bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Propagation of the Fundamental Lamb Modes in Strain Stiffened Hard-Magnetic Soft Plates
Authors: Kumar Patra Asesh , Kumar Sharma Atul , Joglekar D. M. , Joglekar M. M.
Published: February 2024

This study focuses on investigating hard-magnetic soft materials, characterized by magnetoactive polymers containing magnetically polarized particles as fillers. The research utilizes the Gent model of hyperelasticity to analyze the propagation of Lamb waves in a magnetically induced deformed compressible plate. In this investigation, we explore both finite deformations and incremental wave propagation in nonlinear hard-magnetic soft materials. The main objective is to formulate the elastic tensor and relevant wave equations within the framework of Lagrangian space. To assess the dispersion characteristics of the guided wave, the study introduces and discusses an extension of the semi-analytical finite element (SAFE) method. Using this numerical approach, the research further examines the effects of magnetic flux densities and its orientation with respect to wave propagation direction on the dispersion characteristics of the fundamental Lamb modes. The study starts by examining the limiting case of the neo-Hookean material model to explain such inherent dependencies. These dependencies are then further emphasized by including the strain-stiffening effect that the Gent material model describes. The research findings reveal the presence of a threshold applied magnetic flux, beyond which the Gent-type material may undergo a snap-through instability, resulting in changes in the dispersion characteristics of the fundamental symmetric Lamb mode.
Design and Analysis of a Lunar Crewed Vehicle With a Novel Versatile Compliant Suspension Mechanism
Authors: Gao Haibo , Yuan Runze , Liu Zhen , Lu Renchao
Published: February 2024

A lunar crewed vehicle (LCV) with improved maneuverability, mobility, and ride comfort is required for astronauts to conduct long-range scientific investigations and resource utilization on the Moon’s surface. This paper concentrates on designing a novel multi-functional compliant suspension for LCV to improve the above-mentioned performance. First, based on the requirement of high-speed traversing on the rough Lunar terrain, the required type of suspension motion is identified and the demanded suspension mechanism is obtained through structural evolution. Then, the kinematic analysis of the proposed suspension mechanism is conducted, and the steering kinematic model of the whole vehicle is established. A compliance analysis is completed, taking into account the actual design characteristics of the suspension mechanism. A multi-degrees-of-freedom dynamics model of the vehicle is developed, considering both wheel–ground separation and the deformation of wheels and soil. Simulations are conducted to verify full vehicle performance with the proposed suspension, and the results reveal that the design features better mobility and comfort in rough terrain with minimum turning radius, peak longitudinal acceleration, and root mean square reduced by 9.5%, 45.1%, and 21.4%, respectively.
Dynamic Manipulation and Stiffness Modulation of Cooperative Continuum Robots: Theory and Experiment
Authors: Jalali Amir , Janabi-Sharifi Farrokh
Published: February 2024

Cooperative continuum robots (CCRs) are composed of multiple coupled continuum arms to cooperatively conduct manipulation tasks. They can highly enhance the performance of individual continuum arms by providing extra stiffness, leading to increased accuracy, payload capacity, and dynamic stability of the robot. This study aimed to investigate the stiffness analysis of tendon-driven supportive-type CCRs (S-CCRs). For this purpose, first, a generalized framework for the dynamic mathematical formulation and numerical solution of S-CCRs was proposed, their dynamic response to complex scenarios was obtained, and the accuracy of the model was experimentally evaluated. Then, the capability of stiffness modulation of S-CCRs was studied. Tendon-driven S-CCRs are potentially capable of changing the stiffness with structural configuration, providing active stiffness control at the design level. Hence, in this study, the effects of the connection point location/angle of the supportive arms to the operative arm, as well as the imposed tendon limitations of the supportive arm on the stiffness of the robot, and consequently on the dynamic payload manipulation, were studied and practical solutions were proposed to develop a simple but effective stiffness control mechanism. This study showed that a typical S-CCR can increase its stiffness, just by a modular connector design up to 84% during manipulation, bringing a novel opportunity for stiffness modulation of CCRs.
Green hepatology: moving forward – evidence base and practicalities
Authors: Maurice James B , Donnelly Mhairi
Published: February 2024

Healthcare services have a significant environmental cost that is contributing to the current climate crisis. Patients with liver disease are vulnerable to the consequences of environmental change, but progress has been slow in making hepatology services more sustainable. This article explores how climate change may impact on liver disease, how we may make early steps to apply the principals of sustainable healthcare into our daily practice and identifies areas for future research priorities.
Illustration of thermal radiation on the mixed convection of Williamson nanofluid over an inclined cylindrical surface
Authors: Sharma Ram Prakash , Baag Sushama , Mishra Satya Ranjan , Sahoo Parshuram
Published: February 2024

This study emphasizes the two-dimensional incompressible flow of Williamson nanofluid caused by an inclined, infinite, expanding/contracting cylinder that is inclined at an angle with the horizontal axis. The focus is on the behavior of non-Newtonian fluid on the flow, heat, and mass transfer during the process. The properties of the fluid are modeled using a set of partial differential equations in association with the characterizing parameters obtained during the presentation of non-dimensional form. The problem is solved numerically using the shooting-based Runge–Kutta fourth-order technique. The results are shown graphically for the behavior of the several contributing parameters. The effect of various pertaining parameters is analyzed henceforth. The physical quantities of interest are also discussed in the tables. The study provides useful insight into the behavior of the fluid, i.e. suction/injection shows opposite behavior on the fluid velocity profiles where suction decelerates the profile and injection enhances it significantly.
STUDY ON THE IMPACT OF POST WELD HEAT TREATMENT ON TIG AND A-TIG INCONEL 617 WELDMENTS
Authors: KUMAAR S. SENTHIL , KORRA NANDA NAIK , DEVAKUMARAN K. , GANESH KUMAR K.
Published: February 2024

This study analyzes the effects of Post Weld Heat Treatment (PWHT) on the mechanical properties and microstructure of Inconel 617 weldments produced by the Activated Tungsten Inert Gas (A-TIG) welding and Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding. The TIG weld joints considered for this study were in an as-welded condition and underwent two different conditions of heat treatment including 1050∘C for 3 and 5[Formula: see text]h, respectively. The A-TIG weld joints studied were the as-welded type and the weldment was heat-treated at 1050∘C for 3[Formula: see text]h. The microstructure and the characterization of mechanical properties were performed for all weldments and a comparative assessment was made. Tensile strength and the hardness of the heat-treated samples were considerably higher than that of the as-welded samples. Impact toughness was slightly reduced after PWHT. Improvement in tensile strength could be attributed to the precipitation of the carbides and segregation of Chromium (Cr) and molybdenum (Mo).
Numerical Investigation of the Flow Structure and Acoustical Noise in a Suppressor
Authors: Ayaliew Yimam Ezedin , Demircan Tolga
Published: February 2024

The noise created when a firearm is fired has a lot of adverse effects on humans and the environment, so analyzing and attenuating this noise is essential. This study aimed to examine propellant flow and the sound generated by this flow using a hybrid computational fluid dynamics and computational aeroacoustics method. The compatibility of this numerical study was also validated by comparing it with the experimental result. The impact of critical parameters, such as the shape and number of baffles of the suppressor, was studied. Finally, the overpressure and acoustics results of different suppressors were compared with each other and with the unsuppressed condition. According to the result, the suppressor with curved baffles shows a better performance. When the exit pressure at the tip of suppressor compared to the initial inlet pressure to the suppressor the percentage drop in overpressure was 76.01%, 78.79% and 81.3% for the suppressor with one, three and five curved baffles, respectively. For condition without suppressor, 169.49[Formula: see text]dB of SPL was recorded. When using a suppressor without a baffle, this value was reduced to 162.13[Formula: see text]dB. For the suppressor with one, three and five curved baffles, the SPL value was 160.234[Formula: see text]dB, 159.43[Formula: see text]dB and 158.11[Formula: see text]dB, respectively. Generally, this study shows that the suppressor’s efficiency is directly proportional to its shape and number of baffles.
NGF Signaling Exacerbates KOA Peripheral Hyperalgesia via the Increased TRPV1-Labeled Synovial Sensory Innervation in KOA Rats
Authors: Liu Zixiu , Li Mingchao , Zhang Li , Shi Xiaoqing , Liao Taiyang , Jie Lishi , Yu Likai , Wang Peimin
Published: February 2024

Objectives. Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) pain is caused by nociceptors, which are actually sensory nerve fiber endings that can detect stimuli to produce and transmit pain signals, and high levels of NGF in synovial tissue led to peripheral hyperalgesia in KOA. The purpose of this study is to investigate how sensory nerve fibers respond to the NGF/TrKA signal pathway and mediate the peripheral hyperalgesia in KOA rats. Methods. Forty SD male rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: normal, KOA, KOA + NGF, and KOA + siRNA TrKA. KOA model rats were induced by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT). Mechanical and cold withdrawal thresholds (MWT and CWT) were measured 4 times in each group. The synovial tissues were harvested on day 28, and the expressions of NGF, TrKA, TRPV1, IL-1β, and PGP9.5 were determined using western blot, qPCR, and immunofluorescence staining. The primary rat fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) and DRG cells were divided into 4 groups as in vivo. The expressions of NGF, TrKA, TRPV1, and CGRP in vitro were determined using western blot and qPCR. Results. KOA and intra-articular injection with NGF protein increased both mRNA and protein levels, not only TRPV1, PGP 9.5, and IL-1β in the synovial tissue, but also TRPV1, PGP 9.5, and S100 in the DRG tissue, while above changes were partly reversed after siRNA TrKA intervention. Besides, siRNA TrKA could improve peripheral hyperalgesia and decreased the TRPV1 positive nerve fiber innervation in synovial tissue. The results in vitro were consistent with those in vivo. Conclusion. This study showed the activation of the NGF/TrKA signaling pathway in KOA promoted the release of pain mediators, increased the innervation of sensory nerve fibers in the synovium, and worsened peripheral hyperalgesia. It also showed increased TRPV1 positive sensory innervation in KOA was mediated by NGF/TrKA signaling and exacerbated peripheral hyperalgesia.
The Coping Strategies and Cumulative Changes in Intensive Care Unit Nurses after Experiencing Professional Grief: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study
Authors: Zhang Zhengmin , Gao Manyi , Fang Zejian , Chen Xin , Shen Qiaoqiao , Gao Yulin
Published: February 2024

Background. Compared to nurses in other hospital departments, intensive care unit (ICU) nurses have more frequent exposure to patient deaths, potentially rendering them more susceptible to experiencing professional grief following patient fatalities. Objective. To explore the coping experiences of ICU nurses following their encounter with professional grief. Methods. This study utilized a qualitative research design based on Heideggerian phenomenology. A purposive sample of 18 ICU nurses was selected from six tertiary hospitals in Guangdong Province, China. Individual semistructured interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The transcribed texts were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results. Two main themes emerged: (1) short-term dual coping with professional grief and (2) long-term cumulative changes from professional grief. These themes reflect the dynamic coping processes experienced by ICU nurses amidst frequent encounters with loss and grief during their clinical work. Conclusions. ICU nurses employ both adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies to address professional grief, significantly impacting their personal and professional well-being. It is advisable to offer targeted education and organizational support systems for ICU nurses to promote positive cumulative growth when they repeatedly encounter patient deaths.
An Update Review to Cast Light on the Possible Role of Altered Oropharyngeal Microbiota in Differentiating True Psychosis from Malingered Psychosis in a Forensic Psychiatric Setting
Authors: Khosravi Mohsen , De Berardis Domenico , Sarabandi Sahel , Mazloom Sakineh , Adibi Amir , Javan Negin , Ghiasi Zahra , Nafeli Mohammad , Rahmanian Negar
Published: February 2024

Over the past few years, malingered psychosis has had a progressive occurrence since a great deal of attention has been directed to the closures of long‐stay psychiatric institutions and care in the community. Therefore, malingered psychosis needs to be identified to conduct precise forensic assessments and prevent miscarriages of justice and misuse of restricted healthcare resources. Although, over the past decades, researchers have introduced a number of workable psychometric strategies and tools for diagnosing true psychosis, it is still sometimes challenging to differentiate between true and malingered psychosis. Hence, identifying reliable and innovative diagnostic alternatives seems crucial. Accordingly, a summary of gathered evidence is provided by the present review for enhancing future evaluation of oropharyngeal microbiome composition as a practical indicator for diagnosing true psychosis in a forensic psychiatric setting. As per the systematic search terms (namely, “diagnostic marker,” “oropharyngeal microbiome,” “forensic psychiatric setting,” “psychosis,” and “oropharyngeal microbiota”), relevant English publications were searched from January 1, 1980, to September 15, 2023, in Scopus, the Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. Finally, eight articles were included in the present review. Also, we adopted the narrative technique so that the material synthesis leads to a cohesive and compelling story. The results revealed that the periodontal disease and saliva microbiome were possibly associated with true psychosis. Thus, since oropharyngeal microbial compositions are highly different among healthy controls and patients with true psychosis, future research can take advantage of saliva to differentiate between fake and true fake psychosis throughout the initial stages of forensic psychiatric assessment. As a substrate of interest, saliva could also be used for characterizing the various stages of psychosis under a forensic psychiatric setting.
Partition Resolvability of Nanosheet and Nanotube Derived from Octagonal Grid
Authors: Al Khabyah Ali , Koam Ali N. A. , Ahmad Ali
Published: February 2024

Chemical graph theory, a branch of computational and applied mathematics, covers a very wide range of topics. As a result, the world of applied sciences heavily relies on graph theory. The concept of partition dimension has significant importance in the field of chemical graph theory. Although certain graphs have bounded partition dimensions, a graph’s partition dimension may be constant. In this study, we look at two alternative chemical structures made of an octagonal grid: nanosheets and nanotubes. We determined the partition dimension of an octagonal grid-generated nanosheet to be 3, and the partition dimension of a nanotube to be limited from 4.
Novel Complex Intuitionistic Hesitant Fuzzy Distance Measures for Solving Decision‐Support Problems
Authors: Ashraf Shahzaib , Ahmed Muhammad , Naeem Muhammad , Duodu Quashie
Published: February 2024

The key objective of this article is to introduce the innovative idea of a complex intuitionistic hesitant fuzzy set (CIHFS), which blends the intuitionistic hesitant fuzzy set with the complex fuzzy set to address the uncertain information in real‐life complex problems. In CIHFS, the range of the membership functions is extended from the subset of the real number to the unit disc under the hesitant environment. To determine how well the CIHFSs can be distinguished from one another, we first propose generalized distance measures and weighted generalized distance measures based on the Hamming, Euclidean, and Hausdorff metrics. Some interesting properties and their relationships are thoroughly discussed. Furthermore, a decision‐making framework for selecting the optimal option from the feasible set has been proposed, which is grounded in these distance metrics. For the purpose of proving the method’s efficacy, we included examples from pattern recognition and medical diagnostics.
Immunomodulatory Effects of RANK/RANKL Blockade in Patients with Cancer
Authors: Nasrollahi Elham , Davar Diwakar
Published: February 2024

In cancer, multiple factors converge upon receptor activator of nuclear factor κB (RANK) and its ligand (RANKL) signaling to promote the development of bone metastases; agents that inhibit RANKL signaling reduce skeletal-related events (SRE) in patients with cancer. In addition, RANKL signaling is important in augmenting the ability of dendritic cells (DC) to stimulate both naïve T-cell proliferation and the survival of RANK+ T cells. In this issue, Chang and colleagues using high-dimensional cytometry to evaluate immunomodulatory effects of denosumab in patients with advanced solid, observe early on treatment changes in multiple compartments, and greater effects in patients receiving concurrent chemotherapy or steroids.

See related article by Chang et al., p. 453 (4).
Supplementary Figure S6 from Exhausted Tumor-infiltrating CD39+CD103+ CD8+ T Cells Unveil Potential for Increased Survival in Human Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Gorchs Laia , Fernández-Moro Carlos , Asplund Ebba , Oosthoek Marlies , Solders Martin , Ghorbani Poya , Sparrelid Ernesto , Rangelova Elena , Löhr Matthias J. , Kaipe Helen
Published: February 2024

Characterization of CD39+CD4+ T cells
FIGURE 4 from Anti-Vα24Jα18 TCR Antibody Tunes iNKT Cell Responses to Target and Kill CD1d-negative Tumors in an FcγRII (CD32)-dependent Manner
Authors: Takami Mariko , Aoki Takahiro , Nishimura Katsuhiro , Tanaka Hidekazu , Onodera Atsushi , Motohashi Shinichiro
Published: February 2024

6B11 mAb treatment induces degranulation of iNKT cells toward K562 cells in a CD32-dependent manner. A, K562 cells were stained with anti-FC receptor (CD16, CD32, and CD64) mAbs and assessed by flow cytometry. B, E, G, iNKT cells sorted by using Vα24-FITC Ab/FITC MicroBeads were maintained in the presence of IL2 overnight, and then iNKT cells were washed twice and cultured in fresh medium with IL2 for 4–5 days. B, iNKT cells treated with the 6B11 mAb (50 ng/mL) overnight were washed and cocultured with K562 cells at an E/T ratio of 2:1 in the presence of an anti-CD32 mAb or isotype (mIgG1, 10 µg/mL). An CD107a assay was then performed. C, The indicated cell lines were stained with an anti-CD32 mAb and assessed by flow cytometry. D, CD32 was constitutively overexpressed via lentiviral transduction in A549 cells. A549 cells, which express CD32 at various levels, were stained with an anti-CD32 mAb and then assessed by flow cytometry. E, iNKT cells treated with the 6B11 mAb (50 ng/mL) overnight were washed and cocultured with A549 cells overexpressing CD32 at an E/T ratio of 2:1. A CD107a assay was then performed. F, U937 cells were stained with anti-CD16 and anti-CD64 mAbs and then assessed by flow cytometry. G, iNKT cells treated with the 6B11 mAb (50 ng/mL) overnight were washed and cocultured with U937 cells at an E/T ratio of 2:1 in the presence of anti-CD32, anti-CD64, or isotype control Abs. A CD107a assay was then performed. Data are representative of two independent experiments. Data represent the mean ± SEM. ***, P < 0.001. HD, healthy donor.
Homozygous Paternally Inherited ASPA Variant in a Patient with Canavan Disease
Authors: Yalcintepe Sinem , Maras Tuba , Kizilyar Ilke , Sezginer Guler Hazal , Zhuri Drenushe , Atli Engin , Ozen Yasemin , Gurkan Hakan
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Canavan disease is an autosomal recessive disorder that causes accumulation of N-acetyl ASPArtic acid in the brain due to ASPArtoacylase deficiency with homozygous or compound heterozygous pathogenic variants in the ASPA gene located on the short arm of chromosome 17. Clinical findings are hypotonia, progressive macrocephaly, deafness, nystagmus, blindness, and brain atrophy. Case Presentation: A one-year-old female case was evaluated in our medical genetics clinic for hypotonia, nystagmus, and strabismus. Chromosome analysis and array-comparative genomic hybridization showed no pathology. Clinical exome sequencing by next-generation sequencing was performed and a homozygous likely pathogenic variant NM_000049.4(ASPA):c.857C > A p.(Ala286Asp) was identified. Sanger sequencing of the parents showed that the index case had a homozygous genotype, the father was heterozygous and the mother had a wild genotype for the identified variant in ASPA. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array test was planned for the family to explain this homozygosity and a loss of maternal heterozygosity was determined in the 17p13.3-p13.2 region of the ASPA gene. Conclusion: In this report, we aimed to present the first case of Canavan disease with maternal loss of heterozygosity in the ASPA gene.
Repetitive DNA Mapping in Five Genera of Tree Frogs (Amphibia: Anura) from the Atlantic Forest: New Highlights on Genomic Organization in Hylidae
Authors: Souza Késsia Leite , Melo Silvana , Peixoto Marco Antônio , Travenzoli Natália Martins , Feio Renato Neves , Dergam Jorge Abdala
Published: February 2024

Introduction: The tribes Cophomantini, Scinaxini, and Dendropsophini are anurans that belong to Hylidae, with wide distribution in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. The taxonomy and systematics of this family remain in a state of ongoing revision. Previous cytogenetic analyses of genera Boana, Bokermannohyla, Ololygon, Scinax, and Dendropsophus described some karyotypic characters such as conventional staining, C-banding and NORs, and FISH with specific probes. Methods: This study describes for the first time the karyotypes of four species: Bokermannohyla ibitipoca, Ololygon luizotavioi, Dendropsophus bipunctatus, and Dendropsophus ruschii. Furthermore, we map CA(15) and CAT(10) microsatellite sites for the aforementioned species and six more species from the same genera for insight into the chromosomal evolution within the subfamily Hyalinae. Results: B. ibitipoca and O. luizotavioi had 2n = 24 and karyotypic formulas 18m + 4sm + 2st and 8m + 12sm + 4st, while D. bipunctatus and D. ruschii showed 2n = 30 and karyotypic formulas 12m + 12sm + 4st + 2t and 10m + 10sm + 6st + 4t, respectively. The diploid numbers and karyotypic formulas revealed here follow the previously reported trend for Hylidae, except B. ibitipoca has a particularity of eight metacentric chromosomes, more than what is commonly found in species of this genus. The microsatellites probes CA(15) and CAT(10) had markings accumulated in blocks in the centromeric, pericentromeric, and terminal regions that were more specific for some species, as well as markings scattered along the chromosomes. We present a comprehensive review table of current data on cytogenetics of these genera. Conclusion: Our findings showed that the karyotypes of the hylids studied here majority fit the postulated conserved diploid number (2n = 24) and morphological chromosome patterns, while the mapping of the microsatellites enabled us to detect differences between species that share similar chromosomal morphologies.
Hepatic Artery Infusion Chemotherapy for Primary and Secondary Malignancies of the Liver: State of the Art and Current High-Level Evidence
Authors: Kuemmerli Christoph , Hess Viviane , Dutkowski Philipp , Sinz Stefanie , Kessler Ulf , Hess Gabriel F. , Billeter Adrian T. , Müller-Stich Beat P. , Kollmar Otto , Müller Philip C.
Published: February 2024

Background: Hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy (HAI) has been proposed as a valuable adjunct for multimodal therapy of primary and secondary liver malignancies. This review provides an overview of the currently available evidence of HAI, taking into account tumor response and long-term oncologic outcome. Summary: In colorectal liver metastases (CRLM), HAI in combination with systemic therapy leads to high response rates (85–90%) and conversion to resectablity in primary unresectable disease in up to 50%. HAI in combination with systemic therapy in CRLM in the adjuvant setting shows promising long-term outcomes with up to 50% 10-year survival in a large, non-randomized single-center cohort. For hepatocellular carcinoma patients, response rates as high as 20–40% have been reported for HAI and long-term outcomes compare well to other therapies. Similarly, survival for patients with unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma 3 years after treatment with HAI is reported as high as 34%, which compares well to trials of systemic therapy where 3-year survival is usually below 5%. However, evidence is mainly limited by highly selected, heterogenous patient groups, and outdated chemotherapy regimens. The largest body of evidence stems from small, often non-randomized cohorts, predominantly from highly specialized single centers. Key Message: In well-selected patients with primary and secondary liver malignancies, HAI might improve response rates and, possibly, long-term survival. Results of ongoing randomized trials will show whether a wider adoption of HAI is justified, particularly to increase rates of resectability in advanced malignant diseases confined to the liver.
The Roots of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics: What Are the Evolutionary and Neural Bases of Human Mathematics and Technology?
Authors: Crespi Bernard J.
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Neural exaptations represent descent via transitions to novel neural functions. A primary transition in human cognitive and neural evolution was from a predominantly socially oriented primate brain to a brain that also instantiates and subserves science, technology, and engineering, all of which depend on mathematics. Upon what neural substrates and upon what evolved cognitive mechanisms did human capacities for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and especially its mathematical underpinnings, emerge? Previous theory focuses on roles for tools, language, and arithmetic in the cognitive origins of STEM, but none of these factors appears sufficient to support the transition. Methods: In this article, I describe and evaluate a novel hypothesis for the neural origins and substrates of STEM-based cognition: that they are based in human kinship systems and human maximizing of inclusive fitness. Results: The main evidence for this hypothesis is threefold. First, as demonstrated by anthropologists, human kinship systems exhibit complex mathematical and geometrical structures that function under sets of explicit rules, and such systems and rules pervade and organize all human cultures. Second, human kinship underlies the core algebraic mechanism of evolution, maximization of inclusive fitness, quantified as personal reproduction plus the sum of all effects on reproduction of others, each multiplied by their coefficient of relatedness to self. This is the only “natural” equation expected to be represented in the human brain. Third, functional imaging studies show that kinship-related cognition activates frontal-parietal regions that are also activated in STEM-related tasks. In turn, the decision-making that integrates kinship levels with costs and benefits from alternative behaviors has recently been shown to recruit the lateral septum, a hub region that combines internal (from the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and other regions) and external information relevant to social behavior, using a dedicated subsystem of neurons specific to kinship. Conclusions: Taken together, these lines of evidence suggest that kinship systems and kin-associated behaviors may represent exaptations for the origin of human STEM.
Polyphasic description of Ciimarium marinum gen. et sp. nov. (Prochlorococcaceae, Synechococcales): a new picocyanobacterial taxon from the Portuguese coastal ecosystem
Authors: SCOTTA HENTSCHKE GUILHERME , MORAIS JOÃO , OLIVEIRA FLÁVIO , LOPES GRACILIANA , LEÃO PEDRO N. , BARREIRO ALDO , PINHEIRO ÂNGELA , BRULE SÉBASTIEN , VASCONCELOS VITOR M.
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we describe Ciimarium marinum gen. et sp. nov. (Prochlorococcaceae, Synechococcales) based on 16S rRNA gene phylogenies, 16S-23S ITS secondary structures, ultrastructure (TEM), morphological, pigments and ecological data of “Synechococcus” sp. LEGE 11466. The strain was isolated from a sample collected at Leixões Harbour, Portugal (41°11’08.1”N 8°43’08.8”W) on September 26th, 2011, by scraping an epilithic biofilm under 10-13m depth, less than 1km offshore. Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood phylogenies demonstrate that the Ciimarium sequence is placed in a monophyletic clade with strong phylogenetic support (BI=1, ML=100), within the Prochlorococcaceae cluster. The type strain LEGE 11466 is phylogenetically distant from other reference strains of Cyanobacteria and is grouped with Uncultured “Synechococcus” MLS1228cl3 , “Synechococcus” MLCB, “Cyanobium” ATX 6A2 ATX-6A2-C45 and “Synechococcus” MBIC10613.. The secondary structures of 16S-23S ITS corroborate with the separation of Ciimarium from all the Prochlorococcaceae genera. Also, they show that MLCB and ATX 6A2 ATX-6A2-C45 may be different species from the type LEGE 11466. The ultrastructure analysis shows parietal thylakoids, in agreement with the family description. Morphologically the genus is indistinguishable from other Prochlorococcaceae genera. The pigments analysis shows Zeaxanthin and β-carotene as the main pigments, and also a low concentration of phycocyanin. Finally, our phylogenies indicate that a revision of the Prochlorococcaceae family is necessary, as there are still many Synechococcus-like Cyanobacteria strains that should be described as new genera in the future.
Morpho-cytological studies and DNA barcoding in genus Senna (Fabaceae, Caesalpinoideae)
Authors: AZEEZ SEKINAT O. , MATTHEW JOSHUA O. , ABRAHAM OLUBUKOLA G. , BABAYEMI OLADEJI S. , IKHINMWIN IFEOLUWA V.
Published: February 2024

Senna Mill. is a complex plant group known to have underlying biological ambiguity, due to the high similarity that exists among its morphological attributes consequently making identification of closely related species very difficult. Considering the medicinal and nutritional values of some members of this genus, it is therefore important to employ a reliable and robust technique to delimit the members of this plant group. The present study employed morphological characters, chromosome counts and matK and rbcL primer markers to delimit and elucidate the phylogenetic relationship that exists among the seven Senna species from Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The cluster analysis of the studied morphological traits grouped S. podocarpa, S. alata and S. siamea on one hand. At the same time, the result showed that S. occidentalis, S. hirsuta, S. obstusifolia and S. sophera were closely related on the other hand. A chromosome count of x=18 was recorded in S. podocarpa and S. obstusifolia, x=20 in S. occidentalis x=22 in S. alata and S. hirsuta, and x=24 in S. siamea and S. sophera. There was a 100% yield in PCR amplification of the Senna species studied. The DNA sequences ranged from 546 to 843 base pairs and the phylogenetic tree revealed that S. podocarpa was genetically distant from the other species. Moreover, the phylogenetic tree resolution showed similarities among the Senna species studied, the Nigerian Senna and other Senna species referenced sequences obtained from NCBI. Despite similarities among these seven Senna species, they could be distinguished by the morphological attributes employed for their characterization. There is an addition of x=10 to the already known basic chromosome numbers in Senna. The chromosome numbers were greatly varied from previous counts and therefore have limitations as taxonomic tools.
Cymbella liangyanlingii sp. nov. (Bacillariophyta, Cymbellaceae), a new diatom species from the upper tributary of Liujiang River, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
Authors: TANG ZHENG-BIN , GUO JI-SHU , NI HONG-PING , XIAO QIAO-ZHI , KOCIOLEK JOHN PATRICK , LI YAN-LING
Published: February 2024

Cymbella liangyanlingii sp. nov. was collected from epilithic samples in the Liujiang River, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. Light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to describe the morphology of the new species, and in addition we provided detailed ecological information about this species. C. liangyanlingii sp. nov. has the features that assign it to the genus Cymbella, including the terminal raphe fissures deflected toward dorsal margin, apical pore fields present at each end on the valve and, for most taxa in the genus, one or more stigmata on the ventral side of the central area. The key diagnostic features that easily distinguish the new species from other similar species: 1) the inconspicuous central area, 2) three slit-like stigmata on the ventral margin, 3) the striae have no interruption on the valve margin, and 4) striae that are mostly uniseriate in the middle and biseriate (5–7) in the ends. This combination of features distinguishes C. liangyanlingii sp. nov. from congers such as C. liyangensis, C. distalebiseriata, C. alexandrovichii and C. hubeiensis. These findings can help us further understand the morphological and ecological information of the genus Cymbella in China.
Taxonomic revision of the Pirate Perches, Aphredoderus, (Percopsiformes: Aphredoderidae) with descriptions of two new species
Authors: MULLER TYLER A. , SIMONS ANDREW M.
Published: February 2024

Pirate Perches, Aphredoderus, are a widespread lowland freshwater fish native to the Eastern half of the United States. Aphredoderus was thought to contain a single species divided into an Eastern and Western subspecies on either side of the Appalachian Mountains with a widespread intergrade zone through much of the Eastern Gulf of Mexico and Southern Atlantic drainages. We use morphology and genetic data from specimens spanning the entire range of the genus to determine species limits within Aphredoderus. We find evidence of five species, four of which exhibit widespread sympatry in the Southeastern United States. We elevate A. sayanus sayanus and A. sayanus gibbosus to species, redescribe A. mesotrema, supplement previous descriptions, and describe two new species, A. retrodorsalis, and A. ornatus.
The Stochastic Spinup of Vorticity in Spontaneous Tropical Cyclogenesis
Authors: Fu Hao , O’Neill Morgan E.
Published: February 2024

Cloud-permitting simulations have shown that tropical cyclones (TCs) can form spontaneously in a quiescent environment with uniform sea surface temperature. While several mesoscale feedbacks are known to amplify an existing midlevel vortex, how the noisy deep convection produces the initial midlevel vortex remains unclear. This paper develops a theoretical framework to understand the evolution of the midlevel mesoscale vorticity’s histogram in the first two days of spontaneous tropical cyclogenesis, which we call the “stochastic spinup stage.” The mesoscale vorticity is produced by two random processes related to deep convection: the random stretching of planetary vorticity f and the tilting of random vertical shear. With the central limit theorem, the mesoscale vorticity is modeled as the sum of three independent normal distributions, which include the cyclones produced by stretching, cyclones produced by tilting, and anticyclones produced by tilting. The theory predicts that the midlevel mesoscale vorticity obeys a normal distribution, and its standard deviation is universally proportional to the square root of the domain-averaged accumulated rainfall, agreeing with simulations. The theory also predicts a critical latitude below which tilting is dominant in producing mesoscale vorticity. Treating the magnitude of random vertical shear as a fitting parameter, the critical latitude is shown to be around 12°N. Because the magnitude of vertical shear should be larger in the real atmosphere, this result suggests that tilting is an important source of mesoscale vorticity fluctuation in the tropics.
Balancing acts of kindness: Reassessing the relationship between informal helping and formal volunteering
Authors: Qvist Hans-Peter Y
Published: February 2024

Although time is a finite resource, much sociological research suggests a positive association between engagement in informal helping activities and formal volunteering. However, it remains unclear whether this relationship is causal and, if so, in which direction the causality runs. To address these issues, I draw on two-wave panel data from Denmark. Using a cross-lagged panel model, I find no evidence that formal volunteering hours affect informal helping activities. However, in the reverse direction, I find evidence of a right-skewed inverse U-shaped relationship. Specifically, the time individuals dedicate to formal volunteering marginally increases with time allocated to informal helping activities, but only as long as their informal helping obligations remain modest. However, once these informal helping obligations reach approximately 20 hours, the time individuals spend on formal volunteering decreases with informal helping hours. These findings suggest that even exceptionally helpful individuals, often referred to as “super-helpers,” must balance their acts of kindness and their available time and energy. Moreover, I argue that while many people are motivated to engage in formal volunteering to benefit others, those with family and friends requiring assistance tend to prioritize these responsibilities before volunteering.
When smoking is the smallest problem: A qualitative study of smoking prevention in Danish vocational schools
Authors: Rusiti Blerina , Kjeld Simone Gad , Andersen Susan , Bast Lotus Sofie , Danielsen Dina
Published: February 2024

Objective:

In Denmark, more students smoke in vocational schools than in upper secondary schools. Smoking-prevention initiatives may reduce the prevalence of smoking but may also introduce unforeseen challenges. This study examined the significance of smoking and dilemmas related to smokefree school hours (SFSH) among established smokers in Danish vocational schools.

Design:

Qualitative research design.

Setting:

Data collection took place in a vocational education and training (VET) school in Denmark. The subject area was care, health and pedagogy (CHP).

Method:

Participant observation and focus groups were conducted with students and teachers. Two classes were observed for 2 weeks in total. The data analysed consisted of participant observation field notes ( n = 10 school days), transcripts from student focus groups ( n = 6; aged 18–56) and transcripts from teacher focus groups ( n = 11).

Results:

Two dilemmas were described as faced by established smokers in relation to the implementation of smokefree school hours: (1) The school is entitled to make rules versus the right to decide for oneself; and (2) life and schoolwork are challenging and demanding versus school work is more important than smoking.

Conclusion:

The findings illustrate how smoking, as an ingrained everyday practice for established smokers, represents a means of coping with difficult school demands and everyday challenges, particularly for vulnerable students, and how regulations such as SFSH create dilemmas for those students. These dilemmas are important to consider when designing and implementing smoking-prevention initiatives to prevent potential negative side effects and an unintended increase in social inequality in smoking.
Unraveling Dravet Syndrome: Exploring the complex effects of sodium channel mutations on neuronal networks
Authors: Doorn Nina
Published: February 2024

Dravet Syndrome (DS) is a severe developmental epileptic encephalopathy with frequent intractable seizures accompanied by cognitive impairment, often caused by pathogenic variants in SCN1A encoding sodium channel NaV1.1. Recent research utilizing in vitro patient-derived neuronal networks and accompanying in silico models uncovered that not just sodium—but also potassium—and synaptic currents were impaired in DS networks. Here, we explore the implications of these findings for three questions that remain elusive in DS: How do sodium channel impairments result in epilepsy? How can identical variants lead to varying phenotypes? What mechanisms underlie the developmental delay in DS patients? We speculate that impaired potassium currents might be a secondary effect to NaV1.1 mutations and could result in hyperexcitable neurons and epileptic networks. Moreover, we reason that homeostatic plasticity is actively engaged in DS networks, possibly affecting the phenotype and impairing learning and development when driven to extremes.
Anterolateral Lingual Abscess in a Young Adult: A Comprehensive Case Study
Authors: Safia Alaa , Shehadeh Rabie , Merchavy Shlomo
Published: February 2024

Lingual abscesses, characterized by infectious collections of pus within the tongue parenchyma, are rare and poorly understood clinical entities. Despite their potential for severe complications, literature on lingual abscesses remains limited, consisting mainly of sporadic case reports. This comprehensive case study examines the challenges and successful management of a severe anterolateral tongue abscess in a young adult, contributing to the emerging body of knowledge on this condition. A young adult male presented with a progressively worsening painful, swollen tongue and dyspnea over 2 days. Urgent intervention was necessary to prevent potential airway compromise despite maintaining normal oxygen saturation. The patient’s medical history showed no prior oral infections, illnesses, or relevant medical conditions. Detailed clinical assessment, utilization of imaging modalities such as contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan and ultrasonography, and collaboration with a maxillofacial surgeon guided accurate diagnosis and successful treatment. This case study provides valuable insights into the diagnosis and management of anterolateral lingual abscess in a young adult. It underscores the importance of heightened clinical awareness, precise diagnostic techniques, and multidisciplinary collaboration for optimal patient outcomes. The report contributes to the limited literature and emphasizes the need for further research to establish evidence-based guidelines for lingual abscess management.
“Always Trying to Dig Deeper”: The Enactment of Teaching Expertise as an Emotion-Laden Continual Learning Process
Authors: Nash Brady L. , Pruitt Alina A. , Schallert Diane L.
Published: February 2024

Background or Context:

Amid a backdrop of increasing deprofessionalization of teaching and teacher education, education researchers and reformers continue to highlight the complexity and expertise of these professions. Expertise-as-process (Bereiter & Scardamalia, 1993) is a conception of expertise that eschews the traditional focus on accumulated knowledge, emphasizing instead expertise as a process of identifying new challenges and using challenges to continue learning. Although this conception has been used to inform thinking regarding expertise more broadly, it has rarely been applied in empirical studies of teaching and teacher education.

Purpose, Objective, Research Question, or Focus of Study:

Using expertise-as-process as a framework for analysis, this instrumental case study focuses on one expert literacy teacher/teacher educator who enacted expertise as a continual learning process.

Research Design:

The case study draws from 18 months of data collection to examine the lived enactment of expertise-as-process through praxis. The study focuses on the focal participant’s planning, teaching, professional learning, collaborative discussions, and recollections of her 20+-year career as a high school English teacher and teacher educator.

Conclusions or Recommendations:

The focal participant enacted progressive problem-solving by engaging in complex thinking about teaching and students, actively seeking opportunities to improve her teaching, and involving collaborators in these pursuits. This approach to teaching was accompanied by diverse emotions: passion, care, anxiety, and dissatisfaction. This case study provides a detailed picture of an expert teacher’s practice across domains through a theoretical lens rarely used to understand expertise in the teaching profession, and adds a needed emotional dimension to the research on teacher expertise and on expertise more broadly.
Does world system theory rein in social media? Identifying factors contributing to country mentions on X
Authors: Elasmar Michael G , Wu H Denis , Groshek Jacob
Published: February 2024

This article examined how social media content has shaped the representation of countries for publics around the world. Based on world system theory, the study investigated the underlying predictors of country mentions on X (formerly Twitter) in 2018. It confirmed that countries with greater economic power – or higher status in the world system – received more mentions. Furthermore, countries with larger populations were mentioned more frequently as were countries that experienced major conflicts. The findings from structural equation modeling shed new light on the interrelationships that drive the social media representation of individual countries and delineated an integrated Model of Country Mentions on X. These findings have implications for global leaders, policymakers, and social media firms.
Necropolitics and Surplus Life: Mbembe and Beyond
Authors: Brennan Eugene
Published: February 2024

This article analyses Achille Mbembe’s theorization of necropolitics and surplus life in dialogue with three comparable theorizations: Agamben’s ‘bare life’, Marxist scholarship on ‘relative surplus populations’, and Afropessimist theorizations of ‘social death’. I argue that Mbembe’s work allows us to develop a critique of sacrifice that at the same time (contra Agamben) recognizes how it plays a structural role within necropolitics. Examining the influence of Georges Bataille’s writings on sacrifice allows me to clarify this argument. The second part of the article examines the ‘surplus life’ of necropolitics in comparative analysis, tracing some of the limits of Mbembe’s reading through a dialogue with Marxist and Afropessimist readings. I characterize Mbembe’s work in terms of a poetics and politics of surplus: ‘reserves of life’ are affirmed against the excess of violence characterizing the present. However, this critique of violence relies upon abrupt leaps from politics to abstract ethical appeals in ways that obscure the implications of Mbembe’s own analysis.