bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carboniferous biostratigraphy of rugose corals
Authors: Wang Xiang-Dong , Yang Sun-Rong , Yao Le , Sugiyama Tetsuo , Hu Ke-yi
Published: October 2021

Rugose corals are one of the major fossil groups in shallow-water environments. They played an important role in dividing and correlating Carboniferous strata during the last century, when regional biostratigraphic schemes were established, and may be useful for long-distance correlation. Carboniferous rugose corals document two evolutionary events. One is the Tournaisian recovery event, with abundant occurrences of typical Carboniferous rugose corals such as columellate taxa and a significant diversification of large, dissepimented corals. The other is the changeover of rugose coral composition at the mid-Carboniferous boundary, which is represented by the disappearance of many large dissepimented taxa with complex axial structures and the appearance of typical Pennsylvanian taxa characterized by compound rugose taxa. The biostratigraphic scales for rugose corals show a finer temporal resolution in the Mississippian than in the Pennsylvanian, which was probably caused by the Late Paleozoic Ice Age that resulted in glacial–eustatic changes and a lack of continuous Pennsylvanian carbonate strata. The Pennsylvanian rugose corals are totally missing in the Cimmerian Continent. High-resolution biostratigraphy of rugose corals has so far only been achieved in few regions for the Mississippian timescale. In most regions, more detailed taxonomic work and precise correlations between different fossil groups are needed.
A future of assessment without testing
Authors: DiCerbo Kristen
Published: October 2021

As with most aspects of life, assessment practices have been challenged by the events of 2020. The combination of the consequences of COVID-19 restrictions and the increased awareness and reckoning with systemic racism requires the field to take a hard look at our assessment systems. The main function of assessment is to gather evidence by which one makes inferences about what people know and can do. Over the past decade, our digital capabilities have increased exponentially and offer the potential to approach assessment differently. We now have digital learning environments that capture the actions of students as they engage in learning activities. It is possible to consider using this information as evidence such that assessment does not have to be a one-time event and we can have assessment without tests. There are some promising inroads in this direction, but also some lingering challenges remain.
Adaptive knowledge assessment using advanced concept maps with logic branching multiple-choice Google Forms
Authors: Fonseca António , Faria Hugo
Published: October 2021

Concept maps (CM) are a learning tool that has emerged into an efficient e-learning and e-assessment knowledge tool. The aim of this research is to propose and share the most important aspects, practices, and achievements of using, with science teachers and a master student, a combination of a metacognitive tool-advanced concept mapping (ACM) to assess mental models with immediate real-time feedback assessment tool. The use of the logic branching feature of multiple-choice Google Forms (MCGF) may enable teachers to customize surveys and to assess within many students' high order thinking skills, with the convenience and efficiency of an automatic grading system. Additionally, the ACM-MCGF enables the test taker to have an adaptive learning practice while undergoing assessment.
Beyond Multiple Choice Conference in review
Authors: Hadeed Kristine
Published: October 2021

This review analyzes ideas and themes that emerged from Beyond Multiple Choice 2020 (BMC2020), the third iteration of an annual conference exploring the future of assessment. Taking place online due to restrictions surrounding COVID-19, BMC2020 attracted speakers and delegates from across the globe, representing various facets of the assessment industry. Altogether, the presentations compiled a bird's-eye snapshot of challenges and opportunities for advancing assessment to better meet 21st-century training and education needs.
Exploring performance testing in certification: lessons learned and key insights from Microsoft
Authors: Munson Liberty , Straehle Manfred
Published: October 2021

An overview of performance testing and key considerations before adding performance elements to an assessment process. A real-world example is provided as the authors describe why and how Microsoft launched labs in their technical certification program, and lessons learned.
Challenges for introducing artificial intelligence to improve the efficiency of a next generation assessment approach
Authors: Moon Brian , Bayat Farima Fatahi , Nair Sneha , Slaughter Andrew
Published: October 2021

The U.S. Army sought to develop capabilities that allow for the automated or semi-automated, with greatly reduced human involvement, creation of tests and assessments. In recognizing the potential for an assessment approach that goes beyond multiple-choice, the Army chose our team to introduce and evaluate automated capabilities to author concept mapping-based assessments. This paper describes our initial approaches toward introducing efficiencies into the authoring process for concept map-based assessments. We are developing and evaluating methods to automatically generate concept maps from a knowledge domain and convert the maps into assessments for formative and summative purposes. Our initial work has sought to overcome challenges as we introduced artificial intelligence into the authoring process. In this paper, we describe our emergent approach and the challenges we have faced in seeking efficiencies in the conversion of text to concept maps.
eLearn Magazine
Special Issue: Beyond Multiple Choice
Authors: Moon Brian
Published: October 2021

Authors for this special issue presented their work, perspectives, and recommendations that look to move learning assessment at all levels "beyond multiple-choice."
Beyond multiple-choice with digital assessments
Authors: Bulut Okan
Published: October 2021

During the past decade, K-12 education systems have been increasingly relying on digital forms of educational assessments. Therefore, digital assessments have been integrated into the instructional process and curriculum in multiple ways to promote student learning inside and outside the classroom. When developing digital assessments, one of the most important elements is the type of items used in the assessment. As technological innovations continue to change the type of tasks we can measure using digital assessments, new types of items also emerge. Items in digital assessments can go beyond the limits of what can be measured on a paper-and-pencil assessment with traditional multiple-choice items. This article will provide a summary of different item types in the context of digital assessments and discuss how they differ from traditional item types.
Remote proctoring? Step up your game and put the learner first
Authors: Chapman Geoff
Published: October 2021

Delivery of proctored exams on-screen has existed for more than 15 years. The pandemic has pushed the technology and its radical service encounter into the mainstream. But new visibility brings new responsibilities and issues to resolve. A gold rush of new and existing suppliers means many learners now have the new exam experience they needed while others have had challenging experiences. This article considers the remote proctoring market, the growth drivers, and how the vendors and exam owners need to improve, through an exploration of contemporary service delivery, such as suggested by Professor Clayton Christensen's Jobs To Be Done theory, and modern digital service encounters expected by learners.
The future of assessment depends on elevating culturally diverse perspectives
Authors: Lyons Susan
Published: October 2021

In this opinion piece, Susan Lyons explores the imperative to amplify diverse voices and perspectives in the field of educational measurement. She identifies two negative effects of the lack of cultural diversity in leadership positions within the field and ends by calling for a higher level of critical consciousness within the profession of educational measurement.
When saying the wrong thing doesn't really matter
Authors: Yaffe Philip
Published: October 2021

Each "Communication Corner" essay is self-contained; however, they build on each other. For best results, before reading this essay and doing the exercise, go to the first essay "How an Ugly Duckling Became a Swan," then read each succeeding essay.

Getting one's tongue tangled is an ever-present fear for most public speakers. But it shouldn't be. Occasionally saying the wrong thing seldom does any serious damage, or any damage at all, to the effectiveness of a presentation. Here's why.
Numerical Investigation for Radiative Transport in Magnetized Flow of Nanofluids due to Moving Surface
Authors: Waqas Hassan , Khan Shan Ali , Alghamdi Metib , Muhammad Taseer
Published: October 2021

In this article, we examined the magnetized flow of ethylene glycol-

50
−
50
%

water-based nanoliquids comprising molybdenum disulfide (

MoS

2

) across a stretching sheet. Flow properties were examined under the impacts of magnetic field and thermal radiation. The behavior of heat generation/absorption is also accounted. Similarity transformations are used on the system of PDEs to get nondimensional ODEs. The obtained nondimensional ODEs are solved with the help of the Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg method via computational software MATHEMATICA. The behavior of prominent parameters for velocity and thermal profiles is plotted graphically and discussed in detail. It is depicted that the temperature field is upgraded with increase in the heat generation/absorption parameter. Furthermore, a larger Schmidt number causes reduction in the concentration field. The current formulated model may be useful in biomedical engineering, biotechnology, nanotechnology, biosensors, crystal growth, plastic industries, and mineral and cleaning oil manufacturing.
Balloon-Assisted Percutaneous Thrombin Injection for Treatment of Iatrogenic Left Subclavian Artery Pseudoaneurysm in a Critically Ill COVID-19 Patient
Authors: Al-Thani Hassan , Hussein Ahmed , Sadek Ahmed , Barah Ali , El-Menyar Ayman
Published: October 2021

Background. Central venous catheter represents an important tool in the management of critically ill patient. In this report, we described a COVID-19-positive case who had COVID-related complications and iatrogenic left subclavian artery pseudoaneurysm after central venous catheter insertion. Case Presentation. A 58-year-old male patient presented with a high-grade fever, myalgia, and shortness of breath due to COVID-19 infection. He required mechanical ventilation support and hemodialysis. He also developed uneventful deep vein thrombosis and myocardial infarction. As a complication of central line insertion, the patient developed pseudoaneurysm that originated from the subclavian artery with significant bleeding and large hematoma. Balloon-assisted percutaneous thrombin injection was done under ultrasound guidance. The patient was extubated 2 days later with no evidence of flow in the pseudoaneurysm. However, he lost movement in the left arm secondary to the compression of the brachial plexus from the pseudoaneurysm/hematoma, and therefore, 1.5 litres of the hematoma was evacuated in the operating room through a lateral left chest wall incision along the anterior axillary line to relieve the compression over the brachial plexus. The patient declined surgical reconstruction of the brachial plexus, and the flaccid paralysis of the arm did not recover during the follow-up. Conclusion. This is a case of unusual complications of COVID infection and iatrogenic left subclavian artery pseudoaneurysm postcentral vein cannulation. Balloon-assisted percutaneous thrombin injection for treatment of left subclavian artery pseudoaneurysm is feasible; however, delayed diagnosis could be associated with long-term or permanent disability.
Computed Tomography Image Feature under Intelligent Algorithms in Diagnosing the Effect of Humanized Nursing on Neuroendocrine Hormones in Patients with Primary Liver Cancer
Authors: Wang Xiujie , Liu Lin , Ma Na , Zhao Xinxin
Published: October 2021

This study was to explore the application value of computed tomography (CT) images processed by intelligent algorithm denoising in the evaluation of humanized nursing in postoperative neuroendocrine hormone changes in patients with primary liver cancer (PLC). In this study, a simple-structured recursive residual coding and decoding (RRCD) algorithm was constructed on the basis of residual network, which can effectively remove artifacts and noise in CT images and can also restore image details and lesion features well. In addition, 60 postoperative patients with primary liver cancer were collected and divided into routine nursing control group (30 cases) and humanized nursing experimental group (30 cases). After a period of nursing, CT images based on intelligent algorithms were evaluated by determining the hormone content. The results showed that the focal necrosis rate (FNR) of the experimental group was 6%. The adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels of 6 and 15 days after admission (T3 and T4) were 41.25 ± 3.81 pg/mL and 19.55 ± 1.72 pg/mL, respectively. The cortisol levels of days 6, 15, and 30 after admission (T3, T4, and T5) were 424.86 ± 16.82 nmol/L, 277.98 ± 14.36 nmol/L, and 241.53 ± 13.27 nmol/L, respectively. Estradiol levels were 53.48 ± 11.19 pg/mL, 41.64 ± 9.28 pg/mL, and 30.59 ± 8.16 pg/mL, respectively. Testosterone levels were 2.18 ± 1.14 ng/mL, 1.78 ± 1.03 ng/mL, and 1.42 ± 0.69 ng/mL, respectively. Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) scores were 40.24 ± 5.81 points, 36.55 ± 5.02 points, and 32.53 ± 4.8 points, respectively. There were 24 cases, 27 cases, 23 cases, and 21 patients who followed no smoking and drinking, taking medication on time, diet control, and self-monitoring. The scores of physical function, self-cognition, emotional function, and social function were 62.59 ± 6.82 points, 69.26 ± 8.14 points, 73.89 ± 6.35 points, and 66.88 ± 7.04 points, which were better than those of the control group in all aspects (

P
<
0.05

). In short, the humanized nursing course can enhance the compliance of the patients after the surgery, improve the quality of life, and inhibit the anxiety and depression of the patients, so it showed a positive effect on the neuroendocrine hormones and the prognosis of the patients.
Advertising Cooperation and Green Technology R&D Strategy in a Platform-Led Stackelberg Game
Authors: Huang Xin , Yu Liangjie
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we study a platform-led Stackelberg differential game over an infinite planning period considering an industry with two manufacturers competing in a common platform market. One manufacturer invests in R&D and produces green products, and the other produces nongreen products. Three platform advertising strategies are discussed systematically: the platform supports all advertising expenses for both manufacturers (PB), supports only green advertising expenses (PG), and implements a joint advertising plan (PJ) with the green manufacturer. The results reveal that the equilibrium price, R&D effort, and advertising level of products increase as the current green degree increases, while the green degree shows a monotonic trend over time and finally tends to be a stable value. The results also indicate that, in the three models, the green degree and the profits of all players with the PG strategy are the lowest. Compared with the PB strategy, although the PJ strategy may not maximize the profits of all players, from environmental perspective, the strategy would make the alliance achieve the best environmental performance.
Advanced Application of Electrospun Polycaprolactone Fibers for Seed Germination Activity
Authors: Fadil Fatirah , Affandi Nor Dalila Nor , Ibrahim Nur Aqilah , Misnon Mohd Iqbal , Harun Ahmad Mukifza , Alam Mohammad Khursheed
Published: October 2021

The increasing intensity of coronavirus (COVID-19) spreading emphasizes the significant development in home food production to reduce the incoming socioeconomic impact from soaring food prices, supply chain fragility, and severe economic crisis. This preliminary study was initiated to demonstrate the possibility of using electrospun fibers as a potential substrate in the application of seed germination activity. The drive of this preliminary study was to integrate the electrospun nanofiber-based material in exploring the current surge in home food production via seed germination in order to introduce cheap source of food without being distracted by the pandemic impact in general. Mung bean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) was chosen as it is easy and fast to sprout. Four samples of poly (ε-caprolactone)- (PCL-) based fibers were prepared by means of electrospinning technique, with the optimized flow rate between 0.05 and 0.20 ml/min at a fixed distance of 10 cm needle tip to collector. Mung bean seeds were allowed to germinate on the fabricated electrospun PCL fibers for 96 hours. Our observations include germination percentage, seedling weight, radicle length, and plumule growth. The highest radicle length and plumule length of seedlings were 27.8 mm and 6.7 mm, respectively. There were no inhibitory effects on seed germination and minimal structural fragmentation of smaller diameter electrospun fibers as revealed by FESEM. These results show that the seeds were able to germinate on electrospun PCL fiber substrate, owing to the properties of high surface area and excellent fluid water uptake of PCL fibers.
Perihepatic Abscess due to a Liver Suture with Pledgets Used to Treat a Penetrating Liver Injury
Authors: Koguchi Hazuki , Kusashio Kimihiko , Fujita Akihiro , Yamamoto Nao
Published: October 2021

Background. Selective nonoperative management has become the standard for liver injuries. Accordingly, we cannot perform surgery for liver injuries as frequently as in the past. This report is aimed at sharing a valuable experience of postoperative complications after surgery for a liver injury. Case Presentation. A 40-year-old man was stabbed in his abdomen and underwent an emergency laparotomy for a severe liver injury. Five months after the operation, he developed fever, and purulent discharge was observed from an abdominal fistula. He was diagnosed with a perihepatic abscess and duodenal perforation due to the pledgets used for the operation. He underwent a second surgery to remove the pledgets and the abscess cavity for infection control and was discharged in good condition. Conclusion. The intra-abdominal environment should be considered contaminated due to bile leakage in surgeries following liver injury. Furthermore, nonabsorbable agents should not be used in these contaminated areas.
Investigation on Pore-Fracture of Coal and Its Influence Mechanism on Tensile Failure Behavior of Coals with Bursting Proneness
Authors: Li Yutao , Guo Qingwei , Liu Xunchen , Jiang Yaodong , Zhang Bo , Wang Hao
Published: October 2021

Both computed tomography (CT) and notched semicircular bend (NSCB) tests are performed for coals with high and medium bursting proneness to extract the scientific expression of pore-fracture and its influence mechanism on the tensile failure behavior. The acoustic emission (AE) parameters in the sample during loading and failure are monitored, and the influence mechanism of pore-fracture on tensile failure behavior of coal is analyzed. The result illustrates that the spatial distribution feature of the pore-fracture in coals with high and medium bursting proneness is extremely different. The deformation and failure mode of the coals are affected by many factors, loading mode, notch depth and width, mechanical properties of matrix and minal, spatial distribution feature of pore-fracture, etc. The influence of primary pore-fracture in the coal on the extension and penetration of the secondary fracture could be divided into two types: bifurcation and promotion, which would cause different local damage in the sample and affect the final failure mode. The feature of acoustic emission parameters indicates that the deformation and failure process of a sample under loading could be divided into four stages: compaction stage, elastic deformation stage, displacement plastic growth stage, and post peak failure stage, which is the result of comprehensive action of many factors. The evolution process of secondary fracture is accompanied by the dissipation of elastic strain energy and the intensification of internal damage of coal, which reflects the failure process of coal.
Dihydromyricetin Ameliorates Inflammation‐Induced Insulin Resistance via Phospholipase C‐CaMKK‐AMPK Signal Pathway
Authors: Hou Lianjie , Jiang Fangyi , Huang Bo , Zheng Weijie , Jiang Yufei , Cai Gengyuan , Liu Dewu , Hu Ching Yuan , Wang Chong
Published: October 2021

Patients with metabolic syndrome have a higher risk of type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The metabolic syndrome has become an urgent public health problem. Insulin resistance is the common pathophysiological basis of metabolic syndrome. The higher incidence of insulin resistance in obese groups is due to increased levels of inflammatory factors during obesity. Therefore, developing a therapeutic strategy for insulin resistance has great significance for the treatment of the metabolic syndrome. Dihydromyricetin, as a bioactive polyphenol, has been used for anti‐inflammatory, antitumor, and improving insulin sensitivity. However, the target of DHM and molecular mechanism of DHM for preventing inflammation‐induced insulin resistance is still unclear. In this study, we first confirmed the role of dihydromyricetin in inflammation‐induced insulin resistance in vivo and in vitro. Then, we demonstrated that dihydromyricetin resisted inflammation‐induced insulin resistance by activating Ca2+‐CaMKK‐AMPK using signal pathway blockers, Ca2+ probes, and immunofluorescence. Finally, we clarified that dihydromyricetin activated Ca2+‐CaMKK‐AMPK signaling pathway by interacting with the phospholipase C (PLC), its target protein, using drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) assay. Our results not only demonstrated that dihydromyricetin resisted inflammation‐induced insulin resistance via the PLC‐CaMKK‐AMPK signal pathway but also discovered that the target protein of dihydromyricetin is the PLC. Our results provided experimental data for the development of dihydromyricetin as a functional food and new therapeutic strategies for treating or preventing PLC.
Phase I/IIa Trial of BMS-986148, an Anti-mesothelin Antibody–drug Conjugate, Alone or in Combination with Nivolumab in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Rottey Sylvie , Clarke Jeffrey , Aung Kyaw , Machiels Jean-Pascal , Markman Ben , Heinhuis Kimberley M. , Millward Michael , Lolkema Martijn , Patel Sandip Pravin , de Souza Paul , Duca Matteo , Curigliano Giuseppe , Santoro Armando , Koyama Takafumi , Brown Michelle , Vezina Heather , He Chunsheng , Chu Quincy Siu-Chung
Published: October 2021

Purpose:

To assess the safety and tolerability of BMS-986148, a mesothelin-directed antibody–drug conjugate (ADC) ± nivolumab, in patients with selected tumors.

Patients and Methods:

In an international phase I/IIa study [NCT02341625 (CA008-002)], patients received BMS-986148 monotherapy (0.1–1.6 mg/kg intravenously (i.v.) every 3 weeks or 0.4 or 0.6 mg/kg i.v. once weekly; n = 96) or BMS-986148 0.8 mg/kg + nivolumab 360 mg i.v. every 3 weeks (n = 30). The primary endpoint was safety and tolerability.

Results:

In CA008-002, the most common (≥ 10%) treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) included increased aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase. Grade 3/4 TRAEs occurred in 42 patients (49%) receiving BMS-986148 every 3 weeks monotherapy, three (25%) receiving BMS-986148 once-weekly monotherapy, and 10 (33%) receiving BMS-986148 + nivolumab every 3 weeks. Overall, 17 of 126 patients (13%) discontinued because of a TRAE. The MTD of BMS-986148 was 1.2 mg/kg i.v. every 3 weeks. The safety profile of BMS-986148 + nivolumab was similar to that of BMS-986148 monotherapy (0.8 mg/kg). Active ADC exposures increased in a dose-proportional manner with both dosing regimens (every 3 weeks and once weekly). Preliminary clinical activity was observed with BMS-986148 ± nivolumab. No association between mesothelin expression and response was detected.

Conclusions:

BMS-986148 ± nivolumab demonstrated a clinically manageable safety profile and preliminary evidence of clinical activity, supporting additional studies combining directed cytotoxic therapies with checkpoint inhibitors as potential multimodal therapeutic strategies in patients with advanced solid tumors.
18F-FMISO PET Imaging Identifies Hypoxia and Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironments and Guides Targeted Evofosfamide Therapy in Tumors Refractory to PD-1 and CTLA-4 Inhibition
Authors: Reeves Kirsten M. , Song Patrick N. , Angermeier Allyson , Manna Deborah Della , Li Yufeng , Wang Jianbo , Yang Eddy S. , Sorace Anna G. , Larimer Benjamin M.
Published: October 2021

Purpose:

Hypoxia is a common characteristic of many tumor microenvironments, and it has been shown to promote suppression of antitumor immunity. Despite strong biological rationale, longitudinal correlation of hypoxia and response to immunotherapy has not been investigated.

Experimental Design:

In this study, we probed the tumor and its surrounding microenvironment with 18F-FMISO PET imaging to noninvasively quantify tumor hypoxia in vivo prior to and during PD-1 and CTLA-4 checkpoint blockade in preclinical models of breast and colon cancer.

Results:

Longitudinal imaging identified hypoxia as an early predictive biomarker of therapeutic response (prior to anatomic changes in tumor volume) with a decreasing standard uptake value (SUV) ratio in tumors that effectively respond to therapy. PET signal correlated with ex vivo markers of tumor immune response including cytokines (IFNγ, GZMB, and TNF), damage-associated molecular pattern receptors (TLR2/4), and immune cell populations (macrophages, dendritic cells, and cytotoxic T cells). Responding tumors were marked by increased inflammation that were spatially distinct from hypoxic regions, providing a mechanistic understanding of the immune signaling pathways activated. To exploit image-guided combination therapy, hypoxia signal from PET imaging was used to guide the addition of a hypoxia targeted treatment to nonresponsive tumors, which ultimately provided therapeutic synergy and rescued response as determined by longitudinal changes in tumor volume.

Conclusions:

The results generated from this work provide an immediately translatable paradigm for measuring and targeting hypoxia to increase response to immune checkpoint therapy and using hypoxia imaging to guide combinatory therapies.
Sob o prisma da arquitetura: vanguarda e modernismo em Roberto Schwarz
Authors: Marino Rafael
Published: October 2021

Os ensaios de Schwarz a respeito do modernismo são variados e cobrem diversas searas artísticas. Se os estudos e os debates em torno dos ensaios sobre literatura e teatro modernistas são mais comuns na fortuna crítica, sobre arquitetura, por sua vez, é mais errático. Além disso, uma comparação entre as leituras de Schwarz sobre os três campos é ainda mais difícil de ser encontrada. À vista desse quadro, este trabalho pretende contribuir no sentido de suprir, mesmo que parcialmente, a lacuna de um estudo mais sistemático das leituras que Schwarz tinha a respeito do modernismo a partir do prisma da arquitetura.
Nortear para quê?: reflexões de Marta Traba e Aracy Amaral sobre arte e cultura na América Latina (1970s)
Authors: Cota Junior Eustáquio Ornelas
Published: October 2021

Este artigo tem como objetivo principal analisar algumas perspectivas de Marta Traba sobre arte e cultura na América Latina, a partir de ensaios escritos durante a década de 1970, com destaque para a obra intitulada Dos décadas vulnerables en las artes plásticas latinoamericanas (1950-1970). Além disso, este trabalho estabelece algumas conexões entre o pensamento da intelectual argentina e o da intelectual brasileira Aracy Amaral, destacando as questões da valorização identitária da América Latina e da “dependência cultural” no globo.
Platelet Heterogeneity in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms
Authors: Thomas Sally , Krishnan Anandi
Published: October 2021

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are a group of malignant disorders of the bone marrow where a dysregulated balance between proliferation and differentiation gives rise to abnormal numbers of mature blood cells. MPNs encompass a spectrum of disease entities with progressively more severe clinical features, including complications with thrombosis and hemostasis and an increased propensity for transformation to acute myeloid leukemia. There is an unmet clinical need for markers of disease progression. Our understanding of the precise mechanisms that influence pathogenesis and disease progression has been limited by access to disease-specific cells as biosources. Here, we review the landscape of MPN pathology and present blood platelets as potential candidates for disease-specific understanding. We conclude with our recent work discovering progressive platelet heterogeneity by subtype in a large clinical cohort of patients with MPN.

Graphic Abstract:

A graphic abstract is available for this article.
Sacubitril/Valsartan Initiation Among Veterans Who Are Renin‐Angiotensin‐Aldosterone System Inhibitor Naïve With Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction
Authors: Mohanty April F. , Levitan Emily B. , King Jordan B. , Dodson John A. , Vardeny Orly , Cook James , Herrick Jennifer S. , He Tao , Patterson Olga V. , Alba Patrick R. , Russo Patricia A. , Obi Engels N. , Choi Michelle E. , Fang James C. , Bress Adam P.
Published: October 2021

Background

Sacubitril/valsartan, a first‐in‐class angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor, received US Food and Drug Administration approval in 2015 for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Our objective was to describe the sacubitril/valsartan initiation rate, associated characteristics, and 6‐month follow‐up dosing among veterans with HFrEF who are renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system inhibitor (RAASi) naïve.

Methods and Results

Retrospective cohort study of veterans with HFrEF who are RAASi naïve defined as left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤40%; ≥1 in/outpatient heart failure visit, first RAASi (sacubitril/valsartan, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor [ACEI]), or angiotensin‐II receptor blocker [ARB]) fill from July 2015 to June 2019. Characteristics associated with sacubitril/valsartan initiation were identified using Poisson regression models. From July 2015 to June 2019, we identified 3458 sacubitril/valsartan and 29 367 ACEI or ARB initiators among veterans with HFrEF who are RAASi naïve. Sacubitril/valsartan initiation increased from 0% to 26.5%. Sacubitril/valsartan (versus ACEI or ARB) initiators were less likely to have histories of stroke, myocardial infarction, or hypertension and more likely to be older and have diabetes mellitus and lower LVEF. At 6‐month follow‐up, the prevalence of ≥50% target daily dose for sacubitril/valsartan, ACEI, and ARB initiators was 23.5%, 43.2%, and 47.1%, respectively.

Conclusions

Sacubitril/valsartan initiation for HFrEF in the Veterans Administration increased in the 4 years immediately following Food and Drug Administration approval. Sacubitril/valsartan (versus ACEI or ARB) initiators had fewer baseline cardiovascular comorbidities and the lowest proportion on ≥50% target daily dose at 6‐month follow‐up. Identifying the reasons for lower follow‐up dosing of sacubitril/valsartan could support guideline recommendations and quality improvement strategies for patients with HFrEF.
Taxonomic notes on the genus Dumasia (Fabaceae)
Authors: JIANG KAI-WEN , CORLETT RICHARD T. , TIAN BIN , PAN BO
Published: October 2021

The phylogenetic relationships between species of the genus Dumasia have been revealed by previous studies. However, some taxonomic problems still remain to be resolved. In this article, we recognize 10 species of Dumasia. We re-circumscribe D. yunnanensis Y. T. Wei & S. K. Lee, promote D. nitida var. kurziana Predeep & M. P. Nayar as a distinct species, and synonymize D. hunanica Y. K. Yang, L. H. Liu & J. K. Wu with D. hirsuta Craib. D. prazeri Predeep & M. P. Nayar is here confirmed as a newly recorded species for China, and D. zhangjiajieensis Y. K. Yang, L. H. Liu & J. K. Wu, a distinct species with winged peduncles which was overlooked in previous studies, is also reported here. We provided detailed descriptions, expanded distributions, habitat and phenological information, conservation status, and taxonomic notes for these five species. An updated key to the genus is also provided.
A new endemic species of Acanthocereus (Cactaceae) from southern Jalisco, Mexico
Authors: GONZÁLEZ-ZAMORA PEDRO , RODRÍGUEZ-CONTRERAS AARÓN , SÁNCHEZ DANIEL
Published: October 2021

A new species of Acanthocereus, endemic from southern Jalisco, is described and illustrated. Acanthocereus atropurpureus distinguishes by the diameter of mature stems, presence of low ribs with sinuate margins, dull green stem epidermis turning purple during dry season, and the occurrence of four small central spines. We discuss the morphological differences from other Acanthocereus species and we provide information about its habitat and conservation status.
Eugenia saxatilis (Myrtaceae), a new species from Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: SOBRAL MARCOS , BÜNGER MARIANA O. , AZEVEDO LUÍSA O. , DE PAULA LUIZA F.A.
Published: October 2021

N/A
Dendrobium neoconcolor, a new name for Flickingeria concolor (Orchidaceae) and notes on D. concolor hort.
Authors: IDREES MUHAMMAD , SHAW JULIAN M. H.
Published: October 2021

N/A
Subspecific taxonomy of African porcupines Hystrix spp.: is there anything beyond the species level?
Authors: MORI EMILIANO , SOGLIANI DAVIDE , SENINI CATERINA , LAURENZI ALESSANDRO , VIVIANO ANDREA , CIANFERONI FABIO
Published: October 2021

Taxonomy is a mistreated matter, but its role in ecology, behaviour and conservation studies is pivotal. Disentangling amongst different subspecies is challenging given the high arbitrariness level in determining thresholds of genetic and morphological distances. Splitting frenzy trends have increased the number of animal taxa and for most of them a critical redefinition is required. In this work, we reviewed knowledge and validity of subspecific taxa identified for African crested porcupines Hystrix cristata and Hystrix africaeaustralis. In the past, several subspecies were recognized for both the species, but successive works suggested H. cristata and H. africaeaustralis as monotypic species with no clear explanation. Recently, the validity of the taxon H. cristata senegalica has been claimed again. We analysed all available data and discussed all the subspecific taxa in light of both genetic and morphological data. We revalidated here the synonymy Hystrix senegalica Cuvier, 1823 = Hystrix cristata Linnaeus, 1758. Syn. rev. Two names are treated as nomina dubia: Acanthion daubentonii Cuvier, 1823 (formalization) and “Hystrix capensis Gr.”. Hystrix cristata var. alba de Sélys-Longchamps, 1839 has been deleted from the synonymic list of H. cristata. Neither mitochondrial nor nuclear DNA data militate for the existence of any subspecific taxon, although further data are required for H. cristata from East Africa (e.g., Kenya and Tanzania). Similarly, morphology seems to play for a clinal variation in both species. For available data, we thus strongly recommend to keep both H. cristata and H. africaeaustralis as monotypic species.
One new subspecies of the genus Ultragryllacris Gorochov & Dawwrueng, 2015 (Orthoptera: Gryllacrididae: Gryllacridinae) and its new record from China
Authors: BIN WEI , BIAN XUN
Published: October 2021

The orthopteran genus Ultragryllacris Gorochov & Dawwrueng, 2015 is documented as a new record from China, and one new subspecies viz. U. pulchra rubricapitis ssp. nov. is described from Yunnan Province, China. All the examined specimens are deposited in Guangxi Normal University.
Two new species of Periphloea Redtenbacher, 1906 (Insecta: Phasmatodea: Pseudophasmatidae) from the Brazilian Amazon Basin
Authors: HELEODORO RAPHAEL AQUINO , DE QUEIROZ LARISSA LIMA , RAFAEL JOSÉ ALBERTINO
Published: October 2021

Two new species of Periphloea Redtenbacher are described based on female specimens from the Brazilian Amazon Basin, namely: P. amazonica sp. nov. (from North of Manaus, ZF-2 reserve, State of Amazonas, Brazil) and P. paraensis sp. nov. (from Eldorado dos Carajás, State of Pará, Brazil). The new species are compared to the other three species (all known from females) and a map of geographical records of the genus is provided, as well as an identification key to females of Periphloea.
A new species of Andean golden poison frog (Andinobates, Dendrobatidae) from the Eastern Andes of Colombia
Authors: CHAVES-PORTILLA GIOVANNI A. , SALAZAR ERIKA NATHALIA , GIL-ACERO JOSÉ , DORADO-CORREA ADRIANA , MÁRQUEZ ROBERTO , RUEDA-ALMONACID JOSÉ VICENTE , AMÉZQUITA ADOLFO
Published: October 2021

A new species of Andinobates (Dendrobatidae) is described from the East Andes of Colombia, just 37 km away from the Colombian capital, Bogotá. Andinobates supata sp. nov., represents the second known species of yellow Andinobates, and can be distinguished from the other, Andinobates tolimensis, by an unique combination of ventral and dorsal color patterns. Our phylogenetic analyses, based on ≈ 1120 bp from two mitochondrial markers (16S rRNA and cytochrome b) showed that this new taxon is sister to a clade formed by A. cassidyhornae, A. bombetes, A. opisthomelas, A. tolimensis and A. virolinensis. The new species appears to be restricted to a handful of small forest fragments (<10 ha) distributed in no more than 5 km2, between 1800–2000 m elevation, where the human activity is high. In addition, more than 90% of the original forest has been logged at the type locality, and its watersheds receive considerable agrochemical discharges. Altogether, the evidence suggests that this new species should be listed as Critically Endangered and should receive immediate attention regarding basic research and urgent conservation measures.
Resurrection of Pilumnus vinaceus A. Milne-Edwards, 1880 (Brachyura: Pilumnidae) using integrative evidence from molecular and morphology
Authors: MAGALHÃES TATIANA , PANTALEÃO JOÃO A. F. , MANTELATTO FERNANDO L.
Published: October 2021

The hairy crab Pilumnus vinaceus A. Milne-Edwards, 1880, previously considered to be a junior synonym of Pilumnus dasypodus Kingsley, 1879 by Rathbun (1897) is here resurrected. Pilumnus vinaceus can be distinguished from the known western Atlantic species (including P. dasypodus) based on morphological characters and molecular markers. This action increases number of reported species of Pilumnus in the western Atlantic to nineteen.
First records of two species of reef-associated mantis shrimps (Crustacea: Stomatopoda) from India
Authors: PADATE VINAY P. , AHYONG SHANE T. , SHAJI ALEESHA K. , CUBELIO SHERINE SONIA , SARAVANANE NARAYANANE
Published: October 2021

The coastal marine environments in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone harbour a rich diversity of mantis shrimps. However, several regions have not been adequately surveyed for their stomatopod faunal composition. In this paper, we report the first records of two species, Gonodactylopsis drepanophora (de Man, 1902) and Cloridina malaccensis (Manning, 1968) from Indian waters. Samples were collected using a chain dredge deployed by the Fishery Oceanographic Research Vessel Sagar Sampada on the shallow reefs (53–56 m depths) of the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal during August–November 2019. Gonodactylopsis drepanophora was previously known only from Indonesia, and Cloridina malaccensis from Southeast Asia, New Caledonia and Madagascar.
Two new species of the genus Cyana Walker, 1854 from China (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae)
Authors: VOLYNKIN ANTON V. , HUANG SI-YAO , SALDAITIS AIDAS
Published: October 2021

Two new species of Cyana Walker, 1854 are described: Cyana fascioloides S.-Y. Huang, Volynkin & Saldaitis, sp. n. from Guangxi and Cyana longmena Volynkin, S.-Y. Huang & Saldaitis, sp. n. from Sichuan. These species are diagnosed from Cyana fasciola (Elwes, 1890) and Cyana fukiensis (Daniel, 1953). Adults together with male and female genitalia of the new and similar species are illustrated.
A new species and new record of the genus Platybaetis Müller-Liebenau, 1980 (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) from Eastern Himalaya, India
Authors: KUBENDRAN T. , VASANTH M. , SUBRAMANIAN K. A. , JABEEN FATIMA , SIVARAMAKRISHNAN K. G. , MITRA PALLABI
Published: October 2021

A new species of Platybaetis viz., P. selvai sp. nov. is described herein based on larval collections from Tangon stream in the state of Arunachal Pradesh in Eastern region of Indian Himalaya. It can be differentiated by the following combination of characters: (i) posterior margin of abdominal segments I–X with rounded ‘U’ shaped spines; (ii) anterolateral margin of gills I–VII with minute setae; (iii) claw with 7–8 denticles; (iv) paracercus composed of 10–11 segments; (v) hindwing pads reduced, small. Brief ecological notes are appended.
A new species and key to known species of the genus Conophymacris Willemse, 1933 (Orthoptera, Acridoidea, Catantopidae, Podisminae) from China
Authors: YE BAO-HUA , SHEN WEI-XING , JIA CHUN-YAN , YIN ZHAN
Published: October 2021

A new species in the genus Conophymacris Willemse, 1933 from Yunnan, China is described. The new species Conophymacris reni sp. nov. is similar to C. jiulongensis Zheng et al., 2009, but differs from latter in width of vertex between eyes of male equal to 2.8 width of frontal ridge between antennae, epiproct of male width longer than length, cercus of male apical part not wider, tegmina extending over the hind margin of first abdominal tergum, hind tibia all red, epiphallus ancorae small, lower than anterior projection, lophi not acute, width of subgenital plate shorter than its length and hind margin with 1 tooth in female. Type specimens are deposited in the Natural Museum of Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, China.
A new species of Pantelodes (Lepidoptera: Bombycoidea: Apatelodidae) from Southern Bahia, Brazil
Authors: ORLANDIN ELTON , CARNEIRO EDUARDO
Published: October 2021

A recent taxonomic study revealed that specimens so far identified as Apatelodes satellitia (Walker, 1855) are in fact representatives of a complex of cryptic species. A new genus was established to hold this complex of species, namely Pantelodes Herbin, 2017. Here we describe a new species of Pantelodes from Southern Bahia Atlantic Forest based on morphological and molecular characters. Pantelodes camacana Orlandin & Carneiro sp. nov. is compared with other Pantelodes species and their phylogenetic relationships are discussed.
Taxonomy of the genus Autosticha Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Autostichidae) in China: Descriptions of fifteen new species
Authors: TAO ZHULIN , WANG YUQI , WANG SHUXIA
Published: October 2021

Fifteen new species of the genus Autosticha Meyrick are described from China: A. annulata sp. nov., A. flabellata sp. nov., A. rhombea sp. nov., A. auriculata sp. nov., A. apicilata sp. nov., A. bomiensis sp. nov., A. longispina sp. nov., A. angustivalva sp. nov., A. basiprocessa sp. nov., A. semicircularia sp. nov., A. trapeziformis sp. nov., A. turriformis sp. nov., A. ventericoncava sp. nov., A. furcillata sp. nov. and A. ornithorhyncha sp. nov. Images of adults and genitalia are provided.
Conversion of the Knutson et al. (2020) Tropical Cyclone Climate Change Projections to Risk Model Baselines
Authors: Jewson Stephen
Published: October 2021

Knutson et al. (2020) recently published a meta-study that gives multi-model projections for changes in various properties of tropical cyclones under climate change. They considered frequency of tropical cyclones, frequency of very intense tropical cyclones, intensity of tropical cyclones, and total rainfall rate of tropical cyclones. For each of these properties, they reported changes globally and by basin for the six major tropical cylone basins. The changes were presented as the change that would occur with 2 °C warming of global mean surface temperature. These projections are potentially of great use to the tropical cyclone risk modeling community. However, most risk models use temporal baselines, such as the period from 1950 to 2019, and the Knutson et al. results can only be applied to risk models after some steps of adjustment involving past and future global mean surface temperature values. We derive the necessary adjustments and present and discuss some of the resulting projections, for different properties, basins, RCPs and baselines. We find that the results are sensitive to the baseline being used, which implies that users of tropical cyclone risk models need to make sure they clearly understand what baseline their model represents before they adjust the model for climate change. One part of our analysis derives estimates of the implied impact of climate change so far on TC properties, relative to a representative baseline. The computer code we use to calculate the adjustments is available online.
Measuring Total Reward Satisfaction: Scale Development and Empirical Validation for Public Sector Employees in India
Authors: Hareendrakumar VR  , Subramoniam Suresh , Bijulal D
Published: October 2021

The poor performance of many public sector undertakings in India, due to ill-structured reward strategy and the resulting employee dissatisfaction leading to reduced employee loyalty, is a matter of high concern. The purpose of this study is to develop a comprehensive scale to measure employee’s total reward satisfaction by identifying the contributing factors and test its empirical validity in the Indian context. A suitable instrument was developed by adapting the items associated with five major dimensions of rewards identified from the literature in addition to other relevant items to the Indian context. Sample data was collected from various public sector industries in South India. The exploratory factor analysis revealed seven factors as the total reward dimensions instead of five in the base model. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the reliability and validity of the instrument. This validated measurement scale with 23 items and seven dimensions can be used as an effective tool for assessing employee satisfaction based on their various reward dimensions and make necessary modifications in the prevailing rewarding pattern for better employee and organizational performance.
“It Is a Full-time Job to Be Ill”: Patient Work Involved in Attending Formal Diabetes Care Among Socially Vulnerable Danish Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Authors: Rogvi Sofie á , Guassora Ann Dorrit , Tvistholm Nina , Wind Gitte , Christensen Ulla
Published: October 2021

Previous research has shown social inequality in type 2 diabetes prevalence and that socially vulnerable type 2 diabetes patients benefit less than average from health services. Based on ethnographic fieldwork carried out between February 2017 and March 2018 in a Danish specialized outpatient clinic, this article focuses on patient work among socially vulnerable type 2 diabetes patients. Through attending to the border zone between formal health care and self-care, we show that patients do a lot of work requiring skills, resources, and initiative, to access and benefit from formal care. This work is complex and implicit in the organization of care. Patients’ social situations, especially their employment situation, complicate getting patient work done. Attending to patient work and implicit tasks in care organization may help us to see how social inequality in type 2 diabetes outcomes develops, and may be combated.