bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy-Aware Controllability of Complex Networks
Authors: Baggio Giacomo , Pasqualetti Fabio , Zampieri Sandro
Published: November 2021

Understanding the fundamental principles and limitations of controlling complex networks is of paramount importance across natural, social, and engineering sciences. The classic notion of controllability does not capture the effort needed to control dynamical networks, and quantitative measures of controllability have been proposed to remedy this problem. This article presents an introductory overview of the practical (i.e., energy-related) aspects of controlling networks governed by linear dynamics. First, we introduce a class of energy-aware controllability metrics and discuss their properties. Then, we establish bounds on these metrics, which allow us to understand how the structure of the network impacts the control energy. Finally, we examine the problem of optimally selecting a set of control nodes so as to minimize the control effort, and compare the performance of some simple strategies to approximately solve this problem. Throughout the article, we include examples of structured and random networks to illustrate our results.
Exercise in Octogenarians: How Much Is Too Little?
Authors: Carrick-Ranson Graeme , Howden Erin J. , Levine Benjamin D.
Published: November 2021

The global population is rapidly aging, with predictions of many more people living beyond 85 years. Age-related physiological adaptations predispose to decrements in physical function and functional capacity, the rate of which can be accelerated by chronic disease and prolonged physical inactivity. Decrements in physical function exacerbate the risk of chronic disease, disability, dependency, and frailty with advancing age. Regular exercise positively influences health status, physical function, and disease risk in adults of all ages. Herein, we review the role of structured exercise training in the oldest old on cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular strength and power, attributes critical for physical function, mobility, and independent living.
Basis-Function Models in Spatial Statistics
Authors: Cressie Noel , Sainsbury-Dale Matthew , Zammit-Mangion Andrew
Published: November 2021

Spatial statistics is concerned with the analysis of data that have spatial locations associated with them, and those locations are used to model statistical dependence between the data. The spatial data are treated as a single realization from a probability model that encodes the dependence through both fixed effects and random effects, where randomness is manifest in the underlying spatial process and in the noisy, incomplete measurement process. The focus of this review article is on the use of basis functions to provide an extremely flexible and computationally efficient way to model spatial processes that are possibly highly nonstationary. Several examples of basis-function models are provided to illustrate how they are used in Gaussian, non-Gaussian, multivariate, and spatio-temporal settings, with applications in geophysics. Our aim is to emphasize the versatility of these spatial-statistical models and to demonstrate that they are now center-stage in a number of application domains. The review concludes with a discussion and illustration of software currently available to fit spatial-basis-function models and implement spatial-statistical prediction.
Application of Gabor Image Recognition Technology in Intelligent Clothing Design
Authors: Qiao Sujuan
Published: November 2021

Aiming at the complex problem of image recognition feature extraction, this paper proposes an intelligent clothing design model based on parallel Gabor image feature extraction algorithm. Based on the intelligent parallel mode, the algorithm decomposes and merges the calculation process of the image Gabor transformation, decomposes the entire image Gabor feature extraction calculation process into a parallel part and a nonparallel part, and accelerates the parallel part by using multiple cores. The calculation results are then combined to achieve the purpose of multicore parallel acceleration of the entire calculation process. Secondly, based on the consideration of improving the real-time performance of the intelligent clothing design system, combined with the existing multicore environment, this paper uses the intelligent model to design and implement the image parallel Gabor feature extraction algorithm and uses image processing and analysis technology to analyze the visual elements of traditional clothing and identify and quantify to form a relatively complete clothing visual element evaluation system, which provides a basis for large-scale collection and automated evaluation of clothing visual effects, as well as clothing trend tracking and prediction. Experiments show that the algorithm can effectively shorten the calculation time of Gabor image feature extraction and can obtain a good speedup in a multicore environment. At the same time, it combines with a multiscale intelligent clothing classification algorithm, on the basis of the VS2008 platform, combined with OpenCV 2.0, designed and implemented an intelligent clothing design system, and conducted experiments and system tests. The experimental results show that the algorithm given in this paper can accurately segment fabric defects from the background, which proves that the detection algorithm has a good detection effect. Simulation results show that the algorithm proposed in this paper can more accurately identify the state of clothing features, and the real-time performance of intelligent clothing design in a multicore environment has been improved to a certain extent.
Bilateral Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Palsy following Total Thyroidectomy in Triple A Syndrome, an Unexpected but Critical Complication
Authors: Chamberland Mathieu , Poulin Marc-Antoine , Beaudoin Danielle
Published: November 2021

Introduction. Triple “A” syndrome (TAS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder that presents in childhood with achalasia cardia, alacrima, ACTH-resistant adrenal insufficiency, with sensorimotor and autonomic polyneuropathy developing later in the course of the disease. Case Presentation. An adult white male affected by this syndrome underwent an uneventful total thyroidectomy for malignancy and suffered delayed bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy in the early postoperative hours. The palsy spontaneously resolved after a five-week course. Conclusion. Given the rarity of this severe condition and the absence of surgical or medical causes identifiable, there is possibility that it is the neurological involvement caused by TAS that predisposed the patient to this adverse outcome, precipitated by standard manipulations during surgery.
A 150 kDa Protein Derived from Bull Seminal Plasma Extended the Survival Time of Kacang Goat Sperm Stored at 5°C
Authors: Susilowati Suherni , Mustofa Imam , Wurlina Wurlina , Triana Indah Norma , Utama Suzanita , Utomo Budi
Published: November 2021

Artificial insemination has proven to be an effective method for increasing population size and genetic quality of Kacang goats. However, innovation is required to maintain the quality of Kacang goat semen in storage. This study aimed to examine the effects of supplementing the 150 kDa protein assumed as IGF-I complex derived from bull seminal plasma in skim milk-egg yolk extender on the quality of Kacang goat sperm stored at 5°C. Twelve ejaculates collected from three Kacang goats were divided into three groups. In the control group (T0), the ejaculates were extended with skim milk-egg yolk only. In the treatment groups (T1 and T2), the ejaculates were extended with skim milk-egg yolk supplemented with the IGF-I complex protein at 12 μg and 24 μg/100 mL, respectively. The extended semen was stored at 5°C, and the viability, motility, intactness of the plasma membrane, malondialdehyde concentration, and apoptotic sperm percentage were evaluated daily for five days. The results showed that the T1 was the most effective treatment for maintaining Kacang goat semen at a quality acceptable for artificial insemination over five days of storage at 5°C. However, the T0 and T2 groups retained acceptable qualities for only three days at 5°C. It could be concluded that supplementation of 12 μg of the 150 kDa protein derived from bull seminal plasma per 100 mL extender successfully extended the life span of Kacang goat sperm for five days.
[Retracted] Treatment of Severe Ptosis by Conjoint Fascial Sheath Suspension
Authors: Sang Pengfei , Fang Mingsong , Li Xuan , Liu Chang , Xi Qingchun
Published: November 2021

Objective. To explore the role of conjoint fascial sheath (CFS) suspension in the treatment of severe ptosis. Methods. A total of 110 patients with severe ptosis who were admitted to our hospital from May 2018 to December 2020 were included. Fifty‐seven patients treated with frontalis suspension were assigned into group A, and the remaining 53 patients treated with CFS suspension were assigned into group B. The curative effect, ocular surface alterations, complications, and satisfaction in the two groups were compared. Results. Patients in group B suffered from severe upper eyelid retraction and lid lag than those in group A, as well as more limited range of motion (ROM) (P < 0.05). The curative effect and patient satisfaction in group B were higher than those in group A (P < 0.05). Postsurgical complications in group B were fewer than those in group A (P < 0.05). Conclusion. CFS suspension is effective in the treatment of severe ptosis.
Application Value of Multimedia Artificial Intelligence Technology in English Teaching Practice
Authors: Xin Dou
Published: November 2021

Since the 1980s, with the continuous deepening of penetration of reform and liberalization, there has been scientific and technological development. In such an environment, the traditional teaching model of colleges and universities posed new challenges and put forward higher requirements for English teaching practice. To enhance the performance of English instruction, this article applies a multiple media technique to start English education practice; firstly, through the study of the current English teaching mode, it analyzes the specific needs of teachers and students and designs the functions to meet their specific needs. Secondly, combined with multimedia technology and network technology, a multimedia English practice teaching platform was designed and implemented. In this way, the overall educational efficiency has been increased by nearly 30%, and the acceptance of the model by students has been increased by 35%. Finally, this paper constructs a small multimedia piano practice teaching platform for testing and proves the practicability and usefulness of multimedia synthesis technology in English education practice through comparison with traditional English teaching effects. Experiments show that the adoption of multimedia artificial smart technology in English education has a remarkable impact on enhancing the result of English teaching, can stimulate students’ learning enthusiasm, and realize the reform of English teaching.
Comprehensive Evaluation Model of Environmental Quality in Ecological Reserve
Authors: Zhang Songjia , Yu Weiyang , Chen Teng
Published: November 2021

The environmental quality of the ecological protection zone directly affects the water quality and air quality of the area, thereby affecting the quality of people’s life. This paper constructs the evaluation index system of the environmental quality of the ecological protection area and determines the classification standards of each index, proposes the extension evaluation method of the environmental quality of the ecological protection area, and uses the entropy weight method to determine the weight of each level of index. Its purpose is to understand the development trend of environmental quality in all aspects of the ecological reserve through the dynamic evaluation of the environmental quality of the ecological reserve, so as to take corresponding countermeasures to promote the healthy development of the area. The constructed model was used to dynamically evaluate the environmental quality of the ecological reserve in Zhangjiakou City from 2008 to 2019. The research results show that the environmental quality gaps in different aspects of the ecological reserve of Zhangjiakou City are relatively large, and the overall regional ecological environment characteristic value is decreasing year by year, reflecting that the environmental quality of the ecological reserve of the region is getting better year by year.
How Employees Choose their Commuting Transport Mode: Analysis Using the Stimulus-Organism-Response Model
Authors: Djakfar Ludfi , Bria Melchior , Wicaksono Achmad
Published: November 2021

Although transport mode choice in commuting from home to work has been studied extensively, no prior research has investigated mode choice as an emotional response to external stimuli using the stimulus-organism-response (SOR) model. Therefore, this study applies the SOR model to explore commuters’ transport mode choice behaviour. The stimulus variables include trip characteristics, transport infrastructure and services, environment, and work characteristics; the organism variable includes the travel experience and attitude of the individual; and the response variables include use of public transport, private transport, and e-hailing. Data were collected using a questionnaire survey of 500 formal-sector workers in Jakarta; 430 respondents provided valid responses for analysis. The survey data were analysed using partial least squares-structural equation modelling. The results showed that the stimulus variables, namely, trip characteristics, transport infrastructure, environment, and work characteristics, had indirect effects on the choice of e-hailing through organism factors (travel experience and attitude). Also, the environment and work characteristic variables had an indirect effect on the choice of private transport through organism factors. Stimulus variables had no indirect effects on public transport usage. When travel experience was the stimulus variable, the indirect effect on public transport usage through attitude as the organism variable was significant. The response to the use of transport modes showed dynamic behaviour, depending on the provided stimulus and organism. These findings can be beneficial for establishing a more comprehensive strategy that includes the provision of infrastructure, improvement of transit service, the built environment, and employers’ policies to realise a sustainable commuting trip.
Coverage Control Optimization Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Networks Based on Combinatorial Mathematics
Authors: Wang Yongjie , Li Maolin
Published: November 2021

The traditional wireless sensor network coverage control optimization algorithm has the problems of long completion time, high energy consumption, and low coverage. A new algorithm based on combinational mathematics for wireless sensor network coverage control is proposed. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is used to optimize the coverage control process of wireless sensor networks. Then, the combined mathematics method is used to detect the local convergence problem. Finally, the quasi-physical forces of quasi-gravity and Coulomb force are used to integrate the quasi-physical force into the particle. In the process of velocity evolution, the speed correction process of particle swarm optimization is optimized, which can effectively avoid the local convergence problem of the particle swarm optimization algorithm, reduce the repeated coverage, and expand the coverage. The experimental results show that compared with the traditional algorithm, the proposed algorithm has short completion time, low energy consumption, and high coverage.
Minority Tourist Information Service and Sustainable Development of Tourism under the Background of Smart City
Authors: Zhan Li , Ning Kai
Published: November 2021

The continuous and in-depth development of smart technology has brought new development opportunities and challenges to the development of the tourism industry. This research mainly discusses the design of ethnic minority tourism information services and sustainable tourism development in the context of smart cities. The smart tourism public service application system must meet the three major requirements of different service objects. One is a smart service system aimed at satisfying tourists’ travel information services. The second is to meet the needs of tourism companies for online marketing and e-commerce on the platform. The third is to provide a platform for the government to master travel information and supervise the travel market to realize e-government management. Therefore, the smart tourism application system includes three aspects: service, market, and management. The smart tourism service module is a module that the platform provides tourists with “eating, accommodation, transportation, travel, shopping, and entertainment” tourism information inquiry and consulting services and also uses modern information technology to provide navigation, tour guide, and shopping guide services in tourism. The smart tourism marketing module is the corporate product display, image promotion, and platform sales services provided by the platform for tourism companies. The smart tourism management module provides tourism management departments with services for managing various types of tourism information on the platform, platform security operations, and emergency response systems. As an ethnic minority region, the total tourism revenue of M city in 2020 will reach 75.68 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 21.33%. This research will highlight the unique charm of ethnic minorities and help drive the economic development of one party.
Percutaneous Microwave Coagulation Therapy: A Promising Therapeutic Method for Breaking the Barrier of the Intertumor Heterogeneity
Authors: Guo Haoyue , Chen Bin , Li Wei , Wang Hao , Zhao Sha , Chen Peixin , Jiang Minlin , Zhao Lishu , Xu Kandi , Sun Hui , He Yayi , Zhou Caicun
Published: November 2021

Intertumor heterogeneity is common in various cancers and has been widely accepted as the primary cause of the diversity and variation of the effect of the same treatment on patients with the same type of tumor. Percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy (PMCT) is a minimally invasive and effective approach for destroying tumors by microwave beam under image guidance, which has been applied in lung cancer. However, no previous study has investigated the capability of PMCT solving intertumor heterogeneity. Here, we performed a component analysis of four lung cancer patients’ tumor microenvironment (TME) via single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and treated all four cases with PMCT. One patient’s TME could be classified into a hot tumor, mainly proinflammatory cytokines, and T cell infiltration. The other three patients’ TMEs were cold tumors, where immunosuppressive cells occupied a large proportion, including tumor-associated macrophages and cancer cells. Despite a high level of heterogeneity among their tumor microenvironment compositions, disease type and stage, and basic physical conditions, all four patients presented a stable disease (SD) without any cancer cell detected in the TME of cancer tissues after PMCT. In conclusion, this report uniquely contributed to the knowledge of the PMCT adaptation to tumor heterogeneity. Therefore, PMCT is promising to demonstrate a stable and robust antitumor efficacy in unresectable lung cancers with various TMEs.
B7-H3 Suppresses Antitumor Immunity via the CCL2–CCR2–M2 Macrophage Axis and Contributes to Ovarian Cancer Progression
Authors: Miyamoto Taito , Murakami Ryusuke , Hamanishi Junzo , Tanigaki Kenji , Hosoe Yuko , Mise Nathan , Takamatsu Shiro , Mise Yuka , Ukita Masayo , Taki Mana , Yamanoi Koji , Horikawa Naoki , Abiko Kaoru , Yamaguchi Ken , Baba Tsukasa , Matsumura Noriomi , Mandai Masaki
Published: November 2021

New approaches beyond PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition are required to target the immunologically diverse tumor microenvironment (TME) in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). In this study, we explored the immunosuppressive effect of B7-H3 (CD276) via the CCL2–CCR2–M2 macrophage axis and its potential as a therapeutic target. Transcriptome analysis revealed that B7-H3 is highly expressed in PD-L1–low, nonimmunoreactive HGSOC tumors, and its expression negatively correlated with an IFNγ signature, which reflects the tumor immune reactivity. In syngeneic mouse models, B7-H3 (Cd276) knockout (KO) in tumor cells, but not in stromal cells, suppressed tumor progression, with a reduced number of M2 macrophages and an increased number of IFNγ+CD8+ T cells. CCL2 expression was downregulated in the B7-H3 KO tumor cell lines. Inhibition of the CCL2–CCR2 axis partly negated the effects of B7-H3 suppression on M2 macrophage migration and differentiation, and tumor progression. In patients with HGSOC, B7-H3 expression positively correlated with CCL2 expression and M2 macrophage abundance, and patients with B7-H3–high tumors had fewer tumoral IFNγ+CD8+ T cells and poorer prognosis than patients with B7-H3–low tumors. Thus, B7-H3 expression in tumor cells contributes to CCL2–CCR2–M2 macrophage axis–mediated immunosuppression and tumor progression. These findings provide new insights into the immunologic TME and could aid the development of new therapeutic approaches against the unfavorable HGSOC phenotype.
Importance of Early Genetic Sequencing in Neonates Admitted to NICU with Recurrent Hypernatremia: Results of a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hu Liyuan , Yang Lin , Yan Kai , Wu Bingbing , Wang Huijun , Zhang Rong , Wang Jin , Cao Yun , Cheng Guoqiang , Zhou Wenhao
Published: November 2021

Objectives: The genetic characteristics in neonates admitted to the NICU with recurrent hypernatremia remained unknown. We aimed to implement early genetic sequencing to identify possible genetic etiologies, optimize the treatment, and improve the outcome. Methods: We prospectively performed exome sequencing or targeted panel sequencing on neonates diagnosed with recurrent hypernatremia (plasma sodium ≥150 mEq/L, ≥2 episodes) from January 1, 2016, to June 30, 2020. Results: Among 22,375 neonates admitted to the NICU, approximately 0.33% (73/22,375) developed hypernatremia. The incidence of hypernatremia >14 days and ≤14 days was 0.03% and 0.3%, respectively. Among 38 neonates who had ≥2 hypernatremia episodes, parents of 28 patients consented for sequencing. Genetic diagnosis was achieved in 25% neonates (7/28). Precision medicine treatment was performed in 85.7% (6/7) of the patients, including hydrochlorothiazide and indomethacin for 57.1% (4/7) with arginine vasopressin receptor 2 (AVPR2) deficiency-associated congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus; a special diet of fructose formula for 1 patient with solute carrier family 5 member 1 deficiency-associated congenital glucose-galactose malabsorption (1/7, 14.3%); and kallikrein-inhibiting ointment for 1 patient with serine protease inhibitor of Kazal-type 5 deficiency-associated Netherton syndrome (1/7, 14.3%). Only hypernatremia onset age (adjusted odds ratio 1.32 [1.01–1.72], p = 0.040) independently predicted the underlying genetic etiology. The risk of a genetic etiology of hypernatremia was 9.0 times higher for neonates with a hypernatremia onset age ≥17.5 days (95% confidence interval, 1.1–73.2; p = 0.038). Conclusions: Single-gene disorders are common in neonates with recurrent hypernatremia, and >50% of cases are caused by AVPR2 deficiency-associated congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. Early genetic testing can aid the diagnosis of unexplained recurrent neonatal hypernatremia and improve therapy and outcome.
The Prevalence of Mesangial Electron-Dense Deposits in PLA2R-Positive Membranous Nephropathy
Authors: Giannini Gabriel , Arend Lois J.
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Membranous nephropathy (MN) is a common cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults and can be primary or secondary. The antigenic target of antibodies in 70% of primary cases is phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R). The presence or absence of mesangial electron-dense deposits has been used to distinguish between primary and secondary MN. Mesangial deposits suggest MN due to lupus, infection, or other causes, though they are reported to occur in approximately 10% of primary MN. Staining for PLA2R is now frequently used for confirming a diagnosis of primary MN. If mesangial deposits predict a secondary cause, they should be more frequent in PLA2R-negative biopsies. Methods: A review of institutional kidney biopsies between March 2017 and June 2020 identified all cases of MN. Cases with a diagnosis of lupus or near “full-house” staining by immunofluorescence microscopy (IF) were excluded. Light microscopy, IF, and electron microscopy (EM) were performed. PLA2R staining was performed by IF. EM for all cases was reviewed and electron-dense deposit location, distribution, and size were determined. Results: Ninety-three cases of MN were identified, of which 86 had both PLA2R staining and EM performed. Of these, 51 cases (59%) were positive for PLA2R and 35 (41%) were negative. Mesangial electron-dense deposits were present in 22 (25.6%) of the 86 cases, including 27.5% (14/51) of PLA2R-positive cases and 22.8% (8/35) of PLA2R-negative cases. No difference was seen in size or distribution of deposits, or other features considered suggestive of secondary MN. Conclusion: PLA2R-negative cases were not more likely to have mesangial deposits than PLA2R-positive cases. Mesangial deposits should not be used as an indicator of secondary MN.
Safety and Diagnostic Yield of Radial Probe Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy for Peripheral Lung Lesions in Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Lee Jaemin , Kim Changhwan , Seol Hee Yun , Chung Hyeon Sung , Mok Jeongha , Lee Geewon , Jo Eun Jong , Kim Mi Hyun , Lee Kwangha , Kim Ki Uk , Park Hye-Kyung , Lee Min Ki , Eom Jung Seop
Published: November 2021

Background: Radial probe endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial lung biopsy (RP-EBUS-TBLB) is widely used for diagnosis of peripheral lung lesions (PLLs). To date, there have been no reports regarding the clinical outcomes of RP-EBUS-TBLB for PLLs in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Objectives: This study was performed between October 2017 and December 2019 to identify the safety and diagnostic performance of RP-EBUS-TBLB in IPF patients. Methods: Patients were divided into the usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) group (n = 39, 4%), the probable UIP group (n = 12, 1%), and the noninterstitial lung disease (non-ILD) group (n = 903, 95%). Results: The diagnostic yield was significantly lower in the UIP group than in the non-ILD group (62% vs. 76%; p = 0.042), but there were no significant differences between the UIP and probable UIP groups (62% vs. 83%; p = 0.293) or the probable UIP and non-ILD groups (83% vs. 76%; p = 0.741). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that the mean diameter of PLLs, positive bronchus sign on CT, and “within the lesion” status on EBUS were independently associated with success of the procedure. Especially, the presence of the UIP pattern on CT (OR, 0.385; 95% CI: 0.172–0.863; p = 0.020) was independently associated with failed diagnosis. Among patients with UIP, “within the lesion” status on EBUS (OR, 25.432; 95% CI: 2.321–278.666; p = 0.008) was shown to be a factor contributing to a successful diagnosis. Overall, there were no significant differences in complication rates among the 3 study groups. Conclusion: RP-EBUS-TBLB can be performed safely with an acceptable diagnostic yield, even in patients with IPF.
Depressive Symptoms, Cardiac Structure and Function, and Risk of Incident Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction and Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction in Late Life
Authors: Vu Bartholdy Katja , Claggett Brian L. , John Jenine E. , Skali Hicham , Solomon Scott D. , Mosley Thomas H. , Williams Janice E. , Kucharska‐Newton Anna , Biering‐Sørensen Tor , Shah Amil M.
Published: November 2021

Background

Depressive symptoms are associated with heightened risk of heart failure (HF), but their association with cardiac function and with HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) in late life is unclear. We aimed to determine the prevalence of depression in HFpEF and in HFrEF in late life, and the association of depressive symptoms with cardiac function and incident HFpEF and HFrEF.

Methods and Results

We studied 6025 participants (age, 75.3±5.1 years; 59% women; 20% Black race) in the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) study at visit 5 who underwent echocardiography and completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale questionnaire. Among HF‐free participants (n=5086), associations of Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale score with echocardiography and incident adjudicated HFpEF and HFrEF were assessed using multivariable linear and Cox proportional hazards regression. Prevalent HFpEF, but not HFrEF, was associated with a higher prevalence of depression compared with HF‐free participants (
P
<0.001 and
P
=0.59, respectively). Among HF‐free participants, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale score was not associated with cardiac structure and function after adjusting for demographics and comorbidities (all
P
>0.05). Over 5.5‐year follow‐up, higher Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale score was associated with heightened risk of incident HFpEF (hazard ratio [HR] [95% CI], 1.06 [1.04–1.12];
P
=0.02), but not HFrEF (HR [95% CI], 1.02 [0.96–1.08];
P
=0.54), independent of echocardiographic measures, NT‐proBNP (N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide), troponin, and hs‐CRP (high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein) (HR [95% CI], 1.06 [1.00–1.12];
P
=0.04).

Conclusions

Worse depressive symptoms predict incident HFpEF in late life, independent of common comorbidities, cardiac structure and function, and prognostic biomarkers. Further studies are necessary to understand the mechanisms linking depression to risk of HFpEF.
Risk Classification for Metabolic Syndrome and the Incidence of Cardiovascular Disease in Japan With Low Prevalence of Obesity: A Pooled Analysis of 10 Prospective Cohort Studies
Authors: Iso Hiroyasu , Cui Renzhe , Takamoto Iseki , Kiyama Masahiko , Saito Isao , Okamura Tomonori , Miyamoto Yoshihiro , Higashiyama Aya , Kiyohara Yutaka , Ninomiya Toshiharu , Yamada Michiko , Nakagawa Hideaki , Sakurai Masaru , Shimabukuro Michio , Higa Moritake , Shimamoto Kazuaki , Saito Shigeyuki , Daimon Makoto , Kayama Takamasa , Noda Mitsuhiko , Ito Sadayoshi , Yokote Koutaro , Ito Chikako , Nakao Kazuwa , Yamauchi Toshimasa , Kadowaki Takashi
Published: November 2021

Background

It is uncertain whether risk classification under the nationwide program on screening and lifestyle modification for metabolic syndrome captures well high‐risk individuals who could benefit from lifestyle interventions. We examined the validity of risk classification by linking the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Methods and Results

Individual‐level data of 29 288 Japanese individuals aged 40 to 74 years without a history of CVD from 10 prospective cohort studies were used. Metabolic syndrome was defined as the presence of high abdominal obesity and/or overweight plus risk factors such as high blood pressure, high triglyceride or low high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and high blood glucose levels. The risk categories for lifestyle intervention were information supply only, motivation‐support intervention, and intensive support intervention. Sex‐ and age‐specific hazard ratios and population attributable fractions of CVD, which were also further adjusted to consider non–high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, were estimated with reference to nonobese/overweight individuals, using Cox proportional hazard regression. Since the reference category included those with risk factors, we set a supernormal group (nonobese/overweight with no risk factor) as another reference. We documented 1023 incident CVD cases (565 men and 458 women). The adjusted CVD risk was 60% to 70% higher in men and women aged 40 to 64 years receiving an intensive support intervention, and 30% higher in women aged 65 to 74 years receiving a motivation‐support intervention, compared with nonobese/overweight individuals. The population attributable fractions in men and women aged 40 to 64 years receiving an intensive support intervention were 17.7% and 6.6%, respectively, while that in women aged 65 to 74 years receiving a motivation‐support intervention was 9.4%. Compared with the supernormal group, nonobese/overweight individuals with risk factors had similar hazard ratios and population attributable fractions as individuals with metabolic syndrome.

Conclusions

Similar CVD excess and attributable risks among individuals with metabolic syndrome components in the absence and presence of obesity/overweight imply the need for lifestyle modification in both high‐risk groups.
Cardiac Computed Tomography Versus Transesophageal Echocardiography for the Detection of Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus: A Systemic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Yu Shandong , Zhang Heping , Li Hongwei
Published: November 2021

Background

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has been considered the gold standard for left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus detection. Nevertheless, TEE may sometimes induce discomfort and cause complications. Cardiac computed tomography has been studied extensively for LAA thrombus detection. We performed this systemic review and meta‐analysis to assess the diagnostic accuracy of cardiac computed tomography for LAA thrombus detection compared with TEE.

Methods and Results

A systemic search was conducted in the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases from January 1977 to February 2021. Studies performed for assessment diagnostic accuracy of cardiac computed tomography on LAA thrombus compared with TEE were included. Summary sensitivity, specificity, and posterior probability of LAA thrombus was calculated by using bivariate random‐effects model. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies‐2 tool was used for the quality assessment. A total of 27 studies involving 6960 patients were included in our study. The summary sensitivity of early imaging studies was 0.95 (95% CI, 0.79–0.99), and the specificity was 0.89 (95% CI, 0.85–0.92). The positive posterior probability was 19.11%, and the negative posterior probability was 0.16%. The summary sensitivity of delayed imaging studies was 0.98 (95% CI, 0.92–1.00), and the specificity was 1.00 (95% CI, 0.98–1.00). The positive posterior probability was 95.76%, and the negative posterior probability was 0.12%. The delayed imaging method significantly improved the specificity (1.00 versus 0.89;
P
<0.05) and positive posterior probability (95.76% versus 19.11%;
P
<0.05).

Conclusions

Cardiac computed tomography with a delayed imaging is a reliable alternative to TEE. It may save the patient and health care from an excess TEE.

Registration

URL:
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO
; Unique identifier: CRD42021236352.
Variations of body mass and thermogenesis properties in Eothenomys olitor during cold acclimatization
Authors: Yang Ya-zuo , Han Chun-yan , Jia Ting , Wang Zheng-kun , Zhu Wan-long , Zhang Hao
Published: November 2021

The set-point hypothesis states that there is a biological control method in mammals that actively regulates weight toward a predetermined set weight for each individual, which may occur by regulation of energy intake or energy expenditure. In order to investigate the effects of low temperature on body mass regulation in Eothenomys olitor, body mass, body fat mass, food intake, resting metabolic rate (RMR), non-shivering thermogenesis (NST), serum leptin levels, morphology, biochemical indexes of liver and brown adipose tissue (BAT) and hypothalamic neuropeptide genes expression were measured during cold acclimatization. The results showed that there was no significant difference in body mass, but food intake, RMR and NST increased during cold acclimatization. Cytochrome c oxidase (COX) and α-glycerophosphate oxidase (α-GPO) activities in liver and BAT were significantly enhanced during cold acclimatization, and triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels in serum were significantly higher than those in the control group. Serum leptin levels decreased after cold acclimatization. Low temperature significantly increased the expression of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and agouti-related peptide (AgRP), while it decreased cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide (CART) and pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) expressions. All of the above results suggested that body mass in E. olitor can remain relatively stable at low temperature, which conforms to the ‘set-point hypothesis’. However, the species showed differences with sympatric species, such as E. miletus, Apodemus chevrieri and Tupaia belangeri. Moreover, E. olitor can cope with low temperature by increasing its metabolic rate and thermogenesis properties.
Cubans Mobilize Due to the Blockade and the Pandemic
Authors: Tamayo Manuel Salgado
Published: November 2021

The article analyzes the protests in Cuba in the context of the economic blockade and the health crisis as a consequence of the covid 19 pandemic. The current policy of the United States with President Joe Biden and the distances with the diplomacy of Barack Obama and the events after the more than two hundred measures adopted by Donald Trump, who adopted more than 240 additional measures to deepen the blockade. Additionally, the policy of the United States is detailed historically with Cuba and the milestones of the influence of the Cuban Revolution in Latin America are detailed.
Analysis of the Political Situation of the Protests: Cuba, between Disenchantment and Deprivation
Authors: Cahuasquí Cevallos Santiago
Published: November 2021

This article seeks to provide a brief reflection on the causes of the recent social protests in Cuba that took place in July 2021, addressing in a special way the deprivation of services and rights as the main trigger for satiety and claims. As in 1994 protests were marked by the “special period”, in 2021 protests were set by the covid-19 pandemic and the unilateral coercive sanctions of the United States with an impact on three fundamental areas: tourism, remits and fuel supply.
Neonatal Outcomes of Pregnant Women With Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019: One-Year Experience of a Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Melekoglu Nuriye Asli , Ozdemir Halis , Yasar Seyma
Published: November 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic became an important public health problem affecting all age groups. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical and laboratory findings of newborns born to mothers with COVID-19. Thirty pregnant women with COVID-19 were admitted to Turgut Ozal University Hospital for delivery. Fourteen pregnant women had at least one symptom associated with COVID-19. Positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results were seen in only 3 (9.7%) of 31 newborns. A statistically significant difference was observed between PCR-positive and PCR-negative newborns in terms of any adverse pregnancy outcomes. Neonatal lymphocyte count and partial arterial oxygen pressure were significantly lower in the PCR-positive group. Results were also compared according to the interval from the maternal diagnosis time to delivery. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in newborns born to mothers diagnosed more than 7 days before delivery were significantly lower. Neonates born to mothers with COVID-19 had mild clinical symptoms and favorable outcomes.
Gas1 Regulates Patterning of the Murine and Human Dentitions through Sonic Hedgehog
Authors: Seppala M. , Thivichon-Prince B. , Xavier G.M. , Shaffie N. , Sangani I. , Birjandi A.A. , Rooney J. , Lau J.N.S. , Dhaliwal R. , Rossi O. , Riaz M.A. , Stonehouse-Smith D. , Wang Y. , Papageorgiou S.N. , Viriot L. , Cobourne M.T.
Published: November 2021

The mammalian dentition is a serially homogeneous structure that exhibits wide numerical and morphological variation among multiple different species. Patterning of the dentition is achieved through complex reiterative molecular signaling interactions that occur throughout the process of odontogenesis. The secreted signaling molecule Sonic hedgehog (Shh) plays a key role in this process, and the Shh coreceptor growth arrest-specific 1 (Gas1) is expressed in odontogenic mesenchyme and epithelium during multiple stages of tooth development. We show that mice engineered with Gas1 loss-of-function mutation have variation in number, morphology, and size of teeth within their molar dentition. Specifically, supernumerary teeth with variable morphology are present mesial to the first molar with high penetrance, while molar teeth are characterized by the presence of both additional and absent cusps, combined with reduced dimensions and exacerbated by the presence of a supernumerary tooth. We demonstrate that the supernumerary tooth in Gas1 mutant mice arises through proliferation and survival of vestigial tooth germs and that Gas1 function in cranial neural crest cells is essential for the regulation of tooth number, acting to restrict Wnt and downstream FGF signaling in odontogenic epithelium through facilitation of Shh signal transduction. Moreover, regulation of tooth number is independent of the additional Hedgehog coreceptors Cdon and Boc, which are also expressed in multiple regions of the developing tooth germ. Interestingly, further reduction of Hedgehog pathway activity in Shhtm6Amc hypomorphic mice leads to fusion of the molar field and reduced prevalence of supernumerary teeth in a Gas1 mutant background. Finally, we demonstrate defective coronal morphology and reduced coronal dimensions in the molar dentition of human subjects identified with pathogenic mutations in GAS1 and SHH/GAS1, suggesting that regulation of Hedgehog signaling through GAS1 is also essential for normal patterning of the human dentition.
State–Level Sexism and Gender Disparities in Health Care Access and Quality in the United States
Authors: Rapp Kristen Schorpp , Volpe Vanessa V. , Hale Tabitha L. , Quartararo Dominique F.
Published: November 2021

In this investigation, we examined the associations between state-level structural sexism—a multidimensional index of gender inequities across economic, political, and cultural domains of the gender system—and health care access and quality among women and men in the United States. We linked administrative data gauging state-level gender gaps in pay, employment, poverty, political representation, and policy protections to individual-level data on health care availability, affordability, and quality from the national Consumer Survey of Health Care Access (2014–2019; N = 24,250). Results show that higher state-level sexism is associated with greater inability to access needed health care and more barriers to affording care for women but not for men. Furthermore, contrary to our hypothesis, women residing in states with higher state-level sexism report better quality of care than women in states with lower levels of sexism. These findings implicate state-level sexism in perpetuating gender disparities in health care.
MILITARY POWER DOES NOT DENOTE CAPACITY
Authors: Teixeira Victor Alexandre G.
Published: November 2021

The following study analyzes the exercise of power by both the United States and China in their confrontation for hegemonic dominance. Through observational and qualitative methods, an examination of the mechanisms underlying China's strategic statecraft and how it implements its exercise of power reveals its genesis and how it contested and controlled the order in Southeast Asia. Navigating through economic indicators, the research determines that the decline of American power is a myth, but it establishes a decline in its influence and prestige arising from its strategic and tactical choices. The study identified multiple systemic contingencies and political irrationalities for the non-realization of systemic unipolarity, resulting in a nonpolar world. It concludes that neither the incomparable military power of the United States nor the greater economic power of China has, in the contemporary world, fundamental comparative advantages for achieving systemic hegemony.
Using Sociological Images to Develop the Sociological Imagination
Authors: Bostean Georgiana , Leitz Lisa
Published: November 2021

We present a two-assignment series that developed students’ sociological imaginations and that could be done in a face-to-face or online course. The series used the Sociological Images blog and students’ own visual images (e.g., photographs) to meet course learning goals: (1) link sociological theories and concepts to social events/trends, (2) apply these ideas to real life by identifying sociologically relevant images in daily life, and (3) communicate sociological analysis in academic and popular written forms. The use of a blog encourages students to embrace public sociology. We present faculty and student assessment data (pretest from nonequivalent comparisons group) from six lower division sociology classes at a regional university (N = 157). Students entered with little a priori ability to examine images using a sociological lens, and students who completed the series successfully applied sociological concepts and theories to critically examine elements of their lives, achieving core sociology disciplinary learning goals.
Cheering my friends up: The unique role of Interpersonal emotion regulation strategies in social competence
Authors: Kwon Kyongboon , López-Pérez Belén
Published: November 2021

A systematic investigation has been lacking regarding children’s deliberate regulation of others’ emotions which is labeled interpersonal emotion regulation (ER). Based on a theoretically derived model of Interpersonal Affect Classification, we examined children’s interpersonal ER strategy use in the peer group. Participants were 398 fourth and fifth grade children from the Midwestern United States. Children rated themselves regarding their use of intrapersonal and interpersonal ER strategies as well as attention to friends’ emotions. Teacher-report and peer nominations were used to assess social competence regarding prosocial behavior and emotion sharing. Awareness of and attention to friends’ emotions were positively and more strongly associated with interpersonal ER than intrapersonal ER. Children reported affective engagement most strongly followed by humor, cognitive engagement, and attention to improve friends’ feelings. Among the four interpersonal ER strategies, only affective engagement was uniquely associated with social competence; intrapersonal ER was not associated with social competence. The findings support the significance of broadening the focus of ER to the interpersonal domain to promote the development of children’s ER and social competence.
The dialectics of universalism and particularism: World society, religious traditions, and women’s political representation, 1960–2013
Authors: Cole Wade M
Published: November 2021

This study develops a model of macro-cultural identity inspired by the work of George Herbert Mead. The model puts world society theory, which emphasizes the homogenizing effects of ‘world culture,’ into conversation with civilization-analytic perspectives, which contend that religious and civilizational differences grow increasingly salient over time. The author regards these approaches as dialectically co-implicated. To test the model, the article analyzes cross-cultural heterogeneity in the effects of world society linkages on women’s share of parliamentary seats between 1960 and 2013. Countries are grouped into cultural zones based primarily on religious composition and secondarily on geographical region. The results generally support world society theory. Contrary to civilization-analytic perspectives, cultural resistance to women’s representation is most pronounced early but fades over time. Despite overall increases in women’s representation, there is little cross-cultural convergence, giving rise to improvement without isomorphism. The study concludes with a refined model of world society effects.