bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Advanced Sine-Hyperbolic Creep-Damage Model Incorporating Threshold Strength
Authors: Hossain Md Abir , Haque Mohammad Shafinul , Pellicotte Jacob , Stewart Calvin M.
Published: August 2024

This study aims at improving the classic Sine-Hyperbolic (Sinh) creep-damage model to predict minimum-creep-strain-rate (MCSR), rupture, damage, and creep deformation. The Sinh model employs a continuum-damage-mechanics-based framework to model secondary and tertiary creep regimes. In Sinh, the creep strain and damage rate equations exhibit an implicit threshold stress that arises during numerical optimization. Herein, the Sinh model is modified to include an explicit threshold strength as a material property and the tensile strength. Threshold strength is defined as the lower limit for creep activation at a given temperature. Stresses are applied below the threshold, resulting in infinite life. The advanced Sinh offers several advantages including a physical significance of stress ratios where the onset of creep is defined by threshold strength, a closed-form solution where the rate equations remain finite at any combination of stress and temperature, and adaptability in finite element analysis where the solution space remains numerically stable.

Experimental creep data of 304SS at multiple isotherms are gathered from prior literature. The advanced Sinh is calibrated to the MCSR and SR data of 304SS. The calibration of threshold strength follows a standard procedure from literature and is observed to be realistic for stainless steel at elevated temperatures. The MCSR and SR predictions illustrate the Sigmoidal bend and demonstrate zero creep rate and infinite life at or below threshold strength. The creep deformation and damage predictions exhibit agreement with experimental data. The advanced Sinh is validated by employing finite element simulation to ensure the applicability of the model across a range of applications. The advanced Sinh improved creep response prediction and added physical realism to the model’s framework.
Small Volume Fatigue Testing of Additively Manufactured Hybrid IN718/XH67 and IN939 Ni Based Superalloys
Authors: Awale Deepshree , Shah Naimish , Srinivasan Dheepa , Balila Nagamani Jaya
Published: August 2024

Additively manufactured alloys are known to possess sufficient tensile strength-ductility combinations, matching their conventionally processed counterparts, and yet fail to perform under cyclic loading conditions. The complex, heterogeneous microstructure, resulting anisotropy and porosity distribution, as well as the surface roughness in additively manufactured alloys result in reduced fatigue life. Evaluation of fatigue behavior of these materials, especially during the alloy development stage, necessitates small-volume fatigue testing, to mimic the component geometry. It is also very pertinent during repair and component lifing, in Hybrid alloys, owing to the small sampling volume. This study explores a novel technique of small-scale fatigue specimens, for evaluating the fatigue behavior of a new Hybrid XH67–IN718 manufactured by the powder bed fusion-laser beam technique, in the as-printed condition, at room temperature. Comparisons are made with a high gamma prime (γ′) IN939 Ni based superalloy used in gas turbine hot section components. Miniature fatigue test specimens were designed to determine the fatigue life with the loading at 0.95 % yield strength, for both the Hybrid and the monolithic alloy, in the as-printed condition. Results will be discussed in the context of the observed failure mechanism, tensile properties, and the hierarchical microstructure.
Speaker-independent speech inversion for recovery of velopharyngeal port constriction degree
Authors: Siriwardena Yashish M. , Boyce Suzanne E. , Tiede Mark K. , Oren Liran , Fletcher Brittany , Stern Michael , Espy-Wilson Carol Y.
Published: August 2024

For most of his illustrious career, Ken Stevens focused on examining and documenting the rich detail about vocal tract changes available to listeners underlying the acoustic signal of speech. Current approaches to speech inversion take advantage of this rich detail to recover information about articulatory movement. Our previous speech inversion work focused on movements of the tongue and lips, for which “ground truth” is readily available. In this study, we describe acquisition and validation of ground-truth articulatory data about velopharyngeal port constriction, using both the well-established measure of nasometry plus a novel technique—high-speed nasopharyngoscopy. Nasometry measures the acoustic output of the nasal and oral cavities to derive the measure nasalance. High-speed nasopharyngoscopy captures images of the nasopharyngeal region and can resolve velar motion during speech. By comparing simultaneously collected data from both acquisition modalities, we show that nasalance is a sufficiently sensitive measure to use as ground truth for our speech inversion system. Further, a speech inversion system trained on nasalance can recover known patterns of velopharyngeal port constriction shown by American English speakers. Our findings match well with Stevens' own studies of the acoustics of nasal consonants.
Cl
−
-dependent amplification of excitatory synaptic potentials at distal dendrites revealed by voltage imaging
Authors: Higashi Reo , Morita Masato , Kawaguchi Shin-ya
Published: August 2024

The processing of synaptic signals in somatodendritic compartments determines neuronal computation. Although the amplification of excitatory signals by local voltage-dependent cation channels has been extensively studied, their spatiotemporal dynamics in elaborate dendritic branches remain obscure owing to technical limitations. Using fluorescent voltage imaging throughout dendritic arborizations in hippocampal pyramidal neurons, we demonstrate a unique chloride ion (Cl
−
)–dependent remote computation mechanism in the distal branches. Excitatory postsynaptic potentials triggered by local laser photolysis of caged glutamate spread along dendrites, with gradual amplification toward the distal end while attenuation toward the soma. Tour de force subcellular patch-clamp recordings from thin branches complemented by biophysical model simulations revealed that the asymmetric augmentation of excitation relies on tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium ion (Na
+
) channels and Cl
−
conductance accompanied by a more hyperpolarized dendritic resting potential. Together, this study reveals the cooperative voltage-dependent actions of cation and anion conductance for dendritic supralinear computation, which can locally decode the spatiotemporal context of synaptic inputs.
Top-down modulation of the retinal code via histaminergic neurons of the hypothalamus
Authors: Warwick Rebekah A. , Riccitelli Serena , Heukamp Alina S. , Yaakov Hadar , Swain Bani Prasad , Ankri Lea , Mayzel Jonathan , Gilead Noa , Parness-Yossifon Reut , Di Marco Stefano , Rivlin-Etzion Michal
Published: August 2024

The mammalian retina is considered an autonomous circuit, yet work dating back to Ramon y Cajal indicates that it receives inputs from the brain. How such inputs affect retinal processing has remained unknown. We confirmed brain-to-retina projections of histaminergic neurons from the mouse hypothalamus. Histamine application ex vivo altered the activity of various retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), including direction-selective RGCs that gained responses to high motion velocities. These results were reproduced in vivo with optic tract recordings where histaminergic retinopetal axons were activated chemogenetically. Such changes could improve vision of fast-moving objects (e.g., while running), which fits with the known increased activity of histaminergic neurons during arousal. An antihistamine drug reduced optomotor responses to high-speed moving stimuli in freely moving mice. In humans, the same antihistamine nonuniformly modulated visual sensitivity across the visual field, indicating an evolutionary conserved function of the histaminergic system. Our findings expose a previously unappreciated role for brain-to-retina projections in modulating retinal function.
A potent and selective ENL degrader suppresses oncogenic gene expression and leukemia progression
Authors: Xue Zhaoyu , Qin Lihuai , Xuan Hongwen , Luo Kaixiu , Huang Mengying , Xie Ling , Su Yangzhou , Xu Longxia , Harsh Josiah , Dale Brandon , Shi Xiaobing , Chen Xian , Kaniskan H Ümit , Jin Jian , Wen Hong
Published: August 2024

The histone acylation reader eleven-nineteen leukemia (ENL) plays a pivotal role in sustaining oncogenesis in acute leukemias, particularly in
mixed-lineage leukemia
–rearranged (
MLL
-r) leukemia. ENL relies on its reader domain to recognize histone lysine acylation promoting oncogenic gene expression and leukemia progression. Here, we report the development of MS41, a highly potent and selective von Hippel–Lindau–recruiting ENL degrader that effectively inhibits the growth of ENL-dependent leukemia cells. MS41-induced ENL degradation reduces the chromatin occupancy of ENL-associated transcription elongation machinery, resulting in the suppression of key oncogenic gene expression programs and the activation of differentiation genes. MS41 is well-tolerated in vivo and substantially suppresses leukemia progression in a xenograft mouse model of
MLL-r
leukemia. Notably, MS41 also induces the degradation of mutant ENL proteins identified in Wilms’ tumors. Our findings emphasize the therapeutic potential of pharmacological ENL degradation for treating ENL-dependent cancers, making MS41 not only a valuable chemical probe but also potential anticancer therapeutic for further development.
Irreversibility in bacterial regulatory networks
Authors: Zhao Yi , Wytock Thomas P. , Reynolds Kimberly A. , Motter Adilson E.
Published: August 2024

Irreversibility, in which a transient perturbation leaves a system in a new state, is an emergent property in systems of interacting entities. This property has well-established implications in statistical physics but remains underexplored in biological networks, especially for bacteria and other prokaryotes whose regulation of gene expression occurs predominantly at the transcriptional level. Focusing on the reconstructed regulatory network of
Escherichia coli
, we examine network responses to transient single-gene perturbations. We predict irreversibility in numerous cases and find that the incidence of irreversibility increases with the proximity of the perturbed gene to positive circuits in the network. Comparison with experimental data suggests a connection between the predicted irreversibility to transient perturbations and the evolutionary response to permanent perturbations.
An AP2/ERF transcription factor confers chilling tolerance in rice
Authors: Xu Liang , Yang Lijia , Li Aipeng , Guo Jiazhuo , Wang Huanyu , Qi Haoyue , Li Ming , Yang Pingfang , Song Shiyong
Published: August 2024

Cold stress, a prominent adverse environmental factor, severely hinders rice growth and productivity. Unraveling the complex mechanisms governing chilling tolerance in rice is crucial for molecular breeding of cold-tolerant varieties. Here, we identify an APETALA2/Ethylene Responsive Factor (AP2/ERF) transcription factor, OsERF52, as a positive modulator in response to low temperatures. OsERF52 directly regulates the expression of
C-Repeat Binding Factor
(
CBF
) genes in rice. In addition, Osmotic Stress/ABA-Activated Protein Kinase 9–mediated phosphorylation of OsERF52 at S261 enhances its stability and interaction with Ideal Plant Architecture 1 and OsbHLH002/OsICE1. This collaborative activation leads to the expression of
OsCBFs
, thereby initiating the chilling response in rice. Notably, plants with base-edited

OsERF52
S261D
-3HA

exhibit enhanced chilling resistance without yield penalty. Our findings unveil the mechanism orchestrated by a regulatory framework involving a protein kinase and transcription factors from diverse families, offering potential genetic resources for developing chilling-tolerant rice varieties.
Developmental DNA demethylation is a determinant of neural stem cell identity and gliogenic competence
Authors: MacArthur Ian C. , Ma Liyang , Huang Cheng-Yen , Bhavsar Hrutvik , Suzuki Masako , Dawlaty Meelad M.
Published: August 2024

DNA methylation is extensively reconfigured during development, but the functional significance and cell type–specific dependencies of DNA demethylation in lineage specification remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that developmental DNA demethylation, driven by ten-eleven translocation 1/2/3 (TET1/2/3) enzymes, is essential for establishment of neural stem cell (NSC) identity and gliogenic potential. We find that loss of all three TETs during NSC specification is dispensable for neural induction and neuronal differentiation but critical for astrocyte and oligodendrocyte formation, demonstrating a selective loss of glial competence. Mechanistically, TET-mediated demethylation was essential for commissioning neural-specific enhancers in proximity to master neurodevelopmental and glial transcription factor genes and for induction of these genes. Consistently, loss of all three TETs in embryonic NSCs in mice compromised glial gene expression and corticogenesis. Thus, TET-dependent developmental demethylation is an essential regulatory mechanism for neural enhancer commissioning during NSC specification and is a cell-intrinsic determinant of NSC identity and gliogenic potential.
Pharmacologic HIF stabilization activates costimulatory receptor expression to increase antitumor efficacy of adoptive T cell therapy
Authors: Walter Jackson III  , Yang Yongkang , Salman Shaima , Dordai Dominic , Lyu Yajing , Datan Emmanuel , Drehmer Daiana , Huang Tina Yi-Ting , Hwang Yousang , Semenza Gregg L.
Published: August 2024

Adoptive cell transfer (ACT) is a therapeutic strategy to augment antitumor immunity. Here, we report that ex vivo treatment of mouse CD8
+
T cells with dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG), a stabilizer of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), induced HIF binding to the genes encoding the costimulatory receptors CD81, GITR, OX40, and 4-1BB, leading to increased expression. DMOG treatment increased T cell killing of melanoma cells, which was further augmented by agonist antibodies targeting each costimulatory receptor. In tumor-bearing mice, ACT using T cells treated ex vivo with DMOG and agonist antibodies resulted in decreased tumor growth compared to ACT using control T cells and increased intratumoral markers of CD8
+
T cells (CD7, CD8A, and CD8B1), natural killer cells (NCR1 and KLRK1), and cytolytic activity (perforin-1 and tumor necrosis factor–α). Costimulatory receptor gene expression was also induced when CD8
+
T cells were treated with three highly selective HIF stabilizers that are currently in clinical use.
Cytokinin and ALOG proteins regulate pluripotent stem cell identity in the moss
Physcomitrium patens
Authors: Hata Yuki , Ohtsuka Juri , Hiwatashi Yuji , Naramoto Satoshi , Kyozuka Junko
Published: August 2024

The shoot apical meristem (SAM) contains pluripotent stem cells that produce all the aerial parts of the plant. Stem cells undergo asymmetric cell divisions to self-renew and to produce differentiating cells. Our research focused on unraveling the mechanisms governing the specification of these two distinct cell fates following the stem cell division. For this purpose, we used the model organism
Physcomitrium patens
, which features a singular pluripotent stem cell known as the gametophore apical cell. We show that the activity of cytokinins, critical stem cell regulators, is restricted to the gametophore apical cell due to the specific localization of PpLOG, the enzyme responsible for cytokinin activation. In turn, PpTAW, which promotes differentiating cell identity of the merophyte, is excluded from the gametophore apical cell by the action of cytokinins. We propose a cytokinin-based model for the establishment of asymmetry in the pluripotent stem cell division.
Sensorimotor control of robots mediated by electrophysiological measurements of fungal mycelia
Authors: Mishra Anand Kumar , Kim Jaeseok , Baghdadi Hannah , Johnson Bruce R. , Hodge Kathie T. , Shepherd Robert F.
Published: August 2024

Living tissues are still far from being used as practical components in biohybrid robots because of limitations in life span, sensitivity to environmental factors, and stringent culture procedures. Here, we introduce fungal mycelia as an easy-to-use and robust living component in biohybrid robots. We constructed two biohybrid robots that use the electrophysiological activity of living mycelia to control their artificial actuators. The mycelia sense their environment and issue action potential–like spiking voltages as control signals to the motors and valves of the robots that we designed and built. The paper highlights two key innovations: first, a vibration- and electromagnetic interference–shielded mycelium electrical interface that allows for stable, long-term electrophysiological bioelectric recordings during untethered, mobile operation; second, a control architecture for robots inspired by neural central pattern generators, incorporating rhythmic patterns of positive and negative spikes from the living mycelia. We used these signals to control a walking soft robot as well as a wheeled hard one. We also demonstrated the use of mycelia to respond to environmental cues by using ultraviolet light stimulation to augment the robots’ gaits.
Collection of microrobots for gentle cell manipulation
Authors: Yashinski Melisa
Published: August 2024

Optically actuated soft microrobotic tools were designed for cell transportation, manipulation, and cell-to-cell interactions.
Physical characterization of mine goafs using high-resolution seismic cross-hole tomography via an adjoint method
Authors: Cui Zhongxiong , Peng Dingmao , Liu Yuzhu , Zheng Ru , Lou Kaifeng , Yang Kunping , Hao Xiaohan , Zhou Zhijun
Published: August 2024

Mine goafs often cause severe ground settlement and collapse, posing significant endangers to the safety of buildings and engineering constructions. Quantitatively detecting the spatial distribution and physical characteristics of goafs has always been challenging. To evaluate the potential threat of a fluorite mine goaf on a proposed expressway, we inverted cross-hole dataset to image the P-wave velocities between boreholes using a newly developed Eikonal equation based adjoint-state traveltime tomography method (ATTOMO). Independent comprehensive geophysical prospecting, including core analysis, borehole optical televiewer imaging and ultrasonic wave logging, indicates that our tomographic results at the central section could discern anomalies on a scale of 1 m or even smaller and detects velocity variations at a scale of 100–200 m/s. Our results show that the mine goaf is distributed in a northeastward trend with a width of 20–30 m, consistent with the exploiting features of the fluorite mine. The goaf is located approximately 20 m away from the bridge site, where only a small-scale goaf tunnel with dimensions of [Formula: see text] m was found at depths of 18–19.5 m. Our results suggest that the safety of the proposed expressway would not be significantly affected by the goaf, and thus no design changes are required.
Comment on “Optical solitons for 2D-NLSE in multimode fiber with Kerr nonlinearity and its modulation instability”
Authors: Kengne Emmanuel
Published: August 2024

Most recently, Baber et al. (Optical solitons for 2D-NLSE in multimode fiber with Kerr nonlinearity and its modulation instability, Mod. Phys. Lett. B (2024) 2450341, doi:10.1142/S021798492450341X2450341-1) claimed to have obtained exact solutions of a two-dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger equation with an instantaneous Kerr nonlinearity that governs beam movement within a multimode optical fiber featuring a parabolic index shape, using the Jacobi Elliptic Function Expansion. Additionally, they have analyzed the modulation instability for the underlying model. It is the aim of this comment to point out that all results found in that work and published in the journal Mod. Phys. Lett. B (doi:10.1142/S021798492450341X2450341-1) are all erroneous, from the exact solutions of the considered equation to the modulation instability of the underlying model.
HYBRID NICHE-NEUTRAL MODEL FOR THE GUT MICROBIOTA
Authors: SALA C. , CASTELLANI G.
Published: August 2024

The gut microbiota is a complex ecosystem integrated in the human body. Its relevance in the host’s health is by now well established. For this reason, several studies are currently focusing their attention on its composition and ecological properties. Among such properties, biodiversity is indeed a key one, being an indicator of the health of an ecosystem. Despite that, the choice of the optimal metric to measure biodiversity in an effective way is still a matter of debate. Here, we discuss the main approaches proposed for this purpose, considering both classical statistical indices and model-based ones. We describe the relevance of the Relative Species Abundance distribution and the main probabilistic and ecological models that have been used to fit it. Finally, we report results obtained on the gut microbiota of three groups of subjects for which differences are expected: healthy Italian adults, Down Syndrome Italian adults, and Tanzanian Hadza hunter-gathers. Our results show the utility of considering a hybrid niche-neutral model to evaluate the biodiversity of this meaningful ecosystem.
ACTORS’ ACTIVITIES, AND INTERACTIONS IN INNOVATION ECOSYSTEMS: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW AND TYPOLOGY
Authors: CARRARA FELIPA , FREISINGER ELENA
Published: August 2024

In innovation ecosystems, actors from various industries co-create innovations within a complementary and modular architecture. Due to the uniqueness of any innovation ecosystem, research, specifically on actors, is context-specific, posing challenges in generalising results. To address this challenge, and to advance the understanding of actors and the underlying mechanisms influencing them, we conducted a systematic literature review. We identify and analyse 81 peer-reviewed articles on actors in innovation ecosystems, that we organise in a research framework. By doing so, we synthesise literature, provide a comprehensive overview of internal- and external-factors on organizational- and ecosystem-level influencing actors in innovation ecosystems, and identify outcomes and performances of this setting. Further, we propose a typology of actors in innovation ecosystems in terms of the interplay of their activities. By critically evaluating current literature, we determine gaps of knowledge, that hinder a holistic understanding of innovation ecosystems, and offer approaches to address them.
“Change It, Change It” Barriers for Parent–Adolescent Communication about Contraceptives in Bahir Dar City, North West, Ethiopia, 2023
Authors: Wubet Bethilhem , Zeru Taye , Worku Gizachew , Abeje Gedefaw
Published: August 2024

Background. The rising prevalence of risky behavior among East African adolescents places an additional strain on them, their families, and society. Adolescents in this area are particularly vulnerable to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) issues such as sexually transmitted infections, unexpected pregnancies, unsafe abortions, sexual abuse, and rape. This is believed to be due to the lack of communication between most parents in this region and their adolescents about SRH issues, such as contraceptives. This study explored barriers to parent–adolescent communication about contraceptives. Materials and Methods. A qualitative study with a phenomenological approach was used. Participants in the study were purposefully selected parents and adolescents who lived in the city of Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. An in‐depth interview guide was prepared and used to collect the data. ATLAS.ti software was used for coding, and thematic analysis was subsequently performed. Results. Thirty adolescents and 20 parents participated in the in‐depth interviews. Five main themes and 14 subthemes were identified. The main barriers to parental‐adolescent communication about contraceptives were cultural and religious factors, the knowledge gap, parents’ busyness, age, and the media as a source of information. Conclusions and Recommendations. To improve communication with very young adolescents (ages 10–13), parents should have sufficient and accurate knowledge about contraception as well as efficient communication techniques. To involve all stakeholders, including parents, in the deconstruction of sociocultural norms surrounding the SRH of adolescents, it is important to strengthen and spread campaigns that raise awareness of parental‐adolescent communication.
A New Zero–Inflated Regression Model with Applications to Australian Health Survey and Biochemistry Graduate Students Data
Authors: Tanış Caner , Mansour Mahmoud M. , Abd Elrazik Enayat M. , Chesneau Christophe , Al-Mofleh Hazem , Afify Ahmed Z.
Published: August 2024

In this study, we propose a new zero‐inflated regression model as an alternative to zero‐inflated regression models, such as the zero‐inflated Poisson, zero‐inflated negative binomial, zero‐inflated hurdle‐Poisson, and zero‐inflated hurdle negative binomial models. In this regard, we take benefit of the flexibility of the Poisson–Bilal distribution and some of its notable properties. More concretely, it is employed as the baseline distribution to generate a new regression model called the zero‐inflated Poisson‐Bilal regression model. It is designed to be a good alternative for modeling overdispersed data quite effectively. This aspect is emphasized using two real‐world data sets from the medicine and education fields. Furthermore, these data sets are analyzed to compare the goodness‐of‐fit of the suggested zero‐inflated regression model with some of its direct competitors.
First Cryorepository for Coral Larvae: Safeguarding Corals for Future Generations
Authors: Loeslakwiboon Kanokpron , Hsieh Wen-Chung , Huang Cheng-Liang , Tsai Sujune , Lin Chiahsin
Published: August 2024

Research on the development of innovative cryobanking techniques can aid coral restoration and conservation. This study applied a customized freezing device and “cryojig” along with vitrification and laser warming techniques to create the first cryorepository for pelagic‐phase larvae of the corals Seriatopora caliendrum, Pocillopora verrucosa, Stylophora pistillata, and Pocillopora acuta. Three vitrification solutions (VSs) were prepared, with each composed of two of four cryoprotective agents. These included VS1: 2 M ethylene glycol (EG) and 1 M propylene glycol; VS2: 2 M EG and 1 M glycerol; VS3: 2 M dimethyl sulfoxide and 1 M EG. Larvae were then mixed with the VSs, 40% (w/v) Ficoll, and 10% (v/v) gold nanoparticles (GNPs) at a final concentration of 1.2 × 1018 particles/m3 and using our customized device for vitrification and laser warming. Over a thousand coral larvae (576 S. caliendrum, 376 P. verrucosa, 238 S. pistillata, and 524 P. acuta) were successfully stored in the cryorepository and the proportions of coral larvae that were noted to be actively swimming or settled after vitrification and laser warming. This is the first project to establish a coral larvae cryorepository, and the methods applied could represent a critical tool for reef restoration and maintenance of marine biodiversity.
Disseminated Gastrointestinal Basidiobolomycosis: A Case Report with Review of Diagnostic Clues
Authors: Soleimani Neda , Anbardar Mohammad Hossein , Nikoupour Hamed , Derakhshan Faranak , Shafiekhani Mojtaba , Mohammadzadeh Sahand , Sakhaei Seyed Mohamad , Farhadi Mahsa
Published: August 2024

Introduction. Basidiobolomycosis is a rare fungal infection caused by an environmental saprophyte, Basidiobolus ranarum. It usually presents as a chronic subcutaneous infection; however, few cases of gastrointestinal involvement have been reported. The exact transmission route of gastrointestinal cases is not clear, and diagnosis always requires a high index of suspicion because it tends to mimic other inflammatory and neoplastic conditions. Case Report. A 31‐year‐old immunocompetent woman presented with abdominal pain and an advanced colon mass. She was completely well until about 1.5 years ago, when she underwent bariatric surgery. One year after surgery, chronic abdominal pain developed. A colonoscopy showed an ulcerative lesion in the descending colon, and the biopsy was in favor of ulcerative colitis. Despite immunosuppressive treatment, there was no improvement, and with worsening symptoms, more investigations revealed advanced colon mass with entrapment of the stomach and pancreas. Colonic mucosa biopsy and trucut biopsy of the mass showed just necrosis and acute inflammation; thus, she underwent exploratory laparotomy with colectomy, partial gastrectomy, distal pancreatectomy, and left nephrectomy. On pathologic examination, there was granulomatous inflammation plus the Splendore–Hoeppli phenomenon around fungal hyphae, which was diagnostic for gastrointestinal basidiobolomycosis. Previous pathology slides were reviewed and revealed a tiny focus of basidiobolomycosis. After 6 months of treatment with itraconazole, she is relatively well without any clinical or radiologic abnormalities. Conclusion. Our case highlights the significance of suspicion for basidiobolomycosis in ulcerative and necrotic lesions with increased eosinophils, especially in the presence of abdominal mass and systemic eosinophilia.
Evaluation of Palatal Thickness for the Placement of MARPE Device among a Cohort of Iraqi‐Kurdish Population: A Retrospective CBCT Study
Authors: Andraws Yalda Fedil , Chawshli Omar Fawzi , Al-Talabani Shaho Ziyad , Ali Sarkawt Hamad , Shihab Omed Ikram
Published: August 2024

Objectives. This study aimed to evaluate and compare palatal thickness in adults for the placement of mini‐implants for miniscrew‐assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) appliances using cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) in a sample of Iraqi‐Kurdish people. Materials and Methods. CBCT scans from 68 Kurdish patients, aged between 18 and 30 years, were assessed retrospectively. Of these, 37 were males and 31 were females. The measurements were performed at 3 mm from the mid‐palatal suture. T‐zone was selected for the anterior points, at the level of the palatal cusps of 2nd premolars, and the posterior point at the level of mesio‐palatal cusps of 1st molars bilaterally. Palatal thickness of males and females bilaterally, as well as anterior and posterior areas, were measured and compared. An independent t‐test was applied for comparison for normally distributed data, and the Mann–Whitney test was utilized for nonnormally distributed data. Additionally, Bonferroni correction was implemented for p‐value adjustment. Results. The mean palatal thickness at the anterior area was 6.06 mm for males, 6.17 mm for females on the right side, 5.94 mm for males, and 5.99 mm for females on the left side. The mean palatal thickness at the posterior area was almost the same for both genders (4.40 mm for males and 4.44 mm for females) on the right side, 4.35 mm for males, and 4.54 mm for females on the left side. Statistically, no significant difference was recorded between males and females, as well as right and left sides in both anterior and posterior regions; however, a very highly statistically significant difference (p  < 0.001) was recorded when comparing total thickness, including both hard and soft tissue, between anterior and posterior regions. Conclusions. CBCT proves a highly effective modality in assessing palatal thickness and suggesting ideal locations for orthodontic mini‐screw placement. Our examination of palatal thickness in a sample of Iraqi‐Kurdish individuals revealed no statistical difference between genders or sides, but significant variations were noted between anterior and posterior thicknesses. Comprehensive clinical and pre‐expansion CBCT evaluations are crucial for precisely determining the optimal placement of MARPE devices in each patient, ensuring successful outcomes.
A Unique Derivative Chromosome 4 with a Predominant 4p16.3 Microduplication Phenotype and a Literature Review
Authors: Mekkawy Mona K. , Kamel Alaa K. , Refaat Khaled M. , Madian Abdelrahman , Issa Mahmoud , Abd Allah Sally G. , Eid Ola M. , Zaki Maha S. , Mohamed Amal M.
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Constitutional structural abnormalities affecting chromosome 4 result in variable distinct phenotypic traits including duplication 4p syndrome, deletion 4p or Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS), deletion 4q and duplication 4q syndromes. Complex rearrangements involving both chromosome 4 arms are very rarely reported with different break points occurring within regions of 4p13-p16 and 4q32-35. They most commonly occur in familial cases due to parental pericentric inversion resulting in a recombinant chromosome 4 “rec(4).” The clinical picture is dependent on the size and type of copy number imbalance and the genes involved. Methods: We report on a female patient with delayed developmental milestones and lower limb anomalies, who carried a de novo unique type of complex rearrangement affecting both chromosome 4 arms, diagnosed by karyotype and fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis and chromosomal microarray (CMA). Results: The chromosome 4 rearrangement involved three copy number alterations, consisting of a terminal 1.17 Mb 4p16.3 deletion with a contiguous proximal 1.8 Mb 4p16.3 duplication, including the Wolf-Hirschhorn critical (WHSC) region, and an inverted 27 Mb terminal 4q32-35.2 duplication attached to terminal 4p. The patient’s predominant phenotype was consistent with 4p16.3 microduplication syndrome. The rearrangement occurred as a de novo abnormality, and thus it was designated as a derivative chromosome 4. To the best of our knowledge, this complex type of chromosome 4 rearrangement has not been reported so far. Conclusion: The present report adds to the scarce 4p16.3 microduplication syndrome reports and emphasizes the role of WHSC region in the syndromic phenotype. It also reveals the importance of CMA in detecting subtle copy number variations (CNVs) that could be dominantly reflected on the phenotype, which is very important in patients’ management and family counselling.
A construção da “USP forte”: permanência e mudança no poder institucional da USP (1934-2024)
Authors: Carlotto Maria
Published: August 2024

The history of the University of São Paulo has been narrated and contested from various perspectives. However, one perspective has been relatively unexplored: that which emphasizes the institutional power of the university, namely the formation of its central administration and corresponding governing body. Acknowledging this gap, the present article proposes to outline the lengthy process of constructing the institutional power of usp, demonstrating how, despite changes over time, this power has been and continues to be concentrated in the traditional professional hub of the university, comprised notably of the Schools of Law, Medicine, and Engineering, both in the capital and throughout the state’s interior.
Um olhar francês sobre experiências brasileiras: entrevista com Roger Chartier
Authors: Palmeira Miguel , Osés Mariana
Published: August 2024

A entrevista que aqui se apresenta volta-se para a origem da USP e o caráter das trocas intelectuais franco-brasileiras. O entrevistado, Roger Chartier, é personagem de relevo nessas trocas e dedicado a refletir sobre o tema
New earwigs of the subfamily Anechurinae (Dermaptera: Forficulidae) from China
Authors: CHEN ZHI-TENG
Published: August 2024

The species-rich earwig family Forficulidae remains relatively understudied in China. This study reports a new species of Chelidura Latreille, 1825 (Forficulidae: Anechurinae), Chelidura siguniangshana sp. nov., from central Sichuan Province of China, and provides detailed descriptions and illustrations. Notable characteristics of the new Chelidura species include slender and medially straight forceps, shallow lateral tubercles on the ultimate tergite, elongated genitalia, and slender, asymmetrical parameres in males. In addition, Parachelidura liui gen. et sp. nov. is described based on a male specimen also found in Sichuan Province. The new genus is distinguished by the complete absence of tegmina and wings, coupled with a robust molar-tooth in the basal quarter of the male forceps.
A new species of colorful Platypelis (Amphibia: Microhylidae) from the Tsaratanàna and Bemanevika massifs in northern Madagascar
Authors: RAKOTOARISON ANDOLALAO , VENCES MIGUEL , ANDREONE FRANCO , CROTTINI ANGELICA , GLAW FRANK , SCHERZ MARK D. , RASELIMANANA ACHILLE P.
Published: August 2024

Frogs of the genus Platypelis are known to have their center of species richness in the mountain massifs of northern Madagascar. We here formally describe a new species of Platypelis from this region. Platypelis saikamavo sp. nov. has been known for over 20 years but its taxonomic identity has only recently been robustly clarified as a result of ongoing taxonomic revisions of other Platypelis species. The new species is known from rainforest on the Tsaratanàna Massif and Bemanevika, at elevations of 1000–1530 m above sea level. It is characterized by an isolated phylogenetic position and is genetically highly divergent, with an uncorrected pairwise distance ≥4.5% in the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene to all other nominal species of Platypelis. It has a unique combination of morphological and chromatic character states such as a relatively large body size of 28–31 mm in snout–vent length, distinct superciliary tubercles, and bright yellow color around the forelimb insertion and on the posterior abdomen where this color extends in the form of flash marks onto the inguinal region.
Cluster Analysis of the Recent Interdecadal Variation in the Tripole Landfall Pattern of Tropical Cyclones in East Asia
Authors: Tang Yulian , Huangfu Jingliang , Huang Ronghui , Chen Wen , Lan Xiaoqing
Published: August 2024

Along the East Asian coast, the interdecadal variation in tropical cyclone (TC) landfall activities in the early 2010s shows a tripole change pattern characterized by significantly increased (decreased) TC landfalls to the north of 30°N and to the south of 20°N (between 20° and 30°N). The increased TC landfalls in the East Asian subregion north to 30°N mean greater TC damage in the most populous regions, including southeastern China, the Korean Peninsula, and Japan, since the early 2010s. The present work uses an objective clustering technique to analyze the internal dynamical causes of this interdecadal variation. The increased TC landfall activities in the East Asian subregion north of 30°N are attributed to the increase in TCs with a northwestward-moving track (cluster defined as C1), whereas the increased TC landfall activities to the south of 20°N and the decrease between 20° and 30°N are mainly due to the southward shift of TCs with a westward-moving track (cluster defined as C2). This work focuses on different TC track groups (C1 and C2) based on daily data, showing that the interdecadal changes in the synoptic-scale monsoon trough and subtropical high provide important environment for different groups of TCs. The ascending phase of the PDO with significant warming over the central Pacific favors the interdecadal tripole changes in TC landfalls.
Departures of Tainted Outside Directors: A Threshold Approach From Two Competing Theoretical Perspectives
Authors: Tian Longwei , Wang Xinran , Xia Jun , Li Yuan
Published: August 2024

Although a tainted outside director’s social status may serve as a buffer against devaluation owing to an affiliate firm’s corporate financial misconduct, the extent of this buffer effect is unclear. We propose a threshold approach by introducing the expectancy violation perspective, which generates a theoretical tension from the network-embeddedness perspective, to clarify the following question: From which perspective does the buffer effect of social status become more salient? Specifically, we propose an inverted U–shaped relationship between the directors’ social status and the departure of tainted outside directors from host firms. We theorize that when directors’ social status exceeds a certain threshold, the network-embeddedness perspective is more dominant than the expectancy violation perspective. Moreover, a host firm’s external stakeholder attention and board social status moderate the inverted-U effect such that its turning point shifts to the right because such contingencies increase the threshold for the buffer. Using a sample of tainted outside directors penalized for associated firms’ financial misconduct, we find evidence that supports our predictions. Our study helps clarify the boundary between the competing theoretical perspectives of expectancy violation and network embeddedness to explain the phenomenon of tainted director departure.
The “India exception”: An echo of the “China human rights exception” in the 1970s–1980s
Authors: Wan Ming
Published: August 2024

Recent Canadian allegations of a link between Indian agents and the murder of a Sikh Canadian leader have sunk the Canada-India relationship. Diplomatically speaking, the US is balancing between supporting its traditional ally Canada and its newfound strategic partner India in its struggle against Chinese hegemony. India's seemingly exceptional treatment at present reminds us of the “China human rights exception” in the 1970s and early 1980s, when the US government chose not to call out China's problems with human rights, even as America was itself adopting a foreign policy centring on human rights. Despite the many differences between China and India, the China exception and its related historical process helps us understand the evolving “India exception,” which indeed exists and likely represents the beginning of the end of the honeymoon period between India and the West, although it may take at least two decades for that process to culminate.
Alcohol Protective Behavioral Strategy use and Negative Consequences Across Heavy Alcohol Users and Risky Drinkers
Authors: Hoover Skyler M. , Swinney Molly J. , Greenspoon Lauren A. , Madson Michael B. , Zamboanga Byron L. , Haga Morgan ,   Harm Reduction Research Team **
Published: August 2024

This study investigated differences in alcohol protective behavioral strategy (PBSA) use and negative consequences (ARNC) experienced among heavy alcohol users and non-heavy alcohol users, and risky and non-risky drinkers. Participants were from 12 universities in the United States ( n = 2,163 college students, Mage = 19.47), predominantly identified as White (74%), and female (68.7%), who completed measures of typical weekly drinking, risky drinking, ARNC, and PBSA use. ANOVAs revealed that the heavy alcohol users and risky drinkers reported significantly fewer total PBSA, subtype strategy use, and greater negative consequences than their counterparts. Harm reduction interventions may benefit from identifying and targeting college students who are engaging in heavy alcohol use and risky drinking regardless of sex.
“Carbon Partners” and Collaborative Greenwashing: The Sustainability Partnership Between Dow Chemical and the Olympic Games
Authors: Glasson Ben , Hutchins Brett
Published: August 2024

The multinational corporation, Dow Chemical, became the first-ever “Official Carbon Partner” of the Olympic Games in 2017, promising to offset the emissions generated by the staging of the Games and associated activities. This article critically analyzes the Partnership's promotional campaign, comprised of rhetorical claims that such “game-changing” collaborations are “redefining the role of business in society” in responding to the climate emergency. This particular campaign built green goodwill for a global sports mega-event and a corporation whose core business is converting fossil fuels into plastics. We highlight that this Partnership's carbon offsetting schemes appear to fail both parties’ additionality standards. We interpret this partnership as a historically significant example in the broader corporate effort to propogate a collaborative eco-capitalist imaginary that redefines corporations as partners fully aligned with state and third-sector projects to mitigate climate change.
Book review: Rahul Sagar, To Raise a Fallen People: The Nineteenth-Century Origins of Indian Views on International Politics
Authors: Pathania Gaurav
Published: August 2024

Rahul Sagar, To Raise a Fallen People: The Nineteenth-Century Origins of Indian Views on International Politics (New York: Columbia University Press, 2022), xviii + 289 pp.
Decolonising politics curricula: Exploring the experiences and views of racially minoritised students
Authors: O’Neill Siobhan
Published: August 2024

Through an exploration of the experiences and narratives of racially minoritised students, in this article, I argue that Politics curricula in the United Kingdom can largely be defined as epistemologically ignorant as a result of whiteness and Western-centrism. While there is a growing body of scholarship that has drawn attention to the whiteness and coloniality of Politics curricula, little, if any, has considered this from the perspective of racially minoritised students of Politics. This article addresses this gap in the literature and serves to prompt the Politics disciplines to look inwards and interrogate how whiteness and colonial logics continue to shape the study of Politics while also offering recommendations for curricula change based on students’ lived experiences. After briefly defining ‘the curriculum’, I outline the ways in which racially minoritised students defined Politics curricula as white and/or Western-centric and epistemologically ignorant. I then consider the role of teaching staff in curricula design and delivery and the potential for teaching practices to challenge curricula. Finally, before concluding, I explore what decolonising or ‘widening’ Politics curricula entails from the perspective of students.
Effect of dislocation density on microstructure and mechanical properties of cold-rolled medium Mn steel
Authors: Wu Jinbiao , Jing Cainian , Lin Tao , Xu Junjie , Peng Can , Tu Yingming , Fu Tinglin , Xuan Bin
Published: August 2024

This study investigated the effect of dislocation density on microstructural transformation and mechanical properties of Fe-7.23Mn-4.42Al-0.09C-1.99Si (wt.%) steel. By the tempering treatment, the dislocation density was reduced. The effect of of dislocation density on the plasticity of the steel was analyzed. The dislocation density was reduced from 2.3 × 10−16 m−2 to 1.6 10−16m−2 by tempering. Reducing dislocation density in the metastable austenite resulted in a higher metastable austenite transformation rate. And the low dislocation density steels exhibited a longer strain length during tensile deformation. It was obvserved that the dislocation density of the test steel decreased by 30% after tempering, the austenite transformation rate increased to 53.3%, and tensile strength and elongation increased to 1010 MPa and 44% respectively.
Tunnel motion: Pupil dilations to optic flow within illusory dark holes
Authors: Laeng Bruno , Nabil Shoaib , Kitaoka Akiyoshi
Published: August 2024

We showed to the same observers both dynamic and static 2D patterns that can both evoke distinctive perceptions of motion or optic flow, as if moving in a tunnel or into a dark hole. At all times pupil diameters were monitored with an infrared eye tracker. We found a converging set of results indicating stronger pupil dilations to expansive growth of shapes or optic flows evoking a forward motion into a dark tunnel. Multiple regression analyses showed that the pupil responses to the illusory expanding black holes of static patterns were predicted by the individuals’ pupil response to optic flows showing spiraling motion or “free fall” into a black hole. Also, individuals’ pupil responses to spiraling motion into dark tunnels predicted the individuals’ sense of illusory expansion with the static, illusory expanding, dark holes. This correspondence across individuals between their pupil responses to both dynamic and static, illusory expanding, holes suggests that these percepts reflect a common perceptual mechanism, deriving motion from 2D scenes, and that the observers’ pupil adjustments reflect the direction and strength of motion they perceive and the expected outcome of an increase in darkness.