bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Partial Replacement of Cement by Waste Paper Pulp Ash and Its Effect on Concrete Properties
Authors: Mitikie Bahiru Bewket , Waldtsadik Daniel Tekalign
Published: February 2022

An investigation was conducted to study the viability of using waste paper pulp ash as an alternative material applied as a partial replacement of cement in the manufacturing of concrete and its effect on the properties of concrete, and also, the cost and environmental advantage of using waste paper were examined. Four concrete mixes with 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% waste paper pulp ash replacement of OPC and PPC for 25 MPa concrete were prepared. Based on the results obtained from the research, the highest compressive strength obtained at all test ages, i.e., 3, 7, and 28 days, were, 24.36, 28.35, and 36.83 MPa, respectively, with 5% replacement of waste paper pulp ash for OPC, and for PPC, all percentage replacements showed reduction in compressive strength than the control mix. The water absorption of concrete was increased with increasing the percentage of waste paper pulp ash than control concrete. The control concrete clearly has the lowest resistance to 2% sulfuric acid solution compared to blended concrete of OPC‐WPPA and PPC‐WPPA. The cost comparison indicates that the incorporation of waste paper pulp ash decreases the cost of concrete and WPPA and saves raw materials used in cement and concrete production.
Lianhua Qingwen Capsules Reduced the Rate of Severity in Patients with COVID-19: A System Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Shi Chengqian , Wu Mizhi , Yang Kepeng , Wang Xinchang
Published: February 2022

Background. The rate of severity is a critical factor affecting the prognosis and mortality in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Lianhua Qingwen capsules or granules (LQ) have been a promising Chinese patent medicine in treating infectious diseases and recommended for treating COVID-19. This meta-analysis aims to demonstrate the association between LQ treatment and the rate of severity in patients with mild or moderate COVID-19. Methods. 7 electronic databases were systematically searched from the inception dates to March 27, 2021, using the search terms to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Two reviewers independently identified studies, extracted the data, and assessed study quality. All analyses were conducted on RevMan 5.3 software. Results. A total of 5 RCTs involving 830 patients with mild or moderate COVID-19 were identified according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The quality of included studies is moderate. Compared with conventional therapy, there was a significant association of LQ treatment with a higher clinical efficacy (RR = 1.24, 95% CI (1.13, 1.36),

P
<
0.00001

), rate of CT improvement (RR = 1.22, 95% CI (1.10, 1.34),

P
=
0.0001

), and a lower rate of conversion to severe cases (RR = 0.47, 95%CI (0.31, 0.71),

P
=
0.0003

). Conclusion. LQ combined with conventional therapy had great effects in reducing the rate of severity, and these findings supported the routine treatment of LQ in patients with mild or moderate COVID-19.
Targeting the P53 Protein for Cancer Therapies: The Translational Impact of P53 Research
Authors: Levine Arnold J.
Published: February 2022

It is only recently that drugs targeting K-RAS and Tp53 missense mutations have been developed, and along with the allele specific nature of some of these drugs comes the possibility of combining them with the immunologic therapies for cancers. It has taken about 40 years since their discoveries to understand the pathways they command, how they function, and how they interact with the environment of the cells they control. This communication focuses on the transfer of some of the hard won information about the p53 protein, its mutations, structures, and activities learned in the basic science laboratory and translated to the clinic.
Genetic Polymorphisms and Correlation with Treatment-Induced Cardiotoxicity and Prognosis in Patients with Breast Cancer
Authors: Peddi Parvin F. , Fasching Peter A. , Liu Duan , Quinaux Emmanuel , Robert Nicholas J. , Valero Vicente , Crown John , Falkson Carla , Brufsky Adam , Cunningham Julie M. , Weinshilboum Richard M. , Pienkowski Tadeusz , Eiermann Wolfgang , Martín Miguel , Bee Valerie , Wang Xiaoyan , Wang Liewei , Yang Eric , Slamon Dennis J. , Hurvitz Sara A.
Published: February 2022

Purpose:

Cardiac toxicity is a serious potential complication of HER2-directed therapies and anthracyclines. HER2 codon 655 and SLC28A3 gene polymorphisms have been reported to be associated with cardiac toxicity from anti-HER2 and anthracycline therapy, respectively. Association of the polymorphism at HER2 codon 655 with prognosis has also been reported.

Experimental Design:

Whole blood samples from patients treated on a randomized adjuvant breast cancer trial (BCIRG-006) that compared chemotherapy with or without trastuzumab plus either anthracycline or nonanthracycline chemotherapy were tested for genetic polymorphisms in HER2 codon 655 and SLC28A3. Genotypes were correlated with cardiac function and disease-free survival (DFS) outcomes.

Results:

Of 3,222 patients enrolled in BCIRG-006, 662 patient samples were successfully genotyped for the rs1136201 allele in HER2 (codon 655): 424 (64%) were AA, 30 (4.5%) were GG, and 208 (31%) were AG genotype. In addition, 665 patient samples were successfully genotyped for the rs7853758 allele in the SLC28A3 gene: 19 (3%) were AA, 475 (71%) were GG, and 171 (26%) were AG genotype. Follow-up time was 10 years. No correlation between DFS, cardiac event rate, or mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and rs1136201 genotype was seen in the trastuzumab-treated or non–trastuzumab-treated patients. Moreover, mean LVEF and cardiac event rates were similar in all rs7853758 genotype groups treated with anthracycline-based therapy.

Conclusions:

In the largest study to date to evaluate whether two polymorphisms are associated with DFS and/or cardiac toxicity in HER2-positive breast cancer treated with trastuzumab and/or anthracyclines, we observed no correlation.
Phase Ib Trial of the Combination of Imatinib and Binimetinib in Patients with Advanced Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
Authors: Chi Ping , Qin Li-Xuan , Camacho Niedzica , Kelly Ciara M. , D'Angelo Sandra P. , Dickson Mark A. , Gounder Mrinal M. , Keohan Mary L. , Movva Sujana , Nacev Benjamin A. , Rosenbaum Evan , Thornton Katherine A. , Crago Aimee M. , Francis Jasmine H. , Martindale Moriah , Phelan Haley T. , Biniakewitz Matthew D. , Lee Cindy J. , Singer Samuel , Hwang Sinchun , Berger Michael F. , Chen Yu , Antonescu Cristina R. , Tap William D.
Published: February 2022

Purpose:

This phase Ib trial was designed to evaluate the safety and early efficacy signal of the combination of imatinib and binimetinib in patients with imatinib-resistant advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs).

Patients and Methods:

This trial used a standard 3 + 3 design to determine the recommended phase II dose (RP2D). Additional patients were enrolled on an expansion cohort at the RP2D enriching for succinate dehydrogenase (SDH)-deficient GISTs to explore potential efficacy.

Results:

The trial enrolled nine patients in the dose-escalation cohort and 14 in the dose-expansion cohort including six with SDH-deficient GISTs. Imatinib 400 mg daily with binimetinib 45 mg twice daily was established as the RP2D. Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was asymptomatic grade 4 creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) elevation. The most common non-DLT grade 3/4 toxicity was asymptomatic CPK elevation (69.6%). Other common ≥grade 2 toxicities included peripheral edema (17.4%), acneiform rash (21.7%), anemia (30.4%), hypophosphatemia (39.1%), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) increase (17.4%). Two serious adverse events occurred (grade 2 dropped head syndrome and grade 3 central retinal vein occlusion). No unexpected toxicities were observed. Limited clinical activity was observed in KIT-mutant GIST. For SDH-deficient GISTs, one of five had confirmed RECIST1.1 partial response (PR). The median progression-free survival (mPFS) in patients with SDH-deficient GIST was 45.1 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 15.8–not estimable (NE)]; the median overall survival (mOS) was not reached (95% CI, 31.6 months–NE). One patient with a refractory metastatic SDH-deficient GIST had an exceptional pathologic response and durable clinical benefit.

Conclusions:

The combination of imatinib and binimetinib is safe with manageable toxicity and has encouraging activity in SDH-deficient but not imatinib-refractory KIT/PDGFRA-mutant GISTs. The observed clinical benefits provide a motivation for a larger trial of the combination strategy in SDH-deficient GISTs.
Phase I/II Trial of Enzalutamide and Mifepristone, a Glucocorticoid Receptor Antagonist, for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Serritella Anthony V. , Shevrin Daniel , Heath Elisabeth I. , Wade James L. , Martinez Elia , Anderson Amanda , Schonhoft Joseph , Chu Yen-Lin , Karrison Theodore , Stadler Walter M. , Szmulewitz Russell Z.
Published: February 2022

Purpose:

Although androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and androgen receptor (AR) signaling inhibitors are effective in metastatic prostate cancer, resistance occurs in most patients. This phase I/II trial assessed the safety, pharmacokinetic impact, and efficacy of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonist mifepristone in combination with enzalutamide for castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).

Patients and Methods:

One hundred and six patients with CRPC were accrued. Phase I subjects were treated with enzalutamide monotherapy at 160 mg per day for 28 days to allow steady-state accumulation. Patients then entered the dose escalation combination portion of the study. In phase II, patients were randomized 1:1 to either receive enzalutamide alone or enzalutamide plus mifepristone. The primary endpoint was PSA progression-free survival (PFS), with radiographic PFS, and PSA response rate (RR) as key secondary endpoints. Circulating tumor cells were collected before randomization for exploratory translational biomarker studies.

Results:

We determined a 25% dose reduction in enzalutamide, when added to mifepristone, resulted in equivalent drug levels compared with full-dose enzalutamide and was well tolerated. However, the addition of mifepristone to enzalutamide following a 12-week enzalutamide lead-in did not delay time to PSA, radiographic or clinical PFS. The trial was terminated early due to futility.

Conclusions:

This is the first prospective trial of dual AR–GR antagonism in CRPC. Enzalutamide combined with mifepristone was safe and well tolerated but did not meet its primary endpoint. The development of more specific GR antagonists combined with AR antagonists, potentially studied in an earlier disease state, should be explored.
Today’s Mistakes and Tomorrow’s Wisdom in Development and Use of Biomarkers for Barrett’s Esophagus
Authors: Frei Nicola F. , Stachler Matthew D.
Published: February 2022

Background: A histological diagnosis of dysplasia is our current best predictor of progression in Barrett’s esophagus (BE), the precursor of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Despite periodic endoscopic surveillance and assessment of dysplastic changes, we fail to identify the majority of those who progress before the development of EAC, whereas the majority of patients undergo endoscopy without showing progression. Summary: Low-grade dysplasia (LGD), confirmed by expert pathologists, identifies BE patients at higher risk for progression, but the diagnosis of LGD is challenging. Recent research indicates that progression from BE to EAC is heterogeneous and can accelerate via genome doubling and genome catastrophes, resulting in different ways to progression. We identified 3 target areas, which may help to overcome the current lack of an accurate biomarker: (1) the implementation of somatic point mutations, chromosomal alterations, and epigenetic changes (genomics and epigenomics), (2) evaluate and develop biomarkers over space and time, (3) use new sampling methods such as noninvasive self-expandable sponges and endoscopic brushes. This review focus on the state of the art in risk stratifying BE and on recent advances which may overcome the limitations of current strategies. Key Messages: A panel of clinical factors, genomics, epigenomics, and/or proteomics will most likely lead to an assay that accurately risk stratifies BE patients into low- or high-risk for progression. This biomarker panel needs to be developed and validated in large cohorts containing a sufficient number of progressors, with testing samples over space (spatial distribution) and time (temporal distribution). For implementation in clinical practice, the technique should be affordable and applicable to formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples, which represent standard of care.
Efficacy and Safety of Chinese Herbal Medicine Compared With Losartan for Mild Essential Hypertension: A Randomized, Multicenter, Double-Blind, Noninferiority Trial
Authors: Lai Xinxing , Dong Zhenyu , Wu Shengxian , Zhou Xiaohua , Zhang Genming , Xiong Shangquan , Wu Wei , Cao Rui , Wang Xiaolong , Hua Qi , Du Jinhang , Fan Jinying , Mao Jingyuan , Jiang Weimin , Yuan Huishu , Chen Yushan , Xu Yong , Li Zhanquan , Zhang Jun , Dong Guiying , Zhen Hui , Ding Ru , Wu Zonggui , Gao Ying
Published: February 2022

Background:

Hypertension is one of the most challenging public health problems worldwide. Previous studies suggested that the Songling Xuemaikang capsule (SXC)—a Chinese herbal formula—was effective for essential hypertension. However, the efficacy of SXC monotherapy for hypertension remains unclear. We aimed to compare the blood pressure (BP)–lowering efficacy and safety of SXC versus losartan in patients with essential hypertension.

Methods:

In this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, noninferiority trial in China, patients 18 to 65 years of age with mild essential hypertension were randomly allocated to receive either SXC or losartan for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in sitting diastolic BP from baseline to 8 weeks, with a predefined noninferiority margin of −2.5 mm Hg.

Results:

Of the 755 patients who entered a 2-week run-in period, 628 patients (327 women and 301 men; mean [SD] age, 52.6 [9.2] years) were randomly assigned to the SXC (n=314) or losartan (n=314) group. The primary analysis based on the intention-to-treat principle showed that the change in diastolic BP from baseline to 8 weeks was similar between the SXC and losartan groups (−7.9 [8.0] versus −8.1 [7.9]). The lower boundary of 95% CI (mean difference, −0.24 [95% CI, −1.51 to 1.03]) was above the margin of −2.5 mm Hg, showing noninferiority. Results were consistent with per-protocol analysis. SXC produced greater improvements in total hypertension symptom score (−5.7 [4.2] versus −5.0 [4.0];
P
=0.020) and total cholesterol (−0.1 [1.0] versus 0.1 [1.2];
P
=0.025). There were no differences between groups in the other BP and patient-reported outcomes. Incidence and severity of adverse events were similar between groups.

Conclusions:

SXC was well tolerated and demonstrated noninferior to losartan in BP lowering in patients with mild hypertension. SXC might be an alternative for mild hypertension, particularly for patients with a preference for natural medicine.

Registration:

URL:
www.chictr.org.cn
; Unique identifier: ChiCTR-IPR-16008108.
Familial Mortality Risks in Patients With Ischemic Stroke: A Swedish Sibling Study
Authors: Zöller Bengt , Pirouzifard MirNabi , Lindgren Magnus P. , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina
Published: February 2022

Background:

The influence of familial factors on the prognosis of ischemic stroke (IS) is unknown. This nationwide follow-up study evaluated familial mortality risks of IS among Swedish sibling pairs hospitalized for IS.

Methods:

We linked Swedish nationwide registers for the identification of 1380 Swedish born sibling pairs (2760 cases), where both siblings were hospitalized for first-time IS between 1991 and 2010. Median age was 62 years (range, 26–78 years). Sibling pairs with cancer were excluded. Familial hazard ratios (FHRs) for mortality after first IS hospitalization were determined with Cox regression. The influence of proband survival after IS was categorized as short sibling survival (<1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 years) or long sibling survival (≥1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 years) after IS. FHRs were adjusted for age at onset, sex, education, county, year of diagnosis, days of hospitalization, and comorbidities.

Results:

Short sibling survival (ie, <3 or <4 years) after IS was associated with an adjusted FHR of 1.29 (95% CI, 1.05–1.58) and 1.24 (95% CI, 1.02–1.51), respectively, for overall mortality after IS. Stratified analysis showed that short sibling survival (ie, <2—<5 years) was stronger and significant only among younger individuals (<62 years) and males. Highest FHR for short sibling survival (ie, <4 years) was 1.42 (95% CI, 1.08–1.88) for younger individuals and 1.50 (95% CI, 1.21–1.87) for males. For young male subjects, FHR was 1.80 (95% CI, 1.33–2.46). In the adjusted model, mortality was also associated with sex, education, age at onset, year of diagnosis, days of hospitalization, coronary heart disease, diabetes, dementia, heart failure, obesity, alcoholism, and hyperlipidemia.

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that family history of short survival in siblings after IS is associated with mortality after IS for younger male subjects. Additional studies are needed to characterize possible genetic and nongenetic familial environmental causes of this association.
Information communication technologies as a way to support social capital during the pandemic
Authors: Bagdasaryan Mariya A.
Published: February 2022

Relevance. With the rise of the Internet and the development of information and communication technologies (ICTs), the available ways of interpersonal communication have changed and expanded. From spring 2020 to the present, the epidemiological situation remains unstable due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Quarantine measures have led to a sharp reduction in face-to-face social contacts or to their complete absence. As a result, for most of the developed countries, computer-mediated communication has become the prior way to keep in touch with family, friends, colleagues, etc. Th ese unprecedented circumstances bring our research to the fore, showing how ICTs can help maintain the social capital of Russians at the individual level. Objective. To determine how eff ective the use of ICTs is in maintaining of the social capital of Russians at the individual level during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design. Th e study was conducted online by presenting the participants with a questionnaire. Th e study sample consisted of 300 respondents aged 18 to 71. All respondents are citizens of the Russian Federation. Th ey answered questions, which determined the perceived COVID-19 threat level, the level of use of ICTs, and the degree of change in relationships with “strong” and “weak ties”. Results. Th e direct relationship between the perceived coronavirus threat and individual social capital can be traced only in relationships with friends and residents of the country. Th ere is no statistically signifi cant relationship with family, colleagues, neighbors, and city residents. In the case of a high level of ICT use, the perceived coronavirus threat does not negatively correlate with the perceived closeness with family, friends, and residents of the country. At the same time, the role of ICT use in the relationship between the perceived coronavirus threat and perceived closeness with colleagues, neighbors and city residents has not been identifi ed. Conclusion. In general, the use of ICTs contributes to the maintenance of the social capital at the individual level during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Professional Thinking as the Cognitive Resource for the Specialists of Socionomic Professions
Authors: Serafimovich Irina V.
Published: February 2022

Background. Th e transformation of social changes determins a qualitatively diff erent format of professional thinking as a cognitive resource infl uencing performance effi ciency and subjective well-being. Objective is to present the results of varying research of professional thinking in socionomic professions by defi nig the peculiarities of thinking at diff erent stages of professionalization and under various sociocultural conditions. Design. Th e sample group consists of the representatives of socionomic professions at diff erent stages of their professionalization: psychology students and students of management aged from 18 to 23 starting and fi nishing their education (n = 120), managers in the sphere of business and education (n = 218), preschool teachers (n = 70). Results. Th e sample of students in socionomic professions has shown that the level of structural organization in professional thinking rises during the fi nal stages of education. Moreover, the diff erences in structural components of elemental level are of partial kind. In particular, the level of social refl exivity, metacognitive knowledge among the students of gnostical type of activity is growing. Th e problematicity is also more structured and takes comprehensive context into consideration. Th e students of transformative tendency have growing levels of metacognitive activity, reduction of attempts to solve the problems related to the increase in fl exibility and predictability. It has been demonstrated that metacognitive characteristics of professional thinking and capacity of supra-situational thinking are presented in a more explicit and profound way under the sociocultural conditions of rural preschool educational settings than of the urban ones. It has been elicited that such factors as work experience in the area of management (inverse relation) and environmental mega factor, i.e. working in the situation of the pandemic (direct relation) infl uence such qualities of supra-situational thinking as effi ciency, originality and validity. Conclusion. Th e obtained results have broadened the concept of resource in professional thinking among socionomic professions. Th e necessity of further investigation of professional thinking as a cognitive resource on the componential subsystem level has been indicated.
Is Selfie Behavior Related to Psychological Well-being?
Authors: Nikitina Elena A.
Published: February 2022

Background. The reasons and consequences of people’s activity on social networks have not been sufficiently studied. Most studies have focused on identifying the dangers and risks associated with posting self-portraits on social networks, but it is an open question as to whether such behavior serves to increase people’s psychological well-being. Objective. We asked ourselves what are the main motives for publishing selfies and whether online activity contributes to psychological well-being. Design. Our study involved 96 respondents from Moscow, mainly psychology students, who provided information about their activity on social networks, and completed questionnaires on their motivation, social support, and psychological well-being. Results. Three main motives for publishing selfies were identified: 1) to increase self-esteem; 2) maintain social contacts; and 3) preserve and exchange information. The higher the ratio of selfies taken to preserve information, the higher was the user’s psychological well-being. We found significant differences between the characteristics of those participants with high and low activity, and larger and smaller numbers of “friends” in social networks. For those with high activity, their sense of psychological well-being was largely determined by interaction with others. For these persons, communication (including with virtual contacts) was the important resource of well-being. The other group was less dependent on others, and for them, psychological well-being was not related to their activity on social networks. Conclusion. Our results confirm the connection between the personality traits and characteristics of the respondents’ network behavior and their psychological well-being. The study showed that the type of correlation constellation differs between groups of respondents depending upon how much or how little they are oriented toward social support.
Psychological Well-Being and Intra-personal Conflicts in Adolescence
Authors: Golovey Larisa A. , Danilova Marina V. , Gruzdeva Irina A. , Rykman Liudmila V.
Published: February 2022

Background. Adolescence is a period characterized as transitional and as such, it is full of complications and conflicts. Research of Intra-Personal Conflicts in connection with Psycho-Emotional Well-being (PEW) comprising three kinds of indicators: personality, cognitive-evaluative and emotional represents new scientific approach. This approach provides the opportunity to define the role of PEW in Intra-Personal Conflicts: Motivation Value Conflict (MVC) and Self-Estimate Conflict (SEC). Objective. Our aim was to study the severity of MVC and SEC, the interrelationship of these types of conflicts, and their connection with various PEW components. Design. 237 high school students (ages 15–18; 99 boys, 138 girls) were surveyed. Tests of MVC, the Self-Estimate Scale (SE), and the Level of Aspiration Scale (LA) were applied to measure the conflicts. The Scale of Psychological Well-Being, the Scale of Life Satisfaction, and the Dominant Emotional States Test were employed to measure PEW. Results. The study revealed a high prevalence of Intra-Personal Conflicts in the sample. The adolescents all had high levels of Intra-Personal Conflicts; changes were found in all three blocks of PEW. In the group with a high level of MVC, the levels of Environmental Mastery and Self-Acceptance were significantly lower. Having high level of SEC went along with decreases in most indicators of the personal and cognitive-evaluative components of PEW: decreasing of Cheerfulness, Active Attitude to Life Situation and Life Satisfaction; there were changes in emotional blockage, including decreases in Stability and Emotional Tone, and increases in Despondency, Tension, and Anxiety. Conclusion. The study found the prevalence of Intra-Personal Conflicts in the adolescents. We showed that the personality and cognitive-evaluative components of PEW played the role of conflict moderators, while the emotional components were manifested as intra-personal conflict.
The Relationship between Happiness and “Deadly Sins” among Middle-Aged Persons
Authors: Permiakova Margarita E. , Vindeker Olga S.
Published: February 2022

Background. The contradictory results of studies on the relationship of happiness and well-being to norm-prohibitions make further work on this subject urgent. This topic is of particular relevance in connection with the current crisis of the value system. Objective. Our research was devoted to the study of happiness, life satisfaction, and compliance with norm-prohibitions in middle-aged Russians. We hypothesized that happiness is associated not only with life satisfaction but also with the ability to resist temptations (such as what are known as “mortal sins”). The survey used six temptations: wrath, greed, envy, sloth, gluttony, and extra pride. Resistance to these “sins” represented adherence to “norm-prohibitions”. Design. The study involved 1,520 respondents (222 male and 1,298 female). The mean age of the participants was 40.37 ± 6.01 years. The socio-demographic questionnaire included items related to gender, age, marital status, number of children, level of education, and financial situation. Happiness, life satisfaction, and adherence to “norm-prohibitions” were measured on a 10-point scale. Results. Happiness was associated with marital status, the number of children, and income per family member. It also correlated with life satisfaction, mostly in the area of relationships. Both men and women felt equally happy. The happiest people were less likely to manifest the “deadly sins” of wrath, greed, envy, and sloth. At the same time, happiness, calmness, and optimism were positively associated with pronounced gluttony and extra pride. Conclusion. The results indicate that a significant contribution to happiness is made by the ability of a person to adhere to norm-prohibitions.
‘Market Substitution’ in the Context of Climate Litigation
Authors: Dwyer Guy
Published: February 2022

In several countries where climate litigation has challenged the authorization of fossil-fuel extraction developments, resource companies have presented courts with a ‘market substitution’ argument (msa) in support of authorization. In these contexts msa is premised on the notion that if the fossil-fuel development in question is not approved, another one (or, broadly, increased production) elsewhere leading to similar amounts of greenhouse gas emissions will be approved to meet market demand. Some courts have accepted msa. Others have rejected it. In several cases, and in the academic literature, the argument has been rejected on one or more of four grounds: logic or law; evidence; economics; and jurisprudence. These rejections are all questionable. I argue that msa is not illogical or flawed in law, and therefore that it cannot be dismissed on a priori logical or legal grounds. I further argue that it is capable of being made out on evidence and does not suffer from economic or jurisprudential flaws. Courts and academic commentators should not be too quick to dismiss it.
Adaptation to Climate Change Risks and Regulation Through Insurance: The Case of China
Authors: He Qihao , Faure Michael
Published: February 2022

Insurance transfers and spreads risk, including climate change risk. It can provide direct financial protection to those affected by climate change. It has received attention for its regulatory function in influencing policyholder behaviour. This is sometimes called ‘insurance as governance’, a form of private contractual regulation. This article examines the functions and limits of insurance in climate-related compensation and in governing complex climate-related risks by describing the variable performance of such insurance schemes in China. We show that insurance can perform a useful regulatory function in adaptation to climate change. However, we equally make clear that insurance can play this role only if an appropriate regulatory framework is provided. The case of China illustrates how the very lack of such a regulatory framework limits the role that insurers can play in climate change adaptation.
Medical Missionaries and the Invention of the “Serai Hospital” in North-western British India
Authors: Honarmand Ebrahimi Sara
Published: February 2022

This article sets out to challenge the assumption that the pavilion plan hospital became an international standard by the late nineteenth century. This assumption is based on evidence of just a few, mainly British, state and military hospitals. Hospitals constructed by non-British European empires and those by North Americans in the colonised world have been excluded. Moreover, indigenous people in many parts of colonial territories encountered so-called Western biomedical services for the first time in Protestant mission hospitals rather than in state or military hospitals. The article examines several case hospitals built by the Church Missionary Society (cms) in north-western British India and offers a framework for analysing the architecture of Protestant mission hospitals that goes “beyond” a postcolonial approach. Drawing on conceptual tools offered by the field of the history of emotions, the article argues that the missionaries remade the pavilion plan and invented a new form, namely the Serai hospital, to gain local people’s “trust” and “affection”. This strategy was less about “pacifying” the patients and more about increasing their numbers. Indeed, medical missions were “emotional set-ups” that served to change the sensory relationship between missionaries and local people.
The plant bug subfamily Phylinae in Japan, with key to genera and descriptions of eight new species (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae)
Authors: YASUNAGA TOMOHIDE
Published: February 2022

The Japanese phyline fauna is reviewed and updated; 127 species referred to 37 genera are now recognized. Eight new species in five genera, namely Eremophylus Yasunaga, Europiella Reuter Orthonotus Stephans, Pityopsallus Wagner and Psallus Fieber, are herein described as new to science. The genus Eremophylus, now considered to have a close relationship to Europiella Reuter, is proposed to be placed in the subtribe Oncotylina of the tribe Phylini, and four other genera treated herein are re-diagnosed or discussed. The female of Eremophylus hirtus Yasunaga is documented for the first time, with a detailed description of the female genitalia. Europiellomorpha Duwal is synonymized with Europiella, and eight Asian species of Pityopsallus are also transferred from Psallus Fieber. A key and checklist for all known Japanese genera are provided.
A new record of the rare Bigeye Sand Tiger shark Odontaspis noronhai Maul, 1955 (Lamniformes: Odontaspididae) from the northwestern Pacific, with notes on dentition
Authors: NG SHING-LAI , YU CHI-JU , SU SHAN-HUI , JOUNG SHOOU-JENG
Published: February 2022

In the Pacific Ocean, the rare Bigeye Sand Tiger shark Odontaspis noronhai has only been recorded twice, once from its central and once from its eastern part. Here we report the first record of this species from the northwestern Pacific. This specimen measuring 312 cm total length (TL) was captured off northeastern Taiwan (25°25’N, 124°10’E) from a depth of 100 m (in waters over 2100 m deep) in mid-December 2019, and was retrieved on 27 December 2019 when landed in port. Photo of the fresh specimen along with morphometric and meristic data and DNA information are provided herein. Dentition of the specimen is different from all other specimens by having two cusplets on at least one side of cusps on most of the teeth (vs. only one cusplet per side), and lower total tooth count (29/29 vs. 34–38/37–46). This record documents an extended distribution (about 7864 km westward from the central Pacific Ocean), and provides strong evidence for the wide distribution and mesopelagic characteristic of this poorly known species.
Acroneuria kirchneri Stark & Kondratieff, 2004 is a synonym of Acroneuria kosztarabi Kondratieff & Kirchner, 1993 (Plecoptera: Perlidae)
Authors: VERDONE CHRIS J. , SOUTH ERIC J. , KONDRATIEFF BORIS C.
Published: February 2022

Acroneuria Pictet, 1841 (Plecoptera: Perlidae) is a genus of stoneflies which presently includes 18 summer emerging Nearctic species. Diagnosis of species relies primarily on male aedeagal setal patterns, details of the ovum chorion, and larval dorsal maculations. Several species are morphologically cryptic in one or more life stages. In 2010, an apparently rare species, A. kosztarabi Kondratieff & Kirchner, 1993, was petitioned for listing under the Endangered Species Act. A status survey conducted in 2016–2017 produced new specimen collections from near the type locality and surrounding areas. Examination of new material and the holotype of A. kirchneri Stark & Kondratieff, 2004 demonstrates that it is a junior subjective synonym of A. kosztarabi. All life stages of A. kosztarabi are redescribed using color photographs and scanning electron microscope photomicrographs. Supporting data include maximum likelihood and pairwise genetic distance analyses based on mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I fragment data. Acroneuria kosztarabi, previously known only from the type locality, is now reported from six states in the southeastern United States ranging from central North Carolina to western Tennessee and north to northern Virginia and northern Ohio.
Kinetic Mechanism of Reactive Oxygen/Nitrogen Species in Plasma-Assisted Greenhouse Gas Replacement
Authors: Lee Seonbyul , An Surin , Kim Yejin , Hong Sang Jeen
Published: February 2022

In semiconductor manufacturing, greenhouse gases, such as perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and nitrogen trifluoride (NF3), which are sources of global warming, are frequently used to remove substances during cleaning and etching. Particularly, NF3, which has a high global
warming potential (GWP) is widely used for chamber cleaning in the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. There is an urgent need to replace high GWP gases with eco-friendly gases. In this study, we investigated the possibility of replacing NF3 with N2 gas from the
existing NF3/O2 gas mixture during the cleaning process in a plasma-enhanced CVD (PECVD) chamber for the formation of an amorphous carbon layer. The kinetic reaction mechanism of nitrogen-augmented plasma was investigated using ANSYS Chemkin-Pro, and the verification
was conducted using an environmentally friendly gas-based direct plasma cleaning process in the PECVD chamber with capacitively coupled plasma (CCP). The verification experiment was conducted with a 150-mm laboratory scale and a 300-mm production equipment. Chemical reaction analysis was then
performed to analyze the chemical reaction mechanism in the plasma and identify the trends in the cleaning efficiency. The results derived from the analytical and empirical experiments showed that the addition of N2 positively affected the reaction of O2 in the plasma
with surface materials; this improved the cleaning, and the effectiveness of eco-friendly cleaning processes using alternative gases could be confirmed.
Effect of Nitrogen on Heat Flux to a Tungsten Target in He Plasma
Authors: Park InSun , Lee MinJi , Jeong SeoJin , Chung Kyu-Sun
Published: February 2022

Nitrogen (N2) gas was injected into the helium (He) plasma with a LaB6 cathode as an impurity to observe the variations of heat flux and the SOL heat flux width in the Divertor Plasma Simulator-2 (DiPS-2) device. The injection rate of N2 impurities was
varied from 2.5% to 30% with a constant neutral pressure (~9 mTorr). To evaluate the plasma heat flux to a tungsten target, three diagnostic methods were used: (1) three thermocouples (TCs) were installed within the tungsten target to estimate the inner temperature of the tungsten, (2) an
infrared (IR) camera detected the surface temperature of the tungsten; (3) a triple (electric) probe (TP) was used to determine the electron temperature (Te), plasma density (n0), and heat flux (q) of He plasma. With 30% N2 injection, a
20% decrease in Te and a 60% decrease in n0 were observed at the center of the plasma. The target temperature and heat flux also decreased with N2 seeding rate. The heat fluxes to the tungsten target deduced from the IR and TC methods produce
higher values than those of the TP. The width of the heat flux transported from the main plasma to the scrape-off layer (SOL) heat flux width (λq) decreases with the impurity ratio; hence, the heat flux to the tungsten target.
Inhibitory Role of Cucurbitacin B with Polylactic Acid Nanoparticles Carrying Long Non-Coding RNA (LncRNA) Cancer Susceptibility Candidate 2c (CASC2c) in Oral Cancer Cell Migration and Invasion Through Targeting of Signal Transcription and Activator of Transcription (STAT) Signaling
Pathway
Authors: Wang Quanbing , Zhang Changbin
Published: February 2022

Polylactic acid nanoparticles (PLA-NPs) not only have the characteristics of NPs, but also can be used as drug carriers. In this experiment, PLA-NPs were used as nano-carriers to construct nano-drugs carrying cucurbitacin B and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) cancer susceptibility candidate
2c (CASC2c) (lncRNA CASC2C), to intervene oral cancer cells followed by analysis of their effect on cell progression. CuB-PLA-NPs and CuB-PLANPs-CASC2c were prepared, and properties of two NPs and in vitro drug release were analyzed. Oral cancer cells were treated with CuB-PLA-NPs or
CuB-PLA-NPs-CASC2c. MTT was used to detect cell proliferation under intervention of 3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 μmol/L drug concentrations. AnnexinV/PI staining method detected cell apoptosis, and Transwell assay detected cell migration and invasion. Moreover, RT-qPCR was
applied to detect expressions of CASC2C, STAT3, MMP-2, and VEGF. CuB-PLA-NPs were milky white granular, and there was no adhesion between NPs with in vitro drug release of 90% and short release time. The CuB-PLA-NPs-CASC2c (size of 200 nm) had the release rate of 62%, with long release
time. The proliferation inhibition rate was increased with increased drug concentration (P < 0.05). Experimental group showed higher proliferation inhibition rate than blank and control groups (P < 0.05). Treatment with CuB-PLA-NPs-CASC2c resulted in increased apoptosis
rate (90%) (P < 0.05) and decreased both cell migration rate [(49.78±33.79)%] and invasion rate [(10.24±8.79)%] (P < 0.05). Additionally, CASC2c expression (57.34±3.21) was higher in experiment group, but expressions of STAT3 (29.78±4.21), MMP-2
(10.96±291), and VEGF (29.41±4.01) all decreased (P < 0.05). CuB-PLA-NPs-CASC2c inhibited oral cancer cell migration and invasion and further increased apoptosis. The high expression status of CASC2c in oral cancer cells negatively regulates the STAT3 signaling pathway,
and further inhibits expression of MMP-2 and VEGF, thus inhibiting the formation of new blood vessels.
Mechanism of miR-21 Antagonist Packaged with Arsenic Trioxide (As2O3) Nanoparticles in Restraining Invasion and Metastasis of Intestinal Cancer by Targeted C-C Motif Chemokine Receptor 7 (CCR7) Protein Through Induction of PI3K/Akt Signal Pathway
Authors: Xu Jian , Yin Mindi , Zhao Jian , Xu Chao , Mao Zihan
Published: February 2022

Our study assessed mechanism of miR-21 antagonist packaged with arsenic trioxide nanoparticles (As2O3) in restraining invasion and metastasis of intestinal cancer by targeted CCR7 protein through induction of PI3K/Akt signal pathway. SW480 cell strains were adopted and divided into blank group, group with empty carrier, group with miR-21 agonist and group with miR-21 antagonist packaged with nanoparticles. Cell invasion and metastasis was observed after they were interfered with miR-21 agonist. Expressions of N-cadherin, Vimentin, MMP-9, MMP-2, PI3K and Akt were detected and targeted correlation between miR-21 and CCR7 was studied. The quantity of cells cross matrix membrane in group with carrier and miR-21 antagonist was lowest, while the quantity in the agonist group was highest. The expressions of N-cadherin, Vimentin, MMP-9, MMP-2, PI3K and Akt in group with carrier and antagonist were lower than in the other three groups, and expression of-cadherin and CCR-7 was reversed. The expression of CCR7 was up-regulated by the miR-21 antagonist packaged with nanoparticles, while activated degree of PI3K/Akt was restrained. The level of pathway factor was reduced abnormally so as to regulate the EMT procession, and expression of E-cadherin was increased. Moreover, the expression of MMP-9 and MMP-2 was reduced, and cell invasion and metastasis were controlled. The molecular mechanism was related with PI3K/AKt signal pathway.
Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPIONs) Loaded with miR-29a Improve Efficacy of Chemotherapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Xilu , Shao Yujuan , Lv Penghui , Zhang Long
Published: February 2022

Development of hepatic artery chemoembolization technology effectively improves outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but it is still not the first-line option. This study aimed to explore therapeutic potential of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) in the treatment
of HCC. After establishment of miR-29aloaded SPIONs, HCC cells were co-cultured with composite nanoparticles or infected with lentivirus expressing miR-29a, and then exposed to X-ray at a dose of 0.2 Gy/day. MTT, flow cytometry and colony formation experiments were carried out to determine
proliferation, apoptosis and colony forming ability of HCC cells. Animal experiments were set up through hepatic artery perfusion to assess the in vivo effect of miR-29aloaded SPIONs on tumor growth. Both miR-29a-loaded SPIONs and miR-29a-loaded nanoparticles decreased proliferation
and migration of HCC cells, enhancing sensitivity of cells to chemotherapy, whilst SPIONs exhibited more significant effect and significantly suppressed tumor growth. The presence of SPIONs decreased clone formation and hindered cell cycle progression of HCC cells. This study confirmed that
miR-29a-loaded SPIONs suppress malignant characteristics of HCC cells and sensitize cells to chemotherapy, improving the efficacy of treatment, which provides a potential alternative for targeted chemotherapy of HCC.
Experimental Investigation on Application of Linear Regression to Predict Strength of American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) 316L Plate with Pitting Damage
Authors: Jung Kwang-Hu , Kim Seong-Jong
Published: February 2022

This study aims to predict the strength of AISI 316L steel for offshore structures due to damage to the pitting using multiple linear regression and analysis of variance. The potentiostat accelerated method was applied to cause artificial pitting damage in a 3.5% NaCl solution of pH
2 at 60 °C. The pitting damage occurred under conditions perpendicular to gravity direction, such as on a wall structure. Each pitting was measured with various parameters. Among them, the pitting intensity and mean depth were found to be significant in the 95% confidence level. It means
that pitting intensity and mean depth are the greatest influencer on strength value. A multiple linear regression model was proposed for strength prediction using significant pitting parameters, and evaluated by the coefficient of determination (R2 value). As a result, the
model showed a high fitness for the data (R2 = 0.8873) and considerable prediction performance.
Curcumin Nanoparticles Inhibit Liver Cancer by Inhibiting Angiogenesis
Authors: Dong Xiemin , Tong Yuyun
Published: February 2022

Liver cancer (LC) is a malignancy with the highest morbidity and mortality rates. Therefore, finding new and effective treatments is the key to improving patient outcomes. Curcumin (Cur) is effective in inhibiting tumor growth and inflammation, but its extremely low drug utilization
rate limits its use as an optional treatment for LC. Drug-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) represent a cutting-edge medical and health technology that improves drug delivery, extends drug release period through tiny nanomolecular structures, and potentially circumvents the limitations of Cur therapy.
In this study, we examined the effect of Cur-loaded nanoparticles (Cur-NPs) on LC cells to provide proof of principle for further clinical studies. We found that during Cur-NP treatment, the release period of Cur was significantly prolonged; whereas LC cell viability and HIF-1α/VEGF
signaling was decreased. Thus, Cur-NPs can reduce the proliferation and invasion of LC cells and induce apoptosis by inhibiting the HIF-1α/VEGF signaling, thus achieving a positive effect on LC treatment.
A New Photoluminescent 3D Supramolecular Zn(II) Complex and Its Therapeutic Effect on Diabetic Ocular Complications
Authors: Cao Chanyuan , Chen Jinyan , Luo Yongjun , Deng Zhen , Zhu Shuang , Wang Xin , Zhao Wei-Wei
Published: February 2022

The hydrothermal reaction among Zn(NO3)2 · 6H2O, 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid (H3BTC), and 7-hydroxy-5-methyl-1,3,4-triazaindolizine (Hmtpo) synthesized a fresh complex of [Zn(HBTC)(HATAZ)(H2O)2]n
· 2n(H2O) · n(Hmtpo) (1, HATAZ is 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole). This supramolecular framework showed intense luminescence emission at RT. For treating diabetic ocular complications, the preventive and therapeutic effects of the compound on diabetic ocular
complications were analyzed, and the detailed mechanism was investigated. ELISA was conducted to examine the inflammatory cytokines generated through the fundus arterial endothelial cells. Furthermore, RT-PCR was carried out to determine the oxidative stress level in the fundus arterial endothelial
cells.