bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract 86: The Status of Government-Funded Radiotherapy Centres in Nigeria
Authors: Chidebe Runcie C.W. , Aruah Chinedu S. , Orjiakor Tochukwu C. , Uba Fatima , Shagaya Uchechukwu N , Ugwanyi Charles , Umar Aisha A , Ige Taofeeq , Asogwa Obinna C. , Ahmadu Oiza T , Ali-Gombe Musa , Adewumi Alabi , Okwor Vitalis C. , Jimoh Mutiu A , Bello Basheer , Eriba Lucy O. , Ahmed Yusuf A. , Bisalla Awwal , Itanyi Ukamaka , Balogun Ramatallah A , Alabi Suleiman , Pistenmaa David , Norman Coleman C. , Manjit Dosanjh
Published: June 2023

Purpose: Access to radiotherapy (RT) is now one of the stark examples of global cancer inequities. Over 800,000 new cancer cases require potentially curative or palliative RT services in Africa, arguably less than 15% of these patients currently have access to this important service. For a population of over 200 million, Nigeria requires a minimum of 280 RT machines for the increasing number of cancer cases. Painfully the country has only 8 government-funded radiotherapy machines. This study aimed to evaluate the status of the eight (8) Government-funded RT centres in Nigeria regarding RT equipment, workforce and infrastructure to quantify their ability to deliver effective RT to their patients.

Methods: A survey addressing ten (10) critical areas was used to assess the eight (8) Government-funded RT centres in Nigeria.

Results: Unfortunately, 6 of the 8 centres (75%) surveyed have not treated patients with RT over the last 2 years because they do not have functioning teletherapy machines. Only 2 RT centres have the capability of treating patients using advanced RT techniques. There is no PET-CT scan in any of the Government-funded RTcentres. The workforce capacity and infrastructure across the 8 centres are limited. All of the centres lack residency training programmes for medical physicists and radiation therapy technologists (RTTs) resulting in very few well-trained staff.

Conclusion: As the Nigeria government plans for the new National Cancer Control Plan, there is an urgent need to scale up access to radiotherapy by upgrading the RT equipment, workforce and infrastructure to meet the current needs of Nigerian cancer patients. While the shortfall is apparent from a variety of radiotherapy-capacity data bases, this detailed analysis provides essential information for an implementation plan involving solutions from within Nigeria and with global partners.

Citation Format: Runcie C.W. Chidebe, Chinedu S. Aruah, Tochukwu C. Orjiakor, Fatima Uba, Uchechukwu N Shagaya, Charles Ugwanyi, Aisha A Umar, Taofeeq Ige, Obinna C. Asogwa, Oiza T Ahmadu, Musa Ali-Gombe, Alabi Adewumi, Vitalis C. Okwor, Mutiu A Jimoh, Basheer Bello, Lucy O. Eriba, Yusuf A. Ahmed, Awwal Bisalla, Ukamaka Itanyi, Ramatallah A Balogun, Suleiman Alabi, David Pistenmaa, Coleman C. Norman, Dosanjh Manjit. The Status of Government-Funded Radiotherapy Centres in Nigeria [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 11th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; Closing the Research-to-Implementation Gap; 2023 Apr 4-6. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 86.
Data from Interdependence of SS18-SSX–driven YAP1 and β-Catenin Activation in Synovial Sarcoma
Authors: Isfort Ilka , Berthold Ruth , Heinst Lorena , Wardelmann Eva , Larsson Olle , Trautmann Marcel , Hartmann Wolfgang
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Synovial sarcoma, a rare malignant soft tissue tumor, is characterized by a specific chromosomal translocation t(X;18). The resulting chimeric SS18-SSX fusion protein drives synovial sarcoma pathogenesis by integrating into the BAF complex and dysregulating gene transcription. Because previous functional analyses revealed a connection between SS18-SSX and the activity of the transcriptional coregulators YAP1/TAZ and β-catenin, respectively, this study examined a potential interdependence between these essential effector proteins in synovial sarcoma. In a large cohort of synovial sarcoma tissue specimens, IHC analyses revealed a substantial subset of synovial sarcoma with concurrent nuclear accumulation of YAP1/TAZ and β-catenin. In vitro, small-molecule inhibitor treatment, RNAi-mediated knockdown, and vector-based overexpression assays demonstrated that YAP1, TAZ, and β-catenin transcriptional activity is not only stimulated by the SS18-SSX fusion protein, but that they also mutually enhance each other's activation. These analyses showed the highest cooperative effect with overexpression of YAP1 in combination with β-catenin. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments detected nuclear interactions between YAP1, β-catenin, and the SS18-SSX fusion protein, the latter being an integral part of the BAF complex. Disruption of BAF complex assembly affected the coregulation of YAP1 and β-catenin, indicating that this chromatin remodeling complex plays a crucial role for interdependent YAP1 and β-catenin activation in synovial sarcoma cells.
Implications:
This study provides deeper insights into synovial sarcoma tumor biology demonstrating a mutual dependence between YAP1/TAZ and β-catenin transcriptional activity and a complex interplay with the SS18-SSX fusion protein within the BAF complex.
Data from USP10 Regulates ZEB1 Ubiquitination and Protein Stability to Inhibit ZEB1-Mediated Colorectal Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Sun Lei , Yu Jia , Guinney Justin , Qin Bo , Sinicrope Frank A.
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Zinc finger E-box–binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) is a transcription factor that can promote tumor invasion and metastasis by inducing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). To date, regulation of ZEB1 by RAS/RAF signaling remains unclear, and few studies have examined posttranslation modification of ZEB1, including its ubiquitination. In human colorectal cancer cell lines with RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK activation, an interaction of ZEB1 with the deubiquitinase ubiquitin-specific protease 10 (USP10) was identified whereby USP10 modifies ZEB1 ubiquitination and promotes its proteasomal degradation. Regulation of the USP10–ZEB1 interaction by MEK–ERK signaling was shown whereby constitutive activation of ERK can phosphorylate USP10 at Ser236 to impair its interaction with ZEB1 and enable ZEB1 protein stabilization. Stabilized ZEB1 was shown to promote colorectal cancer metastatic colonization in a mouse tail vein injection model. Conversely, MEK–ERK inhibition blocked USP10 phosphorylation and enhanced the USP10–ZEB1 interaction shown to suppress ZEB1-mediated tumor cell migration and metastasis. In conclusion, we demonstrate a novel function of USP10 in the regulation of ZEB1 protein stability and its ability to mediate tumor metastasis in a preclinical model.
Implications:
The MEK–ERK-regulated interaction of USP10 with ZEB1 can promote the proteasomal degradation of ZEB1 and thereby suppress its demonstrated ability to mediate tumor metastasis.
Data from Phase II Trial of Nelipepimut-S Peptide Vaccine in Women with Ductal Carcinoma In Situ
Authors: O'Shea Anne E. , Clifton Guy T. , Qiao Na , Heckman-Stoddard Brandy M. , Wojtowicz Malgorzata , Dimond Eileen , Bedrosian Isabelle , Weber Diane , Garber Judy E. , Husband Alexander , Pastorello Ricardo , Lee J. Jack , Hernandez Mike , Liu Diane D. , Vornik Lana A. , Brown Powel H. , Alatrash Gheath , Peoples George E. , Mittendorf Elizabeth A.
Published: June 2023

Abstract
NeuVax is a vaccine comprised of the HER2-derived MHC class I peptide E75 (nelipepimut-S, NPS) combined with GM-CSF. We completed a randomized trial of preoperative vaccination with NeuVax versus GM-CSF alone in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). The primary objective was to evaluate for NPS-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses. Patients with human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A2-positive DCIS were enrolled and randomized 2:1 to NeuVax versus GM-CSF alone and received two inoculations prior to surgery. The number of NPS-specific CTL was measured pre-vaccination, at surgery, and 1 and 3 to 6 months post-operation by dextramer assay. Differences in CTL responses between groups and between pre-vaccination and 1-month post-operation were analyzed using a two-sample t test or Wilcoxon rank sum test. The incidence and severity of adverse events were compared between groups. Overall, 45 patients were registered; 20 patients were HLA-A2 negative, 7 declined participation, 1 withdrew, and 4 failed screening for other reasons. The remaining 13 were randomized to NeuVax (n = 9) or GM-CSF alone (n = 4). Vaccination was well-tolerated with similar treatment-related toxicity between groups with the majority (>89%) of adverse events being grade 1. The percentage of NPS-specific CTLs increased in both arms between baseline (pre-vaccination) and 1-month post-operation. The increase was numerically greater in the NPS+GM-CSF arm, but the difference was not statistically significant. NPS+GM-CSF is safe and well-tolerated when given preoperatively to patients with DCIS. In patients with HLA-A2-positive DCIS, two inoculations with NPS+GM-CSF can induce in vivo immunity and a continued antigen-specific T-cell response 1-month postsurgery.
Prevention Relevance:
This trial showed that vaccination of patients with HLA-A2-positive DCIS with NeuVax in the preoperative setting can induce a sustained antigen-specific T-cell response. This provides proof of principle that vaccination in the preoperative or adjuvant setting may stimulate an adaptive immune response that could potentially prevent disease recurrence.
Categorizing Risks within Barrett's Esophagus To Guide Surveillance and Interception; Suggesting a New Framework
Authors: Honing Judith , Fitzgerald Rebecca C.
Published: June 2023

Barrett's esophagus is a precancerous condition that can progress in a stepwise manner to dysplasia and eventually esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Once diagnosed, patients with Barrett's esophagus are kept on surveillance to detect progression so that timely intervention can occur with endoscopic therapy. Several demographic and clinical risk factors are known to increase progression toward EAC, such as longer Barrett's segments, and these patients are kept on tighter surveillance. While p53 IHC has been advocated as an adjunct to histopathologic diagnosis, use of this biomarker is variable, and no other molecular factors are currently applied. Given the new evidence available, it is time to consider whether other risk factors or tools could be applied in clinical practice to decide on closer or attenuated surveillance. In this commentary, we summarize the most relevant risk factors for Barrett's esophagus progression, highlight the most promising novel risk stratification tools—including nonendoscopic triage and commercial biomarker panels, and propose a new framework suggesting how to incorporate risk stratification into clinical practice.
Examining the Barriers and Opportunities for Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Delivery in Cancer Care Settings: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Garcia Melany A. , Schlecht Nicolas F. , Rokitka Denise A. , Attwood Kristopher M. , Rodriguez Elisa M.
Published: June 2023

Although pediatric, adolescent, and young adult (PAYA) cancer survivors are at increased risks for secondary cancers, their HPV vaccine uptake rates are poor. Therefore, we conducted a mixed-methods study to identify the barriers and opportunities for HPV vaccine delivery among PAYA cancer care providers. We distributed a semistructured questionnaire to a professional organization comprised of PAYA oncology and hematology healthcare providers between April and July 2022. Questionnaire measures included demographic and practice characteristics, HPV vaccine knowledge, willingness, barriers, opportunities, and roles for HPV vaccine delivery. Descriptive characteristics were generated for quantitative data, and content analysis was used to identify themes. A total of 49 providers responded to our survey. A majority were female (68%) and non-Hispanic white (74%). Approximately 76% were oncology or hematology physicians, and most worked in a cancer center or children's hospital (86%). Over half (63%) had been practicing for >15 years, and a majority saw patients ages 11 to 17. Although less than half reported discussing HPV vaccination with their patients, 69% were willing to become involved in HPV vaccine delivery. The most frequently reported barriers identified in our content analysis were related to system-level factors. Furthermore, providers identified opportunities within cancer prevention education, transitions in care, and at the system-level. Although barriers to HPV vaccination persist in cancer care, most providers perceived there to be opportunities to become involved in HPV vaccine delivery. Identifying strategies for PAYA oncology and hematology healthcare providers to adopt a stronger role in HPV vaccination remains a significant opportunity for future implementation research.

Prevention Relevance:

This mixed-methods study is the first to investigate and assess barriers and opportunities for HPV vaccine delivery among PAYA cancer healthcare providers. Our findings can serve as an important framework for future implementation research targeted towards HPV vaccine delivery in cancer clinical settings.

See related Spotlight, p. 545
ДОЦІЛЬНІСТЬ ВИКЛАДАННЯ ПРЕДМЕТА «МЕДСЕСТРИНСЬКІ АСПЕКТИ СУЧАСНОЇ АЛЕРГОЛОГІЇ ТА ІМУНОЛОГІЇ» ЗДОБУВАЧАМ ДРУГОГО РІВНЯ ВИЩОЇ ОСВІТИ ЗА СПЕЦІАЛЬНІСТЮ 223 «МЕДСЕСТРИНСТВО»
Authors: Рега Н. І. , Господарський І. Я. , Зарудна О. І.
Published: June 2023

У статті обґрунтовано доцільність включення в сучасну програму підготовки магістра медсестринства предмета «Медсестринські аспекти сучасної алергології та імунології». Показано, що він забезпечує міцну навчальну та дослідницьку основу як у базовій, так і в клінічній імунології та сприяє спеціалізації магістрів медсестринства як фахівців з алергології та імунології. Доведено, що розширення повноважень медичної сестри-магістра як фахівця з алергології та імунології сприятиме покращенню якості медсестринського догляду за пацієнтами і лікувально-профілактичному процесу в цілому, а також поліпшить кадровий ресурс та матиме позитивний економічний ефект.
EUROPEAN TRADITIONS OF DOCTORS OF PHILOSOPHY TRAINING
Authors: Korda M. M. , Fedchyshyn N. O. , Shulhai A. H. , Klishch I. M. , Shevchuk O. O.
Published: June 2023

Abstract. The article analyzes the peculiarities of scientific personnel training during the integration of national educational system into European educational space. It has been found that there is no single mechanism for PhD or Doctors of Science preparation in European countries, however there are certain traditions with similar or different characteristics. The article shows that the planned time is a significant aspect in the preparation of scientific work. In European countries, there is an uneven distribution of the achievements in the fields that have been awarded scientific degrees, namely, in these countries the number of natural sciences doctors is higher than social sciences doctors. It has been established that in various European countries a significant role is assigned to the policy of systematic definition of criteria for evaluating universities and quality of doctoral programs, when selection of candidates is carried out not only on the basis of examinations, but also taking into account recommendation letters, results of academic activity, topics of dissertation researches. Due to independent scientific activity, PhD students acquire a wide range of skills and knowledge. An important aspect is the application of reform approaches in the structured training of PhD students.
Racionalidades educacionais (pós-) pandêmicas: atlas 2021
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Educação, Aquino Julio Groppa
Published: May 2023

O presente trabalho dá continuidade àquele intitulado Racionalidades Educacionais (Pós-) Pandêmicas: Atlas 2020, publicado recentemente, sendo ambos resultantes da pesquisa A educação no horizonte pós-pandêmico: contributos para a construção de pautas investigativas e práticas levada a cabo no Programa Ano Sabático do Instituto de Estudos Avançados da Universidade de São Paulo durante 2022. O estudo, em seus três volumes, devota-se a perspectivar as racionalidades em circulação no campo educacional brasileiro durante o triênio 2020-2022, depois da eclosão da pandemia de COVID-19, ou seja, desde a interrupção do atendimento escolar, passando pela implementação do ensino remoto emergencial, até a retomada das atividades presenciais. Neste trabalho, apenas o ano de 2021 é focalizado, devendo o tratamento dos dados referentes a 2022 ser dado a público adiante. Ressalta-se a expectativa de que os resultados desta empreitada venham a servir de matéria-prima para outros estudos.
Heart Failure Impairs Bone Marrow Hematopoietic Stem Cell Function and Responses to Injury
Authors: Marvasti Tina B. , Alibhai Faisal J. , Yang Grace J. , Li Shu‐Hong , Wu Jun , Yau Terrence , Li Ren‐Ke
Published: June 2023

Background

Heart failure (HF) is a clinical syndrome associated with a progressive decline in myocardial function and low‐grade systemic inflammation. Chronic inflammation can have lasting effects on the bone marrow (BM) stem cell pool by impacting cell renewal and lineage differentiation. However, how HF affects BM stem/progenitor cells remains largely unexplored.

Methods and Results

EGFP
+
(Enchanced green fluorescent protein) mice were subjected to coronary artery ligation, and BM was collected 8 weeks after myocardial infarction. Transplantation of EGFP
+
BM into wild‐type mice revealed reduced reconstitution potential of BM from mice subjected to myocardial infarction versus BM from sham mice. To study the effects HF has on human BM function, 71 patients, HF (n=20) and controls (n=51), who were scheduled for elective cardiac surgery were consented and enrolled in this study. Patients with HF exhibited more circulating blood myeloid cells, and analysis of patient BM revealed significant differences in cell composition and colony formation potential. Human CD34
+
cell reconstitution potential was also assessed using the NOD‐SCID‐IL2rγ
null
mouse xenotransplant model. NOD‐SCID‐IL2rγ
null
mice reconstituted with BM from patients with HF had significantly fewer engrafted human CD34
+
cells as well as reduced lymphoid cell production. Analysis of tissue repair responses using permanent left anteriordescending coronary artery ligation demonstrated reduced survival of HF‐BM reconstituted mice as well as significant differences in human (donor) and mouse (host) cellular responses after MI.

Conclusions

HF alters the BM composition, adversely affects cell reconstitution potential, and alters cellular responses to injury. Further studies are needed to determine whether restoring BM function can impact disease progression or improve cellular responses to injury.
Humanitarian Health Responses in Urban Conflict Zones
Authors: Stanski Keith
Published: June 2023

War has long tested the design, capacity, and protected status of health care personnel and systems. In recent years, however, urban conflict zones have come to exemplify many of the most intractable humanitarian dilemmas around the delivery of medical care. In this essay, I examine several recurring dilemmas concerning operational independence and physical safety, as encountered in Syria and Yemen. I argue that, as a generative force, war has the potential to make (and remake) social, economic, and political life in urban settings in ways that accentuate essential challenges facing the safe and principled delivery of health care. These far-reaching effects leave humanitarians and their supporters to adapt existing strategies, many developed in more rural contexts, to shifting urban environments. In such contexts, the establishment of “hospital” or “relief zones” may offer a pragmatic and principled strategy to mitigate many of the dilemmas surrounding the protection of medical facilities and personnel in urban conflict settings.
Phase-locking of Neural Activity to the Envelope of Speech in the Delta Frequency Band Reflects Differences between Word Lists and Sentences
Authors: Mohammadi Yousef , Graversen Carina , østergaard Jan , Andersen Ole Kaeseler , Reichenbach Tobias
Published: June 2023

The envelope of a speech signal is tracked by neural activity in the cerebral cortex. The cortical tracking occurs mainly in two frequency bands, theta (4–8 Hz) and delta (1–4 Hz). Tracking in the faster theta band has been mostly associated with lower-level acoustic processing, such as the parsing of syllables, whereas the slower tracking in the delta band relates to higher-level linguistic information of words and word sequences. However, much regarding the more specific association between cortical tracking and acoustic as well as linguistic processing remains to be uncovered. Here, we recorded EEG responses to both meaningful sentences and random word lists in different levels of signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) that lead to different levels of speech comprehension as well as listening effort. We then related the neural signals to the acoustic stimuli by computing the phase-locking value (PLV) between the EEG recordings and the speech envelope. We found that the PLV in the delta band increases with increasing SNR for sentences but not for the random word lists, showing that the PLV in this frequency band reflects linguistic information. When attempting to disentangle the effects of SNR, speech comprehension, and listening effort, we observed a trend that the PLV in the delta band might reflect listening effort rather than the other two variables, although the effect was not statistically significant. In summary, our study shows that the PLV in the delta band reflects linguistic information and might be related to listening effort.
Imperfect Exchange Rate Expectations
Authors: Candian Giacomo , De Leo Pierre
Published: June 2023

Using survey data, we document that predictable exchange rate forecast errors are responsible for the uncovered-interest-parity (UIP) puzzle and its reversal at longer horizons. We develop a general-equilibrium model based on shock misperception and over-extrapolative beliefs that reconciles these and other major exchange rate puzzles. These beliefs distortions generate both under- and over-reaction of expectations that account for the predictability of forecast errors about interest rates, exchange rates, and other macroeconomic indicators. In the model, forecast errors are endogenous to monetary policy and explain the change in the behavior of UIP deviations that emerged after the global financial crisis.
The Future of North Atlantic Right Whales and Fishing and Shipping Interactions
Authors: Brillant Sean
Published: June 2023

Despite almost a century protected from whaling, the North Atlantic right whale remains endangered. This species grew from 292 individuals in 1992 to 482 individuals in 2010, but the decline since then has been precipitous; to 336 in 2020, and evidence suggests it continues to fall. Entanglements in rope and collisions by ocean-going vessels are the two human activities attributable to all known post-natal serious injuries and deaths. To consider if the ocean of our future will have North Atlantic right whales, first, the multiplicity of efforts underway to reduce harm to these animals are pre-sented. This includes spatial management measures for fishing and ship-ping in Canada and the United States, and the development and adoption of buoyless (i.e., on-demand, ropeless) fishing gear. Second, a brief reflec-tion is offered on the resilient traits and extraordinary recoveries this spe-cies has already shown. The conclusion of this discussion is that this is not a defeated species. It will recover if we stop harming them. Several important actions are necessary to accomplish this. These are simple to list but very challenging to put into practice, requiring, therefore, widespread and collec-tive willingness and support.
In the Shadow of Ancient Thebes. Belgian Consular Representation in Luxor and Local Elites, 1860 and 1937
Authors: Huskens Gert
Published: June 2023

Throughout the long nineteenth century, nations that tried to expand their consular apparatus in Egypt relied on numerous autochthonous members of the Egyptian elite. Since Luxor was situated next to the site of ancient Thebes, the hordes of travelers visiting Upper Egypt in the course of the nineteenth century relied in particular on the services of consular agents. By means of a multidimensional analysis of the two diplomatic clans that served Belgium’s interests from the mid-1870s up until the abolition of the capitulation system in 1937, the Ayads and the Bicharas, this article provides a better insight in the integration of local elites into foreign diplomatic corps. By incorporating the fragmented and dispersed accounts of the services these consular agents provided into a general assessment of diplomatic culture, this contribution explores new grounds at the intersections of the history of tourism, archaeology, and diplomacy.
Two new species of the genus Hoplopeza Bezzi (Diptera, Hybotidae, Ocydromiinae) from the high Andean forests of Colombia
Authors: HENAO-SEPÚLVEDA CAROLINA , BARROS LUANA MACHADO , ALE-ROCHA ROSALY , WOLFF MARTA
Published: May 2023

Two new Andean species of Hoplopeza Bezzi are described and illustrated: Hoplopeza colombiana sp. nov. and Hoplopeza rafaeli sp. nov. These species are the first record from the Andean ecosystem of Colombia. In addition, the genus is diagnosed, the first description of the female terminalia, as well as a key and distribution map of the Andean species of the genus are presented.
Deep-Sea asteroids (Echinodermata; Asteroidea) from the Galician Bank (North Atlantic Ocean)
Authors: GARCÍA-GUILLÉN LAURA M. , MACÍAS-RAMÍREZ AURORA , RÍOS PILAR , MANJÓNCABEZA M. EUGENIA
Published: June 2023

The Galician Bank (GB) is a seamount located 180 km away from the Galician coast (Northwest Spain), in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean. The summit occurs at a depth between 650 and 1500 m with the maximum depth reaching 4000 m (the abyssal bottom). The water masses, twists, eddies, and geomorphology favour the retention of nutrients and larvae, thus, being an area rich in nutrients. It is a hotspot of biodiversity and an important place for benthic communities. This study aims to inventory and review the asteroid fauna collected during the LIFE+INDEMARES project in GB, compare the new findings with previous studies Official Spanish Checklist (IEEM: “Inventario Español de Especies Marinas”, Manjón-Cabeza et al. 2017, 2020) and update our knowledge of the diversity and distribution of known species. In this study a total of 272 asteroid specimens belonging to 19 species were found at 45 stations in depths between 765–1764 m, as part of the LIFE+INDEMARES-Galician Bank (2010–2011) surveys. The most frequently encountered species were Plinthaster dentatus (Perrier, 1884), Peltaster placenta (Müller & Troschel, 1842) and Henricia caudani (Koehler, 1895). Circeaster americanus (A.H. Clark, 1916) and Hymenaster giboryi (Perrier, 1894) are new observations from this area. For several species, including Henricia caudani, Pedicellaster typicus M. Sars, 1861, Podosphaeraster thalassae Cherbonnier, 1970 and Hymenaster giboryi known bathymetric range has been extended.
Information-Based Probabilistic Verification Scores for Two-Dimensional Ensemble Forecast Data: A Madden–Julian Oscillation Index Example
Authors: Takaya Yuhei , Komatsu Kensuke K. , Hino Hideitsu , Vitart Frédéric
Published: June 2023

Probabilistic forecasting is a common activity in many fields of the Earth sciences. Assessing the quality of probabilistic forecasts—probabilistic forecast verification—is therefore an essential task in these activities. Numerous methods and metrics have been proposed for this purpose; however, the probabilistic verification of vector variables of ensemble forecasts has received less attention than others. Here we introduce a new approach that is applicable for verifying ensemble forecasts of continuous, scalar, and two-dimensional vector data. The proposed method uses a fixed-radius near-neighbors search to compute two information-based scores, the ignorance score (the logarithmic score) and the information gain, which quantifies the skill gain from the reference forecast. Basic characteristics of the proposed scores were examined using idealized Monte Carlo simulations. The results indicated that both the continuous ranked probability score (CRPS) and the proposed score with a relatively small ensemble size (<25) are not proper in terms of the forecast dispersion. The proposed verification method was successfully used to verify the Madden–Julian oscillation index, which is a two-dimensional quantity. The proposed method is expected to advance probabilistic ensemble forecasts in various fields.

Significance Statement

In the Earth sciences, stochastic future states are estimated by solving a large number of forecasts (called ensemble forecasts) based on physical equations with slightly different initial conditions and stochastic parameters. The verification of probabilistic forecasts is an essential part of forecasting and modeling activity in the Earth sciences. However, there is no information-based probabilistic verification score applicable for vector variables of ensemble forecasts. The purpose of this study is to introduce a novel method for verifying scalar and two-dimensional vector variables of ensemble forecasts. The proposed method offers a new approach to probabilistic verification and is expected to advance probabilistic ensemble forecasts in various fields.
Assessment of Five Wind-Farm Parameterizations in the Weather Research and Forecasting Model: A Case Study of Wind Farms in the North Sea
Authors: Ali Karim , Schultz David M. , Revell Alistair , Stallard Timothy , Ouro Pablo
Published: June 2023

To simulate the large-scale impacts of wind farms, wind turbines are parameterized within mesoscale models in which grid sizes are typically much larger than turbine scales. Five wind-farm parameterizations were implemented in the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model v4.3.3 to simulate multiple operational wind farms in the North Sea, which were verified against a satellite image, airborne measurements, and the FINO-1 meteorological mast data on 14 October 2017. The parameterization by Volker et al. underestimated the turbulence and wind speed deficit compared to measurements and to the parameterization of Fitch et al., which is the default in WRF. The Abkar and Porté-Agel parameterization gave close predictions of wind speed to that of Fitch et al. with a lower magnitude of predicted turbulence, although the parameterization was sensitive to a tunable constant. The parameterization by Pan and Archer resulted in turbine-induced thrust and turbulence that were slightly less than that of Fitch et al., but resulted in a substantial drop in power generation due to the magnification of wind speed differences in the power calculation. The parameterization by Redfern et al. was not substantially different from Fitch et al. in the absence of conditions such as strong wind veer. The simulations indicated the need for a turbine-induced turbulence source within a wind-farm parameterization for improved prediction of near-surface wind speed, near-surface temperature, and turbulence. The induced turbulence was responsible for enhancing turbulent momentum flux near the surface, causing a local speed-up of near-surface wind speed inside a wind farm. Our findings highlighted that wakes from large offshore wind farms could extend 100 km downwind, reducing downwind power production as in the case of the 400-MW Bard Offshore 1 wind farm whose power output was reduced by the wakes of the 402-MW Veja Mate wind farm for this case study.

Significance Statement

Because wind farms are smaller than the common grid spacing of numerical weather prediction models, the impacts of wind farms on the weather have to be indirectly incorporated through parameterizations. Several approaches to parameterization are available and the most appropriate scheme is not always clear. The absence of a turbulence source in a parameterization leads to substantial inaccuracies in predicting near-surface wind speed and turbulence over a wind farm. The impact of large clusters of offshore wind turbines in the wind field can exceed 100 km downwind, resulting in a substantial loss of power for downwind turbines. The prediction of this power loss can be sensitive to the chosen parameterization, contributing to uncertainty in wind-farm economic planning.
Are Breast Cancer Patients Presenting With Higher Stage Since the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Authors: Cairns Ashley , Inman Inez , Perko Allison , Martin Tamriage , Chiba Akiko , Howard-McNatt Marissa
Published: June 2023

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health care is vast and continuing to unfold. As much progress related to breast cancer has resulted from screening and public health measures, we analyzed the stage at which patients with breast cancer presented for surgical consultation from 2019 to 2021. From 2019 to 2021, retrospective analysis was performed on breast cancer patients, comparing differences in patient demographics and cancer stage at diagnosis pre- and post-recommendation (COVID-era) to postpone mammographic screening on March 26, 2020. Proportion analysis was performed to identify similar percentages for each stage, and a weighed stage severity score with sign test was crafted to compare overall stage for a given year. The study included 1107 breast cancer patients from breast cancer surgery registry. These groups were similar demographically. We performed analysis comparing pre-COVID and COVID-era stage severity score. This showed a statistically higher stage at presentation when comparing pre-COVID to COVID-era data ( P = .0027). Additionally, we identified a higher rate of stage 3 at presentation or greater in the COVID-era with 7.79% pre-COVID vs 12.3% COVID-era ( P = .016). We found that in comparing pre-COVID to COVID-era data that breast cancer patients presented with higher stages, in particular, stage 3 or higher stage disease. This analysis reveals the impact of COVID on the multidisciplinary treatment of breast cancer patients. Additional efforts are needed to address the stage migration, the disproportionate burden of disease, and the access to care.
In-Hospital Mortality After Massive Transfusion and Motorcycle Trauma May Predict Highest Injury Severity in a Rural Level I Trauma System
Authors: Olson Robert , Rhodes Heather X. , Pepe Antonio P.
Published: June 2023

The leading cause of preventable traumatic death is uncontrolled bleeding. This study aimed to better identify those most likely to experience in-hospital mortality with increasing injury severity scoring (ISS). This is a single-center study of Trauma Registry data, from July 3, 2016, to February 24, 2022. The inclusion criteria were based upon age (≥18 years) and in-hospital mortality. 546 patients (mean age 58) were included in the analysis. There were several significant associations with increasing ISS among those who experienced in-hospital mortality, which included a rising shock index ratio, activation of the massive transfusion protocol, and, most notably, motorcycle trauma. This research reiterates the importance of the “Stop the Bleed” campaign as vital for training laypersons in the life-saving technique for hemorrhage control.
‘Ban the Burn’: At-sea Incineration, Trans-local Activism, and Ocean Health
Authors: Fazzi Dario
Published: June 2023

This article is about the rise and fall of ocean incineration, a method for the disposal of hazardous chemical waste that was initiated in the late 1960s, developed, tested, and perfected throughout the 1970s, commercialized in the 1980s, and eventually phased out from the 1990s onwards. Ocean incineration consisted in the offshore destruction of toxic liquid substances in specially designed ships outfitted with high-temperature combustion chambers and high stacks. When this technology broke through, it seemed like a panacea. It heralded the safe disposal of noxious compounds such as organochlorines and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which were ubiquitous by-products of petrochemical industrial processes. It promised to minimize private companies’ externalities and ease environmental concerns. But it ultimately failed to provide an alternative to safely disposing of toxic waste. What does explain such a decline? This article answers this question by arguing that the demise of ocean incineration was due to the combination of locally oriented and transnationally driven protests, which emerged across the (North) Atlantic and exposed the dangerous and highly exploitative nature of such a practice.
The Relationship Between Loneliness and Internet or Smartphone Addiction Among Adolescents: A Systematic Review and meta-Analysis
Authors: Ge Meng-Wei , Hu Fei-Hong , Jia Yi-Jie , Tang Wen , Zhang Wan-Qing , Zhao Dan-Yan , Shen Wang-Qin , Chen Hong-Lin
Published: June 2023

Background: Loneliness is a common public health problem that influences people’s physical and mental health. There is a high incidence of loneliness in adolescents. Some research suggested that smartphone or Internet addiction (SA or IA) may be a factor. But the relationship between loneliness and SA or IA is not completely clear among adolescents. We aim to estimate the correlation coefficient r between them. Methods: Databases, consisting of PubMed and Web of Science, were retrieved systematically for studies of the association between adolescents’ loneliness and SA or IA. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was chosen as an assessment tool in this analysis. We estimated the correlation coefficient r between loneliness and SA or IA and drew a forest plot. Moreover, moderator analyses were also conducted to explore what leads to heterogeneity in our study. Results: 21 studies were finally included in our analysis with 27,843 samples. The pooled correlation coefficient r was 0.252 (95% confidence interval: [0.173, 0.329]; p < 0.001) with low heterogeneity (I2 = 0.000%; Q = 23.616; p < 0.001), indicating a moderate positive association. The funnel plot indicated small publication bias. A one-study removal sensitivity analysis indicated there was no significant difference between these studies. Meta-regression indicated no significant difference between the results and age (Q = 11.94, df = 18, p = 0.8504). Conclusions: Our analysis indicated a moderate positive association between loneliness and SA or IA. The results may attract the attention of some experts who study adolescent psychological problems and behavioral problems and may provide ideas for their research in the future.
Morphometric and morphological evaluation of mastoid emissary canal using cone-beam computed tomography
Authors: Temiz Mustafa , Ozen Duygu Celik , Duman Suayip Burak , Bayrakdar Ibrahim Sevki , Kazan Orhan , Jagtap Rohan , Altun Oguzhan , Z. Abdelkarim Ahmed , Syed Ali Z. , Orhan Kaan
Published: June 2023

Objectives:

This study aimed to determine mastoid emissary canal’s (MEC) and mastoid foramen (MF) prevalence and morphometric characteristics on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images to underline its clinical significance and discuss its surgical consequences.

Methods:

In the retrospective analysis, two oral and maxillofacial radiologists analyzed the CBCT images of 135 patients (270 sides). The biggest MF and MEC were measured in the images evaluated in MultiPlanar Reconstruction (MPR) views. The MF and MEC mean diameters were calculated. The mastoid foramina number was recorded. The prevalence of MF was studied according to gender and side of the patient.

Results:

The overall prevalence of MEC and MF was 119 (88.1%). The prevalence of MEC and MF is 55.5% in females and 44.5% in males. MEC and MF were identified as bilateral in 80 patients (67.20%) and unilateral in 39 patients (32.80%). The mean diameter of MF was 2.4 ± 0.9 mm. The mean height of MF was 2.3 ± 0.9. The mean diameter of the MEC was 2.1 ± 0.8, and the mean height of the MEC was 2.1 ± 0.8. There is a statistical difference between the genders (p = 0.043) in foramen diameter. Males had a significantly larger mean diameter of MF in comparison to females.

Conclusion:

MEC and MF must be evaluated thoroughly if the surgery is contemplated. Radiologists and surgeons should be aware of mastoid emissary canal morphology, variations, clinical relevance, and surgical consequences while operating in the suboccipital and mastoid areas to avoid unexpected and catastrophic complications. CBCT may be a reliable imaging diagnostic technique.
Using Video Modeling Via iPads to Teach Multiplication to Struggling Learners
Authors: Kellems Ryan O. , Steinburg Melissa , Bahr Damon , Hansen Blake D.
Published: June 2023

There is a growing body of research that suggests that video-based interventions, such as video modeling and video prompting, are effective tools for teaching academic skills to struggling learners. This study used a single subject, multiple-baseline-across-subjects design to evaluate whether a video-prompting intervention could effectively assist five second grade students who had been identified by their teachers as “struggling” in mathematics to better solve multiplication story problems. Five second grade students (one female and four males) ages 7 to 8 viewed the intervention videos on an iPad that modeled how to solve multiplication word problems. To evaluate the effectiveness of the videos, a rubric was used as the primary measure to assess the domains of problem-solving, communicating, and representing with numbers. Based on visual analysis between baseline and intervention, there was a functional relationship between the introduction of the intervention and the performance on the mathematic problems. In addition, a visual analysis between intervention and maintenance appeared stable for all participants. Lastly, the social validity data had overall positive results. These results indicate that technology can be used to implement interventions for struggling learners and may be utilized in regular classrooms. Results also demonstrate that video modeling can be a useful instructional tool for helping many individuals, not just those with an identified disability, to learn complex tasks. Implementing video models in a classroom setting could enable teachers to consistently provide interventions to students that work more independently, allowing teachers to work on a more one-on-one or small group basis with their students.
The Impact of Mobile Internet Use on Intergenerational Relations in Aging Society
Authors: Chen Yang , Lu Jin , Su Yan
Published: June 2023

Considering data from the fourth wave of the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS2016), this paper examines the impact of mobile Internet usage on the relationship between adult children and elderly parents. Results drawn from ordered Probit and mediation models show that mobile Internet use, rather than the usage of the fixed Internet, enhances the parent–child relationship. Secondly, older parents, having two or more children, cannot benefit well from using the mobile Internet, and they may rely more on phone calls to uphold intergenerational contact. Thirdly, the mobile Internet enhances the non-face-to-face contact between the two generations. Also, it reduces face-to-face contact in child–parent relationships and improves face-to-face contact in the parent–child relationship. Therefore, related to increasing in the population aging, relevant departments should continue to enhance the use of mobile Internet by reducing the usage costs, improving the usage capabilities, and innovating mobile phone functions, and remain cautious due to the reduction in face-to-face communication caused by the mobile Internet use.
A New Experimental Technique for Complete Extraction of Mandibular First Molar Teeth in Rats
Authors: Moghadam Abbas , Moghadam Niloofar , Doremami Vahid , Pishghadam Saeede , Mafi Afsaneh
Published: June 2023

Intact extraction of the mandibular first molar tooth is an interesting model for studies of alveolar bone healing. The aim of this study was to describe a new experimental technique for extraction of rat mandibular first molar teeth with crown and all 4 roots intact using controlled forces applied to the teeth. One hundred and twenty female Sprague-Dawley rats were used from a center for experimental animal research. Animals underwent general anesthesia and were then placed in a special dental unit (designed by Moghadam) for the extraction of rat teeth. After syndesmotomy, luxation of the tooth began with a tipping movement in the buccal direction with a very low range of motion for 1 s. A tipping movement in the lingual direction was then used to continue luxation. After a maximum of 10 repetitions, the tooth was left alone for 30 s. After 3-4 stages of this cycle, the tooth loosened. To complete the luxation, the same forces were applied in the buccal and lingual directions with larger amplitude for 3 s. After this step, the tooth was loose enough to be easily extracted. The alveolus was then sutured closed. The results showed no hemorrhage or fracture of crowns and mesial or distal roots, and only 8% of the buccal and lingual roots fractured. The technique designed and used in this study was shown to be an effective model for complete molar tooth extraction in the rat. This technique could also be used in the treatment of other rodents.
Combined effect of temperature difference across interface and finite size of the ions on interdiffusion in SOFC
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Chakraborty Jeevanjyoti , Das Prasanta Kumar
Published: June 2023

In the present study, the combined effect of the temperature difference across the electrode-electrolyte interface and the finite size of ions non-idealities on the cation interdiffusion is investigated using a mathematical model. Here, we build on and add significantly to our previous work 1 where the study was limited only to the finite effect of ions. Considering each non-ideality/effect separately, the diffusion of manganese (Mn3+) ions decreases about 50 nm for a temperature difference (∆ T) of 50 K, and 31 nm for a finite size parameter ( ν) of 1.826. However, it is decreased by 54 nm considering both effects combindly for ∆ T = 50 K and ν = 1.75. Further, under individual effects, the highest electric potential drop is 0.32 for a ∆ T = 50 K and 0.27 for a ν = 1.75. Under combined effects, the electric potential drop is about 0.85 for ∆ T = 50 K and ν = 1.75. A significant variation is observed in the diffusion of Zr4+, Y3+ and Mn3+ ions and the overall electric potential. It is anticipated that the consideration of these effects/non-idealities will help in the better understanding of cation interdiffusion, and contribute towards performance enhancement of SOFCs.