bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Dynamics Simulation on Structure and Dielectric Permittivity of BaTiO3/PVDF Composites
Authors: Bo Ruitian , Liu Junwang , Wang Chunfeng , Wang Yongliang , He Peigang , Han Zhidong
Published: September 2021

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was performed to investigate the structure and dielectric permittivity of poly(vinylidene fluoride)- (PVDF-) based composites with different contents of barium titanate (BT). The β-phase PVDF model with 100 structural units and the spherical BT particle model with a radius of 0.495 nm were built and applied in the initial models with three PVDF macromolecular chains and BT particles for the MD simulations of the BT/PVDF composites. The influences of BT content on the morphological structure, the free volume fraction, and glass transition temperature of the composites were explored according to the simulated results and the experimental ones of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). A model was proposed to predict the static dielectric permittivity of the composites, the results of which were compared with the Cole-Cole fitting results of dielectric spectroscopy. Attempts were made to reveal the structure evolution and the micropolarization mechanism with the increasing content of BT.
Role of Human Body Posture Recognition Method Based on Wireless Network Kinect in Line Dance Aerobics and Gymnastics Training
Authors: Zhou Yanhong
Published: September 2021

With the rapid development of the information society, human body gesture recognition has become an important technology for human‐computer interaction. This paper combines Kinect’s human bone monitoring technology with auxiliary gymnastics training. The gymnastics and dance training can correct students’ wrong movements in time through feedback and improve the training efficiency, so as to meet the needs of nature and harmony of human‐machine interaction. In this paper, based on the wireless network Kinect, the human body posture recognition method and tracking technology are studied, and the joint point angle representation method based on the fixed axis is proposed, and the posture recognition method based on the joint point angle is improved, which can accurately recognize the human body posture. Aiming at the situation that the human joint points are occluded, the human joint point repair algorithm is improved. The algorithm is based on the proportion of human bone nodes and the characteristics of human motion, and based on geometric principles, it repairs the occluded points. The feasibility of the original joint point data, angle feature, and distance feature in expressing human behavior is analyzed through experiments, a standard gymnastics movement database is established, and new gymnastics movements can be entered at any time. A gymnastics auxiliary training system is designed, which can analyze and evaluate the exercises of the trainer from the joint point coordinates and the angle formed by the joints and provide the trainer with intuitive error correction prompts. The human body posture recognition method studied in this paper can accurately give the difference between the trainer’s movement and the standard movement, and the trainer can adjust the movement posture according to the prompts, improve the level of gymnastics, and achieve the purpose of auxiliary training. Experiments show that the algorithm model has an accuracy rate of 95.7% for human body posture recognition, and it plays a huge role in line dance aerobics and gymnastics training.
Novel Lanthanum Doped Magnetic Teff Straw Biochar Nanocomposite and Optimization Its Efficacy of Defluoridation of Groundwater Using RSM: A Case Study of Hawassa City, Ethiopia
Authors: Amibo Temesgen Abeto , Beyan Surafel Mustafa , Damite Tsegaye Markos
Published: September 2021

The problem extent of the large concentration of fluoride ions in drinking water is still a central health issue. In the present study, lanthanum doped magnetic Teff straw biochar (LDMTSB) was developed as a novel adsorbent for removing fluoride ions in the groundwater in Rift‐Valley regions, especially Hawassa city, Ethiopia. The synthesized LDMTBC was characterized via FTIR, XRD, SEM, and BET. And, this analysis proposed that multiadsorption techniques such as ligand exchange, precipitations, and electrostatic interaction could be evinced throughout the fluoride ions adsorption process by LDMTSB. The constraints that influence the adsorption efficacy, namely, a dosage of LDMTSB, contact time, pH of the solution, and rotational speed, were analyzed and optimized using the response surface methodology approach. Under the optimum situations, LDMTSB dosage: 3.97 g, contact time: 56.36 min, rotational speed: 591.19 rpm, and pH: 3.968 demonstrate high efficacy of LDMTSB with 98.89% fluoride removal capacity. Further, the quadratic model (R2 = 0.9841) was designated for governing the mathematical process. The LDMTSB was successful in the removal of fluoride ions in the groundwater. This study provides a valuable economical solution for the application of Teff straw.
Pyelonephritis and Bacteremia Caused by Klebsiella variicola following Renal Transplantation
Authors: Lo Cody , Masud Shazia , Deans Gregory D.
Published: September 2021

Klebsiella variicola (K. variicola) is a Gram-negative organism genetically similar to Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) that can cause a variety of diseases in humans. Bacteremia due to K. variicola is associated with a higher mortality rate than bacteremia with K. pneumoniae. Here, we describe a 65-year-old woman who developed pyelonephritis 2 months after receiving a renal transplantation following a longstanding history of end-stage renal disease secondary to polycystic kidney disease. Her creatinine on admission was unchanged from her posttransplant baseline, and an abdominal CT scan showed inflammatory changes around the transplanted kidney that were suggestive of an infection rather than allograft rejection. She was initially treated empirically with meropenem given a history of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase- (ESBL-) producing E. coli bacteriuria. After a day of therapy with meropenem, her therapy was streamlined based on culture results to ceftriaxone. She continued to improve, her kidney function remained stable, and she was prescribed oral ciprofloxacin to complete a 14-day total course of antibiotics. This case is the first reported instance of K. variicola bacteremia associated with pyelonephritis in a renal transplant recipient. Hospitalization with acute pyelonephritis within the first year following kidney transplant is common and is associated with increased risk of graft loss and mortality. However, K. variicola is not a commonly known organism to cause this infection. Despite the risk of allograft failure in this circumstance, this patient was successfully treated with a 14-day course of antibiotic therapy.
Computational Analysis of Cholangiocarcinoma Phosphoproteomes Identifies Patient-Specific Drug Targets
Authors: Khorsandi Shirin Elizabeth , Dokal Arran D. , Rajeeve Vinothini , Britton David J. , Illingworth Megan S. , Heaton Nigel , Cutillas Pedro R.
Published: September 2021

Cholangiocarcinoma is a form of hepatobiliary cancer with an abysmal prognosis. Despite advances in our understanding of cholangiocarcinoma pathophysiology and its genomic landscape, targeted therapies have not yet made a significant impact on its clinical management. The low response rates of targeted therapies in cholangiocarcinoma suggest that patient heterogeneity contributes to poor clinical outcome. Here we used mass spectrometry–based phosphoproteomics and computational methods to identify patient-specific drug targets in patient tumors and cholangiocarcinoma-derived cell lines. We analyzed 13 primary tumors of patients with cholangiocarcinoma with matched nonmalignant tissue and 7 different cholangiocarcinoma cell lines, leading to the identification and quantification of more than 13,000 phosphorylation sites. The phosphoproteomes of cholangiocarcinoma cell lines and patient tumors were significantly correlated. MEK1, KIT, ERK1/2, and several cyclin-dependent kinases were among the protein kinases most frequently showing increased activity in cholangiocarcinoma relative to nonmalignant tissue. Application of the Drug Ranking Using Machine Learning (DRUML) algorithm selected inhibitors of histone deacetylase (HDAC; belinostat and CAY10603) and PI3K pathway members as high-ranking therapies to use in primary cholangiocarcinoma. The accuracy of the computational drug rankings based on predicted responses was confirmed in cell-line models of cholangiocarcinoma. Together, this study uncovers frequently activated biochemical pathways in cholangiocarcinoma and provides a proof of concept for the application of computational methodology to rank drugs based on efficacy in individual patients.

Significance:

Phosphoproteomic and computational analyses identify patient-specific drug targets in cholangiocarcinoma, supporting the potential of a machine learning method to predict personalized therapies.
Implementation of the MASK-Air® App for Rhinitis and Asthma in Older Adults: MASK@Puglia Pilot Study
Authors: Ventura Maria Teresa , Giuliano Antonio Francesco Maria , Buquicchio Rosalba , Bedbrook Anna , Czarlewski Wienczyslawa , Laune Daniel , Patella Vincenzo , Canonica Giorgio Walter , Bousquet Jean
Published: September 2021

Introduction: MASK-air® is an app whose aim is to reduce the global burden of allergic rhinitis and asthma. A transfer of innovative practices was performed to disseminate and implement MASK-air® in European regions. The aim of the study was to examine the implementation of the MASK-air® app in older adults of the Puglia TWINNING in order to investigate (i) the rate of acceptance in this population, (ii) the reasons for refusal and (iii) the evaluation of the app after its use. Methods: All consecutive geriatric patients aged between 65 and 90 years were included by the outpatient clinic of the Bari Geriatric Immunoallergology Unit. After a 1-h training session, older adults used the app for 6 months. A 6-item questionnaire was developed by our unit to evaluate the impact of the app on the management of the disease and its treatment. Results: Among the 174 recruited patients, 102 accepted to use the app (mean age, SD: 72.4 ± 4.6 years), 6 were lost to follow-up, and 63 had a low education level. The reasons given not to use the app included lack of interest (11%), lack of access to a smartphone or tablet (53%), low computer literacy (28%), and distrust (8%). At follow-up, the overall satisfaction was high (89%), the patient considered MASK-air® “advantageous” (95%), compliance to treatment was improved (81%), and the rate of loss to follow-up had decreased to 6%. Conclusion: Older adults with a low level of education can use the MASK-air® app after a short training session.
Epidemiological and Treatment Trends for Acute Ischemic Stroke Preceding and during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Rodrigues Adrian , Jin Michael C. , Pendharkar Arjun
Published: September 2021

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic heralded a number of indirect perturbations to patient behavior and disease epidemiology, and mounting evidence suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic may have exacerbated underlying health disparities along racial and socioeconomic (SES) groups for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We used 1 large national insurance database to identify whether patient demographics, disease severity, or mechanical thrombectomy (MT) rates changed for the treatment and management of AIS during COVID-19. Methods: AIS patient records were queried from the Clinformatics® Data Mart Optum SES Database from the following 2 time periods: March 1, 2019-June 30, 2019 (pre-COVID-19), and March 1, 2020–June 30, 2020 (COVID-19). The database contains the longitudinal healthcare claims of approximately 77 million patients covered by a major insurance provider between 2003 and June 30, 2020 across all 50 states. Interrupted time-series analyses were used to assess trend differences before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: During the pre-COVID-19 period (March 1, 2019-June 30, 2019), there were 9,072 patients who presented for AIS, compared to 7,366 during COVID-19 (March 1, 2020-June 30, 2020). In both periods, the majority of patients were white (66.83% pre-COVID-19 and 67.91% during COVID-19). The average hospitalization duration was not different during the 2 time periods (p = 0.632), nor were rates of MT (p = 0.260). Total inpatient costs rose slightly for the COVID-19 period (USD 30,739 vs. USD 29,406; p = 0.015), and the median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was higher during CO­VID-19 (5 vs. 4; p = 0.023). When longitudinal trends were assessed for rates of MT and average NIHSS score for black and white patients, no differences were noted during the CO­VID-19 pandemic. Patients without any undergraduate experience did not present with AIS in increasing or decreasing incidence during COVID-19 (p = 0.268), but they did undergo declining rates of MT (p = 0.013). Conclusions: In the largest SES analysis of AIS patients during the COVID-19 era, we found that several SES factors, including race and income, did not seem to significantly impact utilization of MT for the treatment of AIS or the severity of the stroke at presentation.
Intermittent Fasting Attenuates High-Fat Diet-Induced Cerebellar Changes in Rats: Involvement of TNF-α, Autophagy, and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Ebrahim Hasnaa Ali , El-Gamal Randa , Sherif Rania N.
Published: September 2021

Obesity has become a prevalent global health issue, and recently it has been reported to be intimately associated with neuronal health. Obesity triggers peripheral inflammatory responses concomitant with neuroinflammation, elevated oxidative stress, and compromised autophagy. Intermittent fasting (IF) positively influences lowering body weight and improving the metabolic changes accompanying obesity. IF also has a beneficial impact on neuronal function; however, no studies have discussed this effect on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced cerebellar damage. This study examines the effect of IF on the cerebellum of HFD-fed rats. Male Wister Albino rats (n = 16) were fed HFD for 16 weeks (HFD group); half of them were subjected to IF alternating with HFD for 6 weeks starting at the 11th week till the end of the experiment (fasting + HFD group). The control group of rats (n = 8) was kept on a basal diet. The animals were euthanized after 16 weeks. Their tissue was harvested and processed for morphology using H&E, cresyl violet, and luxol fast stains, and immunohistochemical staining was carried out for inflammatory marker (TNF-α), gliosis marker (GFAP), and autophagy markers (LC3 II and P62). Oxidative stress markers (SOD, MDA) were measured, and protein expression of phosphorylated-AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK) and phosphorylated-rapamycin complex (p-mTOR) in cerebellar tissue was detected via western blotting. IF mitigated HFD-induced cerebellar morphological changes, reduced cerebellar TNF-α expression, decreased oxidative stress markers, and balanced p-AMPK and p-mTOR with autophagy improvement. Moreover, a decrease in body weight and ameliorated obesity-induced metabolic changes in the serum levels of glucose, insulin, cholesterol, and triglyceride were seen. These observations suggest that IF can improve both peripheral and central changes prompted by HFD through attenuating inflammation, oxidative stress, and reestablishing the autophagy balance.
Electronic Medical Records for (Visceral) Medicine: An Overview of the Current Status and Prospects
Authors: Kernebeck Sven , Busse Theresa Sophie , Jux Chantal , Bork Ulrich , Ehlers Jan P.
Published: September 2021

Background: Electronic medical records (EMRs) offer key advantages over analog documentation in healthcare. In addition to providing details about current and past treatments, EMRs enable clear and traceable documentation regardless of the location. This supports evidence-based, multi-professional treatment and leads to more efficient healthcare. However, there are still several challenges regarding the use of EMRs. Understanding these challenges is essential to improve healthcare. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the current state of EMRs in the field of visceral medicine, to describe the future prospects in this field, and to highlight some of the challenges that need to be faced. Summary: The benefits of EMRs are manifold and particularly pronounced in the area of quality assurance and improvement of communication not only between different healthcare professionals but also between physicians and patients. Besides the danger of medical errors, the health consequences for the users (cognitive load) arise from poor usability or a system that does not fit into the real world. Involving users in the development of EMRs in the sense of participatory design can be helpful here. The use of EMRs in practice together with patients should be accompanied by training to ensure optimal outcomes in terms of shared decision-making. Key Message: EMRs offer a variety of benefits. However, it is critical to consider user involvement, setting specificity, and user training during development, implementation, and use in order to minimize unintended consequences.
Ticagrelor and Infection Risk in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Vicent Lourdes , Bruña Vanesa , Devesa Carolina , Sousa-Casasnovas Iago , Juárez Miriam , Alcalá Luis , Muñoz Patricia , Fernández-Avilés Francisco , Martínez-Sellés Manuel
Published: September 2021

Background: Ticagrelor has a bactericidal effect in vitro, and clinical studies suggest a beneficial effect in infections. Our aim was to determine the incidence of infections in patients treated with 3 different P2Y12 receptor inhibitors. Methods: Retrospective registry in a cardiology department. Patients with coronary artery disease discharged on ticagrelor, prasugrel, or clopidogrel from March 2017 to June 2019 were included. The risk of infection was analyzed during the period of P2Y12 inhibitor treatment (12.4 ± 6.7 months). Results: A total of 250 patients were included (ticagrelor 91 [36.4%], prasugrel 89 [35.6%], clopidogrel 70 [28.0%]). Mean age was 61.0 ± 13.1 years, and 63 (25.2%) were women. The most common reason to use these drugs was ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) (152 patients – 60.8%). STEMI was the reason to use prasugrel in 84 patients (94.4%), ticagrelor in 44 (48.4%), and clopidogrel in 24 (34.3%), p < 0.001. An infection during follow-up was seen in 87 patients (34.8%), 23 treated with ticagrelor (25.3%), 30 with prasugrel (33.7%) and 34 with clopidogrel (48.6%), p = 0.009. Ticagrelor was independently associated with a lower likelihood of infection (Hazard Ratio [HR] 0.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.28–0.95; p = 0.035) compared to prasugrel (HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.54–1.73; p = 0.909) and clopidogrel (HR = 1). Conclusions: In patients admitted with coronary artery disease patients treated with ticagrelor had a lower frequency of infections during follow-up than those treated with other P2Y12 inhibitors. Further studies are necessary to clarify the bactericidal effect of ticagrelor in this context.
Use of a Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitor, Empagliflozin, in a Patient with Rabson-Mendenhall Syndrome
Authors: dos Santos Sarah Simaan , Ramaldes Luana Aparecida , Gabbay Monica Andrade Lima , Moises Regina Celia Santiago , Dib Sergio Atala
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Among the insulin resistance syndromes that lead to diabetes mellitus in young people, Rabson-Mendenhall syndrome (RMS; OMIM # 262190) is an autosomal recessive inherited disease caused by an insulin receptor mutation (INSR; 147,670). Due to the rarity and complexity of the disease, we have few therapeutic alternatives other than insulin with clinical studies with robust evidence. Some reports suggest the adjunct use of metreleptin, metformin, and pioglitazone with improved glycemic control, however, with results still unsatisfactory for the desirable glycemic targets for this age group. Case Presentation: We report a case of an 11-year-old patient who was diagnosed with RMS at 6 years of age, confirmed through genetic sequencing, with unsatisfactory glycemic control despite the use of >5 IU/kg/day of insulin, pioglitazone, and metformin. To optimize therapy, we used empagliflozin (SGLT2i) to correct hyperglycemia. With the use of the drug, we obtained a decrease of almost 3% in the value of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and about 30% reduction in the total daily dose of insulin. Discussion/Conclusion: In this specific case, considering the glycosuric effects independent of the functionality of insulin receptors (which in this case had partial activity due to the INSR gene mutation), an improvement in glycemic control was obtained, with optimization of HbA1c without documented or reported adverse effects. From this isolated case and understanding the pharmacokinetics of this drug class, the question remains whether it would be possible to use this treatment in other situations of SIR where we also have few therapeutic perspectives.
A crônica crioula de Vera Duarte
Authors: Lima Norma Sueli Rosa
Published: September 2021

O artigo tem por objetivo investigar, na escrita do único livro de crônicas de Vera Duarte, dicções híbridas próprias do gênero na sociedade cabo-verdiana, quando a crônica, metamorfoseada de gênero histórico a literário, é um dos instrumentos humanizadores de valorização das questões do cotidiano que tenciona o espaço rebaixado em que a mulher foi inserida nas sociedades patriarcais. Percebe-se que a autora, em A palavra e os dias, retrata o seu dia a dia pela via das subjetividades do cotidiano, ao documentar e analisar aspectos da sociedade crioula.
Obrigada
Authors: Castro Marcela
Published: September 2021

Narrativa literária contextualizada no isolamento social, decorrente da pandemia do coronavírus, que evidencia o conflito entre mulheres mães de classes sociais distintas, através da possibilidade de vivência do distanciamento por uma mulher e não pela outra. O conto constitui-se como linguagem de denúncia sobre os privilégios de classe, raça e gênero da sociedade brasileira.
“Se tem uma coisa que me deixa muito feliz é poder acordar de manhã e saber que o feminismo existe e ele está sendo debatido e falado”: entrevista com Natália Borges Polesso
Authors: Valentim Jorge Vicente
Published: September 2021

Entrevista com a escritora brasileira Natália Borges Polesso, sobre temas específicos do seu projeto de criação e das suas principais linhas de reflexão. Concedida no momento em que concluía a escrita do seu mais recente romance (Controle, 2020), a conversa constitui uma oportunidade singular para pensar alguns assuntos pontuais da atualidade, sobretudo, o feminismo e como a autora o absorve no seu exercício ficcional.
Chaperone-Mediated Autophagy of eNOS in Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Subramani Jaganathan , Kundumani-Sridharan Venkatesh , Das Kumuda C.
Published: September 2021

Rationale:

Nitric oxide (NO) produced by eNOS (endothelial NO synthase) protects against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (I/R). However, reperfusion of myocardium results in superoxide (O
2
•−
) generation, which promotes eNOS glutathionylation that produces O
2
•−
instead of NO. It is unclear whether SG-eNOS (glutathionylated eNOS) continues to produce O
2
•−
indefinitely or undergoes a time-dependent degradation.

Objective:

To determine whether SG-eNOS continues to produce O
2
•−
in I/R for a prolonged period causing accentuated I/R injury or it undergoes a time-dependent degradation.

Methods and Results:

Since SG-eNOS produces significant O
2
•−
instead of NO, we sought to determine the time-course of SG-eNOS levels in the human coronary artery endothelial cell in hypoxia/reoxygenation by Western analysis and immunoprecipitation. SG-eNOS was degraded by chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA), as inhibitors of CMA rescued eNOS expression. We further confirmed CMA by high-resolution confocal and electron microscopy. We showed that SG-eNOS is targeted by HSC70 chaperone via its interaction with glutathionylated-cysteine 691 and 910. Glutathionylation of cysteine 691 residue in hypoxia/reoxygenation exposes 735QRYRL739 motif for interaction with HSC70, and consequent transportation to LAMP2A (lysosome-associated membrane protein 2) vesicle, where it is degraded by lysosomal proteases. Mutagenesis of these residues in eNOS inhibited its CMA. Using contrast echocardiography and electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometry, we found that
Trx-Tg
mice show improved myocardial perfusion and decreased myocardial apoptosis in I/R due to deglutathionylation of SG-eNOS and restoration of NO generation. Further,
WT
mice treated with rhTrx (recombinant human thioredoxin) were protected against eNOS CMA and restored NO production with improved myocardial perfusion and decreased I/R injury.

Conclusions:

SG-eNOS undergoes degradation via CMA, following prolonged retention in the cytosol. CMA of SG-eNOS terminates O
2
•−
generation preventing further tissue damage but causes irreversible loss of eNOS and NO availability. Prompt deglutathionylation of SG-eNOS prevents CMA, promotes NO production, and improved myocardial perfusion, resulting in amelioration of reperfusion injury.
Commuting, Labor, and Housing Market Effects of Mass Transportation: Welfare and Identification
Authors: Severen Christopher
Published: September 2021

I study Los Angeles Metro Rail's effects using panel data on bilateral commuting flows, a quantitative spatial model, and historically motivated quasi-experimental research designs. The model separates transit's commuting effects from local productivity or amenity effects, and spatial shift-share instruments identify inelastic labor and housing supply. Metro Rail connections increase commuting by 16% but do not have large effects on local productivity or amenities. Metro Rail generates $94 million in annual benefits by 2000 or 12–25% of annualized costs. Accounting for reduced congestion and slow transit adoption adds, at most, another $200 million in annual benefits.
The Dynamic Effects of Tax Audits
Authors: Advani Arun , Elming William , Shaw Jonathan
Published: September 2021

We study the effects of audits on long run compliance behavior using a random audit program covering more than 53,000 tax returns. We find that audits raise reported tax liabilities for five years after audit, effects are longer-lasting for more stable sources of income, and only individuals found to have made errors respond to audit. A total of 60%–65% of revenue from audit comes from the change in reporting behavior. Extending the standard model of rational tax evasion, we show that these results are best explained by information revealed by audits constraining future misreporting. Together these imply that more resources should be devoted to audits, audit targeting should account for reporting responses, and performing audits has additional value beyond merely threatening them.
The Peace Advocacy of Pope Francis: Jesuit Perspectives
Authors: Massaro Thomas
Published: September 2021

Among the distinctive features of the papal ministry of Francis is an active dedication to peacemaking that bears noteworthy marks of his Jesuit background. A number of elements within Jesuit spirituality and history contribute to the distinctive stance that Francis assumes toward supporting peace and building the structures and conditions that encourage nonviolent resolution of conflicts worldwide. The pope’s dialogic style of diplomacy proceeds through pointed words, timely apostolic visits, and rich symbolic gestures aimed at peacebuilding and reconciliation.
The megalopal stage of the hydrothermal vent crab Austinograea rodriguezensis Tsuchida & Hashimoto, 2002 (Decapoda: Bythograeidae): a morphological description based on CLSM images
Authors: DEMIDOW OLGA , KIHARA TERUE C. , ARBIZU PEDRO MARTÍNEZ , CLARK PAUL F.
Published: September 2021

The Bythograeidae is unique amongst brachyuran crab taxa as it is the only family where all 6 genera and 16 species are endemic to hydrothermal vents. During the research conducted by German Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources to identify inactive polymetallic sulphide deposits along Central and Southeast Indian Ridges, the INDEX project collected from hydrothermal vent fields 6 Bythograeidae megalopae. Entire specimens and dissected appendages were stained, mounted on slides and examined using Light Microscopy and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy. Additional molecular analysis using mtCOI confirmed the identification of the specimens as Austinograea rodriguezensis Tsuchida & Hashimoto, 2002. The megalopal stage of A. rodriguezensis shows similarities and distinctions between the characters of two other bythograeid megalopae, Bythograea thermydron Williams, 1980, and B. microps Saint Laurent, 1984. Unlike other brachyuran megalopae, B. thermydron and A. rodriguezensis lack long serrate setae and stout serrate spines on the dactylus of the fifth pereiopod. In both species no coxal spines on the pereiopods were observed. The elliptical carapace of B. thermydron is broader than long vs longitudinally rectangular in A. rodriguezensis. This carapace shape resembles B. microps more than B. thermydron, however, the dorsal surface of B. microps carapace is densely covered in short setae vs only covered with short setae on the anterior 1/4 and the posterior 1/6 length of carapace in A. rodriguezensis. Furthermore, the amount of plumose natatory setae on the pleopods in B. microps is in total larger and more variable, than in A. rodriguezensis. Bythograeid megalopae seem quite generalized and miss specific features that reveal them distinctively as endemic vent crab. A distinction from other species is possible by observing the unique combinations of certain characters. This is the first megalopal stage description of Austinograea and the fourth within the Bythograeidae.
The return of a forgotten harvestman: revalidation of Gonyleptes robustus Holmberg, 1876, as the second species of Acanthopachylus Roewer, 1913 (Arachnida, Opiliones, Gonyleptidae)
Authors: ACOSTA LUIS E.
Published: September 2021

Gonyleptes robustus Holmberg, 1876 (Opiliones, Gonyleptidae), hitherto under the synonymy of Acanthopachylus aculeatus (Kirby, 1819) is revalidated. It is recognized as the second species of genus Acanthopachylus Roewer, 1913, currently monotypic, giving the new combination Acanthopachylus robustus (Holmberg, 1876) comb. nov. The huge synonymy formerly assigned to A. aculeatus is split among the newly identified entities. Diagnostic differences (male exomorphology) that underlie the taxonomic and nomenclatural decision are succinctly displayed. Brief historical references to the arachnological work of Eduardo L. Holmberg are also given.
A Comparison between Moist and Dry Tropical Cyclones: The Low Effectiveness of Surface Sensible Heat Flux in Storm Intensification
Authors: Ma Zhanhong , Fei Jianfang
Published: September 2021

Recent numerical modeling studies demonstrate that dry tropical cyclones can be stably sustained via a supply of surface sensible heat flux. This raises questions of whether surface sensible heat flux (SHX) and latent heat flux (LHX) have the same effect on the intensity evolution of tropical cyclones. An estimation of equivalent potential temperature budget in the boundary layer shows that LHX leads to larger increase in equivalent potential temperature than SHX even when they possess the same magnitude. By formulating these two kinds of surface heat fluxes with the same mathematical framework, the simulated intensifications of moist and dry tropical cyclones are compared, with the former driven exclusively by LHX and the latter by SHX. Results show significantly larger intensification rates for the tropical cyclone driven by LHX than that by SHX, revealing low effectiveness of SHX in the intensification of tropical cyclones. The diabatic heating in the moist tropical cyclone occurs accompanying the convection, while it is merely pronounced near the surface in the dry tropical cyclone and is decoupled from the dry convection. A new surface pressure tendency equation is proposed, without incorporating the implicit pressure tendency term on the right-hand side. The budget analysis indicates that the SHX is less effective than LHX in lowering surface central pressure and therefore in tropical cyclone intensification. A series of sensitivity experiments suggest that the threshold of energy input required for spinning up a tropical cyclone is lower in the form of LHX than that of SHX.
Orographically Modified Ice-Phase Precipitation Processes During the Olympic Mountains Experiment (OLYMPEX)
Authors: DeLaFrance Andrew , McMurdie Lynn , Rowe Angela
Published: September 2021

Over mountainous terrain, windward enhancement of stratiform precipitation results from a combination of warm-rain and ice-phase processes. In this study, ice-phase precipitation processes are investigated within frontal systems during the Olympic Mountains Experiment (OLYMPEX). An enhanced layer of radar reflectivity (ZH) above the melting level bright band (i.e., a secondary ZH maximum) is observed over both the windward slopes of the Olympic Mountains and the upstream ocean, with a higher frequency of occurrence and higher ZH values over the windward slopes indicating an orographic enhancement of ice-phase precipitation processes. Aircraft-based in situ observations are evaluated for the 01-02 and 03 December 2015 orographically-enhanced precipitation events. Above the secondary ZH maximum, the hydrometeors are primarily horizontally oriented dendritic and branched crystals. Within the secondary ZH maximum, there are high concentrations of large (> ~2 mm diameter) dendrites, plates, and aggregates thereof, with a significant degree of riming. In both events, aggregation and riming appear to be enhanced within a turbulent layer near sheared flow at the top of a low-level jet impinging on the terrain and forced to rise above the melting level. Based on windward ground sites at low-, mid-, and high-elevations, secondary ZH maxima periods during all of OLYMPEX are associated with increased rain rates and larger mass-weighted mean drop diameters compared to periods without a secondary ZH maximum. This result suggests that precipitation originating from secondary ZH maxima layers may contribute to enhanced windward precipitation accumulations through the formation of large, dense particles that accelerate fallout.
Comparing Partial and Continuously Cycling Ensemble Kalman Filter Data Assimilation Systems for Convection-Allowing Ensemble Forecast Initialization
Authors: Schwartz Craig S. , Poterjoy Jonathan , Carley Jacob R. , Dowell David C. , Romine Glen S. , Ide Kayo
Published: September 2021

Several limited-area 80-member ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) data assimilation systems with 15-km horizontal grid spacing were run over a computational domain spanning the conterminous United States (CONUS) for a 4-week period. One EnKF employed continuous cycling, where the prior ensemble was always the 1-h forecast initialized from the previous cycle’s analysis. In contrast, the other EnKFs used a partial cycling procedure, where limited-area states were discarded after 12 or 18 h of self-contained hourly cycles and reinitialized the next day from global model fields. “Blended” states were also constructed by combining large scales from global ensemble initial conditions (ICs) with small scales from limited-area continuously cycling EnKF analyses using a low-pass filter. Both the blended states and EnKF analysis ensembles initialized 36-h, 10-member ensemble forecasts with 3-km horizontal grid spacing. Continuously cycling EnKF analyses initialized ∼1–18-h precipitation forecasts that were comparable to or somewhat better than those with partial cycling EnKF ICs. Conversely, ∼18–36-h forecasts with partial cycling EnKF ICs were comparable to or better than those with unblended continuously cycling EnKF ICs. However, blended ICs yielded ∼18–36-h forecasts that were statistically indistinguishable from those with partial cycling ICs. ICs that more closely resembled global analysis spectral characteristics at wavelengths > 200 km, like partial cycling and blended ICs, were associated with relatively good ∼18–36-h forecasts. Ultimately, findings suggest that EnKFs employing a combination of continuous cycling and blending can potentially replace the partial cycling assimilation systems that currently initialize operational limited-area models over the CONUS without sacrificing forecast quality.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Numerical weather prediction models (i.e., weather models) are initialized through a process called data assimilation, which combines real atmospheric observations with a previous short-term weather model forecast using statistical techniques. The overarching data assimilation strategy currently used to initialize operational regional weather models over the United States has several disadvantages that ultimately limit progress toward improving weather model forecasts. Thus, we suggest an alternative data assimilation strategy be adopted to initialize a next-generation, high-resolution (∼3 km) probabilistic forecast system currently being developed. This alternative approach preserves forecast quality while fostering a framework that can accelerate weather model improvements, which in turn will lead to better weather forecasts.
Implications of Misleading News Reporting on Tourism at the Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Authors: Mushawemhuka William , Hoogendoorn Gijsbert , Fitchett Jennifer M.
Published: September 2021

The tourism sector plays a major role in the economic development of a number of countries in the Global South, particularly Southern Africa. One such country is Zimbabwe, which struggles with significant economic hardships and relies heavily on the tourism sector. The Victoria Falls, a key tourism attraction of Zimbabwe on the Zambezi River was the subject of a plethora of news articles published between November 2019 and January 2020. The media suggested that the world’s largest waterfall had dried up due to climate change induced drought. These reports arose during the dry season and were thus arguably ill-founded and downplayed the natural seasonal characteristics of the Zambezi River. This paper presents content analysis of these media articles and the phenomenological qualitative data analysis of interviews conducted with tourism operators in Victoria Falls. Although some of the articles published within this period strived for accurate reporting, some articles claimed that the Victoria Falls was dry, which was inconsistent with experiences of tourism operators. This inaccurate reporting is argued by the tourism operators to have negatively affected the tourism sector and destination image of the key attraction. This paper highlights the need for accurate science-based media reporting on weather, climate, climate change and the knowledge of the local tourism stakeholders within the tourism sector.
An Infant with COVID-19-Associated Intussusception
Authors: Sullivan Gwyneth A. , Skertich Nicholas J. , Jones Kody B. , Williams Michael , Gulack Brian C. , Shah Ami N.
Published: September 2021

Intussusception is the most common cause of bowel obstruction in infants four to ten months old and is commonly idiopathic or attributed to lymphoid hyperplasia. Our patient was a 7-month-old male who presented with two weeks of intermittent abdominal pain associated with crying, fist clenching and grimacing. Ultrasound demonstrated an ileocolic intussusception in the right abdomen. Symptoms resolved after contrast enemas, and he was discharged home. He re-presented similarly the next day and was found to be COVID-19 positive. Computed tomography scan demonstrated a left upper quadrant ileal-ileal intussusception. His symptoms spontaneously resolved, and he was discharged home. This suggests that COVID-19 may be a cause of intussusception in infants, and infants presenting with intussusception should be screened for this virus. Additionally, recurrence may happen days later at different intestinal locations. Caregiver education upon discharge is key to monitor for recurrence and need to return.
Intra-Peritoneal Pseudocyst as a Rare Complication After Peritoneal Dialysis: The Use of a Staged Surgical Approach in Management
Authors: Kharsa Ahmad , Colvill Kayla , Stevenson Heather , Fair Jeffrey , Kulkarni Rupak , Mujtaba Muhammad , Keuht Michael
Published: September 2021

Despite its numerous benefits, peritoneal dialysis (PD) can rarely result in dangerous and even life-threatening complications, including peritonitis, hernias, encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS), and rarely peritoneal pseudocysts. Herein, we present a rare case of a giant intra-peritoneal pseudocyst that presented four months following the discontinuation of a 5-year course of complicated PD. Despite the initially successful drainages, the patient’s symptoms continued to recur, and the imaging findings were concerning for underlying neoplastic processes. As such, a staged surgical approach was performed, starting with a diagnostic laparoscopy and was subsequently followed with cyst excision and marsupialization to the peritoneal cavity. While previous reports of such rare pseudocyst have been documented in the literature as a complication of PD, to our knowledge, this is the second case of pseudocyst formation to occur months after the discontinuation of PD therapy. This case emphasizes the importance of close follow-up in PD patients and showcases how a staged surgical approach can be utilized to accurately diagnose and manage such complicated cases.
Thoracoscopic Resection of a Rare Congenital Lung Lesion With a Tracheal Bronchus
Authors: Hanna David N. , Neblett Wallace W. , Zamora Irving J.
Published: September 2021

A tracheal bronchus is a rare anatomic variant characterized by a bronchus originating from the trachea rather than the carina. These are most commonly asymptomatic and found incidentally but can cause recurrent pneumonias in children. Here, we present a case of a thoracoscopic resection of an azygous lobe with a tracheal bronchus in a 9-year-old female.
Impact of Early Exposure to Robotic Surgery Among Pre-clinical Medical Students on Career Choice and Simulation Skills
Authors: Garcia-Chavez Hector J. , Scaria Denny , Read Thomas , Iqbal Atif
Published: September 2021

We aimed to assess whether early exposure of medical students to robotic surgery training influences their interest in a surgical career and improves scores on objective simulation tasks. Medical students were invited to participate in robotic online training modules, robotic simulation exercises followed by a hands-on robotic dry-lab session. Pre- and post-simulator scores were recorded. A 29-question anonymous survey was recorded before and after the lab. Seventy percent reported that the training had a positive impact on influencing their decision to pursue a general surgery career. Students showed significantly improved skill and performance on simulation activities post-training. After the training, students felt knowledgeable about robotics, more comfortable operating robotically, and thought that robotic surgery would hold a significant place in the future of surgery. Exposing students to robotic training positively impacts their perception of surgery as a career choice and results in improvement in objective scores on simulation tasks.
Prosecutorial Use of Victim Video Statements in Domestic Violence Cases
Authors: Backes Bethany , Wasim Anna , Busch-Armendariz Noel , LaMotte Jennifer , Wood Leila
Published: September 2021

Prosecuting agencies frequently dismiss domestic violence cases due to lack of adequate evidence and limited victim participation in the case. Evidence-based prosecution asserts high quality evidence can enhance prosecutorial decision-making and reduce the reliance on victims. Video-recorded victim statements offer a potential improvement to evidence quality by capturing additional visual and factual information for prosecutors to determine applicable charges. This qualitative study examines data from six prosecution agencies in a southwestern state to understand how they use video-recorded victim statements to inform their decision-making. Findings provide preliminary evidence on the strength of video-recorded statements in offering more information on the victim, crime, and scene; strengthening negotiations with defense counsel; enhancing case strategies; and improving victim engagement. Implications for continued research and practice are discussed.
Examining the ‘age of apology’: Insights from the Political Apology database
Authors: Zoodsma Marieke , Schaafsma Juliette
Published: September 2021

It is often assumed that we are currently living in an ‘age of apology’, whereby countries increasingly seek to redress human rights violations by offering apologies. Although much has been written about why this may occur, the phenomenon itself has never been examined through a large-scale review of the apologies that have been offered. To fill this gap, we created a database of political apologies that have been offered for human rights violations across the world. We found 329 political apologies offered by 74 countries, and cross-nationally mapped and compared these apologies. Our data reveal that apologies have increasingly been offered since the end of the Cold War, and that this trend has accelerated in the last 20 years. They have been offered across the globe, be it that they seem to have been embraced by consolidated liberal democracies and by countries transitioning to liberal democracies in particular. Most apologies have been offered for human rights violations that were related to or took place in the context of a (civil) war, but there appears to be some selectivity as to the specific human rights violations that countries actually mention in the apologies. On average, it takes more than a generation before political apologies are offered.
The Spiritual Exercises of John Rawls
Authors: Lefebvre Alexandre
Published: September 2021

In this article I interpret John Rawls’s concept of the original position as a spiritual exercise. In addition to the standard interpretation of the original position as an expository device to select principles of justice for the fundamental institutions of society, I argue that Rawls also envisages it as a “spiritual exercise”: a voluntary personal practice intended to bring about a transformation of the self. To make this argument, I draw on the work of Pierre Hadot, a philosopher and classicist, who introduced the idea of spiritual exercises as central to ancient and modern conceptions of philosophy. By reading Rawls alongside Hadot, this article portrays Rawls as a thinker deeply concerned with the question of how subjects can lead more just and fulfilling lives. It also proposes that the original position as a spiritual exercise can help defend liberalism as a social and political doctrine.