bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Sparse Uniformly Excited Concentric Ring Arrays Using the Chaos Sparrow Search Algorithm
Authors: Wang Bin , Tian Xue , Tao Kui
Published: May 2023

In this paper, an effective synthesis method for sparse uniformly excited concentric ring array (CRA) element positions featuring a minimum sidelobe level (SLL) is presented. This method is based on the chaos sparrow search algorithm (CSSA), which can search for the optimal solution under multiple constraints. By improving the constraint on the number of array elements on each ring, the solution range of the optimal solution is further reduced, and the global search ability of the algorithm is effectively improved by introducing tent mapping into the algorithm to initialize the population. Numerical examples are presented to assess the effectiveness and reliability of the proposed method, showing that it can achieve better results than existing methods in the design of sparse concentric ring array arrangements.
Some Remarks Concerning the General Octic Functional Equation
Authors: Lee Yang-Hi , Roh Jaiok
Published: May 2023

In this article, we study the stability of various forms for the general octic functional equation

∑

i
=
09

9

C

i

−
1

9
−
i

f

x
+
i
y

=
0
.

We first find a special way of representing a given mapping as the sum of eight mappings. And by using the above representation, we will investigate the hyperstability of the general octic functional equation. Furthermore, we will discuss the Hyers–Ulam–Rassias stability of the general octic functional equation.
Jordanian Nurses’ Perceived Disaster Preparedness: Factors Influencing Successful Planning
Authors: Abu Hasheesh Mohammad O.
Published: May 2023

Background. Current disaster knowledge, skills, and preparedness levels need to be evaluated to guide plans to strengthen disaster readiness. Objective. This study aimed to explore the Jordanian staff nurses’ perception regarding their familiarity, attitudes, and practices for disaster preparedness (DP) to reduce the negative impacts of disasters. Methods. This is a cross-sectional, quantitative, descriptive study. The study was conducted on nurses working at governmental and private hospitals in Jordan. A convenience sample of 240 currently working nurses was recruited to participate in the study. Results. The nurses were somewhat familiar with their role in DP (2.9 ± .84). The nurses’ overall attitude towards DP was 2.2 ± 0.38, indicating that respondents had medium attitude levels. A low practice level for DP (1.59 ± 0.45) was also observed. Among the studied demographic variables, there was a significant relationship between experience and prior training with improved familiarity and practices. This indicates a need for strengthening nurses’ practical skills as well as their theoretical knowledge. However, there is only a significant difference between attitude scale scores and disaster preparedness training (f = 10.120;

p
=
0.002

). Conclusions. The study findings support the need for more training (academic and/or institutional) to increase and improve nursing disaster preparedness locally and globally.
Salivary Hormones Leptin, Ghrelin, Glucagon, and Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 and Their Relation to Sweet Taste Perception in Diabetic Patients
Authors: Al-Ghurayr Nada K. , Al-Mowalad Ashjan M. , Omar Ulfat M. , Ashi Heba M. , Al-Shehri Saad S. , AlShaikh Abdelrahman A. , AlHarbi Shada M. , Alsufiani Hadeil M.
Published: May 2023

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common diseases worldwide. DM may disrupt hormone regulation. Metabolic hormones, leptin, ghrelin, glucagon, and glucagon-like peptide 1, are produced by the salivary glands and taste cells. These salivary hormones are expressed at different levels in diabetic patients compared to control group and may cause differences in the perception of sweetness. This study is aimed at assessing the concentrations of salivary hormones leptin, ghrelin, glucagon, and GLP-1 and their correlations with sweet taste perception (including thresholds and preferences) in patients with DM. A total of 155 participants were divided into three groups: controlled DM, uncontrolled DM, and control groups. Saliva samples were collected to determine salivary hormone concentrations by ELISA kits. Varying sucrose concentrations (0.015, 0.03, 0.06, 0.12, 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mol/l) were used to assess sweetness thresholds and preferences. Results showed a significant increase in salivary leptin concentrations in the controlled DM and uncontrolled DM compared to the control group. In contrast, salivary ghrelin and GLP-1 concentrations were significantly lower in the uncontrolled DM group than in the control group. In general, HbA1c was positively correlated with salivary leptin concentrations and negatively correlated with salivary ghrelin concentrations. Additionally, in both the controlled and uncontrolled DM groups, salivary leptin was negatively correlated with the perception of sweetness. Salivary glucagon concentrations were negatively correlated with sweet taste preferences in both controlled and uncontrolled DM. In conclusion, the salivary hormones leptin, ghrelin, and GLP-1 are produced either higher or lower in patients with diabetes compared to the control group. In addition, salivary leptin and glucagon are inversely associated with sweet taste preference in diabetic patients.
Predicting the Progress of Tuberculosis by Inflammatory Response-Related Genes Based on Multiple Machine Learning Comprehensive Analysis
Authors: Ma Shuai , Peng Peifei , Duan Zhihao , Fan Yifeng , Li Xinzhi
Published: May 2023

Background. Tuberculosis (TB), caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, affects approximately one-quarter of the global population and is considered one of the most lethal infectious diseases worldwide. The prevention of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) from progressing into active tuberculosis (ATB) is crucial for controlling and eradicating TB. Unfortunately, currently available biomarkers have limited effectiveness in identifying subpopulations that are at risk of developing ATB. Hence, it is imperative to develop advanced molecular tools for TB risk stratification. Methods. The TB datasets were downloaded from the GEO database. Three machine learning models, namely LASSO, RF, and SVM-RFE, were used to identify the key characteristic genes related to inflammation during the progression of LTBI to ATB. The expression and diagnostic accuracy of these characteristic genes were subsequently verified. These genes were then used to develop diagnostic nomograms. In addition, single-cell expression clustering analysis, immune cell expression clustering analysis, GSVA analysis, immune cell correlation, and immune checkpoint correlation of characteristic genes were conducted. Furthermore, the upstream shared miRNA was predicted, and a miRNA–genes network was constructed. Candidate drugs were also analyzed and predicted. Results. In comparison to LTBI, a total of 96 upregulated and 26 downregulated genes related to the inflammatory response were identified in ATB. These characteristic genes have demonstrated excellent diagnostic performance and significant correlation with many immune cells and immune sites. The results of the miRNA–genes network analysis suggested a potential role of hsa-miR-3163 in the molecular mechanism of LTBI progressing into ATB. Moreover, retinoic acid may offer a potential avenue for the prevention of LTBI progression to ATB and for the treatment of ATB. Conclusion. Our research has identified key inflammatory response-related genes that are characteristic of LTBI progression to ATB and hsa-miR-3163 as a significant node in the molecular mechanism of this progression. Our analyses have demonstrated the excellent diagnostic performance of these characteristic genes and their significant correlation with many immune cells and immune checkpoints. The CD274 immune checkpoint presents a promising target for the prevention and treatment of ATB. Furthermore, our findings suggest that retinoic acid may have a role in preventing LTBI from progressing to ATB and in treating ATB. This study provides a new perspective for differential diagnosis of LTBI and ATB and may uncover potential inflammatory immune mechanisms, biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and effective drugs in the progression of LTBI into ATB.
Effect of Apple Pomace Powder Addition on the Physicochemical Properties of Oily Cakes and Ranking Samples by Delphi Fuzzy Approach
Authors: Sabet Ghadam Maryam , Saeedi Asl Mohammad Reza , Sharifi Akram , Pedram Nia Ahmad , Armin Mohammad
Published: May 2023

The current study is aimed to compare the effect of fat and/or wheat-flour substitution with apple pomace on the physicochemical and shelf-life of oily cakes. The sensory quality of samples was evaluated using the Delphi-Fuzzy logic method. The oily-cakes include the following: TCO: control;

T

W
10
%

and

T

W
20
%

: flour substitution with apple pomace (10 and 20% w/w); TO10% and TO20%: fat substitution with apple pomace (10 and 20% w/w);

T

W
&
O

5
:
5

and

T

W
&
O

10
:
10

: fat and wheat-flour substitution with apple pomace (5 : 5 and 10 : 10% w/w). The lowest and highest protein content were recorded for

T

w
20
%

(10.0 ± 0.12%) and TO20% (11.0 ± 0.45%) (

p
<
0.05

). There was no significant difference between the fat content of control samples with

T

W
10
%

,

T

W
20
%

, and

T

O
&
W

5
:
5

(

p
>
0.05

).

T

W
20
%

exhibited the highest fiber content (2.12%) and the lowest caloric (385.0 kcal/100 g) values. There was a significant difference between baking loss of TO10% (9.87%) and TO20% (9.36%) samples with control one (11.6%) (

p
<
0.05

). By reducing the fat content, smaller and lower porous was observed. The antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of apple pomace was not significant. Therefore, apple pomace had no significant effect on the shelf-life of cakes. Based on defuzzification values, the sensory ranking of samples was as follows:

T

C
O

 

64.4

>

T

W
20
%

 

63.9

>

T

W
&
O

5
:
5

 

63.7

>

T

W
10
%

 

63.6

>

T

O
10
%

 

60.2

>

T

W
&
O

10
:
10

 

60.1

>

T

O
20
%

 

58.8

. Overall, apple pomace could be considered a cost-effective, sustainable, and healthy alternative to partial wheat-flour. Further research is required to produce reduced-fat cakes. Adding fruit powder along with fat replacers can be suggested for future studies.
An Attempt to Stretch the Benefit: Rechallenge with PARP Inhibitors in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Gonzalez-Ochoa Eduardo , Oza Amit M.
Published: May 2023

PARP inhibitors exploit synthetic lethality in homologous recombination–deficient (HDR) cells and are standard-of-care treatment in newly diagnosed and relapsed epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). A recent article demonstrated that a second course of olaparib can be safely administered to women with BRCA-mutated EOC.

See related article by Morgan et al., p. 2602
Data from Late-stage metastatic melanoma emerges through a diversity of evolutionary pathways
Authors: Spain Lavinia , Coulton Alexander , Lobon Irene , Rowan Andrew , Schnidrig Desiree , Shepherd Scott T.C. , Shum Benjamin , Byrne Fiona , Goicoechea Maria , Piperni Elisa , Au Lewis , Edmonds Kim , Carlyle Eleanor , Hunter Nikki , Renn Alexandra , Messiou Christina , Hughes Peta , Nobbs Jaime , Foijer Floris , van den Bos Hilda , Wardenaar Rene , Spierings Diana C.J. , Spencer Charlotte , Schmitt Andreas M. , Tippu Zayd , Lingard Karla , Grostate Lauren , Peat Kema , Kelly Kayleigh , Sarker Sarah , Vaughan Sarah , Mangwende Mary , Terry Lauren , Kelly Denise , Biano Jennifer , Murra Aida , Korteweg Justine , Lewis Charlotte , OFlaherty Molly , Cattin Anne-Laure , Emmerich Max , Gerard Camille L. , Pallikonda Husayn Ahmed. , Lynch Joanna , Mason Robert , Rogiers Aljosja , Xu Hang , Huebner Ariana , McGranahan Nicholas , Al Bakir Maise , Murai Jun , Naceur-Lombardelli Cristina , Borg Elaine , Mitchison Miriam , Moore David A. , Falzon Mary , Proctor Ian , Stamp Gordon W H. , Nye Emma L. , Young Kate , Furness Andrew J.S. , Pickering Lisa , Stewart Ruby , Mahadeva Ula , Green Anna , Larkin James , Litchfield Kevin , Swanton Charles , Jamal-Hanjani Mariam , Turajlic Samra
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Understanding the evolutionary pathways to metastasis and resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in melanoma is critical for improving outcomes. Here we present the most comprehensive intra-patient metastatic melanoma dataset assembled to date as part of the PEACE research autopsy programme, including 222 exome, 493 panel-sequenced, 161 RNA-seq, and 22 single-cell whole-genome sequencing samples from 14 ICI-treated patients. We observed frequent whole-genome doubling and widespread loss of heterozygosity, often involving antigen presentation machinery. We found KIT extrachromosomal DNA may have contributed to the lack of response to KIT inhibitors of a KIT-driven melanoma. At the lesion-level, MYC amplifications were enriched in ICI non-responders. Single-cell sequencing revealed polyclonal seeding of metastases originating from clones with different ploidy in one of the patients. Finally, we observed that brain metastases that diverged early in molecular evolution emerge late in disease. Overall, our study illustrates the diverse evolutionary landscape of advanced melanoma.
Supplementary Table S1 from Nuclear export inhibitor Selinexor enhances oncolytic myxoma virus therapy against cancer
Authors: Rahman Masmudur M. , Oosterom Fleur van , Enow Junior A. , Hossain Maksuda , Gutierrez-Jensen Ami D. , Cashen Mackenzie , Everts Anne , Lowe Kenneth , Kilbourne Jacquelyn , Daggett-Vondras Juliane , Karr Timothy L , McFadden Grant
Published: May 2023

List of proteins identified using mass spectrometry, and their relative abundances in the nuclear and cytosolic fractions.
Supplementary Figure S3 from Enhanced Detection of Landmark Minimal Residual Disease in Lung Cancer using Cell-Free DNA Fragmentomics
Authors: Wang Siwei , Xia Zhijun , You Jing , Gu Xiaolan , Meng Fanchen , Chen Peng , Tang Wanxiangfu , Bao Hua , Zhang Jingyuan , Wu Xue , Shao Yang , Wang Jie , Zuo Xianglin , Xu Lin , Yin Rong
Published: May 2023

Leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV) results of fragmentomics models using different algorithms
Supplementary Figure S4 from Nuclear export inhibitor Selinexor enhances oncolytic myxoma virus therapy against cancer
Authors: Rahman Masmudur M. , Oosterom Fleur van , Enow Junior A. , Hossain Maksuda , Gutierrez-Jensen Ami D. , Cashen Mackenzie , Everts Anne , Lowe Kenneth , Kilbourne Jacquelyn , Daggett-Vondras Juliane , Karr Timothy L , McFadden Grant
Published: May 2023

Prolonged replication of MYXV in the tumor bed of the Selinexor treated mice.
Supplementary Figure S1 from Nuclear export inhibitor Selinexor enhances oncolytic myxoma virus therapy against cancer
Authors: Rahman Masmudur M. , Oosterom Fleur van , Enow Junior A. , Hossain Maksuda , Gutierrez-Jensen Ami D. , Cashen Mackenzie , Everts Anne , Lowe Kenneth , Kilbourne Jacquelyn , Daggett-Vondras Juliane , Karr Timothy L , McFadden Grant
Published: May 2023

Selinexor enhances MYXV replication in vivo in HT29 xenograft tumors in NSG mice and reduces tumor burden.
Supplementary Table S1 from Prediagnostic CT or MRI Utilization and Outcomes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: SEER-Medicare Database Analysis
Authors: Karim Mohammad A. , Singal Amit G. , Kum Hye Chung , Lee Yi-Te , Park Sulki , Rich Nicole E. , Noureddin Mazen , Yang Ju Dong
Published: May 2023

Supplementary Table S1 shows the demographic and clinical factors associated with receipt of MRI/CT test in HCC patients.
Enhanced Detection of Landmark Minimal Residual Disease in Lung Cancer Using Cell-free DNA Fragmentomics
Authors: Wang Siwei , Xia Zhijun , You Jing , Gu Xiaolan , Meng Fanchen , Chen Peng , Tang Wanxiangfu , Bao Hua , Zhang Jingyuan , Wu Xue , Shao Yang , Wang Jie , Zuo Xianglin , Xu Lin , Yin Rong
Published: May 2023

Currently, approximately 30%–55% of the patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) develop recurrence due to minimal residual disease (MRD) after receiving surgical resection of the tumor. This study aims to develop an ultrasensitive and affordable fragmentomic assay for MRD detection in patients with NSCLC. A total of 87 patients with NSCLC, who received curative surgical resections (23 patients relapsed during follow-up), enrolled in this study. A total of 163 plasma samples, collected at 7 days and 6 months postsurgical, were used for both whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and targeted sequencing. WGS-based cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragment profile was used to fit regularized Cox regression models, and leave-one-out cross-validation was further used to evaluate models’ performance. The models showed excellent performances in detecting patients with a high risk of recurrence. At 7 days postsurgical, the high-risk patients detected by our model showed an increased risk of 4.6 times, while the risk increased to 8.3 times at 6 months postsurgical. These fragmentomics determined higher risk compared with the targeted sequencing–based circulating mutations both at 7 days and 6 months postsurgical. The overall sensitivity for detecting patients with recurrence reached 78.3% while using both fragmentomics and mutation results from 7 days and 6 months postsurgical, which increased from the 43.5% sensitivity by using only the circulating mutations. The fragmentomics showed great sensitivity in predicting patient recurrence compared with the traditional circulating mutation, especially after the surgery for early-stage NSCLC, therefore exhibiting great potential to guide adjuvant therapeutics.

Significance:

The circulating tumor DNA mutation-based approach shows limited performance in MRD detection, especially for landmark MRD detection at an early-stage cancer after surgery. Here, we describe a cfDNA fragmentomics–based method in MRD detection of resectable NSCLC using WGS, and the cfDNA fragmentomics showed a great sensitivity in predicting prognosis.
Nuclear Export Inhibitor Selinexor Enhances Oncolytic Myxoma Virus Therapy against Cancer
Authors: Rahman Masmudur M. , van Oosterom Fleur , Enow Junior A. , Hossain Maksuda , Gutierrez-Jensen Ami D. , Cashen Mackenzie , Everts Anne , Lowe Kenneth , Kilbourne Jacquelyn , Daggett-Vondras Juliane , Karr Timothy L. , McFadden Grant
Published: May 2023

Oncolytic viruses exploited for cancer therapy have been developed to selectively infect, replicate, and kill cancer cells to inhibit tumor growth. However, in some cancer cells, oncolytic viruses are often limited in completing their full replication cycle, forming progeny virions, and/or spreading in the tumor bed because of the heterogeneous cell types within the tumor bed. Here, we report that the nuclear export pathway regulates oncolytic myxoma virus (MYXV) infection and cytoplasmic viral replication in a subclass of human cancer cell types where viral replication is restricted. Inhibition of the XPO-1 (exportin 1) nuclear export pathway with nuclear export inhibitors can overcome this restriction by trapping restriction factors in the nucleus and allow significantly enhanced viral replication and killing of cancer cells. Furthermore, knockdown of XPO-1 significantly enhanced MYXV replication in restrictive human cancer cells and reduced the formation of antiviral granules associated with RNA helicase DHX9. Both in vitro and in vivo, we demonstrated that the approved XPO1 inhibitor drug selinexor enhances the replication of MYXV and kills diverse human cancer cells. In a xenograft tumor model in NSG mice, combination therapy with selinexor plus MYXV significantly reduced the tumor burden and enhanced the survival of animals. In addition, we performed global-scale proteomic analysis of nuclear and cytosolic proteins in human cancer cells to identify the host and viral proteins that were upregulated or downregulated by different treatments. These results indicate, for the first time, that selinexor in combination with oncolytic MYXV can be used as a potential new therapy.

Significance:

We demonstrated that a combination of nuclear export inhibitor selinexor and oncolytic MYXV significantly enhanced viral replication, reduced cancer cell proliferation, reduced tumor burden, and enhanced the overall survival of animals. Thus, selinexor and oncolytic MYXV can be used as potential new anticancer therapy.
Em busca da integração latino-americana: reflexão sobre rural, urbano, litoral, sertão, modo de vida e populações tradicionais
Authors: Suzuki Júlio César
Published: May 2023

A leitura da complexidade que envolve o rural e o urbano permite avançar na compreensão da diversidade e da unidade presentes na América Latina. Assim, a partir de uma perspectiva interdisciplinar, procura-se analisar dilemas conceituais e interpretativos relativos ao rural e ao urbano na América Latina, relacionando a dialética que envolve as categorias de litoral e sertão, particularmente em relação às populações tradicionais, com foco principalmente na realidade brasileira.
Echocardiographic Features Beyond Ejection Fraction and Associated Outcomes in Patients With Heart Failure With Mildly Reduced or Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Peters Anthony E. , Clare Robert M. , Chiswell Karen , Felker G. Michael , Kelsey Anita , Mentz Robert , DeVore Adam D.
Published: May 2023

Background:

Heart failure (HF) guidelines recommend assessment of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) to classify patients and guide therapy implementation. However, LVEF alone may be insufficient to adequately characterize patients with HF, especially those with mildly reduced or preserved LVEF. Recommendations on additional testing are lacking, and there are limited data on use of echocardiographic features beyond LVEF in patients with heart failure with mildly reduced or preserved LVEF.

Methods:

In patients with HF with mildly reduced or preserved LVEF identified in a large US health care system, the association of the following metrics with mortality was evaluated: LV global longitudinal strain (LV GLS>–16), left atrial volume index (>28 mL/m
2
), left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), and E/e´>13 and e´<9. A multivariable model for mortality was constructed including age, sex, and key comorbidities followed by stepwise selection of echocardiographic features. Characteristics and outcomes of subgroups with normal versus abnormal LV GLS and LVEF were evaluated.

Results:

Among 2337 patients with complete echocardiographic data assessed between 2017 and 2020, the following features were associated with all-cause mortality on univariate analysis over 3 years of follow-up: E/e´+e´, LV GLS, left atrial volume index (all
P
<0.01). In the multivariable model (
C
-index=0.65), only abnormal LV GLS was independently associated with all-cause mortality (HR, 1.35 [95% CI, 1.11–1.63];
P
=0.002). Among patients with LVEF>55%, 498/1255 (40%) demonstrated abnormal LV GLS. Regardless of specific LVEF, patients with abnormal LV GLS demonstrated a higher burden of multiple comorbidities and higher event rates compared with patients with normal LV GLS.

Conclusions:

In a large, real-world HF with mildly reduced or preserved LVEF population, echocardiographic features, led by LV GLS, were associated with adverse outcomes irrespective of LVEF. A large proportion of patients demonstrate adverse myocardial function by LV GLS despite preserved LVEF and may represent a key cohort of interest for HF medical therapies and future clinical studies.
Evidence for a Spoken Word Lexicon in the Auditory Ventral Stream
Authors: Damera Srikanth R. , Chang Lillian , Nikolov Plamen P. , Mattei James A. , Banerjee Suneel , Glezer Laurie S. , Cox Patrick H. , Jiang Xiong , Rauschecker Josef P. , Riesenhuber Maximilian
Published: May 2023

The existence of a neural representation for whole words (i.e., a lexicon) is a common feature of many models of speech processing. Prior studies have provided evidence for a visual lexicon containing representations of whole written words in an area of the ventral visual stream known as the visual word form area. Similar experimental support for an auditory lexicon containing representations of spoken words has yet to be shown. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging rapid adaptation techniques, we provide evidence for an auditory lexicon in the auditory word form area in the human left anterior superior temporal gyrus that contains representations highly selective for individual spoken words. Furthermore, we show that familiarization with novel auditory words sharpens the selectivity of their representations in the auditory word form area. These findings reveal strong parallels in how the brain represents written and spoken words, showing convergent processing strategies across modalities in the visual and auditory ventral streams.
A ‘New India’ for the Arab World
Authors: Petiwala Ada
Published: May 2023

This article investigates the formations of ‘Brand Modi’ and ‘Brand Bollywood’ and their strategic and overlapping foray into the United Arab Emirates, considering it a pivotal moment in contemporary transregional media production. Two branding campaigns form the basis of my analysis: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s highly mediatized 2015–2018 U.A.E. visits and Shah Rukh Khan’s 2016–2019 ‘#BeMyGuest’ campaign for Visit Dubai (the Emirate’s official tourism brand). Attending to questions of branding techniques, diasporic identity and historical imagination, I examine how these campaigns play on notions of the common man or aam aadmi and the upwardly-mobile and cosmopolitan ‘New Indian’ through the celebrity personas of Modi and Khan. I argue that this creation of a ‘New India’ for the Arab world seeks to efface down class connotations of India and Indians in Arab imaginaries by re-framing India as a key diplomatic and cultural-infrastructural partner of the Emirates.
New lithistid sponge of the genus Sollasipelta (Porifera, Demospongiae,Tetractinellida, Neopeltidae) from submarine caves of the Ryukyu Islands,southwestern Japan, with redescription of S. sollasi
Authors: ISE YUJI , VACELET JEAN , MIZUYAMA MASARU , FUJITA YOSHIHISA
Published: May 2023

A new species of ‘lithistid’ (rock sponge) Sollasipelta subterranea sp. nov. is described from near-shore submarine caves of Okinawa and Shimoji Islands, the Ryukyu Islands, southwestern Japan. This new species is characterized by the smooth dentate ectosomal pseudophyllotriaenes, slender choanosomal oxea/style/subtylostyles and two types of amphiasters, one of which is in two size classes. Sollasipelta subterranea sp. nov. is morphologically closest to Sollasipelta sollasi (Lévi & Lévi, 1989), known from the Philippines deep sea, and our examination of the type specimen of S. sollasi revealed that the pseudophyllotriaenes and desmas are substantially different between the two species, and both species possess two types of amphiasters, one of which has two size classes. Sollasipelta cavernicola (Vacelet & Vasseur, 1965) and S. punctata (Lévi & Lévi, 1983) are transferred to the genus Daedalopelta Sollas, 1888, based on possession of one type of amphiastes as microscleres. Sollasipelta mixta (Vacelet, Vasseur and Lévi, 1976) is formally transferred to the genus Neopelta Schmidt, 1880, based on the morphological characters. A key to species of the genus Sollasipelta Van Soest & Hooper, 2020 is also provided. Sollasipelta subterranea sp. nov. represents the first ‘lithistid’ sponge from submarine caves of the Western Pacific and the first species of sponge inhabiting anchialine cave environments in the Indo-West Pacific. This is also a new record of the family Neopeltidae from Japanese waters.
Calochroa miroklichai sp. nov., a new species from Thailand with rectification of different concepts of Calochroa tritoma (Schmidt-Goebel) and comparisons to similar species. (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae)
Authors: MORAVEC JIŘÍ , DHEURLE CHARLES , WIESNER JÜRGEN
Published: May 2023

A new species of the genus Calochroa Hope, 1838 is described as new to science from Thailand. Two different concepts of Calochroa tritoma (Schmidt-Goebel, 1846) are rectified here, stating that the correct concept of C. tritoma (fully corresponding to the holotype in NMPC) is that presented by Naviaux (1991), Naviaux & Pinratana (2004) and Klícha & Ďuríček (2021), while C. tritoma sensu Pearson et al. (2020) is described here as Calochroa miroklichai sp. nov. Accordingly, C. tritoma sensu Acciavatti & Pearson (1989) represents a different, probably an undescribed species. C. anometallescens (W. Horn, 1893) and Calochroa laurae (Gestro, 1893), as well as the new species, have been partly misidentified as C. tritoma in collections. The occurrence of C. tritoma is newly restricted to Thailand and Myanmar only. The above-mentioned species, as well as Calochroa fumikoae Wiesner & Phyu, 2019 are compared to C. miroklichai sp. nov. Calochroa goebeli (W. Horn, 1895), treated in literature either as a “variety” or junior synonym of C. anometallescens (or confused with C. tritoma), proved to represent a separate species. Some other taxa and discrepancies within the genus are discussed. Habitats and characters of several species versus their relations to the genus Cosmodela Rivalier, 1961 also are annotated. Habitus and diagnostic characters are illustrated in colour photographs, and photographs of the habitus and labels of type specimens of C. tritoma, C. laurae and C. goebeli are presented here for the first time.
Vegetation Representation Influences Projected Streamflow Changes in the Colorado River Basin
Authors: Currier William Ryan , Wood Andrew W. , Mizukami Naoki , Nijssen Bart , Hamman Joseph J. , Gutmann Ethan D.
Published: May 2023

Vegetation parameters for the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) hydrologic model were recently updated using observations from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). Previous work showed that these MODIS-based parameters improved VIC evapotranspiration simulations when compared to eddy covariance observations. Due to the importance of evapotranspiration within the Colorado River basin, this study provided a basin-by-basin calibration of VIC soil parameters with updated MODIS-based vegetation parameters to improve streamflow simulations. Interestingly, while both configurations had similar historic streamflow performance, end-of-century hydrologic projections, driven by 29 downscaled global climate models under the RCP8.5 emissions scenario, differed between the two configurations. The calibrated MODIS-based configuration had an ensemble mean that simulated little change in end-of-century annual streamflow volume (+0.4%) at Lees Ferry, Arizona, relative to the historical period (1960–2005). In contrast, the previous VIC configuration, which is used to inform decisions about future water resources in the Colorado River basin, projected an 11.7% decrease in annual streamflow. Both VIC configurations simulated similar amounts of evapotranspiration in the historical period. However, the MODIS-based VIC configuration did not show as much of an increase in evapotranspiration by the end of the century, primarily within the upper basin’s forested areas. Differences in evapotranspiration projections were the result of the MODIS-based vegetation parameters having lower leaf area index values and less forested area compared to previous vegetation estimates used in recent Colorado River basin hydrologic projections. These results highlight the need to accurately characterize vegetation and better constrain climate sensitivities in hydrologic models.

Significance Statement

Understanding systemic changes in annual Colorado River basin flows is critical for managing long-term reservoir levels. Single-digit percentage decreases have the potential to degrade the regions’ water supply, hydropower generation, and environmental concerns. Hydrology projections under climate change have largely been based on simulations from the Variable Infiltration Capacity model. Updating the model’s vegetation representation based on updated satellite information highlighted the sensitivity of the hydrologic projections to the models’ vegetation representation primarily within forested areas. This updated model did not increase in evapotranspiration by the end of the century as much as previous simulations. This increased the mean and ensemble spread of the projected streamflow changes, emphasizing the need to properly characterize the hydrologic model’s vegetation parameters and better constrain model climate sensitivity.
A Three-Dimensional Hail Trajectory Clustering Technique
Authors: Adams-Selin Rebecca D.
Published: May 2023

Recent advances in hail trajectory modeling regularly produce datasets containing millions of hail trajectories. Because hail growth within a storm cannot be entirely separated from the structure of the trajectories producing it, a method to condense the multidimensionality of the trajectory information into a discrete number of features analyzable by humans is necessary. This article presents a three-dimensional trajectory clustering technique that is designed to group trajectories that have similar updraft-relative structures and orientations. The new technique is an application of a two-dimensional method common in the data mining field. Hail trajectories (or “parent” trajectories) are partitioned into segments before they are clustered using a modified version of the density-based spatial applications with noise (DBSCAN) method. Parent trajectories with segments that are members of at least two common clusters are then grouped into parent trajectory clusters before output. This multistep method has several advantages. Hail trajectories with structural similarities along only portions of their length, e.g., sourced from different locations around the updraft before converging to a common pathway, can still be grouped. However, the physical information inherent in the full length of the trajectory is retained, unlike methods that cluster trajectory segments alone. The conversion of trajectories to an updraft-relative space also allows trajectories separated in time to be clustered. Once the final output trajectory clusters are identified, a method for calculating a representative trajectory for each cluster is proposed. Cluster distributions of hailstone and environmental characteristics at each time step in the representative trajectory can also be calculated.

Significance Statement

To understand how a storm produces large hail, we need to understand the paths that hailstones take in a storm when growing. We can simulate these paths using computer models. However, the millions of hailstones in a simulated storm create millions of paths, which is hard to analyze. This article describes a machine learning method that groups together hailstone paths based on how similar their three-dimensional structures look. It will let hail scientists analyze hailstone pathways in storms more easily, and therefore better understand how hail growth happens.
Trends in Undergraduate WxChallenge Performance
Authors: Eckstein Nicholas J. , Hitchens Nathan M. , Zimmermann Petra A.
Published: May 2023

The WxChallenge is a national forecasting competition in which participants at colleges and universities across North America attempt to accurately predict daily high and low temperatures, maximum wind speed, and precipitation accumulation at a variety of locations each year. Undergraduate students make up the majority of participants. In this study, we observed trends from 11 seasons of WxChallenge data and related them to existing literature on local forecasting contests. Normalized scores were calculated each day for any participant that submitted a forecast. On average, undergraduate scores improved with continued participation in the contest. Significant gains are made during their first year by forecasters who participated for multiple years. Duration of participation in the contest plays a role, but significant improvements in performance were also noted with higher academic standing, potentially as a result of forecasting experience gained through other curricular or extracurricular activities.

Significance Statement

One avenue that aspiring meteorologists have outside the classroom to hone their forecasting skills is through the WxChallenge, a national collegiate forecasting contest. We wanted to see whether, on average, students who participated longer in the contest outperformed those who did not forecast for as long. We found this to be true. Mean scores by students who participated for more than one year improved significantly by the end of the first year, and they outperformed those without prior experience in the WxChallenge in following years. These findings are important because they can be used as evidence to motivate students to join a forecasting contest early in their academic careers, allowing them to gain skill before pursuing a career in forecasting.
The long-term psycho-social impact of the pandemic on people with intellectual disability and their carers
Authors: Gabrielsson Alexandra , Moghaddassian Meissam , Sawhney Indermeet , Shardlow Sophie , Tromans Samuel , Bassett Paul , Shankar Rohit
Published: May 2023

Background:

People with intellectual disabilities (PWID) are at six times higher risk of death due to COVID-19. To mitigate harm, as a high-risk group, significant social changes were imposed on PWID in the UK. Alongside these changes, the uncertainty of the pandemic influence, caused PWID and their carers to encounter significant stress. The evidence of the pandemic’s psycho-social impact on PWID originates mainly from cross-sectional surveys conducted with professionals and carers. There is little research on the longitudinal psycho-social impact of the pandemic from PWID themselves.

Aims:

To examine the long-term psycho-social impact of the pandemic on PWID.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey, following STROBE guidance, of 17 Likert scale statements (12 to PWID and 5 to their carers) to ascertain the pandemic’s psychosocial impact was conducted. Every other PWID open to a specialist Intellectual Disability service serving half a UK County (pop:500,000) was selected. The same survey was re-run with the same cohort a year later. Descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney, Chi-square and unpaired-t tests were used to compare responses. Significance is taken at p < .05. Comments were analysed using Clarke and Braun’s approach.

Results:

Of 250 PWID contacted, 100 (40%) responded in 2020 and 127 (51%) in 2021. 69% (2020) and 58% (2021) reported seeking medical support. Carers, (88%, 2020 and 90%, 2021) noticed emotional changes in PWID they cared for. 13% (2020) and 20% (2021) of PWID had their regular psychotropics increased. 21% (2020) and 24% (2021) had their pro re nata (PRN) medication adjusted. PWID or carers demonstrated no statistically significant variation in responses between themselves from 2020 to 2021. PWID were more likely to report being upset/distressed compared to their carers’ perceptions of them in both years ( p < .001). Four themes were identified.

Conclusion:

This longitudinal study highlights the diverse psycho-social impact of the pandemic on PWID in the UK. The Pandemic’s psycho-social impact has been significantly underestimated.
India-ASEAN Relations: The Utility and Limits of a Norm-Based Approach
Authors: Ogden Chris
Published: May 2023

Central to India–ASEAN relations have been a consistent equivalence between their similar core principles and outlooks, which have served as a shared value-based footing upon which the two entities have built and enhanced their relations. These underlying sets of norms inform their diplomatic dealings with each other, and stem from principles and practices critical to their foundational identities and experiences. This article investigates and evaluates the historical roots of these norms and then utilizes them as an analytical vehicle with which to trace the growing strategic convergence typifying present-day India–ASEAN relations. Drawing upon constructivist accounts that emphasize the role played by history, culture, identity and learning, the article considers the key areas of agreement in relations, and how a value-based form of analysis provides an essential lens through which to better understand material factors structuring their relations. It also underlines the analytical value and empirical richness that a norm-based approach provides for analyzing specific sets of norms in a specific state-to-multilateral interaction.
The Scrooge Group Therapy: A Meaning-Centered Group Therapy for Outpatients Following CBT
Authors: Chmielewski Fabian , Regener Ronja , Margraf Jürgen , Schulz Stephanie , Teismann Tobias , Hirschfeld Gerrit , von Brachel Ruth
Published: May 2023

Perceiving one’s own life as meaningful is associated with mental health and well-being. Yet, psychotherapeutic interventions to enhance the experience of meaning have not been sufficiently evaluated in the context of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The aim of this study was to pilot a group therapy to increase meaning and to evaluate its feasibility and effectiveness. A small ( N = 8) study was conducted with patients after or near the end of their CBT treatment. The intervention was evaluated with a mixed-methods design that utilized qualitative interviews as well as quantitative questionnaires (Satisfaction with Life Scale, Well-being Scale) at pre- and post-treatment as well as after 8-week follow-up. Additional measures (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, Positive Mental Health Scale, and the existential subscale of the McGill Quality of Life Scale) were administered after each session. Findings indicate that the group therapy was feasible and effective. Participants benefited from the therapy to a moderate to high extent, both in terms of symptom reduction and in terms of an improvement in general psychological well-being. Participants reported positive emotional and behavioral changes. Based on our findings, we conclude that existential interventions are meaningful extensions to CBT.
The Predictive Ability of the Existential Vacuum and Death Anxiety in Psychological Hardiness Among Elderly
Authors: Baniah Lafee Alzaben Mamduh , Yousef Alnaimi Suleiman Talal , Farhan Almahaireh Abdallah Salem , Al-Dalaeen Anas Saleh , Alkhawaldeh Mohammmad Khalaf , Al nuaimat Alia Mari
Published: May 2023

This research paper aimed to identify the level of psychological hardiness, the level of death anxiety, and the level of existential vacuum among the elderly, also the role of the predictive ability of death anxiety and existential vacuum in the psychological hardiness of the elderly at the governorates of Tafilyah and Ma’an in light of the Corona pandemic in Jordan. The descriptive-analytical approach was utilized. sample consists (500) elderly, that were selected by a simple random approach. Then the needed statistical measure was operated to achieve the required results. The results indicated a low level of psychological hardiness, a high level of death anxiety, and an existential vacuum in the elderly. The results show a suitable predictive ability for each of death anxiety and the existential vacuum in reducing psychological hardiness. The research paper recommended the necessity of rehabilitating the elderly in Jordan regarding the mental and psychological aspects.
Electoral Competition between Social Democracy and the Populist Radical Right: How Welfare Regimes Shape Electoral Outcomes
Authors: Loxbo Karl
Published: May 2023

This study examines how the growing competition over immigration and welfare between social democratic parties and populist radical right parties impacts electoral outcomes. The study argues that the historical legacies of the social democratic and conservative welfare regimes influence how voters respond to this competitive struggle. The findings support this argument. In the social democratic regime, populist radical right parties gain more support when they compete over welfare, although Nordic social democratic parties can mitigate this trend by appearing tough on immigration. However, populist radical right parties’ emphasis on welfare is the main source of electoral mobilization, particularly among voters with anti-immigration sentiments. In the conservative regime, the competitive dynamic is less connected to immigration, and populist radical right parties’ welfare discourse appeals primarily to economically vulnerable voters, while social democratic parties lose votes by taking a strict stance on immigration. These results have important implications and suggest that welfare regimes shape voting behaviour differently today than in previous eras.
Rethinking urban utopianism: The fallacy of social mix in the 15-minute city
Authors: Casarin Giada , MacLeavy Julie , Manley David
Published: May 2023

The concept of urban living is evolving, and there is a growing interest in creating smaller, more connected, and hyperlocal neighbourhoods, where everything people need is within a 15-minute walk or bike ride. This paper challenges the concept of the ‘15-minute city’ as a panacea for urban ills, by exploring the history of utopian urban planning and regeneration aimed at creating sustainable, inclusive and vibrant communities by desegregating disadvantaged groups. Specifically, we examine social mixing policies, which are recurring top-down interventions that pathologise concentrated urban disadvantage. We trace the evolution of these policies in Europe from the Garden City movement to post-war social housing redevelopment to the current 15-minute city, which we consider to be social mix by stealth. While such policies can reduce the degree of concentrated disadvantage in the short term, they tend to be ineffective in the long term, as deprived neighbourhoods often remain so despite attempts to make them more diverse. The paper argues that the 15-minute city would be implemented through de facto social mix actions at the neighbourhood level, which are insufficient to address the deeper structural issues that perpetuate spatial inequality and deprivation. We propose that longitudinal and comparative analyses, combined with ‘right to the city’ perspectives, should be considered in future research and policymaking to understand – and more importantly address – why urban renewal initiatives that aim for equitable outcomes at the neighbourhood scale ultimately fail to deliver.
Understanding Middle School Students’ Self-Efficacy and Performance in a Technology-Enriched Problem-Based Learning Program: A Learning Analytics Approach
Authors: Liu Min , Cai Ying , Han Songhee , Shao Peixia
Published: May 2023

Teachers interested in implementing problem-based learning (PBL) in classrooms encounter many challenges. Research suggests learning analytics (LA) can provide insights into students’ problem-solving process and offer teachers valuable information about when to provide necessary scaffolding. Yet, LA research in K-12 is lacking. There is also a need to explore how K-12 students’ self-efficacy may impact their problem-solving performance and learning behaviors. This study examined 418 middle school students’ self-efficacy, their learning performance and behavioral patterns after using a multimedia-enriched PBL program, and explore the relationships among these factors. Using a mixed-methods design, this study showed students’ different levels of self-efficacy were correlated with their success rates in solving problems. Students with higher self-efficacy used more appropriate tools at the appropriate times than students with lower self-efficacy. Students’ different levels of content knowledge also play a role in how students determine when and what tools to use to facilitate their problem-solving.