bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lunate Dislocation with Flexor Pollicis Longus Avulsion, and Thumb Collateral Ligament Injury: A Case Report
Authors: Louka Jean G. , Zeine Georges , Pourre Damien
Published: July 2022

Introduction:Lunate dislocation is a rare and devastating injury of the wrist that requires prompt management and surgical repair. The association of this lesion with a flexor pollicis longus (FPL) injury and a Stener lesion appears to be extremely uncommon. Case Report:We present the case of a 31-year-old man who was riding his motorbike when he was struck by a car, resulting in a volar dislocation of the lunate, a concomitant fracture of the second phalanx of the thumb, a FPL avulsion, and a thumb ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury. While there are numerous articles about associated lunate and other carpal and wrist injuries, a combination of lunate dislocation with the above-mentioned injuries is exceptionally rare. After conducting a literature review, the clinical case was detailed and discussed. The injuries were managed with open reduction, internal fixation of the lunate dislocation, primary direct repair of the scapholunate ligament and thumb UCL tears utilizing suture anchor fixation, and surgical reinsertion of the FPL tendon. Conclusion: In the face of the atypical presentation, we stress the importance of carefully assessing the lesion and searching for any associated injuries both clinically and radiologically, particularly if a comprehensive evaluation was not possible. Keywords:Carpal bone, lunate dislocation, thumb ulnar collateral ligament injury, Stener lesion, flexor pollicis longus avulsion.
Deep spatial-spectral prior with an adaptive dual attention network for single-pixel hyperspectral reconstruction
Authors: Yang Shuowen , Qin Hanlin , Yan Xiang , Yuan Shuai , Yang Tingwu
Published: July 2022

Recently, single-pixel imaging has shown great promise in developing cost-effective imaging systems, where coding and reconstruction are the keys to success. However, it also brings challenges in capturing hyperspectral information accurately and instantly. Many works have attempted to improve reconstruction performance in single-pixel hyperspectral imaging by applying various hand-crafted priors, leading to sub-optimal solutions. In this paper, we present the deep spatial-spectral prior with adaptive dual attention network for single-pixel hyperspectral reconstruction. Specifically, the spindle structure of the parameter sharing method is developed to integrate information across spatial and spectral dimensions of HSI, which can synergistically and efficiently extract global and local prior information of hyperspectral images from both shallow and deep layers. Particularly, a sequential adaptive dual attention block (SADAB), i.e., spatial attention and spectral attention, are devised to adaptively rescale informative features of spatial locations and spectral channels simultaneously, which can effectively boost the reconstruction accuracy. Experiment results on public HSI datasets demonstrate that the proposed method significantly outperforms the state-of-the-art algorithm in terms of reconstruction accuracy and speed.
Real-time wide-field spectral-scanning FMCW coherent 3D imaging and velocimetry
Authors: Zhang Jingkai , Qian Ruobing , Zhou Kevin C. , Viehland Christian , Draelos Mark , Dhalla Al-Hafeez , Izatt Joseph A.
Published: July 2022

We present a real-time spectral-scanning frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) 3D imaging and velocimetry system that can produce 3D depth maps at 33 Hz, with 48° × 68° field of view (FOV) and 32.8-cm depth range. Each depth map consists of 507 × 500 pixels, with 0.095° × 0.14° angular resolution and 2.82-mm depth resolution. The system employs a grating for beam steering and a telescope for angular FOV magnification. Quantitative depth, reflectivity, and axial velocity measurements of a static 3D printed depth variation target and a moving robotic arm are demonstrated.
Unidirectional physical layer secure key distribution in a fiber channel assisted by neural networks
Authors: Zhang Liuming , Huang Xinran , Chai Zhi , Shen Zanwei , Hu Weisheng , Yang Xuelin
Published: July 2022

Physical layer secure key distribution (PLSKD) in fiber networks provides high-level security originating from the channel uniqueness, while the channel reciprocity is shared between the legal users via bidirectional transmission. To ensure the key consistency, perfect wideband bidirectional optical devices are required for high-speed PLSKD. Here, we propose and demonstrate a unidirectional PLSKD scheme, where the channel reciprocity is reproduced by neural networks (NNs) so that highly correlated key waveforms are generated and shared between the legal users. Experimental results show that an error-free key generation rate (KGR) of 3.8 Gb/s with excellent randomness is achieved for an 11-km standard single-mode fiber (SSMF) channel. The proposed scheme alleviates the stringent requirement of bidirectional channel transmission in high-speed PLSKD and enables the integration of PLSKD and data transmission in the same fiber channel.
Optically imprinted polarization gratings with a twisted nematic liquid crystal as a photomask
Authors: Chuang Yi-Te , Wang Chun-Ta
Published: July 2022

Liquid crystal Pancharatnam–Berry phase optical elements (LCPBOEs) are becoming increasingly attractive elements to be used to enhance near-eye displays or manipulate light beams, owing to their flatness and circular polarization-dependent behavior. The optical imprinting technique that is one of the commonly used methods for fabricating LCPBOEs is considered to be the most promising technique for mass production at a low cost, but the design of the photomask must be improved. In this work, a photomask that is based on a twisted nematic liquid crystal polarization grating (TNLCPG) cell, acting as a broadband linear polarization rotator, is designed. This TNLCPG cell, with a predefined alignment profile of a polarization grating, can convert linearly polarized light into a light field with spatially varying linear polarization and exhibits broadband operation over the entire visible spectrum. The designed TNLCPG photomask is used to demonstrate a liquid crystal polarization grating (LCPG) film using a white flashlight as a writing source. A high diffraction efficiency of greater than 95% is obtained. With its simple design and fabrication, the proposed TNLC-based photomask can potentially be used in the fabrication of LCPBOEs.
Asymmetric polarization converting metasurface for microwave applications
Authors: Khan Bilawal , Kamal Babar , Ullah Sadiq , Abdullah  , Ali Horia , Ullah Rizwan
Published: July 2022

In this paper, a triple-band polarization converting metasurface for X and K
u
band applications is investigated. The unit cell consists of an asymmetric circular ring, terminated with a T-shaped stub, printed on FR-4 substrate, and backed by copper cladding. The triple-band polarization convertibility of the metasurface results from the proper engineering and anisotropy along the x- and y-axis. The metasurface has three plasmonic resonances with a polarization conversion ratio (PCR) of almost 100% in the lower two frequencies bands and 95% in the higher frequency band. The plasmonic resonances at 8.2 and 13.6 GHz are due to magnetic dipole moment while response at 19 GHz is due to electric dipole moment. Cross linear polarization conversion, linear to circular polarization conversion, and circular to circular polarization conversion are observed, both for normal and oblique wave incidences. Measured and simulation results are in good agreement with an excellent polarization conversion in three frequency bands, i.e., 7.7 to 9.2 GHz, 10.8 to 15.5 GHz, and 17.5 to 19.2 GHz. The polarization conversion response of the metasurface is same for both x- and y-polarized waves and is quite stable under oblique incidence of the impinging wave. The metasurface dominates the merits of multi-band resonances, angle sensitivity, and higher PCR, and thus has eminent values for application in polarization-control appliances.
Optical and interfacial characteristics of a heterojunction between (2¯01)-oriented single-domain β-(In0.072Ga0.928)2O3 and α-Al2O3 crystals
Authors: Alfaraj Nasir , Li Kuang-Hui , Braic Laurentiu , Hedhili Mohamed Nejib , Guo Zaibing , Ng Tien Khee , Ooi Boon S.
Published: July 2022

In this article, we determine the band alignment at the thermodynamically stable heterointerface between a (

2
¯

01

)-oriented single-domain β-(In0.072Ga0.928)2O3 crystal and bulk c-plane sapphire, namely, (0001)-oriented α-Al2O3. The β-(In0.072Ga0.928)2O3 layer was deposited on the bulk sapphire crystal using pulsed laser deposition. The β-(In0.072Ga0.928)2O3 and α-Al2O3 valence and conduction band offsets (VBO and CBO, respectively) were found to be 0 ± 0.1 and 4.87 ± 0.1 eV, respectively. Accordingly, we identified a type-I α-Al2O3/β-(In0.072Ga0.928)2O3 heterojunction. X-ray diffraction measurements confirmed (

2
¯

01

)-oriented single-domain β-(In0.072Ga0.928)2O3 high-quality films with in-plane rotations of every 120

∘

, whereas Rutherford backscattering spectrometry was employed to verify the bulk composition. We employed high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to measure the core level binding energies of Al 2p and Ga 2p3/2 with respect to the valence band maxima of the β-(In0.072Ga0.928)2O3 and α-Al2O3 layers, respectively. Then, we measured the energy separation between the Al 2p and Ga 2p3/2 core levels at the interface of the heterojunction. β-(InGa)2O3 is a wide-bandgap semiconductor, while α-Al2O3 is a well-known dielectric. Together, they can be employed to fabricate reliable and efficient power electronic devices. We also combined high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and fast Fourier transform algorithms to characterize the dislocations at the interface.
Implementation and evaluation of obstetric early warning systems in tertiary care hospitals in Nigeria
Authors: Umar Aminu , Ibrahim Saidu , Liman Idris , Chama Calvin , Ijaiya Munirdeen , Mathai Matthews , Ameh Charles
Published: July 2022

Obstetric Early Warning Systems (EWS) use combined clinical observations to predict increased risk of deterioration and alert health workers to institute actions likely to improve outcomes. The objective of this study was to explore the experience of health workers about the implementation of an obstetric EWS and assess its effectiveness as an alternative clinical monitoring method compared to standard practice. This mixed-method study included obstetric admissions (n = 2400) to inpatient wards between 01/08/2018 and 31/03/2019 at three Nigerian tertiary hospitals (1 intervention and two control). Outcomes assessed were the efficiency of monitoring and recording vital signs using the patient monitoring index and speed of post-EWS trigger specialist review. These were evaluated through a review of case notes before and four months after EWS was introduced. Qualitative data was collected to explore healthcare workers’ views on EWS’ acceptability and usability. EWS was correctly used in 51% (n = 307) of the women in the intervention site. Of these women, 58.6% (n = 180) were predicted to have an increased risk of deterioration, and 38.9% (n = 70) were reviewed within 1 hour. There was a significant improvement in the frequency of vital signs recording in the intervention site: observed/expected frequency improved to 0.91 from 0.57, p<0.005, but not in the control sites. Health workers reported that the EWS helped them cope with work demands while making it easier to detect and manage deteriorating patients. Nurses and doctors reported that the EWS was easy to use and that scores consistently correlated with the clinical picture of patients. Identified challenges included rotation of clinical staff, low staffing numbers and reduced availability of monitoring equipment. The implementation of EWS improved the frequency of patient monitoring, but a larger study will be required to explore the effect on health outcomes. The EWS is a feasible and acceptable tool in low-resource settings with implementation modifications.

Trial registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN15568048. Registration date; 9/09/2020- Retrospectively registered, http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN15568048
Women’s extreme seclusion during menstruation and children’s health in Nepal
Authors: Joshi Supriya , Acharya Yubraj
Published: July 2022

There is limited empirical evidence from low-income countries on the effects of women’s seclusion during menstruation on children’s health. The objective of the current study was to examine the association between women’s extreme seclusion during menstruation and their children’s nutritional status and health in Nepal. Using nationally representative data from the 2019 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, we examined the relationship between mother’s exposure to extreme forms of seclusion during menstruation and anthropometric measures of nutritional status and health outcomes among children ages 5–59 months (n = 6,301). We analyzed the data in a regression framework, controlling for potential confounders, including province fixed effects. We assessed extreme seclusion during menstruation based on women’s exposure tochhaupadi, a practice in which women are forced to stay away from home—in separate huts or animal sheds—during menstruation and childbirth. Mothers’ exposure to extreme seclusion during menstruation was associated with 0.18 standard deviation lower height-for-age z-scores (HAZ) (p = 0.046) and 0.20 standard deviation lower weight-for-age z-scores (WAZ) (p = 0.007) among children. Analysis by the place of seclusion showed that the negative association was stronger when women stayed in animal sheds—0.28 SD for HAZ (p = 0.007) and 0.32 SD for WAZ (p<0.001)—than when they stayed in separate huts. Extreme seclusion was associated with higher incidence of acute respiratory symptoms but not with incidence of diarrhea, irrespective of the place of seclusion. Women’s extreme seclusion during menstruation in Nepal has profound implications on the physical health of their children. Additional research is needed to ascertain potential mechanisms.
Myofibroblasts: A key promoter of tumorigenesis following radiofrequency tumor ablation
Authors: Moussa Marwan , Mwin David , Liao Haixing , Atac M. Fatih , Markezana Aurelia , Galun Eithan , Goldberg S. Nahum , Ahmed Muneeb
Published: July 2022

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of intrahepatic tumors induces distant tumor growth through activation of interleukin 6/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/tyrosine-protein kinase Met (c-MET) pathway. Yet, the predominant cellular source still needs to be identified as specific roles of the many types of periablational infiltrating immune cells requires further clarification. Here we report the key role of activated myofibroblasts in RFA-induced tumorigenesis and successful pharmacologic blockade. Murine models simulating RF tumorigenic effects on a macrometastatic tumor and intrahepatic micrometastatic deposits after liver ablation and a macrometastatic tumor after kidney ablation were used. Immune assays of ablated normal parenchyma demonstrated significantly increased numbers of activated myofibroblasts in the periablational rim, as well as increased HGF levels, recruitment other cellular infiltrates; macrophages, dendritic cells and natural killer cells, HGF dependent growth factors; fibroblast growth factor-19 (FGF-19) and receptor of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-1 (VEGFR-1), and proliferative indices; Ki-67 and CD34 for microvascular density. Furthermore, macrometastatic models demonstrated accelerated distant tumor growth at 7d post-RFA while micrometastatic models demonstrated increased intrahepatic deposit size and number at 14 and 21 days post-RFA. Multi-day atorvastatin, a selective fibroblast inhibitor, inhibited RFA-induced HGF and downstream growth factors, cellular markers and proliferative indices. Specifically, atorvastatin treatment reduced cellular and proliferative indices to baseline levels in the micrometastatic models, however only partially in macrometastatic models. Furthermore, adjuvant atorvastatin completely inhibited accelerated growth of macrometastasis and negated increased micrometastatic intrahepatic burden. Thus, activated myofibroblasts drive RF-induced tumorigenesis at a cellular level via induction of the HGF/c-MET/STAT3 axis, and can be successfully pharmacologically suppressed.
Variable wildfire impacts on the seasonal water temperatures of western US streams: A retrospective study
Authors: Beyene Mussie T. , Leibowitz Scott G. , Snyder Marcia , Ebersole Joseph L. , Almquist Vance W.
Published: July 2022

Recent increases in the burn area and severity of wildfires in the western US have raised concerns about the impact on stream water temperature–a key determinant of cold-water fish habitats. However, the effect on seasonal water temperatures of concern, including winter and summer, are not fully understood. In this study, we assessed the impact of wildfire burns at Boulder Creek (Oregon), Elk Creek (Oregon), and Gibbon River (Wyoming) watersheds on the downstream winter and summer water temperatures for the first three post-fire years. To obtain results independent of the choice of the analytical method, we evaluated the consequence of each burn using three different statistical approaches that utilize local water temperature data. Our results from the three approaches indicated that the response of water temperatures to wildfire burns varied across seasons and sites. Wildfire burns were associated with a median increase of up to 0.56°C (Standard Error; S.E. < 0.23°C) in the summer mean water temperatures (MWT) and 62 degree-day Celsius (DDC; S.E. < 20.7 DDC) in the summer accumulated degree days (ADD) for the three subsequent years across studied stream sites. Interestingly, these burns also corresponded to a median decrease of up to 0.49°C (S.E. < 0.45°C) in the winter MWT and 39 DDC (S.E. < 40.5 DDC) in the winter ADD for the same period across sites. Wildfire effects on the downstream water temperatures diminished with increasing site distance from the burn perimeter. Our analyses demonstrated that analytical methods that utilize local watershed data could be applied to evaluate fire effects on downstream water temperatures.
The structural changes of gray matter in Parkinson disease patients with mild cognitive impairments
Authors: Li Lihua , Ji Bingjun , Zhao Ting , Cui Xuan , Chen Jingtao , Wang Zhenyu
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Parkinson disease (PD) is associated with cognitive impairments. However, the underlying neural mechanism of cognitive impairments in PD is still not clear. This study aimed to investigate the anatomic alternations of gray matter in PD patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and their associations with neurocognitive measurements.

Methods

T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data were acquired from 23 PD patients with MCI, 23 PD patients without MCI, and 23 matched healthy controls. The MRI data were analyzed using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and surfaced-based morphometry (SBM) methods to assess the structural changes in gray matter volume and cortical thickness respectively. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to examine the diagnostic accuracies of the indexes of interest. The correlations between the structural metrics and neurocognitive assessments (e.g., Montreal cognitive assessment, MOCA; Mini-mental state examination, MMSE) were further examined.

Results

PD patients with MCI showed reduced gray matter volume (GMV) in the frontal cortex (e.g., right inferior frontal gyrus and middle frontal gyrus) and extended to insula as well as cerebellum compared with the healthy controls and PD patients without MIC. Thinner of cortical thickens in the temporal lobe (e.g., left middle temporal gyrus and right superior temporal gyrus) extending to parietal cortex (e.g., precuneus) were found in the PD patients with MCI relative to the healthy controls and PD patients without MCI.ROC analysis indicated that the area under the ROC curve (AUC) values in the frontal, temporal, and subcortical structures (e.g., insula and cerebellum) could differentiate the PD patients with MCI and without MCI and healthy controls. Furthermore, GMV of the right middle frontal gyrus and cortical thickness of the right superior temporal gyrus were correlated with neurocognitive dysfunctions (e.g., MOCA and MMSE) in PD patients with MCI.

Conclusion

This study provided further evidence that PD with MCI was associated with structural alternations of brain. Morphometric analysis focusing on the cortical and subcortical regions could be biomarkers of cognitive impairments in PD patients.
Have beliefs in conspiracy theories increased over time?
Authors: Uscinski Joseph , Enders Adam , Klofstad Casey , Seelig Michelle , Drochon Hugo , Premaratne Kamal , Murthi Manohar
Published: July 2022

The public is convinced that beliefs in conspiracy theories are increasing, and many scholars, journalists, and policymakers agree. Given the associations between conspiracy theories and many non-normative tendencies, lawmakers have called for policies to address these increases. However, little evidence has been provided to demonstrate that beliefs in conspiracy theories have, in fact, increased over time. We address this evidentiary gap. Study 1 investigates change in the proportion of Americans believing 46 conspiracy theories; our observations in some instances span half a century. Study 2 examines change in the proportion of individuals across six European countries believing six conspiracy theories. Study 3 traces beliefs about which groups are conspiring against “us,” while Study 4 tracks generalized conspiracy thinking in the U.S. from 2012 to 2021. In no instance do we observe systematic evidence for an increase in conspiracism, however operationalized. We discuss the theoretical and policy implications of our findings.
Spread of endemic SARS-CoV-2 lineages in Russia before April 2021
Authors: Klink Galya V. , Safina Ksenia R. , Garushyants Sofya K. , Moldovan Mikhail , Nabieva Elena , Komissarov Andrey B. , Lioznov Dmitry , Bazykin Georgii A. ,   The CoRGI (Coronavirus Russian Genetic Initiative) Consortium
Published: July 2022

In 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic was characterized by global spread of several lineages with evidence for increased transmissibility. Throughout the pandemic, Russia has remained among the countries with the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, making it a potential hotspot for emergence of novel variants. Here, we show that among the globally significant variants of concern that have spread globally by late 2020, alpha (B.1.1.7), beta (B.1.351) or gamma (P.1), none have been sampled in Russia before the end of 2020. Instead, between summer 2020 and spring 2021, the epidemic in Russia has been characterized by the spread of two lineages that were rare in most other countries: B.1.1.317 and a sublineage of B.1.1 including B.1.1.397 (hereafter, B.1.1.397+). Their frequency has increased concordantly in different parts of Russia. On top of these lineages, in late December 2020, alpha (B.1.1.7) emerged in Russia, reaching a frequency of 17.4% (95% C.I.: 12.0%-24.4%) in March 2021. Additionally, we identify three novel distinct lineages, AT.1, B.1.1.524 and B.1.1.525, that have started to spread, together reaching the frequency of 11.8% (95% C.I.: 7.5%-18.1%) in March 2021. These lineages carry combinations of several notable mutations, including the S:E484K mutation of concern, deletions at a recurrent deletion region of the spike glycoprotein (S:Δ140–142, S:Δ144 or S:Δ136–144), and nsp6:Δ106–108 (also known as ORF1a:Δ3675–3677). Community-based PCR testing indicates that these variants have continued to spread in April 2021, with the frequency of B.1.1.7 reaching 21.7% (95% C.I.: 12.3%-35.6%), and the joint frequency of B.1.1.524 and B.1.1.525, 15.2% (95% C.I.: 7.6%-28.2%). Although these variants have been displaced by the onset of delta variant in May-June 2021, lineages B.1.1.317, B.1.1.397+, AT.1, B.1.1.524 and B.1.1.525 and the combinations of mutations comprising them that are found in other lineages merit monitoring.
ATF4 promotes brain vascular smooth muscle cells proliferation, invasion and migration by targeting miR-552-SKI axis
Authors: Feng Meina , Zhou Qin , Tu Wenxian , Wang Yunfeng , Du Yuanmin , Xu Kang
Published: July 2022

Background

Studies have indicated vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) played a crucial role in atherosclerosis and microRNAs (miRNAs) played key roles in biological functions of VSMCs. Whereas, the potential function and mechanism of miR-552 in VSMCs remains unclear. Our aim was to explore the role of miR-552 on VSMCs and underlying mechanism.

Material/Methods

MTT assay and transwell assay were used to measure the proliferation, invasion, and migration of human brain VSMCs (HBVSMCs) and mice VSMCs (mVSMCs), respectively. Bioinformatics tools and luciferase assay were adopted to verify the association between miR-552 and SKI. Rescue experiments were employed to assess the interaction of miR-552 and SKI in modulating biological functions in HBVSMCs and mVSMCs. The expression level of transcription factors (TFs)was measured via qRT-PCR assay. The effect of ATF4 on miR-552 and SKI expression was tested by qRT-PCR or western blot assay. Finally, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay and JASPAR databases were used to analyze the regulatory linkage between ATF4 and miR-552.

Results

We found that miR-552 was upregulated in HBVSMCs treated with PDGF-bb and miR-552 overexpression could promote proliferation, invasion, and migration of HBVSMCs and mVSMCs, whereas, miR-552 knockdown had the opposite impact. In addition, we also found that SKI was a direct target of miR-552, which reversed miR-552-mediated proliferation, invasion, and migration in HBVSMCs and mVSMCs. Furthermore, we also discovered that miR-552 overexpression promoted the effects of ATF4 elevation on proliferation, migration and invasion of HBVSMCs and mVSMCs, but, miR-552 decline had the opposite impact.

Conclusions

ATF4-miR-552-SKI axis played critical roles in the proliferation and migration of HBVSMCs and mVSMCs, which were closely involved in atherosclerosis (AS). Therefore, our findings might offer a novel therapeutic target for AS.
Environmental justice and power plant emissions in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative states
Authors: Declet-Barreto Juan , Rosenberg Andrew A.
Published: July 2022

Policies to reduce greenhouse gases associated with electricity generation have been a major focus of public policy in the United States, but their implications for achieving environmental justice among historically overburdened communities inappropriately remains a marginal issue. In this study we address research gaps in historical and current ambient air emissions burdens in environmental justice communities from power plants participating in the Regional Greenhouse Gases Initiative (RGGI), the country’s first market-based power sector emissions reduction program. We find that in RGGI states the percentage of people of color that live within 0–6.2 miles from power plants is up to 23.5 percent higher than the percent of the white population that lives within those same distance bands, and the percentage of people living in poverty that live within 0–5 miles from power plants is up to 15.3 percent higher than the percent of the population not living in poverty within those same distance bands. More importantly, the transition from coal to natural gas underway before RGGI formally started resulted in large increases in both the number of electric-generating units burning natural gas and total net generation from natural gas in environmental justice communities hosting electric-generating units, compared to other communities. Our findings indicate that power sector carbon mitigation policies’ focusing on aggregate emissions reductions have largely benefitted non-environmental justice communities and have not redressed the fundamental problem of disparities in pollutant burdens between EJ and non-EJ communities. These must be directly addressed in climate change and carbon emissions mitigation policy.
Integrated remote sensing and field-based approach to assess the temporal evolution and future projection of meanders: A case study on River Manu in North-Eastern India
Authors: Debnath Jatan , Meraj Gowhar , Das Pan Nibedita , Chand Kesar , Debbarma Sagar , Sahariah Dhrubajyoti , Gualtieri Carlo , Kanga Shruti , Singh Suraj Kumar , Farooq Majid , Sahu Netrananda , Kumar Pankaj
Published: July 2022

A common phenomenon associated with alluvial rivers is their meander evolution, eventually forming cutoffs. Point bar deposits and ox-bow lakes are the products of lateral bend migration and meander cutoff. The present study focuses on identifying the meanders of River Manu and their cutoffs. Moreover, this study compares the temporal evolution and predicts the progress of selected meanders of River Manu. In the present research, the Survey of India topographical map, satellite imagery, and geographic information system (GIS) technique were used to examine the evolution of the Manu River meander. Subsequently, a field visit was done to the selected cutoffs and meanders of River Manu to ascertain the present status and collect data. It has been observed that many cutoffs have undergone temporal changes, and their sizes have decreased. Some have become dried or converted to agricultural fields. The width of River Manu has decreased in all the selected bends from 1932 to 2017. The sinuosity index has changed from 2.04 (1932) to 1.90 (2017), and the length of the river has decreased by 7 km in 85 years (1932–2017). The decrease in length is evident from lowering the number of meanders. Uniformity coefficient and coefficient of curvature of the bank soil samples were calculated, indicating that the soil is poorly graded and falls under the cohesionless category. Based on cross-section analysis, sediment discharge, grain-size analysis of the bank material, channel planform change, and radius of curvature, it can be stated that almost all the selected bends have the probability of future cutoff. The highest probabilities were observed in bend 3 (Jalai) and bend 4 (Chhontail). This work is aimed to provide planners with decisions regarding the construction of roads and bridges in areas that show the huge dynamicity of river meandering.
Tipping the balance: A systematic review and meta-ethnography to unfold the complexity of surgical antimicrobial prescribing behavior in hospital settings
Authors: Parker Hazel , Frost Julia , Day Jo , Bethune Rob , Kajamaa Anu , Hand Kieran , Robinson Sophie , Mattick Karen
Published: July 2022

Surgical specialties account for a high proportion of antimicrobial use in hospitals, and misuse has been widely reported resulting in unnecessary patient harm and antimicrobial resistance. We aimed to synthesize qualitative studies on surgical antimicrobial prescribing behavior, in hospital settings, to explain how and why contextual factors act and interact to influence practice. Stakeholder engagement was integrated throughout to ensure consideration of varying interpretive repertoires and that the findings were clinically meaningful. The meta-ethnography followed the seven phases outlined by Noblit and Hare. Eight databases were systematically searched without date restrictions. Supplementary searches were performed including forwards and backwards citation chasing and contacting first authors of included papers to highlight further work. Following screening, 14 papers were included in the meta-ethnography. Repeated reading of this work enabled identification of 48 concepts and subsequently eight overarching concepts: hierarchy; fear drives action; deprioritized; convention trumps evidence; complex judgments; discontinuity of care; team dynamics; and practice environment. The overarching concepts interacted to varying degrees but there was no consensus among stakeholders regarding an order of importance. Further abstraction of the overarching concepts led to the development of a conceptual model and a line-of-argument synthesis, which posits that social and structural mediators influence individual complex antimicrobial judgements and currently skew practice towards increased and unnecessary antimicrobial use. Crucially, our model provides insights into how we might ‘tip the balance’ towards more evidence-based antimicrobial use. Currently, healthcare workers deploy antimicrobials across the surgical pathway as a safety net to allay fears, reduce uncertainty and risk, and to mitigate against personal blame. Our synthesis indicates that prescribing is unlikely to change until the social and structural mediators driving practice are addressed. Furthermore, it suggests that research specifically exploring the context for effective and sustainable quality improvement stewardship initiatives in surgery is now urgent.
Fully automated image quality evaluation on patient CT: Multi-vendor and multi-reconstruction study
Authors: Chun Minsoo , Choi Jin Hwa , Kim Sihwan , Ahn Chulkyun , Kim Jong Hyo
Published: July 2022

While the recent advancements of computed tomography (CT) technology have contributed in reducing radiation dose and image noise, an objective evaluation of image quality in patient scans has not yet been established. In this study, we present a patient-specific CT image quality evaluation method that includes fully automated measurements of noise level, structure sharpness, and alteration of structure. This study used the CT images of 120 patients from four different CT scanners reconstructed with three types of algorithm: filtered back projection (FBP), vendor-specific iterative reconstruction (IR), and a vendor-agnostic deep learning model (DLM, ClariCT.AI, ClariPi Inc.). The structure coherence feature (SCF) was used to divide an image into the homogeneous (RH) and structure edge (RS) regions, which in turn were used to localize the regions of interests (ROIs) for subsequent analysis of image quality indices. The noise level was calculated by averaging the standard deviations from five randomly selected ROIs on RH, and the mean SCFs on RS was used to estimate the structure sharpness. The structure alteration was defined by the standard deviation ratio between RS and RH on the subtraction image between FBP and IR or DLM, in which lower structure alterations indicate successful noise reduction without degradation of structure details. The estimated structure sharpness showed a high correlation of 0.793 with manually measured edge slopes. Compared to FBP, IR and DLM showed 34.38% and 51.30% noise reduction, 2.87% and 0.59% lower structure sharpness, and 2.20% and -12.03% structure alteration, respectively, on an average. DLM showed statistically superior performance to IR in all three image quality metrics. This study is expected to contribute to enhance the CT protocol optimization process by allowing a high throughput and quantitative image quality evaluation during the introduction or adjustment of lower-dose CT protocol into routine practice.
Factorial structure of Individual Work Performance Questionnaire (Version 1.0) revisited: Evaluation of acquiescence bias
Authors: Santalla-Banderali Zuleima , Alvarado Jesús M.
Published: July 2022

The objective of this study is to evaluate the factorial structure of the Spanish version of the Individual Work Performance Questionnaire (Version 1.0) and to estimate the impact that acquiescence has on it as response bias. Exactly 500 workers from organizations from different industries, primarily located in Ecuador, participated in this study. The comparison of different models using Confirmatory Factor Analysis proved that when acquiescence is not controlled, evidence leads to the rejection of a one-dimensional—or essentially one-dimensional—structure (bifactor model), thus questioning the initial conceptualization of the construct. But when this response bias is controlled, both the one-dimensional model (χ2= 429.608 [223],p< .001; CFI = .974; TLI = .982; RMSEA = .043; SRMR = .063) and the bifactor model (χ2= 270.730 [205],p= .001; CFI = .992; TLI = .994; RMSEA = .026; SRMR = .047) show relevant improvement in terms of goodness of fit over the three-correlated-factors model (χ2= 537.038 [132],p< .001; CFI = .950; TLI = .942; RMSEA = .079; SRMR = .070). However, the low reliability of the substantive factors of the bifactor model makes the one-dimensional model preferable in applied studies. Finally, the results show how mistakes could be made when concluding on the possible relationships between work performance and other relevant variables, in case acquiescence is not controlled.
Curating Dior to Disco: Extrapolating complex narratives from existing objects
Authors: McElvain Jean E. , Oberg Caren S.
Published: July 2022

During summer 2019,Dior to Disco: Fashion During the Era of Second Wave Feminismwas on display at the Goldstein Museum of Design at the University of Minnesota in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The exhibition explored women’s shifting identities, starting with the post-Second World War years through the mid-1970s. Curatorially, we sought out elements and narratives that went beyond popularized tropes of bra burning and disillusionment of upper middle-class white housewives. This article delves into the curatorial process with particular attention to the tension between material objects and the speculative tendencies of curation. Feminism and fashion are highly complex topics, which led to curatorial challenges and opportunities with respect to our exhibition goals, ongoing research and engagement with feminist theory. Additionally, we were working within the scope of the Goldstein Museum of Design’s collection and resources, with the goal of avoiding reductive narratives of the past.
A review of the impact of food design on the mealtimes of people with swallowing disability who require texture-modified food
Authors: Smith Rebecca , Bryant Lucy , Reddacliff Courtney , Hemsley Bronwyn
Published: July 2022

Texture-modified foods are a common component of interventions provided to people with dysphagia (swallowing disorders) to maintain their respiratory health, nutritional health and to reduce the risk of aspiration-related illness or choking on food. However, the unsightly and unappetizing appearance of texture-modified foods may negatively impact on the mealtime experience and acceptance of texture-modified foods of persons with dysphagia. The aim of this review was to determine what is known about the impact of specific elements of food design – food structure and visual appeal – on the mealtime experiences of people with dysphagia. This review of 35 studies presents evidence on how the physical characteristics of texture-modified foods for people with dysphagia can be considered during food production, formulation or service to improve their mealtime experience. Overall, the visual appeal, texture, taste, aroma, temperature, mealtime environment and mealtime assistance all impact upon mealtime experiences and should be considered carefully in the design of a person’s mealtime plan and food-related dysphagia interventions to improve their mealtime-related quality of life. Further research needs to include the views of people with dysphagia, particularly those with lifelong conditions, who might require texture-modified food for an extended period over their lifespan.
Psychological effects of energy gels: An investigation into runners’ energy gel choice and consumption strategies in marathon running
Authors: Karahanoğlu Armağan
Published: July 2022

Marathon running is a physical and mental activity. Runners consume high-energy food products to fill their glycogen stores for maintaining their marathon performance. This makes consuming carbohydrates, mainly in the form of energy gels, an essential part of marathon running. While previous research demonstrates significant physiological effects of these high-energy food products on performance, their psychological effects, which could benefit from and shed light on food design studies, have been underexplored. This article explores these effects with two participant studies, a narrative study (n = 10) and a survey (n = 39). The inquiries start with understanding the psychology of marathon runners and examining the psychological effects of energy gels on marathon running. The results showed that the marathon runners follow a self-identified energy gel consumption strategy during marathon running. Several qualities of energy gels influence these strategies and the meanings marathon runners attach to energy gel consumption. The findings elucidated a novel area of food design research by unveiling the nature of the non-nutritional interactions between runner and energy gels consumed in marathon running.
Visualizing Taste: How Business Changed the Look of What You Eat, Ai Hisano (2019)
Authors: Carbon Claus-Christian
Published: July 2022

Review of: Visualizing Taste: How Business Changed the Look of What You Eat, Ai Hisano (2019)

Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 336 pp., p/bk, $39.50

ISBN 978-0-67498-389-2
Rate and review: Exploring listener motivations for engagement with music podcasts
Authors: Hamilton Craig , Barber Simon
Published: July 2022

Podcasts have become an important part of music reception practices, providing new ways of engaging with reviews and recommendations, artist interviews and popular music histories. This article presents a replicable working methodology that can be applied to study the data associated with podcasts of any genre. In our analysis, we explore approximately 16,000 listener reviews of the Top 50 podcasts in the Apple (UK) music chart in order to discover what it is about music podcasts that draws listeners to regularly engage with their favourite shows. This method, based on unsupervised machine learning algorithms, automates data-scraping for podcast reviews and ratings. We describe and critically reflect on this process in order to understand not only how listeners describe their range of motivations for engagement with music podcasts, but also the limitations of this approach in a media and cultural studies context.
Prevalence of Ehrlichia-, Babesia-, and Hepatozoon-infected brown dog ticks in Khon Kaen Province, Northeast Thailand
Authors: Eamudomkarn Chatanun , Pitaksakulrat Opal , Boueroy Parichart , Thanasuwan Sirikanda , Watwiengkam Nattaya , Artchayasawat Atchara , Boonmars Thidarut
Published: July 2022

Background and Aim: The brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, is the most common tick found on domestic dogs in Southeast Asia, including Thailand. Canine tick-borne pathogens are a public health concern worldwide. Tick-borne diseases are diagnosed by identifying pathogens based on the morphological or molecular analyses of dog blood samples. However, the collection of ticks, a non-invasive procedure, is easier than drawing blood. This study aimed to demonstrate the usefulness of collecting brown dog ticks for the diagnosis of tick-borne diseases and for estimating the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens among companion dogs in Khon Kaen, Northeast Thailand.

Materials and Methods: Seventy brown dog ticks from 70 companion dogs in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand, were evaluated for molecular evidence of tick-borne pathogens, including Babesia spp., Ehrlichia canis, and Hepatozoon canis. Ticks were collected from dogs at a private animal hospital based on the presence of at least one of the three inclusion criteria: fever, anorexia, or lethargy. Molecular diagnosis was performed using conventional polymerase chain reaction for the detection of pathogens.

Results: Of the 70 ticks collected from 70 sick dogs, 55 (78.57%) were positive for tick-borne pathogens. The most common infection was a single infection with H. canis (65.71%) followed by Babesia spp. (31.43%) and E. canis (30.00%). Coinfection was observed in 14 ticks (20.00%), and coinfection with Babesia spp. and E. canis was the most prevalent double infection (n = 6). The prevalence of coinfection was identical for H. canis mixed with Babesia spp. and H. canis mixed with E. canis (n = 4).

Conclusion: The present study showed that tick-borne pathogens are highly prevalent among companion dogs in Khon Kaen Province. Therefore, we encourage an increase in tick control or the reduction and prevention of tick-borne diseases in this region. Furthermore, this study revealed that ticks are valuable samples for the molecular detection of tick-borne pathogens.
In vitro effectiveness of pomegranate extract present in pet oral hygiene products against canine oral bacterial species
Authors: Stephen Abish S. , Nicolas Celine S. , Lloret Fanny , Allaker Robert P.
Published: July 2022

Background and Aim: Pomegranate is known to possess antibacterial properties, partly because of its punicalagin content. However, its effect on canine oral bacterial species has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we evaluated the effect of pomegranate extract present in pet dental products on the growth and survival of five canine oral bacterial species in biofilms. Materials and Methods: Five bacterial species, Neisseria shayeganii, Neisseria canis, Porphyromonas gulae, Porphyromonas macacae, and Porphyromonas crevioricanis, were individually cultured for biofilm formation and exposed to pomegranate extract (or control) for 15 min. Cell survival was analyzed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and was compared between different conditions using a student's t-test. In addition, the individual strains were grown in planktonic suspensions and exposed to serial dilutions of the extract to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration. Results: At a concentration of 0.035% w/v, the extract significantly reduced the survival of P. gulae (–39%, p < 0.001) and N. canis (–28%, p = 0.08) in biofilms. At similar concentrations, the extract also completely or partially inhibited the growth of N. canis and Porphyromonas spp. in planktonic suspensions, respectively. Conclusion: The pomegranate extract found in some pet dental products can limit bacterial growth and survival in the biofilms formed by N. canis and P. gulae in vitro. As P. gulae is involved in periodontal disease progression, limiting its proliferation using products containing pomegranate extract could contribute to disease prevention. Further studies on dogs receiving such products are necessary to confirm these effects.
Critical notes on Cruciferae
Authors: German Dmitry A.
Published: July 2022

Generic name Mutarda is applied instead of the recently reinstated Rhamphospermum; the latter is lectotypified and synonymized with the prior, and the combinations M. allionii, M. arvensis, M. carinata along with Ceratocnemum × mirabile are validated. Calepina irregularis var. pinnatifida, neotypified Erysimum minus and Tetracme glochidiata are found conspecific with Rorippa barbareifolia, Barbarea bracteosa and Tetracme bucharica, respectively. Lepidium culminicola is recognized as Noccaea rubescens subsp. culminicola, comb. et stat. novi. Klukia Andrz. ex Bess., a synonym of Sisymbrium L., is shown to be validly published in 1822 thus threatening the homonymic name-in-use Klukia Racib. (fossil Schizaeaceae).
Floristic findings in the Teletskoye Lake basin (Republic of Altai)
Authors: Zolotov Dmitry V. , Chernykh Dmitry V. , Biryukov Roman Yu. , Kulagina Maria A.
Published: July 2022

The article presents the locations of new species for the Republic of Altai (Juncus stygius), as well as 6 rare species in the region (Oxycoccus microcarpus, Rubus arcticus, Lathyrus krylovii, Carex dioica, C. iljinii, Hierochloe arctica). Most of the cited species are stenotopic inhabitants of sphagnum peat bogs, which have a very limited distribution in the Altai Mountains and they are concentrated in its northern and northeastern parts.