bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delivery of icy planetesimals to inner planets in the Proxima Centauri planetary system
Authors: Ipatov Sergei I.
Published: May 2023

The estimates of the delivery of icy planetesimals from the feeding zone of Proxima Centauri c (with mass equal to 7mE, mE is the mass of the Earth) to inner planets b and d were made. They included the studies of the total mass of planetesimals in the feeding zone of planet c and the probabilities of collisions of such planetesimals with inner planets. This total mass could be about 10–15mE. It was estimated based on studies of the ratio of the mass of planetesimals ejected into hyperbolic orbits to the mass of planetesimals collided with forming planet c. At integration of the motion of planetesimals, the gravitational influence of planets c and b and the star was taken into account. In most series of calculations, planetesimals collided with planets were excluded from integrations. Based on estimates of the mass of planetesimals ejected into hyperbolic orbits, it was concluded that during the growth of the mass of planet c the semi‐major axis of its orbit could decrease by at least a factor of 1.5. Depending on possible gravitational scattering due to mutual encounters of planetesimals, the total mass of material delivered by planetesimals from the feeding zone of planet c to planet b was estimated to be between 0.002mE and 0.015mE. Probably, the amount of water delivered to Proxima Centauri b exceeded the mass of water in Earth's oceans. The amount of material delivered to planet d could be a little less than that delivered to planet b.
Effects of an integrated poultry value chain, nutrition, gender and WASH intervention (SELEVER) on hygiene and child morbidity and anthropometry in Burkina Faso: A secondary outcome analysis of a cluster randomised trial
Authors: Gelli Aulo , Collishaw Anissa , Awonon Josue , Becquey Elodie , Diatta Ampa , Diop Loty , Ganaba Rasmane , Headey Derek , Hien Alain , Ngure Francis , Pedehombga Abdoulaye , Santacroce Marco , Toe Laeticia C. , Verhoef Hans , Alderman Harold , Ruel Marie T.
Published: May 2023

Nutrition‐sensitive agriculture programmes have the potential to improve child nutrition outcomes, but livestock intensification may pose risks related to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) conditions. We assessed the impact of SELEVER, a nutrition‐ and gender‐sensitive poultry intervention, with and without added WASH focus, on hygiene practices, morbidity and anthropometric indices of nutrition in children aged 2−4 years in Burkina Faso. A 3‐year cluster randomised controlled trial was implemented in 120 villages in 60 communes (districts) supported by the SELEVER project. Communes were randomly assigned using restricted randomisation to one of three groups: (1) SELEVER intervention (n = 446 households); (2) SELEVER plus WASH intervention (n = 432 households); and (3) control without intervention (n = 899 households). The study population included women aged 15−49 years with an index child aged 2−4 years. We assessed the effects 1.5‐years (WASH substudy) and 3‐years (endline) post‐intervention on child morbidity and child anthropometry secondary trial outcomes using mixed effects regression models. Participation in intervention activities was low in the SELEVER groups, ranging from 25% at 1.5 years and 10% at endline. At endline, households in the SELEVER groups had higher caregiver knowledge of WASH‐livestock risks (∆ = 0.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.04−0.16]) and were more likely to keep children separated from poultry (∆ = 0.09, 95% CI [0.03−0.15]) than in the control group. No differences were found for other hygiene practices, child morbidity symptoms or anthropometry indicators. Integrating livestock WASH interventions alongside poultry and nutrition interventions can increase knowledge of livestock‐related risks and improve livestock‐hygiene‐related practices, yet may not be sufficient to improve the morbidity and nutritional status of young children.
Influence of the Suchana intervention on exclusive breastfeeding and stunting among children aged under 6 months in the Sylhet region of Bangladesh
Authors: Haque Md Ahshanul , Zaman Wahid Barbie , Farzana Fahmida D. , Tanvir Ahmed S. M. , Ali Mohammad , Naz Farina , Rahman Sheikh S. , Siddiqua Towfida J. , Faruque A. S. G. , Choudhury Nuzhat , Ahmed Tahmeed
Published: May 2023

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) provides significant health benefits to children. However, mothers may find it difficult to continue EBF for 6 months. The present analysis aimed to examine the influence of the Suchana intervention—a large‐scale programme implemented with the aim of improving the health and nutritional status of mothers and children from poor households in the Sylhet region of Bangladesh—on EBF and stunting among children under 6 months. Baseline and endline data were obtained from the Suchana evaluation. EBF was defined as an infant (<6 months) only receiving breast milk in the previous 24 h. Childhood stunting was defined as a length‐for‐age z‐score of less than −2 among children of the same age. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess the associations of the Suchana intervention with EBF and stunting. EBF prevalence improved from 64% at baseline to 85% at the endline in the intervention area, with the intervention group having 2.25 times higher odds of EBF compared to the control group. Stunting prevalence reduced from 28% at baseline to 24% at the endline in the intervention group, but after controlling for covariates, the association between stunting and the intervention was not significant. However, the interaction analysis showed significantly lower stunting prevalence among EBF children in both intervention and control areas. The Suchana intervention had a positive impact on the EBF practice of rural children in a vulnerable region of Bangladesh, and EBF was identified as a significant factor associated with stunting. The findings suggest that the continuation of the EBF intervention has the potential to have an impact on reducing stunting in the region, highlighting the importance of promoting EBF to improve child health and development.
Biocidal products: Opportunities in risk assessment, management, and communication
Authors: Lee Byung‐Mu , Bearth Angela , Tighe Robert M. , Kim Manho , Tan Simon , Kwon Seok
Published: May 2023

In the coronavirus disease 2019 era, biocidal products are increasingly used for controlling harmful organisms, including microorganisms. However, assuring safety against adverse health effects is a critical issue from a public health standpoint. This study aimed to provide an overview of key aspects of risk assessment, management, and communication that ensure the safety of biocidal active ingredients and products. The inherent characteristics of biocidal products make them effective against pests and pathogens; however, they also possess potential toxicities. Therefore, public awareness regarding both the beneficial and potential adverse effects of biocidal products needs to be increased. Biocidal active ingredients and products are regulated under specific laws: the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act for the United States; the European Union (EU) Biocidal Products Regulation for the EU; and the Consumer Chemical Products and Biocide Safety Management Act for the Republic of Korea. Risk management also needs to consider the evidence of enhanced sensitivity to toxicities in individuals with chronic diseases, given the increased prevalence of these conditions in the population. This is particularly important for post‐marketing safety assessments of biocidal products. Risk communication conveys information, including potential risks and risk‐reduction measures, aimed at managing or controlling health or environmental risks. Taken together, the collaborative effort of stakeholders in risk assessment, management, and communication strategies is critical to ensuring the safety of biocidal products sold in the market as these strategies are constantly evolving.
Discourse markers so and well in Zimbabwean English: A corpus‐based comparative analysis
Authors: Chapwanya Faith Chiedza , Nel Joanine Hester
Published: May 2023

This analysis of discourse markers so and well in Zimbabwean English (ZE) and British English was carried out to determine possible statistically significant variations in their occurrence and function frequencies in spoken and written registers, and in different genres to ascertain if they are used in the same manner in both languages and in different language use contexts. The ZE corpus and the International Corpus of English‐Great Britain (ICE‐GB) were compared to reveal statistically significant variations in some registers and genres. Regarding so, the marking implied result and the sequential so functions were more frequent in the ICE‐GB compared to the ZE corpus. Well occurred more in the ICE‐GB compared to the ZE corpus. Searching for the right phrase, rephrasing or correcting, move to main story, indirect answer, contributing an opinion, direct answer, continuing an opinion, and evaluating a previous statement occurred more in the ICE‐GB compared to the ZE corpus.
Uniform simplicity for subgroups of piecewise continuous bijections of the unit interval
Authors: Guelman Nancy , Liousse Isabelle
Published: May 2023

Let and (resp. ) be the quotient group of the group of all piecewise continuous (resp. piecewise continuous and orientation preserving) bijections of by its normal subgroup consisting in elements with finite support (i.e., which are trivial except at possibly finitely many points). Arnoux's thesis states that and certain groups of interval exchanges are simple, and the proofs of these results are the purpose of the Appendix. We prove the simplicity of the group of locally orientation preserving, piecewise continuous, piecewise affine maps of the unit interval. These results can be improved. Indeed, a group is uniformly simple if there exists a positive integer such that for any , the element can be written as a product of at most conjugates of or . We provide conditions, which guarantee that a subgroup of is uniformly simple. As corollaries, we obtain that , , , , , and some Thompson‐like groups included that the Thompson group are uniformly simple.
Minimal Ws,ns$W^{s,\frac{n}{s}}$‐harmonic maps in homotopy classes
Authors: Mazowiecka Katarzyna , Schikorra Armin
Published: May 2023

Let a closed ‐dimensional manifold, be a closed manifold, and let for . We extend the monumental work of Sacks and Uhlenbeck by proving that if , then there exists a minimizing ‐harmonic map homotopic to . If , then we prove that there exists a ‐harmonic map from to in a generating set of . Since several techniques, especially Pohozaev‐type arguments, are unknown in the fractional framework (in particular, when , one cannot argue via an extension method), we develop crucial new tools that are interesting on their own: such as a removability result for point singularities and a balanced energy estimate for nonscaling invariant energies. Moreover, we prove the regularity theory for minimizing ‐maps into manifolds.
Lectio praecursoria: Recognizing the plurality of knowledge, values, and experiences interwoven in Mexican community forestry
Authors: Gutiérrez-Zamora Violeta
Published: May 2023

During my doctoral defense at the University of Eastern Finland on January 27th, 2023, I introduced my doctoral research with the present lectio praecursoria. This lectio delves into the plurality of experiences, values and knowledge interwoven in the development of community forestry in the Sierra Sur of Oaxaca, Mexico. In the last 40 years, Mexico has promoted community forestry as an alternative to forest management directed by the central government or private companies. As an alternative, community forestry is based on social justice and environmental sustainability principles, aiming for communities to use forests for social and economic development while conserving them. The research examines how forest communities have created their paths to achieve these objectives, like creating community forestry companies for wood and non-wood forest products. Based on ethnographic methods and documental analysis in the Sierra Sur of Oaxaca state, the research investigated the challenges, paradoxes and changes forest dwellers face when managing and working in their community forestry companies while conserving their forests. Furthermore, this study contributes to understanding how different environmental governing rationalities intersect when 1) socio-territorial conflicts arise, 2) women's access to productive labor is encouraged, and 3) the plural values of the forest are adapted. The lecture addresses one of the critical inquiries of this research: how various environmental governing rationalities intertwine in community forestry to shape and regulate people's behavior and interactions with forests.
Vector meson gravitational form factors and generalized parton distributions at finite temperature within the soft-wall AdS/QCD model
Authors: Allahverdiyeva Minaya , Mamedov Shahin
Published: May 2023

We investigate the vector meson’s gravitational form factors (GFFs) and generalized parton distributions (GPDs) at finite temperatures within the soft-wall AdS/ QCD model. The plotted soft-wall GFFs graphs at zero temperature are close to the hard-wall results (Abidin and Carlson in Phys. Rev. D 77:095007, arXiv:0801.3839 [hep-th], 2008). The dependence on temperature of the GFFs and GPDs is studied using the thermal dilaton approach in the soft-wall model. Plots of thermal GFFs show that they decrease in temperature increase. Also, the gravitational radius of $$\rho $$
ρ
meson decreases in temperature growth and becomes zero around the critical temperature $$T_c=0.2 \mathrm{\ GeV}$$

T
c

=
0.2

GeV

. GPDs at zero skewness are plotted and analyzed at zero and finite temperature cases.
Energy momentum tensor of a non-minimally coupled scalar from the equivalence of the Einstein and Jordan frames
Authors: Moinuddin Sk. , Mukherjee Pradip , Saha Anirban , Roy Amit Singha
Published: May 2023

Unlike the minimally coupled gravity theory where matter is coupled with gravity in such a manner so that one can differentiate the matter and gravity sector uniquely, the non-minimally coupled theories (NMCT) are distinguished by the intermingling of two. As a consequence of this the calculation of the energy momentum tensor (EMT) in NMCT is beset with an arbitrariness. In this paper we provide an algorithm based on the well known equivalence between Jordan frame and Einstein frame formulations which enables us to construct the EMT for NMCT in a unique way.
Effect of Cathodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Lower Limb Subacute Stroke Rehabilitation
Authors: Duan Qian , Liu Wenying , Yang Jinhui , Huang Ben , Shen Jie
Published: May 2023

Background and Purpose. Motor dysfunction of the lower limb is a common sequela in stroke patients. The aim was to evaluate the efficacy of cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (ctDCS) combined with conventional gait rehabilitation (CGR) to compare and clarify the clinical rehabilitation efficacy of ctDCS on motor dysfunction of the lower limbs after stroke to improve the walking ability of stroke patients. Methods. A pilot double-blind and randomized clinical trial. Ninety-one subjects with subacute stroke were treated with cathodal/sham stimulation tDCS based on CGR (physiotherapy 40 min/d and occupational therapy 20 min/d) once daily for 20 consecutive working days. Computer-based stratified randomization (1 : 1) was employed by considering age and sex, with concealed assignments in opaque envelopes to ensure no allocation errors after disclosure at the study’s end. Patients were evaluated at T0 before treatment, T1 immediately after the posttreatment assessment, and T2 assessment one month after the end of the treatment. The primary outcome index was assessed: lower limb Fugl-Meyer motor score (FMA-LE); secondary endpoints were other gait assessment and relevant stroke scale assessment. Results. Patients in the trial group performed significantly better than the control group in all primary outcome indicators assessed posttreatment T1 and at follow-up T2: FMA-LE outcome indicators between the two groups in T1 (

P
=
0.032

; effect size 1.00, 95% CI: 0.00 to 2.00) and FMA-LE outcome indicators between the two groups in T2 (

P
=
0.010

; effect size 2.00, 95% CI: 1.00 to 3.00). Conclusion. In the current pilot study, ctDCS plus CGR was an effective treatment modality to improve lower limb motor function with subacute stroke. The effectiveness of cathodal tDCS in poststroke lower limb motor dysfunction is inconclusive. Therefore, a large randomized controlled trial is needed to verify its effectiveness.
Air-Ground Task Collaboration Safety Analysis Based on Real-Valued Differential Biclustering for Midterm Conflict in Single-Pilot Operations of Commercial Aircraft
Authors: Wang Miao , Luo Yue , Chen Yong , Zhong Kelin , Wang Guoqing
Published: May 2023

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has mapped out Single-Pilot Operations (SPO) as the core development direction for the next generation of commercial aircraft operations in 2030. Safety is a key airworthiness factor in commercial aircraft design. Due to the higher degree of air-ground task collaboration and complexity in the SPO mode, the traditional safety analysis methods applied in two-pilot mode cannot effectively identify the potential hazard patterns in the system. To address the above problems, a safety analysis method that combines model-based safety analysis (MBSA) with hazard pattern mining is introduced, and a differential bicluster mining algorithm named TFCluster is proposed to identify maximum differential biclusters from real-valued function-resource matrices without candidate maintenance. Experiment studies on public datasets indicate that TFCluster is efficient and scalable, and outperform the existing differential bicluster algorithms. Taking the typical operating scenario—midterm conflict resolution in the SPO mode as an example—safety analysis of air-ground task collaboration for flight conflict in the SPO air-ground collaborative architecture is carried out. It is found that the proposed method can effectively identify potential hazard patterns, feedback to the system architecture design, and assist safety analysis.
Association between Light-Intensity and Moderate-to-Vigorous-Intensity Physical Activity Habits and Kidney Dysfunction: A General Population Cohort Study
Authors: Sakurai Goro , Toyama Tadashi , Tokumaru Toshiaki , Hara Akinori , Yamamura Yuta , Nakagawa Shiori , Oshima Megumi , Miyagawa Taro , Ogura Hisayuki , Kitajima Shinji , Sakai Norihiko , Shimizu Miho , Wada Takashi , Iwata Yasunori
Published: May 2023

Few studies have considered physical activity (PA) intensity and frequency in relation to kidney dysfunction. This study aimed to investigate the association of regular light intensity, occasional moderate-to-vigorous physical activities, and their combination with kidney function in the general population. This community-based historical cohort study included Japanese people aged ≥40 years. Participants were divided into four groups according to their PA habits: inactive group (neither regular light-intensity physical activity (LPA) nor occasional moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA)), LPA group (1.5–3.0 metabolic equivalents (METs) for at least 60 min a day), MVPA group (>3.0 METs for at least 30 min twice a week), and LPA + MVPA group (combination of LPA and MVPA). The primary outcome was a 40% decrease in the estimated glomerular filtration rate from the baseline. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to examine the association between PA habits and kidney function. In total, 72,999 participants were included in this study. During the mean follow-up period of 5.9 years, 2,989 (4.1%) participants achieved the outcome. Compared to participants with neither LPA nor MVPA, the adjusted hazard ratios were 0.94 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.85–1.03;

p
=
0.182

) for LPA alone, 0.97 (95% CI, 0.85–1.10;

p
=
0.618

) for MVPA alone, and 0.83 (95% CI, 0.76–0.91;

p
<
0.001

) for a combination of LPA and MVPA. There was a significant interaction between sex and PA habit (

p
=
0.015

). Generally, combined LPA and MVPA were associated with a lower risk of kidney dysfunction than was the lack of PA. Future studies are required to determine the PA intensity and duration required to protect kidney function.
Correction of collecting number errors in the protologues of sixty-four taxon names from China
Authors: LIN Yun , BI HAI-YAN , SUN JUN , SUN QIAN
Published: May 2023

Revision and collation of Chinese type specimens from the Harvard University Herbaria and the William and Lynda Steere Herbarium of New York Botanical Garden led to the discovery of errors in the designation of type specimens in the protologues of several taxa names. Following the Article 9.2 of the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (Shenzhen Code, 2018), the typographical errors of collecting number in the protologues of 64 taxa from China were corrected.
Parodia hofackeriana (Cactaceae—Notocacteae), a new species from southwest of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Authors: SILVEIRA DE OLIVEIRA ANABELA , CORRÊA PONTES RODRIGO
Published: May 2023

The South American genus Parodia includes taxa that are not sufficiently known from the taxonomical point of view. Based on field surveys, and review of nomenclatural types, specimens, and literature, we found an interesting species of Parodia from rocky areas in the southwest region of Rio Grande do Sul, which is here described as Parodia hofackeriana sp. nov. Geographic distribution, phenology, habitat, conservation, and morphological affinities with related species are provided.
Restrepia santanderensis (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae), a new species from the western slope of the eastern Andes in Colombia
Authors: GUTIÉRREZ MORALES NICOLÁS , MORENO JUAN SEBASTIÁN , KARREMANS ADAM P. , GIL-AMAYA KAREN
Published: May 2023

A new species of the orchid genus Restrepia from the department of Santander, in the western slope of the eastern Andes of Colombia, is described and illustrated. Restrepia santanderensis is compared with the morphologically similar R. flosculata and R. mendozae, which share having short inflorescences and small to medium yellow flowers. The new species can be recognized by its ramicauls prominently covered by brown-dotted sheaths, with the uppermost sheath elongate as long as the peduncle, the sepals partially spreading, the synsepal with glandular trichomes along the veins of the adaxial surface, the straight petals and the rectangular lip with truncate apex. Comparisons with similar species and comments on its ecology are provided.
A review of the gekkotan lizards of Bénin, with the description of a new species of Hemidactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae)
Authors: BAUER AARON M. , TCHIBOZO SÉVÉRIN , PAUWELS OLIVIER S. G. , LENGLET GEORGES
Published: May 2023

The gecko fauna of Bénin is extremely poorly known, with only two species having previously been mentioned in the literature on the basis of voucher specimens. We provide evidence for the occurrence of seven additional species, bringing the national total to nine confirmed species. Another five species are known from localities to both the east and west of Bénin and almost certainly are part of the national fauna. One of the species confirmed for Bénin is a new species of Hemidactylus. This new form is distinguished by its 14–16 dorsal tubercle rows, enlarged median subcaudal scales, atuberculate tail dorsum, 38 precloacal-femoral pores, and 6–7 (usually 7) divided scansors beneath digit four of both the manus and pes. We also provide the first record of Lygodactylus conraui for Togo.
Natural history and distribution of the enigmatic southern Appalachian opilionid, Fumontana deprehendor Shear (Laniatores: Triaenonychidae), with an assessment of morphological variation
Authors: THOMAS STEVEN M. , HEDIN MARSHAL
Published: May 2023

The opilionid species Fumontana deprehendor Shear, 1977 (Laniatores: Triaenonychidae) represents a monotypic genus, previously known from only four specimens collected at two published localities, both old-growth forest sites in the southern Appalachian mountains. In an effort to increase the biogeographic and taxonomic information available for this phylogenetically and morphologically unique opilionid, we undertook a focused sampling effort throughout the southern Appalachians. These field efforts uncovered both more individuals (n = 141) and a broader distributional range (22 newly-discovered populations) for this monotypic genus. Examination of both somatic and penis morphology reveals little geographic variation across spatially disjunct populations. Our results provide a new perspective on conservation priorities for F. deprehendor. Rather than representing a single, hyper-rare taxon of limited distribution, our data suggest a broader distribution across the uplands of the southern Appalachians. We recommend that conservation attention be focused on learning more about the distribution, biology and relative rarity of F. deprehendor in the smaller, geographically isolated units.
A new species of Coenosopsia Malloch (Diptera, Anthomyiidae) from southern Brazil and a reappraisal of the cladistic relationships of the genus
Authors: BORTOLANZA MARIZA , DE CARVALHO CLAUDIO J. B. , LARA ANA P. C.
Published: May 2023

A new species of Coenosopsia Malloch (Diptera, Muscidae), C. albuquerquei Bortolanza and Carvalho, sp. nov., is described from Telêmeco Borba, in the state of Paraná, southern Brazil. With this new species included, a cladistic re-analysis of the genus was performed, using the data matrix of Nihei and Carvalho (2004). Results of this analysis suggest a close relationship between C. albuquerquei and C. ferrari. This clade is the sister-group of the other Coenosopsia species: (C. prima (C. brasiliensis, C. peruviana) (C. michelseni (C. floridensis, C. mexicana))). Biogeographically, the vicariant events previously proposed for South America support the evolutionary history of this genus. Additionally, we discuss the possibility that C. michelseni and C. ferrari were not always restricted to the “cerrado” of central Brazil.
Type specimens of Elasmobranchii in the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo (MZUSP)
Authors: LIMA ARTHUR DE , LOBODA THIAGO SILVA , GIANETI MICHEL DONATO , SILVA JOÃO PAULO CAPRETZ BATISTA DA , PINNA MARIO DE
Published: May 2023

The type specimens of the subclass Elasmobranchii deposited in the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo are compiled in an annotated list, including updated measurements, verified collection data and recent photographs of holotypes and selected paratypes. Relevant information on the preservation condition of the specimens and their current taxonomic status are also provided. The collection holds a total of 135 lots of type specimens of elasmobranchs, three holotypes and seven paratypes in the division Selachii plus 16 holotypes, one neotype, and 108 paratypes in the division Batoidea (total specimen count: 137). Four paratypes were not located and one was donated to another institution, and publication mistakes in catalog numbers and locality assignments are corrected. The vast majority of specimens belong to the neotropical freshwater stingrays (subfamily Potamotrygoninae). The present catalogue intends to facilitate taxonomic research by providing access to updated information on type specimens of mostly large-sized taxa, which are notoriously difficult or impossible to examine outside of their home institution.
Revision of the genus Calofulcinia Giglio-Tos (Mantodea: Nanomantidae: Fulciniinae) in Australia
Authors: CONNORS MATTHEW G. , YEELES PETER , LACH LORI , RENTZ DAVID C.F.
Published: May 2023

The genus Calofulcinia comprises several species of small, cryptic mantis, three of which have been described from Australia. The genus is infrequently recorded and is thus very poorly known, and even basic questions of species delimitation and distribution have remained virtually unknown since the descriptions of these taxa. We here redescribe and figure the three known Australian species of Calofulcinia in full and provide a detailed key to Australian species. We record significant range extensions for all three species, and provide the first detailed behavioural and ecological records for the genus. In addition, we group the Australian species into a Robust Group (C. paraoxypila) and a Gracile Group (C. australis and C. oxynota), we detail the occurrence of colour polymorphism within the genus, and finally we discuss the apparent microhabitat specificity of Calofulcinia spp. (mosses and lichens) and their preference for cool, moist environments with reference to our changing climate.
Cynipidae (Hymenoptera, Cynipoidea) fauna of Burdur province (Türkiye)
Authors: DEMİREL MUSTAFA , TATAROĞLU MUSA , KATILMIŞ YUSUF
Published: May 2023

Field studies were conducted between September 2020 and June 2022 to assess the gall wasp (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae) fauna of Burdur province (Southwestern Türkiye). A total of 69 species in 18 genera were recorded. Gall samples were collected from 150 samples collected in 100 different localities in the surveyed area. The identified species include three new records (Andricus melikai Pujade-Villar & Kwast, 2002; A. pseudocecconii Melika, Tavakoli & Stone, 2022; Saphonecrus undulatus (Мауr, 1872)) for the Turkish cynipid fauna. As a result of this study, 44 species of the current Turkish cynipid fauna were recorded from Burdur province for the first time. A checklist of the species and their host plants and/or host galls recorded in the study area is provided. The gall wasp richness and geomorphic-topographic structure of Burdur province is discussed.
American biodiversity in Lamiinae (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae): description of three new species of Eupogonius LeConte and new distribution records
Authors: BEZARK LARRY G. , SANTOS-SILVA ANTONIO
Published: May 2023

Three new species of Eupogonius LeConte, 1852 (Desmiphorini) are described from Mexico: E. rifkindi sp. nov., from Colima and E. martinezi sp. nov. and E. pulcher sp. nov., from Nayarit. A new country record is provided for Eupogonius piperitus (Bates, 1885) and new country (Belize) and state (Mexico, Oaxaca) records are provided for Drycothaea spreta Bates, 1885 (Calliini). The differences between D. spreta and D. turrialbae (Breuning, 1943) are discussed. Additional new distribution records are presented for Canidia ochreostictica (Dillon, 1956) and Stenolis multimacula Monné, 2011 (Acanthocinini). In a recent paper by us, the repository acronyms listed under materials and methods do not match the repository acronym listed for the new species, the type repository for those four new species is clarified herein.
An unexpected diversity of Cyphophthalmi (Arachnida: Opiliones) in Upper Cretaceous Burmese amber
Authors: BARTEL CHRISTIAN , DUNLOP JASON A. , GIRIBET GONZALO
Published: May 2023

Ten new Cyphophthalmi specimens (Arachnida: Opiliones) from the Upper Cretaceous (Lower Cenomanian) Burmese amber of northern Myanmar are described. Seven of these are placed in Stylocellidae, the predominant extant family found today in Southeast Asia. Sirocellus iunctus gen. et sp. nov. represents the first fossil with a combination of sironid and stylocellid characters, suggesting a still ongoing transition in some lineages during the Upper Cretaceous. Mesopsalis oblongus gen. et sp. nov. represents a second fossil with elongated ozophores, a character not known from modern species. Leptopsalis breyeri sp. nov. is the first Cretaceous cyphophthalmid assignable to an extant genus. The species Foveacorpus cretaceus gen. et sp. nov. and F. parvus gen. et sp. nov., which cannot be placed in an extant family, show morphological novelties for Cyphophthalmi such as numerous pits covering the whole body. The possible function of these pits is discussed. Three more adult males with unique adenostyles and two juveniles are not formally named but further indicate an already highly diverse cyphophthalmid fauna during the Cretaceous. The total number of named Burmese amber Cyphophthalmi species is raised from one to six, and the total fossil record for this suborder now stands at eight.
The life history of Hayesiana triopus (Westwood, 1847), with taxonomic notes on both present and former species of the genus Hayesiana Fletcher, 1982 (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae)
Authors: JIANG ZHUO-HENG , XU ZHEN-BANG , CHENG WEN-DA , LI YU-FEI , HU SHAO-JI
Published: May 2023

The two species previously included in the genus Hayesiana Fletcher, 1982 were studied. The life history of the sole currently included species, Hayesiana triopus (Westwood, 1847) is illustrated in colour for the first time. Field records of Hayesiana triopus and Dahira farintaenia (Zhu & Wang, 1997) (previously Hayesiana farintaenia) are given, with the first description of the female genitalia of the latter. The diagnostic features and DNA barcoding data of Hayesiana triopus and Dahira farintaenia are also discussed.
Five new species of the genus Meganaclia Aurivillius, 1892 (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Syntomini)
Authors: IGNATEV NIKOLAI , LÁSZLÓ GYULA M. , PAŚNIK ANNA , FRIC ZDĚNEK FALTÝNEK , SULAK HARALD , MÜLLER GÜNTER C.
Published: May 2023

The Afrotropical genus Meganaclia Aurivillius, 1892 is revised, five new species M. smithi sp. n., M. grehani sp. n., M. josephi sp. n., M. johannae sp. n. and M. gaerberfesti sp. n. are described with a key for identification of species based on male genitalia structures. Habitus and genitalia of all taxa are illustrated and a distribution map is provided.
Palpigrades from Cuba (Arachnida: Palpigradi: Eukoeneniidae)
Authors: MAYORAL JAIME , HERNÁNDEZ-BORROTO SAMUEL
Published: May 2023

The knowledge of palpigrades in Cuba is limited to the species Eukoenenia orghidani, discovered and described from Cueva de Bellamar. In this work, a survey for palpigrades in the suburbs of La Habana, Cuba revealed three species, Eukoenenia berlesei, Eukoenenia florenciae and a new species described here as Eukoenenia glandulosa sp. nov. Interestingly, the three species coexist in the microspaces of wet soil. A total of 16 arthropod species were identified living in the same microhabitat as the palpigrades.
Hodological Space in the Acts Narrative
Authors: Jung Deok Hee
Published: May 2023

This study is an attempt to highlight the geographical perspective that was current in the New Testament world: a hodological understanding of space, which represents the ancient people’s worldview, and can be a clue to interpreting Acts also. This article argues that Acts reveals the linearity of hodological space through the geographical movement of the apostles to the end of earth. Luke constructs a linear narrative, that is, a straight line on which he arranges a number of cities and places. Acts is composed of a series of paths from the preface to the final scene, but those paths are condensed within a single path from Jerusalem to Rome. From this hodological reading, the essay claims that Luke guides his audience to the final destination of Rome, which is hidden away as a surprise. That might be a reason why Luke places Rome at the end of Paul’s entire itinerary.
Corrigendum to “Natural convection of nanofluids in a wavy porous cavity”
Authors: Barman Prabir , Rao PS
Published: May 2023

In the paper mentioned above, we pointed out some errors in the Nusselt number [Formula: see text] calculation. Through this corrigendum, we are presenting a meaningful discussion of the calculated [Formula: see text] values. It is believed that the readers of Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part C: Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science, will gain better insight into the problem.
Ophthalmic artery arising from the external carotid artery system: the middle meningeal artery in South African patients
Authors: Omotoso B.R , Harrichandparsad R , Lazarus L
Published: May 2023

Background

The ophthalmic artery is the first branch of the internal carotid artery. It arises from the supraclinoid segment of the internal carotid artery within the subarachnoid space and enters the orbit via the optic canal. However, due to complex embryogenesis, the ophthalmic artery can arise from different parts of the internal carotid artery or the distal branches of the external carotid artery. This is usually associated with a variation in the course of the ophthalmic artery through the superior orbital fissure instead of coursing through the optic canal. The ophthalmic artery and its branches vascularise the eyeball and its contents. Consequently, information about its morphologic variation is essential for treating clinical conditions such as central retinal artery occlusion, retinoblastoma chemoembolization, and ophthalmic artery aneurysm.

Case presentation

We report on two cases of the ophthalmic artery arising from the middle meningeal artery in one adult (33-year-old Indian female) and one pediatric (2-year-old African male) South African patient examined by digital subtraction angiography. The patients were diagnosed with arteriovenous malformations and bilateral retinoblastoma, respectively.

Conclusions

The ophthalmic artery plays a vital role in vision generation. Thus, its anatomy is of clinical interest to neurosurgeons, ophthalmologists, and interventional radiologists.
Positive correlational shift between crevicular antimicrobial peptide LL-37, pain and periodontal status following non-surgical periodontal therapy. A pilot study
Authors: Madruga David , Garcia Miguel M , Martino Luca , Hassan Haidar , Elayat Ghada , Ghali Lucy , Ceballos Laura
Published: May 2023

Background

Periodontitis has a high prevalence and uncertain recurrence. Unlike the pro-inflammatory cytokine profile, little is known about the anti-inflammatory cytokine and antimicrobial peptide overview following treatment. The present study aimed to evaluate if any of the antimicrobial peptide LL-37, interleukin (IL) 4, 10 and 6 together with the volume of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and total protein concentration in GCF could be used as correlative biomarkers for the severity in periodontitis as well as prognostic factors in the management of the disease.

Methods

Forty-five participants were recruited and allocated to the healthy (15), Stage I-II (15) or Stage III-IV periodontitis (15) group. Along with periodontal examination, GCF samples were obtained at baseline and 4–6 weeks following scaling and root planing (SRP) for the periodontitis groups. GCF samples were analyzed by ELISA kits to quantify LL-37 and IL-4, -6 and − 10. One-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s test was used to determine differences among the three groups at baseline. Two-way ANOVA followed by Sidak’s post-hoc test was used to compare between pre- and post-SRP in the two periodontitis groups.

Results

The amount of GCF volume was significantly correlated to the severity of periodontitis and decreased following SRP, particularly in the Stage III-IV group (p < 0.01). The levels of LL-37, IL-6, and pain and periodontal clinical parameters were significantly correlated to the severity of periodontitis. IL-4 and IL-10 in the periodontitis groups were significantly lower than the healthy group (p < 0.0001) and barely improved following SRP up to the level of the healthy group.

Conclusions

With the limitations of this study, crevicular LL-37 may be a candidate for a biomarker of periodontitis and the associated pain upon probing.

Trial registration

The study was registered in clinical trials.gov, with number NCT04404335, dated 27/05/2020.
Can payment by results ensure equitable access to contraceptive services? a qualitative case study
Authors: Boydell Victoria , Holden Joseph , Robins Ginny , Mumah Joyce , Abok Barnabas , Mudhune Sandra , Guinard Caroline , Quinn Heidi , Bishop Meghan
Published: May 2023

Background

The Leave No One Behind (LNOB) agenda compels sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) implementers to focus on the multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination and inequalities. One strategy to address these is Payment by Results (PbR). Using the Women’s Integrated Sexual Health (WISH) programme as a case study, this paper examines if and how PbR can ensure equitable reach and impact.

Methods

Given the complexity of PbR mechanisms, a theory-based approach was used in the design and analysis of this evaluation, drawing on four case studies. These were conducted by reviewing global and national programme data and by interviewing 50 WISH partner staff at national level and WISH programme staff at global and regional levels.

Results

The case studies found that inclusion of equity-based indicators in the PbR mechanism had demonstrable effects on people’s incentives, on how systems work, and on modes of working. The WISH programme was successful in achieving its desired programme indicators. The use of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) clearly incentivised several strategies for service providers to innovate and reach adolescents and people living in poverty. However, there were trade-offs between performance indicators that increased coverage and others that increased equitable access, as well as several systemic challenges that limited the possible incentive effects.

Conclusions

The use of PbR KPIs incentivised several strategies to reach adolescents and people living in poverty. However, the use of global indicators was too simplistic, resulting in several methodological issues.
Pulsatilla Decoction and its bioactive component β-peltatin induce G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Wu Rong , Xi Zhichao , Liu Mengfan , Ren Hangui , Dai Rongchen , Jiang Xue , Nik Nabil Wan Najbah , Wang Yalin , Feng Jiling , Chai Qiong , Dong Qihan , Xu Hongxi
Published: May 2023

Background

Pancreatic cancer (PAC), a malignancy that is fatal and commonly diagnosed at a late stage. Despite considerable advancements in cancer treatment, the survival rate of PAC remains largely consistent for the past 60 years. The traditional Chinese medicine formula Pulsatilla Decoction (PD) has been clinically used to treat inflammatory diseases for millennia and recently as a supplementary anti-cancer treatment in China. However, the bioactive ingredients and mechanisms underlying its anti-cancer effect remains unclear.

Methods

The composition and quality control of PD were verified through analysis by high performance liquid chromatography. Cell viability was determined using Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. The cell cycle distribution was analyzed through PI staining and flow cytometry analysis, while apoptotic cells were measured by double staining with Annexin V-FITC and PI. We used immunoblotting to examine protein expressions. The in vivo effects of β-peltatin and podophyllotoxin were evaluated on a subcutaneously-xenografted BxPC-3 cell nude mice model.

Results

The current study demonstrated that PD markedly inhibited PAC cell proliferation and triggered their apoptosis. Four herbal PD formula was then disassembled into 15 combinations of herbal ingredients and a cytotoxicity assay showed that the Pulsatillae chinensis exerted the predominant anti-PAC effect. Further investigation indicated that β-peltatin was potently cytotoxic with IC50 of ~ 2 nM. β-peltatin initially arrested PAC cells at G2/M phase, followed by apoptosis induction. Animal study confirmed that β-peltatin significantly suppressed the growth of subcutaneously-implanted BxPC-3 cell xenografts. Importantly, compared to podophyllotoxin that is the parental isomer of β-peltatin but clinically obsoleted due to its severe toxicity, β-peltatin exhibited stronger anti-PAC effect and lower toxicity in mice.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that Pulsatillae chinensis and particularly its bioactive ingredient β-peltatin suppress PAC by triggering cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and apoptosis.
Transcriptional patterns of sexual dimorphism and in host developmental programs in the model parasitic nematode Heligmosomoides bakeri
Authors: Pollo Stephen M. J. , Leon-Coria Aralia , Liu Hongrui , Cruces-Gonzalez David , Finney Constance A. M. , Wasmuth James D.
Published: May 2023

Background

Heligmosomoides bakeri (often mistaken for Heligmosomoides polygyrus) is a promising model for parasitic nematodes with the key advantage of being amenable to study and manipulation within a controlled laboratory environment. While draft genome sequences are available for this worm, which allow for comparative genomic analyses between nematodes, there is a notable lack of information on its gene expression.

Methods

We generated biologically replicated RNA-seq datasets from samples taken throughout the parasitic life of H. bakeri. RNA from tissue-dwelling and lumen-dwelling worms, collected under a dissection microscope, was sequenced on an Illumina platform.

Results

We find extensive transcriptional sexual dimorphism throughout the fourth larval and adult stages of this parasite and identify alternative splicing, glycosylation, and ubiquitination as particularly important processes for establishing and/or maintaining sex-specific gene expression in this species. We find sex-linked differences in transcription related to aging and oxidative and osmotic stress responses. We observe a starvation-like signature among transcripts whose expression is consistently upregulated in males, which may reflect a higher energy expenditure by male worms. We detect evidence of increased importance for anaerobic respiration among the adult worms, which coincides with the parasite’s migration into the physiologically hypoxic environment of the intestinal lumen. Furthermore, we hypothesize that oxygen concentration may be an important driver of the worms encysting in the intestinal mucosa as larvae, which not only fully exposes the worms to their host’s immune system but also shapes many of the interactions between the host and parasite. We find stage- and sex-specific variation in the expression of immunomodulatory genes and in anthelmintic targets.

Conclusions

We examine how different the male and female worms are at the molecular level and describe major developmental events that occur in the worm, which extend our understanding of the interactions between this parasite and its host. In addition to generating new hypotheses for follow-up experiments into the worm’s behavior, physiology, and metabolism, our datasets enable future more in-depth comparisons between nematodes to better define the utility of H. bakeri as a model for parasitic nematodes in general.

Graphical Abstract
Waldenström macroglobulinemia with secondary pure red cell aplasia in a patient with metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer receiving an immune checkpoint inhibitor: a case report
Authors: Kumar Vaibhav , Montgomery Nathan D. , van Deventer Hendrik W. , Whang Young E.
Published: May 2023

Background

Hypoproliferative anemia is a frequently encountered adverse event in cancer patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Secondary pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) is a rare but recognized immune related adverse event. With the burgeoning use of ICIs, the association of secondary PRCA with an underlying lymphoproliferative disorder is often overlooked.

Case presentation

We report a case of a 67-year-old non-Hispanic Caucasian male with metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer, who developed severe transfusion dependent anemia with reticulocytopenia while receiving treatment with olaparib and pembrolizumab. His bone marrow findings demonstrated erythroid hypoplasia, in addition to a CD5-negative, CD10-negative monotypic B-cell population and a somatic MYD88L265P mutation. With a presence of an IgM-paraprotein, he was diagnosed with Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) with secondary PRCA and treated with 6 cycles of bendamustine and rituximab. He achieved a complete response with this regimen and was transfusion independent.

Conclusion

In this case, underlying WM was uncovered through systematic investigation of anemia caused by ICI therapy. This report highlights the possibility of a lymphoproliferative disorder in patients with concerns for PRCA with prior ICI exposure. If identified, treating the underlying lymphoproliferative disorder is highly efficacious in the management of the secondary PRCA.