bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Air Pollution and Breast Cancer: An Examination of Modification By Underlying Familial Breast Cancer Risk
Authors: Niehoff Nicole M. , Terry Mary Beth , Bookwalter Deborah B. , Kaufman Joel D. , O'Brien Katie M. , Sandler Dale P. , White Alexandra J.
Published: December 2021

Background:

An increased familial risk of breast cancer may be due to both shared genetics and environment. Women with a breast cancer family history may have a higher prevalence of breast cancer–related gene variants and thus increased susceptibility to environmental exposures. We evaluated whether air pollutant and breast cancer associations varied by familial risk.

Methods:

Sister Study participants living in the contiguous United States at enrollment (2003–2009; N = 48,453), all of whom had at least one first-degree relative with breast cancer, were followed for breast cancer. Annual NO2 and PM2.5 concentrations were estimated at the enrollment addresses. We predicted 1-year familial breast cancer risk using the Breast and Ovarian Analysis of Disease Incidence and Carrier Estimation Algorithm (BOADICEA). Using Cox regression, we estimated HRs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations between each pollutant dichotomized at the median and breast cancer with interaction terms to examine modification by BOADICEA score.

Results:

NO2 was associated with a higher breast cancer risk among those with BOADICEA score >90th percentile (HR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.05–1.56) but not among those with BOADICEA score ≤90th percentile (HR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.90–1.06; Pinteraction = 0.01). In contrast to NO2, associations between PM2.5 and breast cancer did not vary between individuals with BOADICEA score >90th percentile and ≤90th percentile (Pinteraction = 0.26).

Conclusions:

Our results provide additional evidence that air pollution may be implicated in breast cancer, particularly among women with a higher familial risk.

Impact:

Women at higher underlying breast cancer risk may benefit more from interventions to reduce exposure to NO2.
ImmunoPET of Ovarian and Pancreatic Cancer with AR9.6, a Novel MUC16-Targeted Therapeutic Antibody
Authors: Sharma Sai Kiran , Mack Kyeara N. , Piersigilli Alessandra , Pourat Jacob , Edwards Kimberly J. , Keinänen Outi , Jiao Maria S. , Zhao Huiyong , White Brandy , Brooks Cory L. , de Stanchina Elisa , Madiyalakan Madi R. , Hollingsworth Michael A. , Radhakrishnan Prakash , Lewis Jason S. , Zeglis Brian M.
Published: December 2021

Purpose:

Advances in our understanding of the contribution of aberrant glycosylation to the pro-oncogenic signaling and metastasis of tumor cells have reinvigorated the development of mucin-targeted therapies. Here, we validate the tumor-targeting ability of a novel monoclonal antibody (mAb), AR9.6, that binds MUC16 and abrogates downstream oncogenic signaling to confer a therapeutic response.

Experimental Design:

The in vitro and ex vivo validation of the binding of AR9.6 to MUC16 was achieved via flow cytometry, radioligand binding assay (RBA), and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The in vivo MUC16 targeting of AR9.6 was validated by creating a 89Zr-labeled radioimmunoconjugate of the mAb and utilizing immunoPET and ex vivo biodistribution studies in xenograft models of human ovarian and pancreatic cancer.

Results:

Flow cytometry, RBA, and IHC revealed that AR9.6 binds to ovarian and pancreatic cancer cells in an MUC16-dependent manner. The in vivo radiopharmacologic profile of 89Zr-labeled AR9.6 in mice bearing ovarian and pancreatic cancer xenografts confirmed the MUC16-dependent tumor targeting by the radioimmunoconjugate. Radioactivity uptake was also observed in the distant lymph nodes (LNs) of mice bearing xenografts with high levels of MUC16 expression (i.e., OVCAR3 and Capan-2). IHC analyses of these PET-positive LNs highlighted the presence of shed antigen as well as necrotic, phagocytized, and actively infiltrating neoplastic cells. The humanization of AR9.6 did not compromise its ability to target MUC16-expressing tumors.

Conclusions:

The unique therapeutic mechanism of AR9.6 combined with its excellent in vivo tumor targeting makes it a highly promising theranostic agent. huAR9.6 is poised for clinical translation to impact the management of metastatic ovarian and pancreatic cancers.
Development and Validation of a Dermoscopic Severity Score for Female Pattern Hair Loss
Authors: Penha Mariana Álvares , Müller Ramos Paulo , de Souza Vinícius , Miot Helio Amante
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Despite the high prevalence and impact on quality of life, there are no objective methods to estimate the severity of female pattern hair loss (FPHL). Here, we aimed to develop a dermoscopic severity score for FPHL. Methods: Cross-sectional study involving 76 women with FPHL and 12 controls. Standardized dermoscopic photos of the scalp were taken to evaluate the main findings of FPHL. The variable selection and their scores in the final model were defined by multivariate methods. Twenty participants were retested to assess the reliability, and 10 participants were tested before and after treatment for estimating its sensibility to change after 6 months. Results: Eight patients (11%) presented the Sinclair clinical scale grade I, 40 (53%) presented at grade II, 19 (25%) presented at grade III, and 9 (12%) presented at grades IV and V. In the multivariate exploration, the following variables were considered significant: total terminal hairs, total miniaturized hairs, brown peripilar sign, scalp honeycomb pigmentation, white peripilar sign, and yellow dots. The final model resulted in a high correlation (rho = 0.89) with the ranked clinical assessment. Conclusion: An objective and reliable severity score of FPHL was developed and validated, allowing its use as an additional outcome in therapeutic trials.
Lymphocyte Subsets Are Associated with Disease Status in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Yang Hong , Liu Wei , Wu Yi-Fan , Zhu De-Sheng , Shen Xia-Feng , Guan Yang-Tai
Published: December 2021

Objective: At present, studies on lymphocytes are mostly conducted on CD19+ B cells and CD27+ B cells in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSDs), but the exact changes in lymphocyte subsets (CD19+ B cells, CD3+ T cells, CD4+ Th cells, CD8+ Ts cells, the CD4+/CD8+ ratio, and NK [CD56+ CD16] cells) have rarely been studied. This study aimed to assess lymphocyte subset changes in patients with NMOSD. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study of consecutive patients with acute NMOSD (n = 41), chronic NMOSD (n = 21), and healthy individuals (n = 44). Peripheral blood samples were obtained upon admission, and lymphocyte subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry. Levels of lymphocyte subsets among 3 groups were compared and its correlation with the length of spinal cord lesions was analyzed. Results: The levels of peripheral blood CD19+ B cells were significantly higher in patients with acute and chronic NMOSD than in healthy controls (HCs) (17.91 ± 8.7%, 13.08 ± 7.562%, and 12.48 ± 3.575%, respectively; p < 0.001) and were positively correlated with the length of spinal cord lesions in acute NMOSD (r = 0.433, p < 0.05). The peripheral blood CD4+/CD8+ ratio was significantly lower in patients with acute NMOSD and chronic NMOSD than in HCs (1.497 ± 0.6387, 1.33 ± 0.5574, and 1.753 ± 0.659, respectively; p < 0.05), and the levels of peripheral blood NK (CD56+ CD16) cells were significantly lower in patients with acute and chronic NMOSD than in HCs (13.6 ± 10.13, 11.11 ± 7.057, and 14.7 [interquartile range = 9.28], respectively; p < 0.01). Conclusions: The levels of certain subsets of peripheral blood lymphocytes are associated with disease status in NMOSD.
Hemodialysis Patients with Cardiovascular Disease Reveal Increased Tissue Na+ Deposition
Authors: Friedrich Anna-Carolina , Linz Peter , Nagel Armin M. , Rosenhauer Daniela , Horn Stephan , Schiffer Mario , Uder Michael , Kopp Christoph , Dahlmann Anke
Published: December 2021

Background: The relationship between Na+ balance and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in hemodialysis (HD) patients is not yet fully understood. We hypothesized that HD patients co-diagnosed with CVD show increased tissue Na+ accumulation compared to HD patients without CVD. Methods: In our observational study, 52 HD patients were divided into a group with (23 subjects) or without (29 subjects) a positive history of cardiovascular events. We used 23Na-magnetic resonance imaging (23Na-MRI) at 3.0 Tesla to quantify Na+ content in skin and muscle of both groups directly before and after HD. Additionally, total body fluid distribution was determined by bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) and laboratory parameters were assessed. Results: Compared to HD patients without CVD, 23Na-MRI detected an increased Na+ content in skin (21.7 ± 7.3 vs. 30.2 ± 9.8 arbitrary units (a.u.), p < 0.01) and muscle tissue (21.5 ± 3.6 vs. 24.7 ± 6.0 a.u., p < 0.05) in patients with previous CVD events. Simultaneously measured fluid amount by BIS, includingexcess extracellular water (1.8 ± 1.7 vs. 2.2 ± 1.7 L, p = 0.44), was not significantly different between both groups. Tissue Na+ accumulation in HD-CVD patients was paralleled by a higher plasma concentration of the inflammation marker interleukin-6 (5.1, IQR 5.8 vs. 8.5, IQR 7.9 pg/mL, p < 0.05). Conclusion: In our cohort, HD patients with CVD showed higher tissue Na+ content than HD patients without CVD, while no difference in body water distribution could be detected between both groups. Our findings provide evidence that the history of a cardiovascular event is associated with disturbances in tissue Na+ content in HD patients.
The 370-Da Inhibitor of the Sodium Pump in the Plasma of Haemodialysis Patients
Authors: Makanjuola David , Lord Gwyn A. , Hilton Philip J.
Published: December 2021

Background: Previous studies have shown that a molecule of mass 370 Da that inhibits the sodium pump can be extracted from human placentas and from the concentrated plasma or ultrafiltrate of volume-expanded patients. Aim: This study aimed to study the abundance of the 370-Da molecule and its changes across dialysis in a population of patients with renal failure treated by haemodialysis. Methods: Four millilitres of pre- and post-dialysis blood samples (2 mL plasma) were taken from patients receiving intermittent haemodialysis and analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high sensitivity mass spectrometry. Results: In over half of the study population, the 370-Da molecule was present in abundance that exceeded the limit of quantitation. Most patients experienced a marked fall in the abundance of the molecule over a haemodiafiltration session, though exceptions were seen in 2 individuals, both of whom showed clear evidence for the presence of 2 structural isomers of the 370-Da molecule. Conclusions: Advanced renal failure is frequently accompanied by an increased abundance of a 370-Da inhibitor of the sodium pump and that abundance is strongly impacted by haemodialysis. The technique described here could readily be applied to other clinical situations where sodium pump inhibition might be anticipated, such as hypertension, pregnancy, and foetal medicine, and thereby lead to a better understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology of these conditions.
STAT3 Promotes Cell Proliferation by Potentiating the CCL4 Transcriptional Activity in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Xiao Shuxin , Fan Chuanbo , Ma Jinlong , Xue Hongwei , Xu Liqin
Published: December 2021

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a transcription factor and a candidate therapeutic option for human cancers. However, the underlying mechanism of STAT3 in the pathogenesis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is yet to be established. We studied here whether STAT3 contributes to C-C motif chemokine ligand (CCL4) transcription elevation in DLBCL. Our established protein-protein interactions network revealed the overexpression of STAT3 and CCL4 in DLBCL. Mechanistically, STAT3 activated CCL4 transcription to induce the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. The prognostic analysis exhibited that the overall survival of patients with high STAT3 and CCL4 were poorer than those with low STAT3 and CCL4 expression. In addition, silencing of STAT3 reverted the malignant phenotype in DLBCL cells. CCL4 overexpression partly weakened the si-STAT3-mediated antitumor effects on DLBCL cells. Tumor xenograft models showed that si-STAT3 inhibited tumor growth in vivo and decreased proliferative and mitogenic activities in tumor tissues, which was consistent with the in vitro data. Hence, this study provides new evidence that STAT3 and CCL4 may be new prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for treating DLBCL.
Elevated Urinary VEGF-A, Transferrin, and Angiotensinogen Levels in Normoalbuminuric Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes: Can They Be Early Markers of Diabetic Kidney Disease?
Authors: Dağdeviren Çakır Aydilek , Saygılı Seha Kamil , Canpolat Nur , Konukoğlu Dildar , Turan Hande , Çalışkan Salim , Sever Lale , Ercan Oya , Evliyaoğlu Olcay
Published: December 2021

Objective: We hypothesized that diabetic kidney disease (DKD) begins early, before albuminuria occurs. We therefore aimed to assess potential early urinary biomarkers of DKD in normoalbuminuric and normotensive children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) to evaluate the relationship between these markers and clinical and laboratory risk factors for DKD. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 75 children and adolescents with T1D (62% females, mean age 13.9 ± 3.2 years) with normoalbuminuria (an albumin/creatinine ratio [ACR] below 30 mg/g creatinine). Fifty-five age- and sex-matched healthy children and adolescents served as controls. For the assessment of early DKD, urinary levels of angiotensinogen (AGT), transferrin, nephrin, vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) were measured in adequately collected 24-h urine samples using enzyme-linked immunoassays. Results: The mean disease duration was 7.3 ± 3.2 (range 2.1–15.7) years, and the mean HbA1c level was 8.8 ± 1.4%. The median levels of urine VEGF-A/Cr, AGT/Cr, and transferrin/Cr were significantly higher in normoalbuminuric patients with T1D, compared with those of controls (p < 0.001, p = 0.02, and p = 0.001, respectively), but there was no difference in nephrin/Cr and KIM-1/Cr between the 2 groups. Although none of the patients had albuminuria, the median level of urine ACR was significantly higher in the patient group than the control group (p = 0.003). The ACR was positively correlated with glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Urinary transferrin/Cr, AGT/Cr, and VEGF-A/Cr were significantly correlated with ACR, but not with either GFR or diabetic risk factors including HbA1c or disease duration. Conclusion: Normoalbuminuric and normotensive children and adolescents with T1D have elevated urinary VEGF, AGT, and transferrin levels, which may indicate the development of DKD before albuminuria occurs.
Crizotinib versus Alectinib for the Treatment of ALK-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zeng Qinghua , Zhang Xiquan , He Shan , Zhou Zhiyong , Xia Luping , Zhang Wenxiong , Zeng Lin
Published: December 2021

Background: Crizotinib and alectinib are the 2 most commonly used anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitors for ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We compared their antitumor efficacies and adverse effects based on a pooled analysis of the ALEX, ALESIA, and J-ALEX clinical trials. Methods: Seven databases were searched for eligible articles. The primary endpoints included overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), central nervous system (CNS)-PFS, drug responses, and adverse effects (AEs). Results: Seven articles on 3 randomized controlled clinical trials (ALEX, ALESIA, and J-ALEX) that included 697 patients were included. Compared with crizotinib, alectinib exhibited superior efficacy in PFS (HR [hazard ratio]: 0.35 [0.25–0.49], p < 0.00001), OS (HR: 0.66 [0.47–0.92], p = 0.02), CNS-PFS (HR: 0.17 [0.11–0.24], p < 0.00001), duration of response (HR: 0.31 [0.23–0.42], p < 0.00001), objective response rate (risk ratio [RR]: 0.87 [0.80–0.94], p = 0.0003), partial response (RR: 0.88 [0.81–0.96], p = 0.004), and grade 3–5 AEs (RR: 1.43 [1.09–1.87], p = 0.009). Additionally, compared with crizotinib, alectinib exhibited a survival advantage that increased with its prolongation of survival time. The disease control rate, complete response, and total AEs were comparable between the 2 groups. The crizotinib group reported higher rates of constipation, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, peripheral edema, dysgeusia, visual impairment, and levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase as well as greater decreases in appetite and neutrophil count. Conclusions: In both antitumor efficacy and safety, alectinib appears to be superior to crizotinib for the treatment of ALK-positive NSCLC.
СЕРОЛОГІЧНА ДІАГНОСТИКА КЛІЩОВИХ ІНФЕКЦІЙ У ХВОРИХ НА ЛОКАЛІЗОВАНУ СКЛЕРОДЕРМІЮ
Authors: Штокайло К. Б. , Шах Д. С. , Круз І. Д. , Андрейчин М. А. , Шкільна М. І. , Івахів О. Л. , Корда М. М.
Published: December 2021

Мета дослідження – встановити частоту виявлення специфічних антитіл IgM і/чи IgG до Borrelia burgdorferi s. l., B. miyamotoi, Bartonella henselae та B. quintana у сироватці крові хворих на локалізовану склеродермію.

Пацієнти і методи. Під спостереженням було 78 хворих із локалізованою склеродермією, віком від 18 до 74 років, які протягом 2015-2021 рр. лікувались амбулаторно і стаціонарно в КУТОР «Тернопільський обласний клінічний шкірно-венерологічний диспансер». Чоловіків було 17 (21,8 %), жінок – 61 (78,2 %).

Для виявлення специфічних IgM і/чи IgG до B. burgdorferi s. l. (збудників Лайм-бореліозу) у сироватці крові використали двохетапний метод (ІФА та імуноблот) за допомогою тест-систем компанії Euroimmun AG (Німеччина). Отримані результати аналізували відповідно до рекомендацій виробника. Антитіла IgM і IgG до B. miyamotoi (одного зі збудників кліщових поворотних гарячок) визначали в сироватці крові методом імуноблоту в лабораторії «IGeneX Inc.» (Мілпітас, Каліфорнія, США).

Специфічні антитіла IgG до Bartonella henselae та Bartonella quintana (збудників бартонельозу) визначали у сироватці крові пацієнтів за допомогою методу мультиплексної непрямої імунофлуоресценції, застосувавши тест-системи «Mosaic for Bartonella henselae / Bartonella quintana (IgG)», компанії Euroimmun AG (Німеччина), із використанням технології «Біочіп», які містили мічені флуоресцеїном антигени вказаних видів бартонел.

Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. Позитивні або проміжні результати пошуку специфічних IgM і/чи IgG до комплексу B. burgdorferi s. l. (хоча б одного класу антитіл) за допомогою ІФА отримано в 29 (37,2 %) із 78 пацієнтів з локалізованою склеродермією. Підтвердити отримані дані методом імуноблоту вдалося у 25 (86,2 %) хворих. Антитіла лише класу IgM одночасно до B. burgdorferi s. l. та B. miyamotoi методом імуноблоту діагностовано у 4 (11,1 %), IgG у – у 5 (13,9 %) із 36 пацієнтів із локалізованою склеродермією.

За допомогою методу непрямої імунофлуоресценції специфічні антитіла класу G лише до B. henselae виявлено в сироватці крові 4 (15,3 %) із 26 пацієнтів із локалізованою склеродермією.

Серологічну діагностику кліщових поворотних гарячок і бартонельозу (наявних або перенесених у минулому) в пацієнтів із локалізованою склеродермією, мешканців Тернопільської області, проведено вперше.

Висновки. Застосування двохетапного методу серологічної діагностики ЛБ (ELISA та імуноблот) дозволило виявити антитіла IgM і/чи IgG до B. burgdorferi s. l. у 32,1 % хворих із локалізованою склеродермією. Встановлено причетність B. miyamotoi до клінічних проявів локалізованої склеродермії у 13,9 % пацієнтів шляхом виявлення у них антитіл IgG одночасно до B. miyamotoi та B. burgdorferi s. l. методом імуноблоту. Специфічні антитіла IgG лише до B. henselae діагностовано в сироватці крові 15,3 % пацієнтів із локалізованою склеродермією.
Reading Frame Repair of
TTN
Truncation Variants Restores Titin Quantity and Functions
Authors: Romano Robert , Ghahremani Shahnaz , Zimmerman Talia , Legere Nicholas , Thakar Ketan , Ladha Feria A. , Pettinato Anthony M. , Hinson J. Travis
Published: December 2021

Background:

Titin truncation variants (TTNtvs) are the most common inheritable risk factor for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a disease with high morbidity and mortality. The pathogenicity of TTNtvs has been associated with structural localization as A-band variants overlapping myosin heavy chain–binding domains are more pathogenic than I-band variants by incompletely understood mechanisms. Demonstrating why A-band variants are highly pathogenic for DCM could reveal new insights into DCM pathogenesis, titin (TTN) functions, and therapeutic targets.

Methods:

We constructed human cardiomyocyte models harboring DCM-associated TTNtvs within A-band and I-band structural domains using induced pluripotent stem cell and CRISPR technologies. We characterized normal TTN isoforms and variant-specific truncation peptides by their expression levels and cardiomyocyte localization using TTN protein gel electrophoresis and immunofluorescence, respectively. Using CRISPR to ablate A-band variant–specific truncation peptides through introduction of a proximal I-band TTNtv, we studied genetic mechanisms in single cardiomyocyte and 3-dimensional, biomimetic cardiac microtissue functional assays. Last, we engineered a full-length TTN protein reporter assay and used next-generation sequencing assays to develop a CRISPR therapeutic for somatic cell genome editing TTNtvs.

Results:

An A-band TTNtv dose-dependently impaired cardiac microtissue twitch force, reduced full-length TTN levels, and produced abundant TTN truncation peptides. TTN truncation peptides integrated into nascent myofibril-like structures and impaired myofibrillogenesis. CRISPR ablation of TTN truncation peptides using a proximal I-band TTNtv partially restored cardiac microtissue twitch force deficits. Cardiomyocyte genome editing using SpCas9 and a TTNtv-specific guide RNA restored the TTN protein reading frame, which increased full-length TTN protein levels, reduced TTN truncation peptides, and increased sarcomere function in cardiac microtissue assays.

Conclusions:

An A-band TTNtv diminished sarcomere function greater than an I-band TTNtv in proportion to estimated DCM pathogenicity. Although both TTNtvs resulted in full-length TTN haploinsufficiency, only the A-band TTNtv produced TTN truncation peptides that impaired myofibrillogenesis and sarcomere function. CRISPR-mediated reading frame repair of the A-band TTNtv restored functional deficits, and could be adapted as a one-and-done genome editing strategy to target ≈30% of DCM-associated TTNtvs.
The Spirit in the DtrH/Former Prophets
Authors: Peterson Brian Neil
Published: December 2021

While the Spirit in the Deuteronomistic History (DtrH) may not have the same explicit role as he does in the New Testament book of Acts, the Spirit is nonetheless ever-present in the lives of both Israel and Judah’s leaders and prophets. To be sure, the Spirit moves in a variety of ways and with a very similar modus operandi in the DtrH to that in the NT as he empowers, strengthens for service, and inspires the prophets. We also find that in the DtrH the Spirit convicts of sin, effects miracles through the man or woman of God, and renders discernment to those he has called. Put simply, the Spirit’s role in the DtrH, as in the NT, is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
The Spirit in John’s Apocalypse
Authors: Archer Melissa , Waddell Robby
Published: December 2021

Despite the lack of unambiguous references to the Spirit, scholars have argued vigorously both for and against identifying some (though not all) of the occurrences of πνεῦμα as references to the Holy Spirit. In the last couple of decades, a renewed interest in the Apocalypse—especially by pentecostal biblical scholars—has led to a fresh discovery of its pneumatology, among other insights. This essay surveys the pneumatological components found in Revelation. Specifically, it investigates references to πνεῦμα, which naturally fall into four groupings: (1) the seven spirits, (2) John’s claim to be “in the Spirit,” (3) references to the Spirit speaking, and (4) the concept of “the Spirit of prophecy.”
The Battle of Thukela (Ndondakusuka), 17 April 1838
Authors: Leśniewski Michał
Published: December 2021

The Battle of Thukela was an important Zulu victory during the early stages of the Zulu-Boer War of 1838–1840; despite this there are few studies on this battle. This silence on the battle points to the need to fill this gap, particularly as the battle shows Zulu tactical ingenuity. In addition, this work seeks to better appreciate the role of the Zulu commander, Nongalaza kaNondela and his co-commanders, whose generalship was crucial to the Zulu victory. They used the typical Zulu order creatively showing tactical imagination and ability to improvise on the battlefield. Finally, this work also shows the role and importance of the Port Natal community in the early stages of the war and motives of their co-operation with Boers as well as the internal conflicts among the Port Natal hunter-traders.
Fossil Darwin wasps (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) from Baltic amber
Authors: MANUKYAN ANDRANIK R. , ZHINDAREV LEONID A.
Published: December 2021

Seven subfamilies of Darwin wasps (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae), Banchinae, Cryptinae, Orthocentrinae, Pherhombinae, Stilbopinae, Townesitinae and Tryphoninae in Baltic amber are reviewed. Two species, Rovenosa alexrasnitsyni Manukyan, sp. nov. and R. khalaimi Manukyan, sp. nov. (Stilbopinae) are described as new to science. The male of Rovenosa rasnitsyni Khalaim, 2011 is recorded and described for the first time. The discovery of the puparium of an aphidophagous syrphid fly (Diptera: Syrphidae) with an emergence hole characteristic for Diplazontinae is the first fossil evidence of the subfamily. The strong bias in composition of the Ichneumonidae fauna in Baltic amber is noted. The presence of certain taxa in amber is suggested to be primarily due to specific properties of the pine resin, and only secondarily due to their occurrence in the “amber” forest.
Perenniporia subrhizomorpha sp. nov. (Polyporales, Basidiomycota) from North China
Authors: TIAN XUE-MEI , LIU SHI-LIANG , ZHOU LIN-JIANG , WANG XUE-WEI , ZHOU LI-WEI
Published: December 2021

Perenniporia subrhizomorpha is introduced as a new species from North China on the basis of morphological and molecular evidence. Phylogenetically, based on ITS and nLSU regions, P. subrhizomorpha nested with two species belong to Perenniporia s.s. as a distinct lineage. Perenniporia subrhizomorpha is characterized by having an annual habit, resupinate and papery basidiomes, a dimitic hyphal system with crystal-covered generative hyphae in context, ellipsoid, truncated, dextrinoid basidiospores (5.7–6.5 × 4.3–5.5 μm), and absence of cystidia and cystidioles. Morphologically similar and phylogenetically related species to the new species are discussed.
Religion, Patriotism and War Experience in Digitized Wartime Letters in Finland, 1939–44
Authors: Taskinen Ilari , Turunen Risto , Uusitalo Lauri , Kivimäki Ville
Published: December 2021

This article examines religious and patriotic languages in digitized letters written by ordinary Finnish people in the Second World War. We combine qualitative and quantitative methods to analyse how religious and patriotic languages were used throughout the war years. Our findings show that the frequency of religious and patriotic vocabulary fluctuated widely during the war. Religious words were most notably connected to the intensity of the warfare, peaking during the periods of heated combat and dropping in the period of stationary warfare. Patriotic words were likewise common during the early periods of combat, but their use waned in the later war years. The analysis of words occurring in close proximity to the religious and patriotic words suggests that this was due to the different functions of the two languages. Religious parlance was essentially a vehicle of private emotional coping, while patriotic style gave a collective meaning to the sacrifices of the war. Religion and patriotism diverged during the war because the collective meaning of the war vanished but the need for emotional comfort persisted until its end.
Chondrocyte Adipogenic Differentiation in Softening Osteoarthritic Cartilage
Authors: Xu X. , Chu Y. , Zhang Y. , Li G. , Yang P. , Zhang J. , Duan J. , Yang H. , Xu H. , Wang M.
Published: December 2021

A chondrocyte-to-osteoblast lineage continuum exists in the growth plate. Adipogenic differentiation of chondrocytes in vivo should be investigated. Here, unilateral anterior crossbite (UAC), which can induce osteoarthritic lesions in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), was applied to 6-wk-old C57BL/6 mice. Matrix loss in TMJ cartilage was obvious, as demonstrated by safranin O staining, and the condylar cartilage elastic modulus values, detected by using atomic force microscopy (AFM), were reduced, indicating cartilage softening that might be linked with loss of the highly charged proteoglycan. By crossing the Rosa26/tdTomato (TdT) mice with Sox9;CreERT2 mice or with Col10;CreERT2 mice, we obtained the Sox9-TdT and Col10-TdT strains, respectively, in which the Sox9- or Col10-expressing cells, accordingly, were labeled by TdT. A few TdT-labeled cells in both strains expressed AdipoQ or DMP-1. The Sox9-TdT+AdipoQ+ cells were primarily located in the deep zone cartilage and then in the whole cartilage. Col10-TdT+AdipoQ+ cells, Sox9-TdT+DMP-1+ cells, and Col10-TdT+DMP-1+ cells were located in the deep zone region. UAC promoted AdipoQ and DMP-1 expression in cartilage. The percentages of Sox9-TdT+AdipoQ+ and Col10-TdT+AdipoQ+ cells to Sox9-TdT+ and Col10-TdT+ cells, respectively, were increased (both P < 0.05), implying that more chondrocytes were undergoing adipogenic differentiation in the UAC group, the cartilage of which was softened. The percentages of Sox9-TdT+DMP-1+ and Col10-TdT+DMP-1+ cells to Sox9-TdT+ cells and Col10-TdT+ cells, respectively, were increased (both P < 0.05), consistent with our report that UAC enhanced deep zone cartilage calcification, causing stiffening of the deep zone cartilage. Our present data demonstrated that TMJ chondrocyte descendants can become adipogenic in vivo in addition to becoming osteogenic. This potential was promoted in osteoarthritic cartilage, in which deep zone cartilage calcification-associated cartilage stiffening and proteoglycan loss-associated cartilage softening were both stimulated.
The Temporal Focus of Mind-Wandering and Chinese Adolescents’ Well-Being
Authors: Jiang Tong , Tian Jingling , Zhang Yuzhuo , Chen Xuhai , Luo Yangmei
Published: December 2021

The relationships between the temporal focus of mind-wandering (i.e., past-oriented and future-oriented mind-wandering) and well-being are important issues for adolescents, which may have significant implications on their well-being and self-identity development. However, few studies tested the temporal focus of mind-wandering and its emotional consequences in adolescents. In the present study, we conducted two studies using self-reported questionnaires from large sample sets to examine the relationships between the temporal focus of mind-wandering and hedonic (pleasure attainment) and eudaimonic (meaning pursuing) well-being among Chinese adolescents. Study 1 preliminarily tested the relationships between the temporal focus of mind-wandering and hedonic well-being among adolescents ( n = 1273) suggesting that both past-oriented mind-wandering (PMW) and future-oriented mind-wandering (FMW) were positively correlated with hedonic well-being. Study 2 used a new sample ( n = 986) and included another aspect of well-being (i.e., eudaimonic well-being), showing that PMW and FMW were both positively correlated with hedonic and eudaimonic well-being. Moreover, self-reflection mediated the relationships between FMW and hedonic/eudaimonic well-being, whereas self-reflection did not act as a mediator in the relationships between PMW and well-being. The present findings indicated that both PMW and FMW are beneficial for Chinese adolescents’ well-being, and emphasized the mediating role of self-reflection in the relationships between FMW and well-being.
A hierarchical approach for rigid-body dynamics model simplification of a high-speed parallel robot by considering kinematics performance
Authors: Ni Jinlu , Mei Jiangping , Hu Weizhong
Published: December 2021

Considering the real-time control of a high-speed parallel robot, a concise and precise dynamics model is essential for the design of the dynamics controller. However, the complete rigid-body dynamics model of parallel robots is too complex for online calculation. Therefore, a hierarchical approach for dynamics model simplification, which considers the kinematics performance, is proposed in this paper. Firstly, considering the motion smoothness of the end-effector, trajectory planning based on the workspace discretization is carried out. Then, the effects of the trajectory parameters and acceleration types on the trajectory planning are discussed. But for the fifth-order and seventh-order B-spline acceleration types, the trajectory will generate excessive deformation after trajectory planning. Therefore, a comprehensive index that considers both the motion smoothness and trajectory deformation is proposed. Finally, the dynamics model simplification method based on the combined mass distribution coefficients is studied. Results show that the hierarchical approach can guarantee both the excellent kinematics performance of the parallel robot and the accuracy of the simplified dynamics model under different trajectory parameters and acceleration types. Meanwhile, the method proposed in the paper can be applied to the design of the dynamics controller to enhance the robot's performance.
Evolutionary artificial intelligence algorithms for the one-way road orientation planning problem with multiple venues: An example of evacuation planning in Taiwan
Authors: Hsieh Yi-Chih , You Peng-Sheng
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

In large-scale events such as concerts and sports competitions, participants often leave the venue at the same time to return to their respective destinations. Improper traffic planning and traffic light operation usually lead to traffic congestion and road chaos near the sites. Rapid evacuation of participants has become an important issue.

Objectives:

In this work, a one-way road orientation planning problem with multiple venues is studied in which all roads near the venues are to be scheduled into a one-way orientation with strong connectivity to increase the evacuation efficiency of participants.

Methods:

In accordance with Robbins’ theorem and a random sequence of integers, an encoding scheme based on module operator is presented to construct a strongly connected graph and plan a one-way orientation for all roads. The proposed encoding scheme is further embedded into four artificial intelligence approaches, namely, grey wolf optimization, immune algorithm, genetic algorithm, and particle swarm optimization, to solve the one-way road orientation planning problem such that the total distance of all vehicles from venues to their destinations is minimized.

Results:

Numerical results of test problems with multiple venues in Taiwan are provided and analyzed. As shown, all four algorithms can obtain the best solution for the test problems.

Conclusions:

The new presented encoding scheme with four algorithms can be used to effectively solve the one-way road orientation planning problem for the evacuation of participants. Moreover, grey wolf optimization is superior to the other three algorithms and particle swarm optimization is faster than the other three algorithms.
Thinking about generations, conjuncturally: A toolkit
Authors: Pina-Cabral João , Theodossopoulos Dimitrios
Published: December 2021

Since the early twentieth century, generation has been a recurrent concept in social analysis. In spite of successive bouts of critique and periods of relative neglect, the category has never been abandoned. In this article, drawing inspiration from a broad range of thinkers – such as José Ortega y Gasset, Karl Mannheim, Antonio Gramsci, Pierre Bourdieu, Raymond Williams and Stuart Hall – we review and fine tune our conceptual toolkit regarding generations, making more explicitly visible its affordances for social analysis in times of crisis. We focus on the problem of intergenerational overlap of contemporaneity and the contradictions that emerge from it. We argue that the notion of coevalness can help us resolve some of these contradictions – for example, the lag between contemporaneity and generational awareness – and introduce, through its horizontal connotations, a decolonising ethical stance. Favouring a processual understanding of generation, we recommend ‘conjunctural analysis’ as the most flexible analytical framework for resolving the intersectional contradictions and overlaps of generational categorisation.
The Relationship Between Social Support and Subjective Cognitive Functioning Across Adulthood
Authors: Mueller Annalee , Zucchetto Jillian Minahan , Siedlecki Karen L.
Published: December 2021

Subjective cognitive functioning (SCF) is the self-appraisal of one's objective cognition, including both perceived cognitive ability and perceived cognitive impairment. Research has demonstrated perceived subjective cognitive impairment to be an important precursor to objective cognitive declines associated with increased age. Although previous work has shown a consistent positive relationship between social support and objective cognition throughout adulthood, few studies have examined the relationship between social support and SCF. Participants ( N  =  1,877; age range: 18–99) from the Virginia Cognitive Aging Project completed assessments of multiple domains of SCF and social support. Results demonstrated a significant association between negative support interactions and poorer SCF, beyond the influence of sociodemographic, well-being, and health factors. Exploratory analyses indicated that the magnitude of the relationships between social support and SCF were generally the same across age. These findings suggest that negative interactions may adversely impact an individual's self-appraisals of cognition.
Evaluation of the influence of high-power charging cycles on the capacity degradation of lithium-ion batteries under various temperatures
Authors: Wu Xiaogang , Xia Yinlong , Du Jiuyu , Zhang Kun , Sun Jinlei
Published: December 2021

High-power-charging (HPC) behavior and extreme ambient temperature not only pose security risks on the operation of lithium-ion batteries but also lead to capacity degradation. Exploring the degradation mechanism under these two conditions is very important for safe and rational use of lithium-ion batteries. To investigate the influence of various charging-current rates on the battery-capacity degradation in a wide temperature range, a cycle-aging test is carried out. Then, the effects of HPC on the capacity degradation at various temperatures are analyzed and discussed using incremental capacity analysis and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The analysis results show that a large number of lithium ions accelerate the deintercalation when the HPC cycle rate exceeds 3 C, making the solid electrolyte interphase at the negative surface unstable and vulnerable to destruction, which results in irreversible consumption of active lithium. In addition, the decomposition of electrolyte is significantly promoted when the HPC temperature is more than 30°C, resulting in accelerated consumption of electrode materials and active lithium, which are the main reasons for the capacity degradation of lithium-ion batteries during HPC under various temperatures.
Stability of state-delayed digital filters with overflow nonlinearities
Authors: Parthipan CG , Kokil Priyanka
Published: December 2021

In this work, stability of digital filters in the presence of overflow nonlinearities and time-varying delay is investigated with/without external disturbance. Two new lemmas related to characterization of overflow nonlinearities are developed. The first lemma is established with better utilization of system information which includes overflow nonlinearities, previous and current states of the digital filter. The second lemma associated with overflow nonlinearities is developed with lesser constraints. Furthermore, by utilizing the established lemmas and a new Lyapunov functional, an asymptotic stability condition is presented for the digital filter with time-varying delay and overflow nonlinearities. The developed condition is shown to be more relaxed and computationally less demanding than the existing criteria. In addition to that, a sufficient condition is derived under which the digital filter with external disturbance, overflow nonlinearities, and time-varying delay has a prescribed noise attenuation level. To show the efficacy of the proposed approach, numerical examples are presented.
Study on speed sensorless system of permanent magnet synchronous motor based on improved direct torque control
Authors: Hou Xiaoxin , Wang Mingqian , You Guodong , Pan Jinming , Xu Xiating , Zhang Yiduo , An Hui , Zhang Zhiqiang
Published: December 2021

The traditional direct torque control system of permanent magnet synchronous motor has many problems, such as large torque ripple and variable switching frequency. In order to improve the dynamic and static performance of the control system, a new torque control idea and speed sensorless control scheme are proposed in this paper. First, by deriving the equation of torque change rate, an improved torque controller is designed to replace the torque hysteresis controller of the traditional direct torque control. The improved direct torque control strategy can significantly reduce the torque ripple and keep the switching frequency constant. Then, based on the improved direct torque control and considering the sensitivity of the stator resistance to temperature change, a speed estimator based on the model reference adaptive method is designed. This method realizes the stator resistance on-line identification and further improves the control precision of the system. The performance of the traditional direct torque control and the improved direct torque control are compared by simulation and experiment under different operating conditions. The simulation and experimental results are presented to support the validity and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Listening and being listened to as affection exchange in marital discussions about the #MeToo movement
Authors: Coduto Kathryn D. , Eveland William P.
Published: December 2021

Marriage offers a context where individuals may have to discuss difficult topics. Discussing such topics, especially when there is a chance of disagreement, may lead to differences in the ability for spouses to listen to one another. In this study, we surveyed 746 individuals in heterosexual marriages to understand their listening in conversations about the #MeToo movement. Our findings indicate that being a good trait listener does not help one’s situational listening ability. We also see evidence that perceiving disagreement from one’s spouse and perceiving the spouse’s ability to listen are more likely to predict one’s own situational listening. Marital quality significantly moderates these associations as well. We consider these findings in light of affection exchange theory, suggesting listening may be a form of affection exchange in marriage.
Symptom clusters in patients with colorectal cancer after colostomy: a longitudinal study in Shanghai
Authors: Hao Jianling , Gu Liyan , Liu Peng , Zhang Lingjuan , Xu Honglian , Qiu Qun , Zhang Wei
Published: December 2021

Objective

Research is lacking regarding the experiences of patients after colostomy, which is needed so as to take necessary specific actions. In this study, we aimed to describe the trajectory of symptom clusters experienced by patients after colostomy over time.

Methods

This was a longitudinal observational study using data from 149 patients with colorectal cancer after colostomy. We investigated symptoms and symptom clusters at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after colostomy.

Results

Four main symptom clusters were identified, including a psychological symptom cluster, digestive and urinary symptom cluster, lack of energy symptom cluster, and pain symptom cluster in patients after colostomy in the first year after surgery. We further explored the symptom trajectory.

Conclusions

We explored symptom clusters and the trajectory of symptom resolution in patients after colostomy during the first year after surgery. Four stages were proposed to describe the different statuses of symptom clusters experienced by patients. Our findings may provide insight into how to improve symptom management and postoperative quality of life for patients after colostomy.
An efficient method for speed control of induction wind turbine generator with dual AC-DC-AC converter
Authors: Pesut Nikola D , Ciric Rade M
Published: December 2021

One of the key issues in the efficient conversion of wind kinetic energy into electricity is the regulation of turbine speed to achieve maximum electrical power generation. The asynchronous generator with full load double AC-DC-AC power converter has not been widely used due to its poor performance in low wind speed. In this paper a method for turbine speed control of induction generator with full-scale double AC-DC-AC power converter to maximize absorbed wind power in the wide wind speed range, using the calculated maximum turbine power as a reference, is proposed. The configuration of an AC-DC-AC converter for connecting an asynchronous generator to the grid, as well as modeling of Pulse Width Modulation converter is presented in detail. Performance of the proposed control concept to maximize the absorbed wind power is verified through the simulation in MATLAB®. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed control concept are discussed.
Genotype Effects on β-Carotene Conversion to Vitamin A: Implications on Reducing Vitamin A Deficiency in the Philippines
Authors: Zumaraga Mark Pretzel P. , Arquiza Jose Maria Reynaldo Apollo , Concepcion Mae Anne , Perlas Leah , Alcudia-Catalma Ma. Neda , Rodriguez Marietta
Published: December 2021

Background:

The study aimed to identify 2 beta-carotene 15,15′-monooxygenase (BCMO1) mutations, namely R267S and A379V, and determine their association with vitamin A status among Filipinos 6 to 19 years old respondents of the 2013 Philippine National Nutrition Survey living in the National Capital Region.

Materials and Methods:

This study followed cross-sectional design. Whole blood specimen was collected in the morning and was used as source of genomic DNA and serum for retinol concentration determination. Fisher exact test was performed to determine whether genotype frequencies were associated to retinol concentrations/vitamin A deficiency status. A level of P < .05 was identified as significant.

Results:

A total of 693 Filipino children and adolescents were included. Of the 693, there were at least 7.6% who bear the combined mutations for R267S + A379V. Association analysis showed that an inverse relationship exists between the A379V TT variant and vitamin A status, although the exact role of these identified polymorphisms on retinol/carotenoid metabolism need to be confirmed in dedicated functional studies.

Conclusion:

This study has identified for the first time the presence of 2 nonsynonymous genetic variants/mutations in the coding region of BCMO1 gene. Interestingly, one of these 2 variants, the A379V T, was found to be associated with vitamin A status. It is, therefore, warranted to investigate the role of BCMO1 variants for the success of supplementation programs and fortification efforts among vulnerable populations in this region. Genetic variability should be considered for future provitamin A supplementation recommendations among children and adolescents in the Philippines.