bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tractable Binary Contests
Authors: Levy Priel , Sarne David , Aumann Yonatan
Published: October 2023

Much of the work on multi-agent contests is focused on determining the equilibrium behavior of contestants. This capability is essential for the principal for choosing the optimal parameters for the contest (e.g., prize amount). As it turns out, many contests exhibit not one, but many possible equilibria, hence precluding contest design optimization and contestants’ behavior prediction. In this article, we examine a variation of the classic contest that alleviates this problem by having contestants make the decisions sequentially rather than in parallel. We study this model in the setting of a
binary contest
, wherein contestants only choose whether or not to participate, while their performance level is exogenously set. We show that by switching to the sequential mechanism not only does there emerge a
unique
equilibrium behavior, but also that the principal can design this behavior to be as good, and, at times, better, than any pure-strategy equilibrium of the parallel setting (assuming the principal’s profit is either the maximum performance or the sum of performances). We also show that in the sequential setting, the optimal prize, which is inherently a continuous parameter, can be effectively computed and reduced to a set of discrete values to be evaluated. The theoretical analysis is complemented by comprehensive experiments with people over Amazon Mechanical Turk. Here, we find that the modified mechanism offers great benefit for the principal in terms of an increased over-participation in the contest (compared to theoretical expectations). The effect on the principal average profit, however, depends on its goal in the contest—when benefiting from the maximum performance the modified mechanism results in increased average profit, while when benefiting from the sum of performances, it is preferred to stay with the original (parallel) contest.
Unveiling the Synergy of Polymer–Salt Compositions for Properties Enhancement of Solid Polymer Electrolytes Based on PEO/PVP Blend Polymer Matrix and LiTFSI Dopant Salt
Authors: Patel Vinod Kumar , Sengwa R. J. , Saraswat Mukul
Published: October 2023

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are ion-dipole complexes credited to their use in the design and development of widespread solid-state ion conducting innovative devices. Accordingly, herein, two sets of highly flexible, stretchable, and sticky type SPE films based on poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)/ poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) blend as host matrix of different compositional ratios (i.e., 25/75, 50/50, and 75/25 wt/wt%) with 30 and 50 wt% lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) as ionic dopant salt, and also one sample of polymer-in-salt (PiS) comprised the 50/50 wt/wt% polymer blend matrix and 60 wt% salt, are prepared and characterized in detail. These SPEs are predominantly amorphous having substantial absorbance for ultraviolet-visible radiations and tunable wide range energy band gaps. The 20 Hz—1 GHz broadband dielectric permittivity, loss angle tangent, and electrical conductivity spectra explained a variety of polarization and structural relaxation processes and the mechanism of ion transport ruled by the compositional synergy of polymer and salt in these SPEs. The highest ionic conductivity with appreciable electrochemical performance of the SPE is found for the PEO-rich blend matrix with 50 wt% of LiTFSI dopant. We conclude the suitability of these enhanced promising propertiesSPEs for the development of futuristic ion-conducting energy storage as well as revolutionary iontronic devices.
Classification of Vietnamese Cashew Nut (Anacardium occidentale L.) Products Using Statistical Algorithms Based on ICP/MS Data: A Study of Food Categorization
Authors: Nguyen-Quang Trung , Bui-Quang Minh , Pham-Van Thinh , Le-Van Nhan , Nguyen-Hoang Khanh , Nguyen-Minh Duc , Phung-Thi Tinh , Le-Viet Anh , Tran-Ha Minh Duc , Nguyen-Tien Dat , Hoang-Le Tuan-Anh , Truong-Ngoc Minh
Published: October 2023

Fingerprinting techniques, which utilize the unique chemical and physical properties of food samples, have emerged as a promising approach for food authentication and traceability. Recent studies have demonstrated significant advancements in food authentication through the use of fingerprinting methods, such as multivariate statistical analysis techniques applied to trace elements and isotope ratios. However, further research is required to optimize these methods and ensure their validity and reliability in real-world applications. In this study, the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analytical method was employed to determine the content of 21 elements in 300 cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale L.) samples from 5 brands. Multivariate statistical methods, such as principal components analysis (PCA), were employed to analyze the data obtained and establish the provenance of the cashew nuts. While cashew nuts are widely marketed in many countries, no universal method has been utilized to differentiate the origin of these nuts. Our study represents the initial step in identifying the geographical origin of commercial cashew nuts marketed in Vietnam. The analysis showed significant differences in the means of 21 of the 40 analyzed elements among the cashew nut samples from the 5 brands, including 7Li, 11B, 24Mg, 27Al, 44Ca, 48Ti, 51V, 52Cr, 55Mn, 57Fe, 60Ni, 63Cu, 66Zn, 93Nb, 98Mo, 111Cd, 115In, 121Sb, 138Ba, 208Pb, and 209Bi. The PCA analysis indicated that the cashew nut samples can be accurately classified according to their original locations. This research serves as a prerequisite for future studies involving the combination of elemental composition analysis with statistical classification methods for the accurate establishment of cashew nut provenance, which involves the identification of key markers for the original discrimination of cashew nuts.
Google Earth Engine for Advanced Land Cover Analysis from Landsat‐8 Data with Spectral and Topographic Insights
Authors: Abdollahi Abolfazl , Pradhan Biswajeet , Alamri Abdullah , Lee Chang-Wook
Published: October 2023

The primary goal of this research is to see how effective cloud‐based computing services such as Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform are at classifying multitemporal satellite images and producing high‐quality land cover maps for the target year of 2020, with the possibility of using it on a larger‐scale area such as metropolitan Melbourne as a test site. To create high‐quality land cover maps, the GEE is utilized to analyze a total of 80 Landsat‐8 images. The support vector machine (SVM) approach is used to classify the images. Moreover, we use spectral bands, spectral indices, and topographic parameters to improve classification and address the limitations of existing approaches for classification with restricted input variables. Furthermore, we apply a postprocessing strategy to increase the model’s performance by removing the salt‐and‐pepper noise created by misclassified pixels in supervised classification results. The results demonstrate that given all parameters, the SVM approach achieves an overall accuracy (OA) and kappa accuracy of 88.47% and 85.34%, respectively. Following the implementation of the postprocessing technique, the OA and kappa improve to 92.90% and 90.99%, respectively. The results indicate that Landsat‐8 multitemporal data, spectral indices, topographic components, and postprocessing techniques are all important in land cover mapping. Therefore, the use of freely accessible GEE technology and multitemporal Landsat‐8 data ensures that decision makers have the resources they need to track land cover throughout the year.
Closed Catheter Drainage for Klebsiella pneumoniae Empyema Necessitans
Authors: Ishaq Mohammed , Bahadi Abdullah
Published: October 2023

Empyema necessitans is a rare complication of pneumonia, which can be seen more frequently with tuberculosis (TB). In this case report, we include a 47-year-old female with empyema necessitans; closed drainage has been sought as a sole treatment based on the clinical presentation and radiological findings of an empyema necessitans. Scarce evidence with regard to adult empyema necessitans with Klebsiella was found in the literature where adult cases were managed exclusively using combination of intravenous (IV) antibiotic and closed drainage, reporting such case can help guiding management for similar presentation.
Delivering the National Diabetes Prevention Program: Assessment of Outcomes in In-Person and Virtual Organizations
Authors: Ely Elizabeth K. , Ng Boon Peng , Cannon Michael J.
Published: October 2023

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program (DPRP) has helped organizations deliver the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) lifestyle change program for over 10 years. Four delivery modes are now approved: in person, online (self-paced, asynchronous delivery), distance learning (remote, synchronous delivery), and combination (hybrid delivery using more than one delivery mode). We assessed outcomes using data from 333,715 participants who started the 12-month program between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2018. The average number of sessions attended was highest for in-person participants (15.0), followed by online (12.9), distance learning (12.2), and combination (10.7). The average number of weeks in the program was highest for in-person participants (28.1), followed by distance learning (20.1), online (18.7), and combination (18.6). The average difference between the first and last reported weekly physical activity minutes reflected an increase for in person (42.0), distance learning (27.1), and combination (15.0), but a decrease for online (-19.8). Among participants retained through session 6 or longer, average weekly physical activity minutes exceeded the program goal of 150 for all delivery modes. Average weight loss (percent of body weight) was greater for in person (4.4%) and distance learning (4.7%) than for online (2.6%) or combination (2.9%). Average participant weight loss increased gradually by session for all delivery modes; among participants who remained in the program for 22 sessions, average weight loss exceeded the program goal of 5% for all delivery modes. In summary, if participants stay in the program, most have positive program outcomes regardless of delivery mode; they have some outcome improvement even if they leave early; and their outcomes improve more the longer they stay. This highlights the benefits of better retention and increased enrollment in the National DPP lifestyle change programs, as well as enhancements to online delivery.
Supplementary Figure 5 from PSGL-1 Blockade Induces Classical Activation of Human Tumor-associated Macrophages
Authors: Kauffman Kevin , Manfra Denise , Nowakowska Dominika , Zafari Mohammad , Nguyen Phuong A. , Phennicie Ryan , Vollmann Elisabeth H. , O'Nuallain Brian , Basinski Sara , Komoroski Veronica , Rooney Kate , Culyba Elizabeth K. , Wahle Joseph , Ries Carola , Brehm Michael , Sazinsky Steve , Feldman Igor , Novobrantseva Tatiana I.
Published: October 2023

Anti-PSGL-1 repolarizes macrophages and leads to a pro-inflammatory response.
FIGURE 1 from PSGL-1 Blockade Induces Classical Activation of Human Tumor-associated Macrophages
Authors: Kauffman Kevin , Manfra Denise , Nowakowska Dominika , Zafari Mohammad , Nguyen Phuong A. , Phennicie Ryan , Vollmann Elisabeth H. , O'Nuallain Brian , Basinski Sara , Komoroski Veronica , Rooney Kate , Culyba Elizabeth K. , Wahle Joseph , Ries Carola , Brehm Michael , Sazinsky Steve , Feldman Igor , Novobrantseva Tatiana I.
Published: October 2023

PSGL-1 expression is enriched in TAMs within human tumors. Correlation between mRNA levels of PSGL-1 and a T-cell marker (CD3G; A) or a macrophage marker (CD163; B) in selected tumor indications from TCGA dataset (ref. 32; Spearman rank correlations and P values). C, Cell surface expression of CD163 (top) and PSGL-1 (bottom) on CD11b+CD14+ macrophages and CD3+ T cells in various tumor tissues by flow cytometry. D, Colocalization of PSGL-1 protein with CD68+CD163+ macrophages in tumor tissue by fluorescent multiplex IHC. Note very low or no PSGL-1 staining on CD68+CD163− macrophages (white/red arrow heads) and T cells (yellow/cyan arrow heads). Representative images from lung and ovarian TMAs. CD68, CD163, and CD3 are shown in pseudocolored fluorescence images; PSGL-1 is shown in a simulated DAB/hematoxylin image. Scale bar: 20 µm. E, Quantification of PSGL-1 expression on “M1” (CD68+CD163−) macrophages, “M2” (CD68+CD163+) macrophages and T cells in 14 TMAs each representing a different indication (n = number of unique patient tumor samples per indication). H-score is a semiquantitative measure of signal intensity ranging from 0 to 300.
Genotype-Phenotype Correlations in TMPRSS3 (DFNB10/DFNB8) with Emphasis on Natural History
Authors: Nisenbaum Eric , Yan Denise , Shearer A Eliot , de Joya Evan , Thielhelm Torin , Russell Nicole , Staecker Hinrich , Chen Zhengyi , Holt Jeffrey R. , Liu Xuezhong
Published: October 2023

Background: Mutations in TMPRSS3 are an important cause of autosomal recessive non-syndromic hearing loss. The hearing loss associated with mutations in TMPRSS3 is characterized by phenotypic heterogeneity, ranging from mild to profound hearing loss, and is generally progressive. Clinical presentation and natural history of TMPRSS3 mutations vary significantly based on the location and type of mutation in the gene. Understanding these genotype-phenotype relationships and associated natural disease histories is necessary for the successful development and application of gene-based therapies and precision medicine approaches to DFNB8/10. The heterogeneous presentation of TMPRSS3-associated disease makes it difficult to identify patients clinically. As the body of literature on TMPRSS3-associated deafness grows, there is need for better categorization of the hearing phenotypes associated with specific mutations in the gene. Summary: In this review, we summarize TMPRSS3 genotype-phenotype relationships including a thorough description of the natural history of patients with TMPRSS3-associated hearing loss to lay the groundwork for the future of TMPRSS3 treatment using molecular therapy. Key Messages: TMPRSS3 mutation is a significant cause of genetic hearing loss. All patients with TMPRSS3 mutation display severe-to-profound prelingual (DFNB10) or a postlingual (DFNB8) progressive sensorineural hearing loss. Importantly, TMPRSS3 mutations have not been associated with middle ear or vestibular deficits. The c.916G>A (p.Ala306Thr) missense mutation is the most frequently reported mutation across populations and should be further explored as a target for molecular therapy.
Needle-Perc-Assisted Endoscopic Surgery in Treatment with Renal Staghorn Stones: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study from a Large-Volume Stone Center
Authors: Xiao Bo , Diao Xiaolin , Zeng Xue , Jin Song , Zhang Gang , Bai Wenjie , Li Jianxing
Published: October 2023

Introduction: The goal of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of needle-perc-assisted endoscopic surgery (NAES) in the treatment of staghorn renal stones via a single-center prospective randomized controlled study. Methods: A total of 219 patients with partial or complete staghorn renal stones were prospectively randomized into two groups between January 2020 and April 2022. In group A (n = 112), patients were treated with traditional standard access, multiple if necessary, and in group B (n = 107), only one standard access was made, and needle-perc was assisted to remove the residual stones in the same stage. All procedures were guided under ultrasound totally. Stone size, operating time, blood loss, pain score, complications, and other related characteristics were monitored and analyzed. Results: Procedures were successful in all patients. The baseline characters were similar between the groups. The mean stone size was comparable (4.5 ± 1.4 vs. 4.7 ± 1.7, p = 0.35). The 1-month stone-free status was achieved in 85 patients (75.9%) in group A and 80 (74.8%) patients in group B (p = 0.72). The operation time was shorter in group A than B (75.1 ± 28.1 min vs. 97.2 ± 20.4 min, p = 0.02). A less blood loss (p = 0.01), shorter hospital stay (p = 0.04), lower pain score (p = 0.04), and lower severe complication rates (p = 0.03) were observed in group B. Conclusion: NAES reveals better postoperative recurrence compared with traditional multiple tracts method for treating staghorn renal stones. The stone-free rate was comparable between the two groups.
Multiple Recurrent Atypical Lipomatous Tumors/Well-Differentiated Liposarcomas and Dedifferentiated Liposarcomas Treated with Multiple Surgical Resections: A Case Report
Authors: Maejima Akira , Hirozane Toru , Yamaguchi Sayaka , Mori Tomoaki , Asano Naofumi , Kikuta Kazutaka , Hirabayashi Kaoru , Takeuchi Katsuhito , Nakayama Robert , Nakamura Masaya , Matsumoto Morio
Published: October 2023

Atypical lipomatous tumor/well-differentiated liposarcoma (ALT/WDLPS) is usually a solitary adipocytic tumor. ALT/WDLPS shows no potential for metastasis unless it undergoes dedifferentiation. No case of multiple ALT/WDLPS has been reported in recent years. We present a rare case of multiple recurrent liposarcomas. A 71-year-old man with a history of scrotal ALT/WDLPS at 61 years presented with multiple large tumors spread throughout the body. The patient was bedridden and severely limited in his activities of daily living (ADL) due to multiple large tumors in the trunk and lower extremities. Radiological examination revealed multiple adipocytic tumors, mainly in the soft tissues of the trunk and extremities, with several visceral lesions. Tumors were resected in stages, starting with large tumors directly related to disability. Repeated palliative resections improved the patient’s ADL; he regained ambulation and was discharged 18 months after admission. Twelve surgeries were performed to remove 44 adipocytic tumors from the testis, left chest wall, perigastric area, ileum, left inguinal region, both buttocks, thighs, and lower legs. Histological examination revealed dedifferentiated components in five tumors, while 39 tumors were diagnosed as ALT/WDLPS. At the age of 76 years, the patient developed an unresectable dedifferentiated liposarcoma between the heart and aorta, leading to fatality at 79 years. The patient’s clinical course suggested multiple metastases of ALT/WDLPS of scrotal origin or ALT/WDLPS of multicentric origin. Although multicentric ALT/WDLPS or ALT/WDLPS metastases are rare, they should be considered when multiple large adipocytic tumors are found throughout the body. Despite the presence of numerous large malignant tumors, surgical treatments of the lesions can improve ADL and prolong life if the tumors are of low-grade malignancy.
Human Beta Cell Functional Adaptation and Dysfunction in Insulin Resistance and Its Reversibility
Authors: Skelin Klemen Maša , Kopecky Jan , Dolenšek Jurij , Stožer Andraž
Published: October 2023

Background: Beta cells play a key role in the pathophysiology of diabetes since their functional adaptation is able to maintain euglycemia in the face of insulin resistance, and beta cell decompensation or dysfunction is a necessary condition for full-blown type 2 diabetes (T2D). The mechanisms behind compensation and decompensation are incompletely understood, especially for human beta cells, and even less is known about influences of chronic kidney disease (CKD) or immunosupressive therapy after transplantation on these processes and the development of posttransplant diabetes. Summary: During compensation, beta cell sensitivity to glucose becomes left-shifted, i.e., their sensitivity to stimulation increases, and this is accompanied by enhanced signals along the stimulus-secretion coupling cascade from membrane depolarization to intracellular calcium and the most distal insulin secretion dynamics. There is currently no clear evidence regarding changes in intercellular coupling during this stage of disease progression. During decompensation, intracellular stimulus-secretion coupling remains enhanced to some extent at low or basal glucose concentrations but seems to become unable to generate effective signals to stimulate insulin secretion at high or otherwise stimulatory glucose concentrations. Additionally, intercellular coupling becomes disrupted, lowering the number of cells that contribute to secretion. During progression of CKD, beta cells also seem to drift from a compensatory left-shift to failure, and immunosupressants can further impair beta cell function following kidney transplantation. Key Messages: Beta cell stimulus-secretion coupling is enhanced in compensated insulin resistance. With worsening insulin resistance, both intra- and intercellular coupling become disrupted. CKD can progressively disrupt beta cell function, but further studies are needed, especially regarding changes in intercellular coupling.
Measuring creative thingking skills of vocational high school students on dynamic electricity: a case study
Authors: Roni Permana Roni Permana
Published: October 2023

Creative thinking is a precise significant ability of 21st century education. Consequently, students are essential to must this ability to be applied in physics learning especially in the field of vocational. This study purposes to quantity students' creative thinking abilities about Dynamic Electricity. Examples remained busy by purposive sample method. Applicants in this study were 22 K-12 students of vocational students in Subang city. The implements used are three essay questions with four aspects that are turned off. The results showed that the average value was 43.43 with a low category. Consequently, students' creative thinking skills about Dynamic Electricity are still relatively low.
Object Tracking Based on Camera Using Anfis and Fuzzy Classifier for RGB Color
Authors: Iqbal Robiyana  , Timbo Faritcan Parlaungan  , Sarifudin  , Suhendra Muhamad Agung
Published: October 2023

Image processing technology has a wide range of applications, such as in the medical, military, surveillance, and robotics industries. Analyzing objects in images is crucial when it comes to image processing. This study focuses on image processing to track objects of red, green, and blue (RGB) colors through the utilization of a camera. There are two research schemes: image processing and data classification. The data classification method used is the fuzzy and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). The methods of image subtracting and region properties are commonly utilized for image processing. Based on the classification data results, the fuzzy logic classification demonstrated a higher accuracy rate of 86% when compared to Anfis' 65%. This was observed when both classification models were tested using a random sample. The value of Anfis is small due to the limited size of the training data used. As a result, it is recommended to use a fuzzy classifier for object color tracking for good performance.
Práticas e desafios do terapeuta ocupacional em contextos escolares no Distrito Federal
Authors: Lins Sarah Raquel Almeida , Pereira Gessilaine Fernandes , Farias Magno Nunes , Folha Débora Ribeiro da Silva Campos
Published: October 2023

Introdução: Ainda que a Terapia Ocupacional tenha um importante histórico de atuações no contexto escolar, ainda é necessário se aprofundar sobre a realidade dos profissionais em diversas regiões do país, inclusive no Distrito Federal. Objetivo: Identificar as práticas e os desafios vivenciados por terapeutas ocupacionais do Distrito Federal que realizam ou realizaram ações relacionadas ao contexto escolar. Procedimentos metodológicos: Pesquisa qualitativa, transversal, exploratória, que realizou entrevista semi-estruturada junto a cinco terapeutas ocupacionais atuantes no Distrito Federal. Resultados e Discussão: As principais práticas realizadas pelas profissionais são: formação, orientação e capacitação de professores e auxiliares, adaptação curricular, de atividades e de mobiliário. Por outro lado, os desafios para a realização dessas práticas tais como, a resistência das escolas e as atitudes sociais frente à inclusão, evidenciam a importância da realização de propostas que sensibilizem e conscientizem escolas, profissionais e comunidade para conhecer e para lidar com as demandas cotidianas visando à inclusão. Conclusões: As práticas da Terapia Ocupacional na educação são pouco conhecidas no Distrito Federal, e acredita-se que investir na formação graduada dos terapeutas ocupacionais, em projetos de extensão e na contratação de profissionais diretamente ligados ao setor da educação podem ampliar e consolidar o campo na região.
O desempenho sexual na prática de terapeutas ocupacionais do Brasil
Authors: Correia Ricardo Lopes , Teixeira Pablo de Oliveira
Published: October 2023

Introdução: Indivíduos e coletivos desempenham diversas atividades sexuais para se envolver em ocupações e participar da vida cotidiana. No entanto, há escassas evidências no Brasil sobre a abordagem do desempenho sexual por terapeutas ocupacionais. Objetivo: Identificar como terapeutas ocupacionais do Brasil abordam o desempenho sexual em sua prática profissional. Método: Foi conduzida uma pesquisa exploratória e descritiva junto a 84 terapeutas ocupacionais do Brasil, por meio de questionário online. Utilizou-se de estatística simples para a descrição dos dados e os procedimentos de enunciação e correlação da abordagem de Análise de Conteúdo para a inferência dos conteúdos. Resultados: A amostra foi composta majoritariamente por terapeutas ocupacionais mulheres, das quais 91,66% nunca receberam treinamento específico. Ainda assim, 53,57% abordam o desempenho sexual em sua prática profissional, sendo a maior prevalência no campo e serviços de saúde mental com a população adulta. Conclusão: É necessário triangular fatores relacionados a formação, valores pessoais e teóricos e processo de intervenção para o desempenho sexual. Ainda há pouca formação a respeito do tema, o que condiz com as dificuldades em identificar abordagens específicas em terapia ocupacional, o que, possivelmente, colabora com a negligência deste tema na literatura da área.
The Custom Alveolar Ridge Splitting (CARS) Technique for Predictable Horizontal Ridge Augmentation in the Atrophic Posterior Mandible: A Case Report
Authors: Kimm Hyongsup , Froum Stuart J , Eriguel Jacqueline , Kalaw Angela , Abrandabadi Siamak Najafi , Cho Sang-Choon
Published: October 2023

The Custom Alveolar Ridge Splitting (CARS) technique was recently reported as a less-invasive treatment option for augmentation of the maxillary anterior area in cases where alveolar width deficiency exists due to bone resorption and remodeling. This technique creates an intraosseous defect to improve success when horizontal ridge augmentation is attempted. The purpose of the present case report was to demonstrate implant placement in an atrophic posterior mandibular site using the CARS technique. This technique was used in the mandibular right second premolar area, followed by placement of a single implant. The restored implant showed stable soft and hard tissue outcomes at 6 months postloading.
Addition of four invasive alien plant species to state flora of Mizoram, India
Authors: Lal Tlanhlui  , Lalhlupuii Margaret , Yumkham Sanatombi Devi , Sandhyarani Devi Khomdram
Published: October 2023

Four alien plant species that have been naturalized in the state of Mizoram are reported for the first time as an addition to the state flora. These are Achimenes longiflora DC. & Chrysothemis pulchella (Donn ex Sims) Decne. from Gesneriaceae family and Cuscuta campestris Yunck. & Stylosanthes guianensis (Aubl.) Sw. from Convolvulaceae & Fabaceae families, respectively. The present report of the occurrence of these four invasive alien plant species in the state will allow for early detection, risk assessment, and effective management to mitigate against their potential negative impacts on the native ecosystem and biodiversity.
Diversity of Calliphoridae and Polleniidae (Diptera) in the Himalaya, India
Authors: Bharti Meenakshi
Published: October 2023

The family Calliphoridae (Diptera: Calyptratae: Oestroidea) is primarily known for its synanthropic, necrophagous, and myiasis–causing species. This study presents an updated checklist of blow fly species recorded in the Himalayan regions of India, Nepal, and Pakistan. The dataset includes 23 genera and 69 Species from Indian Himalayas, 18 genera and 52 species from the Pakistani Himalayas, and 22 genera and 74 species from Nepalese Himalaya. The data is categorised into three elevation zones: the Shivalik range (350–1,200 m), Lesser Himalaya (1200-2,200 m), and Upper Himalaya (2,200 m and above) taking into consideration factors such as vegetation, temperature, and other environmental variables. The Sorensen Similarity Index was utilized to quantify the degree of species overlap and similarity among blow fly communities within these elevation ranges.
New locality record of Forest Spotted Gecko Cyrtodactylus (Geckoella) cf. speciosus (Beddome, 1870) (Reptilia: Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Thanjavur, in the eastern coastal plains of Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Murali Gopal
Published: October 2023

The study of species distributions is critical for gaining insights into biogeographic patterns and for the protection of threatened species. Here, I report on the new distributional record of the Forest Spotted Gecko (Cyrtodacylus cf. speciosus) from Thanjavur in the coastal plains of Tamil Nadu. This observation marks the first documented occurrence of this species outside its typical hilly habitat in southern India.
First sighting record of Western Reef-Heron Egretta gularis (Bosc, 1792) (Aves: Pelecaniformes: Ardeidae) from Jammu & Kashmir, India
Authors: Yousuf Parvaiz , Parvaiz Semran , Zehbi Nisheet , Altaf Sabia , Maqbool Showkat , Malik Mudasir Mehmood
Published: October 2023

We report the first documented sighting of a Western Reef-Heron (Egretta gularis) in Jammu & Kashmir, India. The Western Reef-Heron, a medium-sized heron, was previously considered a subspecies of the Little Egret. The sighting occurred on June 18, 2023, at Wular Lake, expanding the avifaunal diversity of the region. The heron remained in the vicinity of the lake for several days, allowing for detailed observation and study. This particular bird belonged to the dark morph category, displaying distinct characteristics. The Western Reef-Heron is primarily found in coastal regions across Africa but has also been observed as a vagrant species in southern Europe. The sighting at Wular Lake contributes to our understanding of the avian population and ecological dynamics in the region. Wular Lake, situated in the Kashmir valley, is one of Asia's largest wetlands and plays a crucial role in water flow regulation, agriculture, and fisheries. It has recently become a hotspot for diverse bird species, including several notable first-time sightings in Jammu & Kashmir
Single-Cell Transcriptomics Reveals Crucial Cell Subsets and Functional Heterogeneity Associated With Carotid Atherosclerosis and Cerebrovascular Events
Authors: Tan Jinyun , Liang Yongjun , Yang Zhou , He Qing , Tong Jindong , Deng Ying , Guo Wencheng , Liang Kun , Tang Jingdong , Shi Weihao , Yu Bo
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND:

Carotid atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder and is responsible for the vast majority of ischemic strokes. Inappropriate innate and adaptive immune responses synergize with malfunctional vascular wall cells to cause atherosclerotic lesions. Yet, functional characteristics of specific immune and endothelial cell subsets associated with atherosclerosis and cerebrovascular events are poorly understood.

METHODS:

Here, using single-cell RNA sequencing, the unprecedentedly largest data set from 20 patients’ carotid artery plaques and paired peripheral blood mononuclear cells was generated, with which an ultra-high-precision cellular landscape of the atherosclerotic microenvironment involving 372 070 cells was depicted.

RESULTS:

Compared with peripheral blood mononuclear cells, 3 plaque-specific T-cell subsets exhibiting proatherogenic features of both activation and exhaustion were identified. Strikingly, usually antiatherogenic, CD4
+
FOXP3
+
regulatory T cells from plaques of patients with symptomatic disease acquired proinflammatory properties by probably converting to T helper 17 and T helper 9 cells, while CD4
+
NR4A1
+
/C0 and CD8
+
SLC4A10
+
T cells related to cerebrovascular events possessed atherogenic attributes including proinflammation, polarization, and exhaustion. In addition, monocyte-macrophage dynamics dominated innate immune response. Two plaque-specific monocyte subsets performed diametrically opposed functions, EREG
+
monocytes promoted cerebrovascular events while C3
+
monocytes are anti-inflammatory. Similarly, IGF1
+
and HS3ST2
+
macrophages with classical proinflammatory M1 macrophage features were annotated and contributed to cerebrovascular events. Moreover, SULF1
+
(sulfatase-1) endothelial cells were also found to participate in cerebrovascular events through affecting plaque vulnerability.

CONCLUSIONS:

This compendium of single-cell transcriptome data provides valuable insights into the cellular heterogeneity of the atherosclerotic microenvironment and the development of more precise cardiovascular immunotherapies.
Clonal Proliferation Within Smooth Muscle Cells in Unstable Human Atherosclerotic Lesions
Authors: Kawai Kenji , Sakamoto Atsushi , Mokry Michal , Ghosh Saikat Kumar B. , Kawakami Rika , Xu Weili , Guo Liang , Fuller Daniela T. , Tanaka Takamasa , Shah Palak , Cornelissen Anne , Sato Yu , Mori Masayuki , Konishi Takao , Vozenilek Aimee E. , Dhingra Roma , Virmani Renu , Pasterkamp Gerard , Finn Aloke V.
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND:

Studies in humans and mice using the expression of an X-linked gene or lineage tracing, respectively, have suggested that clones of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) exist in human atherosclerotic lesions but are limited by either spatial resolution or translatability of the model.

METHODS:

Phenotypic clonality can be detected by X-chromosome inactivation patterns. We investigated whether clones of SMCs exist in unstable human atheroma using RNA in situ hybridization (BaseScope) to identify a naturally occurring 24-nucleotide deletion in the 3′UTR of the X-linked
BGN
(biglycan) gene, a proteoglycan highly expressed by SMCs.
BGN
-specific BaseScope probes were designed to target the wild-type or deletion mRNA. Three different coronary artery plaque types (erosion, rupture, and adaptive intimal thickening) were selected from heterozygous females for the deletion
BGN
. Hybridization of target RNA-specific probes was used to visualize the spatial distribution of mutants. A clonality index was calculated from the percentage of each probe in each region of interest. Spatial transcriptomics were used to identify differentially expressed transcripts within clonal and nonclonal regions.

RESULTS:

Less than one-half of regions of interest in the intimal plaque were considered clonal with the mean percent regions of interest with clonality higher in the intimal plaque than in the media. This was consistent for all plaque types. The relationship of the dominant clone in the intimal plaque and media showed significant concordance. In comparison with the nonclonal lesions, the regions with SMC clonality had lower expression of genes encoding cell growth suppressors such as
CD74
,
SERF-2
(small EDRK-rich factor 2),
CTSB
(cathepsin B), and
HLA-DPA1
(major histocompatibility complex, class II, DP alpha 1), among others.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our novel approach to examine clonality suggests atherosclerosis is primarily a disease of polyclonally and to a lesser extent clonally expanded SMCs and may have implications for the development of antiatherosclerotic therapies.
“Oy with the Poodles Already!”: Yiddishisms and Non-Jewish Characters on American Sitcoms
Authors: Margolis Rebecca
Published: October 2023

The ever-increasing usage of Yiddish on American sitcoms and other comedic genres encompasses Jewish as well as non-Jewish characters. In this study I offer a metalinguistic analysis of how main or recurring fictional characters who are identified as non-Jewish employ Yiddish loanwords, intonation, and syntax (Yiddishisms) in American comedy television. I argue that Yiddishisms spoken by non-Jewish characters introduce three new tropes: the Yiddish Mask, the Yiddish Tourist, and the Yiddish Connector. In all three tropes, humor derives from the incongruence between the non-Jewish speaker and archetypes or stereotypes associated with speakers of Yiddish; however, the use of Yiddish within the Jewish linguistic repertoire also suggests a range of other semiotic meanings.
حكم نقل الميتوكوندريا من خلال قياسه على الرضاع وتعريف مكانته ضمن المنظومة المقاصدية
Authors: هلال هدى
Published: October 2023

الخلاصة

يتعرض هذا البحث لإحدى المستجدات المتعلقة بالعلاج الجيني للميتوكوندريا المصابة عن طريق الأم المانحة من خلال إحدى تقنيتين؛ النقل النووي أو نقل مغزل الأم. يسعى البحث للإجابة على السؤال المركزي وهو: هل يمكن مقارنة الأم المانحة للميتوكوندريا بالأم المرضعة؟ يناقش البحث الحكم الشرعي من خلال محورين رئيسيين. المحور الأول: قياس نقل الميتوكوندريا السليمة على الرضاعة. المحور الثاني: تحديد المكانة المفترضة لنقل الميتوكوندريا ضمن مقاصد الشريعة. توصل البحث إلى مجموعة من النتائج المترتبة على الاستقراء، والاستنتاج المنطقي المبني على المقدمات الأصولية الثابتة في القرآن والسنة ومقاصد الشريعة. أهم هذه النتائج ما يلي: هناك تشابه بين علة نقل الميتوكوندريا من الأم المانحة من حيث تزويدها الخلية بمراكز الطاقة، وعلة الرضاع من حيث إمدادها الخلايا بالغذاء المتحول إلى طاقة لبناء جميع الأعضاء. تنتمي هذه القضية إلى عدة مقاصد ضرورية حسب نموذج الشاطبي (ت. 790/‫1388‬)، ويقع بالمنطقة البينية بين مقصد حفظ الدين والنفس والنسل مما يدعم القول بقبولها. ويترجح قبول العلاج بنقل الميتوكوندريا حسب نظرية ابن عاشور (ت. 1393/‫1973‬) من حيث مساواة حفظ النسل من الهلاك مع حفظ النفس، بينما تبقى قضية حفظ النسب أقل أهمية لأنها تنتمي إلى الحاجي، مع الشبهة بتحريم تقنية النقل النووي لأنها تستهدف البويضة بعد التخصيب‪.‬
The LOSC: ‘A Constitution for the Oceans’ in the Anthropocene?
Authors: Scott Karen N
Published: October 2023

Since being described as a ‘constitution for the oceans’ at its adoption in 1982, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (‘LOSC’) has evolved to hold a special status among multilateral treaties. As a constitution—actual or perceived—the LOSC has provided the framework and processes for a relatively dynamic law of the sea that has developed to address new environmental, technological and geopolitical challenges in the forty years since its adoption. By necessity however, these developments have been incremental in nature and have been confined by the parameters of the LOSC constitution. In this article, I argue that such incremental change will be insufficient if the law of the sea is to adapt to the Anthropocene, our current geological and geopolitical Epoch. In this article, I argue that the characterisation of the LOSC as a ‘constitution for the oceans’ has become a straitjacket for the regime and is preventing the serious exploration of alternative epistemological imaginaries of the law of the sea. I argue for a quiet abandonment of the description of the LOSC as a ‘constitution for the oceans’ and the actual and perceived consequences of the appellation.
Quarantine Island: Australia’s Health Policy and Its Construction of International Law
Authors: Brown Rebecca
Published: October 2023

This article explores the development of Australia’s policy approach towards communicable disease, both domestically and internationally. Drawing on archival records, it considers the methods used by federal and state governments to manage disease in Australia over time, analysing the key beliefs and priorities held by successive governments, and how these reflect Australia’s particular character and history. Against these domestic concerns, the article interrogates Australia’s approach to global health governance, with a particular focus on the state’s contributions to the drafting of major international health instruments on communicable disease.

This analysis reveals the idiosyncratic nature of Australia’s health policy and the resulting impact on Australia’s contributions to the international legal system. It shows that Australia’s approach has consistently relied on the creation and preservation of an impermeable national border. This policy reflects an institutionalised belief, held continually since the early colonial period, that disease must be fully eradicated, and that this is best effected through taking advantage of the country’s geographic isolation. Domestically, this conception of disease control results in the adoption of strict quarantine requirements, immigration restrictions and broad discretionary powers regarding the entry of people and goods, while in the international context, Australia supports norms that facilitate its reification of its border.

Accordingly, the article contextualises Australia’s health policy across four time periods of global health governance: the first sanitary conferences of the 19th and early-20th centuries, the post-World War II creation of the World Health Organization, the International Health Regulations 2005 revision project, and those Regulations’ operation before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article’s findings reveal the intrinsic connection between the unique domestic concerns of states and their approaches to international negotiations, which stymies the ability to generate effective cooperation globally. It clarifies this relationship and invites reflection on the resulting obstacles to international law’s progressive development.
Drift Characteristics of Sea-Bird Dissolved Oxygen Optode Sensors
Authors: Ren Alice S. , Rudnick Daniel L. , Twombly Alistair
Published: October 2023

The Sea-Bird 63 dissolved oxygen optode sensors used on various oceanographic platforms are known to drift over time. Corrections for drift are necessary for accurate dissolved oxygen measurements on the time scale of months to years. Here, drift on 14 Sea-Bird 63 dissolved oxygen optode sensors deployed on Spray underwater gliders over 5 years is described. The gliders with oxygen sensors were deployed regularly for 100-day missions as part of the California Underwater Glider Network (CUGN). A laboratory two-point calibration was performed on the oxygen sensor before and after glider deployment. Sensor drift during 100-day deployments was larger than during 100-day storage periods. Sensor behavior is modeled with a gain that asymptotically approaches 1.090 ± 0.005 with an e-folding time scale of 3.70 ± 0.361 years. At zero oxygen concentration, the sensor consistently reads around 3 μmol kg−1; a negative offset term is used in addition to the gain to correct the sensor oxygen. The correction procedure removes the error due to long time drift, one of the major sources of error, with an uncertainty of 0.5% (0.9% including outliers) or 0.5 μmol kg−1 depending on concentration, which improves the accuracy of the Sea-Bird 63 although uncertainty from other sources of error including the initial factory calibration and the sensor response time remain. Suggested procedures for implementing a two-point calibration procedure in the laboratory are discussed. Calibrations must be considered starting 6 months after initial factory calibration to keep error from sensor time drift under 1%.

Significance Statement

Dissolved oxygen measurements are widely used in oceanography. The optode sensors used to measure dissolved oxygen are known to drift over time. Here, the characteristics of drift for the oxygen optode sensor from Sea-Bird Scientific are described using a two-point calibration at zero and full saturation. The calibration procedure can be applied to oxygen optode sensors deployed on a variety of platforms when it is impractical to complete a multipoint calibration.
Amphetamine-induced dopamine release in rat: Whole-brain spatiotemporal analysis with [11C]raclopride and positron emission tomography
Authors: Johansson Jarkko , Ericsson Madelene , Axelsson Jan , Bjerkén Sara af , Virel Ana , Karalija Nina
Published: October 2023

Whole-brain mapping of drug effects are needed to understand the neural underpinnings of drug-related behaviors. Amphetamine administration is associated with robust increases in striatal dopamine (DA) release. Dopaminergic terminals are, however, present across several associative brain regions, which may contribute to behavioral effects of amphetamine. Yet the assessment of DA release has been restricted to a few brain regions of interest. The present work employed positron emission tomography (PET) with [11C]raclopride to investigate regional and temporal characteristics of amphetamine-induced DA release across twenty sessions in adult female Sprague Dawley rats. Amphetamine was injected intravenously (2 mg/kg) to cause displacement of [11C]raclopride binding from DA D2-like receptors, assessed using temporally sensitive pharmacokinetic PET model (lp-ntPET). We show amphetamine-induced [11C]raclopride displacement in the basal ganglia, and no changes following saline injections. Peak occupancy was highest in nucleus accumbens, followed by caudate-putamen and globus pallidus. Importantly, significant amphetamine-induced displacement was also observed in several extrastriatal regions, and specifically in thalamus, insula, orbitofrontal cortex, and secondary somatosensory area. For these, peak occupancy occurred later and was lower as compared to the striatum. Collectively, these findings demonstrate distinct amphetamine-induced DA responses across the brain, and that [11C]raclopride-PET can be employed to detect such spatiotemporal differences.
Large floods on the lower Ohio River inferred from slackwater deposits
Authors: Wiman Charlotte , Harden Tessa , Shen Zhixiong , Curry B. Brandon , Reinders Joeri B , Beighley R. Edward , Muñoz Samuel E
Published: October 2023

Slackwater deposits representing past flood events provide a robust means to extend systematic gage records further back in time, place historic floods in a longer-term context, and reduce uncertainties in flood hazard analysis. The identification and application of slackwater deposits in riverine paleoflood hydrology has traditionally been limited to arid bedrock-controlled environments and periglacial environments. In this study, we utilize methods developed in humid alluvial settings and apply them to slackwater deposits, one of the first studies to do so. This novel approach uses sediment texture and geochemistry to distinguish slackwater deposits from in situ material in a temperate alluvial setting. We identify multiple slackwater deposits in two rock shelters situated on bluffs adjacent to the lower Ohio River. Flood age estimates are based on optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating, and discharge estimates are based on a 1D HEC-RAS model. The uppermost slackwater deposit at both sites corresponds to the AD 1937 historic flood of record (∼31,400 m3/s), while another slackwater deposit identified only at the lower elevation site corresponds to a paleoflood that occurred around AD 1650 with a discharge of ∼23,900 m3/s. Our findings imply that the AD 1937 flood represents the largest magnitude flood on the lower Ohio River in at least the last 400 years. Inclusion of the paleoflood into a flood frequency analysis for the Ohio River at Louisville reduces uncertainties in large flood quantiles by ∼50%.