bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new species and new record of Bulbophyllum (Orchidaceae) from Vietnam
Authors: PHAM PHUOC DIEN , AVERYANOV LEONID V. , DANG VAN SON , NGUYEN DINH HIEP , MAISAK TATIANA , TRUONG QUANG TAM , DANG MINH QUAN , TRUONG BA VUONG
Published: October 2021

The new species, Bulbophyllum manhdatii (B. sect. Brachyantha) discovered in Da Lat Plateau, Lam Dong Province (southern Vietnam) is described here. This new species is close to B. pumilio but clearly differs in densely crowded pseudobulbs and their shape, shorter inflorescence, lateral sepals forming a narrow acute tube slightly flattened at the base, lip without median keel, and longer stelidia. In addition, a new national record, B. seidenfadenii, from the same section is also reported from the first time from North Vietnam.
Raman Spectroscopy Coupled with Reflectance Spectroscopy as a Tool for the Characterization of Key Hydrothermal Alteration Minerals in Epithermal Au–Ag Systems: Utility and Implications for Mineral Exploration
Authors: Arbiol Carlos , Layne Graham D.
Published: October 2021

Raman spectroscopy of fine-grained hydrothermal alteration minerals, and phyllosilicates in particular, presents certain challenges. However, given the increasingly widespread recognition of field portable visible–near infrared–shortwave infrared (Vis-NIR-SWIR) spectroscopy as a valuable tool in the mineral exploration industry, Raman microspectroscopy has promise as an approach for developing detailed complementary information on hydrothermal alteration phases in ore-forming systems. Here we present exemplar high-quality Raman and Vis-NIR-SWIR spectra of four key hydrothermal alteration minerals (pyrophyllite, white mica, chlorite, and alunite) that are common in precious metal epithermal systems, from deposits on the island of Newfoundland, Canada. The results reported here demonstrate that Raman microspectroscopy can accurately characterize pyrophyllite, white mica, chlorite, and alunite and provide details on their compositional variation at the microscale. In particular, spectral differences in the 1000–1150 cm−1 white mica Raman band allows the distinction between low-Tschermak phases (muscovite, paragonite) and phases with higher degrees of Tschermak substitution (phengitic white mica composition). The peak position of the main chlorite Raman band shifts between 683 cm−1 for Mg-rich chlorite and 665 cm−1 for Fe-rich chlorite and can be therefore used for semiquantitative estimation of the Fe2+ content in chlorite. Furthermore, while Vis-NIR-SWIR macrospectroscopy allows the rapid identification of the overall composition of the most abundant hydrothermal alteration mineral in a given sample, Raman microspectroscopy provides an in-depth spectral and chemical characterization of individual mineral grains, preserving the spatial and paragenetic context of each mineral and allowing for the distinction of chemical variation between (and within) different mineral grains. This is particularly useful in the case of alunite, white mica, and chlorite, minerals with extensive solid solution, where microscale characterization can provide information on the alteration zonation useful for mineral exploration and provide insight into mineral deposit genesis.
Effects of organic sulfur on oxidation spontaneous combustion characteristics of coking coal
Authors: Gao Fei , Jia Zhe , Qin Mei-ling , Mu Xiao-gang , Teng Yi-fei , Li Ying-di , Bai Qi-hui
Published: October 2021

Research on the spontaneous combustion of coal caused by sulfur has always been focused on pyrite in coal but has rarely considered the influence of organic sulfur. In this paper, coal samples, rather than model compounds, were used to study the influence of organic sulfur content in coal on its spontaneous combustion process. The results of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, and mass spectrometry indicate that organic sulfur in Shuiyu clean coal exists in forms of mercaptan, thioether, sulfone (sulfoxide), and thiophene. With the decrease of organic sulfur content, the characteristic temperature points and the peak values of the exothermic curves in the process of coal oxidation spontaneous combustion all shifted toward higher temperatures. The ignition activation energy of coal also increased, and the initial and peak gas evolution temperatures of the oxidation products shifted toward higher temperatures. These findings suggest that the reduction of organic sulfur content can inhibit the oxidation process and spontaneous combustion tendency of coal. This effectively reveals the mechanism of the spontaneous combustion of coal and is of great significance to future studies in this field.
Salivary CGRP can monitor the different migraine phases: CGRP (in)dependent attacks
Authors: Alpuente Alicia , Gallardo Victor J , Asskour Laila , Caronna Edoardo , Torres-Ferrus Marta , Pozo-Rosich Patricia
Published: October 2021

Background

CGRP plays a key role in the transmission and modulation of nociceptive signals and is a critical component in the pathogenesis of migraine.

Objective

To assess saliva as a substrate to measure CGRP by comparing interictal levels in patients with episodic migraine and controls; and to evaluate CGRP’s temporal profile during migraine attacks.

Methods

This prospective observational pilot study included young women with episodic migraine and healthy controls. We monitored salivary CGRP-like immunoreactivity (CGRP-LI) during 30 consecutive days and during migraine attacks. We considered six timepoints for the analysis: interictal (72h headache free), preictal (PRE-24h before the attack), ictal (headache onset, after 2h, after 8h), postictal (POST-24h after the attack). CGRP levels were quantified by ELISA.

Results

44 women (22 with episodic migraine, 22 healthy controls) were recruited. Differences in interictal salivary levels of CGRP between patients and controls (Me [IQR]: 98.0 [80.3] (95% CI 56.6, 124.0) vs. 54.3 [44.0] (95% CI 42.2, 70.1) pg/mL, p = 0.034) were found. An increase in CGRP levels during migraine attacks was detected (pre:169.0 [95% CI 104.2–234.0]; headache onset: 247.0 [181.9–312.0]; after 2h: 143.0 [77.6–208.0]; after 8h: 169.0 [103.5–234.0], post: 173.0 [107.8–238.0]). Patients were classified as having CGRP-dependent (79.6%) and non-CGRP dependent migraine attacks (20.4%) according to the magnitude of change between preictal and ictal phase. Accompanying symptoms such as photophobia and phonophobia were significantly associated to the first group.

Conclusions

Salivary CGRP-LI levels, which interictally are elevated in episodic migraine patients, usually increase during a migraine attack in the majority of patients. However, not every attack is CGRP-dependent, which in turn, might explain different underlying pathophysiology and response to treatment.
No structural brain alterations in new daily persistent headache – a cross sectional VBM/SBM study
Authors: Naegel Steffen , Zeller Julia , Hougaard Anders , Weise Christopher Michael ,   Hans-Christoph-Diener, Zuelow Stefan , Kleinschnitz Christoph , Obermann Mark , Solbach Kasja , Holle Dagny
Published: October 2021

Objective

To identify grey matter alterations in patients suffering new daily persistent headache to enrich the pathophysiological concept of this rare headache disorder characterised by a distinct, clearly remembered onset and its instant chronification.

Method

Magnetic resonance-based voxel-based and surface-based morphometry was used to investigate 23 patients suffering from new daily persistent headache and 23 age- and gender-matched healthy controls with 1.5 Tesla MRI. Independent statistical analysis was performed at three sites using statistical parametric mapping, as well as FSL(FMRIB Software Library)-based approaches.

Results

No grey matter changes were detected using this sophisticated and cross-checked method.

Conclusion

The absence of structural brain changes in patients with new daily persistent headache contribute to the recent discussion regarding structural alterations in primary headache disorders in general and does not provide evidence for grey matter changes being associated with the pathophysiology of new daily persistent headache. Future research will have to determine the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of this disorder.
Effects of radiation dose and nitrogen purge on collagen scaffold properties
Authors: Sant Nicholas J , Proffen Benedikt L , Murray Martha M
Published: October 2021

Sterilization of medical devices is commonly performed using radiation methods. However, collagen materials can be damaged when using standard radiation doses (25 kGy). Small increases of radiation dose can allow for increases in the acceptable initial bioburden load of aseptically manufactured devices while maintaining required sterility assurance levels, which is often critical in early stage translational settings. In this study, we hypothesized that small increases in radiation dose from 15 to 20 kGy would result in significant changes to several key characteristics of collagen scaffolds. Scaffolds were manufactured by lyophilizing the pepsin digest of dense bovine connective tissue in cylindrical molds and were irradiated at either 0, 15, 17.5, or 20 kGy with an additional group packaged in nitrogen and irradiated at 17.5 kGy. Groups were evaluated for changes to the soluble collagen and glycosaminoglycan mass fractions, protein banding patterns in electrophoresis, a collagen fragmentation assay, and resistance to enzymatic degradation. All parameters were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance with Tukey’s correction for multiple comparisons. The soluble collagen mass fraction was significantly decreased in the 20 kGy group; however, there was no significant effect of radiation dose or a nitrogen-rich environment on the other measured parameters, including protein banding patterns, fragmented collagen content, and resistance to enzymatic degradation.

Statement of Clinical Significance: Collagen scaffolds have proven useful in clinical applications but can be damaged by standard radiation doses. Low-dose sterilization may be a viable alternative that minimally impacts key properties of these scaffolds.
When a Truly Positive Correlation Turns Negative: How Different Approaches to Model Hierarchically Structured Constructs Affect Estimated Correlations to Covariates
Authors: Moshagen Morten
Published: October 2021

Many constructs in personality psychology assume a hierarchical structure positing a general factor along with several narrower subdimensions or facets. Different approaches are commonly used to model such a structure, including higher-order factor models, bifactor models, single-factor models based on the responses on the observed items, and single-factor models based on parcels computed from the mean observed scores on the subdimensions. The present article investigates the consequences of adopting a certain approach for the validity of conclusions derived from the thereby obtained correlation of the most general factor to a covariate. Any of the considered approaches may closely approximate the true correlation when its underlying assumptions are met or when model misspecifications only pertain to the measurement model of the hierarchical construct. However, when misspecifications involve nonmodeled covariances between parts of the hierarchically structured construct and the covariate, higher-order models, single-factor representations, and facet-parcel approaches can yield severely biased estimates sometimes grossly misrepresenting the true correlation and even incurring sign changes. In contrast, a bifactor approach proved to be most robust and to provide rather unbiased results under all conditions. The implications are discussed and recommendations are provided.
Static analysis model of a non-pneumatic tire with elastic spokes contacting with rigid ground
Authors: Liang Chen , Liu Hao , Mousavi Hoda , Chen Kun , Asafo-Duho Bentil , Wang Guolin
Published: October 2021

An analytical model of a non-pneumatic tire is proposed to study the static deformation responses of a non-pneumatic tire in contact with a rigid ground. The tire consists of a shear band which is formed by an annular beam, and elastic spokes that connect the shear band to the rigid hub of the tire. The shear band is modeled using a Timoshenko beam. The spokes are modeled by linear springs, which are distributed evenly in circumferential direction. Governing equations of the model were derived using a theoretical analysis. The shear band static deformation was obtained based on the discussion of the relationship between spoke stiffness and the parameters of the shear band. A finite element model was developed to verify the accuracy of the model. As a part of the results from this study, a parametric analysis of quantities of interest for the tire is presented, which can be used in improving the optimal design of non-pneumatic tires. This scheme offers a holonomic solution for the complicated differential equations and gives a computationally efficient tool for rapid analyzing and designing such systems.
The Economic Consequences of the Loan Guarantees and Firm’s Performance: A Moderate Role of Corporate Social Responsibility
Authors: Ramos Meza Carlos Samuel , Bashir Sana , Jain Vipin , Aziz Shahab , Raza Shah Syed Ali , Shabbir Malik Shahzad , Agustin DWI
Published: October 2021

This study examines the causal relationship between loan guarantee and firm’s performance through a moderate role of corporate social responsibility (CSR). This study used 350 non-financial firms of China for data analysis. This study used annual panel data set from non-financial firms starting from 2009 to 2019. The findings show that a positive significant association exists among the relationship between loan guarantee and firm’s performance. Moreover, a moderate role of Corporate Social Responsibility also strengthens the relationship between the loan guarantee and firm’s performance. Furthermore, the logit regression results show that the loan guarantee, financial performances and CSR are negatively affecting the long-term zero-debts through all combinations. Also, the financial performances and loan guarantees are negatively influencing the constraints of firms in China, which shows that the financial performances and loan guarantee improvement of the firms lead to removing the constraints of firms in China.
Analysis of Enablers to Implement Ergonomic Interventions in Indian Manufacturing Industry: A Multi-criteria Decision-making Approach
Authors: Rathore Bhawana
Published: October 2021

The implementation of ergonomics intervention practices is the need of time in a highly global competitive working environment for cutting down musculoskeletal health issues and improving the productivity of workers. Thus far, no research has developed practical methodological approaches and techniques to look into the dynamic nature of ergonomics intervention practices, specifically in the glass artware industry. Therefore, the objective of this article is to identify and prioritize the enablers to implement ergonomics intervention practices in Indian glass artware industries. Nineteen ergonomics intervention (EI) practices enablers were identified from the literature review and 16 were screened from identified enablers with the help of fuzzy Delphi method (FDM). The screened important enablers were then examined using a hybrid Interpretive Structural Modeling- Matrix Cross-Reference Multiplication Applied to a Classification-based framework. The interpretive structural modelling (ISM) methodology helps in evaluating contextual interactions among the enablers while classifying them based on their driving and dependence power. The results revealed that stringent legal requirements from the government, along with management support and commitment, are the main drivers and play a significant role over other enablers. Further, this study attempts to explore the critical enablers that are most prevalent for implementing EI practices. The results would be helpful for industries in implementing EI practices within their production systems by introducing and boosting the dominant enabler. This research offers key insight for practitioners, researchers and policy-makers by identifying interrelationships among the enablers.
Instagram: A Gimmick or a Serious Reputation Builder in the Airline Business?
Authors: da Silva Rui Vinhas , Marques Catarina , Martinho Diogo , Teixeira Natália , de Carvalho José Crespo
Published: October 2021

The purpose of the research was to shed light on the interrelatedness between Instagram and corporate reputation, on the one hand, and customer service expectations, on the other. A conceptual model was proposed to be tested in the context of the civil aviation economy. A national flagship airline company was chosen in which to conduct the research. An online questionnaire was made available, and 283 responses were collected. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS SEM) was used to test the research hypotheses derived from the literature. The novelty of the work is in the scarce research found when scrutinising the literature on possible links between Instagram and airline corporate reputation. The study found a positive correlation between social media usage and corporate reputation in the airline sector. Future research needs to replicate this study across other airlines to ascertain the external validity of the current study and its potential for extrapolation.
Spiritual Motivations to Practice Medicine: A Survey of Cancer Care Providers
Authors: Kelly Elizabeth Palmer , Myers Brian , Kelly-Brown Joseph , Waterman Brittany L. , Stevens Erin , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: October 2021

Background:

There is increased interest in the role of spirituality in the cancer care context, but how it may inspire individuals to pursue a career as a healthcare provider is unknown. We sought to determine the relationship between intrinsic religiosity, religious identity, provider role, and spiritual motivations to practice medicine.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey was administered to healthcare providers at a large, Midwest Comprehensive Cancer Center. The relationship between provider type, intrinsic religiosity, religious identity, and spiritual motivations to practice medicine was assessed with binary logistic regression.

Results:

Among 340 participants, most were female (82.1%) or Caucasian (82.6%) and identified as being religious (57.5%); median age was 35 years (IQR: 31-48). Providers included nurses (64.7%), physicians (17.9%), and “other” (17.4%). Compared with physicians, nurses were less likely to agree that they felt responsible for reducing pain and suffering in the world (OR: 0.12, p = 0.03). Similarly, “other” providers were less likely than physicians to believe that the practice of medicine was a calling (OR: 0.28, p = 0.02). Providers with a high self-reported intrinsic religiosity demonstrated a much greater likelihood to believe that the practice of medicine is a calling (OR:1.75, p = 0.001), as well as believe that personal R&S beliefs influence the practice of medicine (OR:3.57, p < 0.001). Provider religious identity was not associated with spiritual motivations to practice medicine (all p > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Intrinsic religiosity had the strongest relationship with spiritual motivations to practice medicine. Understanding these motivations may inform interventions to avoid symptoms of provider burnout in cancer care.
Proactive language control during bilingual sentence production
Authors: Declerck Mathieu , Grainger Jonathan , Hartsuiker Robert J
Published: October 2021

Aims and objectives/purpose/research questions:

While evidence for proactive language control processes has been found during single word production, very little and conflicting evidence has been observed for such control processes during sentence production. So, the main goal of this study was to investigate whether proactive language control can occur during sentence production.

Design/methodology/approach:

To investigate proactive language control during sentence production, we relied on a description task in single and mixed language blocks.

Data and analysis:

Mixing costs and the reversed language dominance effect of language intrusions and filled pauses were used to examine proactive language control.

Findings/conclusions:

Evidence for proactive language control during sentence production came from the mixing cost effect observed with both language intrusions and filled pauses. Whereas no reversed language dominance effect was observed in mixed language blocks, a significant difference in language pattern was observed between single and mixed language blocks, indicating that proactive language control of the first language might be implemented in mixed language blocks during sentence production.

Originality:

Unlike the vast majority of studies investigating language control, this study relied on sentence production instead of single word production. Moreover, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to examine filled pauses to gain insight into language control.

Significance/implications:

These data indicate that proactive language control can be implemented during bilingual sentence production.
Locking-down instituted practices: Understanding sustainability in the context of ‘domestic’ consumption in the remaking
Authors: Holmes Torik , Lord Carolynne , Ellsworth-Krebs Katherine
Published: October 2021

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, governments around the world placed communities under ‘lockdown’. Various practices of consumption were uprooted from their instituted settings and re-rooted in homes. This unprecedented reorganisation of normality resulted in increased instances of domestic consumption as practices occurring in offices, gyms and eateries were forced into homes, demanding the acquisition of materials and altering expectations of what homes are for. This article contributes to literature on COVID-19 and practice-based consumption research by complicating optimistic narratives about the potential for this disruption to downsize the consumer economy. Combining qualitative household interviews, with secondary data about wider trends, and historical reflection on changes in the meaning of the ‘home’ in the UK, we reveal how the re-rooting of instituted practices structures material acquisition and spikes desire for more domestic space. Recognising that professional practices and institutions have taken on increasing significance for domestic consumption, with stay-at-home orders blurring boundaries between home, work and leisure, we conclude by arguing that future research and sustainability policy should attend more to the institutional qualities of practices.
When Agency Turns Into a Risk Factor: A Literature Review of the Negative Consequences of Children’s Agentic Behaviors on Their Physical and Psychological Well-Being
Authors: Cavazzoni Federica , Fiorini Alec , Veronese Guido
Published: October 2021

Background: Research has widely documented how, even in conditions of extreme poverty, deprivation, or oppression, children are competent and situated actors, capable of actively mobilizing internal, external, or social resources to protect themselves from their environments and safeguard their everyday lives. Yet, the ways in which their agency might support their well-being or instead increase their own vulnerability has remained underexplored. Aims: The present study aims to provide an assessment of all those contributions which, over the past 20 years, have focused on both the positive and negative consequences of children’s actionability, revealing children’s self-destructive acts alongside their self-empowering and protective ones. In the process, it highlights several major theoretical breakthroughs and findings in this area of research. Method: We provide an assessment of peer-reviewed studies that have focused on both positive and negative consequences of children’s actionability, through a qualitative narrative literature review. Results: Of the 168 studies identified from online searches of the literature and the three additional sources gathered through bibliography mining, 76 qualified for full review, with 12 studies included in the final synthesis. Overall, the literature explored the different conditions in which children’s agentic practices expose them to trauma symptoms and to dangerous or self-harmful situations, thereby failing to safeguard their health and overall well-being. Conclusion: The review highlights the need to focus on the dangerous effect of the agentic practices activated by children in terms of their physical and psychological health.
PD-L1+NEUT, Foxp3+Treg, and NLR as New Prognostic Marker with Low Survival Benefits Value in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Lin , Wang Jing , Lyu Shao-cheng , Pan Li-chao , Shi Xian-jie , Du Guo-sheng , He Qiang
Published: October 2021

Background: This presented study was aimed to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of PD-L1+Neutrophils (PD-L1+NEUT) and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) based on our previous experience of Foxp3+Treg in transplantation. Methods: the NLR cutoff value of 1.79 was used to include 136 cases from the 204 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) confirmed by clinical pathology, which were divided into highly-moderately and poorly differentiated HCC groups. The expressions of PD-L1+NEUT and Foxp3+Treg in peripheral blood and cancer tissue were detected with flow cytometry, meanwhile, PD-L1 and Foxp3 expressed in carcinoma and para-carcinoma tissues were marked by immunohistochemistry. Survival rates, including overall survival and disease-free survival, were calculated by the Kaplan–Meier curve and evaluated with the log-rank test. Finally, Cox risk regression model was used to analyze the independent risk factors for prognostic survival. Results: The level of PD-L1+NEUT, Foxp3+Treg, and NLR in peripheral blood of patients with poorly differentiated HCC were significantly increased (all P < .001). Both PD-L1+NEUT and NLR were positively correlated with Foxp3+Treg ( r = 0.479, P = .0017; r = 0.58, P < .0001). The level of PD-L1+NEUT and Foxp3+Treg as well as PD-L1 and Foxp3 in cancer tissue and patients with poorly differentiated HCC were obviously increased (all P < .01), respectively. Cox regression analysis indicated that PD-L1+NEUT, NLR, and Foxp3+Treg were independent risk factors for the prognosis ( P = .000, .000, .006) with a RR and 95%CI of 2.704-(2.155-3.393), 3.139-(2.361-4.173), 1.409-(1.105-1.798), respectively. Conclusion: PD-L1+NEUT, NLR, and Foxp3+Treg are independent risk factors for prognosis which maybe new marker of lower survival benefits.
Effects of presentation modality and duration on children’s strategy use: A study in computational estimation
Authors: Hammerstein Svenja , Poloczek Sebastian , Lösche Patrick , Lemaire Patrick , Büttner Gerhard
Published: October 2021

Two experiments were run to determine how presentation modality and duration influence children’s arithmetic performance and strategy selection. Third and fourth graders were asked to find estimates for two-digit addition problems (e.g., 52 + 39). Children were tested in three conditions: (1) time-unlimited visual, (2) time-limited visual, or (3) time-limited auditory conditions. Moreover, we assessed children’s working-memory updating and arithmetic fluency. Children were told which strategy to use on each problem to assess arithmetic performance while executing strategies, in Experiment 1, and were asked to choose the best strategy of three available strategies to assess strategy selection, in Experiment 2. Presentation modality influenced strategy execution (i.e., children were faster and more accurate in problems under visual than auditory conditions) but only in children with low updating abilities. In contrast, presentation modality had no effect on children’s strategy selection. Presentation duration had an effect on both strategy execution and strategy selection with time-limited presentation leading to a decline in children’s performance. Interestingly, specifically in children with low updating abilities, time-limited presentation led to poorer performance. Hence, efficient updating seemed to compensate for detrimental effects of auditory in comparison to visual and time-limited in comparison to time-unlimited presentation. These findings have important implications for determining conditions under which children execute strategies most efficiently and select the best strategy on each problem most often, as well as for understanding mechanisms underlying strategic behaviour.
On the pervasive effect of word frequency in metamemory
Authors: Mendes Pedro S , Undorf Monika
Published: October 2021

Predictions of one’s future memory performance—judgements of learning (JOLs)—are based on the cues that learners regard as diagnostic of memory performance. One of these cues is word frequency or how often words are experienced in the language. It is not clear, however, whether word frequency would affect JOLs when other cues are also available. The current study aims to close this gap by testing whether objective and subjective word frequency affect JOLs in the presence of font size as an additional cue. Across three experiments, participants studied words that varied in word frequency (Experiment 1: high and low objective frequency; Experiment 2: a whole continuum from high to low objective frequency; Experiment 3: high and low subjective and objective frequency) and were presented in a large (48pt) or a small (18pt) font size, made JOLs, and completed a free recall test. Results showed that people based their JOLs on both word frequency and font size. We conclude that word frequency is an important cue that affects metamemory even in multiple-cue situations.
Non-forgetfulness and forgetfulness 忘 (wang) in ancient Chinese philosophical texts
Authors: Isay Gad C
Published: October 2021

In this study, I examine conceptualizations of memory in classical Chinese philosophical texts with the purpose of encouraging the inclusion of ideas of non-Western cultures in memory studies. The texts selected for this study are Kongzi’s Analects, Mengzi, the Xici commentary on the Book of Changes, the Zhuangzi, and the Xunzi. Methodologically, I differentiate between the mnemic process and its goal. My point of departure is the complementary relation that marks the non-forgetfulness and forgetfulness sequence. This study proposes the paradigm of an axis and margins to represent the yin- yang reasoning implied by the complementary relation in conjunction with the narrativity of the mnemic process. Two major consequences of this model are the understanding of non-forgetfulness and forgetfulness in terms of attentive and suspended awareness, and the supportive role of forgetfulness or suspended awareness in enhancing the function of memory.
Chinese Economic Statecraft in Indonesia/East Timor: A Historical and Regional Perspective
Authors: Gunn Geoffrey C.
Published: October 2021

From inside China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), two southern tier nations offer contrary perspectives as to the efficacy of Beijing’s economic statecraft, namely Indonesia and East Timor. While obviously asymmetric in practically every respect, nevertheless a careful study of these two nations’ bilateral links with China over long and short times offers salutary lessons on infrastructure financing in particular. Several interconnected inquiries are interposed. In a nation known for its competing political elites and support bases, how successful has China been in micro-managing its relations with Jakarta over trade and investment deals even carrying through to a post-authoritarian order? How has newly independent albeit aid-dependent Timor-Leste been able to parlay the China connection? Mixing documentary with primary research in situ, the inclusion of the East Timor case adds a missing link in the growing literature on the BRI.
Differentiation of brain metastases originating from lung and breast cancers using apparent diffusion coefficient histogram analysis and the relation of histogram parameters with Ki-67
Authors: Bozdağ Mustafa , Er Ali , Ekmekçi Sümeyye
Published: October 2021

Purpose

A fast, reliable and non-invasive method is required in differentiating brain metastases (BMs) originating from lung cancer (LC) and breast cancer (BC). The aims of this study were to assess the role of histogram analysis of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps in differentiating BMs originated from LC and BC, and then to investigate further the association of ADC histogram parameters with Ki-67 index in BMs.

Methods

A total of 55 patients (LC, N = 40; BC, N = 15) with BMs histopathologically confirmed were enrolled in the study. The LC group was divided into small-cell lung cancer (SCLC; N = 15) and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC; N = 25) groups. ADC histogram parameters (ADCmax, ADCmean, ADCmin, ADCmedian, ADC10, ADC25, ADC75 and ADC90, skewness, kurtosis and entropy) were derived from ADC maps. Mann–Whitney U-test, independent samples t-test, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and Spearman correlation analysis were used for statistical assessment.

Results

ADC histogram parameters did not show significant differences between LC and BC groups ( p > 0.05). Subgroup analysis showed that various ADC histogram parameters were found to be statistically lower in the SCLC group compared to the NSCLC and BC groups ( p < 0.05). ROC analysis showed that ADCmean and ADC10 for differentiating SCLC BMs from NSCLC, and ADC25 for differentiating SCLC BMs from BC achieved optimal diagnostic performances. Various histogram parameters were found to be significantly correlated with Ki-67 ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Histogram analysis of ADC maps may reflect tumoural proliferation potential in BMs and can be useful in differentiating SCLC BMs from NSCLC and BC BMs.
Initial experience with the Scepter Mini catheter for the embolization of vascular malformations in the pediatric population
Authors: Matsoukas Stavros , Bageac Devin , Yaeger Kurt , Berenstein Alejandro , T Fifi Johanna , Shigematsu Tomoyoshi
Published: October 2021

Background

Achieving distal access and flow control are of significant importance for the treatment of intracerebral arteriovenous shunting lesions. The Scepter Mini catheter is a low-profile, dual-lumen balloon catheter, designed to provide navigability in small-caliber, tortuous intracranial vessels.

Objective

To describe the initial experience of the Scepter Mini catheter in the treatment of pediatric arteriovenous malformations and fistulas.

Methods

A single-institution, retrospective chart review identified all consecutive uses of the Scepter Mini catheter for endovascular embolization of vascular malformations in the pediatric population.

Results

Three different arterial pedicles were embolized with the Scepter Mini catheter in two different patients. One patient was diagnosed with a vein of Galen malformation that had undergone multiple treatments and the other with a torcular dural arteriovenous fistula. All cases encompassed quite challenging tortuosity of small-caliber feeders which prevented the use of another microcatheter. The Scepter Mini catheter navigated into feeding arteries of diameters 0.65, 1.9, and 1.25 mm, and its balloon was inflated to achieve excellent blood flow control. Total obliteration (100%) of the shunting lesion was achieved in both cases. No reflux, pedicle rupture or other untoward effects were observed. Both patients had an uneventful recovery.

Conclusion

The Scepter Mini catheter afforded fast and safe distal access, flow control, and treatment of arteriovenous malformations in this initial pediatric cohort. The catheter’s low profile and easy navigability should support its use in tortuous and small arterial feeders, especially in the pediatric population.
LncRNA TUG1 contributes to the tumorigenesis of lung adenocarcinoma by regulating miR-138-5p-HIF1A axis
Authors: Li Ke , Niu Huatao , Wang Ying , Li Ruilei , Zhao Yuan , Liu Chao , Cao Honghua , Chen Haitao , Xie Ran , Zhuang Li
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Increasing evidence indicates that lncRNA TUG1 represents an oncogenic factor in cancer. But, the mechanisms by which lncRNA TUG1 contributes to lung adenocarcinoma (LAC) remain undocumented. Methods: The relationship between lncRNA TUG1/miR-138-5p expression and clinical outcomes in patients with LAC was indicated by qPCR, FISH, and TCGA cohort. Gain- or loss-of-function experiments and in vivo tumorigenesis were used to assess the role of lncRNA TUG1 in LAC. The interplay between TUG1 and miR-138-5p was validated by luciferase gene report and RIP assays. qPCR and Western blot analyses were used to investigate the effects of TUG1 on miR-138-5p/HIF1A axis in LAC cells. Results: We found that upregulation of TUG1 or downregulation of miR-138-5p was associated with lymph node or distant metastasis and indicated a poor survival in LAC. Reduced expression of TUG1 restrained the growth of LAC cells, while restored expression of TUG1 had the opposite effects. TUG1 was identified to negatively regulate miR-138-5p expression, and miR-138-5p reversed TUG1-induced cell proliferation by targeting HIF1A. Elevated expression of HIF1A predicted a poor survival in LAC. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that lncRNA TUG1 promotes the growth of LAC by regulating miR-138-5p-HIF1A axis.
Predictors of In-Hospital Mortality in Older Adults Undergoing Hip Fracture Surgery: A Case–Control Study
Authors: Chiang Ming-Hsiu , Lee Huan-Ju , Kuo Yi-Jie , Chien Pei-Chun , Chang Wei-Chun , Wu Yueh , Chen Yu-Pin
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Although surgery has been proven to improve the long-term survival of older adults with hip fracture, in-hospital mortality directly resulting from repair of hip fracture is undesirable. This study aimed to identify potential prognostic factors that predict in-hospital mortality risk in elderly patients following hip fracture surgery. Materials and Methods: This case–control study comprehensively collected data from older adults with hip fracture admitted to a single medical centre. Age was selected as the cross-matching factor. Univariate and binary multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. A receiver operating characteristic curve was constructed to quantify the discrimination power of the model. Results: Among a total of 841 older adults who received hip fracture surgery, 17 died during hospitalisation, yielding a 2.0% in-hospital mortality rate. Using a binary multivariate logistic regression model to perform a comparison with 51 age-matched patients in survival groups, the model revealed that estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and malignant cancer history were the only 2 factors significantly correlated with in-hospital mortality. The prognostic values for the eGFR and malignant cancer history were acceptable, with areas under the curve of .76 and .67, respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of in-hospital mortality following hip fracture is low. After adjustment for age, eGFR and malignant cancer history were identified as factors significantly correlated with in-hospital mortality. The findings of this study could assist in the early screening and detection of patients with high in-hospital mortality risks.
Pressures Exerted on the Hook of the Hamate in Collegiate Baseball Players: A Comparison of Grips, With Emphasis on Fracture Prevention
Authors: Alexeev Mikhail , Kane Steven M. , Lourie Gary M.
Published: October 2021

Background:

Variations in batting technique may put baseball players at increased risk of hook of the hamate fractures. A better comprehension of the mechanism of such fractures is needed.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of the study was to compare 2 different grip types to quantify the pressures exerted on the hook of the hamate during batting. It was hypothesized that when compared with the conventional batting style, players holding the knob of the bat in the palm of the hand (termed the “palmar hamate grip”) would have higher pressures exerted on the hook of the hamate.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Athletes were recruited for participation on a volunteer basis from the rosters of 2 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I baseball teams and were divided into 2 groups based on their usual grip type. A force sensor system was applied to the nondominant hand of each participating player, with the central portion of the sensing mechanism placed on the batting glove directly over the hook of the hamate. All players used the same batting glove, which transmitted data from the sensor to a laptop computer. Measurements were collected on consecutive hits at a standardized distance using a ball machine at 70 mph.

Results:

Nine collegiate baseball players underwent testing (5 players exclusively used the conventional grip, 3 players exclusively used the palmar hamate grip, and 1 player naturally alternated between the 2 grip types). The palmar hamate grip demonstrated a 366% increase in pressure exerted on the sensor overlying the hook of the hamate when compared with the conventional batting grip (536.42 kPa [95% confidence interval, 419.39-653.44 kPa] vs 115.84 kPa [95% confidence interval, 96.97-135.10 kPa]). The player who used both grips demonstrated significantly higher maximum pressure when using the palmar hamate versus conventional grip (482.90 vs 142.40 kPa; t = 6.95; P < .0001).

Conclusion:

Use of the palmar hamate grip may increase the risk of hook of the hamate fracture in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I baseball players.

Clinical Relevance:

Educating players on the risks associated with the palmar hamate grip may prevent injury and minimize time out of competition.
Tracing Buried Selves: In Search of Punjabi Dalit Woman Autobiography
Authors: Sushil Kumar
Published: October 2021

This article is an attempt to understand the significance of autobiographies with particular reference to Punjabi dalit women. In fact, autobiographies are one of the effective mediums for breaking the silence and create a constructive dialogue among people. These dialogues are prerequisite for the solidarity, democracy, equality and fraternity in the society. Besides, the autobiographies from the marginalized section challenge the exploitative established norms. Therefore, to write autobiographies is a courageous act full of risk and daring. In this context, there are more than hundred dalit autobiographies written in Indian languages, but in Punjabi literary discourses only a few dalit autobiographies have been written. However, according to Census 2011, in Punjab state, population of Scheduled Caste people is highest in India that constitutes 31.94% of the population in comparison to 16.6% in the entire country. Despite the largest population of dalits in Punjab, shockingly, there is not a single autobiography that has been written by a dalit woman until date. In this situation, it is a challenge for educated Punjabi dalit women to write their life narratives or autobiographies. They have to represent not only their pain in front of the world but also write about the consciousness, unconsciousness and subconsciousness of their community women who have not got opportunity to attain education. This article will examine and trace the problematics and complexities of gaps and silences so far as autobiographies of Punjabi dalit women are concerned.
Prophylactic effect of brimonidine to minimize the incidence of subconjunctival hemorrhage in the early postoperative period after 23G pars plana vitrectomy
Authors: Desco Mari Carmen , Martín Julio Cesar Molina , Mataix-Boronat Jorge , Pascual-Camps Isabel , Palacios-Pozo Elena , Barón-García Marisa , Piñero David P , Navea-Tejerina Amparo
Published: October 2021

Background:

Several studies have investigated and demonstrated the prophylactic effect of brimonidine drops in preventing subconjunctival hemorrhage in some microincisional ophthalmic surgeries, such as intravitreal injections or cataract surgery. However, there are no previous studies investigating this prophylactic effect after 23G microincisional vitreoretinal surgery.

Aim:

The aim of the current study was to determine whether subconjunctival hemorrhage after 23G pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) could be prevented with the use of prophylactic topical brimonidine.

Methods:

This was a phase III, prospective, interventional, randomized, controlled single-center clinical trial with a follow-up of 2 weeks. A total of 77 eyes (mean age: 68.4 ± 10.7 years) undergoing 23G PPV were included and randomized into two groups: group 1 including 41 patients receiving prophylactic preoperative treatment with brimonidine, and group 2 (control group) including 36 patients not receiving this prophylactic treatment. Differences in terms of number of conjunctival quadrants affected with subconjunctival hemorrhage were evaluated in each of the follow-up visits.

Results:

The presence of subconjunctival hemorrhage was similar in both groups the first days after surgery ( p > 0.05). At the last visit (10–14 days after surgery), this condition was significantly more frequent in control group where there was a significant difference, being more frequent in the control group (7.3% vs 28.6%, p = 0.022). The number of conjunctival quadrants affected was also similar in both groups, except for the last visit in which most of the patients treated with brimonidine (92.7%) showed no bleeding compared to 71.4% in control group. No effect on the efficacy of brimonidine treatment of the presence of blood hypertension, diabetes, and antiplatelet or anticoagulant treatment was observed.

Conclusion:

Brimonidine seems to be a useful option to decrease subconjunctival hemorrhage after microincisional vitreoretinal surgery or improve its resolution during the first postoperative week. This finding should be mainly due to the vasoconstrictor effect of brimonidine.

Trial registration:

EudraCT, 2012-002895-15 (registered 19 December 2012); https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/search?query=2012-002895-15