Jin Xiao-Jian , Cai Xiao-Yong
Published: October 2021

Colorectal cancer is a common digestive system tumor, which lacks effective therapeutic targets and biomarkers to accurately determine the prognosis. Sequencing data, immunohistochemistry, and Kaplan–Meier analysis were used to explore GNG4 clinical significance in colorectal cancer. And, through in vitro experiments, the effects of GNG4 on cell behaviors were investigated. The results showed that the mRNA and protein expression levels of GNG4 in patients with colorectal cancer were significantly higher than in normal people. The patients with high GNG4 expression had a worse prognosis than patients with low GNG4 expression. The in vitro experiments presented that after downregulating the expression of GNG4, proliferation, migration, and invasion of SW-620 colon cancer cells were all significantly reduced, apoptosis was significantly increased, and the cell cycle was blocked in the S phase. In summary, GNG4 may be of importance in the therapy of the colorectal cancer; therefore, targeting GNG4 may have certain clinical value in the treatment of colorectal cancer.
A Hybrid Modeling of Mobile App Dynamics on Serial Causality for Malware Detection
Authors: Liu Meilin , Wei Songjie , Jiang Pengfei
Published: October 2021

The popularity of smart phones has brought significant convenience to people’s lives, but also there are many security problems. In recent years, malicious applications are increasingly rampant, which threaten users and society as security challenges to network reliability and management. However, due to neglecting the sequential features between network flows, existing malicious application recognition methods based on network traffic analysis have low recognition accuracy. Based on the network traffic characteristics of Android applications, this paper firstly applies Long Short-Term Memory network-based variational Auto-Encoder to extract the sequential feature of the application running time. Then, we design the BP neural network for initial classification and connect the class vector output of the BP neural network with the original data. The output is fed into the cascade forest for further feature learning and classification. The integrated methods are easy to implement with data independency and efficiency. We conduct experiments to evaluate the proposed with Android malware dataset CICAndMal2017, with a 97.29% high accuracy, comparatively significant precision and recall rates when benchmarked against other methods.
Targeting LRRC15 Inhibits Metastatic Dissemination of Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Ray Upasana , Jung Deok-Beom , Jin Ling , Xiao Yinan , Dasari Subramanyam , Sarkar Bhattacharya Sayantani , Thirusangu Prabhu , Staub Julie K. , Roy Debarshi , Roy Bhaskar , Weroha S. John , Hou Xiaonan , Purcell James W. , Bakkum-Gamez Jamie N. , Kaufmann Scott H. , Kannan Nagarajan , Mitra Anirban K. , Shridhar Viji
Published: October 2021

Dissemination of ovarian cancer cells can lead to inoperable metastatic lesions in the bowel and omentum that cause patient death. Here we show that LRRC15, a type-I 15-leucine–rich repeat-containing membrane protein, highly overexpressed in ovarian cancer bowel metastases compared with matched primary tumors and acts as a potent promoter of omental metastasis. Complementary models of ovarian cancer demonstrated that LRRC15 expression leads to inhibition of anoikis-induced cell death and promotes adhesion and invasion through matrices that mimic omentum. Mechanistically, LRRC15 interacted with β1-integrin to stimulate activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling. As a therapeutic proof of concept, targeting LRRC15 with the specific antibody–drug conjugate ABBV-085 in both early and late metastatic ovarian cancer cell line xenograft models prevented metastatic dissemination, and these results were corroborated in metastatic patient-derived ovarian cancer xenograft models. Furthermore, treatment of 3D-spheroid cultures of LRRC15-positive patient-derived ascites with ABBV-085 reduced cell viability. Overall, these data uncover a role for LRRC15 in promoting ovarian cancer metastasis and suggest a novel and promising therapy to target ovarian cancer metastases.

Significance: This study identifies that LRRC15 activates β1-integrin/FAK signaling to promote ovarian cancer metastasis and shows that the LRRC15-targeted antibody–drug conjugate ABBV-085 suppresses ovarian cancer metastasis in preclinical models.
Uncovering the Immunoregulatory Function and Therapeutic Potential of the PD-1/PD-L1 Axis in Cancer
Authors: Pitter Michael R. , Zou Weiping
Published: October 2021

Immune checkpoint blockade involves the targeted antagonism of immunosuppressive interactions between antigen-presenting cells and/or tumor cells and effector T cells. Blockade of B7-H1, also known as programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), prevents the ligation of inhibitory PD-L1 molecules to programmed cell death receptor 1 (PD-1) on T cells, engendering a potentiated response of tumor-specific T cells against tumor cells. In a Cancer Research article, Hirano and colleagues showed that T-cell–mediated tumor immunity becomes impaired when tumor cells interact with T cells via PD-L1 in the mouse tumor microenvironment. They showed that targeting PD-L1 or PD-1 with mAbs increased tumor cell lysis by T cells and suggested that tumor PD-L1 forms a “shield” preventing tumor cell lysis. Alongside other original mouse and human studies, this work generated scientific rationales for a new generation of cancer treatment focused on targeting the inhibitory PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway in the tumor microenvironment.

See related article by Hirano and colleagues, Cancer Res 2005;65:1089–1096.
Enhanced Vulnerability of LKB1-Deficient NSCLC to Disruption of ATP Pools and Redox Homeostasis by 8-Cl-Ado
Authors: Galan-Cobo Ana , Stellrecht Christine M. , Yilmaz Emrullah , Yang Chao , Qian Yu , Qu Xiao , Akhter Ishita , Ayres Mary L. , Fan Youhong , Tong Pan , Diao Lixia , Ding Jie , Giri Uma , Gudikote Jayanthi , Nilsson Monique , Wierda William G. , Wang Jing , Skoulidis Ferdinandos , Minna John D. , Gandhi Varsha , Heymach John V.
Published: October 2021

Loss-of-function somatic mutations of STK11, a tumor suppressor gene encoding LKB1 that contributes to the altered metabolic phenotype of cancer cells, is the second most common event in lung adenocarcinomas and often co-occurs with activating KRAS mutations. Tumor cells lacking LKB1 display an aggressive phenotype, with uncontrolled cell growth and higher energetic and redox stress due to its failure to balance ATP and NADPH levels in response to cellular stimulus. The identification of effective therapeutic regimens for patients with LKB1-deficient non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains a major clinical need. Here, we report that LKB1-deficient NSCLC tumor cells displayed reduced basal levels of ATP and to a lesser extent other nucleotides, and markedly enhanced sensitivity to 8-Cl-adenosine (8-Cl-Ado), an energy-depleting nucleoside analog. Treatment with 8-Cl-Ado depleted intracellular ATP levels, raised redox stress, and induced cell death leading to a compensatory suppression of mTOR signaling in LKB1-intact, but not LKB1-deficient, cells. Proteomic analysis revealed that the MAPK/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT pathways were activated in response to 8-Cl-Ado treatment and targeting these pathways enhanced the antitumor efficacy of 8-Cl-Ado.

Implications:

Together, our findings demonstrate that LKB1-deficient tumor cells are selectively sensitive to 8-Cl-Ado and suggest that therapeutic approaches targeting vulnerable energy stores combined with signaling pathway inhibitors merit further investigation for this patient population.
Continuous, Large-Volume Hydrodissection to Protect Delicate Structures around the Thyroid throughout the Radiofrequency Ablation Procedure
Authors: Ma Yanping , Wu Tao , Yao Zhicheng , Zheng Bowen , Tan Lei , Tong Ge , Lian Yufan , Baek Jung Hwan , Ren Jie
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Small-volume hydrodissection liquid dissipates rapidly and confers only short-term protection during radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of benign thyroid nodules. The aim of this study was to establish a safe method for continuous, large-volume hydrodissection. Methods: A long needle was inserted and positioned outside the thyroid capsule; 5% glucose was injected to maintain a 3- to 5-mm continuous safety buffer. From October 2015 to July 2020, 166 patients underwent hydrodissection with different volumes, and ablation efficacy and complications associated with different liquid volumes (≤40 mL vs. >40 mL) were compared at 1-month postprocedure. Moreover, 20 mL liquid (equivalent to 250 mL in the human body) was injected around the thyroid of a rhesus monkey, after which CT scans were used to visualize the liquid’s fate and verify its safety. Results: The 51 patients with 10–40 mL injections and 116 patients with larger injections (45–450 mL) showed similar complete ablation rates (88.46% vs. 90.44%, p = 0.582), comparable 6-month VRR (82.79% vs. 76.62%, p = 0.079), and complication incidences, although the latter group had larger nodules (9.11 mL vs. 13.79 mL, p = 0.003), more energy delivered (3.44 kcal vs. 6.04 kcal, p < 0.001), and longer operation times (51.37 min vs. 69.2 min, p < 0.001). In the animal experiment, the 20 mL of liquid diffused quickly (within 10 min) from the vicinity of the thyroid to the mediastinum and retropharyngeal space. It was observed in the kidneys at 10 min and disappeared from the neck and chest space by 24 h. Conclusions: Continuous, large-volume hydrodissection can protect the delicate structures around the thyroid throughout the RFA procedure and might be beneficial in large thyroid nodule ablation.
Increased Prevalence of Beta-Cell Dysfunction despite Normal HbA1c in Youth and Young Adults with Turner Syndrome
Authors: Sheanon Nicole , Elder Deborah , Khoury Jane , Casnellie Lori , Gutmark-Little Iris , Cernich Joseph , Backeljauw Phillipe F.
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Adult women with Turner syndrome (TS) have a high prevalence of diabetes and β-cell dysfunction that increases morbidity and mortality, but it is unknown if there is β-cell dysfunction present in youth with TS. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of β-cell dysfunction in youth with TS and the impact of traditional therapies on insulin sensitivity (SI) and insulin secretion. Methods: Cross-sectional, observational study recruited 60 girls with TS and 60 healthy controls (HC) matched on pubertal status. Each subject had a history, physical exam, and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Oral glucose and c-peptide minimal modeling was used to determine β-cell function. Results: Twenty-one TS girls (35%) met criteria for prediabetes. Impaired fasting glucose was present in 18% of girls with TS and 3% HC (p value = 0.02). Impaired glucose tolerance was present in 23% of TS girls and 0% HC (p value <0.001). The hemoglobin A1c was not different between TS and HC (median 5%, p = 0.42). Youth with TS had significant reductions in SI, β-cell responsivity (Φ), and disposition index (DI) compared to HC. These differences remained significant when controlling for body mass index z-score (p values: 0.0006, 0.002, <0.0001 for SI, Φ total, DI, respectively). Conclusions: β-Cell dysfunction is present in youth with TS compared to controls. The presence of both reduced insulin secretion and SI suggest a unique TS-related glycemic phenotype. Based on the data from this study, we strongly suggest that providers employ serial OGTT to screen for glucose abnormalities in TS youth.
Development of a position tracking drive system for controlling PMSM motor using dSPACE 1104-based variable structure
Authors: Chuyen Tran Duc , Dien Nguyen Duc
Published: October 2021

In industrial electric drive systems, it is common to find objects that need to solve the problem of angular position control, moving the object from one position to another asymptotically with no over-correction and guarantee. calculation of maximum fast impact. This is a multi-target optimization problem with many different solutions. This paper presents a method of constructing a PMSM motor position controller with a variable structure using dSPACE 1104 card. The system consists of a position control loop with a variable structure that is an outer loop and a speed control loop degree is the inner loop. In which, the speed adjustment loop uses adaptive law to compensate for uncertain functions and build a sliding mode observation to estimate load torque, friction and noise. The results of the simulation study were verified on Matlab-Simulink environment and experimented on dSPACE 1104 card to check the correctness of the built controller algorithm. The research results in the paper are the basis for the evaluation and setting up of control algorithms, design of electric drive systems in industry and the military.
A new switching look-up table for direct power control of grid connected 3L-NPC PWM rectifier
Authors: Razali Azziddin M. , Yusoff Nor Azizah , Karim Kasrul Abdul , Jidin Auzani , Sutikno Tole
Published: October 2021

This paper presents a comprehensive and systematic approach in developing a new switching look-up table for direct power control (DPC) strategy applied to the three-phase grid connected three-level neutral-point clamped (3L-NPC) pulse width modulated (PWM) rectifier. The term of PWM rectifier used in this paper is also known as AC-DC converter. The approach provides detailed information regarding the effects of each multilevel converter space vector to the distribution of input active and reactive power in the converter system. Thus, the most optimal converter space vectors are able to be selected by the switching look-up table, allowing smooth control of the active and reactive powers for each sector. In addition, the proposed DPC utilizes an NPC capacitor balanced strategy to enhance the performance of front-end AC-DC converter during load and supply voltage disturbances. The steady state as well as the dynamic performances of the proposed DPC are presented and analyzed by using MATLAB/Simulink software. The results show that the AC-DC converter utilizing the new look-up table is able to produce almost sinusoidal line currents with lower current total harmonic distortion, unity power factor operation, adjustable DC-link output voltage and good dynamic response during load disturbance.
Active battery balancing system for electric vehicles based on cell charger
Authors: Amin Amin , Budiman Alexander Christantho , Kaleg Sunarto , Sudirja Sudirja , Hapid Abdul
Published: October 2021

Cell imbalance can cause negative effects such as early stopping of the battery charging and discharging process which can reduce its capacity. In the previous active balancing research, the energy used for the balancing process was taken from the cell or battery pack, resulting in drop of electric vehicle driving range. In this paper, a cell charger based battery balancing system is proposed with a reduction in the number of switches. The use of a cell charger aims to increase the usable energy of the battery pack, since the energy used for the balancing process is taken directly from the grid. The use of fewer switches aims to reduce the cost and space used on the battery management system (BMS) hardware. The charger used for the balancing process has a maximum current of 3 A and a maximum voltage of 3.65 V while the number of switches used is n+5 for n batteries. A 15S1P 200 Ah LiFePO4 battery pack consists of 15 cells used for testing purpose. The test results show that the time needed to equalize the 15 cell battery voltage reaches 6 hours from the difference between the highest and lowest battery cell voltages of 145.1 mV to 15.1 mV.
H7 three phase transformerless inverter for photovoltaic grid-tied system with maximum power point operation
Authors: Hendawi Essam , Zaid Sherif
Published: October 2021

One of the most important and common parts of the modern power systems is the grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems. Recently, these systems have gotten a big revolution due to the introduction of the transformerless inverters. It has the merits of small size, low cost, and high efficiency. However, transformerless inverters has a general safety problem related to the earth leakage current. Various researches were directed toward evolving their performance and diminishing the leakage current to the standard limits. This article proposes an application of the H7 controller to a PV powered grid-tied three phase transformerless inverter. The transformerless inverter is linked with the grid through a boost converter. The boost converter inductance is rearranged and divided to reduce the earth leakage current of the system. simulations are carried out for the proposed H7 PV grid-tied system and for a system that uses the conventional three phase inverter. The simulation results show that the H7 inverter provides lower leakage current, higher efficiency, and lower total harmonic distortion (THD) compared to the conventional three phase inverter.
Adaptive backstepping controller design based on neural network for PMSM speed control
Authors: Sabouni E. , Merah B. , Bousserhane I. K.
Published: October 2021

The aim of this research is the speed tracking of the permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) using an intelligent Neural-Network based adapative backstepping control. First, the model of PMSM in the Park synchronous frame is derived. Then, the PMSM speed regulation is investigated using the classical method utilizing the field oriented control theory. Thereafter, a robust nonlinear controller employing an adaptive backstepping strategy is investigated in order to achieve a good performance tracking objective under motor parameters changing and external load torque application. In the final step, a neural network estimator is integrated with the adaptive controller to estimate the motor parameters values and the load disturbance value for enhancing the effectiveness of the adaptive backstepping controller. The robsutness of the presented control algorithm is demonstrated using simulation tests. The obtained results clearly demonstrate that the presented NN-adaptive control algorithm can provide good trackingperformances for the speed trackingin the presence of motor parameter variation and load application.
Ecology of the facultative phytotelmic crab Platychirarma buettikoferi (De Man, 1883) (Decapoda, Brachyura, Sesarmidae)
Authors: Fusi Marco , Bayi Joseph , Ngo-Massou Vanessa , Din Ndongo , Sacchi Angela , Guebas Farid Dahdouh , Cannicci Stefano
Published: October 2021

The mangrove forests surrounding Douala, Cameroon, have a long history of human impact due to rapid urbanization, resulting in patches of true mangrove forest interspersed with areas dominated by the mangrove-associated Pandanus species. A survey carried out to assess the possible shift in crab fauna composition and dominance between mangrove and Pandanus dominated areas revealed an undescribed phytotelmic habitat for Platychirarma buettikoferi. This species was found colonizing the natural reservoirs of fresh water represented by Pandanus spp. Our results show P. buettikoferi to be ecologically dependent upon Pandanus spp., and absent on the mangrove floor and trees, strongly indicating a phytotelmic adaptation. Our data suggest that this species is a facultative phytotelmic species well adapted to Pandanus spp. dominated areas. Further studies on the reproductive biology and feeding behaviour of P. buettikoferi may shed light on this unique phytotelmic lifestyle and its role in mangrove ecosystem functioning.
New taxonomic treatment for Trichomanes parvulum Poir. and T. dregei Bosch (Hymenophyllaceae, Polypodiidae)
Authors: DUBUISSON JEAN-YVES , NIVART ADELE , SENTERRE BRUNO , ROUHAN GERMINAL
Published: October 2021

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“Exclusionary Discipline and School Crime: Do Suspensions Make Schools Safer?”
Authors: Gerlinger Julie
Published: October 2021

The practice of temporarily removing students from school as a form of punishment (i.e., suspensions) remains quite common. This study uses longitudinal data from a large, urban school district in California to assess whether the use of suspensions improves school safety in the following school year. Additional analyses by student race and ethnicity are included to examine whether disproportionately punishing minority students can be partially justified by a reduction in the school crime rate. The number of student offenders, rather than the number of criminal incidents, is also investigated in relation to school suspensions. In general, the findings demonstrate that changes in suspension rates do not impact school crime rates or the number of student offenders in the following school year. However, increasing suspension rates for violent incidents significantly reduces the minor crime rate. Implications for policy are provided in light of these results.
Bad Intentions: Customers’ Negative Reactions to Intentional Failures and Mitigating Conditions
Authors: Nazifi Amin , Roschk Holger , Villarroel Ordenes Francisco , Marder Ben
Published: October 2021

Intentional service failures (e.g., overbooking or overcharging) have received little scholarly attention, despite their regular occurrence and immense costs. Using a multi-method approach combining experimental and field data from online reviews, it was found that intentional (vs. unintentional) failures lead to greater negative word of mouth (nWOM) and patronage reduction. This research extends these findings by demonstrating that intentional failures are less harmful when the failure is reversible (vs. irreversible) and occurs at an employee (vs. firm) level. Further, while either psychological (e.g., apology) or monetary compensation is effective in mitigating the consequences of intentional failures at an employee level, a combined service recovery (psychological and monetary) is the best solution when the failure is at a firm level. Drawing on attribution theory, the article unveils the key role of trust (as opposed to justice) as the mechanism to explain the effects of intentionality on customers’ nWOM and patronage reduction.
Multi-Nodule of Large Airway: Tracheobronchopathia Osteochondroplastica, Two Cases Report and Literature Review
Authors: Jiang He , Yang Xiaoying , Guo Ying
Published: October 2021

We report two subjects with tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica (TO), including the clinical manifestations, histological findings, and clinical treatments, which were analyzed retrospectively. One patient with TO was a 60-year-old woman, and the other was a 47-year-old man. The main clinical manifestations were cough, chest pain, and dyspnea. Computed tomography (CT) images showed that TO mainly occurred in the trachea and main bronchus. Histological analysis showed inflammatory exudation, squamous metaplasia, submucosal cartilaginous, and ossification. We present the two cases to increase physician and patient awareness of this benign disease and to improve their understanding of the disease manifestations and potential complications.
Quantifying the Distorting Effect of Rapid Guessing on Estimates of Coefficient Αlpha
Authors: Rios Joseph A. , Deng Jiayi
Published: October 2021

An underlying threat to the validity of reliability measures is the introduction of systematic variance in examinee scores from unintended constructs that differ from those assessed. One construct-irrelevant behavior that has gained increased attention in the literature is rapid guessing (RG), which occurs when examinees answer quickly with intentional disregard for item content. To examine the degree of distortion in coefficient alpha due to RG, this study compared alpha estimates between conditions in which simulees engaged in full solution (i.e., do not engage in RG) versus partial RG behavior. This was done by conducting a simulation study in which the percentage and ability characteristics of rapid responders as well as the percentage and pattern of RG were manipulated. After controlling for test length and difficulty, the average degree of distortion in estimates of coefficient alpha due to RG ranged from −.04 to .02 across 144 conditions. Although slight differences were noted between conditions differing in RG pattern and RG responder ability, the findings from this study suggest that estimates of coefficient alpha are largely robust to the presence of RG due to cognitive fatigue and a low perceived probability of success.
Prenatal Evaluations: A Prologue to Postnatal Pathology Interpretations
Authors: Elmore Susan A.
Published: October 2021

Animal models are commonly used to investigate the developmental basis of human birth defects. Such models may be used for safety assessment studies designed to reveal xenobiotic-related alterations in juvenile animals, or to investigate gene function or generate models of human disease, as with transgenics. Therefore, the evaluation of rodent embryos and placentas can be used to provide insight into various postnatal abnormalities such as structural or cellular abnormalities and early death. Depending on the defect, pups may be born dead, survive for only a short period of time, survive but with poor growth, or survive and be clinically normal. Mice are generally used to generate genetic alterations that can help in identifying genes involved in embryogenesis. Rats are more commonly used for toxicology studies. This article aims to share information on the importance of, and strategies for, mouse embryo, placenta, and metrial gland evaluations. Information on early postnatal development is also provided as well as select examples of developmental information on organ systems needed for postnatal evaluations. A list of additional studies that can aid in the evaluation of prenatal and postnatal phenotypes is also provided.
The student urban leisure sector: Towards commercial studentification?
Authors: Zasina Jakub
Published: October 2021

The case study of the student urban leisure sector in Lodz, Poland, presented in this paper encourages the reader to look at cities through the lens of the expansion of consumerism and higher education. While the mainstream of the literature dealing with students as an urban population covers accommodation issues, this paper focuses on the development of the leisure economy. To these ends, it looks at students as customers and workers of the leisure venues. The paper shows that in these venues, students are not just sizeable groups of customers but also employees. Therefore, the central areas of Lodz do not function solely as student playscapes but also as students’ places of work. Moreover, in contrast to the insights from prior studentification research, in which students were frequently reported as unwanted neighbours, in the eyes of leisure providers in Lodz, students are often kind customers and hard-working employees. Therefore, this paper argues for the nuanced treatment of students in research on cities by including a broader spectrum of roles students have as actors of urban change. The paper ends with a methodological standpoint that research into students in cities may benefit from applying the perspective of commercial studentification.
Considering the role of negotiated developer contributions in financing ecological mitigation and protection programs in England: A cultural perspective
Authors: Buck Malachy
Published: October 2021

This paper explores the potential of ‘Land Value Capture’ in addressing the shortfall in funding to address the biodiversity crisis through a series of interviews with Local Planning Authority officers in England. It finds heterogeneity in their responses to financial austerity and imperatives to deliver development, which heavily influences developer contribution (DC) practice. The response to these pressures differed depending upon localised planning culture and its interrelation with behavioural biases, which defined the scope of officer agency to influence developer contribution outcomes. Most LPAs placed a strong emphasis upon securing real estate investment to drive economic growth and to provide opportunities to secure DC to address socio-economic issues, with the status quo bias contributing towards inertia in policy and practice change. Elsewhere, there was a greater emphasis placed upon reconciling the need to deliver development with the preservation of environmental amenity, enabling officers to carefully frame practice changes, to successfully secure funding for ecological mitigation programs. The paper illustrates the cultural and behavioural challenges in implementing DC policy change to support funding these priorities, whilst this may be overcome by legislative changes, integrating these may be compromised by resource limitations whilst also affecting the existing delivery of public goods.
Histologic Analysis of Porcine Dermal Graft Augmentation in Treatment of Rotator Cuff Tears
Authors: Christian Robert A. , Stabile Kathryne J. , Gupta Anil K. , Leckey Bruce D. , Cardona Diana M. , Nowinski Robert J. , Kelly James D. , Toth Alison P.
Published: October 2021

Background:

Biologic augmentation via extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds has been utilized to address rotator cuff tears with poor-quality tissue.

Purpose:

To evaluate the cellular changes in graft explants taken from patients treated with porcine dermal grafts for rotator cuff tears.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4

Methods:

Four graft biopsy specimens were obtained from patients treated with porcine dermal grafts in an interposition technique for rotator cuff tears and compared with a nonimplanted graft and a normal rotator cuff specimen. Biopsy of the graft site was performed at 18 days, 3 months, 7 months, and 10.5 months after implantation. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to evaluate for cellular and vascular changes. Picrosirius red (PSR) stain with 90° polarized light was performed to evaluate collagen fibril size and orientation. All biopsy specimens were analyzed by a pathologist.

Results:

There was evidence of progressive remodeling of the porcine dermal grafts. The most mature grafts demonstrated vessel infiltration and extensive remodeling without evidence of inflammation, foreign body reaction, or tissue rejection. PSR demonstrated increased organization of collagen domains, resembling normal tendon by 10.5 months postoperatively.

Conclusion:

This series suggests that ECM grafts may serve as an effective scaffold for host cell infiltration, collagen reorganization, and vascularization as a result of histologic changes demonstrated with retrieval of specimens from patients with rotator cuff tears that were augmented with porcine dermal grafts.
Evaluation of Evidence-Based Interventions for the Nurse Coach Scope of Practice Within the Omaha System Guidelines Corpus
Authors: Bennett Vickie , Southard Mary E. , Monsen Karen A.
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this study was to examine nurse coach scope of practice in relation to existing evidence-based guideline interventions using the Omaha System. The majority of interventions were within scope for nurse coach practice, and problem, category, and target terms showed differential nurse coach practice applicability across interventions. The Omaha System terminology was aligned with nurse coach practice in that both represent and employ comprehensive and holistic perspectives. This study provides a platform for multiple initiatives in nurse coach quality and documentation and provides a methodology for examining the Omaha System guidelines and interventions for other interprofessional roles.
Novel Polyimide-block-poly(dimethyl siloxane) copolymers: Effect of time on the synthesis and thermal properties
Authors: Xiao Shengdong , Iroh Jude O
Published: October 2021

Polyimide-block-poly(dimethyl siloxane) copolymer was synthesized by a two-step process, initiated by coupling anhydride terminated poly(amic acid), AT-PAA with amino terminated poly(dimethyl siloxane), (NH2)2-PDMS to form poly(amic acid)-block-poly(dimethyl siloxane). The resulting copolymer is then thermally treated to produce polyimide-block-poly(dimethyl siloxane), PI-PDMS. Because of the high glass transition temperature, Tg of polyimide, it is usually cured at a high temperature of about 300°C for over 2.5 h. Copolymerization of polyimide with polysiloxane, reduces the imidization temperature while maintaining high thermomechanical properties. A series of instruments were used to monitor the progress of copolymerization. The time-based analysis of the product of copolymerization enables the optimization of the structure and properties of the copolymers. The chemical structure and composition of the copolymer were studied by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, (FT-IR). The incorporation of PDMS blocks into the copolymer and the degree of imidization of the polyimide block increased with increasing reaction time. The change in the viscosity of the copolymerizing solution was monitored by simple shear viscometry conducted with the Brookfield Viscometer. The reported increase in solution viscosity with increasing copolymerization time is associated with increasing molecular weight of the copolymer. The intrinsic viscosity of the copolymer solution was measured as a function of copolymerization time and it was found that the intrinsic viscosity of the copolymer solution increased with increasing reaction time. The glass transition temperature (Tg) and the thermal stability of the copolymer were determined by differential scanning calorimetry, DSC and thermogravimetric analysis, and TGA, respectively. Between 25°C and 420°C, the copolymers synthesized in this study show two glass transition temperatures due to the polyimide, PI block at around 380°C and another peak associated with PDMS plasticized polyimide at about 290–300°C. The two Tg peaks observed in the DSC thermogram are believed to be indicative of the structure of a block copolymer. TGA analysis shows that the thermoxidative stability of the copolymers increased with increasing reaction time, due to the incorporation of increased amount of PDMS unit into the copolymer. The combination of increasing molecular weight of copolymer, higher degree of imidization of polyimide blocks and enhanced thermoxidative stability may translate into improved flame retardancy of copolymers. This suggested enhancement in flame retardancy in air atmosphere, is believed to be due the incorporated PDMS blocks, which can be converted into silica, SiO2, a recognized thermally stable material.
Recurrent lupus enteritis in a child—chase the calm before the storm
Authors: Patra Pratap Kumar , Bhattarai Dharmagat , Banday Aaqib Zaffar , Gupta Anju , Peters Nitin James , Bal Amanjit , Saxena Akshay
Published: October 2021

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex multisystemic autoimmune disease. Lupus enteritis (LE), one of the less commonly described manifestations of childhood SLE, presents with relatively nonspecific clinical and laboratory features. In addition, recurrent episodes of LE occurring in temporal proximity are rare in children. Presence of disease activity at other sites (which may not be seen universally) supports the diagnosis of LE in an appropriate setting. Because of its potential role to cause ischemic complications, early recognition and prompt treatment are necessary for a good outcome. Herein, we describe a child with recurrent LE with an interval of about 3 months between the first and the second episode. The first episode correlated with systemic disease activity and bowel thickening was noted on abdominal ultrasonography. This episode was successfully managed with intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy. Conversely, the second episode was not associated with significant clinical and laboratory evidence of disease activity at other sites and the initial abdominal ultrasonography was non-contributory. Diagnostic and therapeutic delays, hence, led to the development of fatal complications. We highlight that a high index of suspicion of LE and a timely aggressive treatment is imperative for optimal outcomes even in rare pediatric cases of recurrent LE that may have normal imaging findings initially and may not be associated with systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI).
Factors Affecting Willingness to Receive COVID-19 Vaccine Among Adults: A Cross-sectional Study in Bangladesh
Authors: Kamal Abu-Hena Mostofa , Sarkar Tonmoy , Khan Mohammed Moniruzzaman , Roy Sajal K. , Khan Sazzad Hossain , Hasan S. M. Murshid , Hossain Mohammad Shakhawat , Dell Colleen Anne , Seale Holly , Islam Md Saiful
Published: October 2021

The COVID-19 vaccine has been made available for emergency use in Bangladesh. However, willingness to receive the vaccine may be affected by varying factors across the country. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the factors that influence willingness to receive the vaccine among Bangladeshi adults. A population-based cross-sectional online survey was conducted among a sample of 1,725 Bangladesh adults (age 18 years and older). The statistical analysis included univariate, bivariate and multivariate regression model. Findings show that 85% ( n = 1463) of respondents were willing to receive the vaccine. Respondents with 1–2 children (aOR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.00–3.13, P = . 048), perceived risk of being infected (aOR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.03–2.14, P = . 03), perceived impact on daily life (aOR: 2.53, 95%CI: 1.45–4.44, P = . 001), history of co-morbidities (aOR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.37–3.04, P < . 01), price of the vaccine (aOR: 3.58, 95% CI: 2.34–5.47), physician’s recommendation to receive vaccine (aOR: 2.06, 95% CI: 1.38–3.06, P < . 01), vaccines supplied by government (aOR: 2.31, 95% CI: 1.64–3.25, P < . 01) were found to be motivating factors for willingness to receive the vaccine. Findings indicate that willingness to receive the vaccine is likely to be affected by socio-demographic, and health system factors. This should be carefully considered in the rollout of the vaccination plans in Bangladesh.
Research on shear stress of electrorheological fluid containing piezoelectric powders
Authors: Koyanagi Ken’ichi , Wang Xu , Karaki Tomoaki
Published: October 2021

This paper describes experimental trials that were performed to increase the electrorheological (ER) effect in ER fluids (ERFs) by introducing piezoelectric particles (PEPs). Five sample solutions were made using different PEPs, ER powders, and liquids that included ERFs provided with different solutions and silicone oil. The shear stress of each sample was measured by shearing the sample between parallel plate electrodes. Samples containing the PEP showed the same shear stress under steady voltage inputs but showed somewhat higher shear stress under sinusoidal voltage inputs. This suggests that mixtures of the piezoelectric powders (at approximately 5 wt.%) and the ERF may shorten the response time of the ERF to DC inputs or increase the response frequency to AC inputs.
Emergency Response Protocols for Overseas Outreach Settings: Global Smile Foundation Strategy
Authors: Chahine Elsa M. , Shah Nikhil D. , Al Abyad Omar S. , Vyas Raj M. , Hamdan Usama S.
Published: October 2021

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) aim to alleviate unmet global disease burden and promote collaboration between visiting and host countries. Well-executed emergency response protocols are foundational to providing safe and quality care in an unpredictable global setting. Global Smile Foundation (GSF) instituted a protocol in 2012 based on over three decades of cleft care experience. Here, we update this protocol and provide information on how to address special circumstances such as humanitarian crises and disease outbreaks. The GSF response protocol was developed in conjunction with surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and administrators to ensure all team members are adequately prepared to respond to emergency situations in global outreach. This protocol provides information on pre-departure preparation, onsite setup, operative precautions, and post-departure debriefings. Emphasis is placed on a standardized, reproducible workflow that accounts for necessary site-specific adjustments. Strategies include emergency simulations, site-specific safety checklists, standardized operating room protocols, and well-defined individual responsibilities. The authors also provide anticipatory guidance in addressing unexpected circumstances, such as disease outbreak and natural disaster, during global outreach. In conclusion, a proactive and systematic approach to emergency response and prevention is vital to minimizing morbidity and mortality during surgical outreach initiatives. The GSF protocol represents a reproducible approach that other organizations can adopt and adapt to their unique needs.
Disrupting Anti-Blackness in Early Childhood Qualitative Inquiry: Thinking With Black Refusal and Black Futurity
Authors: Nxumalo Fikile
Published: October 2021

Working with Black feminist concepts of Black futurity and Black refusal, this article seeks to illustrate what is possible when early childhood research does not begin with the anti-Blackness that is pervasiveness in early childhood education. My focus is on the liberatory potential of attending to quotidian relational world-making practices in the places and spaces of Black childhood. Thinking with a photo essay on Black boys and with images of a young Black girl from a place-based research project, I gesture toward the otherwise worlds that are made possible by experimenting with wayward methods as a practice of listening for Black childhood futurity.
Static deformation of a multilayered magneto-electro-elastic half-space structures due to vertical inner loading
Authors: Wang Peizhuo , Qin Dongchen , Shen Peng , Chen Jiangyi
Published: October 2021

The static deformation in a multilayered magneto-electro-elastic half-space under vertical inner loading is calculated using a vector function system approach and a stiffness matrix method. Firstly, the displacement, stress, and inner loading are expanded using the vector function system, and the N-type and L&M-type problems related to the expansion coefficient are constructed. Secondly, the stable stiffness matrix method is used to solve the expansion coefficients of the L&M-type problem. After introducing the boundary condition and the discontinuity of the stress caused by inner loading, the displacement and stress are calculated through adaptive Gaussian quadrature. Finally, the numerical examples considering the circular load and point load are designed and analyzed, respectively.