bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Total Phenolic Content, HPLC Analysis, and Antioxidant Potential of Three Local Varieties of Mushroom: A Comparative Study
Authors: Bristy Anika Tabassum , Islam Tairin , Ahmed Rezwana , Hossain Jumana , Reza Hasan Mahmud , Jain Preeti
Published: October 2022

Functional foods such as mushrooms are rich in polyphenolic compounds and secondary metabolites with health-promoting properties such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic and immunostimulatory effects. The present study is aimed to investigate the ethanolic extracts of three varieties of mushrooms, namely, G. lucidum, G. tropicum, and C. indica grown in Bangladesh for phenolic and flavonoid content and their antioxidant properties. Moreover, the phenolic composition of the extracts was analyzed by using the HPLC-DAD system. G. lucidum extract exhibited the highest antioxidant potential as evidenced by its lowest IC50 value in all the tested assay models (

40.44
±
2.09

 μg/mL,

151.32
±
0.35

 μg/mL,

137.89
±
1.85

 μg/mL in DPPH, H2O2, and NO scavenging assay, respectively) along with the highest phenolic content (

81.34
±
0.68

GAE g-1 extract). G. tropicum and C. indica extracts also showed significant antioxidant properties and a good amount of phenolic content,

52.16
±
0.25

GAE g-1 extract, and 47.1 ± 0.26 GAE g-1 extract, respectively. The scavenging activity increased with the increasing concentration of extracts in all cases. The total phenolic content of the ethanolic extracts of mushroom species was highly correlated with antioxidant effects with Pearson’s correlation coefficient (

r

) values ranging from 0.8883–0.9851. The α-amylase inhibitory and antibacterial activity of G. lucidum was evaluated by using 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid and disc diffusion method, respectively. The maximum inhibitory activity recorded against α-amylase was

70.98
±
0.042
%

at a concentration of 500 μg/mL. G. lucidum extract exhibited the highest antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with

23.00
±
1.00

 mm clear zone of inhibition and an MIC value of 3.5 mg/mL. The results indicate that the mushroom species tested in this study could serve as a potential source of natural antioxidants in the development of nutraceuticals and herbal drugs for the management of oxidative stress-associated diseases as well as infectious diseases.
Extreme Value Distributions: An Overview of Estimation and Simulation
Authors: Abdulali Bashir Ahmed Albashir , Abu Bakar Mohd Aftar , Ibrahim Kamarulzaman , Mohd Ariff Noratiqah
Published: October 2022

The generalized extreme value distribution (GEVD) and various extreme value distributions are commonly applied in air pollution, telecommunications, operational risk management, finance, insurance, material sciences, economics, and hydrology, among many other industries that deal with extreme events. Extreme value distributions (EVDs) typically limit the distribution of maximum and minimum values for many random observations drawn from the same arbitrary distribution. Besides that, it is a crucial method for forecasting future events and emerged as critical method for predicting future events. As a result, prior research is required to select the best estimation method to obtain a reliable value for the parameters of extreme value distributions. This study provides an overview of three-parameter estimation methods based on goodness-of-fit statistics and root mean square error (RMSE). This paper reviewed and compared three estimation methods used to approximate values of parameters for simulated observations taken from the EVD and GEVD. The method of moments (MOMs), maximum likelihood estimator (MLE), and maximum product of spacing (MPS) were the methods investigated in this study. Our findings indicated that the MPS performed better based on the mean square errors (MSEs); meanwhile, the MPS had similar goodness-of-fit statistic values compared to the MLE.
Fabrication and Performance Evaluation of Solar Tunnel Dryer for Ginger Drying
Authors: Tesfaye Assefa , Habtu Nigus Gabbiye
Published: October 2022

A series of tests were conducted to investigate the performance of a solar tunnel dryer for drying ginger. To supply hot air to the dryer, two axial flow fans with a power rating of 28 W, a supply voltage of 220 V, and a 50 W photovoltaics (PV) module were employed. By dividing the 8.5-meter-long solar tunnel dryer into four equal portions every thirty minutes, solar radiation, dry air temperature, ambient temperature, relative humidity, and air velocity were measured at five solar tunnel dryer stations. The hot air temperature at the collector output grew from 34°C to 65.5°C for an 8-hour operation in the no-load condition when the solar radiation was changed between 540 and 820 W/m2. At 9:00 a.m., the average maximum temperature was 30°C. During the loading operation, the temperature was 77°C at 1:00 p.m. The moisture content of sliced ginger was reduced from 90.4 to 11.8% on a wet basis using the solar tunnel dryer. With a solar collector area of 6 m2, open sun drying takes 40 hours to achieve the same wet basis condition. A total of eight experiments were carried out, both with and without loads. The dry air temperature at the collector outlet ranged from 34.0 to 65.5 °C. As the drying efficiency, collector area, and time savings improve, the drying time decreases. The ginger is kept in a controlled area, resulting in high-quality dried ginger. The solar tunnel dryer showed a net saving in drying time of 40% over open sun drying.
Cyclodialysis Clefts following Microinvasive Glaucoma Surgery with Consecutive Intraocular Pressure Spikes
Authors: Alshaikhsalama Ahmed , Nathan Niraj
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this study is to report a case of cyclodialysis clefts associated with microinvasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) having two distinct consecutive IOP spikes during cleft closure. A 65-year-old female with a history of primary open angle glaucoma was evaluated for right eye blurry vision since cataract surgery 11 months prior. She reported a MIGS procedure that resulted in a cyclodialysis cleft, with resultant hypotony without resolution. On gonioscopy, two clock hours of widened angle were noted nasally, with small clefts (0.5 clock hour) inferonasally and superonasally. Conservative therapy with cycloplegia was unsuccessful. Argon laser photocoagulation was performed for cleft closure. Initially, while there was visible improvement in the cleft size, it did not close completely, and IOP remained low. Additional laser was performed, one week following, she presented with an acute IOP increase to 55 mmHg. On gonioscopy, it was noted that despite the IOP spike indicating inferonasal closure, the superonasal cleft remained small but open. She was started on IOP-lowering therapy. Her IOP normalized shortly thereafter. Two weeks later, she experienced another acute IOP spike to 54 mmHg. On gonioscopy, the residual cleft had closed. Again, her IOP normalized shortly after and has remained normal since. While IOP spikes after cyclodialysis cleft closure have been reported many times, two consecutive IOP spikes of similar magnitude during sequential closure of two concurrent cyclodialysis clefts have not been reported in the literature. This case raises interesting questions about the physiology underlying an acute increase in IOP following cleft closure.
Prevalence of Cystic Echinococcosis Genotypes in Iranian Animals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Khodashenas Sahar , Akbari Mehran , Beiranvand Reza , Didehdar Mojtaba , Shabani Mohammad , Iravani Parnia , Abedi Behnam
Published: October 2022

Background. Cystic echinococcosis is considered a public health problem that if left untreated can have dangerous consequences for the person. The disease is caused by Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato larvae. The main risk factors for this parasitic infection are habitat, direct contact with dogs, use of raw vegetables, and use of unwashed vegetables. The most important factors affecting the prevalence of HCD are economic, occupational, agricultural, educational, and factors related to public health and cultural habits of the general public in that geographical area. Objectives. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of the types of cystic echinococcosis genotypes (E. granulosus sensu stricto (G1-G3) and E. Canadensis (G6 and G7)) in livestock in Iran. Method. This systematic review was conducted, using Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences, and Google Scholar databases, to identify studies of cystic echinococcosis in animals published from 2010 to April 14, 2021. Finally, 28 studies were selected for meta-analysis, which was analyzed using Stata software version 14. The cystic echinococcosis prevalence with 95% confidence intervals of animals was synthesized using the random effect model. Heterogeneity was evaluated and in cases where the

I

2 index was higher than 75%, subgroup analysis was performed according to the types of animals. Result. The highest prevalence of cystic echinococcosis infection was related to G1 genotype (

P
=
0.91

(95%

CI
=
0.84
,
0.97

)) and the prevalence was related to G2 genotype (

P
=
0.07

(95%

CI
=
0.00
,
0.18

)). The results of the subgroup analysis showed that in the G1 genotype the highest prevalence was observed in Goats and Buffaloes with

P
=
1

(95%

CI
=
0.96
,
1

) and

P
=
1

(95%

CI
=
0.97
,
1

), in the G3 and G6 genotypes the highest prevalence was observed in camels with

P
=
0.50

(95%

CI
=
0.31
,
0.69

), and

P
=
0.45

(95%

CI
=
0.22
,
0.69

), respectively. Conclusion. The cystic echinococcosis genotypes vary from region to region or from country to country and also from host to host, and according to the results, it should always be stopped in areas where the prevalence of such genomes suitable for livestock as well as human food sources to prevent infection of livestock and thus human exposure to cystic echinococcosis.
Database Mining Detected a Cuproptosis-Related Prognostic Signature and a Related Regulatory Axis in Breast Cancer
Authors: Jiang Baohong , Zhu Hongbo , Feng Wenjie , Wan Zhixing , Qi Xiaowen , He Rongfang , Xie Liming , Li Yuehua
Published: October 2022

Background. Breast cancer is the frequent cause of disease burden related to cancer among women. It affects one in 20 women globally and up to one in eight women in high-income countries. Cuproptosis is a copper-induced modality of mitochondrial cell death that is involved in tumor proliferation and metastasis. Methods. To construct a prognostic cuproptosis-related signature, LASSO Cox regression analysis was employed. Additionally, ceRNA was developed with an aim of exploring the possible lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory axis in breast cancer. Results. The expression of FDX1, DLD, DLAT, LIAS, LIPT1, GLS MTF1, and PDHA1 was downregulated, while CDKN2A expression level was elevated in breast cancer in contrast with normal tissue. We furthermore reviewed the genetic mutation landscape of genes linked to cuproptosis in breast cancer. Prognosis analysis revealed poor OS and RFS rates in breast cancer patients with elevated levels of CDKN2A and PDHA1 and low levels of MTF1, DLD, LIPT1, and FDX1. We then constructed a cuproptosis-related signature with six genes (DKN2A, MTF1, PDHA1, DLD, LIPT1, and FDX1) for breast cancer, which predicted the OS rate with an accuracy that ranged from medium to high. Further analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between the cuproptosis-related prognostic signature and pTNM stage, MSI score, drug sensitivity, TMB score, and immune cell infiltration. Moreover, we identified the lncRNA XIST/miR-92b-3p/MTF1 regulatory axis for breast cancer. Conclusion. Multiomics approaches were used to create a cuproptosis-related signature with six genes (DKN2A, MTF1, PDHA1, DLD, LIPT1, and FDX1) for breast cancer. We discovered the lncRNA XIST/miR-92b-3p/MTF1 regulatory axis for breast cancer, which has not yet been investigated previously.
A Possible Solution of the Cosmological Constant Problem Based on GW170817 and Planck Observations with Minimal Length Uncertainty
Authors: Diab Abdel Magied , Tawfik Abdel Nasser
Published: October 2022

We propose generalized uncertainty principle (GUP) with an additional term of quadratic momentum motivated by string theory and black hole physics and providing a quantum mechanical framework for the minimal length uncertainty, at the Planck scale. We demonstrate that the GUP parameter,

β

0

, could be best constrained by the gravitational wave observations, GW170817 event. To determine the difference between the group velocity of graviton and that of the light, we suggest another proposal based on the modified dispersion relations (MDRs). We conclude that the upper bound of

β

0

reads ≃1060. Utilizing features of the UV/IR correspondence and the apparent similarities between GUP (including nongravitating and gravitating impacts on Heisenberg uncertainty principle) and the discrepancy between the theoretical and the observed cosmological constant

Λ

(obviously manifesting gravitational influences on the vacuum energy density), known as catastrophe of nongravitating vacuum, we suggest a possible solution for this long-standing physical problem,

Λ
≃
1

0

−
47

 GeV4/ℏ3c3.
Finite-Element Simulation of Electroosmotic Mixing: A Study of the Simultaneous Effects of Working Parameters for Optimization
Authors: Kalantar Feeoj Reza , Alavi Eshkaftaki Sayed Masoud , Kazemi Asfeh Iman , Jahangiri Mehdi
Published: October 2022

Micromixers are crucial parts of microfluidic systems when it comes to efficiency and precision, as mixing is the central process in most relevant applications, including medical diagnosis, chemical production, and drug discovery. In view of the importance of improving the mixing quality, for the first time, the present work investigates the simultaneous effects of mixing chamber geometry (circular, hexagonal, and octagonal), electric field frequency (5, 7, 10, and 15 Hz), inlet velocity (0.1-0.2 mm·s−1), and phase difference (0-π) on the flow inside an electroosmotic micromixer using the finite-element tool COMSOL Multiphysics 5.4 to optimize the process and achieve homogeneous mixing. The flow-field, concentration-field, and electric-field equations were coupled and solved simultaneously. The results of this research indicated that at a given inlet velocity and a specific frequency range, as frequency increases, more mixing occurs in a smaller chamber, and as the inlet velocity increases, more mixing occurs in a smaller chamber at a higher frequency. Moreover, the highest mixing level (98.16%) was obtained with a 0.1 mm·s−1 inlet velocity, 10 Hz frequency, and π/2 phase difference in a hexagonal chamber.
Hypophosphatemia Due to Increased Effector Cell Metabolic Activity Is Associated with Neurotoxicity Symptoms in CD19-Targeted CAR T-cell Therapy
Authors: Tang Jack Pengfei , Peters Cole W. , Quiros Crystal , Wang Xiaoyan , Klomhaus Alexandra M. , Yamada Reiko E. , Timmerman John M. , Moore Theodore B. , Nowicki Theodore S.
Published: October 2022

A major complication of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is immune effector cell–associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), which presents as aphasia, confusion, weakness, somnolence, seizures, and coma. This is similar to the neurologic manifestations of hypophosphatemia, which can result from sudden increases in metabolic demand for phosphorylated intermediates (e.g., refeeding syndrome and sepsis). Given these similarities, we investigated whether CAR T-cell effector metabolic activity is associated with increased extracellular phosphate consumption and a possible association between hypophosphatemia and ICANS. In vitro 4–1BB and CD28 CD19-targeted CAR T-cell effector activity was found to be associated with increased consumption of media phosphorus, which was temporally associated with increased single-cell effector secretomic activity and increased phosphorus-dependent metabolic demand of the CAR T cells. A clinical cohort of 77 patients treated with CD19-targeted CAR T-cell therapy demonstrated a significant anticorrelation between serum phosphorus and ICANS incidence and severity, with earlier onset of hypophosphatemia after CAR T-cell infusion more likely to result in neurotoxicity. These results imply phosphorous level monitoring could alert to the development of ICANS in clinical scenarios.

See related Spotlight by Tobin et al., p. 1422
La creación literária latino-americana (balance y perspectivas)
Authors: Candido Antonio
Published: October 2022

Reprodução fac-similiar de aulas concedidas pelo professor Antonio Candido durante o curso Sociedad y Cultura Latinoamericanas en la Realidad Internacional na Universidad de La Republica, Montevideo, Uruguai entre os dias 8 e 22 de fevereiro de 1960.
A dança contra o trabalho sem tréguas: ideologia e prática social em “Terpsícore”, de Machado de Assis
Authors: Otsuka Edu Teruki
Published: October 2022

O artigo apresenta uma análise interpretativa do conto “Terpsícore”, de Machado de Assis, e busca detalhar o processo de leitura crítica, com atenção concentrada na configuração textual dos significados.
Um Relatório para uma Academia: apontamentos de aula
Authors: Parreira Marcelo Pen
Published: October 2022

Qual o nexo entre a literatura e a educação? Que resta da Bildung quando ela é deflagrada a tiros? A história de Kafka nos convida a refletir sobre esses pontos, mobilizados em termos de ordem social violenta e dominação neoimperialista. O artigo examina os dilemas da perda da identidade, do estranhamento e do exílio, junto com questões do campo da narrativa, da linguagem e da paródia, sugerindo que estejamos testemunhando uma Missbildung; não um processo de formação, mas de deformação.
O Gênio Maligno de Samuel Beckett: o romance posto em dúvida
Authors: Vasconcellos Cláudia Maria de
Published: October 2022

O ensaio busca destacar a qualidade metalinguística do romance Molloy, de Samuel Beckett, aliando-a a um procedimento discursivo que é, ao mesmo tempo, paródia e crítica ao método cartesiano.
A escrita perplexa: sobre Irrupciones, de Mario Levrero
Authors: Olmos Ana Cecilia
Published: October 2022

Esse artigo propõe uma reflexão sobre escritas contemporâneas que, na tentativa de captar a textura da vida e a verdade da experiência, tendem a apagar as distinções entre invenção imaginária e registro do real. Trata-se de práticas de escritas que se deslocam com peculiar versatilidade entre a ficção e a autobiografia, a crônica, o ensaio, o diário, a anotação, etc., expandindo os limites do que institucionalmente se entende por literatura. Uma aproximação ao livro Irrupciones, do escritor uruguaio Mario Levrero (1940-2004), permite colocar a pergunta sobre a potência crítica dessas escritas que, na sua condição liminar, problematizam a especificidade da literatura e a sua autonomia enquanto prática artística.
Editorial
Authors: Pacheco Ana Paula , Silva Anderson Gonçalves da , Fonseca Maria Augusta
Published: October 2022

Editorial do número 36 da revista Literatura e Sociedade escrito pela Comissão Editorial.
Home Blood Pressure Can Predict the Risk for Stroke/Bleeding Events in Elderly Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation From the ANAFIE Registry
Authors: Kario Kazuomi , Hasebe Naoyuki , Okumura Ken , Yamashita Takeshi , Akao Masaharu , Atarashi Hirotsugu , Ikeda Takanori , Koretsune Yukihiro , Shimizu Wataru , Suzuki Shinya , Tsutsui Hiroyuki , Toyoda Kazunori , Hirayama Atsushi , Yasaka Masahiro , Yamaguchi Takenori , Teramukai Satoshi , Kimura Tetsuya , Morishima Yoshiyuki , Takita Atsushi , Inoue Hiroshi
Published: October 2022

Background:

Blood pressure (BP) fluctuates significantly in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF); office BP measurements seem insufficient to assess AF patient risk accurately. We hypothesized that home BP could better predict the risk of stroke/systemic embolic events (SEE) and major bleeding in patients with AF than office BP.

Methods:

In this prespecified subcohort study of the ANAFIE (All Nippon AF in the Elderly) Registry, we evaluated the impact of home BP on the risk of stroke/SEE, major bleeding, intracranial hemorrhage, all-cause death, and net cardiovascular outcome (a composite of stroke/SEE and major bleeding). At enrollment, home BP was measured twice in the morning and evening for 7 days.

Results:

In total, 4933 elderly patients (aged ≥75 years) with nonvalvular AF participated. Incidences of net cardiovascular outcome, stroke/SEE, major bleeding, and intracranial hemorrhage increased significantly with increasing home systolic BP (H-SBP). Compared with H-SBP <125 mm Hg, ≥145 mm Hg was associated with increased risk of these events. The association between H-SBP and the events was observed only in patients with ≥20 H-SBP measurements.

Conclusions:

In elderly patients with nonvalvular AF, high H-SBP (≥145 mm Hg) was a significant predictor of stroke/SEE, major bleeding, and intracranial hemorrhage risk. Strict BP control guided by the increasing number of home BP measurements may provide an accurate clinical outcome risk assessment.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr
; Unique identifier: UMIN000024006
Cardiometabolic Consequences of Deleting the Regulator of G protein Signaling-2 (
Rgs2
) From Cells Expressing Agouti-Related Peptide or the ANG (Angiotensin) II Type 1A Receptor in Mice
Authors: Ritter McKenzie L. , Deng Guorui , Reho John J. , Deng Yue , Sapouckey Sarah A. , Opichka Megan A. , Balapattabi Kirthikaa , Wackman Kelsey K. , Brozoski Daniel T. , Lu Ko-Ting , Paradee William J. , Gibson-Corley Katherine N. , Cui Huxing , Nakagawa Pablo , Morselli Lisa L. , Sigmund Curt D. , Grobe Justin L.
Published: October 2022

Background:

RGS (regulator of G protein signaling) family members catalyze the termination of G protein signaling cascades. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the
RGS2
gene in humans have been linked to hypertension, preeclampsia, and anxiety disorders. Mice deficient for
Rgs2 (Rgs2
Null
) exhibit hypertension, anxiety, and altered adipose development and function.

Methods:

To study cell-specific functions of RGS2, a novel gene-targeted mouse harboring a conditional allele for the
Rgs2
gene (
Rgs2
Flox
) was developed. These mice were bred with mice expressing Cre-recombinase via the Agouti-related peptide locus (
Agrp
-Cre) to cause deletion of
Rgs2
from all cells expressing
Agrp (Rgs2
Agrp-KO
), or a novel transgenic mouse expressing Cre-recombinase via the ANG (angiotensin) type 1A receptor (
Agtr1a
/ AT
1A
) promoter encoded in a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC-AT
1A
-Cre) to delete
Rgs2
in all
Agtr1a
-expressing cells (

Rgs2
AT1A-KO

).

Results:

Whereas
Rgs2
Flox
,
Rgs2
Agrp-KO
, and BAC-AT
1A
-Cre mice exhibited normal growth and survival,
Rgs2
AT1A-KO
exhibited pre-weaning lethality. Relative to littermates,
Rgs2
Agrp-KO
exhibited reduced fat gains when maintained on a high fat diet, associated with increased energy expenditure. Similarly, surviving adult
Rgs2
AT1A-KO
mice also exhibited increased energy expenditure. Surprisingly, given the hypertensive phenotype previously reported for
Rgs2
Null
mice and evidence supporting a role for RGS2 in terminating AT
1A
signaling in various cell types,
Rgs2
AT1A-KO
mice exhibited normal blood pressure, ingestive behaviors, and renal functions, both before and after chronic infusion of ANG (490 ng/kg/min, sc).

Conclusions:

These results demonstrate the development of a novel mouse with conditional expression of
Rgs2
and illustrate the role of
Rgs2
within selected cell types for cardiometabolic control.
Subordinate submissive responses are predicted by dominant behaviour in a cooperatively breeding fish
Authors: Manara Veronica , Ruberto Tommaso , Swaney William T. , Reddon Adam R.
Published: October 2022

In complex social groups, animals rely on communication to facilitate priority access to resources and minimise the costs of conflict. Animals typically have more aggression signals than submission signals. However, some social species do show multiple submission signals, and the context in which these different signals are used is often not well understood. In the current study, we assessed agonistic interactions within groups of the cooperatively breeding daffodil cichlid fish (Neolamprologus pulcher) to investigate the relationship between the aggressive behaviours of the dominant breeding pair, and the submissive responses of the highest ranked subordinate within the group. Daffodil cichlids may respond to aggression by fleeing or by the production of either a tail quiver display or a head up display. Among the two submission signals, the tail quiver display was used more frequently in response to a threat display, while head up displays were produced approximately equally in response to both threat displays and overt aggression. An exaggerated version of the head up display was given more often in response to overt aggression, suggesting a graded submissive response both within and between the two submission signals. Within fish, the frequency of head up displays, but not tail quiver displays, correlated positively with the frequency of threat displays received. The current study helps us to better understand the use of submission signals in a highly social vertebrate and sheds light on submission as an understudied aspect of communication.
Decolonising the Theologico-Political Problem
Authors: Dube Siphiwe Ignatius
Published: October 2022

The theologico-political problem, traditionally concerned with the question of the seat of authority or sovereignty in the West (rendered through the metaphor of Jerusalem vs Athens or Revelation vs Reason), has been brought to the fore of late in a number of nation-states in Africa. To the end of rethinking the theologico-political problem or decolonising it, this article draws on Achille Mbembe’s notion of improvisation as an important avenue through which the decolonisation of the theologico-political problem can be situated meaningfully in the African context. Its core argument is that such a decolonisation of the theologico-political problem is not only useful for centering African experiences in political theology broadly, but also for further problematizing the decontextualized ways in which notions such as the theologico-political problem elide a history of “others” in their continued access primarily or even solely through Western experiences of state formation.
On the behavioural biology of a morpho-variant of Myrmaplata plataleoides (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1869) (Araneae: Salticidae) with taxonomic notes
Authors: Kumar Rahul , Gupta Birendra Kumar , Sharma Ajay Kumar
Published: October 2022

We hereby report an isolated population of a rare morpho-variant of the ant-mimicking jumping spider Myrmaplata plataleoides (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1869) from Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary, Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, India, which is also the first record of this species from the state of Jharkhand, India. Descriptions of both male and female spiders, the female’s exuviae, its eggs and habitat are presented. We have studied its moulting, feeding and sexual behaviour in detail, and have recorded various behavioural aspects that were never documented before, such as debris-rolling behaviour, photokinetic response, starvation response and oxygen deprivation response. We here report the occurrence of this spider near the colonies of the ground-nesting ant Camponotus compressus (Fabricius, 1787). This spider is known to mimic the Asian weaver ant Oecophylla smaragdina (Fabricius, 1775), which are greenish orange to red in colour. Specimens collected by us are dark brown to black in coloration whereas the commonly reported specimens are often greenish orange to red. We propose that the darker coloration would have been naturally selected in this isolated population of M. plataleoides as an adaptation to coexist with C. compressus, which is also black in coloration and abundant around the spiders. Study of the moulting behaviour of the morpho-variant further reveals the display of a novel mechanism of ant mimicry among these spiders which we have named as temporal myrmecomorphy. Temporal myrmecomorphy has been proposed to be a protective mechanism used by a harmless mimic against the attacks of the aggressive models so that it can co-exist with the models. Present study establishes the usefulness of a morpho-variant as an important model in understanding the evolution and behaviour of a species holistically.
A hotspot of endemism: Oreophytic Taraxacum species (Compositae, Crepidinae) in the mountains of Bulgaria
Authors: ŠTĚPÁNEK JAN , KIRSCHNER JAN
Published: October 2022

The genus Taraxacum (Compositae, Crepidinae) is rather underexplored in the Balkan Peninsula, in spite of high sectional and species diversities and a considerable proportion of endemism to be expected. We focussed our research on mountain areas of Bulgaria. If occasional occurrence of otherwise lowland groups is disregarded, the following Taraxacum sections were recorded: T. sect. Erythrocarpa (treated in a separate paper), T. sect. Rhodocarpa (= T. sect. Alpestria; fourteen species, twelve newly described), T. sect. Crocea (previously referred to as T. sect. Fontana, with six species, five newly described), T. sect. Obliqua (four species, three newly described), and a new section, T. sect. Bulgarica (18 species, seventeen newly described). A single supramontane to subalpine species with an unknown sectional position, T. erzincanense, is also included. The new section, T. sect. Bulgarica, is characterized by a dwarf growth, very short leaves tightly appressed to the ground, enormously broadly winged petioles, appressed, dark, usually narrowly bordered outer phyllaries, and variously coloured achenes, most often with a conical to subcylindrical cone. The diversity of T. sect. Crocea, T. sect. Obliqua and T. sect. Bulgarica involves a high proportion of local endemism, and, in each section, it is concentrated around local sexual species, T. (Obliqua) pyrenaicum subsp. balcanicum, T. (Crocea) paludosiforme and T. (Bulgarica) bulgaricum. The other representatives of mountain sections are agamospermous and polyploid (triploid to hexaploid). The Taraxacum records published by Doll (1978) are revised; the names T. paludosiforme Doll and T. pseudovernelense Doll are lectotypified. Contrary to the published records, species described from the Alps are absent from Bulgaria; there is a single species of T. sect. Rhodocarpa with its geographical range extending from the Romanian Southern Carpathians to Bulgaria. The high proportion of local endemism is accounted for by the young age of the Bulgarian species.
New ostracod species (Cypridopsis schwartzi n. sp.) from Texas, with discussion on the taxonomic status of Cypridopsis species in the USA
Authors: KÜLKÖYLÜOĞLU OKAN , VEECH JOSEPH A. , TUNCER ALAETTİN
Published: October 2022

A total of 39 taxa (19 living species, 20 subfossils) were collected from 59 different shallow aquatic bodies in Texas during April to June 2017. Cypridopsis schwartzi n. sp. is proposed as a new species collected from a cattle pond at Freeman Ranch near San Marcos, Texas. The species has several characteristics separating it from other species, including carapace shape, presence of a curved z3-seta on the second antenna, number of setae on the vibratory plate of the first thoracic leg, shape of hemipenis, numbers of whorls on the Zenker organ, and several other differences. With the new species, there are now 12 species in the genus Cypridopsis recorded for Texas, and Cypridopsis schwartzi n. sp. is the fifth species of the genus in Texas showing sexual reproduction. The new species was compared with other species of the genus in Texas and the taxonomic relationships are discussed.
Evaluation of the Applicability of Three Methods for Climatic Spatial Interpolation in the Hengduan Mountains Region
Authors: Xu Xiaoming , Zhang Xueqin , Li Xiang
Published: October 2022

An ideal spatial interpolation approach is indispensable for obtaining high-quality gridded climatic data in mountainous regions with scarce observations, particularly for the Hengduan Mountains Region (HMR) with dense longitudinal ranges and gorges. However, there is much controversy about the applicability of thin plate smooth spline (TPSS), cokriging, and inverse distance weighting (IDW) in mountainous regions. Here, we use the daily observations of temperature and precipitation at 125 stations in HMR and its surroundings from 1961 to 2018 and adopt three interpolation methods to map the annual average temperature and precipitation at a resolution of 500 m in HMR. Then, we assess the applicability of three interpolation methods in HMR from the perspectives of interpolation accuracy and effects. The evaluation implies a satisfactory interpolation accuracy of TPSS with the highest correlation and lowest error, whether for temperature (R2 = 0.92, RMSE = 1.2°C) or precipitation (R2 = 0.54, RMSE = 165.9 mm). In addition, the TPSS could better display the temperature (precipitation) gradient along elevation and depict dry valleys’ high-temperature and low-precipitation characteristics. Moreover, the satisfactory interpolation performance of TPSS mainly benefits from the screening of optimal TPSS model that varied primarily with the regional topography feature and meteorological observation density. The uncertainty of gridded climate datasets has become an urgent problem to solve in the complex terrain. This research illustrates the satisfactory applicability of TPSS for climatic spatial interpolation in HMR, providing theoretical support for high-precision interpolation in complex terrain, hopefully improving the regional weather forecasts and disaster warnings.
Computerized Tomographic Evaluation of the Middle Ear and Mastoid for Posttraumatic Hearing Loss
Authors: Swartz Nancy G. , Hampel Avraham , Swartz Joel D. , Korsvik Holly , Ronis Max L. , Wolfson Robert J. , Lowry Louis D.
Published: October 2022

High resolution computerized tomography has been proven valuable in all aspects of temporal bone study. The importance of the procedure in evaluation of traumatic lesions, particularly of the middle ear, has been underemphasized. Damage to the middle ear may occur with blunt trauma, penetrating injury, or barotrauma. Conductive hearing loss and/or CSF otorrhea may result. Detailed evaluation of the ossicles is the hallmark of properly performed computerized tomographic evaluation.
Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Nasopharynx
Authors: Lee Ding-Jen , Rostock Robert , Smith Robert R. L. , Holliday Michael , Spaziani Joseph T. , Moses Howard
Published: October 2022

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the nasopharynx is a rare disease with 34 previously reported cases in the literature. We report three additional cases with clinical presentation, treatment, and outcome. The presenting symptoms were facial pain in one case, middle ear effusion and epistaxis in another, and diplopia in the third. Radiotherapy was administered with relief of symptoms in all three cases. However, two patients with long-term follow-up developed local recurrence as well as distant metastases. The literature review showed that patients with this disease present with symptoms and signs such as insidious onset of facial pain, epistaxis, diplopia, and hearing loss. The final outcome, despite vigorous treatment, was dismal.
Impact of Phenoxymethylpenicillin and Clindamycin on Microflora in Recurrent Tonsillitis
Authors: Tunér Kajsa , Nord Carl Erik
Published: October 2022

A total of 75 patients with recurrent tonsillitis, between 15 and 44 years of age, were divided into three groups, two of which were treated with antibiotics before surgery. Bacteriological specimens were collected before treatment started and the microflora of the excised tonsils were analyzed. Bacteroides species were found in the tonsils of 83% of the patients, and 50% of these microorganisms were β-lactamase producers. Other bacteria found were Staphylococcus aureus in 45%, β-streptococci group A in 4%, and β-streptococci groups C and G in 24%. Hemophilus species were isolated from 50%, but no strains produced β-lactamase. Fusobacteria were recovered from 41%; one strain produced β-lactamase. After administration of phenoxymethylpenicillin in doses of 1 g twice a day for nine days, the β-streptococci were eliminated, but no change of the amount of S aureus, Hemophilus, Bacteroides, or fusobacteria was seen. Clindamycin in doses of 0.15 g four times daily for nine days diminished almost all bacteria except for the Hemophilus species.
Flexible Nontoxic Fiberoptic Delivery System for the Carbon Dioxide Laser
Authors: Rontal Michael , Rontal Eugene , Fuller Terry , Jacob H. John
Published: October 2022

Presented is the first flexible, thin, nontoxic fiber to carry carbon dioxide laser energy. The physical characteristics of this fiber, examples of its use through a fiberoptic bronchoscope, and its features and applications are described.
A New Experimental Paradigm to Manipulate Risk in Human-Automation Research
Authors: Hoesterey Steffen , Onnasch Linda
Published: October 2022

Objective

Two studies serve as a manipulation check of a new experimental multi-task paradigm that can be applied to human-automation research (Virtual Reality Testbed for Risk and Automation Studies; ViRTRAS), in which a subjectively experienceable risk can be manipulated as part of a virtual reality environment.

Background

Risk has been postulated as an important contextual factor affecting human-automation interaction. However, experimental evidence is scarce due to the difficulty operationalizing risk in an ethical way. In the new paradigm, risk is varied by the altitude at which participants carry out the task, including the possibility of virtually falling in case of a mistake.

Method

Key components of the paradigm were used to investigate participants’ risk perception in a low (0.5 m) and high altitude (70 m) using subjective self-reports and objective behavioral measures.

Results

In the high-altitude condition risk perception was significantly higher with medium to large effect sizes. In addition, results of the behavioral measures reveal that participants habituated with length of exposure. However, this habituation seems to occur similarly in both altitude conditions.

Conclusion

The manipulation checks were successful. The new paradigm is a promising tool for automation research. It incorporates the contextual factor of risk and creates a situation which is more comparable to what real-life operators experience. Additionally, it meets the same requirements of other multi-task environments in human-automation research.

Application

The new paradigm provides the basis to vary the contextual factor of risk in human-automation research, which has previously been either neglected or operationalized in an arguably inferior way.
Nasal leeches and epistaxis: A case series
Authors: Bhujel Kriti , Singh Shweta , Kumar Amber , Sharma Hari Shankar , Mishra Deepshikha , Moshahary Sylveena
Published: October 2022

Nasal hirudiniasis is uncommon in humans, where a leech invades through the nostrils, adhering to the nasal cavity mucosa. It is rare in urban areas, noted in endemic rural areas, but scarcely documented and, with urbanisation and ecological imbalance has become rarer still. It presents with recurrent epistaxis due to hirudin released by the leech while other symptoms are infinitesimal owing to an analgesic enzyme secreted. A thorough history-taking and examination is of utmost importance as respiratory complications may arise if the leech invades the airways. We present a case series of five patients, within a period of three years.
More Than Meets the Eyes: Bringing Attention to the Eyes Increases First Impressions of Warmth and Competence
Authors: Stosic Morgan D. , Helwig Shelby , Ruben Mollie A.
Published: October 2022

The present research examined how face masks alter first impressions of warmth and competence for different racial groups. Participants were randomly assigned to view photographs of White, Black, and Asian targets with or without masks. Across four separate studies (total N = 1,012), masked targets were rated significantly higher in warmth and competence compared with unmasked targets, regardless of their race. However, Asian targets benefited the least from being seen masked compared with Black or White targets. Studies 3 and 4 demonstrate how the positive effect of masks is likely due to these clothing garments re-directing attention toward the eyes of the wearer. Participants viewing faces cropped to the eyes (Study 3), or instructed to gaze into the eyes of faces (Study 4), rated these targets similarly to masked targets, and higher than unmasked targets. Neither political affiliation, belief in mask effectiveness, nor explicit racial prejudice moderated any hypothesized effects.
‘Commodification of everything’ arguments in the social sciences: Variants, specification, evaluation, critique
Authors: Hall Derek
Published: October 2022

Claims about ‘the commodification of everything’ are a staple of 21st century left (and some liberal) analysis and critique. These claims, however, are asserted much more often than they are backed up, and little attention has been devoted to thinking through how they might be substantiated or to what ‘the commodification of everything’ actually means. This paper contributes to contemporary debates over capitalism, commodification and politics by suggesting ways that commodification-of-everything arguments can be better specified and evaluated. It identifies four variants of commodification-of-everything claims; reviews and critiques the literature's uses of the terms ‘commodity’, ‘everything’ and ‘thing’; and articulates three possible definitions of ‘the commodification of everything’ that raise additional questions about defining ‘sale’ and ‘market’ and the implications of thinking of things as commodities. The conclusion suggests reframings of the relationship between capitalism and commodification that seek to preserve the force of commodification-of-everything claims while avoiding their pitfalls.
Effects of Initial Graft Tension and Patient Sex on Knee Osteoarthritis Outcomes After ACL Reconstruction: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial With 10- to 12-Year Follow-up
Authors: Costa Meggin Q. , Badger Gary J. , Chrostek Cynthia A. , Carvalho Orianna D. , Faiola Stacy L. , Fadale Paul D. , Hulstyn Michael J. , Gil Holly C. , Shalvoy Robert M. , Fleming Braden C.
Published: October 2022

Background:

The initial graft tension applied during anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft fixation may promote posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA).

Purpose/Hypothesis:

This study sought to assess the effect of initial graft tension and patient sex on PTOA outcomes at 10 to 12 years after ACL reconstruction (ACLR). The hypothesis was that there would be no group- or sex-based differences in outcomes.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods:

Patients were randomized to receive ACLR with a low or high initial graft tension. Outcomes were evaluated at 10 to 12 years postoperatively and compared with a matched, uninjured control group. Outcomes included clinical assessments (anteroposterior [AP] knee laxity measurement, International Knee Documentation Committee [IKDC] examination score), a functional assessment (single-leg hop for distance), patient-reported outcomes (Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS], 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, Tegner activity level, patient satisfaction), and PTOA imaging (Osteoarthritis Research Society International [OARSI] radiographic score and Whole-Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score [WORMS]). Two-way mixed-model analyses of variance were used to evaluate differences in outcomes between tension groups and the control group and between female and male patients.

Results:

Both tension groups scored worse than the control group for the IKDC examination ( P≤ .021), KOOS (Pain, Activities of Daily Living, Sport/Recreation, and Quality of Life subscales) ( P≤ .049), and WORMS difference score ( P≤ .042). The low-tension group scored worse than the control group for KOOS Symptoms ( P = .016) and the OARSI difference score ( P = .015). The index limb had worse scores than the contralateral limb within the high-tension group for AP laxity ( P = .030) and hop deficit ( P = .011). This result was also observed within both tension groups for the WORMS ( P≤ .050) and within the low-tension group for the OARSI score ( P = .001). Male patients had higher Tegner scores (mean ± SE) relative to female patients (male, 5.49 ± 1.88; female, 4.45 ± 1.65) and worse OARSI difference scores (male, 1.89 ± 5.38; female, 0.244 ± 0.668) ( P = .007 and .034, respectively). However, no significant differences were detected between tension groups for any of the outcomes measured.

Conclusion:

Overall, ACLR failed to prevent PTOA regardless of initial graft tension. However, male patients treated with a low initial graft tension may be at greater risk for PTOA. These results do not support the hypothesis of no sex differences in outcomes at 10 to 12 years after ACLR.
Investigation of plastic waste management in Thailand using material flow analysis
Authors: Kamsook Salita , Phongphiphat Awassada , Towprayoon Sirintornthep , Vinitnantharat Soydoa
Published: October 2022

This study uses material flow analysis to investigate the amounts and pathways of municipal plastic waste (MPW) in Thailand. The aim is to understand the country’s situation and investigate the effects of Thailand’s Roadmap on Plastic Waste Management 2018 –2030, which sets a goal for recycling ‘target plastic waste’ at 100% by 2027. The analysis was conducted using waste statistics between 2008 and 2020 and waste forecasts. Two scenarios of plastic waste management, the business-as-usual, and the national roadmap, were constructed for 2025 and 2030. In 2030, the annual MPW generation is projected to reach 2.19 Mt. Under the business-as-usual (BAU) scenario, the recycling and utilisation rate will be 32.3% of waste generated. About 30.3% of waste generated will not be treated properly and possibly leaked into the open environment. Under the roadmap scenario, the recycling and utilisation rate will increase to 98.4%, while 1.6% of waste generated will not be treated properly. The recycling rate for target plastic waste in 2027 could only reach 67.1% because plastic waste is required as fuel for waste incinerators and industries. With the roadmap fully implemented, certain effects can be foreseen for waste-to-energy and plastic industries. Findings from this study stress on the importance of holistic policy planning, efficient prioritising and allocating of waste as a resource, and cooperation from all sectors for sustainable plastic waste management.
The Italian Version of the Teacher Self Efficacy Scale (TSES-Ita): Dimensionality, Internal Consistency and Validity
Authors: Pisanti Renato , Soraci Paolo , Schwarzer Ralf
Published: October 2022

The present study aimed to adapt the Teacher Self-Efficacy Scale (TSES) developed by Schwarzer et al. (1999) into Italian and to test its validity and reliability. In a group of teachers ( N = 683; 83% female), the factor structure (Confirmatory Factor Analyses), construct validity (latent relations with burnout variables), measurement invariance and reliability (internal consistency) of the Italian version of TSES (TSES-Ita) were tested. Support for a one-factor solution for the TSES-Ita was found. The one-factor model was found to be factorially invariant across gender, teaching experience and teaching level. Moreover, the scale demonstrated good reliability (α = .88). As expected, TSES-Ita was negatively associated with emotional exhaustion and with depersonalization, and positively associated with personal accomplishment. Our results provide evidence that the Italian version of the TSES-Ita is reliable, valid, and thus, potentially useful for research on occupational stress and burnout in the teaching profession.