bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Haemocyte characterization in invasive Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) (Decapoda, Portunidae) from unpolluted vs polluted sites in Argentina
Authors: Frizzera Antonella C. , Samartino Clara G. , Santo Aldo M. , Bojko Jamie , Cremonte Florencia , Vázquez Nuria
Published: December 2022

Pollution, biological invasions and climate change pose the greatest threats to biodiversity worldwide. Few studies explore the interlink between invasive species and local pollution sites. This study describes the type and cytochemical properties of haemocytes from invasive Carcinus maenas on the southwestern Atlantic coast (Argentina). Moreover, the morphology of haemocytes and the total haemocyte count (THC) as well as the differential haemocyte count (DHC) of crabs sampled at clean or unpolluted and polluted sites were compared, to determine whether environmental stresses were evident in their haemocytes. Our results revealed two groups or subpopulations of haemocytes: hyalinocytes, as well as granulocytes and semi-granulocytes. The type of haemocyte from crabs from both sites showed no differences in their morphology. For cytochemical assays, only neutral red dye showed a more intense staining of crab haemocytes at the polluted site. All haemocytes were positive to Periodic Acid-Schiff and Sudan Black. THC of crabs from the clean site were significantly higher, as well as having a significantly higher proportion of hyalinocytes and a lower proportion of granular cells. This study provides a baseline immunological assessment for C. maenas haemocytes, suggesting a differential haemocytic response to environmental stress.
A review of ectocommensals and parasites of Chilean crayfishes (Decapoda, Parastacidae), with emphasis on Temnocephala chilensis (Moquin-Tandon, 1846) (Platyhelminthes)
Authors: De los Rios-Escalante Patricio R. , Jara-Seguel Pedro , Contreras Angel , Latsague Mirtha , Lara Gladys , Leal-Bastidas Carlos
Published: December 2022

The crayfishes of Chile are endemic species and have been poorly studied with respect to their biology. The available literature is restricted to species descriptions, whereas there is no information about other biological topics such as ectocommensals and parasites, which can affect crayfishes. The aim of the present study was to do a literature review and update the information about ectocommensals and parasites that have been reported from Chilean crayfishes. The literature mentioned the presence of Temnocephala chilensis (Platyhelminthes), Stratiodrilus pugnaxi (Polychaeta) and Protozoa such as species of the genera Operculigera and Lagenophrys as ectocommensals for Parastacus pugnax and Samastacus spinifrons. As an endoparasite, Psorospermium haeckelii was reported, a unicellular eukaryotic organism that was found in P. pugnax ovaria. An additional analysis of collected specimens of P. pugnax and S. spinifrons revealed the presence of T. chilensis, albeit at a low incidence. Ecological, biogeographical and evolutionary topics are discussed considering the case of a marked microendemism of an organism associated with Chilean crayfishes.
The generic assignment of Pilumnus lanuginosus Klunzinger, 1913 (Brachyura, Pilumnidae)
Authors: Ng Peter K. L. , Clark Paul F.
Published: December 2022

Pilumnus lanuginosus Klunzinger, 1913 is a rarely reported pilumnid crab known only from the Red Sea. Although placed in Heteropilumnus De Man, 1895, since 1933 this species is here transferred to Pseudolitochira Ward, 1942. The lateral parts of the posterior epistome margin in this small-sized species are concave, entire and devoid of fissures or clefts, which is a Pseudolitochira character. As the types of Pilumnus lanuginosus are no longer extant, a male from the Red Sea is designated as the neotype of the species.
Redescription of Bomolochus decapteri Yamaguti, 1936 (Copepoda, Cyclopoida, Bomolochidae) recovered from three species of Carangidae (Pisces, Perciformes) in Japan, with the first description of the male of the species
Authors: Izawa Kunihiko
Published: December 2022

Bomolochus decapteri Yamaguti, 1936 is redescribed based on specimens recovered from the bucco-branchial cavity of three species of Carangidae (Pisces, Perciformes), the roughear scad Decapterus tabl Berry, 1968, the whitefin trevally Carangoides equula (Temminck & Schlegel, 1844), and the Japanese jack mackerel Trachurus japonicus (Temminck & Schlegel, 1844) in Japan. The male of the species is described for the first time. The possession of postantennal processes and lateral processes was verified in the genus, next to Nothobomolochus.
Analysis on the infecting ability of different concentrations of Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (Microsporidia, Microsporea, Chytridiopsida) in Exopalaemon carinicauda (Decapoda, Caridea, Palaemonidae)
Authors: Jiang Haiyi , Li Yongchuang , Li Wanying , Duan Chun , Xu Jing , Baloch Wazir Ali , Yu Fei , Gao Huan
Published: December 2022

Exploring the relationship between the number of Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) in the ambient water and its infecting ability in Exopalaemon carinicauda, we set up 6 EHP-concentration groups of 0, 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105. Subsequently, we compared the differentiation of the number of EHP copies in different tissues, the change in hepatopancreas structure, and the inducible nitric oxide synthase and NO in the haemolymph. Our result showed: the number of EHP copies in each tissue would increase significantly following the increase of EHP concentration in the water. The highest EHP copy numbers were found in hepatopancreas at the same infection condition. Additionally, EHP copy numbers in hepatopancreas were positively correlated with infection time. Furthermore, histopathological results showed the damage to the hepatopancreas had severed with the concentration of EHP increasing. Also, iNOS activity and NO content in the haemolymph of shrimp were affected by the different EHP concentrations. This study revealed significant differences in the infection ability of different concentrations of EHP spores.
The Disputed Scope of the Svalbard Treaty Offshore: a New Approach to Resolving the Issue
Authors: Churchill Robin
Published: December 2022

The 1920 Treaty concerning the Archipelago of Spitsbergen confers sovereignty over Svalbard on Norway. It also provides that all parties to the Treaty enjoy equal rights of fishing and mining on Svalbard and in its ‘territorial waters’. Norway and various other States parties to the Svalbard Treaty disagree as to whether the Treaty applies to the continental shelf and Fisheries Protection Zone (fpz) of Svalbard. There has been much discussion as to the merits of each side’s legal position. This article does not contribute further to that discussion. Instead, it examines the three current principal issues where it makes a practical difference whether or not the Treaty applies – oil and gas exploration and exploitation, the catching of snow crab, and Norway’s fisheries jurisdiction in the fpz – and suggests how disputes relating to those issues could be resolved without having to determine whether the Treaty applies to Svalbard’s continental shelf and fpz.
Following Geir, or Another Little-Noticed Phenomenon in International Law
Authors: Dunoff Jeffrey
Published: December 2022

This contribution to a special issue honoring Geir Ulfstein links and extends two prominent themes in Geir’s scholarship, namely innovations in lawmaking by treaty bodies, and global constitutionalism. It does so by outlining a series of understudied and undertheorized interactions among treaty bodies from different international legal regimes, and arguing that these interactions represent an underexplored domain for the application of global constitutionalist analysis.
The Causes of the Emergence of Provincial Elites with Inscribed Monuments in the Late Old Kingdom: Case Studies and Methodology
Authors: Martinet Émilie
Published: December 2022

The causes and processes that have led to the sudden rise of the provincial elites who had the wherewithal to commission inscribed monuments, especially from the end of the Fifth Dynasty (c.2350 BCE), remain poorly understood. This paper aims to highlight some of the main factors involved in this process, using specific case studies and a global and comparative approach. The results indicate greater levels of complexity than previously thought, and that no single, concurrent cause applied in all provinces. The paper also discusses methodological issues about how to reconstruct a causal system for the emergence and enrichment of provincial elites and, in particular, the need to study this process diachronically to achieve deeper insights into its mechanisms.
Hierarchy, Religion and Race: Nineteenth Century Philology and the Search for the Origins of the Egyptian Language
Authors: Davis Katherine E.
Published: December 2022

During the nineteenth century, early Egyptologists were still in the first stages of understanding Egyptian grammar, while at the same time comparative philologists were attempting to reconstruct the historical origins of languages and peoples. These two disciplines intersected and produced various models that situated the Egyptian language into broader world histories. This article explores how early Egyptological scholars during the mid-nineteenth century like Christian Bunsen, Richard Lepsius, and Leo Reinisch, as well as a constellation of figures from comparative philology, drew boundaries around the Egyptian language and speculated about its origins. Their work belonged to a broader intellectual culture where historical language – the nuts and bolts of grammar – became scientific data that revealed biblical truth for some, underpinned the divergent intellectual foundations of civilization for others, and for yet more determined the fate of a people in a manner that prefigured and eventually joined with biological racism.
A Taiwanese Soft Power? Contesting Visions of Democracy and Culture
Authors: Otmazgin Nissim
Published: December 2022

How do Taiwanese officials view democracy and culture and how do they plan to utilise these two soft power resources as part of advancing the island’s international position? Based primarily on interviews conducted with state officials in Taiwan, this paper analyses Taiwan’s soft power repositioning in the regional and global soft power competition and examines its advantages and disadvantages. It discusses the institutional and geopolitical constraints Taiwan faces when trying to implement its soft power policy and addresses the internal disagreements over utilising its cultural and democratic achievements. It concludes that despite the utility of soft power in pursuing its foreign policy agenda, Taiwan faces a few major institutional and conceptual obstacles, keeping Taiwanese diplomacy in a transitional period from old thinking about culture and diplomacy while hesitantly evaluating its soft power resources.
Molecular analyses of groundwater amphipods (Crustacea: Niphargidae) from Luxembourg: new species reveal limitations of morphology-based checklists
Authors: WEBER DIETER , FLOT JEAN-FRANÇOIS , FRANTZ ALAIN C. , WEIGAND ALEXANDER M.
Published: December 2022

Niphargus amphipods were collected from 2007 to 2018 at 98 sites comprising artificial caverns, springs and interstitial waters in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Opportunistic sampling was combined with passive trapping. Specimen identification was achieved using morphological keys and molecular data. Initial morphological determination and literature data suggested five species, whereas sequencing of fragments of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene and nuclear 28S rDNA marker supported the presence of seven species: Niphargus schellenbergi, Niphargus puteanus, Niphargus fontanus, one species of the Niphargus kochianus complex, and three species of the Niphargus aquilex complex. Niphargus schellenbergi was by far the most abundant and widespread species. Limited overlap was observed between literature-based records, our initial morphological determinations based on classical taxonomic characters, and genetic sequence data. In general, the combination of phenotypically variable taxa, such as N. schellenbergi, and cryptic or near-cryptic species, as in the N. aquilex complex, renders morphological identification of niphargids from Luxembourg a challenging or even impossible task. DNA taxonomy will therefore have to be used in future studies of the fauna of this region.
Introductory Comments
Authors: Sujecka Jolanta
Published: December 2022

The 11th issue of Colloquia Humanistica (2022) contains a thematic block titled The Sense of an Ending and the Imagination of the End: Apocalypse, Disaster and Messianic Time. In the Discussions, Book Reviews, Presentations section, we publish two reviews of outstanding publications. Izabela Olszewska presents Tomasz Kamusella’s book Words in Space and Time: A Historical Atlas of Language Politics in Modern Central Europe (published by Central European University Press). Ivana Hadjievska reviews a multiple-author monograph Cultures and Politics of Remembrance: Southeast European and Balkan Perspectives, on the politics of memory from the viewpoint of Southeast Europe and the Balkans, prepared by Naum Trajanovski, Petar Todorov, Biljana Volchevska and Ljupcho S. Risteski, and published in Skopje by forum ZFD (2021).
Multiscale Analysis of Surface Heterogeneity–Induced Convection on Isentropic Coordinates
Authors: Chen Jingyi , Hagos Samson , Xiao Heng , Fast Jerome , Feng Zhe
Published: December 2022

This study uses semi-idealized simulations to investigate multiscale processes induced by the heterogeneity of soil moisture observed during the 2016 Holistic Interactions of Shallow Clouds, Aerosols, and Land-Ecosystems (HI-SCALE) field campaign. The semi-idealized simulations have realistic land heterogeneity, but large-scale winds are removed. Analysis on isentropic coordinates enables the tracking of circulation that transports energy vertically and facilitates the identification of the primary convective processes induced by realistic land heterogeneity. The isentropes associated with upward motion are found to connect the ground characterized by high latent heat flux to cloud bases directly over the ground with high sensible heat flux, while isentropes associated with downward motion connect precipitation to the ground characterized by high sensible heat fluxes. The mixing of dry, warm parcels ascending from the ground with high sensible heat fluxes and moist parcels from high latent heat regions leads to cloud formation. This new mechanism explains how soil moisture heterogeneity provides the key ingredients such as buoyancy and moisture for shallow cloud formation. We also found that the submesoscale dominates upward energy transport in the boundary layer, while mesoscale circulations contribute to vertical energy transport above the boundary layer. Our novel method better illustrates and elucidates the nature of land atmospheric interactions under irregular and realistic soil moisture patterns.

Significance Statement

Models that resolve boundary layer turbulence and clouds have been used extensively to understand processes controlling land–atmosphere interactions, but many of their configurations and computational expense limit the use of variable land properties. This study aims to understand how heterogeneous land properties over multiple spatial scales affect energy redistribution by moist convection. Using a more realistic land representation and isentropic analyses, we found that high sensible heat flux regions are associated with relatively higher vertical velocity near the surface, and the high latent heat flux regions are associated with relatively higher moist energy. The mixing of parcels rising from these two regions results in the formation of shallow clouds.
Modulation of the Influence of ENSO on Northward-Moving Tropical Cyclones in the Western North Pacific by the North Atlantic Tripole SST Anomaly Pattern
Authors: Li Shuang , Xiao Ziniu , Zhao Yuchun
Published: December 2022

The frequency characteristics of northward-moving tropical cyclones (NTCs) in the western North Pacific (WNP) are analyzed, and the possible combined effect of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the North Atlantic tripole (NAT) sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) is investigated. Results show that the NTC frequency in summer shows obvious interannual and decadal variations. The SSTA in the eastern tropical Pacific has an effect on the NTC frequency, but this relationship is modulated by the NAT on the decadal time scale. During positive NAT phases, the effect of ENSO on NTCs is clear. There are fewer NTCs in El Niño–following years, whereas in La Niña–following years the NTC frequency is higher. However, during negative NAT phases, only El Niño has an effect on the NTC frequency, whereas there is no obvious feature found for La Niña, which may be related to the asymmetry of ENSO. The combined effect of La Niña and positive NAT phases presents an anomalous meridional dipole circulation at the low latitudes and mid–high latitudes near East Asia, which leads to TCs moving northward. The cold SSTA response in the tropical Indian Ocean may contribute to an anomalous cyclone in the WNP. The negative–positive–negative NAT SSTA mode can persist into the ensuing summer and favor wave pattern propagating eastward along the high-level jet waveguide so that there exists an anomalous anticyclone in Northeast Asia, which helps TCs move farther north. The influence of El Niño modulated by negative NAT phases is roughly opposite.
Extraction and characterization of novel natural fiber from Centaurea melitensis plant
Authors: Raouf KHALDOUNE Abd , ROKBI Mansour
Published: December 2022

In this work a new cellulosic fibers extracted from Centaurea Melitensis plant to the prospect of employing them as a source of reinforcement in composite materials. In this investigation, morphological, chemical, physical and mechanical features of Centaurea Melitensis fibers are investigated. The morphological characteristics using anatomical technique and scanning electron microscopy revealed the presence of a large percentage of fibroblasts in the fibers that allow adhesion with the matrix when manufacturing of composite materials. The fiber density is 1.269 ± 0.018 g/cm3 and the diameter is 187.11 ± 60.41 μm depending on the physical properties. The chemical properties revealed that the Centaurea Melitensis fiber has a crystalline size of 16.92 nm and a crystallinity index of 47.69% using XRD. The results of FTIR analysis proved on major components such as cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin, by TGA the thermal stability was found up to 210°C and the maximum temperature up to 317.86°C. The mechanical properties have shown that the value of the tensile strength of the fibers is 336.87 ± 59.94 MPa, Young’s modulus is 23.87 ± 5.21 GPa, and the strain at failure is 1.27 ± 0.36%, and the interfacial shear strength is 9.82 ± 2.35 MPa. The statistical approach, Weibull distribution was used with two and three parameters to examine the experimental data due to their dispersion. WEIBULL statistical analytical test was used with 2 and 3 parameters are used to examine the experimental data due to their dispersion. All the findings from this investigation reveal that Centaurea Melitensis fibers can be a qualified candidate to be used as reinforcement in low density composite materials.
Multiple imputation of partially observed covariates in discrete-time survival analysis
Authors: Haensch Anna-Carolina , Bartlett Jonathan , Weiß Bernd
Published: December 2022

Discrete-time survival analysis (DTSA) models are a popular way of modeling events in the social sciences. However, the analysis of discrete-time survival data is challenged by missing data in one or more covariates. Negative consequences of missing covariate data include efficiency losses and possible bias. A popular approach to circumventing these consequences is multiple imputation (MI). In MI, it is crucial to include outcome information in the imputation models. As there is little guidance on how to incorporate the observed outcome information into the imputation model of missing covariates in DTSA, we explore different existing approaches using fully conditional specification (FCS) MI and substantive-model compatible (SMC)-FCS MI. We extend SMC-FCS for DTSA and provide an implementation in the smcfcs R package. We compare the approaches using Monte Carlo simulations and demonstrate a good performance of the new approach compared to existing approaches.
Two-level optimization model of hybrid energy storage system in wind/solar distributed generation system
Authors: Zhu Jian-Hong , Ren Haofeng , Zhang Xinsong , Zhang Lei , Zhang Pengkun , Li Han
Published: December 2022

Hybrid energy storage system (HESS) composed of battery and supercapacitor can effectively compensate the power deviation between supply and demand in distributed generation system (DGs). However, the popularization application of which is limited by the high cost of capacity configuration and subsequent maintenance. Hence, considering dynamic change of frequency characteristics of power deviation, a two-level optimization model for power programming and capacity configuration of HESS is established. In the outer layer, aiming at minimizing the allocation of the capacity, power allocation strategy of HESS based on adaptive filtering is proposed, which adaptively adjusts the sliding window of moving average filter (MAF), and decomposes the supply–demand power deviation sequence into the scope of battery and supercapacitor. In the inner layer, considering grid-connected power fluctuations, a full life cycle HESS capacity optimization model is proposed. The model aims at the total cost of HESS and the renewable energy utilization (REU), and uses non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) to solve the model. Furthermore, a case is introduced to verify the feasibility of the proposed strategy and the effectiveness of the model solution.
An introduction to the Cornell Note system
Authors: Saran Manick , Krentz Gober Madeline , McCarty E Berryhill
Published: December 2022

Objective

The success of note writing has been a topic of research dating back to the days of Plato. Students now have access to complete libraries of books and notes on computers, tablets, and even phones. Modern note-taking methods use premade handouts, “Chalk Talk” lectures with faculty, and prescribed note-taking strategies. Here, we discuss one such strategy, the Cornell Note system.

Methods

This is an updated review of the original Cornell Note system originally outlined in How to Study in College.

Results

A detailed outline of how to construct and use Cornell Note System and how to apply to medical training.

Conclusion

The outline and unique aspects of the Cornell Note system are discussed, along with how this system can be incorporated into the modern-day curriculum.
The Asian Cardiovascular and Thoracic Annals turns 30
Authors: Mestres Carlos A , Tamru Frank L , Kumar Arkalgud Sampath , Okita Yutaka
Published: December 2022

The Asian Cardiovascular and Thoracic Annals turns 30 in 2023. A historical review since it was first published in March 1993 is presented.
The Black Swan: An early childhood music project
Authors: Acker Aleksandra , Nyland Berenice
Published: December 2022

Music, especially singing with others, is a highly emotive experience and has been a core of an early childhood education philosophy that has promoted a social image of the child, where children are portrayed as competent communicators, individuals with rights and members of a community. How children think and learn has been an on-going emphasis of educational research. By unpacking a specific project that centred around the development of a song and musical sharing we explore ideas of project-based learning in the 21st-century. We discuss aspects of child-centred activity and argue that the role of the adults is often prominent, especially in the early stages of designing a project. The context of this study was an early learning centre with arts-based paedagogical practices that included a combination of ideas from the past, children’s own experiences and more recent research. This contribution offers a nuanced look at a project involving a musician/composer, teachers with specialised knowledge and children accustomed to investigating challenging issues like climate change. Music offers a powerful language for adults and children to tackle ‘big’ ideas. It encompasses intellectual, social, cultural and emotional processes which are inherently political and the product of all participants.
A Reformist Thought to Fiscal Reform and Budget Management
Authors: Kamila Anshuman , Bansal Ritika , Mishra Rajiv
Published: December 2022

The Fiscal Reform and Budget Management (FRBM) Act 2003 (and its subsequent amendments) and similar fiscal responsibility laws were legislated to rein in fiscal deficits often driven by factors other than economic imperative. This paper shows that such laws have not promoted counter-cyclical fiscal policy because of a lacuna in design, viz. measurement of fiscal deficit-as-a-share of gross domestic product (GDP). The remedy lies in targeting the cyclically adjusted fiscal deficit-as-a-share-of potential GDP instead, which correctly reflects the true fiscal position, allowing elbowroom for appropriate fiscal action for macroeconomic-stabilisation. The paper discusses ways to institutionalise the same and way forward therein.
“Abusers are Using COVID to Enhance Abuse”: Domestic Abuse Helpline Workers’ Perspectives on the Impact of COVID-19 Restrictions on those Living with Domestic Abuse
Authors: Brodie Zara P. , Hawkins Roxanne D. , MacLean Chloe , McKinlay Jack
Published: December 2022

Background: Mobility restrictions enforced by the UK Government in March 2020 as a response to COVID-19 resulted in those vulnerable to domestic abuse being confined in isolation with their abusers, deprived of safe spaces and many of their usual sources of support. Domestic abuse helplines therefore became an increasingly vital avenue for victim support, seeing a substantial increase in service demand during lockdown periods. Purpose: This project examined the nature and frequency of calls received by domestic abuse helplines since the first COVID-19 lockdown period. Design and Sample: Through semi-structured interviews with 11 domestic abuse helpline workers across UK services dedicated to a diverse range of populations. Results: Key themes identified through thematic analysis were: (1) Abusers weaponising government guidelines to justify and intensify abuse, and restrictions acting as both a barrier and facilitator to leaving an abusive relationship; (2) A loss of previously accessed support, with users uncertain about what help was available and issues around engaging with new forms of support; and (3) Isolation from social support networks, with callers reporting a loss of respite, lack of emotional and practical support, removal of third-party abuse monitoring opportunities, and subsequent mental health implications. Conclusions: These findings will act as a crucial guide for policy decision-making regarding support needs emerging from the pandemic and beyond, highlighting the importance of multi-agency partnerships and clear referral pathways to share the increasing financial burden of domestic abuse amongst services. The longer-term integration of more diverse options for remote support to reduce the risk of detection will be paramount as we emerge from the pandemic, but these should serve to offer a wider range of support routes for abuse victims rather than a replacement for face-to-face provision.
Rehabilitation potential: A critical review of its meaning and validity
Authors: Wade Derick T.
Published: December 2022

Background

The concept of rehabilitation potential emerged in 1950 as a way to select people for rehabilitation; it is also used to limit access to services.

Objective

To elucidate the meaning(s) of rehabilitation potential and whether it is valid in selecting patients for rehabilitation, whether as an inpatient, outpatient, or in the community.

Method

A non-systematic review of how it has been used, a structured discussion of its potential meanings, an exploration of the evidence in support of selecting people who might benefit from rehabilitation, and a discussion of the concept of rehabilitation potential.

Findings

It has been used in several ways with two primary meanings: predicting a person's function at some later time; predicting who will gain additional improvement in outcome from being seen by a rehabilitation service. The concept is flawed because rehabilitation is a process, not a specific action; the effects anticipated after rehabilitation are not restricted to functional improvement; patient characteristics do not determine many essential outcomes. There is no evidence to guide the selection of patients for an assessment and formulation by a rehabilitation team.

Conclusion

Rehabilitation potential, defined as data that gives the likelihood of additional benefit from receiving input from an expert rehabilitation service, is an illusion lacking any coherent definition, description, or evidence. Its use to limit access to rehabilitation is invalid. The solution is to offer all people not recently seen by an expert multi-professional rehabilitation team a full rehabilitation assessment and formulation, which will reveal what rehabilitation might achieve.
Role of post-ischemic phase-dependent modulation of anti-inflammatory M2-type macrophages against rat brain damage
Authors: Kurashiki Yoshitaka , Kagusa Hiroshi , Yagi Kenji , Kinouchi Tomoya , Sumiyoshi Manabu , Miyamoto Takeshi , Shimada Kenji , Kitazato Keiko T , Uto Yoshihiro , Takagi Yasushi
Published: December 2022

Cerebral ischemia triggers inflammatory changes, and early complications and unfavorable outcomes of endovascular thrombectomy for brain occlusion promote the recruitment of various cell types to the ischemic area. Although anti-inflammatory M2-type macrophages are thought to exert protective effects against cerebral ischemia, little has been clarified regarding the significance of post-ischemic phase-dependent modulation of M2-type macrophages. To test our hypothesis that post-ischemic phase-dependent modulation of macrophages represents a potential therapy against ischemic brain damage, the effects on rats of an M2-type macrophage-specific activator, Gc-protein macrophage-activating factor (GcMAF), were compared with vehicle-treated control rats in the acute (day 0–6) or subacute (day 7–13) phase after ischemia induction. Acute-phase GcMAF treatment augmented both anti-inflammatory CD163+ M2-type- and pro-inflammatory CD16+ M1-type macrophages, resulting in no beneficial effects. Conversely, subacute-phase GcMAF injection increased only CD163+ M2-type macrophages accompanied by elevated mRNA levels of arginase-1 and interleukin-4. M2-type macrophages co-localized with CD36+ phagocytic cells led to clearance of the infarct area, which were abrogated by clodronate-liposomes. Expression of survival-related molecules on day 28 at the infarct border was augmented by GcMAF. These data provide new and important insights into the significance of M2-type macrophage-specific activation as post-ischemic phase-dependent therapy.
Germinal matrix hemorrhage induces immune responses, brain injury, and motor impairment in neonatal rats
Authors: Zhang Xiaoli , Yuan Jing , Zhang Shan , Li Wendong , Xu Yiran , Li Hongwei , Zhang Lingling , Chen Xi , Ding Wenjun , Zhu Jinjin , Song Juan , Wang Xiaoyang , Zhu Changlian
Published: December 2022

Germinal matrix hemorrhage (GMH) is a major complication of prematurity that causes secondary brain injury and is associated with long-term neurological disabilities. This study used a postnatal day 5 rat model of GMH to explore immune response, brain injury, and neurobehavioral changes after hemorrhagic injury. The results showed that CD45high/CD11b+ immune cells increased in the brain after GMH and were accompanied by increased macrophage-related chemokine/cytokines and inflammatory mediators. Hematoma formed as early as 2 h after injection of collagenase VII and white matter injury appeared not only in the external capsule and hippocampus, but also in the thalamus. In addition, GMH caused abnormal motor function as revealed by gait analysis, and locomotor hyperactivity in the elevated plus maze, though no other obvious anxiety or recognition/memory function changes were noted when examined by the open field test and novel object recognition test. The animal model used here partially reproduces the GMH-induced brain injury and motor dysfunction seen in human neonates and therefore can be used as a valid tool in experimental studies for the development of effective therapeutic strategies for GMH-induced brain injury.
Laparoscopic resection of a rare diaphragmatic haemangioma: a case report
Authors: Chen Xiqi , Liu Xiubin , Xie Guangdong , Rong Baohai , Wang Meng , Ding Jian , Zhou Yongkun , Zhu Yong
Published: December 2022

This case report describes the laparoscopic resection of a rare diaphragmatic haemangioma. A 45-year-old male patient was diagnosed incidentally with a left subphrenic mass by computed tomography. Laparoscopic left subphrenic mass excision was performed under general anaesthesia. A phrenic haemangioma was confirmed by postoperative pathology. Tumours originating in the diaphragm are rare, with only approximately 200 cases reported in the past century. The diaphragmatic tumour was determined to be primary because intraoperative imaging showed that the tumour was relatively isolated and had no obvious relationship with the surrounding tissues and organs.
Comparison of rotational and standard methods of i-gel® insertion in patients of advanced age undergoing general anesthesia: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Duan Jinjuan , Sun Linglu , Lu Yao , Wang Shengbin
Published: December 2022

Objective

This study was performed to compare the performance of rotational versus standard insertion of the i-gel® (Intersurgical, Wokingham, Berkshire, England) in patients of advanced age.

Methods

This single-center, randomized, double-blind trial involved 140 patients of advanced age undergoing general anesthesia. The patients were randomized into the standard group and rotational group. The primary objective of this study was to compare the success rate of the first attempt. The secondary outcome indicators were the insertion time and postoperative complications.

Results

The placement success rate on the first attempt was significantly higher in the rotational group than in the standard group (92% vs. 73%, respectively). The overall success rate was 100% for the rotational method and 95% for the standard method. The mean ± standard deviation insertion times were similar (15 ± 7.34 vs. 14 ± 7.26 s, respectively). The incidence rates of blood staining of the i-gel®, hoarseness, and sore throat did not increase with the rotational technique and were not significantly different from those of the standard method.

Conclusion

Compared with the standard method, the rotational method of i-gel® insertion had a higher success rate and did not increase the insertion time and complications in patients of advanced age. Trial registration: This trial was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2000038763, Date of registration: 30/09/2020).
Analysis of Derailment Severity Comparing Unit Trains at Transload Terminals and Manifest Trains at Railroad Switching and Hump Classification Yards
Authors: Zhao Jiaxi , Dick C. Tyler , Kang Di
Published: December 2022

Growing demand for the safe and efficient transportation of crude oil and other flammable liquids by rail has highlighted the need to understand the relative derailment risk of two major heavy haul freight train types operating in the U.S.A.: unit trains dedicated to a single commodity between origin and destination terminals, and manifest trains transporting carload shipments between multiple classification (marshalling) yards. Despite the low likelihood of a train derailment, understanding the factors that influence the severity of a train derailment can potentially mitigate severe consequences and improve the reliability of railway transportation. Previous studies have quantified the derailment severity of mainline transportation but excluded derailments in yards and terminals. This paper examines U.S. freight train yard and terminal derailment data between 1996 and 2018 to develop a novel event-chain-based probabilistic risk analysis specifying yard and terminal arrival and departure derailment (derailments involving trains arriving/departing a yard or terminal) severity for both manifest trains and unit trains, and yard switching derailment (derailments during railcar sorting or classification in a yard) severity for manifest trains only. The approach developed in this paper provides predictions of severity with respect to the total number railcars derailed and hazardous materials (hazmat) railcars derailed given a manifest train or unit train shipment and hazmat railcar placement within the train consist. When combined with mainline derailment risk analysis methodologies and yard derailment rates from previous research, these yard and terminal derailment severity metrics facilitate more holistic comparisons of unit and manifest train derailment risks for all components of loaded trips.
“Our family sleeps deeply”: The Presence of Others During Intrafamilial Child Sexual Abuse as Conveyed By Girls From Diverse Communities in Israel
Authors: Klebanov Bella , Katz Carmit
Published: December 2022

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is generally perceived as a crime perpetrated out of sight, without witnesses. Nevertheless, several researchers have explored the presence of others during incidents of abuse in regards to two main aspects: bystanders in extrafamilial CSA and bystanders’ decisions whether or not to get involved. However, there is a dearth of knowledge regarding how children who experience abuse perceive and experience the presence of others during abusive incidents. The current study was designed to examine the experiences and perceptions of girls who experienced intrafamilial CSA (IFCSA) with respect to the presence of others, as conveyed during their forensic interviews. A thematic analysis of 24 forensic interviews was conducted with secular Jewish, ultra-Orthodox Jewish, and Muslim Arab girls, aged 4–14. The analysis identified four main themes: (a) the girls’ perceptions of others’ awareness of them being abused, (b) the girl’s experiences of loneliness, (c) the girls’ experiences of disclosing to the others present during the abuse, and (d) family dynamics. The discussion highlights the unique, multifaceted and elusive dynamics of IFCSA, calling into question the commonly held view that it happens only in secret. The girls’ narratives highlighted their distress and pointed to the abusive and unbearable daily routine in which they live. In spotlighting their encounters with IFCSA, the girls focused on the feelings of guilt, shame, and isolation they experienced.
High-order methods for thermal behavior of plate structures with internal heat sources
Authors: Bouna Rachid , Izem Nouh , Seaid Mohammed , Mohamed M Shadi
Published: December 2022

The paper proposes solving transient heat transfer in plates using high-order isogeometric analysis and high-order time integration schemes. The problem is often faced in fire-structure interaction where the heat transfer is coupled with the stress analysis. A major advantage for the proposed approach comes from high order continuity between elements. Thus, the need for rotational degrees of freedom is eliminated when analyzing the stresses in plates and the same mesh can also be used to recover the heat transfer patterns. To achieve the full potential of such high-order finite elements in space, we also use high-order time integration schemes so that the numerical solution can be significantly more accurate than the standard approaches. Furthermore, the isogeometric analysis is also used to represent the exact geometry thanks to the basis functions generated from Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines. Several test examples for the transient diffusion problem are presented. Compared to standard methods and for a prescribed accuracy the proposed approach requires significantly fewer degrees of freedom and a corresponding improvement in the computational efficiency.
Variable-density topology optimization and bending test of quasi-honeycomb sandwich structures
Authors: Zhang Xu , Su Zhaoming , Li Wei
Published: December 2022

The topology optimization is considered to enhance the strength, stiffness, and specific energy absorption of a quasi-honeycomb sandwich structure since it can achieve the optimal distribution of materials. However, the existing material interpolation models do not make the topology structure have good clarity and stability. In the present study, a novel variable-density topology optimization based on an improved interpolation model is developed for the design of a quasi-honeycomb core. The combined cells are circularly spreading outward from the geometric center of the design domain, and the wall thickness function of the equivalent cell (i.e. a simplified model of the combined cell) is established on the basis of relative density. The SR material interpolation model is modified by adding the minimum elastic modulus term, fitting the weighting and penalty factors, and adopting the volume constraint of Bi-directional Evolutionary Structural Optimization (BESO). The optimization is conducted to minimize the compliance of the quasi-honeycomb core, in which the relative densities of equivalent cells are chosen as the design variables due to the mapping between topology elements and equivalent cells. The three-dimensional (3D) geometric models of original and optimized quasi-honeycomb cores, upper face sheets, and lower face sheets are built using SolidWorks and printed on a 3D printer. The deflection, strain, bending stiffness, and energy absorption under different material retention rates, restraint positions, and face sheet thicknesses are investigated by three-point bending tests. It is found that the improved SR material interpolation model is efficient for suppressing the grid dependence and checkerboard, and the mechanical properties of optimized quasi-honeycomb sandwich structures are significantly enhanced in comparison with original structures, confirming that the developed method provides important guidance for designing and optimizing the quasi-honeycomb sandwich structure.
A sense of place: Special number in honour of Nicholas Hewitt
Authors: Kelly Michael
Published: December 2022

This is the introductory editorial to a special issue in honour of former editor of French Cultural Studies, Nicholas Hewitt (NH). It includes some reflections on the author's collaboration with NH and on the process of founding the journal in the late 1980s. It outlines the themes discussed in the nine substantive articles especially around the guiding theme of the sense of place, which NH did much to inspire.
Event-triggered delay-independent truncated predictor feedback stabilization of Lipschitz nonlinear input delay systems with state quantization
Authors: Golestani Farzaneh , Tavazoei Mohammad Saleh
Published: December 2022

This article addresses the event-triggered control design for stabilization of Lipschitz nonlinear systems with time-varying input delay and state quantization constraints. The stabilization is done by an event-triggered delay-independent truncated predictor feedback controller using the information of the upper bound of time-varying input delay (and not its exact value). A sufficient condition on the value of this upper bound in order to guarantee the stability of the closed-loop system under the state quantization constraints is derived. Also, the avoidance of Zeno behavior is proved by finding a lower bound for each two successive events. Various numerical examples illustrate the effectiveness of the obtained results.
Moral distress, moral courage, and career identity among nurses: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Peng Mengyun , Saito Shinya , Guan Hong , Ma Xiaohuan
Published: December 2022

Background

The concept of career identity is integral to nursing practices and forms the basis of the nursing professions. Positive career identity is essential for providing high-quality care, optimizing patient outcomes, and enhancing the retention of health professionals. Therefore, there is a need to explore potential influencing variables, thereby developing effective interventions to improve career identity.

Objectives

To investigate the relationship between moral distress, moral courage, and career identity, and explore the mediating role of moral courage between moral distress and career identity among nurses.

Design

A quantitative, cross-sectional study.

Methods

A convenient sample of 800 nurses was recruited from two tertiary care hospitals between February and March 2022. Participants were assessed using the Moral Distress Scale-revised, Nurses’ Moral Courage Scale, and Nursing Career Identity Scale. This study was described in accordance with the STROBE statement.

Ethical consideration

Research ethics approval was obtained from the researcher’s university and hospital where this study was conducted prior to data collection.

Findings

Moral distress is negatively associated while moral courage is positively associated with career identity among nurses. Moral courage partially mediates the relationship between moral distress and career identity ( β = −0.230 to −0.163, p < 0.01).

Discussion

The findings reveal a relationship between moral distress, moral courage, and career identity among nurses.

Conclusion

By paying attention to nurses’ moral distress and courage, healthcare providers can contribute to the development of effective interventions to improve career identity, and subsequently performance, among nurses.
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists and Dual Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide/Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists in the Treatment of Obesity/Metabolic Syndrome, Prediabetes/Diabetes and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease—Current Evidence
Authors: Muzurović Emir M. , Volčanšek Špela , Tomšić Karin Zibar , Janež Andrej , Mikhailidis Dimitri P. , Rizzo Manfredi , Mantzoros Christos S.
Published: December 2022

The obesity pandemic is accompanied by increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome (MetS) and related conditions: non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular (CV) disease (CVD). Lifestyle, as well as an imbalance of energy intake/expenditure, genetic predisposition, and epigenetics could lead to a dysmetabolic milieu, which is the cornerstone for the development of cardiometabolic complications. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (RAs) and dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)/GLP-1 RAs promote positive effects on most components of the “ cardiometabolic continuum” and consequently help reduce the need for polypharmacy. In this review, we highlight the main pathophysiological mechanisms and risk factors (RFs), that could be controlled by GLP-1 and dual GIP/GLP-1 RAs independently or through synergism or differences in their mode of action. We also address the evidence on the use of GLP-1 and dual GIP/GLP-1 RAs in the treatment of obesity, MetS and its related conditions (prediabetes, T2DM and NAFLD/NASH). In conclusion, GLP-1 RAs have already been established for the treatment of T2DM, obesity and cardioprotection in T2DM patients, while dual GIP/GLP-1 RAs appear to have the potential to possibly surpass them for the same indications. However, their use in the prevention of T2DM and the treatment of complex cardiometabolic metabolic diseases, such as NAFLD/NASH or other metabolic disorders, would benefit from more evidence and a thorough clinical patient-centered approach. There is a need to identify those patients in whom the metabolic component predominates, and whether the benefits outweigh any potential harm.