bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Simulation Study of Progressive Collapse of Reinforced Concrete Frames with Masonry Infill Walls under Blast Loading
Authors: Xu Qinghu , Zhen Xuezhi , Zhang Yu , Han Mengjun , Zhang Wenkang
Published: November 2022

The influence of masonry infill walls on the progressive collapse performance of reinforced concrete (RC) frame structures was investigated in this paper, using a nonlinear dynamic analysis approach. Based on ANSYS/LS-DYNA finite element software, two finite element models of RC frame structures with and without masonry infilled walls were established. Then, the collapse modes of the two RC frame structure models were analyzed for different scaled distance blast loads, different locations of column damage, and different span numbers. The results show that with the increase of explosive amount, the collapse degree of the structure is more serious in the same time. Under the condition of destroying the outermost central column, the degree of progressive collapse of the RC frame model with infilled walls in the same time is lower than that of the RC frame model without infilled walls. The RC frame model with infilled walls is more resistant to collapse when the outermost side columns are damaged. With the increase of span number, the structure is more likely to be damaged and collapsed.
The DOA Estimation for a Mixture of Uncorrelated and Coherent Sources via Decomposing the Coprime Array
Authors: Jiang Heng , Li Lichun , Pu Mingang , Zhang Hailong , Li Xue
Published: November 2022

The spatial smoothing-based and matrix reconstruction-based decorrelation algorithms are widely used to realize the accurate direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation with the coexistence of both uncorrelated and coherent sources. However, these methods apply only to the traditional uniform linear array (ULA), of which the manifold matrix is a Vandermonde structure. In this paper, to achieve the DOA estimation of mixed signals on coprime array, the coprime array is decomposed into two independent sub-ULAs, and the received data is processed, respectively. An improved spatial differencing technique is exploited to estimate the uncorrelated and coherent sources separately, and the lost degree of freedom (DOF) caused by array decomposition is recovered. The final high-precision DOA estimation is obtained by conducting an ambiguity resolution method to the estimation results of the decomposed subarrays. Furthermore, double-phase partial spectral search scheme is introduced to diminish the computational complexity. The feasibility and superiority of the proposed algorithm are validated through detailed experimental simulations.
Coexpression Network Analysis-Based Identification of Critical Genes Differentiating between Latent and Active Tuberculosis
Authors: Chen Liang , Hua Jie , He Xiaopu
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives. The identification of reliable biomarkers is critical to the diagnosis and prevention of progression from latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) to active tuberculosis (ATB). This study was thus developed to identify key hub genes capable of differentiating between LTBI and ATB through a weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) approach. Methods. Three Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) microarray datasets (GSE19491, GSE98461, and GSE152532) were downloaded, with GSE19491 and GSE98461 then being merged to form a training dataset. Hub genes capable of differentiating between ATB and LTBI were then identified through differential expression analyses and a WGCNA analysis of this training dataset. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were then used to gauge to the diagnostic accuracy of these hub genes in the test dataset (GSE152532). Gene expression-based immune cell infiltration and the relationship between such infiltration and hub gene expression were further assessed via a single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA). Results. In total, 485 differentially expressed genes were analyzed, with the WGCNA approach yielding 8 coexpression models. Of these, the black module was the most closely correlated with ATB. In total, five hub genes (FBXO6, ATF3, GBP1, GBP4, and GBP5) were identified as potential biomarkers associated with LTBI progression to ATB based on a combination of differential expression and LASSO analyses. The area under the ROC curve values for these five genes ranged from 0.8 to 0.9 in the test dataset, and ssGSEA revealed the expression of these genes to be negatively correlated with lymphocyte activity but positively correlated with myeloid and inflammatory cell activity. Conclusion. The five hub genes identified in this study may play a novel role in tuberculosis-related immunopathology and offer value as novel biomarkers differentiating LTBI from ATB.
GTPBP4: A New Therapeutic Target Gene Promotes Tumor Progression in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer via EMT
Authors: Wu Junlu , Chen Guofei , Wang Weiwei , Yang Yang , Yuan Yi , Shang Anquan , Quan Wenqiang , Wang Lixin
Published: November 2022

Lung cancer has a complex etiology involving multiple regulatory systems. Uncertainty about the biology and evolution of lung cancer has made it difficult to improve its poor prognosis. To create efficient therapeutic targets and optimal molecular screening tools for lung cancer, the most important task seems to be to understand how it develops and progresses. The expression and regulation of GTPBP4 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are not well understood. Using methods such as knocking down GTPBP4 in lung cancer cells and establishing a mouse lung cancer model, we found that the expression of GTPBP4 was upregulated in human lung adenocarcinoma cells and tissues, and that knocking down the expression of the GTPBP4 gene in A549 and Calu-1 lung adenocarcinoma cells can inhibit the proliferation of lung adenocarcinoma cells and reduce their invasion ability. The results of the mouse lung cancer model showed that the lung weight and the number of lung surface nodules decreased significantly in the LLC-GTPBP4 KO group. The mechanism by which GTPBP4 regulation affects the progression of lung adenocarcinoma may be related to the regulation of EMT. From this study, new research ideas emerge to explore GTPBP4 as a biomarker and therapeutic target for early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.
The Immediate Effect of Backward Walking on External Knee Adduction Moment in Healthy Individuals
Authors: Zhang Min , Pang Jian , Lu Jiehang , Kang Meng , Chen Bo , Jones Richard K , Zhan Hongsheng , Liu Anmin
Published: November 2022

Backward walking (BW) has been recommended as a rehabilitation intervention to prevent, manage, or improve diseases. However, previous studies showed that BW significantly increased the first vertical ground reaction force (GRF) during gait, which might lead to higher loading at the knee. Published reports have not examined the effects of BW on medial compartment knee loading. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of BW on external knee adduction moment (EKAM). Twenty-seven healthy adults participated in the present study. A sixteen-camera three-dimensional VICON gait analysis system, with two force platforms, was used to collect the EKAM, KAAI, and other biomechanical data during BW and forward walking (FW). The first (

P
<
0.001

) and second (

P
<
0.001

) EKAM peaks and KAAI (

P
=
0.02

) were significantly decreased during BW when compared with FW. The BW significantly decreased the lever arm length at the first EKAM peak (

P
=
0.02

) when compared with FW. In conclusion, BW was found to be a useful strategy for reducing the medial compartment knee loading even though the first peak ground reaction force was significantly increased.
Verifiable Data Search with Fine-Grained Authorization in Edge Computing
Authors: Li Jianwei , Wang Xiaoming , Gan Qingqing
Published: November 2022

In the research of searchable encryption, fine-grained data authorization is a convenient way to manage the search rights for users. Recently, Liu et al. proposed a fine-grained searchable scheme with verification, which can control the search authorization and verify the results. In this paper, we first present a forgery attack against Liu et al.’s scheme and then propose a novel scheme of verifiable data search with fine-grained authorization in edge environment. Based on the key aggregate mechanism and Merkle hash tree, our proposed scheme not only achieves file-oriented search permission management but also implements the correctness and completeness verification of search results. In addition, with the assistance of edge server, resource-constrained users can easily perform the tasks of search and verification. Finally, we prove our scheme is secure based on the decision

l

-bilinear Diffie–Hellman exponent problem. The performance analysis and experiment results demonstrate that our proposed scheme has lower computation, communication, and storage costs contrast to the existing schemes.
Low Level of Advanced Glycation End Products in Serum of Patients with Allergic Rhinitis and Chronic Epstein-Barr Virus Infection at Different Stages of Virus Persistence
Authors: Zubchenko Svitlana , Kril Iryna , Potemkina Halyna , Havrylyuk Anna , Kuzan Aleksandra , Gamian Andrzej , Chopyak Valentyna V.
Published: November 2022

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are formed in a nonenzymatic reaction of the reducing sugars with amino groups of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids of different tissues and body fluids. A relatively small number of studies have been conducted on the role of AGEs in allergic inflammation. In this study, patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) were examined for the presence of Epstein-Barr virus and the content of fluorescent and nonfluorescent AGEs. We have also determined the level of a unique epitope (AGE10) which was recently identified in human serum using monoclonal antibodies against synthetic melibiose-derived AGE (MAGE). The levels of AGE10 determined with an immunoenzymatic method revealed no significant difference in the patients’ blood with intermittent AR and chronic EBV persistence in the active and latent phases. It has been shown that there is a statistically significantly smaller amount of AGEs and pentosidine in groups of patients, both with and without viremia, than in healthy subjects. In turn, higher levels of immune complexes than of AGE10 were detected in the groups of patients, in contrast to the control group, which had lower levels of complexes than AGE10 concentration. In patients with active infection, there is even more complexes than of noncomplexed AGE10 antigen. The lower level of AGE in allergic rhinitis patient sera may also be due, besides complexes, to allergic inflammation continuously activating the cells, which effectively remove glycation products from the body.
Composition and Performance Evaluation of SBS/SBR Modified Emulsified Asphalt for Tack Coat on Airport Pavement
Authors: Wang Kaiwei , Xie Xiangbing , Li Guanghui , Shao Jinggan , Bao Meng , Wang Mingwei , Zhu Xianglei , He Yahui
Published: November 2022

Asphalt concrete pavement is gradually being adopted in cement concrete pavement repair and paving due to its short construction period and low vibration to aircraft. However, the performance of the interlayer binder is the critical factor affecting the paving effect. For the preparation of interlayer high-performance emulsified asphalt suitable for airport pavement, the type and dosage of modifier and emulsifier were taken as factors and levels for the orthogonal test. Combined with the evaporation residue, softening point, penetration, ductility, and Engla viscosity indexes, the range analysis was carried out to determine the optimal dosage of modifier and emulsifier. Furthermore, the dynamic shear rheology test (DSR), fluorescence microscope test, TG-DSC test, and shear and tensile tests were used to evaluate the technical properties of SBS/SBR modified emulsified asphalt. These results showed that the best blending mass ratio of SBS/SBR modified emulsified asphalt is 1.5% SBS + 3% SBR + 1% emulsifier. Temperature sweep at 48°C, compared with SBS/SBR modified emulsified asphalt, the complex shear modulus (G

∗

) of SBS/SBR modified emulsified asphalt increased by 71% and 75%, while the rutting factor(G

∗

/sinδ) increased by 83% and 86%, respectively, which indicates that its shear deformation resistance and rutting resistance have been significantly improved. The Han curve indicates that the SBS/SBR modifier has excellent compatibility with asphalt and can maintain a stable state at a lower frequency. Before demulsification, SBS/SBR modifier and emulsified asphalt formed a stable spatial network structure. After demulsification, the continuous phase and the dispersed phase were more closely integrated, so that the emulsified asphalt exhibited better bonding performance. At different temperatures, by increasing the spraying volume, the shear and tensile strength of SBS/SBR modified emulsified asphalt increased first and then decreased. At 25°C, the maximum shear and tensile strengths are 0.86 MPa and 0.65 MPa. This study demonstrated that SBS/SBR modified emulsified asphalt formed a stable spatial network structure, giving it excellent technical properties, and can be widely used for tack coat on airport pavement.
Does Green Finance Reform Promote Corporate Green Innovation? Evidence from a Quasi-Natural Experiment
Authors: Wang Weicheng , Zhang Qiaoyun
Published: November 2022

Green innovation is an important tool in environmental management, and green finance can provide financial support for green innovation. The greening of the financial system has attracted attention. In order to promote the development of green finance, the Chinese government has implemented policy intervention in the financial market. Green finance reform differs from green credit policy, as it is a comprehensive green finance policy aimed at the financial system. In order to study the policy effects of green finance reform on corporate green innovation, this paper applies the green finance reform that the Chinese government introduced in 2017 as a quasi-natural experiment and implements the difference-in-difference (DID) method to investigate the impact of green finance reform on corporate green innovation. We found that green finance reform promotes corporate green innovation. The result remained valid after a series of robustness tests and is more prominent for state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and large enterprises. Furthermore, we examined the impact of green finance reform on different types of innovation, finding that it had a positive effect on green invention innovation and green utility model innovation. Mechanism tests showed that green finance reform promotes corporate green innovation by alleviating financial constraints.
The Effectual Spectrum Defragmentation Algorithm with Holding Time Sensitivity in Elastic Optical Network (EON)
Authors: Selva Kumar S. , Kamalakannan J. , Seetha R. , Asha N. , Raja Kiruba Thangam , Sree Dharinya S. , Sucharitha M. , Kalaivani S.
Published: November 2022

The elastic optical network (EON) fulfills the upcoming generation network requirements such as high-definition videos, high bandwidth demand services, and ultra-high-definition televisions. The key issues in EON are routing spectrum assignment and spectrum fragmentation for spectrum allocation. The spectrum fragmentation issues are resultant in poor consumption of spectrum resources and an increase in the new connection blocking. A flexible defragmentation algorithm must utilize more spectrum resources with a high transmission rate. This paper presents a new multiconstrained defragmentation algorithm (MCDFA) for elastic optical networks. The MCDFA addressed two key issues: spectrum allocation for new connections and then reconfiguring the existing connections in a nondisruptive manner. The first-last-exact fit spectrum allocation policy assigns the spectrum slots during the new connection request. It splits each light path request by disjoint/ nondisjoint and by efficiently handling the small fragmented slots in spectrum resources. The simulation results are evaluated using standard metrics such as bandwidth blocking probability, bandwidth fragmentation ratio, and spectrum utilization gain. The results also demonstrated that our proposed algorithm generates promised solution to EON’s routing, spectrum assessment, and fragmentation issues.
Virtual Grandparenting: Identifying Barriers to Supportive Video Chat between Grandparents and Grandchildren
Authors: Zosh Jennifer M. , Strouse Gabrielle A. , Myers Lauren J. , Xu Chi , Stuckelman Zachary D. , McClure Elisabeth , Troseth Georgene L. , Barr Rachel
Published: November 2022

Many grandparents today are physically separated from their families. Given that maintaining close family relationships (with both adult children and grandchildren) is associated with increased physical, mental, and emotional health across generations, it is important to determine how families can maintain close relationships with grandparents when physically separated. Technology offers one potential support: the proliferation of video chat. Recent work suggests that the frequency of video chat and the variety of behaviors engaged in during video calls predicts family closeness and enjoyment of using this communication method, regardless of the physical distance between parties. However, the frequency of grandparent-grandchild video chat varies across families. Here, we explore how demographic, physical (e.g., distance), technological (e.g., number of devices and barriers), and social factors (e.g., children are distracted) predicted: (1) whether or not video chat was used by grandparent-grandchild dyads, and (2) the frequency of video chat in the families using the technology. This work suggests that geographical distance, having met in person, and the number of devices owned were positive predictors of grandparents and grandchildren having ever video chatted. However, the factors associated with the frequency of video chat were different in the parent and grandparent models and included grandparents’ comfort with technology and the type of device used by the parent and child. These findings not only have implications for supporting grandparent-grandchild relationships but also for all family members separated by distance, immigration, incarceration, health emergencies, and displacement.
Plasma Concentrations of Gut Hormones Acyl Ghrelin and Peptide YY and Subsequent Risk of Colorectal Cancer and Molecular Tumor Subtypes
Authors: Bodén Stina , Harbs Justin , Sundkvist Anneli , Fuchs Klara , Myte Robin , Gylling Björn , Zingmark Carl , Löfgren Burström Anna , Palmqvist Richard , Harlid Sophia , Van Guelpen Bethany
Published: November 2022

Obesity and metabolic dysfunction are implicated in colorectal cancer development. Appetite-regulating gut hormones might have a role in colorectal cancer risk. We investigated whether circulating levels of the gut hormones ghrelin (analyzed as acyl ghrelin) and Peptide YY (PYY) were associated with subsequent colorectal cancer risk, including clinical and molecular tumor subtypes. We also provide descriptive data on these hormones in relation to background participant characteristics and metabolic biomarkers. This population-based study included 1,010 matched case–control pairs with a median of 12.3 years of follow-up. Acyl ghrelin and PYY were measured by multiplex immunoassay. Data on KRAS and BRAF mutations and microsatellite instability (MSI) status were available for 704 and 708 cases, respectively. Conditional logistic regression models estimated association to colorectal cancer risk. Partial correlation and linear regression were used to investigate relationships between background and metabolic variables and variation in plasma gut hormone concentrations. Acyl ghrelin was not clearly associated with colorectal cancer risk (multivariable OR per 1 SD increase: 1.11; 95% CI, 1.00–1.23). Positive associations were observed for specific subtypes, in particular BRAF-mutated colorectal cancer and right-sided colon cancer, although with nonsignificant heterogeneity. PYY was not related to colorectal cancer risk (multivariable OR per 1 SD: 1.04; 95% CI, 0.95–1.14) or any tumor subtype. In the control participants, ghrelin was inversely correlated with BMI, and PYY was positively correlated with C-peptide and insulin levels. These findings provide limited support for a possible role for ghrelin in colorectal cancer development, primarily in specific anatomical and molecular tumor subtypes.

Prevention Relevance:

The findings of this study do not support a major role for the metabolic gut hormones ghrelin and PYY in colorectal cancer development but suggest the possibility of an involvement for ghrelin in specific tumor subtypes. Elucidating subtype-specific risk factors and mechanisms of carcinogenesis may have implications for precision prevention.
Case Report: Three Case Reports of Rapidly Progressive Dementias and Narrative Review
Authors: Clavijo Carlos Andrés , Portilla Buenaventura Ana María , Benavides Albornoz Galo Santiago , Muñoz Cabrera Juan José , Murillo Reyes María Camila , Chauvez Gallego Alejandra , Hurtado González Carlos Alberto , Ospina Otalvaro Sebastian , Marmolejo Escobar Carlos Steven , Quebrada Mera Karen Julieth , Lenis Paola Andrea Gutiérrez , Arango García Lina María , Lucumí Armando
Published: November 2022

Rapidly progressive dementia (RPD) is a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by cognitive impairment and other neurological disorders developed in a short span of fewer than 2 years. Currently viewed as new and infrequent entities, most medical personnel have little understanding of it. Nevertheless, they significantly compromise many patients’ quality of life. Here, we drive 3 clinical cases that evolve as RPD with different etiologies. Case 1:70-year-old woman presented to the emergency with neuropsychiatric syndrome for 18 days. The researchers identified inflammatory cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), protein 14-3-3-positive T-tau protein, MRI: T2 and FLAIR hyperintensities in bilateral caudate nuclei with diffusion restriction, EEG shows a generalized periodic pattern with triphasic wave morphology. Case 2:29-year-old man with cognitive impairment and faciobrachial dystonia seizure. The diagnosis was confirmed by achieving elevated antibodies against voltage-gated potassium channels. Case 3:A 49-year-old woman with encephalopathy and myoclonic seizures; EEG and MRI showed subtle changes. The patient also had a normal CSF but a positive CBA serologic NMDA-R antibody test. We described fundamental aspects of RPD to allow made differential diagnoses in patients with cognitive impairment and encephalopathy. Establishing an early and accurate diagnosis can benefit patients with RPD etiologies that are treatable and even reversible, decreasing in morbidity and mortality.
Innovating Therapies for Down Syndrome: An International Virtual Conference of the T21 Research Society
Authors: Hamlett Eric D. , Flores-Aguilar Lisi , Handen Benjamin , Potier Marie-Claude , Granholm Ann-Charlotte , Sherman Stephanie , Puig Maria Victoria , Santoro Jonathan D. , Carmona-Iragui María Victoria , Rebillat Anne-Sophie , Head Elizabeth , Strydom André , Busciglio Jorge
Published: November 2022

Research focused on Down syndrome continued to gain momentum in the last several years and is advancing our understanding of how trisomy 21 (T21) modifies molecular and cellular processes. The Trisomy 21 Research Society (T21RS) is the premier scientific organization for researchers and clinicians studying Down syndrome. During the COVID pandemic, T21RS held its first virtual conference program, sponsored by the University of California at Irvine, on June 8–10, 2021 and brought together 342 scientists, families, and industry representatives from over 25 countries to share the latest discoveries on underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of T21, cognitive and behavioral changes, and comorbidities associated with Down syndrome, including Alzheimer’s disease and Regression Disorder. Presentations of 91 cutting-edge abstracts reflecting neuroscience, neurology, model systems, psychology, biomarkers, and molecular and pharmacological therapeutic approaches demonstrate the compelling interest and continuing advancement toward innovating biomarkers and therapies aimed at ameliorating health conditions associated with T21.
Myelomatous Pleural Effusion: A Rare Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Maat Zakaria , Al-Asa’d Yousef Taher Hani , Subahi Eihab A. , Al-Ameen Osama Adil Shafeeq , Elhiday Abdelhaleem Ahmed
Published: November 2022

Multiple myeloma (MM) is typically characterized by the neoplastic proliferation of plasma cells producing a monoclonal immunoglobulin. Pleural effusion in MM is uncommon and usually caused by heart failure, pulmonary embolus, and nephrotic syndrome [Arch Intern Med. 1978;138(5):727–30; Chest. 1994;105(2):622–4]. Here, we report a case of myelomatous pleural effusion as part of the initial presentation of MM in a patient with the IgG-lambda subtype, which is extremely uncommon.
Triosephosphate-Isomerase Deficiency: Epiphenomenon or Cause of Loin Pain Haematuria Syndrome?
Authors: Schurek Hans-Joachim , Maisel Peter , Helmchen Udo , Reusch Björn , Pekrun Arnulf
Published: November 2022

A 32-year-old male patient presented the clinical picture of loin pain haematuria syndrome with pain attacks accompanied by macrohaematuria. In renal biopsy, the preglomerular vessels showed segmental wall hyalinosis in the sense of low-grade nephrosclerosis, and glomerular capillaries with slightly but diffusely thickened, non-split basal membranes on electron microscopy. Notable were irregularly deformed, different dense erythrocytes in the glomerular capillaries, and several tubular lumina. The suspicion of erythrocytic enzyme deficiency could be confirmed. The enzyme activities of the erythrocytes were predominantly normal or slightly increased; only the activity of triosephosphate isomerase, a critical key enzyme of glycolysis, was reduced to 71% (resp. 57%) of the normal level, compatible with a heterozygous carrier status that could not be found. Patients with genomic triosephosphate-isomerase deficiency have degraded enzyme activities in virtually all tissues, such as leucocytes, platelets, and muscle cells. An association with neuromuscular symptoms is also known. Thus, it is possible that smooth muscle and intrarenal vascular spasms trigger clinical symptoms consisting of flank pain and phases of macrohaematuria. An aspirin-like defect (thrombocytopathy) had previously been found in connection with epistaxis (also due to TPI deficiency?). Enalapril treatment drastically reduced the frequency of macrohaematuria and pain attacks decreased to a lesser extent.
Prediction of mango firmness by near infrared spectroscopy tandem with machine learning
Authors: Agustina Sri , Bulan Ramayanty , Sitorus Agustami
Published: November 2022

The firmness of the mango fruit is one of the internal physical properties that can show its quality. Unfortunately, non-destructive methods to measure this are not yet available. In the current study, we develop a calibration model using near infrared spectroscopy to predict the physical properties (firmness) of the mango cultivar Arumanis (Mangifera indica cv. Arumanis) via machine learning. Spectral data were acquired using the fourier transform near-infrared (FTNIR) benchtop with a wavelength range of 1000 to 2500 nm. Multivariate spectra analysis based on machine learning, including principal component regression (PCR), partial least squares regression (PLSR), and support vector machine regression (SVMR), was utilized and compared to estimate the firmness of fresh mangos. The results obtained show that the prediction of machine learning by PLSR is better than that of SVMR and PCR for the prediction of mango firmness. The coefficient correlation of calibration (rc) and validation (rcv), the root means square error of calibration (RMSE-C) and validation (RMSE-CV), and the ratio of prediction to deviation (RPD) were 0.941, 0.382 kgf, 0.920, 0.472 kgf, and 2.556, respectively. The general results satisfactorily indicate that near infrared spectroscopy technology integrated with an appropriate machine learning algorithm has optimistic results in determining the firmness of mango non-destructively.
Description of two new species of Xenocona Gilmour (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Lamiinae) from Ecuador
Authors: Vlasak Josef , Santos-Silva Antonio
Published: November 2022

Xenocona Gilmour, 1960 (Acanthocinini) includes seven species distributed through Central America and northern South America. Here we describe two new species from Ecuador: X. audureaui (differing from other species of the genus by the presence of large dark macula on dorsal surface of the basal ⅔ of the elytra combined with the absence of narrow white pubescent lines on other areas of the elytra) and X. uniformis (differing from the other species of the genus by the spiniform outer elytral angle).
Natural regeneration in Atlantic Forest Fragments: using ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) for monitoring a conservation unit
Authors: Magalhães Fabrício Severo , Campana Débora Rodrigues de Souza , Freitas Gisely da Silva , Abonizio-Santos Marlina Ribeiro , Prado Lívia Pires do , Morini Maria Santina de Castro
Published: November 2022

The Brazilian Atlantic Forest is considered one of the most threatened tropical forests in the world due to the extensive environmental impact it has endured throughout history. Only 12.4% of its original vegetation is estimated to remain. Even though reduced and highly fragmented, it houses enormous biodiversity, and its preservation is paramount to the maintenance of the country’s fauna, flora, funga and microbiota. One of the most efficient measures adopted by public agencies aimed at protecting biodiversity has been the creation of conservation units. To evaluate the preservation state of protected areas, several environmental studies have been performed; species inventories are one among them. Ants are excellent bioindicators, for they are not only sensitive to environmental changes, but they also have a history of being used in impact assessment (i.e., fragmentation). In this study we assessed the ant communities inhabiting the leaf litter in areas with different regeneration states at the RPPN Botujuru – Serra do Itapety (Mogi das Cruzes, São Paulo – Brazil). Mini-Winkler traps were used in the ant survey, and diversity analyses were performed. In total, we recorded 86 species of ants, with a highlight to Camponotus cillae Forel, 1912, a species that remained unrecorded for the state of São Paulo for over 100 years, and a possible new species of Octostruma Forel, 1912. Overall, the species found show that the areas are in the process of natural regeneration. Our data on RPPN Botujuru is unprecedented, and our species list has the potential of being used as an effective monitoring tool for this conservation unit.
A taxonomic review of the vampire catfish genus Paracanthopoma Giltay, 1935 (Siluriformes, Trichomycteridae), with descriptions of nine new species and a revised diagnosis of the genus
Authors: De Pinna Mário César Cardoso , Dagosta Fernando Cesar Paiva
Published: November 2022

A taxonomic revision is presented of the genus Paracanthopoma, probably the least-known vandelliine genus at present. The work is based on most of the material available in museums worldwide and includes a major expansion in the knowledge about the genus. Paracanthopoma is circumscribed as a monophyletic group on the basis of nine putatively synapomorphic characters. Evidence is provided for Paracanthopoma and Paravandellia as sister groups and the two genera are comparatively diagnosed. A total of 13 species are recognized in Paracanthopoma, of which nine are new and one is transferred from Paravandellia: Pc. ahriman, new species, Pc. alleynei (Henschel et al., 2021), Pc. carrapata, new species, Pc. cangussu Henschel et al., 2021, Pc. capeta, new species, Pc. daemon, new species, Pc. irritans, new species, Pc. malevola, new species, Pc. parva Giltay, 1935, Pc. saci Dagosta & de Pinna, 2021, Pc. satanica, new species, Pc. truculenta, new species, and Pc. vampyra, new species. Different species display a high degree of phenotypic divergence and are diagnosed on the basis of traditional as well as new morphological characters of both external and internal anatomy. Geographical distributions are mapped for each species and an identification key is provided. Preliminary evidence suggests the existence of four main subclades within Paracanthopoma. The first one includes Pc. ahriman, Pc. cangussu, and Pc. irritans. A second subclade comprises Pc. carrapata, Pc. daemon, Pc. parva, and Pc. truculenta. A third clade includes Pc. malevola and Pc. satanica and a fourth comprises Pc. alleynei and Pc. vampyra. The last clade lacks some putative synapomorphies of all other members of Paracanthopoma and seems to be the sister group to the rest of the genus. Relationships of Pc. capeta and Pc. saci are not as clear, but some evidence exists for the former being related to the first subclade and the latter to the second subclade.
RBPMS2 Is a Myocardial-Enriched Splicing Regulator Required for Cardiac Function
Authors: Akerberg Alexander A. , Trembley Michael , Butty Vincent , Schwertner Asya , Zhao Long , Beerens Manu , Liu Xujie , Mahamdeh Mohammed , Yuan Shiaulou , Boyer Laurie , MacRae Calum , Nguyen Christopher , Pu William T. , Burns Caroline E. , Burns C. Geoffrey
Published: November 2022

Background:

RBPs (RNA-binding proteins) perform indispensable functions in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Numerous RBPs have been implicated in cardiac development or physiology based on gene knockout studies and the identification of pathogenic RBP gene mutations in monogenic heart disorders. The discovery and characterization of additional RBPs performing indispensable functions in the heart will advance basic and translational cardiovascular research.

Methods:

We performed a differential expression screen in zebrafish embryos to identify genes enriched in
nkx2.5
-positive cardiomyocytes or cardiopharyngeal progenitors compared to
nkx2.5
-negative cells from the same embryos. We investigated the myocardial-enriched gene RNA-binding protein with multiple splicing (variants) 2 [
RBPMS2
)] by generating and characterizing
rbpms2
knockout zebrafish and human cardiomyocytes derived from
RBPMS2
-deficient induced pluripotent stem cells.

Results:

We identified 1848 genes enriched in the
nkx2.5
-positive population. Among the most highly enriched genes, most with well-established functions in the heart, we discovered the ohnologs
rbpms2a
and
rbpms2b
, which encode an evolutionarily conserved RBP. Rbpms2 localizes selectively to cardiomyocytes during zebrafish heart development and strong cardiomyocyte expression persists into adulthood. Rbpms2-deficient embryos suffer from early cardiac dysfunction characterized by reduced ejection fraction. The functional deficit is accompanied by myofibril disarray, altered calcium handling, and differential alternative splicing events in mutant cardiomyocytes. These phenotypes are also observed in RBPMS2-deficient human cardiomyocytes, indicative of conserved molecular and cellular function. RNA-sequencing and comparative analysis of genes mis-spliced in RBPMS2-deficient zebrafish and human cardiomyocytes uncovered a conserved network of 29 ortholog pairs that require
RBPMS2
for alternative splicing regulation, including
RBFOX2, SLC8A1
, and
MYBPC3
.

Conclusions:

Our study identifies
RBPMS2
as a conserved regulator of alternative splicing, myofibrillar organization, and calcium handling in zebrafish and human cardiomyocytes.
The CASSISS Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Turan Tanya N. , Psychogios Marios-Nikos
Published: November 2022

The CASSISS trial (China Angioplasty & Stenting for Symptomatic Intracranial Severe Stenosis), recently published in
JAMA
, is the most recent of several randomized controlled trials that have failed to show a benefit of percutaneous angioplasty and stenting over medical therapy for the prevention of stroke due to intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis. Current practice guidelines recommended that percutaneous angioplasty and stenting should not be performed routinely as a treatment for stroke prevention in patients with intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis. The CASSISS trial reinforces those recommendations and will not change practice, but it may provide some important lessons for future trial design.
Mechanical Thrombectomy in Basilar Artery Stroke Attributable to Persistent Primitive Proatlantal Intersegmental Artery: A Case Report
Authors: Sharma Pankaj , Kandregula Sandeep , Barry James , Cuellar Hugo
Published: November 2022

Objective

This clinical note describes a patient who presented with acute basilar artery occlusion and a persistent primitive proatlantal artery.

Case Presentation

We present the case of an 82‐year‐old woman who presented with sudden onset of left‐sided weakness. Cross‐sectional imaging revealed occlusion of the basilar artery with a persistent primitive proatlantal artery. She then underwent successful mechanical thrombectomy. Complete reperfusion was achieved; thereafter, she recovered well from the ischemic stroke and was discharged home. Discharge modified Rankin Scale score was <2.

Conclusion

This is the first case report of mechanical thrombectomy in a patient with persistent primitive proatlantal artery. Embryonic carotid vertebral anastomosis rarely persists in adult patients. Prompt and accurate recognition of these persistent embryonic anastomoses is of paramount importance in interpreting cross‐sectional imaging and planning revascularization procedures.
Ordained Ministry: Divine Calling or Career Choice? Is there Anything Distinctive About a Vocation to Ordained Ministry?
Authors: Lovell Cara
Published: November 2022

This article addresses current ambiguities and potential confusion around the language and nature of vocation to ordination, focusing specifically on the process by which that vocation is discerned by the individual and by the church. It suggests that the particular shape of ordained ministry differentiates the process of vocational discernment to ordination from career choice. Drawing on the Ordination rite of the Church of England, the distinctive Christological, pneumatological and ecclesial elements of ordained ministry are expounded and offered as a theological framework for articulating and discerning a call to ordained ministry. Although the focus of this article is on vocational discernment for ordained ministry within the Church of England, the theological framework presented will be of wider relevance as churches reflect on how they identify those whom God is calling to ordained ministry and on how this may be constructively communicated with those who are discerning this vocation.
Primitive Model of Partitive Division: A Replication of the Fischbein et al. Study
Authors: Giberti Chiara , Maffia Andrea
Published: November 2022

We present a replication study of one of the most renowned seminal works in the field of mathematics education, i.e., the Fischbein et al. (1985) study on implicit models of multiplication and division in solving word problems. The original instrument was administered to a sample of 902 grade 7 students, proposing some methodological variations. The discussion focuses on four items involving partitive division of integer numbers, and results are compared to the original study: the main results of the original study are confirmed, but we contribute further with considerations on the statistical significance of differences observed in item difficulty. Finally, through our new methodological approach, we broaden the results of the original study by analysing students’ behaviour on the basis of their general arithmetical problem-solving ability. Students with medium-level ability are more influenced by the primitive model than those with lower ability.
Small Social Networks and Disclosure After Campus Sexual Assault: How Race and School Size Can Limit Student Disclosure
Authors: Ratajczak Kathleen
Published: November 2022

Barriers to disclosing and help seeking after campus sexual assault differ across campuses and students. Social network theory suggests that network type impacts disclosure and help-seeking behaviors, where high risk for network loss decreases disclosure and help-seeking behavior. This study, using qualitative interviews with 23 students from two universities, finds all students were concerned about losing friends after disclosure, but this was more salient for students with small social networks. Small social networks resulted from small campus size and racial minority status in a predominately white institution (PWI). The negative impacts of network loss were greatest for students of color who were unable to replace race-based networks, whereas white students were able to rebuild networks, even on a small campus.
“Dove terra ha cielo”. Il teatro di Enrico Pea e la favola del Cristo incantatore
Authors: Golia Francesca
Published: November 2022

Questo articolo intende esplorare la dimensione del sacro nell’ambito della produzione teatrale di Enrico Pea, colmando, in tal modo, una lacuna negli studi dedicati all'autore toscano. Tale tema sarà affrontato attraverso il prisma della rappresentazione di Gesù Cristo, conferendo un rilievo particolare alla dimensione dello scandalo, al fine di far emergere la presenza di una duplice dialettica: tra conoscenza e immaginazione, tra dogma della fede e libertà della favola.

This article aims to explore the dimension of the sacred within the theatrical production of Enrico Pea, fulfilling, as a result, a lacuna in the studies dedicated to the Tuscan author. This theme will be approached through the prism of the representation of Jesus Christ, with special emphasis on the dimension of scandal, in order to bring out the presence of a dual dialectic: between knowledge and imagination, between the dogma of faith and the freedom of fable.
Legitimacy Without Democracy? Sources of Diffuse Regime Support in Post-Colonial Hong Kong
Authors: Lam Wai-Man , Ma Ngok , Wong Stan Hok-Wui
Published: November 2022

The resilience of non-democratic regimes in the past decades demonstrates that some authoritarian regimes have figured out ways to consolidate regime support without democratic elections. Hong Kong is a remarkable case of “legitimacy without democracy” as the system of government enjoyed a certain level of legitimacy since colonial days without being democratically elected. Using Hong Kong as a case and based on data from several waves of Asian Barometer Survey (ABS), this study analyzes the impact of citizens’ evaluation of the economic conditions, perception of freedoms, perceived procedural justice and institutional trust, and stability concerns on diffuse regime support in Hong Kong. There are three key findings of this study. First, economic performance is not a significant predictor of diffuse regime support in the case of Hong Kong, whereas, second, institutional trust and perceived civil liberties are. Finally, we found indirect evidence for the role of stability in shaping regime support, although its importance seems far less important than institutional trust and civil liberties.
Blowing Against the Winds of Change: Settlers Facing Decolonization in Eritrea, 1941–52
Authors: Ertola Emanuele
Published: November 2022

The literature on decolonization in settler contexts is characterized by an almost exclusive focus on the Anglo-French world, and by a marked emphasis on violence as the predominant feature of the settlers’ reaction to change. This article aims to challenge this assumption. Eritrea – like the other former Italian colonies – is certainly a peculiar case of early, top-down decolonization; but the actors on the field were anything but passive spectators. In the 10 years in which the international community decided the fate of Eritrea, there were a lively political confrontation and an armed struggle with anti-colonial nuances, while the settlers organized themselves politically to defend their interests. The complex variety of strategies with which they reacted to the end of colonial power constitutes an example of the non-binary relationship between former colonizers and former colonized; it enriches our knowledge of how whites reacted to decolonization in Africa; and it helps to complicate the monolithic idea of settlers as an undifferentiated transnational category.
Loss of RAP2A Aggravates Cartilage Degradation in TMJOA via YAP Signaling
Authors: Qi H. , Zhang Y. , Xu L. , Zheng X. , Li Y. , Wei Q. , Li Y. , Zhao Z. , Fang J.
Published: November 2022

Abnormal stress loading has been considered a major contributor to the initiation of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA), but studies to date have not identified a functional molecule that transforms physical stress into biological or biochemical signaling in chondrocytes in response to excessive mechanical stress. Ras-related protein Rap-2a (RAP2A) is reportedly a molecular switch that relays extracellular matrix rigidity signals via the Hippo/Yes-associated protein (YAP) pathway. In the present study, RAP2A diminished with cartilage degradation in unilateral anterior crossbite-induced TMJOA mice, as well as severe cartilage matrix degeneration and TMJOA formation in Cre-loxP–mediated conditional RAP2A knockout mice. RAP2A in chondrocytes regulated the Hippo/YAP pathway directly in response to matrix stiffness, and RAP2A/Hippo/YAP was critical for a chondrocyte phenotype switch and matrix synthesis function. Loss of RAP2A impaired cartilage homeostasis and altered chondrocyte phenotype via Hippo/YAP/SRY-box transcription factor 9 signaling. It may be possible to generate therapeutic strategies using RAP2A or YAP to attenuate the TMJOA pathological process at an early stage. This is the first study to reveal the molecular function of RAP2A in TMJOA progression as a mechanotransduction molecule in condylar chondrocytes.
Politics of the Poor and Political Work
Authors: Haritas Kaveri
Published: November 2022

Sociological literature on urban poor struggles has produced a rich and vibrant scholarship on the mobilisations of urban poor groups for state welfare and resources. These struggles for basic services and resources essential to survival have been studied as ‘everyday politics’, the ‘politics of life’ and more broadly as ‘the politics of the poor’ or ‘politics of the governed’. Recent ethnographic research has revealed how these engagements are lived and experienced as ‘political work’ and not just as struggles or mobilisations. This discussion piece examines ‘political work’ detailing why these engagements are ‘political’ and why poor women reclaim their engagements with the State as ‘work’. Reviewing the literature on urban poor politics, citizenship and everyday politics, this piece examines how ‘political work’ reveals new forms of gendered work that reinforce the social reproductive roles of women even as women enter the public realm.