bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CXCR2 Is Essential for Radiation-Induced Intestinal Injury by Initiating Neutrophil Infiltration
Authors: Hu Jing , Ji Qian , Chen Fei , Gong Xiaoqin , Chen Chuansheng , Zhang Kaijun , Hua Ye , Wang Jinlei , Li Rongkun , Wang Xu , Dai Chunhua , Tian Ye
Published: July 2022

Neutrophils, known as an important part of the immune system, are the most abundant leukocyte population in peripheral blood, but excessive recruitment will lead to tissue/organ injury. RNA sequencing showed that ionizing radiation significantly increased the expression of characteristic genes of neutrophils in intestinal tissues compared with liver and lung tissues. By clearing neutrophils with an anti-Ly6G antibody, we found that neutrophil infiltration is critical for irradiation-induced intestinal injury. CXCR2 is a G-protein-coupled receptor that mediates the migration of neutrophils by combining with its ligands. Compared with observations in liver and lung tissues, we found that CXCR2 and its ligands, including CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL3, and CXCL5, were all significantly upregulated in irradiated intestinal tissues. Further studies showed that SB225002, an inhibitor of CXCR2, could effectively inhibit the chemotaxis of neutrophils and tissue damage mediated by the CXCL-CXCR2 signalling pathway.
Time-Varying Consensus Control Method of Hybrid Hierarchical Distributed Formation
Authors: Wang Hongyun , Gao Min , Fang Dan , Li Whenzhao , Kong Zihua
Published: July 2022

Aiming at the problem of formation control, a hybrid hierarchical distributed formation structure based on the virtual leader, centralized, and distributed structure is proposed and named active agent AA. Based on the established formation structure, a time-varying formation consensus control model and the changed model with no collision condition, which combined the formation flight problem with the collision avoidance problem are constructed, simplified the structure of the controller, then theoretically analyzed the consensus conditions of non-AA agents, and AA agent, respectively, obtained the necessary conditions of consistent convergence, and finally, simulated a formation with one virtual leader and four followers; the simulation results show that the control law designed in this study achieved the velocity consensus of non-AA agents and the location consensus of the AA agent; it also shows that the hybrid hierarchical distributed formation structure proposed in this study is reasonable, effective, and achievable.
Design of the College Students’ Music Big Data Management System Based on Computer Assistance
Authors: Cheng Peng
Published: July 2022

With the rapid development of science and technology, the college music big data management system also needs a computer‐aided data model for optimization. In order to improve the efficiency of computer‐aided teaching of the music big data management system in colleges and universities, this paper analyzes and processes the music database of music software based on the computer‐aided Bayesian algorithm and establishes a Bayesian model. Firstly, this paper introduces the principle and function theorem of the Bayesian algorithm. The data is divided into original music and new music, and a college music data management system with search recommendations as the core is established. We iteratively calculate the optimal hidden semantic matrix and we finally select ReLU function as the activation function of this experiment. After the model of the music management system is established, it is applied to a university. The experimental results show that the experiment has reached the expected standard. When the hidden factor dimension is 11, the system model has the best representation of music features. Students’ use of the music search and the recommendation system has greatly improved their music literacy and music coverage.
High-Efficiency Adsorption of Hexavalent Chromium from Aqueous Solution by Samanea saman Activated Carbon
Authors: Niam Achmad Chusnun , Fenelon Ernso , Ningsih Erlinda , Mirzayanti Yustia Wulandari , Kristanti Eka
Published: July 2022

Heavy metal wastewater pollution has become an environmental and industrial challenge worldwide. Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is one of the most common forms of chromium metal. Hexavalent chromium pollution is a concern because it was hazardous and can accumulate in the tissues of living organisms and the environment. The adsorption method using activated carbon can be one of the methods to treat hexavalent chromium waste. This study selected Samanea saman as the activated carbon because it contains hemicellulose, lignocellulose, and lignin, which are the requirements for an excellent activated carbon. The study’s objective is to analyze Samanea saman activated carbon (SSAC) to remove hexavalent chromium, measure the adsorption capacity, and determine the appropriate type of adsorption isotherm layer based on the maximum [Formula: see text] and minimum [Formula: see text] values. The process of making activated carbon was activated using K2CO3 through a pyrolysis process and using batch adsorption. The SEM results as characterization of SSAC depicted that the high pore was well developed. The optimal conditions for Samanea saman indicated high efficiency toward hexavalent chromium ions within the following process parameters; pH value 5, adsorbent dosage 5 g, and initial concentration 20 mg/L. The findings demonstrate that SSAC leads to the removal efficiency of hexavalent chromium being 99.90%, with the greatest adsorption capacity of 0.8949 mg/g. Based on the maximum [Formula: see text] and minimum [Formula: see text] values, the most suitable adsorption isotherm model in SSAC was the Freundlich isotherm existing in the monolayer ([Formula: see text]). The experimental results demonstrated that adsorption of Cr(VI) was well performed by SSAC. Thus, the SSAC material is an appropriate adsorbent for the removal of hexavalent chromium in the water and has the potential to be industrial applied.
Detection of DDoS Vulnerability in Cloud Computing Using the Perplexed Bayes Classifier
Authors: Mishra Narendra , Singh R. K. , Yadav S. K.
Published: July 2022

Cloud computing security has been a critical issue with its increase in demand. One of the most challenging problems in cloud computing is detecting distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. The attack detection framework for the DDoS attack is tricky because of its nonlinear nature of interruption activities, atypical system traffic behaviour, and many features in the problem space. As a result, creating defensive solutions against these attacks is critical for mainstream cloud computing adoption. In this novel research, by using performance parameters, perplexed-based classifiers with and without feature selection will be compared with the existing machine learning algorithms such as naïve Bayes and random forest to prove the efficacy of the perplexed-based classification algorithm. Comparing the performance parameters like accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity, the proposed algorithm has an accuracy of 99%, which is higher than the existing algorithms, proving that the proposed algorithm is highly efficient in detecting the DDoS attacks in cloud computing systems. To extend our research in the area of nature-inspired computing, we compared our perplexed Bayes classifier feature selection with nature-inspired feature selection like genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) and found that our classifier is highly efficient in comparison with GA and PSO and their accuracies are 2% and 8%, respectively, less than those of perplexed Bayes classifier.
Markov Model-Based Sports Training Risk Prediction Model Design and Its Training Control
Authors: Huang Haibin , Wen Shaofei
Published: July 2022

With the improvement of living standard, people gradually start to pay attention to physical health and figure maintenance, and sports training also gradually becomes a hot issue for people. Sports training can help people develop a healthy body and cultivate a persevering spirit, which can be of great help in all aspects of people’s development, but sports training also has a certain degree of risk, and only a reasonable response can make sports training give maximum value. In this paper, a Markov model is established, a probability transfer matrix is calculated, and this matrix is used to predict the risks arising from sports training since the statistical decade, and the risks of sports training in the next three years are predicted, and some suggestions are made for how to minimize and avoid the risks.
[Retracted] Predicting the Growth of F. proliferatum and F. culmorum and the Growth of Mycotoxin Using Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Srinivasan R. , Lalitha T. , Brintha N. C. , Sterlin Minish T. N. , Al Obaid Sami , Alharbi Sulaiman Ali , Sundaram S. R. , Mahilraj Jenifer
Published: July 2022

In distinct parts of the food web, Fusarium culmorum and Fusarium preserving the relationship can germinate and grow zearalenone (ZEA) and fumonisins (FUM), accordingly. Antimicrobial drugs used to combat these fungi and toxic metabolites raise the risk of hazardous residue in food products, as well as the development of fungus tolerance. For modeling fungal growth and pathogenicity under separate water action (aq) (0.96 and 0.99) and surface temp (20 and 28°C) tyrannies, several machine learning (ML) methodologies (artificial neural, regression trees, and extreme rise enhanced trees) and multiple regression model (MLR) were used also especially in comparison. GR and mycotoxin levels inside the environment often reduced as EOC concentrations grew, although some treatment in association with specific aq and temperature values caused ZEA production. In terms of predicting the growth rate of F. culmorum and F. maintaining the relationship and the production of ZEA and FUM, random forest techniques outperformed neural network models and extreme gradient boosted trees. The MLR option was the most inefficient. It is the first research to look at the ML potential of bio EVOH products containing EOCs and ambient variables of F. culmorum and F. proliferatum development, as well as the generation of zearalenone and fumonisins. The findings show that these entire novel wrapping technologies, in tandem using machine learning techniques, could be useful in predicting and controlling the dangers connected with fungal species or biotoxins in foodstuff.
Study on Influencing Factors of Radial Artery Occlusion after Repeated Right Radial Artery Coronary Intervention
Authors: Wang Jianbing , Yi Chunxue , Zhang Jianming
Published: July 2022

Objective. To investigate the risk factors of radial artery obstruction after repeated right radial coronary interventions. Methods. 497 patients who underwent repeated coronary intervention via the right radial artery in our hospital from January 2017 to January 2021 were selected and followed up for 28.07 ± 6.07 months. According to whether the right radial artery was obstructed or not, they were divided into radial artery occlusion group (n = 48) and nonradial artery occlusion group (n = 449). Results. The proportion of patients with diabetes mellitus, elevated D‐dimer, and elevated LDL cholesterol was higher in the radial artery occlusion group than in the nonradial artery occlusion group (p < 0.05). The radial artery occlusion group had more passage through the right radial artery often and had a longer cumulative sheath retention time than the radial artery occlusion group (p < 0.05). Cumulative sheath retention time (hours) had a high predictive value for radial artery occlusion. The optimal diagnostic limit for radial artery occlusion was 2.75 h, with a sensitivity of 77.1% and a specificity of 79.5% (p < 0.05). Conclusion. Diabetes mellitus, elevated D‐dimer, elevated LDL cholesterol, and long retention sheath time predispose to radial artery occlusion. Cumulative duration of sheath retention is a predictor of radial artery occlusion.
Model Test Study on Overburden Failure and Fracture Evolution Characteristics of Deep Stope with Variable Length
Authors: Wang Xinfeng , Wei Youyu , Yuan Heyong , Zhang Yiying , Zhang Qiao , Liu Wengang
Published: July 2022

Taking two typical stopes with variable length of working face inclined length from small to large and from large to small as the research object, the stope overburden structure model under different face length conditions is constructed through laboratory similar material simulation test, and the dynamic evolution laws of overburden instability deformation, unloading expansion, and collapse failure of forward and reverse knife handle stopes are analyzed. The three‐dimensional perspective technology of parallel network electrical method is used to study the spatial distribution range and fracture development characteristics of overburden internal failure. The research shows that the overburden fracture of stope with variable length has the “time‐pace‐scale” evolution effect of short‐time sudden change, zoning load transfer, and continuous extension. The evolution of roof fracture has experienced the development process of unloading expansion, tensile fracture instability, shrinkage deformation, and closure stability. The rise and fall of resistivity during mining in stope with variable length is closely related to the mining time step. When mining 40 cm, it is the position where the resistivity value changes suddenly. The rise of resistivity in the vertical direction makes the electric field show the transient response characteristics of dynamic expansion and rapid evolution. The development height of water conducting fracture zone of the reverse knife handle working face with the inclined length changing from large to small is slightly larger, the degree of overburden damage is high, and the fracture development is relatively sufficient.
Adding Umbralisib and Ublituximab (U2) to Ibrutinib in Patients with CLL: A Phase II Study of an MRD-Driven Approach
Authors: Roeker Lindsey E. , Feldman Tatyana A. , Soumerai Jacob D. , Falco Victoria , Panton Gail , Dorsey Colleen , Zelenetz Andrew D. , Falchi Lorenzo , Park Jae H. , Straus David J. , Pena Velasquez Camila , Lebowitz Sonia , Fox Yehudit , Battiato Kristen , Laudati Carissa , Thompson Meghan C. , McCarthy Elizabeth , Kdiry Sabrina , Martignetti Rosalba , Turpuseema Teja , Purdom Michelle , Paskalis Dana , Miskin Hari P. , Sportelli Peter , Leslie Lori A. , Mato Anthony R.
Published: July 2022

Purpose:

Ibrutinib has transformed the management of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), though its use is limited by toxicity and resistance. In this study, we utilized an “add on” approach for patients who had been treated with ibrutinib in the front-line or relapsed/refractory settings with detectable MRD. Umbralisib and ublituximab (U2) were added on to ibrutinib, patients were treated until achieving undetectable-MRD (U-MRD), and then they entered a period of treatment-free observation (TFO).

Patients and Methods:

Patients were eligible if they received ibrutinib in any line of therapy for at least 6 months and had detectable MRD (flow cytometry, <1 cell in 10–4 cutoff for U-MRD). U2 was added to ibrutinib, and patients were monitored serially for MRD. Once U-MRD was achieved or a total of 24 cycles were administered, patients entered a period of TFO. The primary study objective was rate of U-MRD. Secondary endpoints included safety and durability of clinical benefit after treatment discontinuation.

Results:

Twenty-eight patients were enrolled of whom 27 were evaluable for efficacy. Patients received ibrutinib for a median of 21 months (range 7–67) prior to study enrollment. Fourteen patients (52%) have achieved U-MRD per protocol whereas 78% had at least one U-MRD evaluation. Seventeen patients (63%) have entered TFO after a median of 6.4 months on triplet therapy. Progression-free survival at 12 months was estimated at 95%. Grade ≥3 adverse events were hypertension 7%, diarrhea 4%, and increased ALT/AST 4%.

Conclusions:

This triplet approach utilizes the addition of U2 to ibrutinib as an MRD-driven time-limited therapy. This therapy was well tolerated and effective. TFO following this therapy appears durable in ongoing follow-up.
Intronic Cis-Element DR8 in hTERT Is Bound by Splicing Factor SF3B4 and Regulates hTERT Splicing in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Slusher Aaron L. , Kim Jeongjin J. , Ribick Mark , Pollens-Voigt Jesse , Bankhead Armand , Palmbos Phillip L. , Ludlow Andrew T.
Published: July 2022

Splicing of the hTERT gene to produce the full-length (FL) transcript is necessary for telomerase enzyme activity and telomere-dependent cellular immortality in the majority of human tumors, including non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. The molecular machinery to splice hTERT to the FL isoform remains mostly unknown. Previously, we reported that an intron 8 cis-element termed “direct repeat 8” (DR8) promotes FL hTERT splicing, telomerase, and telomere length maintenance when bound by NOVA1 and PTBP1 in NSCLC cells. However, some NSCLC cells and patient tumor samples lack NOVA1 expression. This leaves a gap in knowledge about the splicing factors and cis-elements that promote telomerase in the NOVA1-negative context. We report that DR8 regulates FL hTERT splicing in the NOVA1-negative and -positive lung cancer contexts. We identified splicing factor 3b subunit 4 (SF3B4) as an RNA trans-factor whose expression is increased in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) tumors compared with adjacent normal tissue and predicts poor LUAD patient survival. In contrast to normal lung epithelial cells, which continued to grow with partial reductions of SF3B4 protein, SF3B4 knockdown reduced hTERT splicing, telomerase activity, telomere length, and cell growth in lung cancer cells. SF3B4 was also demonstrated to bind the DR8 region of hTERT pre-mRNA in both NOVA1-negative and -positive NSCLC cells. These findings provide evidence that DR8 is a critical binding hub for trans-factors to regulate FL hTERT splicing in NSCLC cells. These studies help define mechanisms of gene regulation important to the generation of telomerase activity during carcinogenesis.

Implications:

Manipulation of a core spliceosome protein reduces telomerase/hTERT splicing in lung cancer cells and results in slowed cancer cell growth and cell death, revealing a potential therapeutic strategy.
Donor Utilization in the Recent Era: Effect of Sex, Drugs, and Increased Risk
Authors: Baran David A. , Long Ashleigh , Lansinger Justin , Copeland Jack G. , Copeland Hannah
Published: July 2022

Background:

Heart transplantation volumes have increased in recent years, yet less than a third of donors are typically accepted for transplantation. Whether donor sex, donor drug use, or perception of increased risk affects utilization for transplantation is unclear.

Methods:

The United Network for Organ Sharing database was queried for donors from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2017. Donor toxicology was collected when available. Multivariate analysis was conducted to examine correlations with donor utilization.

Results:

Between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2017, there were 87 816 heart donors aged ≥15 years. The mean age was 42.7±15.8 years, and 24 831 donors (28.3%) were utilized for heart transplantation. Subsequent analyses focused on donors between 15 and 39 years old.

The strongest associations with donor acceptance were for male donor sex, blood type, hepatitis C antibody, donor age, left ventricular hypertrophy, and history of donor drug use. After removing hepatitis C, Public Health Service Increased Risk was identified as a strong negative predictor. Most positive drug toxicology results were associated with donor nonuse except for donors between 15 and 19 years of age. Exceptions included alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine. Opiates were associated with less utilization at all donor ages. The Public Health Service Increased Risk status was associated with significantly less utilization in all age groups except 15- to 19-year-old donors.

Conclusions:

While male donors were preferentially utilized, donors with drug use or those deemed Public Health Service Increased Risk were significantly less utilized for heart transplantation. Further consideration of such donors would be appropriate particularly as the demand for transplantation continues to increase.
Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer Magnetic Resonance Imaging Identifies Abnormal Calf Muscle–Specific Energetics in Peripheral Artery Disease
Authors: Sporkin Helen L. , Patel Toral R. , Betz Yaqub , Mathew Roshin , Schumann Christopher L. , Meyer Craig H. , Kramer Christopher M.
Published: July 2022

Background:

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) results in exercise-induced ischemia in leg muscles.
31
Phosphorus (P) magnetic resonance spectroscopy demonstrates prolonged phosphocreatine recovery time constant after exercise in PAD but has low signal to noise, low spatial resolution, and requires multinuclear hardware. Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) is a quantitative magnetic resonance imaging method for imaging substrate (CEST asymmetry [CEST
asym
]) concentration by muscle group. We hypothesized that kinetics measured by CEST could distinguish between patients with PAD and controls.

Methods:

Patients with PAD and age-matched normal subjects were imaged at 3T with a transmit-receive coil around the calf. Four CEST mages were acquired over 24-second intervals. The subjects then performed plantar flexion exercise on a magnetic resonance imaging-compatible ergometer until calf exhaustion. Twenty-five CEST images were obtained at end exercise. Regions of interest were drawn around individual muscle groups, and (CEST
asym
) decay times were fitted by exponential curve to CEST values. In 10 patients and 11 controls,
31
P spectra were obtained 20 minutes later after repeat exercise. Five patients and 5 controls returned at a mean of 1±1 days later for repeat CEST studies.

Results:

Thirty-five patients with PAD (31 male, age 66±8 years) and 29 controls (11 male, age 63±8 years) were imaged with CEST. The CEST
asym
decay times for the whole calf (341±332 versus 153±72 seconds;
P
<0.03) as well as for the gastrocnemius and posterior tibialis were longer in patients with PAD. Agreement between CEST
asym
decay and phosphocreatine recovery time constant was good.

Conclusions:

CEST is a magnetic resonance imaging method that can distinguish energetics in patients with PAD from age-matched normal subjects on a per muscle group basis. CEST agrees reasonably well with the gold standard
31
P magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Moreover, CEST has higher spatial resolution, creates an image, and does not require multinuclear hardware and thus may be more suitable for clinical studies in PAD.
Assessment of Device Neoendothelialization With Cardiac Computed Tomography Angiography After Transcatheter Closure of Atrial Septal Defect
Authors: Kim Ah Young , Woo Wongi , Lim Beom Jin , Jung Jo Won , Young Choi Jae , Kim Young Jin
Published: July 2022

Background:

Although the transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect was established as the treatment of choice several decades ago, the process of device neoendothelialization (NE) in humans is not well understood. We aimed to measure the extent of device NE using cardiac computed tomography angiography and analyze its risk factors.

Methods:

Between January 2005 and February 2021, we retrospectively reviewed 164 devices of 112 patients on cardiac computed tomography angiography. We investigated device shape, contrast opacification within the device that differentiated device NE, and device-related thrombosis or vegetation. Risk factor analysis for major adverse cardiovascular events and incomplete NE according to the postprocedural period was performed.

Results:

Seventy patients (62.5%) were women, with a median (range) age at the time of device closure of 44.5 (0.6–79.2) years. The mean (±SD) defect size was 16.6 (±7.8) mm, and patients were followed for 35.9±33.9 months. After 6 months of device implantation, 35% of the devices (42/120) had incomplete NE. The intensity of intradevice opacification shifted from complete to partial or nonopacification over time (
P
<0.001), and a similar pattern was observed in the shunt flow (
P
<0.001). The bulkiness of devices also decreased in proportion to the postprocedural period (
P
<0.001). Risk analysis revealed device diameter (hazard ratio, 1.18 [95% CI, 1.04–1.27];
P
<0.001) as the only significant factor of incomplete NE and major adverse events.

Conclusions:

Incomplete NE of atrial septal defect devices was identified on cardiac computed tomography angiography in significant numbers after 6 months of the procedure. The device diameter was related to incomplete NE and major adverse events. Further prospective and multicenter studies are warranted to validate this new assessment of device NE.
Factors contributing to the range expansion and population increase of a native generalist species
Authors: Tate Eleanor G. , Pitt Amber L. , Little Myles D. , Tavano Joseph J. , Nickerson Max A.
Published: July 2022

Ecological communities are becoming more typified by generalist species in conjunction with anthropogenic activities. Using a long-term dataset (1968-2019), we documented the expansion of a native generalist species, the red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans), into a river community, and studied the subsequent population changes that occurred in conjunction with short- and long-term changes within the ecosystem. Trachemys scripta elegans was able to expand into a new geographic area following a harvesting-induced population decline of a native competitor, the northern map turtle (Graptemys geographica). The population of T. s. elegans remained small for approximately 2.5 decades, then significantly increased in conjunction with habitat degradation in the form of increased silt/sediment deposits and nuisance aquatic vegetation growth. Our results demonstrate how a generalist species can expand and establish a population in an area impacted by multiple anthropogenic stressors. This research reveals how ecological communities become characterized by more generalist species following anthropogenically-induced competitive release caused by harvesting of native competitors, habitat degradation, and extreme flooding associated with land cover and climate change.
Depolarising Nationalism
Authors: Rückheim Philipp
Published: July 2022

This study looks at a cultural component of Scottish nationalism and presents a novel understanding of state-church relations concerning nationalism in the twenty-first century. It offers an in-depth analysis of decisions and strategies employed by religious actors in dealing with the Scottish independence referendum of 2014. In contrast to the nationalist polarisation fuelled by exclusionary claims of national religion in contemporary democracies such as India, Poland or the USA, religion in Scotland depolarised nationalism. Most churches were willing to risk the existing state-church hierarchy of a national church for the religious autonomy inherent in ecumenism. The study discusses religious pluralism and equality as mechanisms through which religion depolarises nationalism and enables democracy.
Not All Mice Are Created Equal: Interval Timing Accuracy and Scalar Timing in 129, Swiss-Webster, and C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Buhusi Catalin V. , Meyer Abby E. , Oprisan Sorinel A. , Buhusi Mona
Published: July 2022

Many species, including humans, show both accurate timing − appropriate time estimation in the seconds to minutes range − and scalar timing − time estimation error varies linearly with estimated duration. Behavioral paradigms aimed at investigating interval timing are expected to evaluate these dissociable characteristics of timing. However, when evaluating interval timing in models of neuropsychiatric disease, researchers are confronted with a lack of adequate studies about the parent (background) strains, since accuracy and scalar timing have only been demonstrated for the C57BL/6 strain of mice (Buhusi, Aziz, Winslow, Carter, Swearingen, & Buhusi (2009) Behav. Neurosci., 123, 1102–1113). We used a peak-interval (PI) procedure with three intervals − a protocol in which other species, including humans, demonstrate accurate, scalar timing − to evaluate timing accuracy and scalar timing in three strains of mice frequently used in genetic and behavioral studies: 129, Swiss-Webster (SW), and C57BL/6. C57BL/6 mice showed accurate, scalar timing, while 129 and SW mice showed departures from accuracy and/or scalar timing. Results suggest that the genetic background/strain of the mouse is a critical variable for studies investigating interval timing in genetically engineered mice. Our study validates the PI procedure with multiple intervals as a proper technique, and the C57BL/6 strain as the most suitable genetic background to date for behavioral investigations of interval timing in genetically engineered mice modeling human disorders. In contrast, studies using mice in 129, SW, or mixed-background strains should be interpreted with caution, and thorough investigations of accuracy and scalar timing should be conducted before a less studied strain of mouse is considered for use in timing studies.
The Role of a Mechanical Coupling in (Spontaneous) Interpersonal Synchronization: a Human Version of Huygens’ Clock Experiments
Authors: Crombé Kristel , Denys Marlies , Maes Pieter-Jan
Published: July 2022

Interpersonal musical interaction typically relies on the mutual exchange of auditory and visual information. Inspired by the finding of Christiaan Huygens that two pendulum clocks spontaneously synchronize when hanging from a common, movable wooden beam, we explored the possible use of mechanical coupling as an alternative coupling modality between people to strengthen (spontaneous and instructed) joint (musical) synchronization. From a coupled oscillator viewpoint, we hypothesized that dyads standing on a common movable platform would cause bidirectional passive body motion (and corresponding proprioceptive, vestibular and somatosensory sensations), leading to enhanced interpersonal coordination and mutual entrainment. To test this hypothesis, we asked dyads to perform a musical synchronization–continuation task, while standing on a movable platform. Their rhythmic movements were compared under different conditions: mechanically coupled/decoupled platforms, and spontaneous/instructed synchronization. Additionally, we investigated the effects of performing an additional collaborative conversation task, and of initial tempo and phase differences in the instructed rhythms. The analysis was based on cross wavelet and synchrosqueezed transforms. The overall conclusion was that a mechanical coupling was effective in support of interpersonal synchronization, specifically when dyads were explicitly instructed to synchronize using the movable platform (instructed synchronization). On the other hand, results showed that mechanical coupling led only minimally to spontaneous interpersonal synchronization. The collaborative task and the initial phase and tempo have no strong effect. Although more research is required, possible applications can be found in the domains of music education, dance and music performance, sports, and well-being.
Road Safety – A Global Emergency
Authors: Fox Sarah Jane
Published: July 2022

The reality is that transport and mobility matters to us all, it literally sustains our lives being an enabler of our economic and social life. ‘We’ take it for granted and perhaps none more so than the motorcar. Yet road transport also comes at a price – it takes lives.

From a United Nations perspective, it is identified that road crashes risk jeopardizing the whole sustainable development agenda.

This research commences by reflecting on the history and strategic direction being advocated at an international level. It considers the global divide, before attention and emphasis is turned to the EU’s approach to saving lives on the road. This is also compared with the US. The method applied is from a legal/policy measures approach – which puts the driver at the heart of intervention strategies. Focus in particular is accorded to the success of the EU driver/education law and policy.

Comparisons are also drawn within, between the pandemic of Covid-19 and this global epidemic (in terms of lives lost). It concludes by declaring road deaths as a global emergency, one that needs to be approached in the same way and with the same vigour and haste, in order to stop numbers rising.
The nomenclatural case of Holopyga italica Dahlbom, 1845 and Colpopyga flavipes (Eversmann, 1858) (Hymenoptera, Chrysididae)
Authors: ROSA PAOLO
Published: July 2022

The case of the forgotten name Holopyga italica Dahlbom, 1845 and its currently used, junior subjective synonym Hedychrum flavipes Eversmann, 1858 (currently Colpopyga flavipes) is discussed. Since H. italica has been listed as a valid species after 1899, in the world catalogue by Kimsey & Bohart (1991), the reversal of precedence cannot be automatically applied to this case. However, provisions of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature argue for the conservation of the name Hedychrum flavipes against that of Holopyga italica. The case will be referred to the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature, for a ruling under its Plenary Power, and meanwhile the use of the junior synonym H. flavipes is to be maintained.
Diagnostic performance of serum calprotectin in discriminating active from inactive ulcerative colitis in an outpatient setting
Authors: Udegbune Michael , Sharrod–Cole Hayley , Townsend Sarah , Allen Ben , Brookes Matthew J , Ford Clare , Gama Rousseau
Published: July 2022

There are limited and conflicting data on the value of serum calprotectin (sCp) in discriminating active from inactive disease activity in ulcerative colitis (UC). Faecal calprotectin (fCp), sCp, serum C-reactive protein (sCRP) and platelets were compared in patients with UC who had clinically active (n = 29) and clinically inactive (n = 42) disease. Serum calprotectin was measured with Bühlmann® (BMN sCp) and ImmunodiagnostikTM (IDK sCp) assays. Median (interquartile range) fCp was higher in active than inactive disease [1004 (466–1922) versus 151 (55–280) µg/g; p < 0.0001). BMN sCp [4534 (3387–6416) versus 4031 (2401–5414) ng/mL; p = 0.1825], IDK sCp [4531 (2920–6433) versus 3307 (2104–4789) ng/mL; p = 0.1065], sCRP [ 4 (2–8) versus 2 (1–4) mg/L; p = 0.0638) and platelets [269 (233–331) versus 280 (227–325) ×10−9/L; p = 0.8055] were similar in active and inactive disease respectively. The area under the receiver operator characteristics curves with 95% confidence limits were 0.85 (0.76–0.94) for fCp, 0.61 (0.47–0.74) for BMN sCp, 0.61 (0.48–0.75) for IDK sCp, 0.69 (0.56–0.81) for sCRP and 0.52 (0.38–0.66) for blood platelets. Faecal calprotectin is the optimum biomarker for discriminating between active and inactive UC. The diagnostic performance of sCp, irrespective of assay, and systemic biomarkers was poor; of these sCRP performed best.
Evaluation of bio-psycho-social and socio-cultural problems of Syrian elderly living in Turkey
Authors: Apak Emrah , Artan Taner , Ozucelik Dogac Niyazi
Published: July 2022

Background:

Older persons are among the vulnerable groups most affected by war and migration due to physical weakness, illness, social environment, and cultural adaptation difficulties.

Aims:

The aim of this study is to determine the economic, biopsychosocial, and socio-cultural problems of the older Syrians living in Turkey.

Methods:

Convergent mixed design was used within the scope of the research. For the qualitative phase of the research, 19 older persons migrants were interviewed. A semi-structured interview form was used to collect data in the interviews. For the quantitative phase of the research, 432 participants were reached. In order to collect data, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) and Socio-cultural Adaptation Scale (SCAS-R) were used together with the demographic information form.

Results:

The mean age of the participants was 66.2 ± 7.10 (Min: 60; Max: 91), the majority (87%) between the ages of 60 to 74 and 53.2% were male. The mean SCAS-R score of the older Syrians was 2.48 ± 0.88 (Min: 1; Max: 5) and the mean GDS-15 was 2.63 ± 3.84 (Min: 0; Max: 15). About 22.7% of older Syrian participants had mild or severe depressive symptoms. Experienced traumatic events, changing economic situation, and family relationships affected both physical and mental health of the older persons. The socio-cultural adaptation of the older persons was affected by language, temporary protection, and exposure to exclusion. The Older Syrians, who lacked information on social services, were experiencing problems with nutrition, clothing, bill payment, and rent due to economic problems. However, they mostly did not want to return to Syria because their living order in Syria was deteriorating and they were afraid.

Conclusion:

Syrian elderly immigrants living in Turkey have biopsychosocial, economic, and cultural problems. National and international support programs and policies should be developed for elderly Syrian refugees who are expected to live in Turkey unless a safe living environment is provided.
Disentangling the Effects of Temporal Framing on Risk Perception, Attitude, Behavioral Intention, and Behavior: A Multilevel Meta-Analysis
Authors: Huang Guanxiong , Xu Jie
Published: July 2022

Temporal framing is a messaging strategy that highlights either the proximal or distal consequences of a recommended behavior in communication efforts. The results of this meta-analysis of experimental studies on temporal framing supported the overall small advantage of proximal versus distal frames in facilitating persuasion ( r = .0659, k = 97, N = 6,808). Specifically, proximal frames were more effective than distal frames in increasing risk perception ( r = .0996, k = 14, N = 977) and behavioral intention ( r = .0715, k = 40, N = 5,888). However, no such effects were found on attitude or actual behavior. The temporal framing effect was stronger when (1) using specific time points for near future versus distant future, (2) applied to anti-smoking/drinking campaigns, and (3) using nonstudent samples. Besides, gain versus loss frame was a significant moderator of the temporal effect in studies on promoting healthy eating and anti-smoking/drinking.
Mainstream media use for far-right mobilisation on the alt-tech online platform Gab
Authors: Peucker Mario , Fisher Thomas J
Published: July 2022

Far-right movements tend to have an ambivalent relationship with mainstream media. On the one hand, they often express animosity towards traditional media, accusing them of spreading ‘fake news’ and being part of a hostile conspiracy against ordinary (white) people. On the other hand, this often antagonist perception of the media does not stop far-right actors from using mainstream reporting for their ideological online messaging. This contradictory relationship is situated in a broader societal context shaped by, among other factors, widespread mistrust towards the media, an increasingly polarised media landscape and the recent proliferation of a hyper-partisan online media ecosystem at the far-right fringes. Against this contextual backdrop, this multimethod study analyses over 45,000 posts from Australian users of the far-right alt-tech online platform Gab to examine the use of mainstream media sources for their ideological messaging. This is complemented by a qualitative in-depth analysis of 298 posts that share mainstream media content, identifying posting patterns of incorporating or reframing mainstream media outputs that seek to communicate far-right ideologies within the ideologically charged online community on Gab.
Medicare Utilization and Reimbursement Variation Between Rural and Urban Otolaryngologists
Authors: Patel Rahul A. , Torabi Sina J. , Kayastha Darpan , Kuan Edward C. , Manes R. Peter
Published: July 2022

Objective

To compare billing practices, reimbursement rates, and patient populations of otolaryngology (ORL) physicians practicing in rural and urban settings.

Study Design

Retrospective cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data: Physician and Other Supplier Data.

Methods

Medicare‐allowed payments, number of services, and number of patients were gathered along with patient population comorbidity statistics, including average hierarchical condition category risk scores.

Results

In 2019, 92% of the overall total 8959 ORL physicians practiced in an urban setting. These 8243 urban ORL physicians, on average, billed for 51 (interquartile range [IQR], 31‐67) unique Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) codes, cared for 393 (IQR, 172‐535) Medicare patients, performed 1761 (IQR, 502‐2070) services, and collected $139,957 (IQR, $55,527‐$178,479) per provider. In contrast, the 704 rural ORL physicians, on average, billed for a greater number of unique HCPCS codes (59; IQR, 37‐77; P < .001), treated more Medicare patients (445; IQR, 242‐614; P < .001), and performed more services (2330; IQR, 694‐2748; P < .001) but collected about the same per provider ($141,035; IQR, $56,555‐$172,864; P = .426). Older age was associated with rural practice (P = .027). Among both urban and rural ORL physicians, the variety and complexity of procedures and patient comorbidity profiles were comparable.

Conclusion

Most ORL physicians practice in large urban settings, a finding potentially related to financial sustainability and career opportunity. With an already small workforce, the aging rural ORL physician population is an identifiable weak point in the otolaryngology specialty that must be addressed with geo‐specific recruitment campaigns, rural work incentivization, and the development of career advancement opportunities in rural areas.
Musical training reduces the Colavita visual effect
Authors: Wang Linzi , Tang Xiaoyu , Wang Aijun , Zhang Ming
Published: July 2022

Although it has been documented that musical training enhances multisensory integration, there is not yet a consensus as to how musical training influences the visual dominance effect in sensory dominance. The present study adopted the Colavita visual dominance paradigm, presenting auditory stimuli concurrent with visual stimuli, to investigate the visual dominance effect between music majors and nonmusic majors and compared the reaction time and response proportion of the two kinds of participants in the bimodal trials. The results showed that the proportion of simultaneous responses in bimodal trials of music majors is higher than that of nonmusic majors; the nonmusic majors show a greater difference between the proportion of “Visual-Auditory” trials and “Auditory-Visual” trials compared with the music majors; the ΔRT of the two responses of the nonsimultaneous bimodal trials of nonmusic majors is longer than that of music majors. The results indicated that musically trained individuals have an enhanced ability to bind visual and auditory information and show a lesser Colavita effect, that is, a reduced visual dominance effect, than their nonmusic major peers. We conclude that musical training extends beyond the field of vision or auditory domain, improves audiovisual integration, and reduces the visual dominance effect.
Investigation Into Collection Variability of Surface Crack Data for Network-Level Asphalt Pavement Evaluation
Authors: Jia Xiaoyang , Woods Mark , Martinez Ulises , Zhu Di , Huang Baoshan
Published: July 2022

Surface cracking is a major type of pavement distress that is of interest to pavement engineers. Cracks are generally categorized in relation to patterns, orientations, and locations. Each type of crack is associated with one or more failure modes of pavements. Accurately detecting and rating surface cracks is crucial in pavement condition surveying. Currently, many State Highway Agencies employ automated survey methods to collect pavement condition data at network level. As network-level pavement evaluation is based on a single run, the traditional way of characterizing data variation based on multiple runs is no longer valid. Therefore, it is necessary to introduce a new method to evaluate the variability of pavement condition data at the network level. In this study, the variability of network-level surface crack data was evaluated by means of network-level sample parallel tests. The parallel test was conducted from 2018 to 2020 using two vehicles equipped with identical automated survey systems which consisted of a 3-D imaging system and automated distress identification system. A matrix-based method was proposed to evaluate the variations of crack data obtained from two testing vehicles. Crack data investigated in this study included fatigue cracks, longitudinal wheel-path and non-wheel-path cracks, and transverse cracks. Results indicated that change of testing speed could potentially influence the variation of automated crack data. The variations between severity levels for fatigue cracking were higher than other types of cracks. The variation of crack data decreased with the increase of reporting intervals.
On the material supports of subjectivity: Mead, the self, and the new mastery of nature
Authors: Mello Fabrício Cardoso de
Published: July 2022

The pragmatism of George Herbert Mead has been fundamental to the sociological understanding of the self. However, the complexity of his work is largely unrecognized in the discipline. This mainly affects the way in which Mead intertwined discursivity with the materiality of experience in his conception of human subjectivity. Through a metatheoretical analysis, the present article proposes a straightforward approximation between Mead’s theories of the self and the act to contemplate the incidence of processes encompassed by the latter upon the former. Based on this movement, and after a dialogue with Francis Chateauraynaud’s pragmatic sociology, the article suggests a new Meadian-inspired sociological alternative to the concept of self, attentive to its material dimension and centered on the concepts of outer and inner grasps. The current discussion about the ontological politics in the context of a new mastery of nature allows for an empirical exercise of the argument.
Case Report: Possible Serotonin Syndrome in a Patient Taking Kratom and Multiple Serotonergic Agents
Authors: Eudaley Sarah T. , Brooks Shelby P. , Hamilton Leslie A.
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Kratom, an unregulated herbal supplement, has emerged as self-treatment for anxiety/depression. Kratom exhibits inhibition at multiple cytochrome P450 isozymes involved in metabolism of prescription medications, including serotonergic agents. We report a case of possible serotonin syndrome induced by kratom use in combination with prescription psychotropic medications.

Case

A 63-year-old male presented with diaphoresis, flushing, aphasia, confusion, dysarthria, right facial droop, and oral temperature of 39.6oC (103.2oF), lactate 2.7 mmol/L, and creatine phosphokinase of 1507 IU/L. Initial differential diagnoses included acute ischemic stroke and bacterial meningitis. Despite partial treatment with alteplase and broad-spectrum antibiotics, symptoms persisted, and subsequent physical exam noted hyperreflexia, clonus, tremors, and temperature of 41.1oC (106oF). Home medications included a chronic regimen for anxiety/depression with bupropion, buspirone, desvenlafaxine, trazodone, and ziprasidone, in addition to kratom. Clinical suspicion for serotonin syndrome led to initiation of cyproheptadine, lorazepam, and cooling blankets. Aphasia, facial droop, and confusion improved after administration of cyproheptadine. Bupropion was restarted during hospitalization; remaining medications restarted at the discretion of the primary care provider.

Discussion

Risk of serotonin syndrome with multiple serotonergic agents is well-known. Kratom is metabolized by cytochrome P40 isozymes 3A4, 2C9, and 2D6, and exhibits inhibition at those enzymes, in addition to 1A2. Pharmacokinetic interactions of kratom with prescription serotonergic agents metabolized through these isozymes has the potential to increase systemic exposure of serotonin, potentially leading to serotonin syndrome.

Conclusion

Because substances contained in kratom can inhibit metabolism of prescription serotonergic medications, clinicians must be aware of potential development of serotonin syndrome.