bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gynostemma Glycosides Protect Retinal Ganglion Cells in Rats with Chronic High Intraocular Pressure by Regulating the STAT3/JAK2 Signaling Pathway and Inhibiting Astrocyte and Microglia Activation
Authors: Wang Xian-jing , Hu Rong , Huang Qiong-ying , Peng Qing-hua , Yu Juan
Published: August 2022

Objective. To observe the protective effect of gynostemma glycosides on retinal ganglion cells in rats with chronically high intraocular pressure. Materials and Methods. A total of 60 rats were randomly divided into group A (the blank group, 10 rats) and chronic high IOP model group (50 rats). The IOP model group (IOP above 22 mmHg) was then randomly divided into an additional 5 groups (10 rats per group): group B (negative control group) treated with normal saline; group C treated with gynostemma glycosides 25 mg/(kg-d); group D treated with gynostemma glycosides 50 mg/(kg-d); group E treated with gynostemma glycosides 100 mg/(kg-d); and group F (positive control group) treated with VitB1 and VitB12. The eyes of each rat were monitored from day 1 to 14 (D1–D14). On day 14, rats were euthanized, after which retinal tissue and optic nerve were examined using real-time PCR, western blot, HE staining, LFB staining, and TUNEL assay. Results. Groups A, C, D, E, and F had significantly lower expression of CD11b, GFAP, Brn3α, and more TUNEL cells than in group B (all

P
<
0.05

). Moreover, the relative expression of STAT3 mRNA and JAK2 (mRNA and protein) in groups A, C, D, E, and F was significantly lower than in group B (

P
<
0.05

), while in group E, the expression was lower than in group D (

P
<
0.05

). Conclusion. Gynostemma glycosides protect retinal ganglion cells in rats with chronically high intraocular pressure possibly associated with the STAT3/JAK2 signaling pathway.
A Ketogenic Diet in Combination with Gemcitabine Increases Survival in Pancreatic Cancer KPC Mice
Authors: Cortez Natalia E. , Rodriguez Lanzi Cecilia , Hong Brian V. , Xu Jihao , Wang Fangyi , Chen Shuai , Ramsey Jon J. , Pontifex Matthew G. , Müller Michael , Vauzour David , Vahmani Payam , Hwang Chang-il , Matsukuma Karen , Mackenzie Gerardo G.
Published: August 2022

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) continues to be a major health problem. A ketogenic diet (KD), characterized by a very low carbohydrate and high fat composition, has gained attention for its antitumor potential. We evaluated the effect and mechanisms of feeding a strict KD alone or in combination with gemcitabine in the autochthonous LSL-KrasG12D/+; LSL-Trp53 R172H/+; Pdx1-Cre (KPC) mouse model. For this purpose, both male and female pancreatic tumor-bearing KPC mice were allocated to a control diet (CD; %kcal: 65% carb, 15% protein, 20% fat), a KD (%kcal: 1% carb, 15% protein, 84% fat), a CD + gemcitabine (CG), or a KD + gemcitabine (KG) group. Mice fed a KD alone or in combination with gemcitabine showed significantly increased blood β-hydroxybutyrate levels compared with mice fed a CD or CG. KPC mice fed a KG had a significant increase in overall median survival compared with KPC mice fed a CD (increased overall median survival by 42%). Interestingly, when the data were disaggregated by sex, the effect of a KG was significant in female KPC mice (60% increase in median overall survival), but not in male KPC mice (28% increase in median overall survival). Mechanistically, the enhanced survival response to a KD combined with gemcitabine was multifactorial, including inhibition of ERK and AKT pathways, regulation of fatty acid metabolism and the modulation of the gut microbiota. In summary, a KD in combination with gemcitabine appears beneficial as a treatment strategy in PDAC in KPC mice, deserving further clinical evaluation.

Significance:

This article is the first preclinical study to comprehensively evaluate the effect of a KD alongside chemotherapy using a standard autochthonous genetically modified mouse model (in both male and female KPC mice).
Effect of Calcium-Sensitive Receptor Agonist R568 on Gastric Motility and the Underlying Mechanism
Authors: Jin Tingting , Xu Qian , Liu Xiaoning , Huang Jinfang , Guo Yajie , Li Yuhang , Luan Xiao , Sun Xiangrong
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Calcium-sensitive receptor (CaSR) is expressed in the enteric nervous system of gastrointestinal tract. However, its role in the regulation of gastrointestinal motility has not yet been fully elucidated. We aimed to investigate the effect of the CaSR agonist – R568 on gastric motility and its potential mechanism. Methods: In vivo, R568 was given by gavage to explore gastric emptying with or without capsaicin which specifically blocks the function of vagal afferents; neurotransmitters synthetized in the myenteric plexus of the gastric corpus and antrum were analysed by ELISA and immunofluorescence staining; gastric muscle strips contraction recording and intracellular single unit firing recording were used to study the effect of R568 on muscle strips and myenteric interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) ex vitro. Results: Gastric emptying was inhibited by R568 in Kunming male mice, and capsaicin weakened this effect. The expression of c-fos-positive neurons increased in the nucleus tractus solitarius when R568 was treated. R568 decreased the expression of cholinergic neurons and reduced the synthesis of acetylcholine. Conversely, R568 increased the expression of nitrogenic neurons and enhanced the synthesis of nitric oxide in the myenteric plexus. Ex vitro results showed that R568 inhibited the contraction of the gastric antral muscle strip and suppressed the spontaneous firing activity of pacemaker ICCs. Conclusion: Activation of the gastrointestinal CaSR inhibited gastric motility in vivo and ex vitro. Transmitting nutrient signals to the brain through the vagal afferent nerve, modulating the cholinergic and nitrergic system in the enteric nervous system, and inhibiting activity of pacemaker ICCs in the myenteric plexus are involved in the mechanism of CaSR in gastric motility suppression.
Reconfigurations in brain networks upon awakening from slow wave sleep: Interventions and implications in neural communication
Authors: Hilditch Cassie J. , Bansal Kanika , Chachad Ravi , Wong Lily R. , Bathurst Nicholas G. , Feick Nathan H. , Santamaria Amanda , Shattuck Nita L. , Garcia Javier O. , Flynn-Evans Erin E.
Published: August 2022

Sleep inertia is the brief period of impaired alertness and performance experienced immediately after waking. Little is known about the neural mechanisms underlying this phenomenon. A better understanding of the neural processes during sleep inertia may offer insight into the awakening process. We observed brain activity every 15 min for 1 hr following abrupt awakening from slow wave sleep during the biological night. Using 32-channel electroencephalography, a network science approach, and a within-subject design, we evaluated power, clustering coefficient, and path length across frequency bands under both a control and intervention conditions. We found that under control conditions, the awakening brain is characterized by an immediate reduction in global theta, alpha, and beta power. Simultaneously, we observed a decrease in the clustering coefficient and an increase in path length within the delta band. Exposure to an odorant (i.e., peppermint) immediately after awakening ameliorated changes in clustering. Our results suggest that long-range network communication within the brain is crucial to the awakening process and that the brain may prioritize these long-range connections during this transitional state. Our study highlights a novel neurophysiological signature of the awakening brain and provides some initial evidence that may accelerate the process via interventions.
The Best is the Telos: An Argument in Eudemian Ethics 1.8
Authors: Ferguson Daniel
Published: August 2022

This paper examines Aristotle’s argument in Eudemian Ethics 1.8 that eudaimonia, the best practicable good, is the telos of the practicable goods. Aristotle defers to the Platonists in thinking that the best practicable good is the first practicable good and the cause of the other practicable goods’ goodness (though he also has his own reason for thinking this). But, on his view, it is the telos of the practicable goods that has these two properties. Aristotle’s argument for this latter claim is supported by his view, more fully discussed in Posterior Analytics 2.11, of how final causes explain normative facts.
Ignorance in Plato’s Protagoras
Authors: Liu Wenjin
Published: August 2022

Ignorance is commonly assumed to be a lack of knowledge in Plato’s Socratic dialogues. I challenge that assumption. In the Protagoras, ignorance is conceived to be a substantive, structural psychic flaw—the soul’s domination by inferior elements that are by nature fit to be ruled. Ignorant people are characterized by both false beliefs about evaluative matters in specific situations and an enduring deception about their own psychic conditions. On my interpretation, akrasia, moral vices, and epistemic vices are products or forms of ignorance, and a person who lacks knowledge is not necessarily ignorant.
Bordering Asylum in Post-Brexit Britain
Authors: Pitt Andrew
Published: August 2022

This article considers UK government’s proposal to re-introduce an accelerated appeals system for detained asylum seekers through resort to legislation. Previously, a similar system, the ‘Detained Fast Track’, was ruled unlawful largely on the basis that it lacked procedural fairness, a core tenet of the rule of law. This article examines the interplay between the rule of law and international human rights law. It adopts a formal notion of the rule of law to assess its effectiveness in protecting asylum seeker’s rights, as a sub-group of ‘unwanted migrants’. This is applied to a case study of the previous system and legal challenges to it to explore the deficiency of legality of the system and the effectiveness of judicial review. Three stages of the previous system are examined, its inception, its survival of early legal challenges and its eventual demise to expose the marginalisation of international human rights safeguards.
‘You Are Not Needed Here’
Authors: Oni Isaac Olumayowa
Published: August 2022

The aim of this paper is not to expand the argument that racism is a problem particular to Russia but to examine the transformation in the discrimination experienced by African migrants in Russia and their coping strategies. Using 32 in-depth interviews and an analysis of informal conversations with sub-Saharan African migrants in Moscow describing their experiences within the social and economic spheres of the country, the paper demonstrates the subtleness and implicit nature of racial discrimination that sub-Saharan African migrants experience in their social spaces, such as using the transport system and getting accommodation, and also within the economic sector. There is an overall feeling of being unwelcome that the African migrants perceive from the treatment received from their host community. The paper contributes to the global perspective of understanding the coping strategies used by African migrants to deal with their socio-economic conundrum in Russia.
Unlocking the Riddles of Classical Greek Melodies I: Dorian Keys to the Harmonic Revolution of the New Music and the Hellenistic Musical Documents
Authors: Lynch Tosca A.C.
Published: August 2022

Bringing together evidence preserved by Aristoxenus, Aristides Quintilianus, Ptolemy, Porphyry and the Greek musical handbooks in a unified framework, this article and its sequels show how the reconstruction of the Classical modulation system offered in Lynch 2018 is confirmed by the melodies recorded in the Greek musical documents. Taken jointly, these articles offer the first comprehensive account of the use of notation tónoi in the ancient Greek musical documents that is fully consistent with the extant technical evidence on Greek harmonic theory and with literary testimonies about the harmonic innovations introduced by the New Musicians. The present article focuses on the Classical/Hellenistic harmonic system, whereas its Imperial counterpart will be discussed in Lynch forthcoming 1 and 2. These theoretical analyses are based upon a newly developed database (dDAGM) that collects all the musical notes attested in the standard edition of the Greek musical fragments (DAGM), comprising over 3,500 notes.
Unlocking the Riddles of Classical Greek Melodies II: The Revolution of the New Music in the Ashmolean Papyri (DAGM 5–6) and Athenaeus’ Paean (DAGM 20)
Authors: Lynch Tosca A.C.
Published: August 2022

This article completes the discussion of the Classical/Hellenistic harmonic system set out in Lynch 2022a. Taken jointly, these articles offer the first account of the use of notation keys in the Hellenistic musical documents that is fully consistent with technical evidence as well as literary testimonies about the harmonic innovations of the New Musicians. This article offers practical analyses and new modern transcriptions of the Ashmolean Papyri (DAGM 5–6) and Athenaeus’ Paean (DAGM 20) – scores that reflect the modulation system of the New Music and its characteristic use of ‘exharmonic’ and ‘chromatic’ notes. The analyses offered in this article are powered by a newly-developed database (dDAGM) and show that these seemingly ‘exharmonic’ notes correspond to the chromatic ‘bends’ first identified in Lynch 2018a. These ‘bends’ (kampaí) ‘distorted’ the central pillars of the noble Dorian harmonía and turned it into its polar opposite: the Mixolydian, the emotional and lamenting mode par excellence.
An Outlaw Ethics for the Study of Religions: Maternality and the Dialogic Subject in Julia Kristeva’s “Stabat Mater”
Authors: Hawthorne Sîan
Published: August 2022

In this essay I examine Julia Kristeva’s transgressive body of work as a strategic embodiment of, and argument for, an ethical orientation towards otherness predicated on the image of divided subjectivity identified by Jacques Lacan but powerfully re-theorised as dialogic by Kristeva. I focus on what is, for Kristeva, a stylistically unique essay – “Stabat Mater” – which examines a number of institutional discourses about motherhood from the western philosophical, religious, and psychoanalytical traditions, and simultaneously subverts them with a parallel discourse (and enactment) ostensibly by an actual mother. The text itself, I argue, can be read as a performance of dialogic subjectivity and of Kristeva’s conception of maternality, which implies a radical ethical imperative – termed “herethics” – towards alterity. I propose that this herethical model might heuristically inform current debates regarding the ethical orientations of the study of religions as an academic field.
Typifications and new synonyms in Stachytarpheta (Verbenaceae) from Brazil
Authors: CARDOSO PEDRO HENRIQUE , MORONI PABLO , ANTAR GUILHERME , MENINI NETO LUIZ , TROVÓ MARCELO
Published: August 2022

We propose new synonyms and typifications for Brazilian taxa of Stachytarpheta (Verbenaceae). Twenty names are synonymized under the following accepted species: S. cayennensis, S. fiebrigii, S. gesnerioides, S. harleyi, S. hispida, S. indica, S. martiana, and S. reticulata. Lectotypes are designated for the following names: S. bicolor, S. bromleyana, S. crassifolia subsp. abairensis, S. elatior, S. gesnerioides var. cuneata, S. gesnerioides var. rotundata, S. glazioviana, and S. hirsuta. An epitype is designated for S. lanata, previously considered as a doubtful taxon and now treated as an accepted species, and also for S. restingensis. The necessity of such taxonomic and nomenclatural adjustments was noticed after the examination of a large set of herbarium collections (including the type specimens), specialized literature, and field observations. Our results support a forthcoming taxonomic treatment of the Brazilian Stachytarpheta.
Staurophora ouniangaensis sp. nov. (Bacillariophyceae, Anomoeoneidaceae), a new diatom from the Ounianga Lakes in the Sahara, Chad
Authors: RIRONGARTI REMADJI , COCQUYT CHRISTINE , PAILLÈS CHRISTINE , SYLVESTRE FLORENCE
Published: August 2022

Modern diatom assemblages were investigated in the Ounianga Lakes located in the driest part of the Chadian Sahara. These lakes still exist today due to groundwater seepage. They contain a variety of diatom species, one of which could not be identified. Here we describe a new species of Staurophora, S. ouniangaensis sp. nov. based on detailed light and scanning electron microscopy observations. The new taxon presents all morphological characters attributed to this genus and differs from other Staurophora species mainly by its specific valve outline and the slightly twisted frustules along the transapical axis. We compared this new species with the morphologically resembling Cymbella obtusa which was reported from Chad. The latter taxon has a much coarser stria density than our newly described species. Staurophora ouniangaensis sp. nov. supports that Staurophora species prefer inland saline environments. Indeed, in the Ounianga lakes, the new species was mainly observed in mesosaline to hypersaline waters.
Revision of Atopida White, 1846 (Coleoptera: Scirtoidea: Scirtidae)
Authors: KIAŁKA AGATA , RUTA RAFAŁ
Published: August 2022

Atopida is a New Zealand endemic genus distributed in both North and South Islands. Remarkable sexual dimorphism of most species was a source of numerous misinterpretations in studies by Thomas Broun—males and females of the same species were often described as distinct taxa. After examining type material of all species and over 600 additional unidentified specimens from several institutions, the following new synonyms were established: Atopida grahami Broun, 1910 is a junior synonym of A. hirta Broun, 1880; A. pallidula Broun, 1921 is a junior synonym of A. impressa Broun, 1914; A. basalis Broun, 1912 and A. sinuata Broun, 1893 are junior synonyms of A. proba Sharp, 1878; A. lawsoni Sharp, 1878 is a junior synonym of A. suturalis (White, 1846). The following eight species are newly described: Atopida insularis sp. nov., A. lescheni sp. nov., A. paparoa sp. nov., A. paringa sp. nov., A. tuhua sp. nov., A. waipoua sp. nov., A. walkerae sp. nov., and A. westlandensis sp. nov.
Steady Magnetohydrodynamic Flow of Cu–Al2O3/Water Hybrid Nanofluid Over a Yawed Cylinder
Authors: Sahaya Jenifer A. , Saikrishnan P.
Published: August 2022

This study presents non-similar solutions for the magnetohydrodynamic hybrid nanofluid copper-alumina/water flow over an infinite yawed cylinder, featuring an emphasis on entropy generation owing to heat transfer, fluid friction, and joule heating. Non-similar transformations are used
to convert non-linear governing equations and boundary conditions into a non-dimensional form, which is subsequently linearized using the quasi-linearization approach. Implicit finite differentiation is used to solve the equations that arise. The influence of viscous dissipation is considered
and entropy generation analysis is done for various values of yaw angle, magnetohydrodynamic parameter and viscous dissipation parameter. The results show that when the magnetic field is increased, the ordinary separation is delayed. The thermal boundary layer of the hybrid nanofluid copper-alumina/water
is found to be thicker than the thermal boundary layer of the nanofluids copper/water and alumina/water as well as the working fluid water. As the viscous dissipation and magnetic field increase, the overall entropy generation increases. To lower overall entropy generation, the cylinder’s
yaw angle must be increased.
Joint Effects of Thermophoresis and Brownian Motion on Williamson-Nano Fluid Flow Near a Non-Linearly Stretching Sheet Filled by Porous Medium
Authors: Durga Rao R. S. , VijayaKumar R. , Vasudeva Murthy V.
Published: August 2022

With the help of influences of Thermophoresis and Brownian motion, as well as magneto hydrodynamic boundary layers, we study an electrically conducting, incompressible, viscous Williamson-Nanofluid flow towards a stretched sheet surrounded by the porous material. Because of its form,
the stretched sheet is regarded as nonlinear. The basic flow-regulating non-rectilinear fractional differential conditions are declined to non-rectilinear coupled differential equations in their most simplest form for this flow thru applying the necessary resemblance conversions arranged as
fractional derivatives. Toward solve these non-rectilinear coupled conventional fractional derivatives, the Runge-Kutta technique of fourth order with shooting technique is used, depending on the boundary conditions. It is given in this research report, as well as a graph and a comprehensive
analysis of the consequences of physical limitations towards flow variables including velocity besides hotness, over and above nanoparticle concentration, among other things. Numerous factors were used to compute and analyse values in numbers of the Cf, as well as Nux and Shx
in addition other related variables. These plots are used to make conclusions, and the conclusions that are drawn are verified to ensure that they are accurate. From this problem, the velocity profiles are decreasing with boosting the importance of Maxwell fluid stricture in addition Element
of such magnetization. With increasing effects of Thermophoresis and Brownian motion, the patterns of temperatures too increases. By means of the importance of Dufour number increases, temperature sketches are also increases. An expansion of the Thermophoresis parameter leads to increased
nanoparticle volume concentration distribution and the in the instance of, the opposite effect is observed. Brownian motion effect. concentration profiles are increasing with rising values of Soret number parameter.
The Effect of Microchannel Cavity on the Bulk Acoustic Wave-Induced Acoustofluidics: Numerical Investigation
Authors: Zhou Yufeng
Published: August 2022

Acoustofluidics is emerging as an effective approach to manipulating microparticles and cells no matter their optical, electrical, and magnetic properties and no requirement of pre-processing. Standing field in a microfluidic channel produced by a bulk acoustic wave (BAW) could accumulate
the microparticles at the plane of the pressure node. In order to further accumulate them from a plane (2D) to a line (1D), a new strategy without significant change of the systematic setup (i.e., adding another orthogonal standing field) was proposed and evaluated numerically in a full-sized
model. Concave cavity on the conventional rectangular microchannel leads to a slight increase of the maximum acoustic pressure and distortion of the wavefront, but two more vortexes close to the edge of the bottom cavity and directional acoustic radiation forces in the middle line of the microchannel
(the upper part pointing downwards while the lower part upwards). Subsequently, most of the microparticles are accumulated in a very small region in the middle line of the microchannel. The effect of the cavity geometry on such a novel phenomenon was investigated. With the increase of the
diameter of the cavity from 170 μm to 260 μm, the resonant frequency of the microchannel, the maximum acoustic pressure, and the maximum acoustic streaming velocity increased by 13%, 78%, and 7.1 fold, respectively. When shifting the center of the cavity, the position of
1D accumulated microparticles could be changed correspondingly. In summary, the characteristics of acoustofluidics are highly dependent on the microchannel geometry. Microparticle accumulation with a significant reduction to one dimension using only one acoustic standing field is theoretically
possible by introducing an appropriate concave cavity in the conventional rectangular microchannel.
Application of Successive Linearization Method on Steady Radial Flow of Nanofluids Between Inclined Plane Walls
Authors: Surendra Mani R. V. , Mendu Upendar
Published: August 2022

The present work purveys the heat transfer enhancement in the steady two-dimensional viscous incompressible radial flow of Au-Water and Ag-Water nanofluids in the presence of MHD effect between the stationary convergent/divergent channel walls which are permitted to stretch or shrink.
A uniform magnetic field is applied. The governing partial differential equations of the present physics and their appropriate boundary conditions are initially cast into dimensionless forms to reduce into the ordinary differential equations. The resulting equations thus formed are then solved
by adopting the Successive Linearization Method (SLM) to get the accurate numerical solution. Solution errors and residual norms are analyzed to elaborate the convergence and accuracy of the numerical solution. The behavior of thermal conductivity of both types of nanofluids is examined for
converging channel and diverging channel cases under the uniform magnetic field effect. The present results are validated with favorable comparisons with previously published results as the current investigations’ unique cases. A parametric study of the governing parameters, namely the
magnetic field strength parameter, Reynolds number, angle of inclination, and the stretching parameter on the non-dimensional velocity and temperature, is conducted. Analysis discloses that the profiles of the flow are largely impacted by the physical parameters. It is noticed that the magnetic
parameter deploys an enhancing influence on fluid velocity profile as well as heat transfer rate, and the effect of the magnetic field is less pronounced on Au-water nanofluid than that of the Ag-water nanofluid. The fluid velocity increases as the values of Re increase for both the
nanofluids in the convergent channel and decreases in the case of the divergent channel. Fluid temperature increases as Re increases for the divergent channel. The velocity of both the nanofluids increases as the angle of inclination of the plates increases.
Hydrometeor Storage and Advection Effects in DYNAMO Budget Analyses
Authors: Johnson Richard H. , Ciesielski Paul E. , Schubert Wayne H.
Published: August 2022

The Dynamics of the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) (DYNAMO) field campaign over the central Indian Ocean captured three strong MJO events during October–December 2011. Using the conventional budget approach of Yanai et al. surface rainfall P0 is computed as a residual from the vertically integrated form of the moisture budget equation. This budget-derived P0 is spatially averaged over the Gan Island NCAR S-PolKa radar domain and compared with rainfall estimates from the radar itself. To isolate the MJO signal, these rainfall time series are low-pass (LP) filtered and a three-MJO composite is created based on the time of maximum LP-filtered S-PolKa rainfall for each event. A comparison of the two composite rainfall estimates shows that the budget rainfall overestimates the radar rainfall by ∼15% in the MJO buildup stage and underestimates radar rainfall by ∼8% in the MJO decay stage. These rainfall differences suggest that hydrometeor (clouds and rain) storage and advection effects, which are neglected in the budget approach, are likely significant. Satellite and ground-based observations are used to investigate these hydrometeor storage and advection effects. While the findings are qualitatively consistent with expectations from theory, they fall short of explaining their full magnitude, suggesting even more refined experimental designs and measurements will be needed to adequately address this issue.
Range Dependence of Polarimetric Radar Estimates for Extreme Flood-Producing Rainfall in Urban Watersheds
Authors: Chaney Molly Margaret , Smith James A , Baeck Mary Lynn
Published: August 2022

We examine polarimetric rainfall estimates of extreme rainfall through intercomparisons of radar rainfall estimates with rainfall observations from a dense network of rain gauges in Kansas City. The setting provides unique capabilities for examining range dependence in polarimetric rainfall estimates due to the overlapping coverage of the Kansas City, Missouri, and Topeka, Kansas, WSR-88D radars. We focus on polarimetric measurements of specific differential phase shift, KDP, for estimating extreme rainfall. Gauge–radar intercomparisons from the “close-range” Kansas City radar and from the “far-range” Topeka radar show that KDP can provide major improvements in estimating extreme rainfall, but the advantages of KDP rainfall estimates diminish with range. Storm-to-storm variability of multiplicative bias remains an important issue for polarimetric rainfall estimates; variability in bias is comparable at both close and far range from the radar. “Conditional bias,” in which peak radar rainfall estimates are lower than rain gauge observations, is a systematic feature of polarimetric rainfall estimates, but is more severe at far range. The Kansas City region has experienced record flooding in urban watersheds since the polarimetric upgrade of the Kansas City and Topeka radars in 2012. Polarimetric rainfall estimates from the far-range Topeka radar provide useful quantitative information on basin-average rainfall, but the ability to resolve spatial variation of the most extreme rain rates diminishes significantly with range from the radar.
‘I like the “buzz”, but I also suffer from it’: Mitigating interaction and distraction in collective workplaces
Authors: Wijngaarden Yosha
Published: August 2022

Collective workplaces – such as coworking spaces, open workplan offices, maker spaces, or fab labs – are founded on one central premise: working alongside others leads to interactions, collaborations and access to ‘buzzing’ knowledge. Yet, at the same time, users of these places go there to do their (often freelance) work, requiring a productive, and therefore usually quiet, work environment. Drawing on interviews and ethnographic fieldwork in the Netherlands, this research explores how users of collective workplaces navigate the coworking paradox: the need for quiet workplaces and the desire for social interaction. It shows how interactions emerge through rituals and especially routines, and describes the spatio-temporal conditions under which these interactions may lead to successful forms of social exchange and community formation.
Brazil Facing More Than the Pandemic: Distribution and Exclusion in Economic Policy
Authors: Dowbor Ladislau , Cezar Bruno Barbosa
Published: August 2022

The Brazilian economy followed an expansive and socially inclusive model from 2003 to 2013. As of 2014, a drastic reversion of policies took place with the introduction of the so-called austerity model. Comparing the two models, one more equalitarian and the other more wealth-concentrating, is useful for clarifying how key economic variables change. The evolution of key economic and social data covering the two decades of our millennium shows how a dynamic distribution process was broken down. The main conclusion concerns the power of financialization in the overall transformation of our society.

A economia brasileira adotou um modelo de desenvolvimento dinâmico e inclusivo entre 2003 e 2013. A partir de 2014, a política distributiva foi travada, com uma inversão radical no quadro do modelo de austeridade. Ao comparar os dois modelos, o mais igualitário e o concentrador de riqueza, fica clara a transformação das principais variáveis econômicas. A evolução dos dados econômicos e sociais mostra como a dinâmica de distribuição foi travada. A principal conclusão se refere ao poder da financeirização no conjunto da transformação da nossa sociedade.
Closeness Discrepancies in Couple Relationships: A Dyadic Response Surface Analysis
Authors: Pusch Sebastian , Neyer Franz J. , Hagemeyer Birk
Published: August 2022

Individuals can differ in the degree of closeness they desire in their romantic relationships: Some people may perceive their current level of closeness as just right, whereas others may feel not close enough or too close to their partners (referred to as negative and positive closeness discrepancy, respectively). This study ( N = 1,177 individuals from 748 couples) examined the implications of closeness discrepancies for subjective relationship quality (SRQ) using dyadic response surface analysis. The analyses found evidence for linear, but not broad, closeness discrepancy effects: SRQ was lower for individuals reporting more negative closeness discrepancies and, independent of this actor effect, for individuals with partners who reported more negative closeness discrepancies. These results suggest that low levels of closeness paired with a strong desire for closeness can impair both partners’ relational well-being.
Early-Life Socioeconomic Disadvantage and Health in Late Middle-Age: Importance of Heterogeneous Income Trajectories
Authors: Kwon Eunsun , Park Sojung , Lee Hyunjoo
Published: August 2022

This paper aims to investigate heterogeneous income changes and whether the income trajectories moderate effects of early socioeconomic disadvantage on health in late middle age. The sample was restricted to 9,056 middle-aged adults from the Health and Retirement Study (1998-2010). Through a latent class growth analysis, six patterns of income changes were identified: constantly low, constantly moderate, constantly high & increasing, high to low, moderate to high, and high to moderate. The Constantly low group more frequently displayed depressive symptoms if exposed to early socioeconomic disadvantage and Constantly low income mobility. Individuals who experienced early socioeconomic disadvantage and a downward income mobility in middle age tended to have multiple chronic conditions while there was no moderating effect of income changes for mobility functional limitations. These findings suggest that not all health outcomes are programmed in early life: Disadvantage can be somewhat alleviated through stable and better later-life economic status
Knowledge of and Attitudes Toward Roe v. Wade Among US Latinx Adults
Authors: Solon Megan , Kaplan Alejandra M. , Crawford Brandon L. , Turner Ronna C. , Lo Wen-Juo , Jozkowski Kristen N.
Published: August 2022

This study examines knowledge of and attitudes toward Roe v. Wade among a sample of 779 US Latinx adults. Survey response patterns were examined in relation to generational status and choice of survey language as well as to several demographic variables previously shown to influence abortion attitudes (e.g., age, religiosity, political affiliation). Differences were found in knowledge of Roe v. Wade by generational status and survey language, with those with higher generational statuses and those taking the survey in English exhibiting greater knowledge. Finally, greater knowledge of Roe v. Wade and choosing to take the survey in English predicted more positive attitudes toward Roe v. Wade controlling for other demographic variables; no effect on attitudes of generational status was observed. These findings contribute to our understanding of abortion attitudes among US Latinxs as well as the relationship between political socialization, knowledge, and attitudes toward social issues.
Dual Energy Computed Tomography Collagen Material Decomposition for Detection of Lumbar Spine Disc Extrusion and Sequestration: A Comparative Study With Greyscale Computed Tomography
Authors: Abdellatif Waleed , Nugent James P. , Alballa Faisal , Murray Nicolas , Jalal Sabeena , Ali Ismail T. , Nicolaou Savvas
Published: August 2022

Purpose: To assess value of dual energy computed tomography (DECT) collagen material decomposition algorithm when combined with standard computed tomography (CT) in detection of lumbar disc extrusion and sequestration. Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis of all patients with acute low back pain who had a diagnosis of lumbar spine disc extrusion and/or sequestration on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) (reference standard), and had undergone non-contrast DECT of the lumbar spine within 60 days of the MRI. Age and sex-matched control patients (n = 42) were included. Patients were grouped into standard, grey-scale CT only group and standard CT + DECT tendon images group. Two double-blinded radiologists reviewed both groups for presence of extrusion or sequestration. They also rated their diagnostic confidence on Likert 5-point scale. McNemar Chi-square test was used to compare diagnostic accuracy, unpaired t-test to compare reviewers diagnostic confidence, and Cohen’s k (kappa) test for interobserver agreement. Results: The combined group showed higher overall sensitivity (96.6% vs 87.2%), specificity (99% vs 95.4%), and diagnostic accuracy (98.7% vs 94.5%) with a lower false positive rate (1.1% vs 4.6%). McNemar Chi-square test confirmed statistical significance ( P = .03 and P = .02 for Reviewers R1 and R2, respectively). The mean diagnostic confidence was also significantly higher on combined group (R1: 3.74 ± 1.1 vs 3.47 ± 1.15 ( P < .01) and R2: 3.91 ± 1.15 vs 3.72 ± 1.16 [mean ± SD] ( P = .02)). Conclusion: Utilizing MRI as a reference standard, DECT tendon application combined with standard CT increases the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of detection of lumbar spine disc extrusion and sequestration, when compared to standard CT alone.
Numerical investigation of area ratio on sister hole applications at a constant exit area
Authors: Sezgin Fırat , Yasa Tolga
Published: August 2022

A numerical study was performed to investigate the effect of the area ratio at sister hole applications on film cooling effectiveness and flow structure. Two secondary coolant holes are placed on both sides of the main hole at a lateral distance of one main hole diameter. Four different area ratios (AR = 2–5) between the main hole and sister hole were studied. A single cylindrical hole was also studied for comparison and baseline. The structured mesh was generated and realizable k-ε turbulence model with scalable wall function was used in these simulations. Blowing ratios of 0.25, 0.50, 0.80, and 1 were simulated to evaluate the effect of sister holes in practical applications. The centerline cooling effectiveness and laterally averaged cooling effectiveness are studied as well as temperature contours and streamlines at two different streamwise locations (x/D = 1 and x/D = 3). The area ratio on sister hole application has an important effect on cooling effectiveness as the sister hole exit area affects the Anti- Counter Rotating Vortex intensity (A-CRVP vorticity) and size. The positive effect of the sister hole is more pronounced with the increasing blowing ratio. Lower are ratios such as AR = 2 and AR = 3, decrease the vorticity of the CRVP around %30 which directly affects the cooling effectiveness. The results of this study showed area ratio, as well as lateral distance between main hole and sister hole centers heavily affects the cooling effectiveness, the lower area ratios are more efficient for film cooling.
Taguchi method and Box-Behnken design approach for process parameter optimization of magnetite (Fe3O4) coating developed on stainless steel 410 grade by hot alkaline treatment
Authors: Reghuraj A R , Saju KK , Ritwik A
Published: August 2022

The blackening of materials is widely used in the automobile industry, defense applications, aerospace applications, and solar applications. Methods such as electroless chemical process, conversion coating, physical vapor deposition, chemical vapor deposition, and diamond-like carbon are some of the commonly employed techniques to produce black coatings on various metals. Hot aqueous alkaline treatment is a chemical conversion coating process. In this study, hot alkaline treatment is used to blacken surgical equipment made of stainless steel 410, which is a novel approach. The effect of process variables such as immersion time, salt solution temperature, and wt% of sodium dichromate on the anti-reflective property of ferrous ferric oxide (magnetite, Fe3O4) coating has been optimized using the Taguchi method and response surface methodology. The experiments were designed using a Taguchi orthogonal array and a Box-Behnken design. The influences of coating parameters on average percentage reflectance were quantified by the signal-to-noise ratio, main effect plot, analysis of variance, and two-dimensional and three-dimensional plots. The comparison of experimental and confirmatory tests shows that both procedures optimized the parameters successfully. The lowest average percentage reflectance value of 8.013% was obtained at 56.976  min immersion time, 124.998°C salt solution temperature, and 348.689  g/l wt% of sodium dichromate in the composition by Box-Behnken design methodology.
Relationships Are the Intervention: An Interview With Michael Marlowe
Authors: Poling Daniel V. , Van Loan Christopher L. , Garwood Justin D.
Published: August 2022

Dr. Michael J. Marlowe is emeritus professor of special education in the College of Education at Appalachian State University. An English graduate from the University of Kentucky, he has a PhD in special education from the University of Florida and a MS degree in elementary education from Indiana University.
Mavacamten, a First-in-Class Cardiac Myosin Inhibitor for Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Dalo Joseph D. , Weisman Nissen D. , White C. Michael
Published: August 2022

Objective:

To assess mavacamten’s role in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy treatment.

Data Sources:

In addition to clinical guidelines, package inserts, and general reviews, we searched PubMed using the term mavacamten from inception to June 11, 2022.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

English language studies describing mavacamten’s mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, drug interactions, clinical and economic outcomes, and adverse events.

Data Synthesis:

Mavacamten reduces left ventricular outflow obstruction and New York Heart Association functional class while improving Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-Clinical Summary Scores in patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. With an acquisition cost of $245.20 per capsule, it would cost $1.2 million for every additional quality-adjusted life year. In those with unobstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, there were improvements in N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin biochemical markers. Mavacamten is a substrate for CYP2C19 and CYP3A4, and a CYP enzyme inducer.

Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice:

Patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and an ejection fraction ≥55% have a new option if they remain symptomatic despite maximally tolerated β-blocker or non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker therapy. It is an alternative to disopyramide therapy, which has poor patient tolerance, or septal reduction therapies, which are invasive. However, mavacamten is not cost-effective and its role in nonobstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is not well established.

Conclusions:

Mavacamten is a new option for patients with refractory obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and an ejection fraction ≥55% but its pricing makes therapy not cost-effective. Final health outcomes are not fully elucidated and additional studies are needed to determine long-term effects.
Comparing National Trends in Hispanic and White College Student Six-Year Graduation Rates Using IPEDS Data
Authors: Hobson Charles J. , Griffin Andrea , Novak John M. , Mitchell Mary Beth , Szostek Jana , Burosh Jennifer , Hobson Ana
Published: August 2022

Six-year college graduation rates for Hispanic and White students from 17 cohorts were analyzed using data from the U.S. Department of Education’s IPED System. Results from regression analyses confirmed statistically significant positive linear trends for Hispanic and White students and statistically significant differences between the two regression lines, with the Hispanic rate of increase almost double that for White students. Adverse impact was found in 9/17 cohorts.
One-step Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair With CO2 contrast and Robotic Partial Nephrectomy for Renal Cell Carcinoma: Case Report
Authors: Louzada Andressa C. S. , Wolosker Marina B. , Astolfi Rafael H. , Colombo Junior José R. , El Hayek Omar R. , Teivelis Marcelo P. , Wolosker Nelson
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Although rare, as the population ages, abdominal aortic aneurysm synchronous to abdominal malignancies, as renal cell carcinoma, is expected to become more prevalent. There are only two case reports of minimally invasive surgeries to treat these synchronous diseases, with endovascular aortic repair and laparoscopic nephrectomy, but they were performed in two stages, with iodinated contrast and without robotic assistance.

Case report

We herein present a case of a 71-year-old patient with chronic kidney disease, a 6.4 cm infra-renal abdominal aortic aneurysm associated and a suspicious 6 cm solid-cystic expansile lesion in the right kidney, successfully treated at one stage with endovascular aortic repair using carbon dioxide as a contrast medium and with robotic right partial nephrectomy, aiming to preserve the renal function as much as possible. The patient’s postoperative course was free of complications with hospital discharge on the fifth postoperative day, with a serum creatinine of 0.84 mg/dL.

Conclusion

single-stage minimally invasive surgical treatment of AAA and RCC can be a safe and feasible approach. Combining a robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy with an EVAR using carbon dioxide as a contrast medium was safe and successfully preserved renal function.
Videogames as an ‘Unheroic’ Medium: The Child Hero's Journey
Authors: Reay Emma
Published: August 2022

In this article, I examine two contemporary videogames that engage critically and imaginatively with conventional definitions of heroism. In Röki (Polygon Treehouse) and Knights and Bikes (Foam Sword Games), the child-avatars loosen the connection between maturity and self-reliance by framing interdependence as both an inevitable and a desirable condition of human society. Furthermore, by emphasizing children's supposed malleability, these games insist on the relationality of identities: they suggest that one's identity depends on the interactions one has with individuals and institutions. I suggest that by centering cooperation, these games destabilize myths of independence and autonomy that surround the lone hero of hyper-individualism and thereby challenge assumptions about the kinds of heroism videogames can portray.
Talented Teachers’ Perceptions of an Intensive Summer Symposium and the Need for Differentiated Professional Learning
Authors: Gilson Cindy M. , Polly Drew , Strong Kellan W.
Published: August 2022

Effective professional learning (PL) practices are essential for promoting experienced and talented teachers’ continued growth, and ultimately, supporting student achievement, including gifted students. In this qualitative case study, we interviewed and surveyed 32 public and private school PK-12 teachers, an Executive Director, and a Board Member about their experiences while participating in a week-long summer symposium designed to enhance talented teachers' expertise and leadership skills. Teachers were identified as talented and nominated to participate through a selection process. The topics, delivered by education experts through lecture, small group work, and large group discussion, focused on executive functioning research, professional self-reflection, and leadership. Data analysis illuminated teachers' critiques and suggestions for improvement of the symposium and a preference for more differentiated PL approaches. We discuss key implications for future research and applications of our research to the growing need for differentiated PL in the field of gifted education.