bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uterine Cancer Mortality in White and African American Females in Southeastern North Carolina
Authors: Kravchenko Julia , Akushevich Igor , Rhew Sung Han , Agarwal Pankaj , Lyerly H. Kim
Published: October 2020

The residents of southeastern North Carolina (NC) are exposed to multiple socioeconomic and environmental risk factors and have higher mortality rates for a number of diseases. Uterine cancer mortality is known to vary dramatically by race, so we analyzed uterine cancer mortality in populations defined by zip codes in this area to investigate the contributions of various environmental risk factors to race-specific disease patterns. Methods. Zip code specific mortality and hospital admissions for uterine cancer from 2007 to 2013 were analyzed using the NC State Center for Health Statistics data and the Inpatient Database of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project datafiles, respectively. Results were adjusted for age, income, education, health insurance coverage, prevalence of current smokers, and density of primary care providers. Results. Uterine cancer mortality rates were generally higher in African American (32.5/100,000, 95% CI = 18.9–46.1) compared to White (19.6/100,000, 95% CI = 12.3–26.9) females. Odds ratios (ORs) of uterine cancer death were higher in White females (OR = 2.27, p<0.0001) residing within zip codes with hog concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) (hog density >215 hogs/km2) than in White females residing in non-CAFO communities. African American females living near CAFOs had less pronounced increase of uterine cancer death (OR = 1.08, p=0.7657). Conclusion. White females living in adjacent to hog CAFOs areas of southeastern NC have lower rates of mortality from uterine cancer than African American females, but they have higher odds of death compared to their counterparts living in other NC areas. African American females living near CAFOs also have modest increases from their high baseline mortality. While the observed associations do not prove a causation, improving access to screening and medical care is important to mitigate this health issues in southeastern NC.
Gukang Capsule Promotes Fracture Healing by Activating BMP/SMAD and Wnt/β‐Catenin Signaling Pathways
Authors: Ma Xue , Yang Jian , Liu Ting , Li Jing , Lan Yanyu , Wang Yonglin , Wang Aimin , Tian Ye , Li Yongjun
Published: October 2020

Background. Gukang capsule (GKC) is a traditional Chinese medicine formulation which has been used extensively in the clinical treatment of bone fractures. However, the mechanisms underlying its effects on fracture healing remain unclear. Methods. In this study we used a rabbit radius fracture model, and we measured the serum content of bone alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium, and phosphorus and examined pathology of the fracture site as indicators of the fracture healing effects of GKC. SaOS‐2 human osteosarcoma cells were used to measure (i) ALP activity, (ii) ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC), calcium, and mineralization levels, (iii) the expression of osteogenic‐related genes, that is, runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), collagen I (COL‐I), osteopontin (OPN), OTC, and osterix (Osx), and (iv) the expression of key proteins in the Wnt/β‐catenin and BMP/SMAD signaling pathways to study the mechanisms by which GKC promotes fracture healing. Results. We found that GKC effectively promotes radius fracture healing in rabbits and enhances ALP activity, increases OTC and calcium levels, and stimulates the formation of mineralized nodules in SaOS‐2 cells. Moreover, COL‐I, OTC, Osx, BMP2, and OPN expression levels were higher in SaOS‐2 cells treated with GKC than control cells. GKC upregulates glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) phosphorylation and Smad1/5 and β‐catenin protein levels, thereby activating Wnt/β‐catenin and BMP/Smad signaling pathways. Inhibitors of the Wnt/β‐catenin and BMP/Smad signaling pathways (DKK1 and Noggin, respectively) suppress the osteogenic effects of GKC. Conclusions. GKC promotes fracture healing by activating the Wnt/β‐catenin and BMP/Smad signaling pathways and increasing osteoprotegerin (OPG) secretion by osteoblasts (OBs), which prevents receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) binding to RANK.
Differential Analysis of Serum Principal Components Treated with Compound Sophora Decoction and Related Compounds Based on High‐Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS)
Authors: Sun Wanjin , Zhang Junjie , Zhou Conghui , Yan Bin , Cai Quan , He Hongxia , Duan Xueyun , Fan Heng
Published: October 2020

Objective. To compare the differences in the serum principal components in ulcerative colitis‐ (UC‐) induced rats, treated with compound Sophora decoction, matrine, oxymatrine monomer mixture, and indirubin monomer, and to provide a modern scientific basis for elucidating the clinical efficacy of compound Sophora decoction for the treatment of UC. Methods. The serum samples of rats from each group were obtained after drug administration, and the serum principal components of each group were analyzed by high‐resolution mass spectrometry. Agilent Eclipse XDB C18 chromatographic column (100 mm × 2.1 mm, 3.5 m) was used for separation. The mobile phase was water (A) and methanol (B) (0.1% formic acid) gradient elution, 0–3 min (B: 20%–40%), 3–10 min (B: 40%–54%), 10–25 min (B: 54%), 25–35 min (B: 54%–70%), 35–45 min (B: 70%–80%), 45–50 min (B: 80%), 50–60 min (B: 80%–100%), 70–72 min (B: 100%–20%), and 72–77 min (B: 20%); flow rate, 300 μL/min; column temperature, 40°C; and injection volume, 10 μL. ESI source was selected and scanned in the positive and negative ion modes. The scanning range was 70–1500 m/z; ion‐source gas 1 (GS1): 55 psi; ion‐source gas 2 (GS2): 60 psi; CUR: 30 psi; ion‐source temperature (TEM): 550°C; ion‐source voltage (ISVF) : 5500 V/−4500 V; decluster voltage (DP): 100 V; collision energy (CE): 35 V/−35 V; collision energy gain (CES) : 15 V/−15 V; and data acquisition mode: IDA. After the data from each group were imported into MarkView 1.3, the molecular weights and retention times of different substances were obtained and qualitatively analyzed by ChemSpider and PeakView 2.0. Results. In the negative ion mode, 26 differential compounds were identified in the compound Sophora decoction group (FFKST) compared to the model group (M), and 18 differential compounds were identified in the matrine and oxymatrine group (KST) compared to the model group (M). In the positive ion mode, 11 and 7 differential compounds were identified in the compound Sophora decoction group (FFKST) and the matrine and oxymatrine group (KST) compared to the model group (M), respectively. The responses of all compounds in each group were compared with each other. As the different principal component substances in the indirubin group (DYH) displayed little correlation with other groups, the different components in this group were not researched thoroughly. Conclusion. By comparing the differences in the serum principal components from each administration group, we found that the FFKST group exhibited enhanced synthesis of the serum principal components; however, the compound doses of matrine and oxymatrine monomers did not exhibit the same changes in the serum principal components of UC‐induced rats. Finally, the traditional Chinese medicine compound is more advantageous than monomers.
LncRNA RNCR3 Promotes the Progression of HCC by Activating the Akt/GSK3β Signaling Pathway
Authors: Xie Qi , Ju Tongfa , Zhou Chunhua , Zhai Lulu
Published: October 2020

Objective. To explore the potential biological roles of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) RNCR3 in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods. First, the expression of RNCR3 was detected by qRT‐PCR. Then, in vitro experiments were performed to investigate the effects of RNCR3 on the proliferation, cell cycle, migration, and invasion of HCC cells, while the effects of RNCR3 on HCC tumor growth and metastasis were investigated using in vivo experiments. Finally, western blot was used to study the activation of the Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway. Results. RNCR3 was highly expressed in both HCC tissues and cells, and the expression of RNCR3 was closely related to tumor size, tumor number, TNM stage, and overall survival time. In vitro, RNCR3 served as an oncogene to promote cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and in vivo, RNCR3 promoted the growth and metastasis of HCC tumors. In terms of mechanism, RNCR3 induced the phosphorylation of Akt (thr308 and ser473) and GSK3β (ser9) but decreased the expression of GSK3β, which activated the Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway. Conclusion. The high expression of lncRNA RNCR3 in HCC can promote the proliferation, migration, invasion, growth, and metastasis of HCC by activating the NF‐κB signaling pathway.
Oxidative Stability at Different Storage Conditions and Adulteration Detection of Prickly Pear Seeds Oil
Authors: Ettalibi Fatima , El Antari Abderraouf , Gadhi Chemseddoha , Harrak Hasnaâ
Published: October 2020

Lipid oxidation and adulteration have a negative impact on functionality and notoriety of foods especially vegetable oils and cause economic losses. The present study investigates the control of two commercial quality aspects of prickly pear seeds oil (PPSO): oxidative stability during storage and detection of adulteration. Peroxide index, specific extinction coefficients K232 and K270, free acidity, and fatty acids composition were evaluated during different periods of incubation (6, 12, and 18 months) at various temperatures (4°C, 25°C, 40°C, and uncontrolled room temperature ranging between 4°C and 40°C) with different packaging (protected and unprotected from sunlight, with and without nitrogen gas bubbling). Based on the physicochemical and biochemical parameters evolution, this study has shown that PPSO stored at 4°C for 18 months preserves the initial quality. However, at 40°C, an intense lipid oxidative process occurred after 6 months of storage. The changes have also affected fatty acids composition, especially rates of linoleic and oleic acids. The shelf-life of oils stored at 25°C and at uncontrolled room temperature can be limited to 6 months. Regarding the impact of light and nitrogen bubbling, sunlight has affected seriously the oxidative stability of oils after 12 months of storage and the bubbling with nitrogen has improved their stability when they have been stored in clear glass bottles. The levels of adulteration detection using fatty acids as markers are relatively high. The detection of oil adulteration can be depicted by fatty acids composition up to 15% of olive and almond oils and up to 20% of rapeseed oil. The iodine value could also be an indicator of the sunflower oil presence in PPSO. Therefore, other minor compounds including sterols and tocopherols should be investigated to depict PPSO adulteration with cheaper oils and to determine lower levels of detection in order to ensure the authenticity of PPSO.
A Rare Case of Metastatic Hepatocellular Carcinoma Masquerading as a Forehead Hematoma
Authors: Sanders Kimberly , Thomas Ashley , Isache Carmen , Siddiqi Anwer
Published: October 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and can arise from any form of chronic liver disease or cirrhosis. With increasing rates of metabolic syndrome and obesity, it is not surprising that NASH is quickly becoming a leading cause of chronic liver disease and HCC in the western hemisphere (Wang and Malhi, 2018). Metastasis is usually found in advanced stages of the disease, owing to its poor prognosis. The lung, bone, and lymph nodes are the most frequent sites of metastasis (Balogh et al., 2016, and Becker et al., 2014). On the other hand, metastasis to the skin and cranium is relatively rare. Literature review reveals less than 10 reported cases in the last 10 years. Herein, we report an unusual case of a “forehead hematoma” leading to the formal diagnosis of metastatic HCC.
Online Parameter Identification of the Lithium-Ion Battery with Refined Instrumental Variable Estimation
Authors: Wen An , Meng Jinhao , Peng Jichang , Cai Lei , Xiao Qian
Published: October 2020

Refined Instrumental Variable (RIV) estimation is applied to online identify the parameters of the Equivalent Circuit Model (ECM) for Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery in this paper, which enables accurate parameters estimation with the measurement noise. Since the traditional Recursive Least Squares (RLS) estimation is extremely sensitive to the noise, the parameters in the ECM may fail to converge to their true values under the measurement noise. The RIV estimation is implemented in a bootstrap form, which alternates between the estimation in the system model and the noise model. The Box-Jenkins model of the Li-ion battery transformed from the two RC ECM is selected as the transfer function model for the RIV estimation in this paper. The errors of the two RC ECM are independently generated by the residual of high-order Auto Regressive (AR) model estimation. With the benefit of a series of auxiliary models, the data filtering technology can prefilter the measurement and increase the robustness of the parameters against the noise. Reasonable parameters are possible to be obtained regardless of the noise in the measurement by RIV. Simulation and experimental tests on a LiFePO4 battery validate the efficiency of RIV for parameter online identification compared with traditional RLS.
Abducens Nerve Paralysis Induced by a Primary Solitary Sphenoid Sinus Mucocele with Broad Osseous Thinning at the Cranial Base
Authors: Naito Shoji , Yokoi Hidenori , Matsumoto Yuma , Kawada Michitsugu , Inomata Kohei , Fujiwara Masachika , Ohara Arisa , Saito Koichiro
Published: October 2020

Primary solitary sphenoid sinus mucocele is rare, generally presenting with headaches or eye symptoms at the anatomical site. We report the case of a 39-year-old woman incidentally diagnosed with sphenoid sinus mucocele during a complete medical checkup. Imaging revealed that the cystic wall had developed from the rear sphenoid sinus and had spread expansively to diminish the clivus; however, no symptoms were reported, and the patient was managed with close observation. During the follow-up period, diplopia developed suddenly due to isolated left-sided abducens nerve paralysis. An endoscopic endonasal approach was used to open the frontal cystic wall, and fascia lata and fat were used for cranial base reinforcement to avoid future cerebrospinal fluid leakage, resulting in improvement during the early stages of follow-up. Treatment options for sphenoid sinus mucoceles include close observation or surgery. In our case, we chose surgery because of an acute symptomatic manifestation during observation.
Simplified‐Boost Reinforced Model‐Based Complex Wind Signal Forecasting
Authors: Lin Qiushuang , Li Chunxiang
Published: October 2020

Wind signal forecasting has become more and more crucial in the structural health monitoring system and wind engineering recently. It is a challenging subject owing to the complicated volatility of wind signals. The robustness and generalization of a predictor are significant as well as of high precision. In this paper, an adaptive residual convolutional neural network (CNN) is developed, aiming at achieving not only high precision but also high adaptivity for various wind signals with varying complexity. Afterwards, reinforced forecasting is adopted to enhance the robustness of the preliminary forecasting. The preliminary forecast results by adaptive residual CNN are integrated with historical observed signals as the new input to reconstruct a new forecasting mapping. Meanwhile, simplified‐boost strategy is applied for more generalized results. The results of multistep forecasting for five kinds of nonstationary non‐Gaussian wind signals prove the more excellent adaptivity and robustness of the developed two‐stage model compared with single models.
Superior-Type Fast-Slow Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia Phenotype Mimicking the Slow-Fast Type
Authors: Kaneko Yoshiaki , Nakajima Tadashi , Tamura Shuntaro , Hasegawa Hiroshi , Kobari Takashi , Iizuka Takashi , Kurabayashi Masahiko
Published: October 2020

Background:

Superior-type fast-slow (sup-F/S-) atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) is a rare AVNRT variant using a superior slow pathway (SP) as the retrograde limb. Its intracardiac appearance, characterized by a short atrio-His (AH) interval and the earliest site of atrial activation in the His-bundle, is an initial indicator for making a diagnosis.

Methods:

Among 22 consecutive patients with sup-F/S-AVNRT, 3 (age, 68–81 years) patients had an apparent slow-fast (S/F-) AVNRT characterized by a long AH interval and the earliest site of atrial activation in or superior to the His-bundle region (tachy-long-AH).

Results:

The diagnosis of sup-F/S-AVNRT was based on the standard criteria in 2 patients and on the occurrence of Wenckebach-type atrioventricular block during tachycardia, which was attributable to a block at the lower common pathway (LCP) below the circuit of the AVNRT, detected owing to the lower common pathway potentials, in one patient. As with the typical S/F-AVNRT, tachy-long-AH was induced after a jump in the AH interval. In contrast to typical S/F-AVNRT, fluctuation in the ventriculoatrial interval was observed during the tachy-long-AH. Ventricular overdrive pacing was unable to entrain or terminate the tachy-long-AH. Moreover, the tachy-long-AH reciprocally transited to/from sup-F/S-AVNRT spontaneously or was triggered by ventricular contractions while the atrial cycle length and earliest site of atrial activation remained unchanged. Both tachycardias were cured by ablation at a single site in the right-side para-Hisian region of 2 patients and the noncoronary aortic cusp of one patient. Collectively, the essential circuit of both tachycardias was identical, and the tachy-long-AH was diagnosed as another phenotype of sup-F/S-AVNRT accompanied by sustained antegrade conduction via another bystander slow pathway breaking through the His-bundle owing to the repetitive antegrade block at the lower common pathway, thus representing a long AH interval during the ongoing sup-F/S-AVNRT.

Conclusions:

An unknown sup-F/S-AVNRT phenotype exists that apparently mimics the typical S/F-AVNRT and is also an unknown subtype of apparent S/F-AVNRT.
Detection and Quantification of Symptomatic Atherosclerotic Plaques With High-Resolution Imaging in Cryptogenic Stroke
Authors: Fakih Rami , Roa Jorge A. , Bathla Girish , Olalde Heena , Varon Alberto , Ortega-Gutierrez Santiago , Derdeyn Colin , Adams Harold P. , Hasan David M. , Leira Enrique C. , Samaniego Edgar A.
Published: October 2020

Background and Purpose:

High-resolution vessel wall imaging (HR-VWI) is a powerful tool in diagnosing intracranial vasculopathies not detected on routine imaging. We hypothesized that 7T HR-VWI may detect the presence of atherosclerotic plaques in patients with intracranial atherosclerosis disease initially misdiagnosed as cryptogenic strokes.

Methods:

Patients diagnosed as cryptogenic stroke but suspected of having an intracranial arteriopathy by routine imaging were prospectively imaged with HR-VWI. If intracranial atherosclerotic plaques were identified, they were classified as culprit or nonculprit based on the likelihood of causing the index stroke. Plaque characteristics, such as contrast enhancement, degree of stenosis, and morphology, were analyzed. Contrast enhancement was determined objectively after normalization with the pituitary stalk. A cutoff value for plaque-to-pituitary stalk contrast enhancement ratio (CR) was determined for optimal prediction of the presence of a culprit plaque. A revised stroke cause was adjudicated based on clinical and HR-VWI findings.

Results:

A total of 344 cryptogenic strokes were analyzed, and 38 eligible patients were imaged with 7T HR-VWI. Intracranial atherosclerosis disease was adjudicated as the final stroke cause in 25 patients. A total of 153 intracranial plaques in 374 arterial segments were identified. Culprit plaques (n=36) had higher CR and had concentric morphology when compared with nonculprit plaques (
P
≤0.001). CR ≥53 had 78% sensitivity for detecting culprit plaques and a 90% negative predictive value. CR ≥53 (
P
=0.008), stenosis ≥50% (
P
<0.001), and concentric morphology (
P
=0.030) were independent predictors of culprit plaques.

Conclusions:

7T HR-VWI allows identification of underlying intracranial atherosclerosis disease in a subset of stroke patients with suspected underlying vasculopathy but otherwise classified as cryptogenic. Plaque analysis in this population demonstrated that culprit plaques had more contrast enhancement (CR ≥53), caused a higher degree of stenosis, and had a concentric morphology.
Killing behaviour of adult brood parasites
Authors: Šulc M. , Štětková G. , Jelínek V. , Czyż B. , Dyrcz A. , Karpińska O. , Kamionka-Kanclerska K. , Rowiński P. , Maziarz M. , Gruszczyński A. , Hughes A.E. , Honza M.
Published: October 2020

Decades of studies have revealed the striking adaptations of avian brood parasites for their unique reproductive lifestyle. Several have reported that adult brood parasites sometimes kill host nestlings, although the reasons for this behaviour remain unclear. Using continuous video-recording and camera traps, we observed the same behaviour in the common cuckoo Cuculus canorus, showing that both host and parasite nestlings can be killed. The latter has never previously been observed in cuckoos. Here, we review this phenomenon and discuss possible explanations.
Predators learning to avoid toxic invasive prey: a study on individual variation among free-ranging lizards
Authors: Ward-Fear Georgia , Brown Gregory P. , Shine Richard
Published: October 2020

Within all wild populations, individuals vary in ways that affect their vulnerability to threatening processes. Understanding that variation may clarify mechanisms of population persistence and/or evolution. In Australia, Yellow-spotted Monitors (Varanus panoptes), decline by >90% when toxic Cane Toads (Rhinella marina) invade an area. Taste-aversion training (exposing animals to non-lethal toads) can buffer impacts; but does pre-existing behavioural variation also influence survival? An individual’s fate can be predicted from its behaviour during aversion-training trials. Lizards presented with small toads either consumed them, rejected them, or fled. When Cane Toads invaded our study site, mortality was lower in lizards that ‘consumed’ (aversion-trained) than in those that ‘fled’ (untrained), but even lower in lizards that ‘rejected’ toads outright. Thus, animals reluctant to consume toads in trials survived despite never being aversion-trained. In this system, lizard vulnerability is driven by boldness, behavioural responses to novel prey types, and the opportunity to learn aversion.
Comparing the efficiency of six common methods for DNA extraction from root-lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus spp.)
Authors: Orlando Valeria , Edwards Simon G. , Neilson Roy , Prior Tom , Roberts David , Back Matthew
Published: October 2020

Robust and accurate identification of root-lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus spp.) is an essential step for determining their potential threat to crop yields and, consequently, development of an efficient agronomic management strategy. It is recognised that DNA-based techniques provide rapid identification of a range of plant-parasitic nematodes including Pratylenchus spp. Efficient and repeatable DNA extraction is central to molecular methodologies. Here, six common DNA extraction protocols were compared to evaluate their efficiency to obtain quality DNA samples for Pratylenchus penetrans. Samples with five and ten individuals of P. penetrans were successfully extracted and amplified by all extraction methods tested, whereas samples with a single nematode presented challenges for DNA amplification. Among all methods tested, the DNA extraction protocol with glass beads proved to be efficient for P. penetrans and all other species tested (P. crenatus, P. neglectus and P. thornei), generating high quality DNA at comparatively low cost and with a rapid sample throughput.
Shaming, Blaming, and Responsibility
Authors: McDonald Lucy
Published: October 2020

Despite its cultural prominence, shaming has been neglected in moral philosophy. I develop an overdue account of shaming, which distinguishes it from both blaming and the mere production of shame. I distinguish between two kinds of shaming. Agential shaming is a form of blaming. It involves holding an individual morally responsible for some wrongdoing or flaw by expressing a negative reactive attitude towards her and inviting an audience to join in. Non-agential shaming also involves negatively evaluating a person and inviting an audience to join in. Yet it is not a form of blaming, because the shamer does not hold the target morally responsible for anything. For example, we non-agentially shame people for their body shapes, for having periods, or for being victims of rape. Non-agential shaming involves the expression of an emotionally toned objective attitude, like disgust. While agential shaming enforces social norms, non-agential shaming enforces social standards.
Assaulting Sophia, Protecting Sophia: the Female Body as a Symbolic Artifact in Gnostic Mythology
Authors: Dawson Cindy
Published: October 2020

This article explores the construction and function of the female body in four Gnostic texts: Pistis Sophia, On the Origin of the World, Hypostasis of the Archons, and Apocryphon of John. In these texts’ accounts of the mythological origin of the cosmos, the exposed bodies of Sophia and her daughters are consistently depicted as objects of excessive, often gratuitous sexual violence. Yet in the midst of this violence appears another, equally consistent motif: the Gnostic writers protected their female characters through a variety of narratival techniques, such as transforming the female body into a tree or a strenuous insistence on the violence’s ultimate failure. This article accounts for this curious pairing of violence and protection by evaluating the female body as a symbolic artifact embedded with the values of the patriarchal culture which constructed it, a culture which valued the female body as a reliable, untainted conduit of progeny.
Eric Voegelin and Gnostic Hollywood: Cinematic Portrayals of the Immanentization of the Eschaton in Dark City (1998) and Pleasantville (1998)
Authors: Kwiatkowski Fryderyk
Published: October 2020

In the first part of the paper, I will provide an overview of Eric Voegelin’s early thesis about Gnosis which he formulated in The New Science of Politics (1952) and Science, Politics, and Gnosticism (1968). A special attention will be paid to the idea of the immanentization of the eschaton which remains in the center of his argument. In the second part of the paper, I will analyze two Hollywood films in the light of Voegelin’s thesis: Dark City (1998) and Pleasantville (1998). Firstly, I will argue that the main characters depicted in the films can be classified as Gnostics in Voegelin’s sense. Secondly, I will demonstrate that their revolutionary acts reflect the idea of the immanentization of the eschaton.
Revision of the Australian planthopper genus Monomalpha Emeljanov with the description of the new genus Latissima (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Fulgoromorpha: Cixiidae: Cixiini)
Authors: LÖCKER BIRGIT
Published: October 2020

The Australian planthopper genus Monomalpha Emeljanov, 2000 is reviewed. Males of M. gratiosa Emeljanov, 2000, a species originally described from a single female specimen, are presented for the first time. A new species, M. stenocara from Queensland is described. Together with the type species M. gratiosa, recorded from Queensland and mainland NSW, and M. fletcheri Emeljanov, 2000, a species endemic to Lord Howe Island (New South Wales) there are now three species recognised in the genus Monomalpha. A new endemic genus, Latissima gen. nov., is created within Cixiini to accommodate a new species from Queensland, Latissima isleyensis sp. nov. Identification keys to the genera of Australian Cixiini and to the species of Monomalpha are presented and host plant relationships discussed, including the first record of an Australian cixiid from the tree fern family Cyatheaceae.
First description of immature stages of the antlion Bullanga florida (Navás, 1913) (Neuroptera, Myrmeleontidae, Dendroleontini)
Authors: ZHENG YUCHEN , LIU XINGYUE
Published: October 2020

The larval stage of the Chinese endemic antlion Bullanga florida (Navás, 1913) is described for the first time with biological notes. The wide distribution of B. florida in southern China is discussed under the context of habitat selection of the larvae. Meanwhile, comparing the adults and larvae between B. florida and Dendroleon esbenpeterseni Miller & Stange, 1999, extensive morphological similarities suggest that these two species may belong to a same genus.
A new species of the porcelain crab genus Petrolisthes from the Pacific coast of Panama, with taxonomic notes on closely related species (Decapoda: Anomura: Porcellanidae)
Authors: DE AZEVEDO FERREIRA LUCIANE AUGUSTO , SANTANA-MORENO L. DANIEL , ANKER ARTHUR
Published: October 2020

A new species of porcelain crab, Petrolisthes lazarus sp. nov., is described from the Paciﬁc coast of Panama, based on two female specimens. The new species is morphologically most similar to another eastern Pacific species, P. crenulatus Lockington, 1878, especially in the general configuration of the carapace, chelipeds and ambulatory legs. However, P. lazarus sp. nov. can be separated from P. crenulatus by the differences in the proportions of the carapace, the shape of the frontal region of the carapace, and the setation pattern of the cheliped. In addition, P. lazarus sp. nov. and P. crenulatus appear to be allopatric, the latter species presently being known only from Mexico. Among other eastern Pacific taxa, P. lazarus sp. nov. may have some affinities with P. ortmanni Nobili, 1901 and P. lewisi (Glassell, 1936), from which it can be easily distinguished by the chelipeds lacking a dense field of setae on the outer (lateral) surface of the palm and with different proportions of some articles, especially the carpus. The four species can also be distinguished from each other by their diagnostic, although somewhat variable colour patterns.
Analysis of the Correlation Between Metastasis-Related Genes and Immune Infiltration of Uveal Melanoma Using the Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis and Single Sample GSEA Algorithms
Authors: Nie Aiqin , Li Qiang , Li Wei , Ling Yunzhi
Published: October 2020

Uveal melanoma is a rare variant of melanoma that primarily occurs in the uvea (including choroid, ciliary body and iris) of the eye. It readily metastasizes to distant organs, especially the liver. Currently, there is no effective treatment for metastatic UVM. Recent studies have revealed
that there is an immunoinflammatory phenotype in the UVM microenvironment. Understanding the inflammatory process related to the growth of uveal melanoma and its metastasis may lead to new therapies. During the development of most solid tumors, immune cells and fibroblasts infiltrate into
the tumor tissue, promote a tumor microenvironment, activate an immunosuppressive system that includes Treg cells by secreting cytokines, promote tumor angiogenesis, and provide convenient conditions for tumor development and metastasis. In this study, WGCNA analysis was used to identify the
types of infiltrating cells in the UVM microenvironment. These included T cells, B cells, tumor-related fibroblasts, HSC, and macrophages. Of these, HSC are important infiltrating cells in UVM. They may be regulated by the cycle genes ANLN and FOXM1 and participate in the development and metastasis.
Highly Nitrogen-Doped Porous Carbon Nanosheets Electrocatalyst from Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid Ferric Sodium Salt for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Liu Yong , Wang Tao , Gong Guo , Zhang Yong
Published: October 2020

Fuel cells have the great prospect in energy storage technology from the perspective of energy conservation and ecological protection. However, oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) always proceeds sluggishly leads to limited performance. Choosing an excellent ORR electrocatalyst is considered
to be an effective strategy. Herein, we have presented an easy synthesis method to prepare highly nitrogen-doped porous carbon nanosheets (HNPC) electrocatalysts. The as-synthesized HNPC electrocatalysts delivered excellent catalytic properties by 4e– transfer pathway
with extremely few HO2–, due to excellent compositional characteristics (highly N doping) and structural features (porosity). It provides some guidance for the synthesis of excellent electrocatalysts, which will have certain significance for the development of fuel cells.
Effect of pH in Morphological Properties of Brushite Microstructures Synthesized by Precipitation Method
Authors: Méndez-Lozano Néstor , Apátiga-Castro Miguel , Rivera-Muñoz Eric M. , Manzano-Ramírez Alejandro , Ocampo-Mortera Miguel , Zamora-Antuñano Marco
Published: October 2020

Brushite microstructures with different morphologies were synthesized by precipitation method using a mixture of calcium lactate, potassium phosphate and potassium hydroxide as precursors. Potassium hydroxide was variation factor in synthesis process. This factor has an influence on
morphology of nanostructures, changing from microplates to microfibers. On the other hand, bioceramic composites were obtained with brushite microstructures, using a mixture of brushite powders and gelatin. The amount of gelatin was added in different proportions. Brushite microplates and
microfibers, with lengths in the order of micrometers, were obtained; the surface of microstructures is smooth and with well-defined edges. According to studies by XRD and FTIR, microstructures show a preferential crystalline growth. For bioceramic composites an effect of brushite microstructures
was observed in compression test. Compounds with a greater amount of organic phase and microfibers show a greater resistance as compared to those formed by microplates. This value is in the range of human trabecular bone. This work presents a new route of synthesis to control morphology of
brushite microstructures, as well as an improvement in mechanical properties of based brushite composites.
Spray Pyrolysis Growth of Cd0.92Mn0.04Fe0.04O Thin Films: Effect of Substrate Temperature on the Microstructural, Morphological and Optical Properties
Authors: Rajini M. , Karunakaran M. , Chandrasekar L. Bruno , Kasirajan K. , Manikandan E. , Castañeda L. , Alharthi Fahad A. , Al-Zaqri Nabil , Inbanathan S. S. R.
Published: October 2020

Cd0.92Mn0.04Fe0.04O thin films at different substrate temperatures were prepared by spray pyrolysis method using perfume atomizer. The effects of substrate temperature on micro-structural, morphological and optical properties are explored in detail.
X-ray diffraction data revealed the presence of single phase cubic structure with purity. XRD analysis also confirmed the incorporation of Mn and Fe ions at Cd site into the host lattice structure. The morphology of samples was examined using SEM. The optical spectra showed the increase in
the optical energy band gap and increase in transmittance with substrate temperature. Photoluminescence spectra showed emission peaks due to different defect states. The enhanced micro-structural, morphological and optical properties of Cd0.92Mn0.04Fe0.04O
thin film pave the path for its potential application in the optoelectronic devices.
Lotus Leaf-Derived Hierarchically Porous Hard Carbon Nanosheets as Anode for Highly Robust Potassium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Xiao Xiang , Li Shun , Yuan Kai
Published: October 2020

Owing to abundant resources, low redox potential, and low expense, potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) have received continuous attention as a rookie of renewable electricity storage equipment. To obtain high-performance PIBs based energy storage, the energy storage anode must provide a
stable and suitable structure for large-sized active potassium ions. To this end, a lotus leaf-derived, hierarchically porous activated carbon (LHPAC) was mainly obtained by a bionic strategy. The prepared LHPAC with a hierarchically porous structure not only affords fast transportation for
both electrons and potassium ions but also supplies the necessary void space to avoid structural instability incurred by volume dilatation in the process of electrode operation. Therefore, the LHPAC exhibited exceptional reversible capacity (170 mA · h · g–1
at 50 mA · g–1) and superb cycle solidity (0.016% tiny capacity attenuation per cycle at 200 mA · g–1, capacity retention rate of 86.3% after 870 cycles), as well as inimitable rate performance. This work demonstrates the great application prospects
of biomass-derived carbon materials as anode for sturdy PIBs.
Facile Synthesis of Mesoporous Ag Doped Titania Nanocomposite as Extraordinarily Effective Photo-Catalyst Beneath Vis Light
Authors: Al-Namshah K. S. , Mohamed R. M.
Published: October 2020

In this probe, mesoporous titania nanorods (MTR) were fabricated as a photo-catalyst beneath Vis light illumination. The photo-catalytic enactment of the MTR nanocomposite boosted via decoration with metallic Ag. Role of Ag in boosting various aspects (optoelectronic, optical, surface,
structural and photo-catalytic performance) of fabricated Ag@MTR nanocomposite was also affirmed. Ag@MTR nanocomposite accommodating 3.0% wt. Ag possessed lower band gap (2.17 eV) compared to that of pure MTR nanocomposite (3.25 eV), and so the Ag-doped nanocomposite acquired upgraded Vis
light absorption aspects. The photo-catalytic performance for the Ag doped MTR nanocomposite was tested via its capability to remediate ciprofloxacin (CIP) antibiotic from aquatic medium. 1 h was enough for complete (100%) degradation of ciprofloxacin (CIP) via utilization of 2.4 g ·
L–1 Ag@MTR nanocomposite accommodating 3.0% wt. Ag. The boosted photo-catalytic efficacy of fabricated Ag@MTR nanocomposite was attributed to the enlarged charge carrier's separation beside the diminished electron–hole reconsolidation, as a result of surface plasmon
resonance of Ag@MTR nanocomposite. In addition, the fabricated Ag@MTR nanocomposite exhibited great stability with distinguished recyclability after application up to five cycles. This investigation recommends the operation of Ag doped titania photo-catalyst for efficient remediation of pharmaceutical
pollutants from aquatic environment.
The Relevance Challenge in Management and Organization Studies: Bringing Organization Development Back In
Authors: Cummings Thomas G. , Cummings Chailin
Published: October 2020

We address management and organization studies’ (MOS) mounting relevance challenge of creating knowledge that matters far more to researchers than practitioners. Organization development (OD), a subfield of MOS, can help bridge the research–practice gap. OD was once a valued contributor to MOS creating applied knowledge to change and improve organizations. Yet that contribution gradually diminished and today OD is a marginal member of the MOS community. A historical–evolutionary analysis reveals the causes for that decline and suggests how to bring OD back in to address the relevance challenge. Our proposal involves the application of OD action research, an engaged and collaborative form of inquiry that creates knowledge in the service of helping organizations improve themselves.
Rural Women, Global Value Networks and Precarity in Chirumhanzu District, Zimbabwe, 1991–2000
Authors: Ncube Sibanengi
Published: October 2020

In 1991 Zimbabwe liberalised its economy. This resulted in the opening of the national economy to foreign investment. In line with this, subcontracting arrangements between international corporations and local commodity producers became prevalent. While this attracted scholarly interest, most of it is on global agricultural value networks. By tracing the integration of rural women knitters into international markets, this article offers a different case study. While integration into the knitwear global value chain afforded the women an opportunity to earn an income, their employment remained precarious. This article draws on archival data and interviews from participants to make its case.
Weaving and Cultural Identity of Batak Toba Women
Authors: Nugroho Catur , Nurhayati Iis Kurnia , Nasionalita Kharisma , Malau Ruth Mei Ulina
Published: October 2020

Women weavers in the Toba area, North Sumatera, Indonesia, are the main key to the continuation of the Toba’s Ulos cultural weaving and the preservation of artefacts through the process of the cultural inheritance. The women are spread in various regions around Lake Toba with a variety of their unique cultural characteristics reflected in their woven cloths. However, the existence of the women weavers has not been optimally empowered as a cultural heritage with high economic and artistic value. This study aims to uncover the social and cultural mapping of the current condition of Ulos Toba weavers by identifying female weavers in the Lake Toba region related to the inheritance of traditional weaving as the cultural identity of the Batak Toba. This research is expected to be the basis for designing strategies to utilize Ulos woven artefacts as one of the cultural heritages and identities in the Lake Toba region to provide sustainable benefits for the weavers, so that they can provide solutions to the problem of extinction threats to this Batak cultural inheritance. In detail, this study provides an overview of the social and economic conditions of women weavers in inheriting and maintaining Ulos weaving as a cultural identity of the Batak Toba community, North Sumatra, Indonesia.
Expect the Best; Not the Worst: The Impact of Parental Expectation on Black Males’ Math Scores
Authors: Jackson Lawrence J. , Ford Jesse R. , James Brittny A. , Schleiden Cydney A. , Harris-McKoy DeAnna , Holcomb Jamila E.
Published: October 2020

Due to the racial and gender disparities within K-12 education for Black males, this study examines parental expectations as a moderator in the association between student’s educational expectancy and their math scores. This study utilized a national representative sample from the High School Longitudinal Study: 2009 to test hypotheses with 1,282 9th grade Black males. Results indicated significant interaction effects for parental expectations and students’ educational expectancy on their math scores. The authors discuss practical and clinical implications of the results.
The Framing of Race: Trayvon Martin and the Black Lives Matter Movement
Authors: Lane Kimberly , Williams Yaschica , Hunt Andrea N. , Paulk Amber
Published: October 2020

This study analyzed two national newspapers to investigate how each framed race in coverage of Trayvon Martin and the Black Lives Matter movement. Drawing from Feagin’s white racial frame as the framework for analysis, results show that the news coverage reflected an encompassing pro-white/anti-black master-frame that presented Black Americans as inadequate, lawless, criminal, threatening and at times biologically different. Some news stories contributed to the media’s conceptualization of race within a liberty-and-justice American myth paradigm. Conversely, whites were presented favorably as “protectors” and “virtuous.” Episodic news frames were discovered with highly-focused coverage on events that shifted attention away from the broader trend of racial profiling. These findings contributed to the understanding of the role of corporate media in reinforcing the framing of race. Emerging sub-frames are discussed.
Collaborative Justice and Harm Reduction in Cyberspace: Policing Indecent Child Images
Authors: Wilson Tim J
Published: October 2020

The exponential increase on the internet of indecent images of children (IIOC) has been followed by a transformation within criminal justice. The scale, nature and rapid technological evolution of such crimes—often of distant initial geographical origin—requires collaborative justice and harm reduction arrangements with internet companies and NGOs. The diminished reach (declining criminal justice interventions) and power (even in identifying crimes for intervention) of state authority with the current collaborative model, however, has resulted in inadequate social regulation and policing in response to IIOC crimes on the surface web. There is a considerable risk that the Online Harms White Paper proposals to establish overarching government authority to generally reduce harmful conduct will not fully resolve problems that go much wider than the technological, commercial and consumer protection on the surface web issues emphasised in that document. Only political choices about funding and fundamental rights compliant legislation can (a) prevent the hollowing out of criminal justice capacity and capabilities to deal with IIOC offenders and (b) ensure an essential compatibility and consistency in police operational ability—including the access sought to anonymised communication data via an encryption key—and legal principles when dealing with IIOC crimes across all levels of the internet, including ‘the dark web’. These issues are examined as a case study in civic epistemology about the influence of neoliberalism in technologically focused policy making.
Open Negotiation: The Back-End Benefits of Salespeople’s Transparency in the Front End
Authors: Atefi Yashar , Ahearne Michael , Hohenberg Sebastian , Hall Zachary , Zettelmeyer Florian
Published: October 2020

Negotiations today are less likely to be characterized by information asymmetry—the notion that buyers are less informed than sellers—due to the amount of information available to buyers. A number of industries have reacted to this change by shifting their attention to earning profits in aftermarkets: products and services that augment the main purchase (e.g., add-ons, insurance, financing, service and maintenance). In these aftermarkets, firms often retain an information advantage, even if information asymmetries are eliminated from the main purchase. This has given rise to an interesting setting untapped by prior research: information “symmetry” in the front end (main purchase) and information “asymmetry” in the back end (aftermarket). The authors argue that symmetry in the front end provides an opportunity to build trust, as the knowledgeable customer can verify the information disclosed by the seller. In an observational study in the automotive industry, the authors find that customers to whom the salesperson revealed the cost of a car at the beginning of the negotiation spent significantly more in the back end than others. As corroborated in subsequent studies, this effect holds only when cost is disclosed at the beginning of the negotiation and when customers can verify the cost information.