bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arsenic Trioxide Nanoparticles Loaded with miR-423-5p Mediate Macrophage Autophagy and Anti-MTB Inflammatory Response
Authors: Cao Lei , Jin Yijun , Li Jinze , Yu Xiang , Gu Lu , Liu Yaben , Feng Ji , Xie Ping , Wang Lizhou
Published: October 2022

miR-423-5p is involved in anti-mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) inflammatory response. This study mainly explored whether miR-423-5p regulates autophagy process of macrophages, thereby exerting anti-MTB inflammatory response and its possible mechanism of action. A human acute monocytic
leukemia cell line (THP-1) was induced to THP-1 macrophages. Five experimental groups were set up as follows; blank group, miR-423-5p group, SIRPa agonist group, autophagy inhibitor group, and positive control group. Anti-MTB inflammatory response index, expression of SIRPa, Beclin1, LC3,
and p62, and luciferase activity were observed. Compared to the blank group and SIRPa agonist group, TNF-a, IL-6 and NF-κB in miR-423-5p, positive control, and autophagy inhibitor groups were significantly decreased. SIRPa, Beclin1, LC3, and p62 levels in the miR-423-5p, positive
control, and autophagy inhibitor groups were also significantly reduced when compared to that of the blank group and the SIRPa agonist group. The fusion of autophagosomes and lysosomes in miR-423-5p group, positive control group, and autophagy inhibitor group was significantly suppressed when
compared to blank/SIRPa agonist group (P < 0.05). No difference was found among 423-5p, positive control, and autophagy inhibitor group, or between blank and SIRPa agonist group. miR-423-5p mimics dramatically up-regulated luciferase activity, whereas inhibitor decreased luciferase
activity (P < 0.05). We can therefore conclude that miR-423-5p suppresses SIRPa, reduces the expression of Beclin1, LC3, and p62 proteins in macrophages, inhibits the fusion of autophagosomes and lysosomes to suppress the formation of autophagosomes. It also inhibits macrophage autophagy,
reduces the secretion of TNF-a, IL-6, and NF-κB, and finally exerting an anti-MTB inflammatory response. Its mechanism of action is related to the inhibition of macrophage autophagy.
A Sensitive Electrochemical Aptasensor for Ochratoxin A Detection Based on Double Cascade Amplification Strategy with Nb.BbvCI-Driven DNA Walker and Porous Co3O4 Nanozyme
Authors: Chen Ben-Qi , Yang Meng , Liao Wen-Chun , Li Zi-Ying , Chen Zhi-Xiong , Yang Yun-Hui , Yang Tong , Hu Rong
Published: October 2022

Developing a strategy for the determination of trace ochratoxin A (OTA) in food is very important to ensure food safety. Here, based on a tripod probe, an electrochemical aptasensing platform for detected OTA sensitively was designed, which used the 3D DNA walker by endonuclease Nb.BbvCI
powered and the nanozyme of porous Co3O4 nanodisks loaded Pt nanoparticles (Pt NPs@Co3O4) as a cascaded signal amplifying device. With OTA as a model target, the swing-arm probe of DNA walker was triggered. Next, probe on the magnetic beads was cleaved
and released by Nb.BbvCI to realize the first signal amplification. After that, the partial sequence of the released probe is well assembled with triple-strand DNA by strand reaction and the other sequence exposed as a capture probe was combined with the Pt NPs@Co3O4.
It can efficiently make the decomposition of H2O2, bring about significant current, and the signal was amplified again. The designed electrochemical aptasensor demonstrated outstanding detection linearity in the OTA concentration range of 1 pg/mL to 100 ng/mL, with a
detection limit of 0.194 pg/mL (S/N = 3), with excellent reproducibility and high specificity. It can be used to find OTA in food. This research supplies a potential split-new avenue for the sensitive detection of electrochemical aptasensor.
Anticancer Activity and Mechanism of 2-Dodecyl-6-Ethoxycyclohexa-2,5-Diene-1,4-Dione in Liver Cancer
Authors: Wu Xingchun , Zhou Xing , Huang Yong , Qin Luhui , Lu Shunyu , Wu Yani , Zhang Xiaolin , Zhong Liping , Zhao Yongxiang , Huang Renbin , Wang Yuhuan
Published: October 2022

This study is directed to explore the activity and mechanism of 2-dodecyl-6-methoxycyclohexa-2,5-diene-1,4-dione (DMDD) against liver cancer. In vitro, we performed MTT and colony assays, AO/EB staining, flow cytometry, scratch tests, and Transwell assays. In vivo, we
established a mouse model of liver cancer. HE staining, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), TUNEL assays, RT-qPCR analysis, immunohistochemical assays as well as Western blotting were employed to investigate the activity of DMDD on tumor growth. The results suggested that the proliferation
and migration as well as invasion of Bel-7404 cells are inhibited by intervention with DMDD. Furthermore, it promotes apoptosis and causes the cell cycle to arrest in G1 phase. DMDD can efficiently suppress the growth of liver cancer, downregulate the expressions of IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10 and
exhibit a significant apoptosis-inducing effects of liver cancer cells in mice. Moreover, DMDD decreases the expression of mRNA and protein of MAPK pathway. Our findings for the first time indicate that DMDD has displayed effective anticancer effects. The mechanism of the effects may be associated
with the modulation of the MAPK pathway.
Adoption of Manganese-Doped Copper Sulfide Nanodot-Based Multimodal Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Prognosis Prediction of Patients with Ischemic Stroke Under Nutritional Care
Authors: Wei Ying , Zhang Junqin
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to explore the application of multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of manganese-doped copper sulfide composite nanodots (Mn/68Ga-CuS@BSA/NDs) in the prediction of ischemic stroke prognosis under nutritional care. A total of 40 ischemic stroke patients
with anterior circulation intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis were selected. Multimodal MRI was performed under nutritional care. Mn/68Ga-CuS@BSA/ND nanocomposites were fabricated by doping divalent manganese ions (Mn2+) and gallium-68 (68Ga) into a CuS nanodot
matrix by a nonchelating doping method. The hydrodynamic diameter of Mn/68Ga-CuS@BSA/NDs was 4.56±0.78 nm, which had strong optical absorption in the range of 800~1,200 nm, and its absorption peak was located at 1,045 nm. Patients were divided into the group without ischemic
events (n = 30) and the group with ischemic events (n = 10). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that diffusion-weighted imaging-alberta stroke program early computed tomography scores (DWI ASPECTs) and arterial transit time (ATA) ASPECTs were independent predictors
of recurrent ischemic events. Mn/68Ga-CuS@BSA/NDs had a hydrodynamic diameter of 4.56±0.78 nm and stable strong absorption in the 800–1,200nm near infrared absorption region, with good dispersion and stability. DWI ASPECT and ATA ASPECT scores for intra-arterial travel
artifacts of patients with ischemic stroke can screen out high-risk patients with recurrent stroke, providing assistance for stroke treatment and prognosis.
Moisture Source for the Precipitation of Tropical Cyclones over the Pacific Ocean through a Lagrangian Approach
Authors: Pérez-Alarcón Albenis , Sorí Rogert , Fernández-Alvarez José C. , Nieto Raquel , Gimeno Luis
Published: October 2022

Tropical cyclones (TCs) are an important component of the hydrological cycle at tropical latitudes. In this study, we investigated the origin of precipitation associated with TCs formed from 1980 to 2018 over the Pacific Ocean in three subbasins: the western North Pacific Ocean (WNP), central and east Pacific Ocean (NEPAC), and South Pacific Ocean (SPO) basins. The analysis was performed throughout the TC lifetime during genesis, when they reached the lifetime maximum intensity (LMI), and the dissipation stage. The backward trajectories of all precipitant atmospheric parcels residing over the TC locations from the global outputs of the Lagrangian Flexible Particle (FLEXPART) dispersion model fed by the ERA-Interim dataset were used to identify moisture sources. The South and East China Seas and the western tropical North Pacific Ocean were identified as the principal moisture sources in the WNP basin, while the atmospheric moisture that precipitated mainly came from the eastern tropical North and South Pacific Ocean in the NEPAC basin, followed by the Caribbean Sea. Meanwhile, the Coral Sea, western tropical South Pacific Ocean, and northern Australia are the origins of the moisture in the SPO. The mean moisture uptake per TC was higher during the hurricane category than during any other stage in each basin.
Effects of Soil Thermal Conductivity on Rainy Season Precipitation in Northern China
Authors: Ren Yulong , Yue Ping , Zhang Qiang , Wang Jingsong , Yang Jinghu , Lu Yaling , Fu Zhao
Published: October 2022

Parameterization schemes such as soil thermal conductivity (STC) have an important impact on precipitation simulation. The precipitation in the rainy season (April–September) is the main factor affecting aridification in northern China. However, it is unclear how STC affects precipitation simulation during the rainy season. In this study, comparative experiments were conducted using the regional climate model RegCM4.6 coupled with the third-generation land surface model NCAR CLM4.5 to assess the effect of the Johansen and Lu–Ren STC schemes on precipitation. The results show that the STC had a significant effect on the simulation of rainy season precipitation and its variation in northern China. The precipitation variation characteristics simulated by the Lu–Ren scheme were closer than that of the Johansen scheme to the observation. The difference in land surface temperatures (LSTs) simulated by the two STC schemes could be a major cause of the sensitivity in the simulated precipitation. When the local LST increases by 1 K, precipitation decreases by 5–30 mm in most areas of northern China. The numerical experiments revealed that the rise of LST increases the longwave radiation, reduces the surface net radiation, and causes the redistribution of sensible and latent heat flux, forming local water vapor and thermal conditions that are not conducive to precipitation. Moreover, the difference of LST significantly changes the 500-hPa large-scale circulation field, the 700-hPa vapor transportation, and its divergence. The combined action of local heat, water vapor, and large-scale circulation factors reduces the precipitation in the rainy season. On the other side, the variation of the East Asia summer monsoon (EASM) affects the soil water content. In addition, a new STC scheme was added to NCAR CLM4.5, promoting the development of this land surface model.
History and Development of the USAF Agriculture Meteorology Modeling System and Resulting USAF–NASA Strategic Partnership
Authors: Eylander John , Kumar Sujay , Peters-Lidard Christa , Lewiston Ted , Franks Christopher , Wegiel Jerry
Published: October 2022

The USAF Weather (AFW) supports a number of military and U.S. government agencies by providing authoritative weather analysis and forecast products for any location globally, including soil moisture analyses. The long history of supporting soil moisture products and partnering with other U.S. government agencies led to the partnering between the U.S. Air Force (USAF) and NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, resulting in a merger of those organizations’ modeling systems, collaborative development of the Land Information System (LIS), and operational fielding of the system within the USAF 557th Weather Wing [557 WW; formerly, Headquarters Air Force Weather Agency (HQ AFWA)]. In 2009, the USAF implemented the NASA LIS and later made it the primary software system to generate global soil hydrology and energy budget products. The implementation of LIS delivered a significant upgrade over the existing Land Data Assimilation System (LDAS) the USAF operated, the Agriculture Meteorology (AGRMET) system. Implementation enabled the rapid integration of new LDAS technology into USAF operations, and led to a long-term NASA–USAF partnership resulting in continued development, integration, and implementation of new LIS capabilities. This paper documents both the history of the USAF Weather organization capabilities enabling the generation of soil moisture and other land surface analysis products, and describes the USAF–NASA partnership leading to the development of the merged LIS-AGRMET system. The article also presents a successful example of a mutually beneficial partnership that has enabled cutting-edge land analysis capabilities at the USAF, while transitioning NASA software and satellite data into USAF operations.
Experiment and computation: A combined approach to characterize the constitutive and fracture behaviors of metallurgical bonding interface in bimetallic composites
Authors: Rajhi Wajdi , Ayadi Badreddine , Ramadan Mohamed , Khaliq Abdul , Subhani Tayyab , Al-Ghamdi Abdulaziz
Published: October 2022

This paper presents a novel experimental and computational approach to characterize fracture behavior of the intermetallic bonding layer (IMBL) in bimetallic bearing materials. The proposed methodology is applied to tin (Sn) based Babbitt alloy/mild steel bimetallic composite. In this study, macro stress–strain behavior of the bond under tensile-shear stress was calculated by considering the local shear surface geometry instead of the apparent bonding zone. The metallurgical bonding layer failure mechanism was identified from the scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations of the fractured IMBL of the bimetallic samples tested in tension-shear. It has been found that a damage mechanism of ductile nature was the cause of tearing of the IMBL. The coupled elasto-plasticity and damage constitutive equations for the IMBL were formulated and implemented based on SEM observations. Characterization of the shear fracture behavior of IMBL included FE numerical simulation of tensile-shear tests of the bimetallic composites. Consequently, a calibration methodology is proposed to estimate the IMBL fracture parameters. This proposed approach validation was based on a qualitative and quantitative confrontation between the experimentally measured shear force-displacement diagram and the numerically calculated diagrams obtained from the simulated IMBL. Commendable average quantitative errors of almost 1% are achieved in terms of yield strength, ultimate strength, and elongation at break between computed results obtained within sheared regions of the simulated Babbitt/steel (Sn – IMCs) BL and experience. The results of such a confrontation are promising for the application of the proposed approach to predict fracture during the forming of bimetallic composite materials.
Novel AA7075/AA2124-SiC-17p laminated structures for aerospace applications: A Comparative study into the mechanical performance of PA6 and PA66 composite interlayers
Authors: Öztoprak Nahit
Published: October 2022

Multimaterial designs consisting of metallic and polymeric material are aimed to reach high lightweight potential. This study presents novel hybrid structures with different interlayer of thermoplastic composites not previously reported in the literature for multi-laminated composites. The metal-polymer-metal hybrids comprise of polyamide 6 (PA6) or polyamide 6,6 (PA66) composite reinforced with 15% of short glass fiber as a sandwich layer. AA7075/AA2124-SiC-17p composite laminates are bonded through hot pressing connection. Mechanical properties of the structures are experimentally investigated from the point of maximum shear strength between dissimilar laminates, resistance to fracture and energy absorbing capacity. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis of fracture surfaces is carried out after mechanical characterization. Short beam three-point-bending tests show that the laminate on which the load is applied is of great importance for the asymmetric hybrid structures. Shear dominant failure is only visible when the bending load is performed from the AA7075 surface. Single-edge notched bending (SENB) test results indicate that there is no significant difference between two configurations in terms of the Mode-I fracture toughness. V-notch Charpy impact tests reveal that the interlayer of PA6 composite contributes to a 13.15% more absorbed energy than that of the PA66 interlayer.
The Color of Death; An Exploration of the Effect of Race and Religion Dimensions on Attitudes toward Euthanasia
Authors: Sabriseilabi Soheil
Published: October 2022

We examined the moderating role of race on the relationship between religion and euthanasia attitudes in the United States. Understanding the role of religion in attitudes toward euthanasia requires viewing religion as a multidimensional construct. In this study, four dimensions operationalized religion: religiosity, spirituality, afterlife beliefs (afterlife, heaven, and hell), and religious denomination. Using data from 1066 adults interviewed in the 2018 General Social Survey, a logistic regression showed that the impact of each dimension of religion varies across racial groups. Adding race as an interaction term moderated the effect of religion dimensions on people’s attitudes toward euthanasia. Although most studies have shown a negative influence of religion, we found that not all dimensions of religion have a negative association with opposition to euthanasia and the role of each dimension differs based on individuals’ race. We also found that any comprehensive understanding of the role of religion in shaping euthanasia attitudes should consider the moderating effect of race.
Intelligent based hybrid renewable energy resources forecasting and real time power demand management system for resilient energy systems
Authors: Amir Mohammad , Zaheeruddin  , Haque Ahteshamul
Published: October 2022

The rapid growth of hybrid renewable Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) generation possess various challenges with inaccurate forecast models in stochastic power systems. The prime objective of this research is to maximum utilization of scheduled power from hybrid renewable based DERs to maintain the load-demand profile with reduce distributed grid burden. The proposed mixed input-based cascaded artificial neural network [Formula: see text] is realized for the prediction of a short-term based hourly solar irradiance and wind speed. The testing approach is performed through a historical hourly dataset of the proposed site. Further, the normalized data sets are divided into hourly-based samples for validating the load demand power with respect to the variation in metrological data. In this paper, Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) model is simulated for short-term power demand prediction. This adaptive methodology is an effective approach for load-demand management which is based on cross-entropy. It also confirmed that during testing, the forecasting mean error and cross-entropy are less than 5% under a specific time slap of an individual day. The regression analysis is performed through the time series fitting simulation tool at different time horizons. The performance evaluation of the designed model is compared with the multi-layer perceptron model. Simulation results display the proposed mixed input-based cascaded system has enhanced accuracy and optimal performance than the multi-output correlated perceptron model.
The Iterative College Choice Process of Students with Disabilities: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Bettencourt Genia M. , Wells Ryan S. , Abbott Jordan A.
Published: October 2022

Background:

Although students with disabilities are enrolling in higher education in larger numbers than ever before, they are still underrepresented in colleges and universities, particularly among four-year institutions. College choice has been explored across multiple facets, but limited research has examined the college choice processes of students with disabilities.

Research Questions:

(1) What factors are most influential to the successful college choice processes of students with disabilities? (2) To what extent are these factors different from those that influence the choice processes of students without disabilities? (3) How do students describe the influence of key factors on their college choice process? (4) How does the college choice process for students with disabilities vary across institutional types?

Setting:

This research took place at three public institutions in the state of Massachusetts, one public research university (Research University [RU]) and two regional comprehensive universities (City State University [CSU], Suburban State University [SSU]).

Research Design:

We utilized a convergent mixed methods study composed of survey research and qualitative interviews.

Participants:

For the quantitative survey, we recruited students with and students without disabilities by sending invitations to a random sample of 30% of students at RU and all students at CSU and SSU. A total of 1,981 students completed the survey. For the qualitative interviews, we recruited students via a targeted email invitation sent through the disability services office on each campus, resulting in 27 participants.

Data Collection and Analysis:

Data were collected through a quantitative survey and a qualitative interview. The survey took approximately 15 minutes and took place over Qualtrics; data were analyzed using descriptive analysis and chi-squared tests. Qualitative data were collected through 60- to 90-minute semistructured interviews and were analyzed through deductive and inductive coding.

Conclusions and Recommendations:

Our findings revealed that although students with disabilities considered the same factors as their peers without disabilities, they faced additional considerations related to the quality of disability services and accessibility of the campus. We also found that although factors such as family, school, and distance had similar influence across students with disabilities, subtle distinctions emerged in how students approached these categories when they chose a research university versus a regional comprehensive institution. We concluded with recommendations for further research into how disability and institutional type shape college choice and for practices to help students with disabilities in their college search and choice processes.
The mediating role of loneliness on relations between face-to-face and virtual interactions and psychological well-being across age: A 21-day diary study
Authors: Tsang Vivian H. L. , Tse Dwight C. K. , Chu Li , Fung Helene H. , Mai Chunyan , Zhang Hanyu
Published: October 2022

Lack of social interaction is associated with a heightened sense of loneliness and, in turn, poorer psychological well-being. Despite the prevalence of communicating with others virtually even when physically alone, whether the social interaction–loneliness–well-being relationship is different between face-to-face and virtual interactions and between younger and older adults is relatively understudied. This 21-day diary study examined this question among younger ( n = 91; Mage = 22.87) and older ( n = 107; Mage = 64.53) Hong Kong participants during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic (March–May 2020). We found significant indirect effects of shorter face-to-face interaction time on poorer psychological well-being via a heightened sense of loneliness at the within-person level only among younger adults and at the between-person level only among older adults. Independent of loneliness, spending more time with others on virtual interactions was associated with better psychological well-being only among older adults. Taken together, while the mechanisms may be different across age groups, face-to-face interaction remains an effective way to reduce loneliness and enhance psychological well-being even at times when it is discouraged (e.g., pandemic). Although virtual interaction does not reduce loneliness, its positive impact on older adults’ well-being sheds light on the utility of promoting technological acceptance in late adulthood.
Advances in remote sensing of the early Anthropocene in tropical wetlands: From biplanes to lidar and machine learning
Authors: Doyle Colin , Luzzadder-Beach Sheryl , Beach Timothy
Published: October 2022

This paper reviews the history of remote sensing for mapping ancient Maya wetland fields in Central America and provides a new assessment using machine learning with LiDAR data. We evaluate past uses of radar, multispectral, and LiDAR datasets in Northwest Belize across well-studied wetland field complexes that occur under different vegetation conditions. Next, we compare topographic products derived from LiDAR data commonly used for archaeology and geomorphology. Lastly, we train a machine learning algorithm to detect ancient canals with LiDAR data and test the algorithm on a newly rediscovered field system. The spatial resolution of any dataset must be sufficiently high (2-m or finer resolution) to detect most of these canals reliably. High resolution multispectral sensors can detect canals in open areas, but most wetland complexes are under dense tropical forest impenetrable to multispectral instruments. LiDAR data were the most useful due to the high spatial resolution (0.5-m) and the ability to penetrate canopy, but still have limitations under certain conditions. The intensity of the LiDAR returns with multispectral LiDAR systems can reveal differences in soil and vegetation between ancient canals and fields in places leveled by modern farmers. The algorithm successfully maps ancient canals but has many false positives in natural depressions and drainages. Although the machine learning approach tested here cannot be used on its own, we used it with the LiDAR visualizations to refine the canal estimates from previous studies, mapping nearly 50% more canals in the Central Rio Bravo floodplain than originally published.
Places of belonging, loneliness and lockdown
Authors: Franklin Adrian , Tranter Bruce
Published: October 2022

We report new data from a survey of loneliness in Australia during the Covid-19 lockdowns of 2020–21, in order to identify those age groups most at risk of increased loneliness. Counter-intuitively, proportionately fewer elderly Australians experienced increased loneliness as a result of lockdowns, as compared with 44% of those aged 19–29 and 31% of those aged 40–49. To explain this pattern, we investigated how lockdowns disturbed the complex connections between types of place affordance and the age-specific cultural scripts that normally give rise to a sense of belonging. For younger age groups, such scripts demand their identification with future orientations and a sense of belonging tied to the more distant and wide-ranging places of career advance, meeting, play, and pleasure that lockdown inhibited. By contrast, older retired cohorts were more inclined to frame their sense of belonging in the past through the maintenance of community connections and closer place-bonds of their locality, cultural places of memory and return that they were more happily confined to during lockdowns.
Exhaled breath condensate markers of oxidative stress in male storekeepers of chemical stores in the Ariaria international market Aba Abia state Nigeria
Authors: Madu Francis Ugochukwu , Agoro Eni-yimini Solomon , Madu Miracle Chinwenmeri
Published: October 2022

In most developing countries, stores, where chemical substances are sold, are poorly ventilated, and best practices are not followed. This can result in the contamination of the ambient air inside the stores with toxicological implications for the lungs. This work aimed at determining the risk of pulmonary disease in chemical storekeepers in the Ariaria international market Aba by the evaluation of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) biomarkers of oxidative stress. A gas monitor was used for gas sampling while an Aerocet analyzer was used for particulate matter determinations. Exposed filter paper was used for the sampling of heavy metals in the air, and the determination was done using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The exhaled breath condensate was collected with a refrigerated condenser, and the markers of oxidative stress were determined spectrophotometrically. Concentrations of particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, PM4, PM7, PM10) were elevated in all the chemical stores studied. Our findings also showed that the indoor air of the chemical stores studied was polluted with SO2, NO2, NH3 and H2S, as their concentrations were respectively higher than the WHO standard values. Concentrations of all the heavy metals present in the ambient air of the chemical stores were also higher than the Nigerian Environmental Standard and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA) standard values. Chemical storekeepers at the Ariaria international market exhaled increased concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), H2O2, and lower concentrations of glutathione (GSH). The pH values of the exhaled breath condensates were decreased and slightly acidic. It therefore means that the storekeepers were exposed to polluted ambient air inside the stores. This resulted to airway oxidative stress in the storekeepers as reported herein. Therefore, storekeepers of chemical stores in the Ariaria international market, Aba Nigeria were at risk of pulmonary disease(s).
The Validity of Health-Related Quality of Life Instruments in Patients With Late-Stage Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Ramadhan Mouhammed , Schrag Anette ,   and the CLaSP Consortium
Published: October 2022

Objective

To examine the validity of health-related quality of life (Hr-QoL) measures in patients with late-stage Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Methods

We analysed data from patients with late-stage PD and their carers who were assessed with a range of clinical measures and the EQ-5D-3 L. The DEMQOL-Proxy was completed for 157 patients with a diagnosis of dementia and the PDQ-8 by 401 patients without dementia. Convergent validity was assessed using correlations with measures of Parkinson’s severity, independence and cognitive function, and construct validity using correlations with patients’ own EQ-5D-3 L scores. In addition, we assessed divergent validity using correlations with carers’ own EQ-5D index, EQ-VAS and Zarit caregiver burden scores.

Results

In patients without dementia, both the PDQ-8 and EQ-5D-3 L correlated with measures of disease severity, dependence and carer burden scores, and PDQ-8 scores moderately with EQ-5D-3 L and EQ-5D-3 L VAS scores. In patients with dementia, EQ-5D-3 L scores correlated with disease severity, cognition and dependence scores, but DEMQOL-Proxy scores were moderately associated only with patients’ dependence and carers’ own EQ-5D-3 L scores but not patients’ disease severity, EQ-5D-3 L or cognitive scores.

Conclusions

The PDQ-8 and EQ-5D-3 L have adequate validity in late stage PD without dementia, but in those with PD and dementia the EQ-5D-3 L may be preferable to the DEMQOL-Proxy.
Book review: Sanjib Baruah. 2020. In the Name of the Nation: India and Its Northeast
Authors: Goswami Chandreyee
Published: October 2022

Sanjib Baruah. 2020. In the Name of the Nation: India and Its Northeast. Stanford, California: Stanford University Press. pp. 296., $30, ISBN 9781503611283 (paperback).
Testing the Limits of Human Rights’ Dynamism: A Comparative Study of Afghan Women’s Rights Under the Taliban Regimes (1996, 2021)
Authors: Jami Maryam
Published: October 2022

While the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) deems human rights as universal and uniformly applicable to all societies, John Rawls’s idea of rights offers a narrower account of human rights which would be differential and acceptable to different societies and people. The notion emphasises that human rights move on a spectrum of continual development with regard to particularities and changing needs of different societies. Such an approach to human rights, Rawls argues, leads to better implementation of international human rights. Rawls’s analysis of human rights’ dynamic nature, however, remains confined only to macro-level variation of human rights among different societies. This article argues that human rights also vary within the same society. It charts how Afghan women’s conception of human rights has evolved from one period of the Taliban rule to another. This evolution indicates how, with the passage of time and the effect of external factors, new variants of women’s rights have emerged and became fundamental to the Afghan society. The article suggests that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) should not ignore this evolution and development. Rather, it can seize the opportunity to cooperate with the international community and foreign powers to implement women’s rights within a middle framework between human rights notions of Rawls and the UDHR.
Effects of the Nature of Urban Development on Land Surface Temperature (LST) at the Neighbourhood Scale in Dhaka City, Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Md. Anwar , Sultana Shahana , Siddiqui Md Rezwan
Published: October 2022

This study investigated the effects of the nature of urban development on land surface temperature (LST) and the strengths of different biophysical and anthropogenic factors in explaining the spatial variation of LST at the neighbourhood scale in Dhaka city, Bangladesh. Landsat 5 TM and Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) images were used to retrieve LST. The study found that the mean LST in Dhaka increased at a rate of 1.26°C per decade between 1991 and 2014. LST is found to be higher in the built-up areas, particularly in informally developed areas (i.e., slum settlements) and unplanned mixed-use areas. The OLS analysis indicates that along with bio-physical factors population density, building density and slum concentrations also have a significant effect on the spatial variation of LST at neighbourhood scales. The study findings suggest a planned development with the provision of vegetation cover and water bodies can significantly reduce the LST in Dhaka.
Engaging with art skillfully. First steps towards an ecological-enactive account of the experience of art
Authors: Novak Anja , van Lierop Geerteke , Rietveld Erik
Published: October 2022

Ecological-enactive cognitive science is an increasingly influential paradigm that has proved its heuristic value in various fields of the human sciences. This text, in the form of a conversation, explores possibilities for an ecological-enactive account of how people experientially engage with works of art on the basis of their embodied skills.
Perpetrator Blame Attribution in Heterosexual Intimate Partner Violence: The Role of Gender and Perceived Injury
Authors: D’Costa Malvika , Saklofske Donald H.
Published: October 2022

Partner violence resulting in physical injury is more often blamed on men than women for perpetrating the same offence, as men are often perceived to be more capable of inflicting injury. The current study used vignettes in a mixed-model design to examine the influence of perpetrator and observer gender, and weapon presence on observer blame. A split-plot analysis of variance produced a significant effect of perpetrator gender and an interaction effect of perpetrator gender and weapon presence. These findings suggest that perpetrator gender may be more important than weapon presence when examining observer perceptions.
Association Between ADHD and COVID-19 Infection and Clinical Outcomes: A Retrospective Cohort Study From Electronic Medical Records
Authors: Heslin Kathleen P. , Haruna Aminat , George Regina A. , Chen Shiyu , Nobel Ishak , Anderson Kathryn B. , Faraone Stephen V. , Zhang-James Yanli
Published: October 2022

Objective:

Though psychiatric illnesses have been associated with increased COVID-19 infection risk, limited information exists about the relationship between ADHD and COVID-19.

Methods:

Using the TriNetX COVID-19 Research Network, we examined the impact of ADHD diagnosis and treatment on COVID-19 infection rates and outcomes.

Results:

ADHD patients had greater risk of COVID-19 (risk ratio (RR) 1.11, 95% CI [1.09, 1.12]). Increased risk was higher in females than males, and highest among Asian and Black patients. Within 60 days after COVID-19 diagnosis, ADHD patients had lower rates of hospitalization (RR 0.91, 95% CI [0.86, 0.96]) and mechanical ventilation (RR 0.69, 95% CI [0.58, 0.83]), and a nonsignificant reduced death rate (RR 0.65, 95% CI [0.42, 1.02]). Patients who recently received ADHD medication had higher rates of COVID-19 (RR 1.13; 95% CI [1.10, 1.15]).

Conclusion:

ADHD poses increased risk for COVID-19, but may reduce risk of severe outcomes. ADHD medications modestly impacted COVID-19 risk.
What Is and What Should Be Needs Assessment Scales: Factors Affecting the Trustworthiness of Results
Authors: Altschuld James W. , Hung Hsin-Ling (Sonya) , Lee Yi-Fang
Published: October 2022

Surveys are frequently employed in needs assessment to collect information about gaps (the needs) in what is and what should be conditions. Double-scale Likert-type instruments are routinely used for this purpose. Although in accord with the discrepancy definition of need, the quality of such measures is being questioned to the point of suggesting that the results are not to be trusted. Eight factors supporting that proposition are described with explanations of how they operate. Literature-based examples are provided for improving surveys with double scales especially as they relate to attenuating the effects of the factors. Lastly, lessons learned are offered with a call for more research into this issue in assessing needs.
The role of oleic acid on the structural changes of graphite nanoplatelets in enhancing the tribological performance of a palm oil-based lubricant
Authors: Azman Nurul Farhanah , Samion Syahrullail , Musa Mohamad Nor
Published: October 2022

The current work investigates the structural changes of graphite (CG) when employed as an additive in palm kernel oil (PKO)-based nanolubricants without and with oleic acid (OA) surfactant. A four-ball tribotester was used to study the tribological performance of PKO + CG nanolubricants. PKO + CG nanolubricants with OA surfactant outperformed others, demonstrating significant reductions in coefficient of friction (20.5%) and wear scar diameter (9.1%) as compared to the PKO base lubricant. Exfoliation of graphite was facilitated during sliding due to the impact of shear force. A transmission electron microscopy structural study showed that the presence of OA surfactant in nanolubricants stimulated the formation of highly exfoliated graphite, resulting in the formation of scrolling graphite. Furthermore, when lubricated with PKO + CG + OA nanolubricants, Raman spectroscopic study of the worn surface reveals the formation of a more ordered tribofilm at the friction contact. The findings highlight graphite structural changes as the major factor in improving tribological performance. These results could help us learn more about the main mechanism of graphite as a lubricant additive and how structural changes affect tribological performance.
Mental health of autistic adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: The impact of perceived stress, intolerance of uncertainty, and coping style
Authors: Evers Kris , Gijbels Eef , Maljaars Jarymke , Rumball Freya , Spain Debbie , Happé Francesca , Noens Ilse
Published: October 2022

Autistic individuals are at particular risk of experiencing mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic, yet little is known about personal characteristics that may underlie this vulnerability. This longitudinal questionnaire study with 149 autistic and 147 non-autistic adults investigated the association between perceived stress and anxiety and depressive symptoms, measured 4 months later. In addition, the moderating impact of intolerance of uncertainty and coping styles on this association was examined. Confirming previous studies, autistic adults reported poorer mental health than non-autistic individuals. Results demonstrated similar moderation models across individuals with versus without autism. Perceived stress at timepoint 1 was associated with anxiety and depression at timepoint 2. Across both participant groups, individuals with maladaptive coping strategies and higher levels of intolerance of uncertainty at timepoint 1 showed more internalizing symptoms at timepoint 2. The findings demonstrate the burden of the pandemic on the mental health of autistic adults, especially on those with high levels of perceived stress, maladaptive coping strategies, or intolerance of uncertainty. Interventions to support autistic adults during and after the pandemic might involve providing psychoeducation about the impact of stress, coping, and intolerance of uncertainty on internalizing symptoms, and teaching more adaptive ways to cope with difficult circumstances.

Lay abstract

More and more research shows us that autistic individuals are at risk of experiencing mental health problems in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, little is known about why this is the case. At two timepoints during the pandemic, we asked 149 autistic and 147 non-autistic adults about feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress, and about characteristics that may explain why some (autistic) people have a larger chance of developing anxiety and depression during this pandemic. In our study, autistic adults experienced more anxiety and depression than non-autistic adults. Across autistic and non-autistic individuals, the people who experienced more stress at timepoint 1 experienced more anxiety and depression 4 months later. This was especially the case for those individuals who use maladaptive coping styles, such as denial or venting, and for those who have difficulties dealing with uncertain situations. Our findings show the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of autistic adults. Interventions to support autistic adults during and after the pandemic are needed, and they may want to focus on the negative impact of stress and teach autistic (and non-autistic) adults more adaptive ways to cope with stressful circumstances.
Recurrent Hemorrhage from a Small Aneurysm of the Inferior Gluteal Artery
Authors: Root John A. , Giustra Peter E. , Eddy Robert H.
Published: October 2022

Aneurysm of the gluteal artery is uncommon and may develop insidiously without recognized trauma. Pain and swelling in the buttock accompanied by signs of blood loss should lead to angiography to demonstrate the size and location of the aneurysm. Large lesions are to be resected only after provision for iliac or gluteal artery control. We have demonstrated, however, that a small peripheral lesion may be approached directly with excellent results.

Aneurysm of a gluteal artery usually presents as a sizable pulsating mass in the buttock. Blunt or penetrating trauma has been sited as a cause but frequently the lesion develops insidiously without recognized injury. Several reports describe fatal or near fatal outcome while treating a pulsating mass of the buttock because of the diagnosis of gluteal artery aneurysm was not considered prior to incision.

Our case seems worthy of reporting because of the small size of the aneurysm and the defiant though logical clinical presentation and progression. The aneurysm originated in a small peripheral branch of the inferior gluteal artery, developed insidiously without recognized trauma, and was diagnosed by angiography only after the patient had four distinct episodes of hemorrhage into the buttock. Successful treatment was accomplished without initial retroperitoneal control of the internal iliac artery or its major branches.
Clinical Case Reports
Authors: Rothman Donald , Kendall Allen B.
Published: October 2022

As more cases of perianeurysmal retroperitoneal fibrosis causing ureteral entrapment are reported in the urological literature, it becomes evident that preoperative evaluation of the urological tract is extremely cogent not only to evaluate renal function, anatomy and distortion but also to decide whether ureterolysis need be added to the vascular surgical procedure.

Recently Friedel, Smith and Herman added a tenth case of perianeurysmal fibrosis to the world urological literature. Nearly simultaneously we were treating a patient with an abdominal aneurysm and mid-ureteral entrapment and would therefore like to add our case from the vascular surgeon's viewpoint.
Theoretical analysis and design of fire protection and thermal insulation of parallel wire or strand cables
Authors: Ouyang Ping , Chen Boxuan , Shen Quanxi , Zhu Wanxu
Published: October 2022

In this study, a transient heat flow model has been established for parallel wire or strand cables at high temperature by employing the lumped thermal mass approach, and the numerical solution of the surface temperature as a function of time in each layer of the steel wire or strand inside the cable was calculated. Accuracy of the theoretical method is verified through uniform heating test of 73Φ15.7 mm steel strand cable. The results calculated show that temperature field inhomogeneity of cable section is overestimation on the condition that heat conduction inside the cable is not considered. Considering heat conduction or not, the maximum temperature difference of the core steel stand at the same time point is 373 . Unprotected 73Φ15.7 mm cable is damaged in only 12 min in UL1709 fire, and arrangement of fire protection layer around cable can effectively retard the temperature rise of cable surface. The experimental results are in good agreement with the theoretical calculation values in early stage of fire, and the temperature difference between the two is within 10%. Besides, the numerical calculations were analyzed in accordance with the fire protection requirements limiting the surface temperature of cables. It was observed that the minimum thickness of the fire protection layer required to meet the PTI DC45.1-12 standard was linearly related to the numerical value of the section factor of the outermost layer of steel wires or steel strands in the equivalent model, and the slope of the function was approximately equal to the conduction coefficient of fire protection layer, as the cable was subjected to fire for 30 min. Further, based on this, a simple method was proposed to calculate the minimum thickness of the fire protection layer for parallel wire or strand cables.
Media-generated characteristics of Homeland War–related commemorations in Croatia
Authors: Šuligoj Metod , Rudan Elena
Published: October 2022

This study contributes to literature concerning memory and dark tourism by providing empirical evidence about the link between commemorations and the news media in a post-conflict and tourism-dependent Croatia, as well as the specific media-constructed social reality. The main focus lies on the types and media-based descriptions of commemorations. A total of 371 news articles were collected and then reviewed using a set of items grounded in theory. In addition to content, a chi-square automatic interaction detection analysis was also employed. Four commemoration types with significant peculiarities (site category, young and senior generation of visitors, and mass visits) are observed in a two-branch model. Other general characteristics of commemorations were also identified. The dominant commemoration type in Croatia are ‘memorial services’, (massively) visited by seniors. Young people rarely attend commemorations. If so, they mostly attend ‘parades, marches, processions’ taking place at authentic sites. The findings provide theoretical and practical implications for stakeholders.