bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient Estimation of the Generalized Quasi-Lindley Distribution Parameters under Ranked Set Sampling and Applications
Authors: Al-Omari Amer Ibrahim , Benchiha SidAhmed , Almanjahie Ibrahim M.
Published: July 2021

Ranked set sampling is a very useful method to collect data when the actual measurement of the units in a population is difficult or expensive. Recently, the generalized quasi-Lindley distribution is suggested as a new continuous lifetime distribution. In this article, the ranked set sampling method is considered to estimate the parameters of the generalized quasi-Lindley distribution. Several estimation methods are used, including the maximum likelihood, the maximum product of spacings, ordinary least squares, weighted least squares, Cramer–von Mises, and Anderson–Darling methods. The performance of the proposed ranked set sampling based estimators is achieved through a simulation study in terms of bias and mean squared errors compared to the simple random sample. Additional results are obtained based on real data for the survival times of 72 guinea pigs and 23 ball bearings. The simulation study results and the real data applications showed the superiority of the proposed ranked set sampling estimators compared to the simple random sample competitors based on the same number of measuring units.
Fluoride and Arsenite Removal by Adsorption on La2O3-CeO2/Laterite
Authors: Lim Duong Thi , Tuyen Trinh Ngoc , Nhiem Dao Ngoc , Duc Dao Hong , Chuc Pham Ngoc , Bac Nguyen Quang , Tung Dang Xuan , Pham Ngo Nghia , Ha Luu Thi Viet , Tu Nguyen Thi Thanh , Nguyen Vo Thang , Khieu Dinh Quang
Published: July 2021

In the present article, the adsorbent prepared from laterite with lanthanum and cerium oxides (La2O3-CeO2/laterite (LCL)) was efficiently employed for the removal of arsenite and fluoride from an aqueous environment. The obtained materials were characterized by XRD, SEM, and nitrogen adsorption/desorption. The synthesized LCL exhibited a high adsorption capacity towards arsenite (As(III)) and fluoride. The adsorption of both analytes on LCL, which was well-fitted to a pseudo-second-order equation, was found to be kinetically fast in the first 20 minutes and reached equilibrium at around 180 minutes. Weber’s intraparticle diffusion model in multilinearity using the piecewise linear regression combined with Akaike’s criteria was addressed. The adsorption capacities of LCL calculated from Langmuir’s isotherm model were found to be 67.08 mg·g-1 for arsenite and 58.02 mg·g-1 for fluoride. Thermodynamic parameters presented an endothermic nature of arsenite adsorption but an exothermic nature for fluoride and a negative Gibbs free energy for the spontaneous process of arsenite or fluoride adsorption at the studied temperature range. The excellent adsorption performance and stability make the composite of laterite and La-Ce binary oxides an alternative efficient and cheap adsorbent for the removal of arsenite and fluoride in an aqueous solution.
Hedgehog Signaling Regulates Metabolism and Polarization of Mammary Tumor-Associated Macrophages
Authors: Hinshaw Dominique C. , Hanna Ann , Lama-Sherpa Tshering , Metge Brandon , Kammerud Sarah C. , Benavides Gloria A. , Kumar Atul , Alsheikh Heba Allah , Mota Mateus , Chen Dongquan , Ballinger Scott W. , Rathmell Jeffrey C. , Ponnazhagan Selvarangan , Darley-Usmar Victor , Samant Rajeev S. , Shevde Lalita A.
Published: July 2021

Elevated infiltration of immunosuppressive alternatively polarized (M2) macrophages is associated with poor prognosis in patients with cancer. The tumor microenvironment remarkably orchestrates molecular mechanisms that program these macrophages. Here we identify a novel role for oncogenic Hedgehog (Hh) signaling in programming signature metabolic circuitries that regulate alternative polarization of tumor-associated macrophages. Two immunocompetent orthotopic mouse models of mammary tumors were used to test the effect of inhibiting Hh signaling on tumor-associated macrophages. Treatment with the pharmacologic Hh inhibitor vismodegib induced a significant shift in the profile of tumor-infiltrating macrophages. Mass spectrometry-based metabolomic analysis showed Hh inhibition induced significant alterations in metabolic processes, including metabolic sensing, mitochondrial adaptations, and lipid metabolism. In particular, inhibition of Hh in M2 macrophages reduced flux through the UDP-GlcNAc biosynthesis pathway. Consequently, O-GlcNAc-modification of STAT6 decreased, mitigating the immune-suppressive program of M2 macrophages, and the metabolically demanding M2 macrophages shifted their metabolism and bioenergetics from fatty acid oxidation to glycolysis. M2 macrophages enriched from vismodegib-treated mammary tumors showed characteristically decreased O-GlcNAcylation and altered mitochondrial dynamics. These Hh-inhibited macrophages are reminiscent of inflammatory (M1) macrophages, phenotypically characterized by fragmented mitochondria. This is the first report highlighting the relevance of Hh signaling in controlling a complex metabolic network in immune cells. These data describe a novel immunometabolic function of Hh signaling that can be clinically exploited.

Significance:

These findings illustrate that Hh activity regulates a metabolic and bioenergetic regulatory program in tumor-associated macrophages that promotes their immune-suppressive polarization.
TGFβ Signaling Activated by Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Determines the Histological Signature of Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Sato Ryo , Imamura Kosuke , Semba Takashi , Tomita Yusuke , Saeki Sho , Ikeda Koei , Komohara Yoshihiro , Suzuki Makoto , Sakagami Takuro , Saya Hideyuki , Arima Yoshimi
Published: July 2021

Invasive lung adenocarcinoma (LADC) can be classified histologically as lepidic, acinar, papillary, micropapillary, or solid. Most LADC tumors manifest several of these histological subtypes, with heterogeneity being related to therapeutic resistance. We report here that in immunodeficient mice, human LADC cells form tumors with distinct histological features, MUC5AC-expressing solid-type or cytokeratin 7 (CK7)-expressing acinar-type tumors, depending on the site of development, and that a solid-to-acinar transition (SAT) could be induced by the tumor microenvironment. The TGFβ-Smad signaling pathway was activated in both tumor and stromal cells of acinar-type tumors. Immortalized cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) derived from acinar-type tumors induced SAT in 3D cocultures with LADC cells. Exogenous TGFβ1 or overexpression of an active form of TGFβ1 increased CK7 expression and reduced MUC5AC expression in LADC cells, and knockdown of Tgfb1 mRNA in CAFs attenuated SAT induction. RNA-sequencing analysis suggested that angiogenesis and neutrophil recruitment are associated with SAT in vivo. Our data indicate that CAF-mediated paracrine TGFβ signaling induces remodeling of tumor tissue and determines the histological pattern of LADC, thereby contributing to tumor heterogeneity.

Significance:

CAFs secrete TGFβ to induce a solid-to-acinar transition in lung cancer cells, demonstrating how the tumor microenvironment influences histological patterns and tumor heterogeneity in lung adenocarcinoma.
CD19/CD22 Dual-Targeted CAR T-cell Therapy for Relapsed/Refractory Aggressive B-cell Lymphoma: A Safety and Efficacy Study
Authors: Wei Guoqing , Zhang Yanlei , Zhao Houli , Wang Yiyun , Liu Yandan , Liang Bin , Wang Xiujian , Xu Huijun , Cui Jiazhen , Wu Wenjun , Zhao Kui , Nagler Arnon , Chang Alex H. , Hu Yongxian , Huang He
Published: July 2021

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies that target either CD19 or CD22 alone have potent antilymphoma effects. However, antigen escape–mediated relapse often occurs. CAR T cells targeting both CD19 and CD22 may overcome this limitation. In this study, we developed bispecific CAR T cells simultaneously recognizing CD19- and CD22-expressing targets and assessed their safety and efficacy profiles in patients with relapsed/refractory aggressive B-cell lymphoma. Twenty-four patients were screened, and 16 were found eligible for the study. CAR T-cell–associated toxicities were recorded. Responses, overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS) were assessed. Of the 16 eligible patients, 14 (87.5%) achieved objective response and 10 (62.5%) achieved complete response (CR). The 2-year OS and PFS rates were 77.3% and 40.2%, respectively. Achieving CR (P = 0.046) and the number of prior chemotherapy lines (n = 2; P = 0.047) were independent prognostic factors associated with favorable PFS. The 2-year OS and PFS among patients who achieved CR were higher than among those who did not (P = 0.015 and P < 0.001, respectively). The 2-year PFS among patients who received two prior lines of chemotherapy was higher than that among patients who received more than two lines of chemotherapy (P = 0.049); OS did not differ between the groups. Severe grade 4 cytokine-release syndrome (CRS) was observed in 1 patient; 4 and 11 patients had grades 1 and 2 CRS, respectively. No patients developed neurotoxicity. CD19/CD22 dual-targeted CAR T cells may be a safe, potent antilymphoma cell-based targeted immunotherapy.
Association of Admission NIHSS Score with Infarct Core Volume and Target Mismatch of Infarct Core/Penumbra Volume on CT Perfusion in Acute Ischaemic Stroke
Authors: Cao Wenjie , Ling Yifeng , Yang Lumeng , Wu Fei , Zhang Hui , Cheng Xin , Dong Qiang
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Neurological impairment is associated with collateral status in acute ischaemic stroke (AIS). We aimed to validate the association between admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (aNIHSS) score and infarct core volume (ICV) and target infarct core/penumbra volume mismatch (TMM) on CT perfusion (CTP) in AIS patients. Methods: Patients with acute middle cerebral artery or internal carotid artery occlusion from 2011 to 2020 were included. All patients underwent pretreatment CTP at admission. ICV and TMM were analyzed with MIStar software on CTP maps. aNIHSS scores and clinical characteristics of patients were obtained from our prospectively recorded stroke database. Results: We recruited 182 patients with a median age of 69.5 years; 85 (63.7%) were male, and the median aNIHSS score was 14. Of those, 149 (81.8%) had an ICV < 70 mL, and 139 (76.3%) had TMM. Lower aNIHSS was associated with an ICV < 70 mL, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.74, and TMM with an AUC of 0.76. Among all 15 items of the aNIHSS, the gaze score was the only item independently associated with an ICV < 70 mL (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.42, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.22–0.79, p = 0.008) and TMM (adjusted OR = 0.5, 95% CI: 0.28–0.9, p = 0.021). One or both aNIHSS ≤ 16 and gaze score = 0 predicted TMM with a sensitivity of 0.79 and a specificity of 0.62. Conclusion: aNIHSS may be a useful tool to predict an ICV < 70 mL and TMM on CTP in AIS patients.
Pediatric Small Round Blue Cell Tumors: Cytopathological Puzzle or an Intriguing Scientific Window?
Authors: Barroca Helena
Published: July 2021

Background: Small round blue cell tumors or more commonly called small round cell tumors (SRCTs) are undifferentiated neoplasms, sharing an overlapping morphological pattern of small round blue cells. Diagnosing these tumors represents a complex challenge for cytopathologists and for general surgical pathologist alike. This stems from the fact that these tumors share not only similar morphological features, but also some immunophenotypic characteristics, thus requiring a broad panel of antibodies, which might not be included in the most basic immunohistochemistry panels, used in the routine work of most pathology laboratories. Furthermore, one should note that the diagnosis, prognosis, and/or therapeutic decision are often dependent on the knowledge of the existence of specific molecular alterations, which requires access to sophisticated molecular ancillary techniques. Cytological diagnosis of SRCT should be systematized. A thorough understanding of the morphological pattern of these tumors, the small details they entail, the background and cellular patterns, and the nuclear and cytoplasmic peculiarities, may hint to the most probable diagnosis. Minor clues, such as the presence of a fibrillar background, the presence of rosettes or a specific “salt and pepper” chromatin, are important clues toward a probable diagnosis of a neuroblastoma, or the presence of a tigroid background is a characteristic of rhabdomyosarcoma and the Ewing family tumors. However, in poorly differentiated tumors, morphology alone will not suffice, making it essential for the access to complementary diagnostic techniques in order to reach the final diagnosis. Summary and Key Messages: The cytological diagnosis and treatment of SRCTs require an experienced, well-articulated, proficient teamwork, and sophisticated complementary diagnostic techniques, only available in centers of reference.
Does the Timing of Radiosurgery after Grade 1 Meningioma Resection Affect Long-Term Outcomes?
Authors: Bowden Gregory , Faramand Andrew , Mallella Arka , Wei Zhishuo , Patel Kevin , Niranjan Ajay , Lunsford L. Dade
Published: July 2021

Background: Meningiomas are the most common benign intracranial tumors. Gamma Knife® stereotactic radiosurgery (GKSRS) has become a preferred management for recurrent or residual meningiomas. This study focuses on the relationship between tumor control and the time interval between resection of a World Health Organization (WHO) grade 1 meningioma and GKSRS. Methods: This single institution retrospective analysis reviewed our experience in 238 patients who underwent GKSRS after a pathologically confirmed WHO grade 1 meningioma resection. The median follow-up was 7.4 years. The median aggregate tumor volume at GKSRS was 6 cm3 and a median margin dose of 13 Gy was utilized. Neurological symptoms were evident in 60% of patients at the time of procedure. Results: Overall actuarial tumor control rates achieved were 91.3% at 5 years, 83.4% at 10 years, and 76% at 15 years. There were 35 patients (15%) who developed tumor progression within or directly adjacent to the GKSRS treatment field. The median time until progression was 6.3 years. The duration between surgical intervention and GKSRS did not show statistical significance at 3 months (p = 0.9), 6 months (p = 0.8), 12 months (p = 0.5), or 24 months (p = 0.9). Fifteen patients (6%) had tumor progression at an anatomically distinct location outside the GKSRS target volume. Neurological symptomatic improvement was more likely with early radiosurgery intervention (p = 0.007). Conclusion: Postoperative GKSRS was associated with excellent long-term tumor control for WHO grade 1 meningiomas, regardless of the interval after initial surgery. In addition, earlier radiosurgery was associated with superior symptom improvement.
Examining the Use of Radiation Therapy for Cholangiocarcinoma: Benefits through Modern Techniques
Authors: Oertel Michael , Gattermann Felix , Schmidt Hartmut , Eich Hans Theodor
Published: July 2021

Background: Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a rare malignant tumor of the bile duct epithelium. At first diagnosis, only a minority of patients are eligible for surgery, which is regarded as the only curative treatment. This study examines the role of radiation therapy (RT) and chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in the definitive and adjuvant treatment situation. Methods: The monocentric, retrospective analysis included 39 patients with CCA undergoing 53 RT courses. Data were collected from January 2005 to September 2018. There were 11 cases of CRT, 6 of which were definitive. Surgery was either palliative (n = 6) or radical (n = 15). Results: After RT, the median overall survival (OS) was 10.4 months (m), median progression-free survival was 5.6 m, and median duration of local control (DOLC) was 8.9 m. There was a significant difference in survival between patients with and without locoregional lymph node metastasis (OS: 4.3 vs. 15.4 m, p = 0.031). After treatment of a primary tumor, DOLC was about twice as long as in the recurrent situation (10.4 vs. 5.4 m, p = 0.032). Conservative therapy significantly elevated the risk of local recurrence compared to radical surgery in univariate and multivariate analyses. Side effects were mostly classified as mild to moderate. Termination of RT and increased alanine aminotransferase were significantly less frequent after stereotactic body radiation therapy and hypofractionation. Conclusion: RT can achieve local control in patients with CCA. Toxicities of RT are manageable but require close clinical and laboratory follow-up.
US Database Study of Clinical Burden and Unmet Need in Recurrent Pericarditis
Authors: Klein Allan , Cremer Paul , Kontzias Apostolos , Furqan Muhammad , Tubman Ryan , Roy Mike , Lim‐Watson Michelle Z. , Magestro Matthew
Published: July 2021

Background

Patients with recurrent pericarditis (RP) may develop complications, multiple recurrences, or inadequate treatment response. This study aimed to characterize disease burden and unmet needs in RP.

Methods and Results

This retrospective US database analysis included newly diagnosed patients with RP with ≥24 months of continuous history following their first pericarditis episode. RP was defined as ≥2 pericarditis episodes ≥28 days apart. Some patients had ≥2 recurrences, while others had a single recurrence with a serious complication, ie, constrictive pericarditis, cardiac tamponade, or a large pericardial effusion with pericardiocentesis/pericardial window. Among these patients with multiple recurrences and/or complications, some had features relating to treatment history, including long‐term corticosteroid use (corticosteroids started within 30 days of flare, continuing ≥90 consecutive days) or inadequate treatment response (pericarditis recurring despite corticosteroids and/or colchicine, or other drugs [excluding NSAIDs] within 30 days of flare, or prior pericardiectomy). Patients (N=2096) had hypertension (60%), cardiomegaly (9%), congestive heart failure (17%), atrial fibrillation (16%), autoimmune diseases (18%), diabetes mellitus (21%), renal disease (20%), anxiety (21%), and depression (14%). Complications included pericardial effusion (50%), cardiac tamponade (9%), and constrictive pericarditis (4%). Pharmacotherapy included colchicine (51%), NSAIDs (40%), and corticosteroids (30%), often in combination. This study estimates 37 000 US patients with RP; incidence was 6.0/100 000/year (95% CI, 5.6‒6.3), and prevalence was 11.2/100 000 (95% CI, 10.6‒11.7).

Conclusions

Patients with RP may have multiple recurrences and/or complications, often because of inadequate treatment response and persistent underlying disease. Corticosteroid use is frequent despite known side‐effect risks, potentially exacerbated by prevalent comorbidities. Substantial clinical burden and lack of effective treatments underscore the high unmet need.
Two Types of Four-Compartment Tefillin Cases from the Judean Desert Caves
Authors: Adler Yonatan
Published: July 2021

Approximately thirty tefillin cases were discovered in the Judean Desert. The publishers of these finds distinguished between single-compartment cases, which they identified as “arm-tefillin,” and four-compartment cases, which they identified as “head-tefillin.” Here I present a further typological distinction between two subtypes among the four-compartment tefillin cases: (1) the “simple-type,” in which a single line of stitching separates the compartments from one another, and (2) the “split-type,” in which the compartments are separated by incisions in the leather and each compartment is stitched closed individually. It seems likely that some kind of ritual issue is at stake, and an allusion to these two types as competing halakhic practices may be found in the tannaitic literature—with the rabbis ultimately rejecting the “split-type.” The Judean Desert finds may represent a synchronic debate between competing groups, a diachronic development, or perhaps practices followed contemporaneously by members of one and the same group.
The Critical Study of Religion and Division in the Age of Covid-19
Authors: Sexton Jason S.
Published: July 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic presented enormous challenges for secular and religious institutions as well as religion scholars engaged in the critical study of religion. The unique opportunities for scholars of religion include questions about the very nature of our academic work. Inclusive of scholarly research and dissemination, along with the administrative work and service that facilitates this, is academic work to draw from the rich wellspring of the traditions we study and represent, or does it neglect them in the daily affairs of our work? With a particular regional focus, and despite traditional academic disciplinary conventions within the critical study of religion, this article argues that religious traditions and the critical appropriations of their wisdom and ongoing actions provide an important reckoning with the reality of the ever-changing and often terrible conditions in the contemporary world. They provide a critical feature of what it means to cultivate an ecology of ethical responsibility and care.
The Problem of Dualistic Worldviews in a Season of Climate Change
Authors: Choi Sungho , Jung Ji Young
Published: July 2021

This article addresses the dualistic worldview surrounding climate change to be found among evangelicals in the United States. Since the majority of the traditionalist American evangelicals identify themselves with the Republican party, their views towards climate change tends to be highly skeptical: they tend to favour policies that protect the free-market economy. The Cornwall Alliance and its evangelical constituency, in particular, has provided a ground for a critical discussion concerning an association of Christian faith with conservative political ideologies from a particular biblical viewpoint. The key framework in the Alliance’s theological claims against environmentalism in general is an assumed dualism. This interpretive lens increases political bias/prejudice thereby impeding constructive discussion and a much needed co-operation between parties in the era of climate change.
Elder Sexual Abuse and Sexual Freedom in Faith-based Residential Care Facilities: Ethical Dilemmas, and Institutional Integrity
Authors: Miller Virginia , Miller Seumas , Stevens Bruce
Published: July 2021

The issues of elder sexual abuse and sexual freedom in residential care facilities are complicated by the existence of many residents with cognitive impairments of a kind that compromise their ability to make decisions based on informed consent. The issues of elder sexual abuse and sexual freedom in faith-based residential care facilities, in particular, are further complicated by restrictive, theologically based, ethical principles pertaining to sexual activity – for instance, prohibitions on extra-marital sex and the use of prostitutes by residents. The tension that arises must necessarily deal with the integrity of faith-based aged-care facilities and current legislation that promotes the rights of age-care residents to sexual freedoms. In the midst of much public concern about the level and quality of institutional age care this particular aspect seldom attracts notice. It nevertheless exposes a quandary to do with how ought public theology and ethics respond.
New Evidence on the Saruhanid Dynasty
Authors: Zachariadou † Elizabeth A. , Dendrinos Charalambos
Published: July 2021

The article offers new evidence on the Saruhanid succession in the fourteenth century in light of a short chronicle contained in a Greek manuscript housed in the Bodleian Library, Oxford, which records a hitherto unknown internal conflict that took place in 1383. This and similar historical evidence reflect the continuity of life of the Greek Orthodox communities under the Turcoman conquerors in a period marked by the increasing decline of Byzantine power and the rise of the Ottomans.
Revisiting the taxonomy of Strobilanthes homotropa (Acanthaceae) and a new species Strobilanthes pradeepiana from the Western Ghats, India
Authors: THOMAS SINJUMOL , BRITTO SUSAI JOHN , MANI BINCE
Published: July 2021

Strobilanthes homotropa is an intricate species reported from Nilgiris, India. This taxon was treated in various ways leading to ambiguity in its taxonomic recognition. The present study revisits the taxonomy of S. homotropa and provides an amended description for the species. While doing so, S. homotropa is segregated from the puzzling species S. sexennis and a new species S. pradeepiana is recognized.
Eriobotrya averyanovii, a new name for E. integrifolia Averyanov (Rosaceae)
Authors: IDREES MUHAMMAD , SHAW JULIAN M.H.
Published: July 2021

The genus Eriobotrya Lindley (1821: 96) (Rosaceae, Jussieu 1789), comprises of ca. 36 taxa in East Asia, Indochina, the Himalayas, Western Malaysia (Vidal 1965, Pham 2000, Kalkman 2004, Yang et al. 2005, Idrees et al. 2018). In the flora of China, 20 species were reported (Gu & Spongberg 2003, Yang & Lin 2007, Li et al. 2012, Ding et al. 2015), with a further three species (endemic) recently described from Yunnan, and Myanmar (Chen et al. 2020, Idrees et al. 2020, Kang et al. 2021). All species are trees or shrubs, and of economic importance for use as ornamentals, edible fruit or timber, as well as medicinal plants (Seth 2003).
An integrative study of some species of Gonaxia Vervoort, 1993 from off New Caledonia, with the establishment of Gonaxiidae as a new family of thecate hydroids (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa)
Authors: GALEA HORIA R. , MAGGIONI DAVIDE
Published: July 2021

Ten species belonging to the genus Gonaxia Vervoort, 1993 occur in recent collections gathered by KANACONO (2016), KANADEEP (2017) and KANADEEP 2 (2019) expeditions of the French Tropical Deep-Sea Benthos Program in deep waters of the New Caledonian region. They were studied using the classical, morphological approach, supplemented by the first genetic characterization of the genus undertaken so far. Two species are previously undescribed, namely G. incisa Galea, sp. nov. and G. solenoscyphoides Galea, sp. nov. Additional notes on the remaining species are provided, notably the discovery of the female gonothecae of G. crassicaulis Vervoort, 1993 and G. perplexa Vervoort, 1993. Lofty colonies, with distinctive cladia-bearing branches spirally-arranged around the stem, assignable to the recently-described G. plumularioides Galea, 2016 actually represent fully-developed colonies of G. errans Vervoort, 1993, as demonstrated using molecular markers, the latter nominal species having priority. Its unusual, club-shaped, longitudinally-ridged gonothecae, fully free from the stem, are described for the first time. Supplementary notes on the hydrotheca of G. crassicaulis Vervoort, 1993 are provided, together with the description of a distinctive gutter of perisarc channeling the coenosarc of the colony along the lumen of both the stem and cladia. A multi-locus phylogenetic hypothesis of the Macrocolonia supports the establishment of the family Gonaxiidae Maggioni, fam. nov., to accommodate the species dealt with herein.
Seven new species of the genus Phaedis Pascoe, 1866 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae: Cnodalonini) from Borneo
Authors: RUZZIER ENRICO , ANDO KIYOSHI
Published: July 2021

Seven new species of the genus Phaedis (Tenebrionidae: Cnodalonini) from Borneo are described, of which three new species belong to the Phaedeucyrtus species-group and four new ones belong to the nominotypical species-group: Phaedis amabilis sp. nov., P. choui sp. nov., P. dilatitarsalis sp. nov., P. fusivittatus sp. nov., P. minusculus sp. nov., P. nagaii sp. nov., and P. tenuifasciatus sp. nov.
Effects of A/B-Site Co-Doping on Microstructure and Dielectric Thermal Stability of AgNbO3 Ceramics
Authors: Ran Hongpei , Du Huiling , Ma Cuiying , Zhao Yingying , Feng Danni , Xu Hang
Published: July 2021

AgNbO3-based lead-free ceramics are a promising candidate material for capacitors, where thermal stability is a key property for applications in severe and complex environments. This study investigated the fabrication of Ag1-3xBixNb1-3/5x(Zn1/2Ti1/2)xO3
(ABNZT-x) (x = 0, 0.005, 0.01, 0.02, or 0.04) via a solid-state reaction under oxygen flow. The microstructure, dielectric properties, and impedance spectra of the AgNbO3 samples co-doped with Bi3+, Zn2+, and Ti4+ were systematically
characterized. All samples exhibited an orthorhombic phase structure, where the average grain size decreased with increasing co-doping level, the grain growth kinetics was studied by phase-field simulation. The phase transition temperatures became lower and the maximum permittivity values
decreased. These findings demonstrated that enhanced dielectric thermal stability had been achieved. The grain conduction effect was observed during the impedance spectroscopy analysis, where the calculated activation energy decreased with increasing co-doping level. This ABNZT-x ceramic
system exhibited stable dielectric properties, and shows promise for use as a functional material in electronic devices.
Structural, Thermal, Morphological and Magnetic Properties of Al3+-Doped Nanostructured Spinel Nickel Ferrites
Authors: Rather Sami-ullah , Ahmad Al-Zahrani Abdulrahim , Saeed Usman , Lemine O. M. , Al-Shahrani Saad S. A. , Mahmood Ali Arshid , Alam M. M.
Published: July 2021

Aluminum–nickel ferrite nanostructure with a nominal composition of NiFe2-xAlxO4 (0 < x < 0.9) was synthesized by heat treatment process by employing polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a capping operator. The effects of
Al3+ substitution on structural, morphological, quantitative, qualitative and magnetic properties were characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray photoelectron microscopy (XPS) and vibrating-sample
magnetometry (VSM). Single-phase inverse spinel structure and decrease in average crystal size as Al concentration increases was acknowledged by XRD and EDX characterization. The decrease in average crystal size as Al3+ ions content increases is associated with structural effects
of overall crystal size of nanostructure. The development of a thermally stable nickel ferrite above 500 °C was detected by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements. The magnetic hysteresis loop measurements at room temperature (RT) with
an ultimate tested magnetic field of 1.8 T shows both saturation and remnant magnetization decreases as content of Al3+ ions substitution increases. The decrease in overall magnetization is due to spin non-collinearity, weakening of magnetocrystalline anisotropy and weak super-exchange
interactions.
Novel Nanoelectromechanical System Pressure Biosensing Method for Early Detection of Cholesterol Accumulation in Blood Vessels
Authors: Abbas Mohamed , Alqahtani Mohammed S. , Murayah Ali , Algahtani Ali , Kessentini Amir , Loukil Hassen , Parayangat Muneer , Ijyas Thafasal , Mohammed Abdul Wase
Published: July 2021

High cholesterol could be dangerous, along with the deposits of other substances, such as fat, on the walls of the arteries. These plaques can reduce blood flow through the arteries, which in turn can cause complications such as chest pain, blood clots, and heart attack. Hence, there
is a need for an efficient way to measure the concentration of cholesterol in blood vessels with great accuracy to predict its risk on health. The present study aims to measure the concentration of cholesterol and track it accurately in the blood vessels using an ultrasound pressure sensor,
which detects the concentration of cholesterol and produces a pressure field around its surface that is directly proportional to the concentration. This field can be tracked by ultrasound. In this study, the experiments conducted involved the insertion of aluminum nanoparticles, which represent
a pressure sensor coated with a massless piezoelectric aluminum nitride nanoplate, into simulated blood vessels containing different concentrations that mimic human blood. The sensitivity of the blood vessels was monitored at different time periods. Moreover, an experimental setup was constructed
to validate the possibility of using existing ultrasound medical imaging technologies in tracking the proposed nano biosensors. The setup involves prototyping a medical phantom with a specific acoustic characteristic for simulating human tissues. Various clinical scenarios have been imitated
and the possibility of tracking these novel micro electromechanical pressure biosensors has been discussed.
Experimental Study on Short Steel Tube Columns Filled with Recycled Large Aggregate-Self Compacting Concrete Subjected to Compression
Authors: Wang Jian-Chao , Guan Zhong-Zheng , Qiu Zi-Ming , Hou Wei
Published: July 2021

The mechanical characteristics of recycled large aggregate concrete show poorer performance than that of Portland-cement concrete due to the internal defects of recycled large aggregate (RLA). To improve the mechanical characteristics of recycled large particle size aggregate concrete,
the recycled large aggregate Self-Compacting Concrete filled steel tube (RLA-SCCFST) is proposed. The external steel tube can not only keep the core recycled large aggregate concrete in the three-dimensional state of stress, but also prevent the crack expansion of the core recycled large aggregate
concrete. RLA-SCCFST subjected to compression is studied experimentally. The compression failure tests use 20 specimens of circular section short column with different steel content rate, particle size of RLA, strength of RLA, strength of SCC, and eccentricity of the load. The influence of
different factors on mechanical characteristics of RLA-SCCFST short cylindrical components subjected to compression is analyzed. The results indicate that the load-bearing performance of RLA-SCCFST short columns increases following with the augmentation of RLA particle size, strength of RLA
particle size, strength of SCC and steel content rate. The load-bearing performance of RLA-SCCFST short columns reduced with the augmentation of the load eccentricity. And the experimental results are in high coincidence with those calculated by different formulas.
Case Studies of School Desegregation and Resegregation: How Can We Pursue External Validity?
Authors: Parcel Toby L.
Published: July 2021

Case studies form a vital part of sociological inquiry. Despite their important strengths, they often fail to pursue issues of external validity or replication, an important direction for social science generally. In this article, I begin with the premise that at least some case studies can and should contribute to a growing body of research within sociology aimed at replication and promoting external validity. I first discuss how qualitative case studies have handled issues of external validity in the past. Then I outline three dimensions of external validity that are particularly relevant for sociological research: the degree to which qualitative case study findings generalize or replicate to: (1) a larger population, (2) across social contexts, and (3) over time. I set my overall arguments within the larger literature of case studies in sociology but focus specifically on case studies dealing with school desegregation and resegregation. I show the current challenges in pursuing external validity using a set of case studies investigating school desegregation and resegregation in the United States. I argue that quantitative methods can assist in providing evidence regarding the generalizability of individual case studies. I conclude by noting the limitations to such an approach, which signal some of the challenges our discipline faces when pursuing the external validity of case studies.
Argument omissions by deaf students in three languages and three modalities
Authors: Stamp Rose , Novogrodsky Rama , Shaban-Rabah Sabrin
Published: July 2021

While it is common for deaf children to be bilingual in a spoken and signed language, studies often attribute any delays in language acquisition to language deprivation, rather than as a result of cross-linguistic interaction. This study compares the production of simple sentences in three languages (Palestinian Arabic, Modern Standard Arabic, and Israeli Sign Language [ISL]) and three language modalities (spoken, written, and signed) by deaf and hearing students in an Arabic-speaking community. Thirty-eight school-age Palestinian Arabic–speaking students participated in a sentence elicitation task in which they retold the events portrayed in video clips. Hearing students ( n = 19) produced the sentences in spoken Palestinian Arabic and in written Modern Standard Arabic. Deaf students ( n = 19) produced the sentences in these two language varieties and additionally in ISL. Omissions of arguments and verbs were compared across the two groups and three languages. Results showed that deaf students omitted more arguments and verbs compared with their hearing peers who scored at close to ceiling. Deaf students produced more omissions for direct objects and more omissions in ISL. The findings can be interpreted in two possible ways: atypical effects resulting from inconsistent language input and cross-linguistic transfer known to arise in multilingual children.
Friends as Informal Educators: The Role of Peer Relationships in Promotion of Sexual Health Services among College Students
Authors: Muraleetharan Veena , Brault Marie A.
Published: July 2021

This ethnographic study of one United States university’s sexual health resources explores the role of peer relationships in sexual health promotion to understand how these relationships shaped students’ interactions with campus sexual health resources. Through analysis of seventeen semi-structured interviews with students, five policy interviews with providers and university personnel, and participant-observation of peer health educator training, the authors examine how trust in peer relationships can serve as a form of social capital to influence sexual health information sharing. The article introduces the term “peer administrator” to describe student actors who sit at the intersection of friend and official resource and explores the importance of these mentoring relationships for sexual health promotion. The analysis also considers how more individualistic models of public health promotion limit the impact of peer relationships and concludes with a discussion of how universities might imagine new forms of sexual health promotion among students.
Short-term rentals and the rentier growth coalition in Pollença (Majorca)
Authors: Müller Nora , Murray Ivan , Blázquez-Salom Macià
Published: July 2021

Since the beginning of the 2008 economic crisis, Majorca has experienced an increase in tourism, which has been made possible partly by the expansion of short-term renting. Research on short-term rentals is a growing field in critical urban and tourism geographies. This paper contributes to these fields by examining the structure of actors involved in the development of short-term rentals and their power relations. Our case study focuses on the municipality of Pollença (Majorca, Spain). Pollença was chosen due to its status as one of the most noteworthy airbnbificated places in Europe and because of the number of holiday rentals in the municipality's rural areas. While a great deal of research has focused on rent gaps and gentrification caused by short-term rentals in cities, the rentier coalition associated with short-term rentals has been comparatively overlooked. We address who the rentiers of short-term rentals are, the power relations that lie behind short-term rentals, and how these rentiers form part of a locally based coalition that has the ability to adapt planning regulations to suit their own interests. We used mixed methods, including quantitative spatial analysis and qualitative analysis in the form of interviews with those who benefit locally from short-term rentals. Our qualitative approach further included in-depth fieldwork and activist research. We conclude that a powerful rentier growth coalition has corrupted democracy because the regulatory framework has been adjusted to satisfy their interests and the conversion of properties into holiday rentals has been done either illegally or on the verge of legality without strong legal consequences.
Use of N-Acetylcysteine for Clozapine-Induced Acute Liver Injury: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Shah Jenny , Muir Justin , Furfaro David , Beitler Jeremy R. , Dzierba Amy L.
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To report a case of clozapine-induced hepatotoxicity managed with intravenous (IV) N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and summarize the available literature. Summary: A 46-year-old woman with history of bipolar disorder with psychotic features presented to the intensive care unit with asterixis and elevations in liver enzymes. The patient had been initiated on risperidone, clozapine, and lithium approximately 1 month prior to admission. After ruling out other possible non-drug etiologies, clozapine was suspected as the likeliest cause of the acute liver injury. Her acute liver injury was managed with the discontinuation of all antipsychotics, administration of IV NAC, and other standard of care supportive measures. Conclusion: Although clozapine has been associated with hepatitis and acute liver failure, there are no reports of NAC used in the management of clozapine-induced hepatotoxicity. NAC was used in our patient after considering the potential benefit and limited adverse effects. The role of NAC in non–acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure remains promising, but more research is warranted.
Thermomechanical properties of silica–epoxy nanocomposite modified by hyperbranched polyester: A molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Zhang Jianwen , Wang Dongwei , Wang Lujia , Zuo Wanwan , Ma Xiaohua , Du Shuai , Zhou Lijun
Published: July 2021

In this article, pure epoxy resin and silica–epoxy nanocomposite models were established to investigate the effects of hyperbranched polyester on microstructure and thermomechanical properties of epoxy resin through molecular dynamics simulation. Results revealed that the composite of silica can improve the thermomechanical properties of nanocomposites, including the glass transition temperature, thermal conductivity, and elastic modulus. Moreover, the thermomechanical properties were further enhanced through chemical modification on the silica surface, where the effectiveness was the best through grafting hyperbranched polyester on the silica surface. Compared with pure epoxy resin, the glass transition temperature of silica–epoxy composite modified by silica grafted with hyperbranched polyester increased by 38 K. The thermal conductivity increased with the increase of temperature and thermal conductivity at room temperature increased to 0.4171 W/(m·K)−1 with an increase ratio of 94.3%. Young’s modulus, volume modulus, and shear modulus all fluctuated as temperature rise with a down overall trend. They increased by 44.68%, 29.52%, and 36.65%, respectively, when compared with pure epoxy resin. At the same time, the thermomechanical properties were closely related to the microstructure such as fractional free volume (FFV), mean square displacement (MSD), and binding energy. Silica surface modification by grafting hyperbranched polyester reduced the FFV value and MSD value most and strengthened the combination of silica and epoxy resin matrix the best, resulting in the best thermomechanical properties.
Dynamic modeling of an upper limb hybrid exoskeleton for simulations of load-lifting assistance
Authors: Gull Muhammad Ahsan , Bak Thomas , Bai Shaoping
Published: July 2021

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among the most commonly reported issue in Europe. Using robotic exoskeletons to support users in performing heavy industrial tasks can effectively mitigate the work-related MSDs. In this paper, a dynamic model of a hybrid exoskeleton is presented to analyze the assistive effect. The exoskeleton in this study is able to passively support the human shoulder joint and actively support the human forearm movements by providing different levels of assistive torque. With the model, two different tasks are simulated, i.e., an overhead lifting task and a static load transferring task. The results show that the assistive torque provided by the passive spring-loaded mechanism reduces the maximum human upper arm effort by 22.65%. Moreover, the exoskeleton elbow joint’s assistive torque reduces the peak torque of human forearm from [Formula: see text] Nm to [Formula: see text] Nm. All these results demonstrate the efficacy of the model developed in the simulation and analysis of human-exoskeleton systems.
Calcaneal Reconstruction With Free Deep Circumflex Iliac Artery Osseocutaneous Flap Following Aggressive Benign Bone Tumor Resection
Authors: Rosli Mohamad Aizat , Wan Ismail Wan Faisham , Wan Sulaiman Wan Azman , Mat Zin Nor Azman , Abdul Halim Syurahbil , Mat Johar Fatimah , Mat Saad Arman Zaharil , Halim Ahmad Sukari
Published: July 2021

Background:

Advances in limb-salvage techniques have made total calcanectomy and primary reconstruction possible in managing calcaneal aggressive benign tumors and selected cases of intraosseous malignant tumors. However, there is still no consensus on the operative approach, oncologic margin, and the best reconstruction method to date. These 2 cases describe our experience in calcaneal reconstruction with the free deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) osseocutaneous flap in benign aggressive calcaneal tumors.

Methods:

We reported 2 consecutive male and female patients, with an average age of 25 years (age 19 and 31, respectively), who underwent total calcanectomy and primary calcaneal reconstruction with the free DCIA osseocutaneous flaps for calcaneal chondroblastoma and giant cell tumor. A marginal resection of the entire calcaneus through the subtalar and calcaneocuboid joints (intra-articular approach) was performed in the first case and a wide local resection leaving 1 cm normal calcaneal bone margin anterosuperiorly (intraosseous approach) was performed in the second case.

Results:

The follow-up period averaged 48 months. Negative oncologic margins were achieved in both cases. The first case was complicated with venous thrombosis; however, the graft remained viable after emergency reexploration. Normal foot function was restored with good solid osseous union and bony hypertrophy observed. Both patients achieved good short-term functional and aesthetic outcomes with no donor site pain or disability. No local recurrence was reported either.

Conclusion:

Primary calcaneal reconstruction with the free DCIA osseocutaneous flap can lead to good short-term functional and aesthetic outcomes.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
Digital or In-Person: The Relationship Between Mode of Interpersonal Communication During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Mental Health in Older Adults From 27 Countries
Authors: Skałacka Katarzyna , Pajestka Grzegorz
Published: July 2021

Social distancing has limited the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), but also changed communication patterns. However, studies of how mental health in older adults relates to the usage of different modes of interpersonal communication are sparse. The aim of this study was to analyze how COVID-19-related changes in the frequencies of using different modes of communication (digital or in-person) have influenced mental health in older adults from 27 countries. Our study was based on part of Wave 8 of the SHARE data set, which focused on the living situation of older adults during the pandemic. Findings suggest that in-person communication benefited mental health in people aged ≥60 years more than digital communication. The older the person, the less beneficial digital communication was for their mental health, especially during interactions with their children. Our findings are useful for researchers and practitioners interested in technologically meditated interventions.