bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solidification transformations in liquid phase separated metastable monotectic Cu-50 at. % Co alloy
Authors: Jegede Oluwatoyin E. , Haque Nafisul , Mullis Andrew M. , Cochrane Robert F.
Published: May 2021

Metastable monotectic Cu-50 at. % Co alloy produced by arc melting has been processed under micro gravity condition using a drop tube and subjected to differential thermal analysis (DTA). Microstructural evidence from the as solidified sample revealed that rapid cooling of the arc melt process was enough to incite liquid phase separation in the alloy. In the drop tube samples, the melting temperature of the β-phase (Cu-rich) was determined to be 1294.8 K, whereas that of the α-phase (Co-rich) was found to vary with cobalt content.
Successional change, restoration success, and resilience in boreal mixedwood vegetation communities over three decades
Authors: Haeussler Sybille , Kabzems Richard , McClarnon John , Bedford Lorne
Published: May 2021

Long-term studies of vegetation succession can inform restoration of degraded forests. We examined resilience of a boreal mixedwood vegetation community, asking whether treatments employed to restore wood production in a degraded ecosystem could also restore diversity and composition of vegetation communities. The Inga Lake trial, established in 1987 in northeastern British Columbia, used mechanical, fire, and chemical and manual treatments, encompassing a gradient of restoration effort, and tree planting to restore a shrubland to white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) forest. We monitored vascular plant, bryophyte, and macrolichen composition five times over 31 years on five to seven treatments replicated five times. We used mixed-effects models and nonmetric multidimensional scaling to compare diversity and composition among treatments and with mature reference forests. Low- to high-effort restoration created a gradient from broadleaf- to spruce-dominated overstories. Diversity increased with restoration effort. Four of 253 taxa occurred in mature forests only. There was no evidence that lower versus higher effort treatments followed divergent successional pathways toward broadleaved versus spruce reference communities. Our results suggest that these mixedwood vegetation communities lie within a broad domain of successional attraction that confers high ecological resilience to disturbance. Gap cuttings to stimulate understory re-initiation and provide woody debris are recommended to complete the restoration.
Fast, facile, base-free microwave-assisted metallation of bacteriochlorophylls and corresponding high yield synthesis of TOOKAD
Authors: Cheng Miffy. H. Y. , Cevallos Alberto , Rajora Maneesha A. , Zheng Gang
Published: May 2021

Naturally-derived metallo-bacteriochlorophylls have attracted much attention since their clinical approval for cancer photodynamic therapy. Their therapeutic properties are rooted in the metal complexation of bacteriochlorophylls, which endows them with optical properties favourable for biophotonic and biomedical applications, including near-infrared light-activated reactive oxygen species generation at therapeutic levels. Despite these advantages, the utility of these chromophores has been limited by synthetic challenges associated with bacteriochlorophyll metallation; specifically, a slow reaction rate and necessity of complex purification procedures remain barriers towards metalated bacteriochlorophyll synthesis. Here, these limitations are overcome through the development of a new fast, facile, efficient, base-free microwave heating metallation method for the synthesis of a series of metallo (Pd, Cu, Zn, Cd, Sn, In, Mn, Co) bacteriopyropheophorbides. The preparation and structural and optical spectral characterization of these complexes are presented. This microwave-enabled synthetic method is then applied to generate the clinical photosensitizer agent Pd-bacteriopheophorbide (TOOKAD) effectively and efficiently, followed by validation of its metallation-enhanced ROS generation.
Discotic liquid crystals of transition metal complexes 59 : Parity effect of the number of d-electrons on the columnar mesomorphism and homeotropic alignment of 1,4-diazatriphenylenocyaninato metal(II) complexes
Authors: Shichi Masahiro , Yasutake Mikio , Ohta Kazuchika
Published: May 2021

Twenty super-discotic liquid crystals based on a largely expanded [Formula: see text]-conjugated macrocycle of 1,4-diazatriphenylenocyaninato metal(II) complex, (abbreviated as (C[Formula: see text]O)[Formula: see text]TzM: M = Co(1), Ni(2), Cu(3), Zn(4); [Formula: see text] = 8(a), 10(b), 12(c), 14(d), 16(e)) were synthesized in order to investigate their mesomorphism and homeotropic alignment properties by using polarization microscopic observations, differential calorimetry, thermogravimetry, and temperature-variable X-ray diffraction. As a result, the (C[Formula: see text]O)[Formula: see text]TzCo and (C[Formula: see text]O)[Formula: see text]TzCu complexes with an odd number of [Formula: see text]-electrons in the central metal ions showed a tetragonal columnar (Col[Formula: see text] mesophase for [Formula: see text] = 8[Formula: see text]14, which exhibit spontaneous homeotropic alignment for a very wide temperature range from rt to the decomposition temperature at around 340[Formula: see text]C. On the other hand, the (C[Formula: see text]O)[Formula: see text]TzNi and (C[Formula: see text]O)[Formula: see text]TzZn complexes with an even number of [Formula: see text]-electrons in the central metal ions showed a rectangular columnar (Col[Formula: see text](P21/a[Formula: see text] mesophase for [Formula: see text] = 8[Formula: see text]16, which did not exhibit homeotropic alignment. As far as is known, such a unique parity effect of the number of [Formula: see text]-electrons on mesomorphism accompanied by homeotropic alignment has never been reported to date.
Geological influence on the index properties variability and shear strength probability density functions
Authors: Viviescas Juan C. , Osorio Juan P. , Pastén Cesar
Published: May 2021

Determining soil properties variability in geotechnical engineering is one of the most important tasks in reliability-based designs (RBDs). However, these analyses have been carried without taking into account the influence of the geological origin on the different aspects that alter the soil properties variability. Therefore, two types of geological formations are analysed: residual soils (stationary origin) and mudflows (dynamic origin). First, the index properties variability was evaluated for each geology, where mudflows are less variable in comparison with the residual soils. It was confirmed that the correlations of the effective friction angle should not be used for high-plasticity and fine-grained soils; however, the shape characteristics of the probability density functions (PDFs) of both effective and total parameters depend on the geological origin. The undrained compressive strength (
q
u
) analyses show that geology influences the shape characteristics of the PDF and is directly proportional to the (
N
1
)
60
PDF. From the results, mudflows have a
q
u
PDF with a lognormal tendency, which is inferred to be due to the possible presence of rock fragments and randomness related to the soil's formation. However, the residual soils, under the same state of weathering, tend to have a normal
q
u
PDF, possibly owing to the stationary origin of these soils.

Supplementary material:
Datasets are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5420240
Late Pleistocene microlithic industries in the Ayodhya Hills, Purulia, West Bengal: insights from geoarchaeological exploration
Authors: Basak Bishnupriya , Dasgupta Sujit , Paul Ashis K.
Published: May 2021

New evidence from the Ayodhya Hills, located in the western upland of West Bengal, has expanded knowledge of Late Pleistocene microlithic technology spanning 42–25 ka in South Asia. Continuous exploration for the past two decades has resulted in substantial information on technology, distribution of sites and the colluvial context. It is now clear from surface exploration and excavations that there are localized differences in the formation of the colluvial context. At the Mahadebbera and Kana sites, which have yielded optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dates, the
in situ
occurrence of artefacts in the excavated sections confirm their association with the colluvial context. The occurrence of microliths for a prolonged period (25–34 ka) at Mahadebbera indicates that the colluvial deposition must have followed a slower rate during the course of occupation at the site. At Khududih-Chauniya, a site currently being investigated, excavation and surface exploration indicate that the artefacts are mostly scattered over the regolith surface capping the bedrock; much of the colluvial material from the site has been eroded and transported downslope, exposing the lithic artefacts over the regolithic badland surface. Added interest in this site ensues from recent finds of Middle Paleolithic cores and a Lower Paleolithic core from the badland rain gullies. This promises to complement the already published results from the region, which has emerged as an important zone in understanding the behaviour patterns of anatomically modern humans in South Asia.
EQCM Analysis of the Process of Electrochemical Insertion in Regioregular Alkyl-Susbtituted Polyterthiophene during n-Doping
Authors: Dini Danilo , Salatelli Elisabetta , Decker Franco
Published: May 2021

The material produced through the electrochemical polymerization of 3′4′-DDTT has been characterized with the EQCM during the process of n-doping. The supporting electrolyte (SE) was chosen considering mainly the two characteristics of hydrophobicity (to avoid the presence of water as potential contaminant) and chemical affinity with the alkyl and aromatic moieties present in poly-3′4′-DDTT. On these bases the salt (n-C4H9)4NClO4 was selected as SE since it contains the organic molecular cation (n-C4H9)4N+ that is expected to represent the charge compensating species in poly-3′4′-DDTT during n-doping. The feature of the reversibility of the electrical current profiles originated by the process of injection/extraction of electronic charge carriers in poly-3′4′-DDTT, is not encountered in the associated EQCM data. The interpretation of the EQCM data requires the consideration of phenomena of different nature. In the present work a thorough discussion of the factors influencing the EQCM response during polymer n-doping is provided taking into account the spontaneous adsorption of cations, the eventual reorientation of poly-3′4′-DDTT on the substrate and the consequences of the chains rearrangement on the electrical polarizability of poly-3′4′-DDTT during the cycles of electrochemical n-doping and undoping.
Comprehensive Electrochemical, Calorimetric Heat Generation and Safety Analysis of Na0.53MnO2 Cathode Material in Coin Cells
Authors: Mohsin Ijaz Ul , Ziebert Carlos , Rohde Magnus , Seifert Hans Jürgen
Published: May 2021

The sodium ion cells were assembled by using Na0.53MnO2 as cathode material, pure sodium metal as anode in case of half coin cells and coconut shell-derived hard carbon in case of full coin cells. Cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge, and self-discharge analysis were conducted. A good rate capability, capacity retention, coulombic efficiency (99.5%), reproducibility and reversible Na-ion intercalation revealed a satisfactory performance of this cathode material. The safety related parameters including the heat generation during charging-discharging and thermal abuse tests have been executed by the means of sophisticated calorimetry instruments. It was observed that during the charging process less heat was generated than during discharging process. The exothermic reactions during thermal runaway were identified by using an accelerating rate calorimeter and pressure measurements during this thermal abuse test were performed as well. The thermal runaway of full coin cells occurred beyond 190 °C with a temperature rate (dT/dt) of 2.5 °C min−1. Such detailed analysis of heat generation and thermal abuse helps finding new and quantitative correlations between different critical thermal and safety related issues in future post Li batteries that are a prerequisite for the design of safer batteries, the safe upscaling and for the adaptation of the thermal management system.
Modeling and Analysis on Minimum Safe Distance for Platooning Vehicles Based on Field Test of Communication Delay
Authors: Hu Mengyan , Zhao Xiangmo , Hui Fei , Tian Bin , Xu Zhigang , Zhang Xinrui
Published: May 2021

Vehicle platooning is a perspective technique for intelligent transportation systems (ITS). Connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) use dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) to form a convoy, in which the following vehicles can receive the information from their preceding vehicles to achieve safe automated driving and maintain a short headway. Consequently, a vehicle platoon can improve traffic safety and efficiency, further reducing fuel consumption. However, emergency braking inevitably occurs when the platoon meets an accident or a sudden mechanical failure. It is more critical when the wireless communication got delays. Therefore, “how to predefine a minimum safe distance (MSD) considering communication delay” is a challenging issue. To this end, a series of field tests were carried out to measure the communication delay of IEEE 802.11p that is the underlying protocol of DSRC. Subsequently, MSD is modeled and analyzed when the platoon travels at accelerating, cruising, and decelerating states. More importantly, the results of field tests are applied in the models to investigate the impact of communication delay on MSD in practice. The simulation results verify that the proposed model can effectively maintain the platooning vehicles’ safety even if emergency braking happens with certain communication delays.
Hypoxia-Driven Oncometabolite L-2HG Maintains Stemness-Differentiation Balance and Facilitates Immune Evasion in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Gupta Vineet K. , Sharma Nikita S. , Durden Brittany , Garrido Vanessa T. , Kesh Kousik , Edwards Dujon , Wang Dezhen , Myer Ciara , Mateo-Victoriano Beatriz , Kollala Sai Sundeep , Ban Yuguang , Gao Zhen , Bhattacharya Sanjoy K. , Saluja Ashok , Singh Pankaj K. , Banerjee Sulagna
Published: May 2021

In pancreatic cancer, the robust fibroinflammatory stroma contributes to immune suppression and renders tumors hypoxic, altering intratumoral metabolic pathways and leading to poor survival. One metabolic enzyme activated during hypoxia is lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA). As a result of its promiscuous activity under hypoxia, LDHA produces L-2 hydroxyglutarate (L-2HG), an epigenetic modifier, that regulates the tumor transcriptome. However, the role of L-2HG in remodeling the pancreatic tumor microenvironment is not known. Here we used mass spectrometry to detect L-2HG in serum samples from patients with pancreatic cancer, comprising tumor cells as well as stromal cells. Both hypoxic pancreatic tumors as well as serum from patients with pancreatic cancer accumulated L-2HG as a result of promiscuous activity of LDHA. This abnormally accumulated L-2HG led to H3 hypermethylation and altered gene expression, which regulated a critical balance between stemness and differentiation in pancreatic tumors. Secreted L-2HG inhibited T-cell proliferation and migration, suppressing antitumor immunity. In a syngeneic orthotopic model of pancreatic cancer, inhibition of LDH with GSK2837808A decreased L-2HG, induced tumor regression, and sensitized tumors to anti-PD1 therapy. In conclusion, hypoxia-mediated promiscuous activity of LDH produces L-2HG in pancreatic tumor cells, regulating the stemness-differentiation balance and contributing to immune evasion. Targeting LDH can be developed as a potential therapy to sensitize pancreatic tumors to checkpoint inhibitor therapy.

Significance:

This study shows that promiscuous LDH activity produces L-2HG in pancreatic tumor and stromal cells, modulating tumor stemness and immune cell function and infiltration in the tumor microenvironment.
Acute Kidney Injury–Induced Systemic Inflammation and Risk of Kidney Cancer Formation
Authors: Kusmartsev Sergei
Published: May 2021

In this issue of Cancer Research, Zhou and colleagues investigate the role of acute kidney injury (AKI) and AKI-associated systemic inflammation in the development of kidney cancer. They demonstrate a positive association between the formation of clear-cell renal cell carcinoma and AKI induced by ischemia-reperfusion injury in genetically modified mice. In parallel with the emergence of kidney tumors, mice with ischemic injury develop systemic inflammation associated with tissue infiltration by neutrophils and fibroblasts and upregulated expression of several inflammatory factors, with CXCL1 displaying the highest levels of upregulation. Accordingly, blockade of CXCL1-mediated signaling inhibited the emergence of kidney tumors in mice subjected to ischemic kidney injury. The study provides evidence for a new experimental approach to prevent the formation of clear-cell renal cell carcinoma and reduce kidney cancer incidence through modulation of the AKI-induced inflammatory response using inhibitors of CXC/CXCR2 axis. As the incidence of kidney cancer continues to increase, new treatment strategies for this devastating disease are urgently needed. Zhou and colleagues provide preclinical proof of concept for a new therapeutic strategy and address an unmet need for this difficult to prevent and treat cancer disease.

See related article by Zhou et al., p. 2690
Tumor Immunity and Immunotherapy for HPV-Related Cancers
Authors: Shamseddine Achraf A. , Burman Bharat , Lee Nancy Y. , Zamarin Dmitriy , Riaz Nadeem
Published: May 2021

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection drives tumorigenesis in the majority of cervical, oropharyngeal, anal, and vulvar cancers. Genetic and epidemiologic evidence has highlighted the role of immunosuppression in the oncogenesis of HPV-related malignancies. Here we review how HPV modulates the immune microenvironment and subsequent therapeutic implications. We describe the landscape of immunotherapies for these cancers with a focus on findings from early-phase studies exploring antigen-specific treatments, and discuss future directions. Although responses across these studies have been modest to date, a deeper understanding of HPV-related tumor biology and immunology may prove instrumental for the development of more efficacious immunotherapeutic approaches.

Significance:

HPV modulates the microenvironment to create a protumorigenic state of immune suppression and evasion. Our understanding of these mechanisms has led to the development of immunomodulatory treatments that have shown early clinical promise in patients with HPV-related malignancies. This review summarizes our current understanding of the interactions of HPV and its microenvironment and provides insight into the progress and challenges of developing immunotherapies for HPV-related malignancies.
Serum‐Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles From Diabetic Mice Impair Angiogenic Property of Microvascular Endothelial Cells: Role of EZH2
Authors: Cheng Zhongjian , Naga Srikanth Garikipati Venkata , Truongcao May M. , Cimini Maria , Huang Grace , Wang Chunlin , Benedict Cindy , Gonzalez Carolina , Mallaredy Vandana , Goukassian David A. , Verma Suresh K. , Kishore Raj
Published: May 2021

Background

Impaired angiogenic abilities of the microvascular endothelial cell (MVEC) play a crucial role in diabetes mellitus–impaired ischemic tissue repair. However, the underlying mechanisms of diabetes mellitus–impaired MVEC function remain unclear. We studied the role of serum‐derived small extracellular vesicles (ssEVs) in diabetes mellitus–impaired MVEC function.

Methods and Results

ssEVs were isolated from 8‐week‐old male db/db and db/+ mice by ultracentrifugation and size/number were determined by the Nano‐sight tracking system. Diabetic ssEVs significantly impaired tube formation and migration abilities of human MVECs. Furthermore, local transplantation of diabetic ssEVs strikingly reduced blood perfusion and capillary/arteriole density in ischemic hind limb of wildtype C57BL/6J mice. Diabetic ssEVs decreased secretion/expression of several pro‐angiogenic factors in human MVECs. Mechanistically, expression of enhancer of zest homolog 2 (EZH2), the major methyltransferase responsible for catalyzing H3K27me3 (a transcription repressive maker), and H3K27me3 was increased in MVECs from db/db mice. Diabetic ssEVs increased EZH2 and H3K27me3 expression/activity in human MVECs. Expression of EZH2 mRNA was increased in diabetic ssEVs. EZH2‐specific inhibitor significantly reversed diabetic ssEVs‐enhanced expression of EZH2 and H3K27me3, impaired expression of angiogenic factors, and improved blood perfusion and vessel density in ischemic hind limb of C57BL/6J mice. Finally, EZH2 inactivation repressed diabetic ssEVs‐induced H3K27me3 expression at promoter of pro‐angiogenic genes.

Conclusions

Diabetic ssEVs impair the angiogenic property of MVECs via, at least partially, transferring EZH2 mRNA to MVECs, thus inducing the epigenetic mechanism involving EZH2‐enhanced expression of H3K27me3 and consequent silencing of pro‐angiogenic genes. Our findings unravel the cellular mechanism and expand the scope of bloodborne substances that impair MVEC function in diabetes mellitus.
Two new species of Manerebia Staudinger from paramo habitat in the Colombian Eastern Cordillera of the Andes (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae, Satyrinae, Pronophilina)
Authors: MAHECHA-J. OSCAR , TRIVIÑO PAOLA , ANDRADE-C M. GONZALO , PYRCZ TOMASZ W.
Published: May 2021

Two new species of the genus Manerebia Staudinger, 1897 (Nymphalidae, Satyrinae) are described from paramo habitat on the eastern slopes of the Colombian Eastern Cordillera in the area of Pisba and La Colorada: Manerebia bernito n. sp. and Manerebia clarita n. sp. Both are morphologically most similar to Manerebia levana and Manerebia pervaga, and the possible phylogenetic relationship between them is hypothesized. Their habitat is described and a proposal of their conservation status is made. With the addition of the two new species described in this study, a total of 15 species of Manerebia are reported from Colombia. However, a molecular analysis should be carried out to validate the taxonomic status of several species of Manerebia, in particular having in mind a potentially high cryptic diversity of this genus.
Cycloachelous levigatus sp. nov., a new swimming crab (Crustacea: Decapoda: Portunidae) from the South China Sea
Authors: KOCH MILAN
Published: May 2021

A new species of portunid crab from the genus Cycloachelous Ward, 1942 is described from Vietnamese waters. Cycloachelous levigatus sp. nov. is morphologically most similar to C. orbitosinus (Rathbun, 1911), which was originally described from the syntype series collected from Western Pacific area (Cargados Carajos Islands, Amirante Islands, Seychelles) and C. octodentatus (Gordon, 1938) described from one single male from Singapore. There are differences in the sternal segments, third maxilliped, chela, abdomen and male gonopode shapes. The specific status of C. levigatus sp. nov. is also clearly supported by molecular data. Aside from a comparison of this new species with other known congeners, new photographs of syntypes of C. orbitosinus and the holotype of C. octodentatus are also provided.
Notes on the genus Neopseustis Meyrick with description of a new species from China (Lepidoptera: Neopseustidae)
Authors: LIAO CHENG-QING , CHEN LIU-SHENG , HUANG GUO-HUA
Published: May 2021

A new species, Neopseustis rectagnatha Liao, Chen & Huang sp. nov., is described from the Nanling Mountains, China. The photos of the adults, male and female genitalia, and abdominal special structures are presented. The new species is similar to N. meyricki Hering, 1925 and N. sinensis Davis, 1975, but it can be distinguished easily by characters in the male genitalia as the straight gnathos and the lateroposterior process of anellus h-type bifurcated. Key to males of all species of Neopseustis Meyrick, 1909 and some biological information are also given. Molecular analysis based on COI sequences is used to infer the relationship of the new species within Neopseustis.
Factors that contribute to urban–rural gradients in risk of schizophrenia: Comparing Danish and Western Australian registers
Authors: Plana-Ripoll Oleguer , Di Prinzio Patsy , McGrath John J , Mortensen Preben B , Morgan Vera A
Published: May 2021

Introduction:

An association between schizophrenia and urbanicity has long been observed, with studies in many countries, including several from Denmark, reporting that individuals born/raised in densely populated urban settings have an increased risk of developing schizophrenia compared to those born/raised in rural settings. However, these findings have not been replicated in all studies. In particular, a Western Australian study showed a gradient in the opposite direction which disappeared after adjustment for covariates. Given the different findings for Denmark and Western Australia, our aim was to investigate the relationship between schizophrenia and urbanicity in these two regions to determine which factors may be influencing the relationship.

Methods:

We used population-based cohorts of children born alive between 1980 and 2001 in Western Australia ( N = 428,784) and Denmark ( N = 1,357,874). Children were categorised according to the level of urbanicity of their mother’s residence at time of birth and followed-up through to 30 June 2015. Linkage to State-based registers provided information on schizophrenia diagnosis and a range of covariates. Rates of being diagnosed with schizophrenia for each category of urbanicity were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for covariates.

Results:

During follow-up, 1618 (0.4%) children in Western Australia and 11,875 (0.9%) children in Denmark were diagnosed with schizophrenia. In Western Australia, those born in the most remote areas did not experience lower rates of schizophrenia than those born in the most urban areas (hazard ratio = 1.02 [95% confidence interval: 0.81, 1.29]), unlike their Danish counterparts (hazard ratio = 0.62 [95% confidence interval: 0.58, 0.66]). However, when the Western Australian cohort was restricted to children of non-Aboriginal Indigenous status, results were consistent with Danish findings (hazard ratio = 0.46 [95% confidence interval: 0.29, 0.72]).

Discussion:

Our study highlights the potential for disadvantaged subgroups to mask the contribution of urban-related risk factors to risk of schizophrenia and the importance of stratified analysis in such cases.
Is the response to rTMS largely the result of non-specific effects?
Authors: Malhi Gin S , Bell Erica
Published: May 2021

The efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in the treatment of depression is disputed. This is partly because, to date, insufficient good-quality studies have been conducted, and a definitive clinical profile for which rTMS is best suited is yet to be determined. However, another equally important reason for questioning the efficacy of rTMS is that the clinical response to its application is thought to be the result of predominantly non-specific and placebo effects. Therefore, in this viewpoint we examine this possibility in detail and propose a meaningful way forward for rTMS research.
Approaching Explicit Instruction Within a Universal Design for Learning Framework
Authors: Foxworth Lauren L. , Hashey Andrew I. , Dexter Courtney , Rasnitsyn Shelly , Beck Rachel
Published: May 2021

Explicit Instruction (EI) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) have been identified as high-leverage instructional practices in special education, effective for bolstering academic outcomes among learners with processing difficulties and enabling all learners to access curriculum. Given the breadth of research supporting the use of EI across content areas and age groups for individuals with learning disabilities and the importance of intentional, universal design and delivery of lessons that maximize access to content for all learners, teachers and researchers must not only understand EI and UDL but be able to jointly leverage both key instructional practices to create effective and accessible lessons. The purpose of the current article is to demonstrate that EI and UDL can be used in tandem to render instruction in special education accessible to the broadest range of learners, and in the most impactful manner possible.
Coding Is Lit: Integrating Coding and Literacy in Early Childhood Inclusive Settings
Authors: Fenty Nicole S. , Pierce Abby , Schildwachter Julia
Published: May 2021

There has been an increased emphasis in recent years on supporting young children with building 21st century literacy skills such as critical thinking and collaboration. Unfortunately, young children with or at risk for disabilities are unlikely to receive access to experiences that build 21st century literacies. Pre-coding activities, which include hands-on coding games and stories appropriate for young children, are one way to provide access to this population of students. The purpose of this article is to provide details about how educators in early childhood inclusive settings may integrate pre-coding activities with everyday routines and procedures as well as with common grade level appropriate read alouds. Fundamentals of pre-coding are provided along with guidelines for planning and instruction.
Lajan lajan ’ayatik or “Walking in Complementary Pairs” in the Zapatista Women’s Struggle
Authors: Barbosa Lia Pinheiro
Published: May 2021

The women’s struggle as articulated by women of the Zapatista movement in their Women’s Revolutionary Law is an insurgent, revolutionary, rebel, and autonomous feminism—a feminism in dialogue with popular feminisms in Latin America such as peasant and popular feminism and communitarian feminism.

La lucha articulada por las mujeres del movimiento zapatista en su Ley Revolucionaria de la Mujer constituye un feminismo insurgente, revolucionario, rebelde y autónomo. Es también un feminismo en diálogo con otros feminismos populares en América Latina, tales como el feminismo campesino y popular y el feminismo comunitario.
Structuration analysis of e-government studies: A bibliometric analysis based on knowledge maps
Authors: Jiang Huii , Wang Suli , Yao Jianrong
Published: May 2021

Considering the lack of systematic reviews on e-government research, this study includes research categories, spatial structure, research paradigms and noteworthy future topics in the domain of e-government. We collect 142 keywords from 2646 papers published in the Web of Science from 2000 to 2019 as the study object. Then, we identify four research categories: (1) technology and modelling in e-government, (2) drivers of e-government development, (3) public management and (4) governmental management. From public and government perspectives, we outline the spatial structure which includes theories and practices research and conclude four research paradigms: (1) theoretical modelling and application, (2) e-government development, (3) status of public management and (4) status of governmental management. Finally, we develop a 3D spatial map to analyse noteworthy topics and explore the well-studied themes: government-to-citizen, government-to-government and government-to-business, and the under-studied themes: government-to-civil society organisations and citizens-to-citizens, which helps scholars research e-government roundly.
Social protection and inequality in the global South: Politics, actors and institutions
Authors: Hujo Katja
Published: May 2021

In this themed section, we explore the links between contemporary social protection approaches and inequality in developing countries, focusing on political economy drivers and the role of actors and institutions in recent reform and implementation processes. This introduction article establishes some common ground by introducing context, concepts and questions. Reducing inequality is identified as a key condition for achieving inclusive and sustainable development as aspired in the Sustainable Development Goals governments committed to in 2015. The introduction situates the three articles in this issue, two studies of pro-poor cash transfers in the Philippines and Kenya, and an analysis of the new national minimum wage policy in South Africa, in a context of contested globalisation, increasing inequality and the social turn, a come-back of social policy as a key development instrument. After identifying the limitations and opportunities of this social turn, the article discusses the three social protection reforms and their impact on equality and social change in the different country contexts through a lens of contestation, institutions and transformative change.
Gender differences in postural balance, physical activity level, BMI, and body composition in athletes with visual impairment
Authors: Esatbeyoglu Ferhat , Kin-İsler Ayse
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study was to examine the gender differences in postural balance, physical activity (PA), and body mass index (BMI) and body composition in visually impaired (VI) athletes. A total of 66 athletes took part in this study. After anthropometric measurements, the PA level was assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form. The modified Clinical Test of Sensory Integration and Balance tool was used to assess postural balance in four standing conditions: (1) eyes-open on a firm surface, (2) eyes-closed on a firm surface, (3) eyes-open on a compliant surface, and (4) eyes closed on a compliant surface. Findings revealed gender differences in anthropometric measurements ( p < .05). No statistically significant differences were found in fat mass and fat free mass between sighted male and VI male athletes and between sighted female and VI female athletes ( p > .05). Weekly, high and moderate PA levels as well as walking were found to be different across the four groups ( p < .05). Assessment of postural balance in four standing conditions revealed no gender differences in sighted athletes ( p > .05). Postural balance scores in conditions 1 and 3 showed significant gender differences ( p < .05), whereas conditions 2 and 4 showed no gender differences in athletes with VI ( p > .05). Gender-matched differences were also apparent in conditions 1 and 3, revealing that VI male and female athletes scored worse in these conditions than their sighted male and female counterparts ( p < .05). There is a delay in balance parameter in VI athletes even if their fitness levels are similar with their sighted counterparts. The present findings could also be useful for gender-specific training session preparations in VI sports.
Personal bonds in the internationalization of the social sciences: A view from the periphery
Authors: Rodriguez-Medina Leandro , Vessuri Hebe
Published: May 2021

Due to the interest in formal relationships at work or to the difficulty to define what personal means, personal bonds in the social sciences have been an understudied topic. Even less has been the interest in connecting such bonds with the internationalization of careers and knowledge. In this article, the authors aim at filling this gap by studying what role personal bonds have played in the internationalization of the social sciences in Latin America. They identify factors that affect personal bonds as well as translations that scholars produce to capitalize on these ties. The most relevant of such translations, academic mobility, has to be interpreted, from a peripheral standpoint, as operating within a logic of leveling, a process that highlights structural asymmetries in the global social sciences. The authors describe both dimensions of this process and, in the concluding section, offer some policy implications and future research directions.
Deploying and Integrating Smart Devices to Improve Work Zone Data for Work Zone Data Exchange
Authors: Knickerbocker Skylar , Ravichandra-Mouli Varsha , Venkatachalapathy Archana
Published: May 2021

Connected temporary traffic control devices (cTTCDs) that provide their location and status are a new tool that infrastructure owners and operators can begin to use to improve the accuracy of work zone data. By improving work zone data, better information can be provided to the public. Publishing these data through the WZDx (Work Zone Data Exchange) aims to improve safety by notifying drivers and vehicles of the location of verified work zones. Connected devices such as smart arrow boards and connected cones have continued to increase in number in the market, but little has been done to determine the best method of integrating these devices into a department of transportation’s (DOT’s) system. An approach is presented that integrates deployed smart arrow boards to indicate actual conditions as part of a planned work zone by leveraging a DOT’s linear referencing system. This method does not require any additional effort from field staff and improves the locational and temporal accuracy of work zone information as part of a WZDx. When fully deployed, this system showed that smart arrow boards could be automatically associated with a work zone in controlled test scenarios as well as in a limited sample under real-world conditions. In real-world conditions, contractors did not need to provide additional information to associate the smart arrow board with the 511 work zone event. This effort represents a starting point for how cTTCDs could be integrated into DOT systems to improve work zone data accuracy.
3D-Printing of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete for Robotic Bridge Construction
Authors: Javed Ali , Mantawy Islam M. , Azizinamini Atorod
Published: May 2021

Automation and robotics are integral parts of many industries but their potential for field implementation has not been significantly recognized by the construction industry. This is mainly attributed to conventional construction and design practices which undermine the benefits offered by these new technologies such as repetitions, precision, time savings, and increased safety. There is a need for advanced materials and 3D-printing systems which are capable of constructing structural elements with performance that emulates conventionally cast elements. This study presents a detailed framework and performance metrics for materials and 3D-printing systems for bridge applications. In addition, a study was carried out on ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) which showed sufficient extrudability and workability for 3D-printing applications. A 3D-printing system was developed for 3D-printing of continuous additive layers of UHPC with accelerated heat curing. Accelerated heat curing was used to enhance buildability, expedite the printing of the UHPC layers, and maximize the number of printed layers within the material open time. The effect of heat curing on material properties was also evaluated to obtain the optimal temperature to satisfy compressive strength requirements. This research effort aims to augment automated construction techniques and develop solutions to extend the applications of accelerated bridge construction.
Can we successfully predict the outcome for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for medium size renal stones? A single-center experience
Authors: Elawady Hossam , Mahmoud Mahmoud A , Samir Mohamed
Published: May 2021

Background:

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is one of the most used modalities in treatment of renal stones, but its effectiveness can be influenced by many factors related to the patient or the stone itself which may affect the success of stone disintegration. The aim of our study was to investigate the predictive value of some patient and stone-related factors for ESWL success for renal stones.

Methods:

A total of 100 patients with single radiopaque renal stone 10–20 mm in diameter, undergoing ESWL were enrolled in this study. All patients had non contrast computed tomography (NCCT) done before ESWL. We evaluated body mass index (BMI), skin-to-stone distance (SSD), stone size and Hounsfield density comparing these values between stone free (SF) and residual stone (RS) groups.

Results:

Of the 100 patients, 70% had successful disintegration. There was no significant difference between stone free (SF) and residual stone (RS) groups as regard age or BMI. Meanwhile, there was a significant difference between SF and RS groups as regard stones’ density and SSD, with higher values in RS group but there was statistically insignificant difference as regard stone size ( p = 0.522). Using logistic regression analysis, we found that Hounsfield unit (HU) was better in predicting successful disintegration than SSD but without statistical significance.

Conclusion:

HU and SSD are the independent predictive factors for ESWL outcome, and they should be considered when planning ESWL in treatment of medium size renal stones.
The role of pre-biopsy mpMRI in lymph node staging for prostate cancer
Authors: Abou Heidar Nassib , El-Doueihi Robert , Merhe Ali , Ramia Paul , Bustros Gerges , Yacoubian Aline , Jaafar Rola , Nasr Rami
Published: May 2021

Introduction:

Prostate cancer (PCa) staging is an integral part in the management of prostate cancer. The gold standard for diagnosing lymph node invasion is a surgical lymphadenectomy, with no superior imaging modality available at the clinician’s disposal. Our aim in this study is to identify if a pre-biopsy multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) can provide enough information about pelvic lymph nodes in intermediate and high risk PCa patients, and whether it can substitute further cross sectional imaging (CSI) modalities of the abdomen and pelvis in these risk categories.

Methods:

Patients with intermediate and high risk prostate cancer were collected between January 2015 and June 2019, while excluding patients who did not undergo a pre-biopsy mpMRI or a CSI. Date regarding biopsy result, PSA, MRI results, CSI imaging results were collected. Using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0, statistical analysis was conducted using the Cohen’s Kappa agreement for comparison of mpMRI with CSI. McNemar’s test and receiver operator curve (ROC) curve were used for comparison of sensitivity of both tests when comparing to the gold standard of lymphadenectomy.

Results:

A total of 143 patients fit the inclusion criteria. We further stratified our patients into according to PSA level and Gleason score. Overall, agreement between mpMRI and all CSI was 0.857. When stratifying patients based on Gleason score and PSA, the higher the grade or PSA, the higher agreement between mpMRI and CSI. The sensitivity of mpMRI (73.7%) is similar to CSI (68.4%). When comparing CSI sensitivity to that of mpMRI, no significant difference was present by utilizing the McNemar test and very similar receiver operating characteristic curve.

Conclusion:

A pre-biopsy mpMRI can potentially substitute further cross sectional imaging in our cohort of patients. However, larger prospective studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Revisiting the “Decline” in Asian American and Pacific Islander Teachers
Authors: Cooc North , Kim Grace MyHyun
Published: May 2021

More than two decades since the first study to document the shortage of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) teachers, this paper examines recent trends and factors related to AAPI teacher career choice using the American Community Survey 2013-2017. The results show a continued underrepresentation of AAPI teachers relative to AAPI students at the local and national levels, a pattern similar to Black and Hispanic teachers and students. AAPIs born in the United States with reported higher levels of English proficiency are also more likely to become teachers than AAPIs not born in the United States or those with reported lower levels of English proficiency. The study has implications for attracting and supporting AAPIs from immigrant and linguistically diverse backgrounds into K-12 teaching.
Incidence and predictive risk factors of neutropenic sepsis in post-chemotherapy febrile patients in emergency department: A single-center retrospective longitudinal study
Authors: Michael Wong Yu Him , Tak Shun Poon , Wah Shan NG
Published: May 2021

Introduction:

Neutropenic sepsis is an emergency sequela in post-chemotherapy fever. Its definition comprises of spectrums of diseases with variable quoted mortality. This study aims to evaluate the incidence of “modified” neutropenic sepsis, with a more stringent definition employed. Predictive risk factors toward occurrence of “modified” neutropenic sepsis among Chinese patients would also be explored.

Methods:

A single-center retrospective longitudinal study was conducted in a medium-sized regional hospital in Hong Kong. All patients with diagnoses of post-chemotherapy fever fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited. Baseline characteristics and outcome variables of each case subject were collected. Six potential predictive risk factors were chosen for further analysis. Case subjects were followed up for the inpatient progress and outcomes. Relative risks of each risk factor to “modified” neutropenic sepsis were calculated.

Results:

A total of 135 case subjects were recruited. Five developed “modified” neutropenic sepsis, that is, incidence 3.70% (95% confidence interval = 1.59%–8.38%). Only background hematological malignancy was found to be significantly associated with the outcome of “modified” neutropenic sepsis (Relative Risk [RR] 13.2, 95% confidence interval = 1.56–115.70, p = 0.010), with an incidence of 12.9% (95% confidence interval = 5.14%–28.85%). Hematological malignancy was also found to be significantly associated with lower median absolute neutrophil counts (0.95 × 109/L vs 2.3 × 109/L, p = 0.005) and longer median hospital stay (8 days vs 6 days, p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Incidence of “modified” neutropenic sepsis is low. Hematological malignancy is associated with significantly higher rate of “modified” neutropenic sepsis.
Molecular Analysis of an Abdominal Wall Cesarean Section Endometrioid Carcinoma
Authors: Karpathiou Georgia , Papoudou-Bai Alexandra , Zarkavelis George , Picot Tiphanie , Peoc’h Michel
Published: May 2021

Malignant transformation of endometriosis is rare, and most cases concern the ovaries, while extraovarian cases are mostly found in the rectovaginal septum. Incisional adenocarcinoma is extremely rare, with only few cases reported in the literature, while their molecular profile remains unknown. Thus, we report on an abdominal wall cesarean section scar endometrioid adenocarcinoma studied by next-generation sequencing and microsatellite instability analysis.