bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment Patterns for Sickle Cell Disease among Those with Cerebrovascular Disease in the USA
Authors: Gelber Emily , Dhamoon Mandip
Published: March 2023

Background: New treatments and guidelines in sickle cell disease (SCD) have improved the quality and lifespan of SCD patients. Over 90% of people with SCD will live into adulthood, and the majority will live past 50 years of age. However, data on comorbidities and treatments among SCD patients with and without cerebrovascular disease (CVD) are limited. Objectives: The objective of this study was to describe the outcomes and preventive treatments used on SCD patients with and without CVD, based on a dataset of over 11,000 SCD patients. Methods: We identified SCD patients with and without CVD from the MarketScan administrative database using validated International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification codes from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2017. We summarized treatments received (iron chelation, blood transfusion, transcranial Doppler, and hydroxyurea) and tested for differences by CVD status using the t test for continuous variables and the χ2 for categorical variables. We also tested for differences among SCD, stratifying by age (<18 years vs. ≥18 years). Results: Of the 11,441 SCD patients, 833 (7.3%) had CVD. SCD patients with CVD were more likely to have diabetes mellitus (32.4% among those with CVD vs. 13.8% without CVD), congestive heart failure (18.3 vs. 3.4%), hypertension (58.6 vs. 24.7%), chronic kidney disease (17.9 vs. 4.9%), and coronary artery disease (21.3 vs. 4.0%). SCD patients with CVD were more likely to receive a blood transfusion (15.3 vs. 7.2%) and hydroxyurea (10.5 vs. 5.6%). Fewer than 20 patients with SCD were given iron chelation therapy, and none received transcranial Doppler ultrasound. Hydroxyurea was prescribed among a greater percentage of children (32.9%) than adults (15.9%). Conclusions: There appears to be an underutilization overall of treatment options among SCD patients with CVD. Further research would confirm these trends and explore ways to increase utilization of standard treatments among SCD patients.
Interleukin-33 Ameliorates Murine Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Is Associated with Induction of M2 Macrophage Polarisation and Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Mok Mo Yin , Law Ka Sin , Kong Wing Yin , Luo Cai Yun , Asfaw Endale T. , Chan Kwok Wah , Huang Fang Ping , Lau Chak Sing , Chan Godfrey Chi Fung
Published: March 2023

The innate cytokine IL-33 is increasingly recognised to possess biological effects on various immune cells. We have previously demonstrated elevated serum level of soluble ST2 in patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus suggesting involvement of IL-33 and its receptor in the lupus pathogenesis. This study sought to examine the effect of exogenous IL-33 on disease activity of pre-disease lupus-prone mice and the underlying cellular mechanisms. Recombinant IL-33 was administered to MRL/lpr mice for 6 weeks, whereas control group received phosphate-buffered saline. IL-33-treated mice displayed less proteinuria, renal histological inflammatory changes, and had lower serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-6 and TNF-α. Renal tissue and splenic CD11b+ extracts showed features of M2 polarisation with elevated mRNA expression of Arg1, FIZZI, and reduced iNOS. These mice also had increased IL-13, ST2, Gata3, and Foxp3 mRNA expression in renal and splenic tissues. Kidneys of these mice displayed less CD11b+ infiltration, had downregulated MCP-1, and increased infiltration of Foxp3-expressing cells. Splenic CD4+ T cells showed increased ST2-expressing CD4+Foxp3+ population and reduced IFN-γ+ population. There were no differences in serum anti-dsDNA antibodies and renal C3 and IgG2a deposit in these mice. Exogenous IL-33 was found to ameliorate disease activity in lupus-prone mice with induction of M2 polarisation, Th2 response, and expansion of regulatory T cells. IL-33 likely orchestrated autoregulation of these cells through upregulation of ST2 expression.
Ganhando uma eleição com performance: transpondo limiares em Gana
Authors: Stoeltje Beverly J.
Published: March 2023

Os políticos em Gana regozijam-se chamando uns aos outros de “canalhas perversos” (wicked rascals) e frequentemente se envolvem em ataques e contra-ataques, a chamada “política do pingue-pongue”. Valendo-se do poder da performance, em 2008, um político com boa educação formal recorreu a uma estratégia inovadora na campanha eleitoral: conjurou uma maldição, insinuando que o partido rival havia feito acusações falsas contra o seu partido. Fazendo uso da mídia moderna, ele persuadiu os eleitores e seu partido saiu vitorioso. Este artigo explora o elevado valor atribuído à performance na cultura asante e o papel da maldição na sociedade. Argumenta-se que a performance serve como força dinâmica para a interação social e política, possibilitando transpor limiares na prática e revelar contradições por meio da performance de rituais.
A identidade denegada. Discutindo as representações e a autorrepresentação dos caboclos da Amazônia
Authors: Castro Fábio Fonseca de
Published: March 2023

O artigo discute como os caboclos amazônicos são representados pela etnografia, história, literatura e pelo senso comum da região, assinalando como, nesses diversos corpora discursivos, está presente certa ambivalência, estruturadora do padrão narrativo que a sociedade amazônica usa quando se refere a eles. Categoria social de representação ou tipo ideal constituído na história amazônica, os cablocos seriam uma anti-identidade, ou melhor, uma identidade paradoxal, denegativa. Uma questão que só tem sentido na violência simbólica que os institui como sujeito social.
No lugar de Exu: os guias de turismo no Candomblé de Salvador, Bahia
Authors: Duccini Luciana
Published: March 2023

Este artigo procura explorar a dinâmica de construção de legitimidade entre terreiros de Candomblé a partir de suas relações com o turismo. Assim, apresenta uma proposta de interpretação da posição ocupada por guias de turismo que levam visitantes aos terreiros de Salvador, na Bahia. Os guias situam-se entre concepções de atores diversos do que vem a ser uma religião e suas relações com o dinheiro e o mercado, inserindo-se como mediadores controversos, o que me levou a comparar sua posição com a de Exu, uma divindade essencial nesta religião. Sugiro que os guias ocupam uma posição de mediação entre o “sagrado” e o “dinheiro”, representando o perigo de contaminação de uma religião “tradicional” por sua mera presença. Pode-se notar ainda que os guias se tornaram parte da dinâmica mais antiga de legitimação – deslegitimação entre os próprios terreiros, por meio da consolidação de categorias de acusação.
La sexualidad masculina como problema político
Authors: Benítez Octavio Salazar
Published: March 2023

La sexualidad continúa expresando con mayor radicalidad las asimetrías de género. Las relaciones sexuales, como se reflejan en la pornografía, se apoyan en la erotización del poder masculino y la sumisión femenina. Ante el aumento de las violencias sexuales urge superar la masculinidad hegemónica y plantear una política de la sexualidad basada en empatía, reconocimiento y reciprocidad. Además, es necesario trabajar especialmente con los hombres más jóvenes para superar un mandato de masculinidad que legitima la violencia.
Mulheres podem ser representantes políticas no Brasil? Gênero, raça e classe na participação e representação política
Authors: Veleci Nailah Neves
Published: March 2023

Neste artigo apresentamos brevemente o histórico do direito ao voto feminino pela perspectiva da interseccionalidade, com o objetivo de pontuar como esse direito chegou de formas diferentes para as mulheres a partir de questões de raça, etnia e classe. Abordaremos também os capitais políticos e o comportamento eleitoral para discutir os obstáculos históricos, sociais e institucionais para a participação e representação política feminina no Brasil.
Spiny Tails and Clades: A Fully Sampled Phylogeny of Hoplocercine Lizards (Iguanidae/ Hoplocercinae) and its Taxonomic and Nomenclatural Implications
Authors: Torres-Carvajal Omar , Werneck Fernanda , Fernandes Igor Yuri , De Queiroz Kevin
Published: March 2023

Hoplocercine lizards (Enyalioides, Morunasaurus, and Hoplocercus) form a clade of ca. 20 currently recognized species. The phylogenetic relationships among hoplocercine lizards, whose members exhibit striking differences in morphology (e.g., spiny vs. non-spiny tails), have not been clearly resolved by previous molecular phylogenetic studies. We generated a considerably larger dataset including 130 new DNA sequences from one mitochondrial and four nuclear loci for all named and two unnamed species of Hoplocercinae. We analyzed the data under concatenated maximum likelihood (RAxML) and Bayesian (MrBayes) as well as summary coalescent (ASTRAL) approaches. While our phylogenetic hypotheses strongly supported the monophyly of Hoplocercinae, neither Enyalioides nor Morunasaurus was supported as monophyletic. Instead, M. groi was inferred with strong support to form a clade with E. heterolepis and E. laticeps. This clade was in turn the sister taxon to other species of Morunasaurus (M. annularis, M. peruvianus). The remaining species of Enyalioides formed a separate clade with a basal split between western (3 species) and eastern (13 species) subclades. Tree topology tests rejected the monophyly of Enyalioides but failed to reject monophyly of Morunasaurus, suggesting that further study is needed to resolve its taxonomic status. Based on our results, we establish the converted clade names Hoplocercinae, Hoplocercus, Enyalioides, and Morunasaurus, as well as the new clade name Zimiamviasaurus.
A new species of Hedysarum (Fabaceae) from Turkey
Authors: KANDEMİR KANDEMİR , SEVİNDİK EMRE , YILDIZ FARUK , TÜRKOĞLU HALİL İBRAHİM , YILDIZ BAYRAM
Published: March 2023

Hedysarum yilmazunalii Kandemir, F. Yıldız & H.İ. Turkoğlu is described as a new species from Turkey (Eastern Anatolia). The distribution range of the species is restricted to Kemah and Kemaliye districts in Erzincan province on serpentine soils. Hedysarum yilmazunalii is close to Hedysarum candidissimum Freyn in terms of morphological and molecular data. It is also morphologically close to Hedysarum malatyanum Govaerts. In this study, the morphological comparison of the new species with related species is presented. Molecular studies are also done using nrDNA ITS and cpDNA trnL-F regions. ITS data gives better results in phylogenetic analysis. In addition to the morphological data, the results of DNA analysis of the new species are also discussed.
Using Machine Learning to Understand Relocation Drivers of Urban Coastal Populations in Response to Flooding
Authors: Ramos-Valle Alexandra N. , Alland Joshua , Bukvic Anamaria
Published: March 2023

Many urban coastal communities are experiencing more profound flood impacts due to accelerated sea level rise that sometimes exceed their capacity to protect the built environment. In such cases, relocation may serve as a more effective hazard mitigation and adaptation strategy. However, it is unclear how urban residents living in flood-prone locations perceive the possibility of relocation and under what circumstances they would consider moving. Understanding the factors affecting an individual’s willingness to relocate because of coastal flooding is vital for developing accessible and equitable relocation policies. The main objective of this study is to identify the key considerations that would prompt urban coastal residents to consider permanent relocation because of coastal flooding. We leverage survey data collected from urban areas along the East Coast, assessing attitudes toward relocation, and design an artificial neural network (ANN) and a random forest (RF) model to find patterns in the survey data and indicate which considerations impact the decision to consider relocation. We trained the models to predict whether respondents would relocate because of socioeconomic factors, past exposure and experiences with flooding, and their flood-related concerns. Analyses performed on the models highlight the importance of flood-related concerns that accurately predict relocation behavior. Some common factors among the model analyses are concerns with increasing crime, the possibility of experiencing one more flood per year in the future, and more frequent business closures resulting from flooding.
Weakening of the Silk Road Pattern in August after the Mid-1990s
Authors: Wang Xi , Lu Riyu , Hong Xiaowei
Published: March 2023

This study identified that the Silk Road pattern (SRP), which is a teleconnection pattern along the Asian upper-tropospheric westerly jet, becomes significantly weakened in August after the mid-1990s. The SRP in August dominates the upper-tropospheric meridional wind variability over the Eurasian continent before the mid-1990s but does not afterward. Further results suggested that the summer North Atlantic Oscillation (SNAO) and the South Asian rainfall play a role in inducing this decadal weakening of SRP. Before the mid-1990s, the SNAO is stronger and its southern pole is located over northwestern Europe but is weakened and its southern pole shifts southwestward afterward, resulting in the decadal weakening of its contribution to the SRP. In addition, the relationship between the SRP and South Asian rainfall is substantially weakened after the mid-1990s, which also contributes to the weakening of SRP.
Processes of Colliding Cold Pools Derived from a 356-m-High Shenzhen Met-Tower during an Extremely Heavy Rainfall Event
Authors: Mai Chuying , Du Yu , Li Minghua
Published: March 2023

Convectively generated cold pools play a crucial role in the convection initiation and development, but observations of their vertical structure are insufficient. In this study, quantitative vertical evolutions of cold pools during a high-impact heavy rainfall event near the south coast of China were examined using observations from a 356-m-high Shenzhen Met-Tower, and their potential impacts on heavy rainfall were further discussed through high-resolution surface station network and radar observations. On 11 April 2019, heavy precipitation occurred near metropolitan Shenzhen, lasting for 50 min at its southern downtown and resulting in 11 deaths. During this event, a shallow cold pool was first observed by the tower and yielded a long-lasting cooling of 2.6 K. Approximately 1 h later, another deeper cold pool accompanied by a squall line was added from the west. This addition resulted in a more abrupt and intense surface temperature deficit (5.1 K) and stronger gusty winds (23 m s−1). When the two cold pools collided near Shenzhen, the low-level winds converged at their intersection, dynamically enhancing the heavy-rain-producing squall line. Moreover, the collision of the two cold pools reduced the temperature gradient at the northern edge of the merged cold pool, which could inhibit development of the squall line. The area south of the squall line became a relatively favorable environment for convection initiation, given the warm and moist oceanic environment. Consequently, the squall line turned northeast–southwest, forming a training line mode that was nearly parallel to the eastward movement. This training line mode prolonged the precipitation duration in the southern downtown area.
Public Attention during Hurricanes Florence and Michael
Authors: Silver Amber , Jackson Sam
Published: March 2023

In 2018, Hurricanes Florence and Michael affected the southeastern portion of the United States, with widespread impacts in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia. The two storms were markedly different in terms of their meteorological history: Hurricane Florence made landfall as a category-1 storm approximately 2 weeks after formation, whereas Hurricane Michael made landfall as an “unprecedented” category-5 storm just 3 days after formation. The stark meteorological differences provided the opportunity to explore whether and to what extent public attention is influenced by storm severity. This study utilized both direct (i.e., tweet volume and search volume) and indirect (i.e., number of newspaper articles) measures to explore public attention at different scales. Data showed that Hurricane Florence received more attention than Hurricane Michael, both regionally and nationally, across all three measures. The findings also underscore the importance of time for the process of attention building, especially at the national level. Taken together, the results suggest that storm severity, forecast lead time, previous meteorological history, and population density intersect with one another to influence public attention in complex ways. The paper concludes with some opportunities for research that may provide additional insights into the linkages between attention, perception, and decision-making.

Significance Statement

The purpose of this study was to better understand the factors that influence public attention to extreme weather. This is important because attention is often noted for its mediating effect on decision-making. We found that public attention was greater during Hurricane Florence, despite the fact that Hurricane Michael was an “unprecedented” category-5 storm. Taken together, this suggests that storm severity, forecast lead time, previous meteorological history, and population density intersect with one another to influence public attention in complex ways.
Development and characterization of sandwich panels for thermal insulation in a cold storage chamber
Authors: Sartori Ana P , Ornaghi Junior Heitor L , Guerra Nayrim B , Wander Paulo R , Giovanela Marcelo , Reis Nunes Regina C , da Silva Crespo Janaina
Published: March 2023

Sandwich composites are materials that have superior properties including low weight, high impact energy absorption and high thermal insulation features, compared to conventional materials. In this study, four different sandwich samples were explored for use in cold storage chambers. The composites were created using an injection molding process with polyurethane foam as the core and different materials (glass fiber reinforced polyester, galvanized steel, aluminum sheets and crimped aluminum) as face materials. Morphological, physical and mechanical properties were evaluated. An inexpensive and nondestructive method was used to determine the thermal behavior of the sandwich panels, and the surface temperature evolution was thermally monitored during the tests. In general, results showed that polyurethane had a homogeneous distribution of size and shape with closed cells, which can improve the retention of the insulating gas. Additionally, the compressive strength of polyurethane within the composites exhibited typical values to be used in specific applications. Thus, the sandwich with galvanized steel exhibited lower flexural strength, which provides more freedom in panel design. The overall heat transfer coefficient of the panels in the form of cubes presented values below the maximum limit requested by ABNT NBR-15457. Finally, the composite galvanized steel/polyurethane/galvanized steel achieved the best performance for use as a thermal insulation material in a cold storage chamber.
Synthesis of crystalline nanocellulose and its effect on the mechanical properties of E-glass fiber/epoxy composite for prosthetic shank applications
Authors: Tesfaye Betselot , Wogaso Desalegn , Mulugeta Eyobel
Published: March 2023

Prosthetic shank is one of the prominent parts of prosthetic leg that transfers load from prosthetic socket to the foot section. Nowadays, it is common to use composite materials for prosthetics and orthotics applications. This research aims at synthesis and characterization of properties of crystalline nanocellulose (CNC) powder and investigating its effect on the mechanical and physical properties of E-glass fiber - epoxy composite for prosthetic shank applications. Different properties including tensile, impact, flexural, water absorption, thermographic, density and surface morphology of a hybrid composite are investigated. The research further targets to test the suitability of developed composite material for prosthetic shank applications. Extraction of CNC powder is performed using chemical extraction technique which involves alkali treatment, delignification, bleaching and acid hydrolysis. Crystallinity of CNC particles is determined at 2θ values of 19.89°, 44.04°, 64.34° and 77.51°. Crystallite size of these powders is found to be 13 nm from XRD analysis. Thermal properties of CNCs are examined using thermographic analysis and the result reveals a three-stage decomposition of CNC powders in temperature ranges. The results also reveal that addition of CNC powder enhances the overall performance of the composite, and composite specimen with 8wt% CNC powder shows superior mechanical and physical properties. Further, selected composite is modeled for the prosthetic shank application using commercial finite element software, ANSYS 2022, and maximum equivalent von Mise’s stress of 0.82598 MPa and deformation of 0.054065 mm are obtained Based on the overall findings and analysis, it is highly recommended to develop and use hybrid E-glass fiber – CNC - epoxy composite as a substitute material for prosthetic shank applications.
Promotional Effect and Molecular Mechanism of Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanocrystal on Zirconia Abutment Surface for Soft Tissue Sealing
Authors: Hu J. , Atsuta I. , Luo Y. , Wang X. , Jiang Q.
Published: March 2023

Studies have confirmed that tooth loss is closely related to systemic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, some types of tumors, and Alzheimer’s disease. Among many methods for tooth restoration, implant restoration is the most commonly used method. After implantation, long-term stability of implants requires not only good bone bonding but also good soft tissue sealing between implants and surrounding soft tissues. The zirconia abutment is used in clinical implant restoration treatment, but due to the strong biological inertia of zirconia, it is difficult to form stable chemical or biological bonds with surrounding tissues. In this study, we investigated synthesized zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocrystal on the zirconia abutment surface by the hydrothermal method to make it more beneficial for soft tissue early sealing and the molecular mechanism. In vitro experiments found that different hydrothermal treatment temperatures affect the formation of ZnO crystals. The crystal diameter of ZnO changes from micron to nanometer at different temperatures, and the crystal morphology also changes. In vitro, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry, and real-time polymerase chain reaction results show that ZnO nanocrystal can promote the attachment and proliferation of oral epithelial cells on the surface of zirconia by promoting the binding of laminin 332 and integrin β4, regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway. In vivo, ZnO nanocrystal ultimately promotes the formation of soft tissue seals. Collectively, ZnO nanocrystal can be synthesized on a zirconia surface by hydrothermal treatment. It can help to form a seal between the implant abutment and surrounding soft tissue. This method is beneficial to the long-term stability of the implant and also can be applied to other medical fields.
NLRP3 Disturbs Treg/Th17 Cell Balance to Aggravate Apical Periodontitis
Authors: Leng S. , Xu W. , Wu L. , Liu L. , Du J. , Yang F. , Huang D. , Zhang L.
Published: March 2023

Apical periodontitis is an inflammatory condition that is considered an immunological reaction of the periapical tissue to invading bacteria and their pathogenic components. Recent research has revealed that NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) is crucial to the pathogenesis of apical periodontitis and serves as a link between innate and adaptive immunity. The balance between regulatory T-cell (Treg) and T helper cell 17 (Th17 cell) determines the direction of the inflammatory response. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether NLRP3 exacerbated periapical inflammation by disturbing Treg/Th17 balance and the underlying regulatory mechanisms. In the present study, NLRP3 was raised in apical periodontitis tissues as opposed to healthy pulp tissues. Low NLRP3 expression in dendritic cells (DCs) increased transforming growth factor β secretion while decreasing interleukin (IL)–1β and IL-6 production. The Treg ratio and IL-10 secretion rose when CD4+ T cells were cocultured with DCs primed with IL-1β neutralizing antibody (anti–IL-1β) and specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting NLRP3 (siRNA NLRP3), but the proportion of Th17 cells and IL-17 release dropped. Furthermore, siRNA NLRP3-mediated suppression of NLRP3 expression aided Treg differentiation and elevated Foxp3 expression as well as IL-10 production in CD4+ T cells. Inhibition of NLRP3 activity by MCC950 boosted the percentage of Tregs while decreasing the ratio of Th17 cells, leading to reduced periapical inflammation and bone resorption. Nigericin administration, however, exacerbated periapical inflammation and bone destruction with an unbalanced Treg/Th17 response. These findings demonstrate that NLRP3 is a pivotal regulator by regulating the release of inflammatory cytokines from DCs or directly suppressing Foxp3 expression to disturb Treg/Th17 balance, thus exacerbating apical periodontitis.
Differential Cue Weighting in Mandarin Sibilant Production
Authors: Hauser Ivy
Published: March 2023

Individual talkers vary in their relative use of different cues to signal phonological contrast. Previous work provides limited and conflicting data on whether such variation is modulated by cue trading or individual differences in speech style. This paper examines differential cue weighting patterns in Mandarin sibilants as a test case for these hypotheses. Standardized Mandarin exhibits a three-way place contrast between retroflex, alveopalatal, and alveolar sibilants with individual differences in relative weighting of spectral center of gravity (COG) and the second formant of the following vowel (F2). In results from a speech production task, cue weights of COG and F2 are inversely correlated across speakers, demonstrating a trade-off relationship in cue use. These findings are consistent with a cue trading account of individual differences in contrast signaling.
Carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope ratios reveal geographic affinity and dietary status of Ajnala skeletal remains: A forensic anthropological study
Authors: Singh Sehrawat Jagmahender , Rai Niraj
Published: March 2023

Stable isotope analysis from bones and teeth has been widely used to estimate the likely geographic locations and dietary status of individuals whose osseous remains have been retrieved from some forensic or bio-archaeological contexts. The carbon and nitrogen stable isotope signatures can provide insights into geographic affinity and dietary habits. Ajnala skeletal remains represent a serious crime against humanity committed in past by colonial rulers and by amateur archaeologists of modern times. In present study, isotopic concentrations of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) estimated from 21 mandibular molars have been used to estimate the local or non-local status of badly damaged skeletal remains retrieved from an abandoned well at Ajnala (India). The collagen samples having C/N ratio within range of 2.8–3.6 were considered as well-preserved and non-contaminated ones. The isotope concentrations of carbon and nitrogen varied from −18.7‰ to −22.9‰ and +7.6‰ to +11.7‰, with an average of −20.49 ± 1.2‰ and +9.31 ± 1.1‰, respectively. The analysis of the obtained isotope values reflected the consumption of C3/C4 mixed diet by majority of the individuals, and such type of dietary habits are mainly restricted to the reported Indo-Gangatic plain of India to which slain soldiers reportedly belonged to. These observations corroborated the previous observations about the geographic affinity and dietary status of Ajnala individuals. Though C and N isotopes are by and large not the confirmed/direct indicators of geographic origin, they can provide corroboratory information to support other observations narrowing down the dietary habits of individuals of certain specific geographical regions.
Metacognition in Language Teaching and Research: A Conversation With Professor Lawrence Jun Zhang
Authors: Xu Zhiqing
Published: March 2023

Professor Lawrence Jun Zhang is a leading scholar in the field of language education, especially in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL), who has published extensively on metacognition in leading international journals such as Applied Linguistics, TESOL Quarterly, Metacognition and Learning, British Journal of Educational Psychology, Journal of Second Language Writing, Language Awareness, System, Journal of Psycholinguistic Research, Frontiers in Psychology, Sustainability, Reading and Writing and Current Psychology, among others. He was the sole recipient of the TESOL Award for Distinguished Research 2010–2011 from the TESOL International Association. In 2016, he was awarded ‘50@50’ by the TESOL International Association (USA), which acknowledged ‘50 Outstanding Leaders’ around the globe in the profession of TESOL when the Association celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Nature dye/nanosphere dispersion with high light stability and colorability for cellulose fabric
Authors: Zhang Changcheng , Ma Xiaoqiang , Pan Ting , Zhang Yan , Jiang Huiyu , Yao Jinbo
Published: March 2023

Monodisperse poly (methyl acrylate-meth-acyloxy-ethyl trimethylammonium chloride) cationic nanospheres were synthesized by soap-free emulsion polymerization, and were subsequently combined with gardenia to prepare dye/nanospheres. The influence of the concentration of gardenia yellow, rate of vortexing, temperature and pH of mixing on the adsorption capacity and stability of microspheres were thoroughly investigated, and the prepared gardenia/poly (methyl acrylate-meth-acyloxy-ethyl trimethylammonium chloride) nanospheres acted as liquid pigments to dye the fabric substrates by the impregnation method. In particular, the photostability of gardenia/poly (methyl acrylate-meth-acyloxy-ethyl trimethylammonium chloride) and the reflection of its dyed fabrics are distinctly described, the comparison of the dyeing property effect between gardenia/poly (methyl acrylate-meth-acyloxy-ethyl trimethylammonium chloride) and gardenia yellow dyed by mordant dyeing were analyzed. According to the experimental findings, the dyestuff nanospheres have high stability when the pH is 7–8, the mass ratio of gardenia yellow to poly (methyl acrylate-meth-acyloxy-ethyl trimethylammonium chloride) nanospheres was 12.8:1, the temperature was 60°C for 30 min, and the mixing speed was 500 rpm. Dyeing cotton fabrics with gardenia/poly (methyl acrylate-meth-acyloxy-ethyl trimethylammonium chloride) produced higher color strength and color fastness than the gardenia yellow with mordant dyeing.
Factors affecting knitted fabric slipperiness and smoothness
Authors: Suganuma Keiko
Published: March 2023

In this study, the factors affecting the slipperiness and smoothness of knitted fabrics were statistically analyzed to facilitate the effective design and development of knitted fabrics. Both slipperiness and smoothness are important properties of a fabric, with impacts on clothing comfort, sports records and the medical or safety performance of textile products. In this study, the average value of frictional coefficient (MIU) of a knitted fabric, which is correlated with the slipperiness of the fabric, and the fluctuations of the average frictional coefficient (MMD), which is correlated with the smoothness of the fabric, were measured by using a friction tester (KES-SE). The friction coefficient of the knitted fabric was found to depend on three factors: linearity of the loop arrangement, fuzziness and real contact area of the fabric. The contribution ratio of each factor to fabric slipperiness was calculated. In addition, the friction coefficient of the fabric was highly correlated with its course or wale densities. On the other hand, the smoothness of the fabric was affected by the linearity of fabric loop arrangement, but not by fabric fuzziness or the real contact area.
Geochemical characterisation of the Turonian-Maastrichtian bituminous sands in Dahomey Basin, Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Bolaji Taiwo A , Victor-Oji Cynthia O , Adedeji Okikiayo A
Published: March 2023

The Turonian-Maastrichtian bituminous sands resource in the Dahomey (Benin) Basin, Southwestern Nigeria, is a potentially economically viable hydrocarbon reserve, which has recently attracted renewed attention. An integrated study involving the use of elemental composition, and geochemical analyses (gas chromatography flame ionisation detector (GC-FID), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS)) were carried out to provide an improved understanding of this resource using geochemical signatures and evaluate the n-alkane distribution of bituminous sands to determine its aliphatic hydrocarbon distribution and the prevailing depositional conditions. Elemental composition shows the dominance of carbon ( Av. 79.8%). The atomic ratios of H/C and O/C, respectively, range from 0.05 to 0.11, and 0.04 to 0.08. SiO2 is the dominant oxide, with concentrations ranging between 73.15 and 80.50 wt. %, while Zn is the dominant trace element. Twenty-three aliphatic hydrocarbons: C10, C13, C15, C17–C37, were identified on GC-FID, with distribution showing predominance of long-chain n-aliphatics, with a Carbon Preference Index (CPI) value range of 1.01 to 1.02. A bimodal n-alkane fingerprint envelope is visible on GC, with maxima between nC16– nC18 and nC27, indicating varied contributions from both terrigenous and non-terrigenous (possibly marine algae) organic matter. Despite the biodegradation of n-alkanes, GC-MS chromatograms (m/z 256) show evidence of bicyclic sesquiterpenes (BSs) in the bituminous sands investigated. Infrared (IR) spectra show the dominance of the hydroxyl functional group, while 2922.2cm-1 and 2855.1cm−1 are common in all the samples, revealing the presence of residual organics. This study revealed that the bituminous sands are highly waxy in nature and derived from higher plants of both marine and terrestrial source input with more influence from land-dwelling biogenic sources under oxic conditions.
Filtering objectionable information access based on click-through behaviours with deep learning methods
Authors: Lee Lung-Hao , Li Jian-Hong , Ku Szu-Wei , Tseng Yuen-Hsien
Published: March 2023

This study explores URL click-through behaviour to predict the category of users’ online information accesses and applies the results to progressively filter objectionable accesses during web surfing. Each clicked URL is represented by the embedding technique and fed into the Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory neural network cascaded with a Conditional Random Field (BiLSTM-CRF) model to predict the category of a user’s access. Large-scale experiments on click-through data from nearly one million real users show that our proposed BiLSTM-CRF model achieves promising results. The proposed method outperforms related approaches by a high accuracy of 0.9492 (near 27% relative improvement) for context-aware category prediction and an F1-score of 0.8995 (about 29% relative improvement) for objectionable access identification. In addition, in real-time filtering simulations, our model gradually achieves a macro-averaging blocking rate of 0.9221, while maintaining a favourably low false-positive rate of 0.0041.
Acculturation Among Finnish Somalis: An Imitation Game Inquiry Into Bicultural Fluency
Authors: Segersven Otto Erik Alexander , Arminen Ilkka Ari Tapani , Simonen Mika
Published: March 2023

According to acculturation theories, members of immigrant second-generation minorities hold a broader cultural competence — a bicultural fluency — for living in two cultures, compared to members of the native majority who are mainly limited to the mainstream experience only. In this paper, we employ a new research method to acculturation research — the Imitation Game — to investigate this claim. Our case concerns second-generation Finnish Somalis and majority Finns. With a mixed-methods approach, we examine degrees of cultural competence among members of each group in their mutual interactions. Contrary to acculturation theories, the second-generation Finnish Somali cohort does not display greater bicultural fluency than the Finnish native majority. We show evidence of how cultural fragmentation among the Finnish Somalis and the prevailing social distance between them and majority Finns limit their chances of developing bicultural fluency. The result demonstrates partial sociocultural marginalization among the Finnish Somali second generation, and may indicate a higher risk of marginalization among second-generation immigrants than acculturation theories have suggested. This study presents the Imitation Game as a new way of outlining the sociocultural foundations of ethnic relations in the context of migration and integration, and pinpointing potential domains of social exclusion between or cultural division within groups.
Poor Translatability of Biomedical Research Using Animals — A Narrative Review
Authors: Marshall Lindsay J. , Bailey Jarrod , Cassotta Manuela , Herrmann Kathrin , Pistollato Francesca
Published: March 2023

The failure rate for the translation of drugs from animal testing to human treatments remains at over 92%, where it has been for the past few decades. The majority of these failures are due to unexpected toxicity — that is, safety issues revealed in human trials that were not apparent in animal tests — or lack of efficacy. However, the use of more innovative tools, such as organs-on-chips, in the preclinical pipeline for drug testing, has revealed that these tools are more able to predict unexpected safety events prior to clinical trials and so can be used for this, as well as for efficacy testing. Here, we review several disease areas, and consider how the use of animal models has failed to offer effective new treatments. We also make some suggestions as to how the more human-relevant new approach methodologies might be applied to address this.
False-negative cerebral spinal fluid cryptococcal antigen lateral flow assay due to postzone phenomenon in a patient with disseminated cryptococcal disease: a case report
Authors: Xu Lu , Mo Yi-Jun , Weng Xing-Bei
Published: March 2023

This report presents the case of false-negative cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) lateral flow assay (LFA) in a HIV-positive 25-year-old male. The patient presented with headache, nausea and vomiting for 5 days and syncope for 1 day. An initial CSF CrAg LFA test was negative, but a 1:4 dilution of the CSF was weakly positive and a 1:8 dilution was positive. A serum cryptococcal antigen test was weakly positive. Cultures of blood and CSF were all positive for Cryptococcus neoformans. The explanation for the false-negative CSF CrAg LFA test is that the antigen concentration was too high causing the postzone phenomenon.
Mid and late Holocene climate changes recorded by biomarkers in the sediments of Lake Gouchi and their relationship with the cultural evolution of northern Shaanxi
Authors: Yang Rui , Zhou Aifeng , Zhang Huan , Chen Lin , Cao Kaiyu , Huang Youliang , Lu Yongxiu , Dong Weimiao
Published: March 2023

The climatic and environmental characteristics of the Holocene are much debated, especially the occurrence of a climatic optimum in the mid-Holocene and the interactions between human civilization and the environment. Knowledge of the Holocene climatic evolution of the Mu Us Sandy Land in North China is important for understanding the cultural development of northern Shaanxi. However, few continuous and high-resolution lake sedimentary records are available from the region. We selected Lake Gouchi, a climatically sensitive site in the Mu Us Sandy Land, for a study of sedimentary organic indicators such as n-alkanes, with the objective of reconstructing the regional climatic history since the mid-Holocene. Our results indicate that during 8130–4500 BP, the regional climate was relatively warm and humid, the terrestrial vegetation was dominated by woody plants, and the nutrient level of the lake was relatively stable. Then the climate gradually became arid. However, at the beginning of 2500 BP, there was an 800-year period of warm and humid conditions. Entering the historical period there was an increase in the environmental impacts of human activities. Overall, the climate of the Gouchi area was influenced by the response of the East Asian summer monsoon to changes in Northern Hemisphere summer insolation, which were responsible for the mid-Holocene Maximum. Comparison of the climatic record of Lake Gouchi with the sequence of cultural evolution in northern Shaanxi reveals a distinct relationship. Favorable climatic conditions were associated with technological development, an increasing population, and a flourishing civilization; whereas less favorable climatic conditions were associated with cultural stagnation or decline.
Study of correlation between Visual Prostate Symptom Score and International Prostate Symptom Score in men with lower urinary tract symptoms with reference to Uroflowmetry parameters in Indian population
Authors: Chatterjee Souvik , Kumar Anshu , Pal Dilip Kumar
Published: March 2023

Purpose:

International prostate symptom score (IPSS) is a complex questionnaire method for objective assessment of Lower urinary tract symptoms. So, there is a need to develop a simple and easy scoring system that could be easily used for illiterates and older aged patients.

Materials and methods:

It was a prospective observational study with 202 participants, conducted at the department of urology of a tertiary care hospital in eastern India. The patients more than 50 years of age, attending urology OPD with Lower urinary tract symptoms were included in the study. Printed IPSS and VPSS questionnaires were given to the patient to answer.

Results:

Eighty-two percent (82%) of the higher education group and 97% of the lower education group needed assistance to answer IPSS questionnaires while 18% of the higher education group and 44% of the lower education group needed assistance to answer VPSS questionnaires. Sixty-four (64%) of patients in our study belong to the high education level while 36% of patients belong to the low education group. The mean age was 60.1 years. The mean IPSS and VPSS were 19 and 11 respectively. The mean PSA was 1.5 ng/ml. The time taken to fill VPSS questionnaire was much less than IPSS questionnaires. All the patients felt that VPSS was easier. Statistically significant ( p-value < 0.05) correlation was found between total IPSS and total VPSS, Q2 IPSS and Q1 VPSS, Q7 IPSS and Q2 VPSS, Q5 IPSS and Q3 VPSS, and IPSS Qol and VPSS Qol. A negative correlation was found between Q3 VPSS and Qmax, and Q5 IPSS and Qmax.

Conclusions:

VPSS can be used as an alternative tool to IPSS to assess LUTS, which uses pictograms instead of questionnaires, even in patients with limited education.
Unionizing High Tech: Opportunities and Obstacles
Authors: Sheehan Patrick , Williams Christine L.
Published: March 2023

The WERN report documents the rise of worker-led collective action in the tech industry. We distinguish two types of activism emerging from tech professionals—demands for greater corporate social responsibility and demands for improved employment rights—and consider the opportunities each affords the larger labor movement. In the second section, we consider how the venture-capital funding model that structures the tech industry presents unique challenges to traditional union-organizing campaigns.
Systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome with retiform purpura as the initial skin lesion: A case study
Authors: Zhang Ying , Yu Yin , Gao and Tao
Published: March 2023

Retiform purpura-like lesions are rarely seen clinically and can be induced by cutaneous vascular wall damage or a lumen-occlusive disease arising from a broad range of triggers, including infection, drugs, emboli, cryoglobulinemia, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and autoimmune disease. Here, we present the case of a patient suffering from both systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), with retiform purpura as the first lesion and lacking other typical symptoms of SLE, such as photosensitivity, malar rash, ulceration of the mouth and nose, alopecia, and joint pain.
Long-Term clinical results of patellofemoral arthroplasty for isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis
Authors: Wang Yiou , Bian Yanyan , Qian Wenwei
Published: March 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study was to explore the clinical outcomes and long-term survival of patellofemoral arthroplasty in treatment of isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis.

Methods

We retrospectively studied a total of 46 type Y-L-Q PFAs that were designed at our institution in 38 patients. Implant survivorship was analyzed with a follow-up of 18.9–29.6 years. Knee Society Score (KSS), Oxford Knee Score (OKS), and University of California Los Angeles activity scale (UCLA) were used to assess functional outcomes.

Results

The implant survivorship was 83.6% at 15 years, 76.8% at 20 years, and 59.4% at 25 years 14 PFAs in 12 patients were revised into total knee arthroplasty at 16.0 ± 6.7 years; 13 for progression of tibiofemoral osteoarthritis and one for polyethylene wear. The mean Knee Society Score objective scores and functional scores were 73.0 ± 17.5 (range, 49–95) and 56.4 ± 28.9 (range, 5–90), respectively. The mean Oxford Knee Score was 25.8 ± 11.5 (range, 8–44).

Conclusion

Type Y-L-Q patellofemoral arthroplasty can be an effective method for treating isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis with satisfactory survival.
Stepping out of the ivory tower into fire and flood: Climate activism and the academy
Authors: Rogers Nicole
Published: March 2023

In early 2022, an unprecedented flood event in Lismore, New South Wales plunged an entire community into trauma and chaos. I draw upon this event to highlight the imperative for climate activism in the academy. Activist research, and activist teaching in law classrooms, are already reshaping the law of the Holocene in response to the climate crisis and will increasingly do so. I suggest that, in light of their ecological privilege, academics must also modify their personal and professional conduct. We must all be climate activists, if only because climate will spare none of us.
Recovering the Lost Soul: Older Women’s Reflections on Past Intrafamilial Child Sexual Abuse
Authors: Winterstein Tova Band , Avieli Hila , Gichaz Mili
Published: March 2023

Intrafamilial child sexual abuse (IFCSA) is a social problem with longstanding effects on victims’ lives. While scholarly literature has focused on the adverse aftermath of sexual abuse, only a few studies have acknowledged older women’s perspectives on their experience of IFCSA and their journey of healing and recovery. The aim of the present study was to explore how older survivors of IFCSA construct and shape their experience of healing in later life and the meaning they assign to this process. Narrative inquiry was selected to explore the narratives of 11 older women survivors of IFCSA. Participants were interviewed using a biographical narrative interviewing method. The narratives were then transcribed and analyzed using thematic, structural, and performance analyses. Four major themes emerged from the participants’ narratives: Achieving closure; Spiritual framing of IFCSA as a platform for self-growth; Becoming whole in old age; and Looking to the future after IFCSA. During the aging years, IFCSA survivors may redefine their identity and their place in the world. Using life review processes, older women in this study were striving to heal and reconcile with their past.