bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wird maschinelles Lernen die sichere Diagnose des subklinischen Keratokonus ermöglichen?
Authors: Linke Stephan Johannes
Published: May 2022

Background: Keratoconus is a disorder characterized by progressive thinning and distortion of the cornea. If detected at an early stage, corneal collagen cross-linking can prevent disease progression and further visual loss. Although advanced forms are easily detected, reliable identification of subclinical disease can be problematic. Several different machine learning algorithms have been used to improve the detection of subclinical keratoconus based on the analysis of multiple types of clinical measures, such as corneal imaging, aberrometry, or biomechanical measurements. Objective: The aim of this study is to survey and critically evaluate the literature on the algorithmic detection of subclinical keratoconus and equivalent definitions. Methods: For this systematic review, we performed a structured search of the following databases: MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science and Cochrane Library from January 1, 2010, to October 31, 2020. We included all full-text studies that have used algorithms for the detection of subclinical keratoconus and excluded studies that did not perform validation. This systematic review followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) recommendations. Results: We compared the measured parameters and the design of the machine learning algorithms reported in 26 papers that met the inclusion criteria. All salient information required for detailed comparison, including diagnostic criteria, demographic data, sample size, acquisition system, validation details, parameter inputs, machine learning algorithm, and key results are reported in this study. Conclusions: Machine learning has the potential to improve the detection of subclinical keratoconus or early keratoconus in routine ophthalmic practice. Currently, there is no consensus regarding the corneal parameters that should be included for assessment and the optimal design for the machine learning algorithm. We have identified avenues for further research to improve early detection and stratification of patients for early treatment to prevent disease progression. © 2021 Howard Maile, Ji-Peng Olivia Li, Daniel Gore, Marcello Leucci, Padraig Mulholland, Scott Hau, Anita Szabo, Ismail Moghul, Konstantinos Balaskas, Kaoru Fujinami, Pirro Hysi, Alice Davidson, Petra Liskova, Alison Hardcastle, Stephen Tuft, Nikolas Pontikos
Clinical Impact of KIR2DS3 and KIR2DL3 Genes in Neuroblastoma Patients
Authors: Sezgin Gülay , Görüroğlu Öztürk Özlem , Özkan Ayşe , Küpeli Serhan , Bayram İbrahim
Published: May 2022

Objective: Neuroblastoma is a common fatal tumor of childhood. Natural killer (NK) cells can exert direct cytotoxicity on tumor cells. The killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) family of NK cell receptors is involved in activation/inhibition of NK cells. In the KIR gene cluster, six of them (3DS1, 2DS1–5) encode receptors triggering activation, while seven of them (3DL1–3, 2DL1–3, 2DL5) encode receptors triggering inhibition. We aimed to assess the distribution of genetic polymorphisms of KIRs on the clinical course of neuroblastoma and provide guidance on potential therapeutic options. Methods: Our study group included 50 neuroblastoma patients and 100 healthy children as controls. Twenty-eight patients were boys, and twenty-two were girls; median age was 36 months. Fourteen patients had stage 1, 2, 3, or 4S disease, and 36 patients had stage 4 disease. Isolated DNA from the peripheral blood was amplified for sequence-specific oligonucleotide probe analysis of 16 KIR genes. The Fisher’s exact test was used to evaluate the variation of KIR gene distribution. Results: All patients had a lower frequency of KIR2DS3 compared to the control group (p = 0.005). Evaluation of individual KIR genes/genotypes in patients with early stages (stage 1, 2, 3, and 4S) versus stage 4 disease revealed that the frequency of KIR2DS3 was increased in early stages (p = 0.023). Inhibitory KIR2DL3 was increased in the patient group compared to controls (p = 0.038). Furthermore, the frequency of KIR2DL3 was higher in stage 4 neuroblastoma patients compared to the patients with early stages (p = 0.023). Conclusion: Our data suggest a role for KIR2DS3 and KIR2DL3 in development of neuroblastoma. Thus, modulation of KIR2SD3 and/or KIR2DL3 expression or function might present a novel therapeutic strategy for neuroblastoma.
Intraocular Eyelash after an Uneventful Cataract Surgery: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Cheong Kai Xiong , Wee Tze Lin
Published: May 2022

The presence of an eyelash in the anterior chamber after an uneventful phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implant surgery is exceedingly rare, with 8 cases reported globally. We present a patient in whom an eyelash was found trapped in the main cornea wound at postoperation week 1 after an uneventful surgery and unremarkable postoperation day 1 review. The eyelash was removed immediately. The patient denied rubbing his eye and there is video evidence of an uneventful surgery with no eyelash in the anterior chamber at the end of the surgery. Interestingly, the orientation of the eyelash supports previous reports that the eyelash tends to migrate intraocularly through the cornea wound in one direction (i.e., with proximal end/follicle first), purportedly due to the cellular arrangement of an eyelash. Management of such cases should be undertaken on a case-by-case basis. The treatment strategy includes observation or prompt removal, either at the slit lamp or at the operating theatre, depending on a few factors including extent of ocular inflammation, time of presentation, eyelash contact with the cornea endothelium, and location of the eyelash. Patients should be reminded not to rub their eyes after cataract surgery.
Abdominal Wall Reconstruction Using Omental Flap with Mesh Repair following Resection of Aggressive Abdominal Wall Neoplasms
Authors: Abouzid Amr , Shetiwy Mosab , Hossam Amr , Abd Elghaffar Mohamed
Published: May 2022

Background: Resection of large anterior abdominal wall tumors causes large full-thickness abdominal wall defects, and the repair of these defects remains a challenging point. Methods: Between July 2016 and February 2021, we retrospectively reviewed the internal database registry of the Oncology Center, Mansoura University (OCMU), Egypt, for patients with large abdominal wall defects after abdominal wall tumors resection and repair with omental flaps and synthetic polypropylene (PP) mesh. Thirty-two patients met the inclusion criteria. They were analyzed for demographics and operative data including defect size, mesh size, intra-abdominal tumor extension, and postoperative outcomes and complications. Results: Thirty-Two patients with abdominal wall neoplasm underwent local resection in our center and the defect was closed with an omental flap and PP mesh. The mean operative time was 143.75 ± 30.77 min. The mean size of the abdominal wall defect was 50.8 cm2 (range: 25–90 cm2). The meshes used in reconstruction had a mean size of 89.5 cm2 (range: 55–130 cm2). The median follow-up period of the patients was 13.5 months (range: 5–54 months). Postoperative complications included infection (n = 4 cases), seroma (n = 2 cases), hematoma (n = 1 case), and abnormal sensation (n = 5 cases). Tumor recurrence was reported in 2 cases, and no cases developed incisional hernia during the follow-up period. Conclusion: Immediate use of omental flap with synthetic PP mesh for reconstruction of abdominal wall defects is a feasible technique and has avoided the complications associated with the use of synthetic mesh alone.
Hepatosplenic T-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Cured with Tandem Autologous and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Lolli Ginevra , Casadei Beatrice , Stefoni Vittorio , Argnani Lisa , Bonifazi Francesca , Zinzani Pier Luigi
Published: May 2022

Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma is a very difficult lymphoma to deal with, almost impossible to cure. “Tandem” consolidation therapy with auto-stem cell transplant and allo-stem cell transplant can induce a long-lasting response and potentially cure this disease.
Streptozotocin, 1982–2022: Forty Years from the FDA’s Approval to Treat Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Capdevila Jaume , Ducreux Michel , García Carbonero Rocio , Grande Enrique , Halfdanarson Thorvardur , Pavel Marianne , Tafuto Salvatore , Welin Staffan , Valentí Vicente , Salazar Ramón
Published: May 2022

In May 1982, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of streptozotocin to treat pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (panNETs). Thus, this year marks 40 years since that landmark date. This review of streptozotocin to treat panNETs is intended to commemorate this anniversary. A historical perspective of the chemical structure, pharmacokinetics, and mechanism of action of streptozotocin is followed by data from prospective and retrospective clinical studies. The last section of the review addresses the latest aspects and takes note of the prospects that lie ahead on the future horizon of the use of streptozotocin to treat panNETs, including ongoing clinical trials.
Poesia na prosa: a dobra ecolinguística no jornalismo literário contemporâneo
Authors: Alves Vera Lúcia Santos , Acioli Moab Duarte
Published: May 2022

O objetivo desta pesquisa é analisar o entrelaçamento da prosa com a estilística e a semântica poéticas no processo de composição e interlocução jornalísticas, buscando avaliar o dito e o silenciado, considerando a existência de “dobras ecolinguísticas” na enunciação. Utilizamos a teoria-metodológica da Análise do Discurso Ecológica, sob o aspecto ecolinguístico da endo e da exoecologia. O corpus da pesquisa é composto por três capas de jornais – uma do Correio Braziliense, uma do Estado de Minas e uma da Folha do São Francisco - veiculadas entre os anos de 2007 e 2015. Os resultados indicam que a “dobra” na enunciação jornalística literária contemporânea mostra-se na poetização da linguagem ao produzir o texto noticioso, observando a formação endolinguística e, sobretudo, a relação dialógica dos enunciados exoecológicos – fator que, durante muito tempo, era impensável na construção estética e na produção semântica da informação no Brasil.
Avaliação subjetiva, comportamento linguístico e variação na concordância nominal de número no português rural do interior fluminense
Authors: Dália Jaqueline de Moraes Thurler
Published: May 2022

O objetivo deste artigo é relacionar os resultados da análise social da variação de concordância nominal de número no português rural do 3º Distrito de Nova Friburgo com os da avaliação subjetiva da língua realizada com os moradores desse mesmo território. Os dados foram recolhidos por meio de entrevistas realizadas com famílias agricultoras endógenas. Para a análise variacionista, todos os sintagmas nominais pluralizáveis foram selecionados no corpus, isolados, codificados e quantificados, a partir de duas abordagens: a mórfica e a sintagmática. Para a análise da avaliação, optou-se por aplicar dois testes: em ausência de fala e com áudio modelo. Concluiu-se que a comunidade de fala está em uma fase intermediária de aquisição das normas padrão de concordância. A mudança está sendo liderada pelos jovens, que parecem apresentar condições de convergir ou divergir sua fala a depender de seus objetivos interlocutórios e sociais. Outro fator que parece impulsionar tal processo é o papel desempenhado pelas mulheres, tanto no que se refere à avaliação subjetiva da língua, quanto ao uso vernacular. Já os homens são mais benevolentes em sua avaliação da variação diatópica e isso se reflete em seu comportamento linguístico, mais refratário às influências exógenas e mais leal ao vernáculo local.
Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease Mortality in Asian American Subgroups
Authors: Shah Nilay S. , Xi Kevin , Kapphahn Kristopher I. , Srinivasan Malathi , Au Timothy , Sathye Vedant , Vishal Vaibhav , Zhang Han , Palaniappan Latha P.
Published: May 2022

Background:

Asian American individuals comprise the fastest-growing race and ethnic group in the United States. Certain subgroups may be at disproportionately high cardiovascular risk. This analysis aimed to identify cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease mortality trends in Asian American subgroups.

Methods:

Age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR), average annual percent change of ASMR calculated by regression, and proportional mortality ratios of ischemic heart disease, heart failure, and cerebrovascular disease were calculated by sex in non-Hispanic Asian American subgroups (Chinese, Filipino, Asian Indian, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese), non-Hispanic White, and Hispanic individuals from US death certificates, 2003 to 2017.

Results:

Among 618 004 non-Hispanic Asian American, 30 267 178 non-Hispanic White, and 2 292 257 Hispanic deaths from all causes, ASMR from ischemic heart disease significantly decreased in all subgroups of Asian American women and in non-Hispanic White and Hispanic women; significantly decreased in Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, and Korean men and non-Hispanic White and Hispanic men and remained stagnant in Asian Indian and Vietnamese men. The highest 2017 ASMR from ischemic heart disease among Asian American decedents was in Asian Indian women (77 per 100 000) and men (133 per 100 000). Heart failure ASMR remained stagnant in Chinese, Korean, and non-Hispanic White women, and Chinese and Vietnamese men. Heart failure ASMR significantly increased in both sexes in Filipino, Asian Indian, and Japanese individuals, Vietnamese women, and Korean men, with highest 2017 ASMR among Asian American subgroups in Asian Indian women (14 per 100 000) and Asian Indian men (15 per 100 000). Cerebrovascular disease ASMR decreased in Chinese, Filipino, and Japanese women and men between 2003 and 2017, and remained stagnant in Asian Indian, Korean, and Vietnamese women and men. The highest cerebrovascular disease ASMR among Asian American subgroups in 2017 was in Vietnamese women (46 per 100 000) and men (47 per 100 000).

Conclusions:

There was heterogeneity in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular mortality among Asian American subgroups, with stagnant or increasing mortality trends in several subgroups between 2003 and 2017.
Rapid Exclusion of Acute Myocardial Injury and Infarction With a Single High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T in the Emergency Department: A Multicenter United States Evaluation
Authors: Sandoval Yader , Lewis Bradley R. , Mehta Ramila A. , Ola Olatunde , Knott Jonathan D. , De Michieli Laura , Akula Ashok , Lobo Ronstan , Yang Eric H. , Gharacholou S. Michael , Dworak Marshall , Crockford Erika , Rastas Nicholas , Grube Eric , Karturi Swetha , Wohlrab Scott , Hodge David O. , Tak Tahir , Cagin Charles , Gulati Rajiv , Jaffe Allan S.
Published: May 2022

Background:

There are good data to support using a single high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) below the limit of detection of 5 ng/L to exclude acute myocardial infarction. Per the US Food and Drug Administration, hs-cTnT can only report to the limit of quantitation of 6 ng/L, a threshold for which there are limited data. Our goal was to determine whether a single hs-cTnT below the limit of quantitation of 6 ng/L is a safe strategy to identify patients at low risk for acute myocardial injury and infarction.

Methods:

The efficacy (proportion identified as low risk based on baseline hs-cTnT<6 ng/L) of identifying low-risk patients was examined in a multicenter (n=22 sites) US cohort study of emergency department patients undergoing at least 1 hs-cTnT (CV Data Mart Biomarker cohort). We then determined the performance of a single hs-cTnT<6 ng/L (biomarker alone) to exclude acute myocardial injury (subsequent hs-cTnT >99th percentile in those with an initial hs-cTnT<6 ng/L). The clinically intended rule-out strategy combining a nonischemic ECG with a baseline hs-cTnT<6 ng/L was subsequently tested in an adjudicated cohort in which the diagnostic performance for ruling out acute myocardial infarction and safety (myocardial infarction or death at 30 days) were evaluated.

Results:

A total of 85 610 patients were evaluated in the CV Data Mart Biomarker cohort, among which 24 646 (29%) had a baseline hs-cTnT<6 ng/L. Women were more likely than men to have hs-cTnT<6 ng/L (38% versus 20%,
P
<0.0001). Among 11 962 patients with baseline hs-cTnT<6 ng/L and serial measurements, only 1.2% developed acute myocardial injury, resulting in a negative predictive value of 98.8% (95% CI, 98.6–99.0) and sensitivity of 99.6% (95% CI, 99.5–99.6). In the adjudicated cohort, a nonischemic ECG with hs-cTnT<6 ng/L identified 33% of patients (610/1849) as low risk and resulted in a negative predictive value and sensitivity of 100% and a 30-day rate of 0.2% for myocardial infarction or death.

Conclusions:

A single hs-cTnT below the limit of quantitation of 6 ng/L is a safe and rapid method to identify a substantial number of patients at very low risk for acute myocardial injury and infarction.
Myeloid Poldip2 Contributes to the Development of Pulmonary Inflammation by Regulating Neutrophil Adhesion in a Murine Model of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Ou Ziwei , Dolmatova Elena , Mandavilli Rohan , Qu Hongyan , Gafford Georgette , White Taylor , Valdivia Alejandra , Lassègue Bernard , Hernandes Marina S. , Griendling Kathy K.
Published: May 2022

Background

Lung injury, a severe adverse outcome of lipopolysaccharide‐induced acute respiratory distress syndrome, is attributed to excessive neutrophil recruitment and effector response. Poldip2 (polymerase δ‐interacting protein 2) plays a critical role in regulating endothelial permeability and leukocyte recruitment in acute inflammation. Thus, we hypothesized that
myeloid
Poldip2 is involved in neutrophil recruitment to inflamed lungs.

Methods and Results

After characterizing myeloid‐specific
Poldip2
knockout mice, we showed that at 18 hours post‐lipopolysaccharide injection, bronchoalveolar lavage from myeloid Poldip2‐deficient mice contained fewer inflammatory cells (8 [4–16] versus 29 [12–57]×10
4
/mL in wild‐type mice) and a smaller percentage of neutrophils (30% [28%–34%] versus 38% [33%–41%] in wild‐type mice), while the main chemoattractants for neutrophils remained unaffected. In vitro, Poldip2‐deficient neutrophils responded as well as wild‐type neutrophils to inflammatory stimuli with respect to neutrophil extracellular trap formation, reactive oxygen species production, and induction of cytokines. However, neutrophil adherence to a tumor necrosis factor‐α stimulated endothelial monolayer was inhibited by Poldip2 depletion (225 [115–272] wild‐type [myePoldip2
+/+
] versus 133 [62–178] myeloid‐specific
Poldip2
knockout [myePoldip2
‐/‐
] neutrophils) as was transmigration (1.7 [1.3–2.1] versus 1.1 [1.0–1.4] relative to baseline transmigration). To determine the underlying mechanism, we examined the surface expression of β2‐integrin, its binding to soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1, and Pyk2 phosphorylation. Surface expression of β2‐integrins was not affected by Poldip2 deletion, whereas β2‐integrins and Pyk2 were less activated in Poldip2‐deficient neutrophils.

Conclusions

These results suggest that myeloid Poldip2 is involved in β2‐integrin activation during the inflammatory response, which in turn mediates neutrophil‐to‐endothelium adhesion in lipopolysaccharide‐induced acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Effect of Heart Rate on 1‐Year Outcome for Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Lee Keon‐Joo , Kim Beom Joon , Han Moon‐Ku , Kim Joon‐Tae , Choi Kang‐Ho , Shin Dong‐Ick , Cha Jae‐Kwan , Kim Dae‐Hyun , Kim Dong‐Eog , Ryu Wi‐Sun , Park Jong‐Moo , Kang Kyusik , Lee Soo Joo , Kim Jae Guk , Oh Mi‐Sun , Yu Kyung‐Ho , Lee Byung‐Chul , Hong Keun‐Sik , Cho Yong‐Jin , Choi Jay Chol , Park Tai Hwan , Park Sang‐Soon , Lee Kyung Bok , Kwon Jee‐Hyun , Kim Wook‐Joo , Sohn Sung Il , Hong Jeong‐Ho , Lee Jun , Lee Ji Sung , Lee Juneyoung , Gorelick Philip B. , Bae Hee‐Joon ,   the CRCS‐K (Clinical Research Collaboration for Stroke in Korea) Investigators
Published: May 2022

Background

Previous literature about the effect of heart rate on poststroke outcomes is limited. We attempted to elucidate (1) whether heart rate during the acute period of ischemic stroke predicts subsequent major clinical events, (2) which heart rate parameter is best for prediction, and (3) what is the estimated heart rate cutoff point for the primary outcome.

Methods and Results

Eight thousand thirty‐one patients with acute ischemic stroke who were hospitalized within 48 hours of onset were analyzed retrospectively. Heart rates between the 4th and 7th day after onset were collected and heart rate parameters including mean, time‐weighted average, maximum, and minimum heart rate were evaluated. The primary outcome was the composite of recurrent stroke, myocardial infarction, and mortality up to 1 year after stroke onset. All heart rate parameters were associated with the primary outcome (
P
’s<0.001). Maximum heart rate had the highest predictive power. The estimated cutoff point for the primary outcome was 81 beats per minute for mean heart rate and 100 beats per minute for maximum heart rate. Patients with heart rates above these cutoff points had a higher risk of the primary outcome (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.80 [95% CI, 1.57–2.06] for maximum heart rate and 1.65 [95% CI, 1.45–1.89] for mean heart rate). The associations were replicated in a separate validation dataset (N=10 000).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that heart rate during the acute period of ischemic stroke is a predictor of major clinical events, and optimal heart rate control might be a target for preventing subsequent cardiovascular events.
The Reclamation of an Industrial Site and Design Impacts on Environmental, Social, and Economic Resilience
Authors: Shevela Brooke , Kim Jun-Hyun , Sohn Wonmin , Durst Noah
Published: May 2022

Background and objective The industrial crisis in Michigan, USA calls for the redevelopment of abandoned industrial sites into functioning public spaces. Neglected spaces have negative impacts on the surrounding communities, promoting aesthetic, safety, economic, and environmental issues. The purpose of this study was to explore and discuss the possible redevelopment of an underused site, with particular focus on its industrial site elements; quantitative measures were then applied to determine redevelopment's effects on the nearby community. Methods The Michigan Central Station in Detroit, Michigan, USA was selected as a case study. Landscape performance research methods were applied to quantitatively analyze the environmental, social, and economic benefits of reclaiming this abandoned industrial site and its various elements. Results The findings show that implementing the case study redesign would result in positive environmental impacts. These impacts include expanded areas of ecologically valuable land, a reduction in sulfur dioxide, and increases in carbon sequestration, retained stormwater, and the use of recycled contents. The case study redevelopment project would impact the surrounding economic context through savings on water treatment costs obtained from the use of retained stormwater, increased property values, and job creation. Furthermore, the redesign would also impact social aspects by increasing the available gathering spaces and public open areas and enhancing safety by adding sidewalks and bike lanes. Conclusion The findings of this study will help designers and planners recognize the value of reusing existing industrial sites instead of undertaking harmful demolition processes, eventually leading to more sustainable community designs.
Growth and Physiological Responses of Pseudolysimachion pusanensis (Y. N. Lee) Y. N. Lee to NaCl Treatment
Authors: Kwon Hyuck Hwan , Oh Hye Jin , Cho WonWoo , Kwon Young Hyun , Yang Seung Hyuk , Kim Sang-Yong
Published: May 2022

Background and objective This study was conducted to determine the effect of NaCl on the growth, antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, proline), maximum quantum yield, and chlorophyll contents of Pseudolysimachion pusanensis. Methods Five levels of NaCl concentrations (0, 50, 100, 200, 400 mM) were used for treatment. Results The growth according to NaCl concentrations was highest at 50 and 100 mM, but root growth declined before the top from 200 mM or higher. The increase in NaCl concentrations also led to the increase in SOD and proline content compared to the control plot, whereas it decreased chlorophyll content. There was no difference in the maximum quantum yield at 0, 50, 100, and 200 mM, but it decreased at 400 mM. Conclusion The results proved that P. pusanensis showed an increase in SOD and proline content at 50 and 100 mM of NaCl treatment compared to the control plot, indicating that it receives salt stress, but the growth was excellent at 50 and 100 mM. In addition, there was no difference in top growth up to 200 mM compared to the control plot, and there was no significant difference in the maximum quantum yield, which proved that P. pusanensis has strong tolerance to salt stress.
Decision Tree Model for Educational Services Predicting Children’s Academic Performance by Income Group
Authors: Park Hae Seon , Lim Hye Kyung , Kim Hyun Ok
Published: May 2022

Background and objective This study used the decision tree analysis among data mining techniques to determine whether children’s academic performance can be classified and predicted by income group based on factors of educational services. Methods For empirical analysis, data from the 10th Panel Study on Korean Children collected in 2017 was utilized. A F test was conducted to analyze the differences in variables by income group, and a decision tree analysis was conducted on the cost and time of private education services utilized by children to predict their academic performance by income group. Results First, as a result of analyzing the research variables by income group, there was a significant difference in institute time, community center time, institute cost, lesson cost, after-school cost, and culture center cost. Second, as a result of the decision tree analysis that predicts children’s academic performance by income group, it was found that for children in the low-income group, institute cost, institute time, visiting cost, and after-school time were important variables that predict their academic performance. For children in the middle-income group, institute cost, after-school time, and after-school cost were important variables for predicting academic performance. For children in the high-income group, the important variables were institute time, institute cost, after-school time, and after-school cost. Conclusion There was no significant difference in children’s academic performance in the earlier grades of elementary school, but there was a significant difference in the private education service they utilized, which may affect future income gaps as well as education gaps. This suggested the need to diversify and improve the quality of public education services as a countermeasure for the fact that parental income will cause an academic gap among children through private education.
Influences of Rural Heritage on Resident Participation in Community Activities: A Case Study of the Villages of Jeoji-ri and Handong-ri on Jeju Island, South Korea
Authors: Sung Minki
Published: May 2022

Background and objective Recent research on cultural heritage has highlighted resident participation as an ideal method of managing local cultural heritages. However, many studies have raised questions about the practicality of this approach. This research undertook case studies of Jeoji-ri and Handong-ri on Jeju Island, South Korea focusing on how resident participation increases based on the related stakeholders, local heritages (natural, tangible and intangible cultural heritages) and social capital (trust and networking). Methods Sixty-one completed questionnaires were collected from adult residents of both villages (28 from Jeoji-ri and 33 from Handong-ri), and the resulting quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and the R programming language. In addition, two semi-structured interviews were undertaken with the leaders of each village, and the resulting qualitative data were analysed thematically. Results The study found that the village leaders of Handong-ri and Jeoji-ri successfully encouraged trust and participation among village residents, suggesting that resident participation is largely influenced by the relevant stakeholders and the social capital of residents. Networking and intangible cultural heritages, such as rituals or village oral traditions, positively influence resident participation. Conclusion This study suggests that the active utilisation of intangible cultural heritages and the networks developed by cooperating with essential stakeholders are vital for encouraging resident participation.
Perception and Intent to Participate of Indigenous Residents on Rural Tourism and Urban-Rural Exchange in Namhae County, South Korea
Authors: Park Myeong Sik , Kim Inhea , Huh Keun Young
Published: May 2022

Background and objective Rural tourism and urban-rural exchange projects require positive perception and participation of local residents. This study was conducted to analyze the perception and participation of indigenous residents and to propose ways to increase their intent to participate. Methods A survey was conducted to analyze indigenous residents’ perception of visitors, migrants, rural tourism and urban-rural exchange projects, and local government. The results were compared with the perceptions by visitors or migrants. In order to propose a plan for increasing their intent to participate, an equation composed of 5 explanatory variables was derived through stepwise multi-regression analysis. Results Indigenous residents were older, had a lower level of education compared to visitors or migrants, and perceived that the key motive of visitors was mainly enjoying the natural scenery and that having fun with family/friends was less important. Visitor satisfaction and intent to revisit were perceived to be lower. They were positive about the settlement of migrants. They generally rated tourism attributes low. They had a strong image of local agricultural products. They perceived that the awareness of rural tourism and urban-rural exchange projects was low, but the necessity was very high. For information source, they were less dependent on people around them and did not use much internet or social media. They perceived that the local revitalization was well performed, but the income from increased visitors was not as high as they expected. They strongly perceived the necessity of the local government’s role, but the level of its support was low. Conclusion Their perceptions tended to be consistently ‘undervalued’ overall compared to those of visitors or migrants. Their intent to participate can be effectively increased by preferentially improving awareness, partnership with migrants, and local government support focusing on income generation; reinforcing and proving the expertise of the department in charge; and spreading positive information about the success of major tourism resources.
Analysis of Importance and Performance of Mountain Village Revitalization Policy for Balanced Regional Development: Focused on Forestry and Agriculture Policy in 8 Regional Governments
Authors: Chae Jin-Hae , Kim Seong-Hak , Kang Byung-Hoon
Published: May 2022

Background and objective Due to the recent demographic crisis driving the extinction of certain local communities, it is necessary to promote core projects to revitalize mountain village and rural areas. Methods This study collected a total of 443 policy projects based on major policies and major business plans in the forestry and agricultural sectors of the eight regional governments in 2021. The collected 443 policy projects related to revitalizing the mountain villages were classified by 3 experts into 5 domains in the forestry sector, which further broke down into 27 types, 3 domains in the agricultural sector, and which further broke down into 23 types, for a total of 8 domains and 50 types, and an online survey of 42 policy stakeholders was then conducted. Analysis methods were t-test and Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA), and implications were derived through comparison between forestry and agricultural sectors. Results The analysis produced several findings. first, it was positive that many projects in the sustainability field appeared in both forestry and agricultural sectors, but it was found that the policy projects needed to be reviewed due to the lack of types corresponding to projects in the intensive promotion area. Intensive core efforts included “discovering forest cultural assets” and “creating forests to improve the environment.” Second, it is necessary to pay attention to the forestry policy sector, as the forestry policy sector were generally lower in importance and performance than the agricultural policy sector. Third, the domains with high importance and performance to mountain village revitalization were “forest welfare services”, “improving settlement environment”, and “increasing incomes” while the domains with low importance and performance were mountain villages and forest culture areas. Conclusion In summary, to revitalize mountain villages in response to the issue of the pending extinction of local communities, forest welfare service projects should continuously be promoted and strategic responses are required for “discovering forest cultural assets” and “creating forests for environmental improvement,” which are suggested as key strategic project types.
Psilocybe ningshanensis (Hymenogastraceae, Agaricales), a new species from China
Authors: HE XUE-LIAN , HUO WEN-YAN , ZHANG LI-GUANG , LIU YU , QI PENG , DAI LU , QIAO TING , LU PENGPENG , LI JUN-ZHI
Published: May 2022

The Qinling Mountains are the geographic boundary between northern and southern China. In our current study, we investigated the biodiversity of macrofungi in the Qinling Mountains of Shaanxi and discovered a new species, Psilocybe ningshanensis.
                The phylogenetic tree shows its position in a group composed by P. hopii and P. mescaleroensis. They differ in some macro- and microscopic features, such as the presence or absence of an annulus or veil, the surface characteristics of the pileus, and the sizes and shapes of basidiospores and cheilocystidia. In addition, they are geographically distanced. P. ningshanensis was first discovered in Ningshan, China, whereas P. hopii and P. mescaleroensis were both found in the United States. In this article, we introduce the new species with illustrated description, ITS sequences, and comparisons with similar species.
A new species of Sceloporus of the torquatus group (Reptilia: Phrynosomatidae) from West Mexico
Authors: FLORES-VILLELA OSCAR , SMITH ERIC N. , CAMPILLO-GARCÍA GUSTAVO , MARTÍNEZ-MÉNDEZ NORBERTO , CAMPBELL JONATHAN A.
Published: May 2022

We describe Sceloporus huichol sp. nov., a new species of spiny lizard of the genus Sceloporus, that is found in the mountainous regions of Jalisco and Nayarit in western Mexico. The new species belongs to the torquatus species group and has previously been confused with Sceloporus melanogaster, from which it differs by its smaller size, head color and nuchal collar. Additionally, Sceloporus huichol sp. nov. is different from the rest of its congeners by relevant genetic and morphologicall data. Despite having a complete nuchal collar, characteristic of Sceloporus torquatus, S. huichol sp. nov. is more closely related phylogenetically to S. melanogaster. Recognition of this new species brings the number of species in the torquatus group to nine.
Physiological Mechanism of Exogenous Silicon Alleviating Drought Stress in Maize
Authors: Guo Li-Feng , Liu Jin-Ping , Xu Jia-Qi , Wang Yu-Xian , Zhao Lei , Qian Cong
Published: May 2022

With the global warming, the impact of drought on agricultural production is increasingly prominent. Maize has a long growth period, high water demand, and is more sensitive to drought. Therefore, drought has always been one of the limited factors affecting the stable and increased
on global maize production. Si promotes seed germination and seedling growth, enhances agricultural sustainability. However, its effects on different growth stages and different drought degree of maize are unclear in the field. In this experiment, to study its effects of drought in the large
farmland moisture control test field (Xianyu 335) combined with exogenous Si during growth and development in maize. Exposed to drought-stressed conditions, Si further aggrandized antioxidant enzyme activities, reduced ROS contents, not only moderated AsA/DHA ratio but also GSH/GSSG ratio.
Adding exogenous Si, the plant height growth rate, biomass, photosynthetic pigment contents, gas exchange parameters, photosynthetic enzymes activity, the stomatal size and aperture improved significantly, the contents of osmolyte further increased, as well as the increases were greater in
the jointing stage than in the tasseling stage. In summary, applying exogenous Si can enhance the photosynthesis capacity of plants, promote the synthesis of osmotic substances, thus improving plant water metabolism balance, and enhance the antioxidant system, remove toxic substances, reduce
membrane peroxidation, maintain cell membrane stability, alleviate stomatal limitation, and enhance maize drought resistance of the plant, thereby increasing yield.
Active disturbance rejection control based on inertia estimation and variable gain for servomechanism of industrial robot
Authors: Jiang Wei , Chen Dafang , Zheng Ying , Qiu Xinguo , Wang Chen
Published: May 2022

This paper proposes an adaptive PID controller based on linear extended state observer (LESO) for the two-degree-of-freedom joint servomechanism of industrial robot with time-varying load, uncertainties of parameters and disturbance. The third-order extended state space equations of the system approximate model is established to obtain LESO which is applied to estimate the state values and the total disturbance. The model reference adaptive algorithm is used to estimate the variable moment of inertia to design the controller parameter for control law which is designed with disturbance compensation. By appropriately selecting the adaptive gain coefficient of model reference adaptive algorithm and the bandwidth of LESO, the influences of parameter uncertainty, unknown dynamics and disturbances are effectively attenuated. Simulation and experimental results show that the proposed method achieves both satisfactory disturbance rejection and tracking performances of the two-degree-of-freedom joint servomechanism.
Reconstructing Dalit Masculinities: A Study of Select Dalit Autobiographies
Authors: Mukherjee Riya , Jha Smita
Published: May 2022

The study of masculinities in India has largely been confined to the analysis and understanding of the upper caste hegemonic masculinity and complicit masculinity, with respect to emphasised femininity. The issue of Dalit masculinities has been subsumed in the larger discourse of South Asian masculinity. The present study intends to address this gap by delving into the nuances of Dalit masculinities through a detailed analysis of Aravind Mālagatti’s Government Brahmana and Baby Kamble’s The Prisons We Broke. The study would employ the categories of masculinities enunciated by Connell, while using a post-structuralist lens to question their absoluteness. In the process, the study would challenge the monolith of masculinity in general and Dalit masculinity in particular, which instead of being rigid and irrevocable has a plural and fluid identity.
The temptation of luck: The Machiavellian prince and the Hobbesian sovereign facing moral and honour-motivated responsibilities
Authors: Untea Ionut
Published: May 2022

In political philosophy, brute or circumstantial luck entails responsibilities. Even so, leaders may be tempted to capitalize on lucky endowments or circumstances that turn in their favour without giving too much attention to moral responsibility. This is because besides moral responsibility, there is another kind of responsibility that flows out of luck. Machiavelli and Hobbes provide the classic philosophical accounts of honour-based responsibility and universal moral responsibility. While this distinction is only suggested by Machiavelli, Hobbes explicitly develops an account of the laws of honour and the laws of nature that make the essential difference between a political community and a community where the state of war becomes less visible, although still ongoing.
Constructing the real-world driving cycle for electric vehicle applications: A comparative study
Authors: Chen Zeyu , Fang Zhiyuan , Zhang Qing , Zhou Nan , Yu Quanqing
Published: May 2022

Construction of real-world driving cycle is of great significance for designing and assessing the energy management strategy of electric vehicles. In this study, five methods of driving cycle construction are investigated, namely, the random selection method, principal component analysis-based method, clustering analysis method, Markov chain-based method, and the optimization-based method. Urban driving conditions in Shenyang, China, are used as a case study to construct the driving cycles using the five methods, respectively. Based on the above efforts, an evaluation method of driving cycle effectiveness is proposed from the three perspectives, namely, accuracy, operability, and reproducibility. Characteristic parameters, speed–acceleration probability distribution, impact on energy control effect, dependence on data volume, and result repeatability are considered specifically. The assessing results of the common methods are proposed by making systematic comparisons. The results disclose the advantages and disadvantages of each method and obtain the ranking of five methods in three performance indexes. The presented results are expected to provide a theoretical basis and useful guidance for establishing real-world driving cycles in practical engineering applications.
Oral Tongue Spontaneous Tumor Regression after Biopsy: A Case Report and Genomic Profile
Authors: Kumaresan Talitha , Rodriguez Daniel , Preece Jaclyn , Kmeid Michel , Foulke Llewellyn , Gildener-Leapman Neil
Published: May 2022

Spontaneous regression of a neoplasm is a rare oncologic phenomenon. Certain neoplasms, such as melanomas and neuroblastomas, display this phenomenon. To date, spontaneous regression of oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas has been documented in only a handful of case reports. We present a novel case of spontaneous regression of an oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma following biopsy. We discuss the tumor’s unique genetic profile, immune response to cancer, and review the literature on possible mechanisms of spontaneous regression. Small-volume persistent cancer in our patient reinforces that tissue confirmation remains crucial to avoid missing remaining tumor. Further investigation is required to understand mechanisms of spontaneous regression and how these may be exploited to improve head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treatment.
Does the History of Tracheoesophageal Fistula Repair Alter Outcomes of Laryngeal Cleft Repair?
Authors: Nebor Ivanna , Katz Kadosh Orna , Tabangin Meredith E. , Hart Catherine K. , Myer Charles M. , Smith Matthew M. , Meinzen-Derr Jareen K. , Rutter Michael , de Alarcón Alessandro
Published: May 2022

Objective

Tracheoesophageal fistula and esophageal atresia (TEA) and laryngeal cleft (LC) can coexist in some patients. The surgery‐specific success rate of LC repair in children with associated TEA has not been well described. The aim of the study is to determine if the history of TEA alters the LC repair outcomes.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Single‐institution academic medical center.

Method

A retrospective review was conducted of patients with LC with and without TEA repair between January 2001 and November 2020. Data collected and analyzed included demographics and clinical characteristics, LC type, and LC with TEA timing of repairs.

Results

An overall 282 patients met the inclusion criteria of LC repair: LC (n = 242, 85.8%) and LC + TEA (n = 40, 14.2%). Revision repair was required in 43 patients (15.2%) with 8 (2.8%) needing a second revision repair. The first LC revision rate in the LC group was 36/242 (14.9%) as compared with 7/40 (17.5%) in the LC + TEA group (P = .67). The second LC revision rate in the LC and LC + TEA groups was 7 (2.9%) and 1 (2.4%), respectively. The median time to revision was 5.1 months (interquartile range, 3.45–10.6) in the LC group as compared with 29.2 months (interquartile range, 4.8–44.2) in the LC + TEA group (P = .06).

Conclusion

The incidence of TEA and LC was 14.2% in our study. Based on our findings, history of TEA repair is not associated with a higher revision rate vs LC alone. The history of TEA repair did not alter the outcomes of LC repair.
Effects of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Chen Haoqian , Wang Zheng , Zhang Xinan , Sun Mingli
Published: May 2022

Objective

To systemically review the effects of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on pain relief and functional recovery in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA).

Data sources

PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were used from inception to 18 March 2022.

Review Methods

Meta-analysis was performed to evaluate pain and function recovery between control and LIPUS groups. Standardized mean difference (SMD) or mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated, and data were combined using the fixed or random-effect model.

Results

Thirteen studies involving 807 patients with KOA were included. Patients’ outcomes treated by LIPUS were improved significantly, including Visual analog scale (VAS) score (MD = −0.95, 95% CI: −1.43 to −0.48， P < 0.001), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) score (MD = −4.35, 95% CI: −8.30 to −0.40, P = 0.0309), Lysholm score (SMD = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.29 to 1.90, P < 0.001), Lequesne index (MD = −1.33, 95% CI: −1.69 to −0.96, P < 0.001), Range of motion (ROM) (MD = 2.43, 95% CI: 0.39 to 4.46, P = 0.0197) and 50 meter walking time (SMD = 1.48, 95% CI: 0.46 to 2.49, P = 0.0044). Subgroup analyses showed monotherapy of LIPUS produced a better effect on reducing VAS score ( P = 0.0213), and the shorter therapeutic period (≤4 weeks) produced a more significant effect on raising the WOMAC score ( P = 0.0083).

Conclusion

LIPUS was beneficial for pain relief and functional knee recovery and maybe as an alternative therapy in KOA rehabilitation.