bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Cryogenic Magnetocaloric Performance in Te Doped Dy2O3
Authors: Abhinav E Meher , Jaison D. , Baskaran P , Pavan Kumar N. , Rao Subha Krishna , Shanker J. , Saravanan L. , Gopalakrishnan C.
Published: July 2022

The work aims to investigate the magnetocaloric effect (an eco-friendly and energy-efficient cooling technique) of Te doped nanosized dysprosia, which could be used as the best alternative for conventional chlorofluorocarbons based refrigeration systems. In this present work, Te doped nano-sized dysprosia (TNSD) is synthesized using the sol-gel technique. The particle characteristics and magnetocaloric properties of TNSD were investigated. The change in lattice parameters of NSD concerning doping of TNSD is analyzed by using Rietveld refinement. The synthesized nanoparticles were observed to be spherical and monophasic with a Ia-3 structure. At low temperature, the sample exhibited a non-saturated magnetic behavior due to the co-existence of ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic phases, while at high temperature it exhibited a paramagnetic nature. The maximum entropy change of TNSD at a magnetic field of 50 kOe was found to be 30.6 JKg−1K−1. The significant magnetic transitions at low temperature and large magnetic entropy change make TNSD suitable material as a refrigerant for cryo-cooling systems.
MnO2-SnO2 Based Liquefied Petroleum Gas Sensing Device for Lowest Explosion Limit Gas Concentration
Authors: Singh Ajeet , Verma Arpit , Yadav B. C.
Published: July 2022

In this work, MnO2-SnO2 nanocomposite based below lower exposure limit (0.5–2.0 vol%) sensing device for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is reported. The synthesized material is highly crystalline with an average crystallite size of 16.786 nm, confirmed by the X-ray diffraction pattern. Williamson-Hall plot shows that the induced strain of 2.627 × 10−4, present in the nanocomposite, lies between the induced strains of both of its constituents. The XRD pattern of nanocomposite contains the cubic phase of MnO2 and the tetragonal phase of SnO2. Tauc plot shows the optical energy band gap of MnO2, SnO2, and MnO2-SnO2 of 3.407 eV, 3.037 eV, and 3.202 eV respectively. The surface morphological investigation shows the brush-like structure which enhances sensor performance by providing activation sites. The energy dispersive X-ray (EDS) spectrum found that materials are highly pure because other peaks are not observed. The functional group analysis by using FTIR found to be Sn–O and Mn–O both vibration bands existed. The highest sensor response was found to be 2.42 for 2.0 vol% whereas for a lower concentration of 0.5 vol% the sensor response was observed to be 1.44. The fast response and recovery of this sensing device were found to17.30 and 23.25 s respectively for 0.5 vol% of LPG.
Upregulated Expression of IL2RB Causes Disorder of Immune Microenvironment in Patients with Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Liao Yunfei , Ke Ben , Long Xiaoyan , Xu Jianjun , Wu Yongbing
Published: July 2022

Aims. The clinical diagnosis of Kawasaki disease (KD) is not easy because of many atypical manifestations. This study is aimed at finding potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for KD and analysing their correlation with immune cell infiltrations. Methods. First, we downloaded the KD dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and used R software to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and perform functional correlation analysis. Then, CIBERSORT algorithm was used to evaluate immune cell infiltrations in samples. Coexpression analysis between DEGs and infiltrating immune cells was performed to screen the main infiltrating immune cells. Subsequently, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression analysis was used to screen the core genes related to KD. Finally, correlation analysis between the core genes and the main infiltrating immune cells was performed. Results. 327 DEGs were screened out in this study. Among them, 72 shared genes were the category of genes most likely to be disease‐causing for they did not change before and after treatment. After analysis, it was found that expression level of IL2RB in KD tissues was significantly upregulated, the number of resting CD4+ memory T cells was decreased, and the decrease was significantly negatively correlated with the upregulated expression of IL2RB. Therefore, it was speculated that the upregulated expression of IL2RB disrupted Th1/Th2 cell differentiation balance, which led to a decrease of resting CD4+ memory T cells and finally caused disorder of immune microenvironment in patients with KD. Conclusions. Upregulated expression of IL2RB leads to disorder of immune microenvironment in patients with KD and eventually causes the occurrence and development of KD. Therefore, IL2RB may serve as a diagnostic marker and potential therapeutic target for KD.
Spontaneous Heterotopic Pregnancy: Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Nguyen Katie P. , Hudspeth Marlekah , Milestone Honey
Published: July 2022

Background. Heterotopic pregnancies albeit rare are conceivably life-threatening if missed. With the development of assisted reproductive techniques, the incidence has increased. Confirmation of an intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) should not preclude the existence of a heterotopic pregnancy. Case. A healthy 27-year-old patient (gravida 4, term 1, preterm 0, abortion 2, living 1) at approximately 5 weeks gestation through natural conception presented to the emergency room with acute abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. Pelvic ultrasound showed evidence of an IUP and a right adnexal mass, raising suspicion for a heterotopic pregnancy. The patient underwent an uncomplicated laparoscopic right salpingectomy. An IUP was confirmed on ultrasound postoperatively. The patient had an early pregnancy loss at 8 weeks of gestation. Conclusion. With a high index of suspicion from clinical presentation and pelvic imaging, heterotopic pregnancy, while rare, should not be ruled out.
A Journey toward Immediate Denture: Overcoming Bitter Reality with Psychotherapy
Authors: Varsha R. , Manoharan P. S. , Chandrasekaran Vigneshvar , Savitha K.
Published: July 2022

The loss of teeth affects the aesthetics, function (mastication and speech), confidence, mental state, and the overall quality of life of an individual. Aggressive periodontitis is a destructive condition leading to loss of teeth at early stages of the disease. Individuals facing this inevitable condition of losing the teeth and replacement at a younger age experience formidable psychological distress. The prosthodontic procedure when supported with psychotherapeutic interventions can support the patient in accepting the prognosis and treatment. We report the scenario where psychological intervention was provided in a systematic manner adopting the SPIKES protocol for a 42-year-old man presenting with aggressive periodontitis.
Occupational Therapy Practice Based on New-Generation Information Technology for Employee Emotion Analysis and Management
Authors: Cheng Yueyuan
Published: July 2022

This work intends to combine neural network technology with occupational therapy to fully acquire employees’ emotional information by constructing an effective emotion recognition network. Firstly, the psychological state of employees is discussed from three aspects of leadership narcissism, organizational identification, and the emotional contagion effect, and the corresponding model is implemented. Secondly, based on the convolutional neural network technology, the facial feature recognition and the body feature recognition are combined, and the employees’ emotions can be accurately identified by establishing a multilearning emotion recognition network. Finally, a questionnaire survey is carried out on the employees of enterprises in the coastal areas of Zhejiang. Descriptive statistical analysis, reliability and validity analysis, correlation analysis, regression analysis, mediation effect tests, and other methods are used to analyze the questionnaire data. The results reveal that leadership narcissistic organizational identification plays a mediating role in the process of employees’ emotional contagion perception affecting employees’ psychology. Compared with younger employees, older employees have better psychological quality and mental health. There are also significant differences in emotion and work enthusiasm among employees with different educational backgrounds and positions. Employees’ perception of emotional contagion to pretending expressions, indifferent expressions, contempt expressions, and sincere expressions has an obvious positive impact on the psychological impact of other employees. The classification accuracy and regression error rate of the constructed multilearning emotion recognition network are 28.5% and 9.8%, respectively, which can accurately identify the emotional performance of employees. This work helps enterprises better understand the mental health of their employees.
A Computational Approach for the Calculation of Temperature Distribution in Casting-Mould Heterogeneous System with Fractional Order
Authors: Luo Xiankang , Nadeem Muhammad , Asjad Muhammad Imran , Abdo Mohammed S.
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the approximate solution of the casting-mould heterogeneous system with Caputo derivative under the homotopy idea. The symmetry design of the system contains the integer partial differential equations and the fractional-order partial differential equations. We apply Yang transform homotopy perturbation method (

Y

T-HPM) to find the approximate solution of temperature distribution in the casting-mould heterogeneous system. The

Y

T-HPM is a combined form of Yang transform (

Y

T) and the homotopy perturbation method (HPM) using He’s polynomials. Some examples are provided to demonstrate the superiority of the suggested technique. The significant findings reveal that

Y

T-HPM minimizes the enormous without imposing any assumptions. Due to its powerful and robust support for nonlinear problems, this approach presents a remarkable appearance in the functional studies of fractal calculus.
Human Amniotic Fluid Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Inhibit Apoptosis in Ovarian Granulosa Cell via miR-369-3p/YAF2/PDCD5/p53 Pathway
Authors: Geng Zixiang , Chen Haiyang , Zou Gang , Yuan Long , Liu Peng , Li Bingrong , Zhang Kaiyong , Jing Fangyuan , Nie Xiaoli , Liu Te , Zhang Bimeng
Published: July 2022

Human amniotic fluid stem cell-derived exosome (HuAFSC-exosome) transplantation is considered a promising treatment for premature ovarian failure (POF). However, its mechanism remains unclear. In this study, exosomes were isolated and enriched from HuAFSC subsets of CD44+/CD105+, and the exosomes were transplanted into a POF model in vitro and in vivo. Our results confirmed that the exosomes produced by CD44+/CD105+ HuAFSCs could achieve therapeutic effects in a mouse POF model. Our research also showed that CD44+/CD105+ HuAFSC-exosomes carrying miR-369-3p could specifically downregulate the expression of YAF2, inhibit the stability of PDCD5/p53, and reduce the apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells (OGCs), thereby exerting therapeutic effects on POF. Knowledge of these mechanisms demonstrates that miRNAs carried by CD44+/CD105+ HuAFSC-exosomes are critical to the therapy of POF. This will be useful for the clinical application of stem cells.
Transnasal High-Flow Oxygen Therapy versus Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation in the Treatment of COPD with Type II Respiratory Failure: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu Wei , Zhu Mingli , Xia Liuqin , Yang Xiangying , Huang Pei , Sun Yanming , Shen Ye , Ma Jianping
Published: July 2022

Objective. To compare the safety and efficacy of transnasal high-flow oxygen therapy (HFNT) and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIV) in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with type II respiratory failure. Methods. PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, CBM, CNKI, and other databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTS) on the efficacy of HFNT and NIV in the treatment of COPD. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 software after two researchers screened literatures, extracted data, and evaluated the methodological quality of the included studies according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results. A total of 948 patients were included in 12 RCTS. Comprehensive analysis results showed that the HFNC group had higher levels of 12 h-PAO2, 48 h-PACO2 and, 48 h-pH than the NIV group, and the differences were statistically significant (

P
<
0.05

). There were no significant differences in 24 h-PAO2 and 72 h-PAO2, 12 h-PACO2, 24 h-PACO2 and 72 h-PACO2, 24 h-pH, 48 h-pH, and 72 h-pH between the two groups after treatment (

P
>
0.05

). Conclusions. Compared with NIV, HFNC does not increase the treatment failure rate in COPD patients with type II respiratory failure, and HFNC has better comfort and tolerance, which is a new potential respiratory support treatment for COPD patients with type II respiratory failure.
A Linarin Derivative Protects against Ischemia-Induced Neuronal Injury in Mice by Promoting Cerebral Blood Flow Recovery via KDELR-Dependent CSPG4 Activation
Authors: Xie Cong , Yue Shiqin , Li Xiangzhu , Li Zongyang , Li Weiping , Huang Guodong , Ma Guoxu , Liu Wenlan , Wang Yachao , Zhang Yuan
Published: July 2022

The cerebral ischemic microvascular response and collateral circulation compensatory capacity are important for the outcome of ischemic stroke. Here, we sought to evaluate the effect of a linarin derivate 4

′

-benzylapigenin-7-β-rutinoside (BLR) on neurological function and cerebral blood flow restoration in ischemic stroke. A mouse model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (30 min) with reperfusion (24 h) was used to mimic ischemic stroke in vivo, and 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays, and immunofluorescence microscopy were used to assess the protective effects of BLR on infarct volume, neurological function, neuronal apoptosis, and inflammatory damage. Cerebral blood flow was assayed by laser speckle contrast imaging. Double immunostaining of GFAP-collagen IV and brain lucidification were performed to determine the protective effects of BLR on the disruption of brain vasculature. Differential gene expression was assessed by RNA sequencing. Coimmunoprecipitation and western blotting were used to explore the mechanism of BLR-induced neuroprotection. The results of in vivo experiments showed that BLR administration after reperfusion onset reduced infarct volume, improved neurological function, and decreased the neural cell apoptosis and inflammatory response in the ischemic brain, which was accompanied by increased cerebral blood flow and reduced detachment of astrocyte endfeet from the capillary basement membrane. The RNA sequencing data showed that BLR promoted the upregulation of extracellular matrix and angiogenesis pathway-related genes; in particular, BLR significantly increased the expression of the chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 (CSPG4) gene, enhanced the membrane location of CSPG4, and promoted its downstream signaling protein expression, which is associated with KDEL receptor (KDELR) activation. In addition, activated KDELR further increased the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases after BLR treatment. Taken together, our data showed that BLR could protect against ischemic brain injury and may serve as a new promising therapeutic candidate drug for ischemic stroke, and that KDELR might act as both a sensor and effector to activate CSPG4 to increase cerebral blood flow.
On Regularity Criteria via Pressure for the 3D MHD Equations in a Half Space
Authors: Kim Jae-Myoung
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we give regularity criteria in terms of the magnetic pressure in Lorentz spaces.
Pyrolysis Characteristics and Effect on Pore Structure of Jimsar Oil Shale Based on TG-FTIR-MS Analysis
Authors: Liu Zhijun , Ma Haotian , Guo Jianping , Liu Gang , Wang Zhen , Guo Yuzhen
Published: July 2022

The study of the pyrolysis characteristics of oil shale, an important strategic resource, is of great significance for oil shale refining and in situ underground mining. In this study, using the oil shale from Jimsar region of Xinjiang, in combination with thermogravimetric analyzer (TG), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and mass spectrometry (MS) techniques, the pyrolysis characteristics and mechanism of the oil shale are analyzed according to the experimental results and explored the effect of its pyrolysis on the development of the pore. The results, the pyrolysis with three stages, show the following: (1) The first stage is 23-390°C. The precipitation of adsorbed water within the oil shale and the dehydration of gypsum are mainly at 100°C or so, appearing some microcapillary pores and other temperature sections change little. (2) The second stage is 390-527°C. The organic matter pyrolysis of Jimsar oil shale accounts for 71.1% of the total weight loss of oil shale. This stage has the greatest impact on the evolution of pore structure, and there are two weight loss peaks at 458°C and 506°C, respectively, in the thermogravimetric curve. Combined with FTIR-MS, the main products of its pyrolysis gas are H2, H2O, CO2, CH4, and CnHm and will change the original pore surface of oil shale, create new pore volume, and produce complex and irregular pore structure. (3) In third stage (527-800°C), the formation of H2, CO2, and hydrocarbon gases suggests that this stage includes not only the decomposition of major inorganic components like carbonate and clay but also the degradation process of some organic matter. At this stage, the CO2 generated in the precipitation process will lead to a large number of pores in oil shale. Crack grids will appear, due to the melting and recrystallization of some clay minerals. Once the interaction between the two is particularly intense, the mineral skeleton may rupture and collapse. The pyrolysis characteristics above provide a basis for the analysis of the pore structure evolution of oil shale and are of implications and practical application value to the exploitation of shale oil.
Protein PEGylation: Navigating Recombinant Protein Stability, Aggregation, and Bioactivity
Authors: Zuma Lindiwe Khumbuzile , Gasa Nothando Lovedale , Makhoba Xolani Henry , Pooe Ofentse Jacob
Published: July 2022

Enzymes play a powerful role as catalysts with high specificity and activity under mild environmental conditions. Significant hurdles, such as reduced solubility, reduced shelf‐life, aggregate formation, and toxicity, are still ongoing struggles that scientists come across when purifying recombinant proteins. Over the past three decades, PEGylation techniques have been utilized to significantly overcome low solubility; increased protein stability, shelf‐life, and bioactivity; and prevented protein aggregate formation. This review seeks to highlight the impact of PEG‐based formulations that are significantly utilized to obtain favourable protein physiochemical properties. The authors further discuss other techniques that can be employed such as coexpression studies and nanotechnology‐based skills to obtaining favourable protein physiochemical properties.
Effects of Periodontal Treatment on Levels of Proinflammatory Cytokines in Patients with Chronic Periodontitis: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ren Jiahui , Li Hong
Published: July 2022

Background. During the progression of chronic periodontitis (CP), changes in the levels of inflammatory factors are detected in serum and gingival sulcus fluid (GCF). The aim of this meta-analysis was to systematically evaluate the effect of periodontal treatment on GCF and serum proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-8) in patients with CP. Methods. Literature searches were performed through PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang Database. Randomized controlled trials comparing cytokine levels in periodontal treatment (experimental group) and control group between 2015 and 2020 were included. Results. There were a total of 13 studies included with 1220 patients. There were 630 cases in the experimental group and 590 cases in the control group. The meta-analysis showed that IL-6 levels in the GCF (

SMD
=
−
2.88

, 95% CI (-3.68, -2.09),

P
<
0.001

) and serum (

SMD
=
−
1.27

, 95% CI (-1.72, -0.81),

P
<
0.001

) were significantly lower in the experimental group compared with those before treatment. In addition, IL-8 levels in the GCF (

SMD
=
−
2.08

, 95% CI (-3.40, -0.76),

P
<
0.001

) and serum (

SMD
=
−
1.73

, 95% CI (-2.76, -0.70),

P
<
0.001

) were decreased after periodontal treatment, but more than that, a decrease was observed in TNF-α levels of GCF (

SMD
=
−
3.98

, 95% CI (-5.23, -2.73),

P
<
0.001

) and serum (

SMD
=
−
1.80

, 95% CI (-3.16, -0.45),

P
<
0.001

) after treatment. Conclusion. After periodontal therapy, the proinflammatory cytokines in the GCF and serum of patients with CP were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment, and the efficacy was remarkable.
Design and Validation of Inducible TurboCARs with Tunable Induction and Combinatorial Cytokine Signaling
Authors: Lin Regina J. , Nager Andrew R. , Park Spencer , Sutton Janette , Lay Cecilia , Melton Zea , Zhang Yi , Boldajipour Bijan , Blarcom Thomas J. Van , Panowski Siler H. , Sasu Barbra J. , Chaparro-Riggers Javier
Published: July 2022

Although cytokine support can enhance CAR T-cell function, coadministering cytokines or engineering CAR T cells to secrete cytokines can result in toxicities. To mitigate these safety risks, we engineered iTurboCAR T cells that coexpress a novel inducible Turbo (iTurbo) cytokine signaling domain. iTurbo domains consist of modular components that are customizable to a variety of activating inputs, as well as cytokine signaling outputs multiplexable for combinatorial signaling outcomes. Unlike most canonical cytokine receptors that are heterodimeric, iTurbo domains leverage a compact, homodimeric design that minimizes viral vector cargo. Using an iTurbo domain activated by the clinically validated dimerizer, AP1903, homodimeric iTurbo domains instigated signaling that mimicked the endogenous heterodimeric cytokine receptor. Different iTurbo domains programmed iTurboCAR T cells toward divergent phenotypes and resulted in improved antitumor efficacy. iTurbo domains, therefore, offer the flexibility for user-programmable signaling outputs, permitting control over cellular phenotype and function while minimizing viral cargo footprint.
Gastric Microbiome Alterations Are Associated with Decreased CD8+ Tissue-Resident Memory T Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Peng Rui , Liu Shuai , You Wenhua , Huang Yedi , Hu Chupeng , Gao Ye , Jia Xuemei , Li Gang , Xu Zekuan , Chen Yun
Published: July 2022

The host microbiota is closely associated with tumor initiation and progression in multiple solid tumors including gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate in patients with gastric cancer whether there are alterations in gastric microbiota and any potential association these may have with immune dysregulation. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to analyze tumor microbiota of 53 patients with gastric cancer and gastric mucosal tissue microbiota of 30 patients with chronic gastritis. The effect of microbiota on the tumor microenvironment (TME) was studied by single-cell sequencing, immunohistochemistry, multiplex immunofluorescence staining, and flow cytometry, as well as in a mouse model of primary gastric cancer. The gastric cancer microbiota was characterized by reduced microbial diversity and enrichment of the Oceanobacter, Methylobacterium, and Syntrophomonas genera. Intratumoral Methylobacterium was significantly associated with poor prognoses in patients with gastric cancer. It also was inversely correlated with the frequency of CD8+ tissue-resident memory T (TRM) cells in the TME. TGFβ was significantly reduced in gastric cancer samples with higher abundance of Methylobacterium. Finally, we verified that Methylobacterium can decrease TGFβ expression and CD8+ TRM cells in the tumor by establishing a mouse model of primary gastric cancer. The results suggest that tumor microbiota and exhausted CD8+ TRM cells in the TME of gastric cancer are significantly correlated, and that Methylobacterium may play a role in gastric carcinogenesis.
Persistent Ethnicity-Associated Disparity in Antitumor Effectiveness of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Despite Equal Access
Authors: Florez Marcus A. , Kemnade Jan O. , Chen Nan , Du Wendy , Sabichi Anita L. , Wang Daniel Y. , Huang Quillan , Miller-Chism Courtney N. , Jotwani Aparna , Chen Albert C. , Hernandez David , Sandulache Vlad C.
Published: July 2022

We reviewed response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) of 207 patients with diagnoses of lung or head and neck cancer treated with chemotherapy/ICI combination therapy and ICI monotherapy between 2015 and 2020 at one of three clinical pavilions associated with the Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center at Baylor College of Medicine (Houston, TX). Two of these pavilions (Harris Health System and the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center) serve large minority populations and provide equal access to care regardless of means. 174 patients had a diagnosis of lung cancer (non–small cell or small cell) and 33 had a diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). 38% self-identified as Black, 45% as non-Hispanic White, and 18% as Hispanic. The objective response rate (ORR) was similar for patients with lung cancer (35.057%) and HNSCC (30.3%; P = 0.894). The ORR for Hispanic and Black patients was lower compared with non-Hispanic White patients (H 27.0%, B 32.5%, W 38.7%; H vs. W P = 0.209; B vs. W P = 0.398). When considering only patients treated with ICI monotherapy, the ORR for Hispanic patients dropped further to 20.7% while the ORR of Black and non-Hispanic White patients remained about the same (B 29.3% and W 35.9%, H vs. W P = 0.133; B vs. W P = 0.419). Immune-related adverse events were the lowest in the Hispanic population occurring in only 30% of patients compared with 40% of patients in the Black cohort and 50% of the non-Hispanic White cohorts.

Significance:

To our knowledge, this report is the first to compare ICI effectiveness within a diverse patient population with a substantial Black and Hispanic NSCLC and HNSCC patient population treated in the context of equal access to care. The data presented in this article suggests reduced effectiveness of ICI monotherapy in Hispanic patients and thereby underscores the need for improved access and representation of racial/ethnic minority patients in ICI clinical trials.

Watch the interview with Jan O. Kemnade, MD, PhD, and Vlad C. Sandulache, MD, PhD, corecipients of the inaugural Cancer Research Communications Award for Outstanding Journal Article: https://vimeo.com/992993122
First record of Proceratium Roger, 1863, Zasphinctus Wheeler, 1918, and Vollenhovia Mayr, 1865 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from the Western Ghats of peninsular India, description of three new species, and implications for Indian biogeography
Authors: Kalesh Sadasivan  , Manoj Kripakaran
Published: July 2022

Three new ant species from the genera Proceratium Roger, 1863, Zasphinctus Wheeler, 1918, and Vollenhovia Mayr, 1865 are described from the Western Ghats of southern India. This is the first report of Proceratium and Zasphinctus from peninsular India and the first record of Vollenhovia from the Western Ghats mountain range proper. Proceratium gibbosum sp. nov. is described from Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala, being the first record of the stictum species group from the Indian subcontinent; it differs from other members of the stictum group by the mesonotum bearing a prominent rounded dorsal hump (tumulus) and petiole devoid of ventral tooth. The first record of the genus Zasphinctus Wheeler, 1918 from the Indian region is also presented here, with a description of a new species. Zasphinctus sahyadriensis sp. nov. differs from all known Afrotropical and Asian Zasphinctus by a combination of characters including clypeal area with single median tooth, occipital margin being regular in outline, and head sculpture sparsely punctate. The occurrence of the genus Vollenhovia Mayr, 1865 is confirmed from peninsular India, with the description of the female castes of Vollenhovia keralensis sp. nov. We provide ecological notes on these new taxa. In addition, separate identification keys based on the worker caste are also presented to Indo-Malayan species of Proceratium, Afrotropical-Indomalayan species of Zasphinctus, and Vollenhovia of the Indian subcontinent. The biogeographical implications of the presence of these three genera are also discussed in relation to plate tectonics of the Indian subcontinent.
Cetrelia isidiata (Asahina) W.L. Culb. & C.F. Culb. (Parmeliaceae) – an addition to the Indian lichen biota
Authors: Mishra Gaurav K. , Maurya Pooja , Upreti Dalip K.
Published: July 2022

Cetrelia isidiata (Asahina) W.L. Culb. & C.F. Culb., is characterized by the presence of isidia, pseudocyphellae on thallus, and containing anziaic acid. The species is reported here as an addition to the Indian lichen biota from Arunachal Pradesh. A detailed description along with key to isidiate species of the genus known is provided.
Illustrated description of the mantis Mesopteryx platycephala (Mantodea: Mantidae) collected from West Bengal, India
Authors: Sathaye Gauri , Ranade Sachin , Ghate Hemant
Published: July 2022

The mantis, Mesopteryx platycephala, is redescribed with digital images. Although known from Assam, West Bengal and other areas, the mantis is not recently collected or illustrated from India so far and is perhaps a rare species. This short note aims to fill up the lacuna.
Dialogue as Art Reading Vikas Swarup’s Q & A with Daya Krishna
Authors: Weiner Sonia
Published: July 2022

In this essay I propose to facilitate a dialogue between the thoughts of conceptual artist and philosopher, Daya Krishna, and the work of literary artist, Vikas Swarup. The central concept that will be “interrogated” in this dialogue is that of knowledge. I will apply my understanding of Daya Krishna’s conceptualization of the knowledge enterprise on to Vikas Swarup’s attitude toward knowledge as embodied in his 2005 novel, Q & A. This exercise serves to create a context in which conceptions of knowledge from diverse fields (hardcore philosophy and popular culture) can be in dialogue with one another, and thereby enhance meaning. Daya Krishna observes that the loss of certainty and proof in our postmodern age erodes the concept of knowledge. He alternately suggests new indicators with which to define knowledge, indicators which factor in chance and probability, and take into account inherent moral qualities of knowledge. I argue that this alternative model of knowledge finds an expression in Swarup’s novel.
Morphological, Anatomical, Palynological and Karyological Studies on Endemic Alyssum kaynakiae (Brassicaceae) from Southwest Region of Turkey
Authors: AKTÜRK CEREN , YILMAZ ÖZER
Published: July 2022

Alyssum kaynakiae is an endemic biennial species growing in Southwest Anatolia, Turkey. In this study, the morphology of this taxon was revised, and its anatomical, palynological, and karyological characteristics were analysed for the first time. Alyssum kaynakiae has been considered part of the traditional Alyssum sect. Gamosepalum. Alyssum kaynakiae has diploid chromosome number 2n=16. It has a primary structure in the root and stem, collenchyma located under the epidermis in the root and under the cortex layer in the stem, and vascular bundles varying between 9 to 11. Leaves are isolateral, stomata are at the same level as the epidermis, and both sides of the leaves have lepidote hairs. Its palynological features are compatible with the Brassicaceae family, with its pollen type being tricolpate, its pollen shape being prolate, and its ornamentation being reticulate.
Caregiver Perspectives Regarding Special Education Service Changes Amid COVID-19
Authors: Harkins Christina , Sadikova Eleonora , Brunt Sophie , Swanstrom Ava , Menezes Michelle , Mazurek Micah O.
Published: July 2022

School instruction and service delivery changed dramatically amid disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Children receiving special education services were especially vulnerable to the impact of reduced or eliminated school services as part of their Individualized Education Programs. Caregiver perspectives regarding the changes in school service delivery amid the pandemic were evaluated using qualitative methods. Caregivers reported reduced or eliminated services, inconsistencies in service delivery, challenges with distance learning, increased stress and advocacy efforts, and varying perceptions of student engagement and teacher efforts. The implications of school services changes are discussed.
Varicella vaccination in India's universal immunisation program –is it time?
Authors: Mahajan Vidushi , Kaur Parminder , Azad Chandrika
Published: July 2022

We report two representative cases of complicated varicella in immunocompetent children highlighting the significant vaccine preventable varicella burden in the Indian population. A robust surveillance programme followed by incorporation of varicella vaccine in routine immunization would be the way forward to mitigate this illness.
Land Speculation by International Financial Capital in Brazil
Authors: Mendonça Maria Luisa , Pitta Fábio Teixeira
Published: July 2022

The global economic crisis in 2007–2008 intensified the role of financial capital in farmland markets around the world. Speculation in land facilitates the circulation of financial capital in a context of international economic instability. This trend is stimulated by foreign pension funds in search of new assets. The economic crisis generated a change in the profile of agribusiness in Brazil through mergers and joint ventures not only with foreign agricultural corporations but also with financial and oil corporations. As these corporations concentrated their operations, the increase in the prices of their shares in the stock markets facilitated their access to credit for further expansion. This process of crisis accumulation was marked by the overexploitation of labor and predatory control over natural resources. The expansion of monocropping of agricultural commodities increased land prices, causing environmental destruction and the displacement of peasant communities.

A crise econômica global em 2007-2008 intensificou o papel do capital financeiro nos mercados de terras agrícolas em todo o mundo. A especulação fundiária facilita a circulação do capital financeiro em um contexto de instabilidade econômica internacional. Essa tendência é estimulada por fundos de pensão estrangeiros em busca de novos ativos. A crise econômica gerou uma mudança no perfil do agronegócio no Brasil por meio de fusões e joint ventures não apenas com empresas agrícolas estrangeiras, mas também com empresas financeiras e petrolíferas. À medida em que essas corporações concentravam suas operações, o aumento das cotações de suas ações nas bolsas de valores facilitou seu acesso a crédito para maior expansão. Esse processo de acumulação e crise foi marcado pela superexploração do trabalho e pelo controle predatório de recursos naturais. A expansão do monocultivo de commodities agrícolas aumentou o preço da terra, causando destruição ambiental e deslocamento de comunidades camponesas.
Exploitable wind power potential in Turkey with technological advancement and resulting environmental-economic aspects
Authors: Kursun Berrin
Published: July 2022

This work's focus is determining how the improvements in wind power technology alter current onshore wind power potential and exploitable electrical energy in Turkey. Then, consequent environmental and economic benefits through substitution of imported hard coal, natural gas and local lignite resources in the Turkish electricity mix have been analyzed. Lack of potential, environmental and economic data kept offshore wind calculations out of the scope of this work. Increasing hub height and power coefficient due to better blade designs of wind turbines can increase 114 thousand MW of onshore wind power potential at 50 m up to 418 thousand MW at 300 m. Consequent wind electricity generation can change in the range of 2.3 × 105–1.95 × 106 GWh. Acknowledging several different conditions operating wind turbines can be subject to and that the whole capacity may not be used, mean value of 1.09 × 106 GWh wind electricity generation is assessed as the limit providable to the Turkish electricity grid. Installable wind power capacity (IWPC) and electricity generation potential (EGP) are both most sensitive to the changes in spacing followed by CP and aging. The level of sensitivity increases at higher hub heights for both IWPC and EGP. Environmentally, substitution of lignite and after 2040 hard coal and lignite by wind power is the most feasible option in improving environmental performance of Turkish electricity mix compared to sole substitution of hard coal, natural gas or lignite. In 2040, wind can replace all lignite hence in the years following 2040, wind can substitute lignite and a second fossil resource. Economically, hard coal and natural gas substitution result in 10.85 billion $ and 7.93 billion $ gain from 2021to 2050. Local job creation and carbon tax mechanisms to be employed in favor of wind power can create additional economic and social benefits for the country.
Professional Learning and Development for Special Educators Serving Students With Emotional and Behavioral Disorders in Self-Contained Settings
Authors: Hirsch Shanna E. , Griffith Catherine A. , Chow Jason C. , Walker Alexis , Walters Sharon M.
Published: July 2022

The primary aim of professional learning and development (PLD) is to create a meaningful experience to build educator knowledge and practice that can positively affect student behavior. Yet, few studies evaluate the role of PLD with special educators who work with students with emotional and behavioral disorders in self-contained settings. The results of the study indicate that a 4-day PLD in the summer significantly increased the special educators’ perceived knowledge, confidence, and usefulness of classroom behavior support practices. Data from follow-up observations confirmed the high rate of practices implemented. We conclude with a discussion of the limitations and suggestions for researchers and practitioners.
Are Damages to Remainder Parcels in Right-of-Way Acquisitions Stationary? A Spatial Analysis of Appraisal Report Data
Authors: Haque Antora Mohsena , Mahdinia Iman , Patwary A. Latif , Khattak Asad J.
Published: July 2022

The acquisition of private property by right-of-way projects causes economic changes to the remainder of the property. An issue is the deviations in remainder parcel values between appraisers. Therefore, it is vital to understand whether appraisers in different locations consider and value the same or different factors. The objective of this paper is to identify spatial heterogeneity in the factors contributing to damages (as percentages) to remainders of affected parcels. Data on 507 appraisal reports for affected remainder parcels in Tennessee were collected and coded, creating a unique database with 23 variables. Applying a geographically weighted Gaussian regression model uncovered whether relationships were stationary over space. Results show that the local model outperforms the global model with an improved adjusted R2 of 0.81 compared with 0.77 in the global model. The most significant factors contributing to damage percentages that varied spatially are ratio of acquisition, adverse change in utility, major acquisition of landscape, highest and best use changed to assemblage, and major damage to access (landlocked). A larger area, corner parcels, and all categories of existing land use compared with residential use tend to lower the percentage damage to the remainder. Nashville is less severely affected by major damage to access, presumably for its high price of land. This study can assist appraisers in getting an early estimate of damage during partial takings. Property owners will have clarity about the impact of the eminent domain procedure on their land’s price.
Examining the Relationships between Multimodal Environments and Multitasking Driving Behaviors
Authors: Zou Tianqi , Guo Huizhong , Khaloei Moein , MacKenzie Don , Boyle Linda Ng
Published: July 2022

This study examined multitasking behaviors of drivers in environments that include large numbers of pedestrians and cyclists, using video and vehicle data from the second Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP2). The study includes 15 sites in both Seattle, WA, and Tampa, FL, U.S., (nine pedestrian and six cyclist locations), including three marking and signal types for crosswalks and two types for bike treatments. A total of 1,458 SHRP2 traversals with time-series data and forward videos were extracted with face/dash videos for about 50% of these traversals. Forward video coding was conducted for all daytime traversals starting from one block before to one block after the selected site. Face/dash video was coded for all traversals with pedestrians or cyclists. A matched set of traversals without pedestrians or cyclists were also coded. The final data set included 458 traversals with coded data on multitasking behavior and the multimodal environment. Mixed-effect binary logistic regression models were used to examine the associations of pedestrian/cyclist presence and the facility type with drivers’ multitasking behavior. The findings show that the presence of pedestrians/cyclists and facility types could be related to drivers’ multitasking behavior. The findings can provide the foundation for future studies that examine safety for non-motorists with respect to infrastructure design, signage, and policies. There is also the potential to provide insights into assistive driving systems within automated vehicles, which are discussed in this paper.
“Breaking Free”: A Grounded Theory Study of Atheist Women in the United States
Authors: Abbott Dena M. , Anaya Elyxcus J.
Published: July 2022

Using a critical, grounded theory approach, we interviewed 31 atheist-identified women to ascertain the ways in which women develop and navigate an atheist identity and how their experience is influenced by patriarchal, hegemonic Christianity in the United States using a concealable stigmatized identity framework. Qualitative analysis resulted in six core categories: (1) Embracing Atheism as Liberation, (2) Escaping Christian Patriarchy, Challenging Atheist Patriarchy, (3) Low Identity Salience Provides Protection from Anti-Atheist Discrimination, (4) Expectations to Conform to Christian Norms, (5) Disclosure Requires Thoughtfulness and Purpose, and (6) Connecting with Other Atheists is Valuable and Elusive. Although atheist women experienced sexism within atheist communities that made connecting with other atheists challenging, participants viewed atheism as liberating them from religious patriarchy. Anti-atheist discrimination was common early in women’s atheist identity development, but not as frequent or salient over time. Rather, Christian hegemony and the expectation to adapt to Christian norms were more distressing than individual acts of anti-atheist discrimination. Therefore, concealment and disclosure were used to reduce personal discomfort and protect others’ feelings, rather than to avoid overt anti-atheist stigma. Integration with previous concealable stigmatized identity and atheism literature is discussed. In the interest of more equitable and healthy atheist communities for women atheists, community members and leaders are encouraged to dismantle patriarchy within secular organizations and center women’s voices and experiences. Clinicians and researchers can increase awareness of how hegemonic, patriarchal Christianity influences their professional work and the women they serve and eradicate such bias from their methods.
Rethinking Dating and SEXUAL Violence Prevention for Youth During the Pandemic: Examining Program Feasibility and Acceptability
Authors: Segura Anna , Henkhaus Michelle , Banyard Victoria , Obara Lena M. , Jefferson Gena C.
Published: July 2022

Sexual and dating violence (SDV) is a social and health but preventable public issue. Most evidence-based prevention programs have been evaluated using an in-person delivery mechanism. Project Dream, Own and Tell (DOT) is a 13- to 18-week SDV prevention program targeting youth from traditionally underserved communities in New York City that shifted from in-person to online delivery in response to social distancing requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the current study was to understand how youth perceive learning SDV prevention in an online environment (acceptability and feasibility of the online DOT program). A mixed methods triangulation design was used including responses to Ecological Momentary Assessments ( n = 25), a brief post survey with Likert-scale items ( n = 18), and semi-structured interviews with 12 participants. The sample comprised Latinx/Hispanic, Asian American, Arab American, and African American youth between the ages of 15 and 21 from urban communities. Youth indicated both strengths and challenges of the online format. Strengths included ease of fitting the program into their schedules, avoiding long commutes, and the potential to create a safe online space for participants to engage in sexual violence prevention discussions and thus, feel less exposed. Challenges included internet connectivity issues, difficulties in building trustworthy relationships with other participants when not sharing the same physical space, some characteristics of the program’s activities, and the lack of adequate space from which to attend the program (i.e., shared spaces). Findings suggest that synchronous online prevention program delivery is a feasible and acceptable strategy for engaging adolescents in relationship violence prevention.
Investigation of ultrasonic soft tissue-bone reflection coefficients correlating with curve severity in children with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Pham Thanh-Tu , Le Lawrence H , Khodaei Mahdieh , Zheng Rui , Lou Edmond
Published: July 2022

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional curvature of spine. Children with AIS and low bone quality have higher chance to get curve progression leading to bigger spinal curvature. In addition, bone quality affects acoustic impedance of bone, thus influencing the reflection coefficient of ultrasound signal from the soft tissue–bone interface. This study aimed to estimate the bone quality of AIS patients based on the reflection coefficients to determine the correlation of the bone quality with curve severity. A simple bone model was used to develop an equation to calculate the reflection coefficient value. Experiments were conducted on five different phantoms. Acrylic was used to design a vertebral shape to study the effect of surface roughness and inclination, including: smooth flat surface (SFS), smooth curved surface (SCS), rough curved surface (RCS), and the rough curved inclined surface (RCIS). A clinical study with 37 AIS patients were recruited. The estimated reflection coefficient values of plate phantoms agreed well with the predicted values and the maximum error was 6.7%. The reflection coefficients measured from the acrylic-water interface for the SFS, SCS, RCS, RCIS (3° and 5°) were 0.37, 0.33, 0.28, (0.23 and 0.12), respectively. The surface roughness and inclination increased the reflection loss. From the clinical data, the average reflection coefficients for children with AIS were 0.11 and 0.07 for the mild curve group and the moderate curve group, respectively. A moderate linear correlation was found between the reflection coefficients and curve severity ([Formula: see text] = 0.3). Patients with lower bone quality have observed to have larger spinal curvature.