ahmedabdelwahed/Medical_papers_title_and_abstract_NLP_dataset huggingface dataset:
Gems of the southern Japanese seas - four new species of Edwardsianthus (Anthozoa, Actiniaria, Edwardsiidae) with redescriptions of two species

Edwardsianthus England, 1987 is a genus of Edwardsiidae, a family of burrowing and worm-like sea anemones characterized by lacking four mesenteries in the first cycle and containing only one type of nematocysts in nemathybomes. Until now, this genus has accommodated only two species since its establishment and has been recorded only from Indo-West Pacific regions. In this study, six species are reported from Japan: two are previously known species, E.pudicus (Klunzinger, 1877) and E.gilbertensis (Carlgren, 1931); four are new species, E.carbunculus sp. nov., E.sapphirus sp. nov., E.smaragdus sp. nov., and E.amethystus sp. nov. Based on these results, the diagnostic features of the genus are revised.
Puberty enables oestradiol-induced progesterone synthesis in female mouse hypothalamic astrocytes

The development of oestrogen positive feedback is a hallmark of female puberty. Both oestrogen and progesterone signalling are required for the functioning of this neuroendocrine feedback loop but the physiological changes that underlie the emergence of positive feedback remain unknown. Only after puberty does oestradiol (E2) facilitate progesterone synthesis in the rat female hypothalamus (neuroP), an event critical for positive feedback and the LH surge. We hypothesize that prior to puberty, these astrocytes have low levels of membrane oestrogen receptor alpha (ERα), which is needed for facilitation of neuroP synthesis. Thus, we hypothesized that prepubertal astrocytes are unable to respond to E2 with increased neuroP synthesis due a lack of membrane ERα. To test this, hypothalamic tissues and enriched primary hypothalamic astrocyte cultures were acquired from prepubertal (postnatal week 3) and post-pubertal (week 8) female mice. E2-facilitated neuroP was measured in the hypothalamus pre- and post-puberty, and hypothalamic astrocyte responses were measured after treatment with E2. Prior to puberty, E2-facilitated neuroP synthesis did not occur in the hypothalamus, and mERα expression was low in hypothalamic astrocytes, but E2-facilitated neuroP synthesis in the rostral hypothalamus and mERα expression increased post-puberty. The increase in mERα expression in hypothalamic astrocytes corresponded with a post-pubertal increase in caveolin-1 protein, PKA phosphorylation, and a more rapid [Ca2+ ]i flux in response to E2. Together, results from the present study indicate that E2-facilitated neuroP synthesis occurs in the rostral hypothalamus, develops during puberty, and corresponds to a post-pubertal increase in mERα levels in hypothalamic astrocytes.
Deceased donor kidneys allocated out of sequence by organ procurement organizations

Deceased donor kidney allocation follows a ranked match-run of potential recipients. Organ procurement organizations (OPOs) are permitted to deviate from the mandated match-run in exceptional circumstances. Using match-run data for all deceased donor kidney transplants (Ktx) in the US between 2015 and 2019, we identified 1544 kidneys transplanted from 933 donors with an OPO-initiated allocation exception. Most OPOs (55/58) used this process at least once, but 3 OPOs performed 64% of the exceptions and just 2 transplant centers received 25% of allocation exception Ktx. At 2 of 3 outlier OPOs these transplants increased 136% and 141% between 2015 and 2019 compared to only a 35% increase in all Ktx. Allocation exception donors had less favorable characteristics (median KDPI 70, 41% with history of hypertension), but only 29% had KDPI ≥ 85% and the majority did not meet the traditional threshold for marginal kidneys. Allocation exception kidneys went to larger centers with higher offer acceptance ratios and to recipients with 2 fewer priority points-equivalent to 2 less years of waiting time. OPO-initiated exceptions for kidney allocation are growing increasingly frequent and more concentrated at a few outlier centers. Increasing pressure to improve organ utilization risks increasing out-of-sequence allocations, potentially exacerbating disparities in access to transplantation.
Clinical Evaluation of Ramucirumab for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): Place in Therapy

Hepatocellular carcinoma remains one of the leading causes of death from cancer worldwide as most cases are diagnosed at an advanced disease stage. Ramucirumab, a human anti-VEGFR-2 monoclonal antibody, is approved as a monotherapy for the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and α-fetoprotein levels ≥400 ng/mL previously treated with sorafenib. As most patients present with an advanced disease, patients with α-fetoprotein levels ≥400 ng/mL have an aggressive disease and a poor prognosis, making ramucirumab an important treatment option for this subgroup of patients. This article provides a comprehensive review of the clinical efficacy of ramucirumab as highlighted in the two major trials that lead to its approval. We also briefly review the agent pharmacologic properties, as well as its safety and toxicity profile, before discussing certain limitations and challenges associated with ramucirumab use. Finally, we review completed and ongoing clinical trials and focus on those involving ramucirumab-based combinations, namely with immune therapy.
The impact of low-carbon city construction on ecological efficiency: Empirical evidence from quasi-natural experiments

Building a low-carbon city is an important guarantee to optimize the ecological environment and the key to improving ecological efficiency. This study conducts a quasi-natural experiment using panel data of China's 286 prefecture-level cities from 2003 to 2016. It evaluates the influence of low-carbon city construction on urban ecological efficiency using the difference-in-difference (DID) method and tests the robustness of the empirical results. In addition, it explores the influence mechanism on urban ecological efficiency and further investigates the differential influence based on heterogeneous resource dependence and urban scale. The results show that: (1) China's low-carbon city pilot (LCCP) policy has significantly improved urban ecological efficiency, as confirmed through a series of robustness tests. (2) In terms of action mechanisms, the LCCP policy in 2012 improved urban ecological efficiency only through the technological innovation path and not through industrial structure advancement or energy utilization efficiency; there is room to expand the scope and enhance the effectiveness of the LCCP policy. (3) Regarding urban heterogeneity, resource-based cities are constrained by the dilemma of resource dependence and the construction of low-carbon cities has a weak effect on improving ecological efficiency. Similarly, the economic agglomeration effect of megacities can further strengthen the role of low-carbon city construction in improving ecological efficiency, while the effect is weak in small and medium-sized cities. This study's conclusions reliably evaluate the results of the current low-carbon city construction and suggest a feasible path for further implementation of the related policy.
Analyzing technology-emissions association in Top-10 polluted MENA countries: How to ascertain sustainable development by quantile modeling approach

This study investigates the relationship between technological progression and ambient air pollution in top-10 polluted Middle East and North African (MENA) countries by using monthly data for the period of 1990-2017. The Quantile cointegration proposed by Xiao (2009), Quantile-on-Quantile regression (QQ) proposed by Sim and Zhou (2015), and Quantile Autoregressive Granger causality developed by Troster et al. (2018) are applied. In particular, we examine to which extent, quantiles of technological progression affect the quantiles of ambient air pollution, by developing separate indicators for both the mentioned aspects using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Our empirical findings unfold mutual dependence between technological progression and ambient air pollution. Furthermore, the results of Quantile Autoregressive Granger causality test conclude a bidirectional causal relationship between technological progression and ambient air pollution.
Sustainable Business Model Based on Digital Twin Platform Network: The Inspiration from Haier's Case Study in China

Sustainability and digitalization have become the main direction of transformation of enterprises. Building a digital twin platform network can provide enterprises with a comprehensive view of products, manufacture, supply chain, customer experience, and profitability, which is conducive to the construction of a sustainable business model. The purpose of this paper is to study how enterprises use digital twin platform networks to generate economic, social and environmental benefits in various dimensions and their coupling relationships. Based on the literature review, this paper constructs a five-dimensional framework of a sustainable business model, and analyses the coupling relationship between dimensions. Using Haier as a way to verify the five-dimensional framework, it explores the dynamic mechanism of the Haier digital twin platform network, constructs an integrated framework based on coupling perspective and compares it with other two home appliance enterprises. The study shows that, through the digital twin platform network, enterprises can remove the disadvantage of focusing on a single product life cycle, and form a comprehensive network, so as to promote overall sustainable upgrades. This paper draws generic strategies and digital transformation suggestions for enterprises to innovate the sustainable business model. The conclusion enriches the research on sustainable business models both theoretically and practically and provides a feasible reference for the transformation of enterprises in digital economy environment.
Microstructure of synthetic composite interfaces and verification of mixing order in cold-recycled asphalt emulsion mixture

Cold recycling technology is getting more and more attention due to economic and environmental benefits by reduced energy consumption and resource conservation. However, its application has been limited to the base and subbase layer because of complicated components and poor crack resistance for the last decades. The design method has shortcomings especially the traditional mixing order, which may be one of the reasons for poor crack resistance. To support the viewpoint above, synthetic composite interfaces were designed to simulate the worst situation during the traditional mixing process and observed in micro scale by scanning electron microscopy. In the microstructure of the traditional mixing order, it was apparent that cement paste had a number of microdefects, a signal of lower interfacial adhesive strength. Moreover, based on the microscopic observation, the adding sequence of cement ought to be changed and two optimized mixing orders were designed of which the difference was verified by the SEM observation of synthetic composite interfaces and the mechanical experiments for different curing time. It can be summarized that mechanical performance was consistent with the microscopic observation. The traditional mixing order was the worst one both in the strength and moisture sensitivity. Finally, the optimal mixing order is put forward to decrease the possibility of the adverse interface, that is, the graded aggregates are mixed with additional water first to reach the workability, while cement, asphalt emulsion and mineral powder are mixed to form cement-asphalt emulsion mortar, finally mixing them all up. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Immigration, Criminal Involvement, and Violence in the U.S.: Results from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III

Topics of immigration and crime often receive national attention, despite evidence of the "immigrant paradox," in which immigrants have lower than expected crime and violence given their extreme social disadvantage. Research examining the immigrant paradox using an expanded set of crime outcomes and the latest available population data is needed. Using the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions Wave III data (2012-2013; n = 36,309), we analyzed the association between first-generation immigrant status alongside violence (i.e., other-directed, self-directed, victimization) and criminal involvement (i.e., crime, legal problems, incarceration) outcomes. Immigrants self-reported lower rates of all outcomes compared to U.S.-born adults, providing continued support for the immigrant paradox. Future research considering later generations of immigrants, as well as differential mechanisms through which immigrants and U.S.-born adults engage in violence and crime, is needed.
Research on coupling degree and coupling path between China's carbon emission efficiency and industrial structure upgrading

To coordinate economic development and carbon emission reduction targets, China needs to improve carbon emission efficiency and upgrade the industrial structure. Therefore, it is important to study the coupling degree and coupling path between these two factors in various provinces in China, and thereby promote the development of China's low-carbon economy. We first calculate carbon emission efficiency using the Super-SBM model, then analyze an extended coupling model between carbon emission efficiency and industrial structure upgrading, and finally design the coupling paths using the framework of distribution dynamics. There are three main findings. First, the coupling degree of nearly half the provinces is at the level of mild-to-moderate imbalance recession. And in terms of specific coupling characteristics, nearly half the provinces belong to the type "low-level coordination," with a low development degree and high coordination degree. Second, there is an obvious dynamic imbalance between China's carbon emission efficiency and industrial structure upgrading, and the "low-level trap" of regional carbon emission efficiency is more serious than that of regional industrial structure upgrading. Finally, if the government prioritizes provinces with low carbon emission efficiency, carbon emission efficiency and the coupling efficiency with industrial structure can be improved, which would not only improve the coupling degree within each region but also alleviate the disharmony between regions.
Structural and functional properties of a magnesium transporter of the SLC11/NRAMP family

Members of the ubiquitous SLC11/NRAMP family catalyze the uptake of divalent transition metal ions into cells. They have evolved to efficiently select these trace elements from a large pool of Ca2+ and Mg2+, which are both orders of magnitude more abundant, and to concentrate them in the cytoplasm aided by the cotransport of H+ serving as energy source. In the present study, we have characterized a member of a distant clade of the family found in prokaryotes, termed NRMTs, that were proposed to function as transporters of Mg2+. The protein transports Mg2+ and Mn2+ but not Ca2+ by a mechanism that is not coupled to H+. Structures determined by cryo-EM and X-ray crystallography revealed a generally similar protein architecture compared to classical NRAMPs, with a restructured ion binding site whose increased volume provides suitable interactions with ions that likely have retained much of their hydration shell.
Oil supply risk and affecting parameters associated with oil supplementation and disruption

The fossil fuel energy carriers significantly affect the energy security. The oil security has turned to one of the main political agenda by considering the two world's oil crises. In this study, an index of oil supply vulnerability has been developed to compare the world's top fifteen oil importing South Asian countries. The index includes comprehensive set of indicators like imported oil over GDP ratio, market liquidity, GDP per capita, geopolitical risk, diversification, the ratio of oil importation over consumption, transportation risk, oil price volatility and US $ volatility. Two popular techniques (composite indicator (CI) and the principal component analysis (PCA)) were used to combine all the aforesaid indicators. Although numerous techniques have been used to assess the oil vulnerability index, for example DEA like models and Markowitz theory of portfolio, none of them incorporated the principal component analysis and composite indicator together to develop an oil vulnerability index. Results shows that the South Asian countries have highest economic, supply and overall oil vulnerability risk whereas the second group countries Belgium, Thailand, Spain, Netherlands, Japan, Korea, India and China are in a relatively less risky as compared to South Asian countries. Contrary to this third group of countries are Canada, Singapore, UK, and France, Italy, Germany and US are considered as a least vulnerable country. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Cognitive-affective responses to online positive-psychological interventions: The effects of optimistic, grateful, and self-compassionate writing

Growing evidence suggests that online positive-psychological interventions effectively increase well-being, and a wealth of evidence describes cognitive-affective responses to such interventions. Few studies, however, have directly compared responses across popular exercises such as the best-possible-self intervention, the gratitude letter, or self-compassionate writing. In addition, current evidence is ambiguous regarding the effects of potential moderator variables such as trait gratitude and emotional self-awareness. To address these issues, we randomized 432 German adults to perform either optimism, gratitude, self-compassion, or control writing interventions in an online setting. Participants reported trait gratitude and trait emotional self-awareness before the interventions, as well as momentary optimism, gratitude, self-compassion, positive affect, and current thoughts immediately after the interventions. Results indicate higher momentary optimism after the best-possible-self intervention and higher momentary gratitude after the gratitude letter than after the control task. There were no differences when comparing the best-possible-self intervention with the gratitude letter. Both interventions increased the number of positive self-relevant thoughts. The self-compassion condition showed no effects. Moderation analysis results indicate that neither emotional self-awareness nor trait gratitude moderated the intervention effects. Future studies should compare responses across different positive-psychological interventions using more comprehensive exercises to ensure larger effects.
Viciamingyueshanensis (Fabeae, Papilionoideae, Fabaceae), a new species from western Jiangxi, China

Viciamingyueshanensis, a new species from the Mingyue Mountain Region of western Jiangxi, China, is described and illustrated. It is a perennial climbing liana that always links to riparian woods. A morphological comparison indicated that the new species is closely similar to Viciataipaica K. T. Fu and Viciadichroantha Diels; however, it differs from the other two species by several salient characters, such as plant indumentum, stipule shape, corolla colour, bractlet shape and calyx shape. Photographs, a preliminary conservation assessment, table of morphological characters and distribution map comparing this new species to two morphologically-similar species are also provided.
A possible theranostic approach of chitosan-coated iron oxide nanoparticles against human colorectal carcinoma (HCT-116) cell line

Iron oxides have become increasingly popular for their use as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool in oncology. This study aimed to improve pharmacological valuable of Fe3O4, which may be use to diagnosis colorectal cancers (CRC). Here, we have developed chitosan (CS) coated Fe3O4 through a cost-effective procedure. First, we determined the characterization of OA-C-Fe3O4 by FTIR, UV-Vis spectra, and TEM. Then, we evaluated the photodynamic therapeutic (PDT) activity of OA-C-Fe3O4 in human colorectal carcinoma cell lines (HCT 116). Current results revealed that the light-induced enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity of the nanoparticles (NPs) and caused cell death via the activity of caspase 9/3. The in vitro magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) experiments in (HCT 116) and human embryonic kidney cells (HEK 293) illustrated that nanohybrid is an effective MRI contrasting agents for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer.
A research on coordination between economy, society and environment in China: A case study of Jiangsu

Environmental stresses with remarkable economic growths in China entail a transformation of development from the traditional path to a coordinated and sustainable one. Based on the connotation of development, this paper constructs a combined model of economic-social-environmental system, coupling with the entropy weight method, to measure the coordinated development of a combined system ESE as well as the subsystems. Via the data of economic growth, social construction and environmental protection in Jiangsu from 2002 to 2017, this study analyzes the current situations and problems faced by Jiangsu, so as to achieve a comprehensive development. Main results show that all the four kinds of coordinated degrees present an upward trend, where the economic-social coordination rises fast, the volatility is insignificant and the gap between different cities is not obvious. The timevariation and space-distribution characteristics of the economy-environment, society-environment and overall development coordination are basically similar. The reason for such fluctuations is the changes in the macroeconomic environment, which have led to an unordered variation in economic development, and the level of social development is mainly affected by the availability of social public service facilities. The fluctuations in environmental systems are mainly due to changes inwater resources and sewage discharges, which are also the main factors affecting the overall development coordination level. Therefore, to further promote the sustainable development and optimize the spatial layout in Jiangsu, it is necessary to eliminate such problems as imperfect public construction and insufficient environmental protection and accelerate the economic transformation and upgrading. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The build-up of dominance hierarchies in eusocial insects

Reproductive division of labour is a hallmark of eusocial insects. However, its stability can often be hampered by the potential for reproduction by otherwise sterile nest-mates. Dominance hierarchy has a crucial role in some species in regulating which individuals reproduce. Compared with those in vertebrates, the dominance hierarchies in eusocial insects tend to involve many more individuals, and should require additional selective forces unique to them. Here, we provide an overview of a series of studies on dominance hierarchies in eusocial insects. Although reported from diverse eusocial taxa, dominance hierarchies have been extensively studied in paper wasps and ponerine ants. Starting from molecular physiological attributes of individuals, we describe how the emergence of dominance hierarchies can be understood as a kind of self-organizing process through individual memory and local behavioural interactions. The resulting global structures can be captured by using network analyses. Lastly, we argue the adaptive significance of dominance hierarchies from the standpoint of sterile subordinates. Kin selection, underpinned by relatedness between nest-mates, is key to the subordinates' acceptance of their positions in the hierarchies. This article is part of the theme issue 'The centennial of the pecking order: current state and future prospects for the study of dominance hierarchies'.