bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Onset of Thermal Instabilities in the Plane Poiseuille Flow of Weakly Elastic Fluids: Viscous Dissipation Effects
Authors: Hirata Silvia C. , Ouarzazi Mohamed Najib
Published: November 2021

The onset of thermal instabilities in the plane Poiseuille flow of weakly elastic fluids is examined through a linear stability analysis by taking into account the effects of viscous dissipation. The destabilizing thermal gradients may come from the different temperatures imposed on the external boundaries and/or from the volumetric heating induced by viscous dissipation. The rheological properties of the viscoelastic fluid are modeled using the Oldroyd-B constitutive equation. As in the Newtonian fluid case, the most unstable structures are found to be stationary longitudinal rolls (modes with axes aligned along the streamwise direction). For such structures, it is shown that the viscoelastic contribution to viscous dissipation may be reduced to one unique parameter: γ=λ1(1−Γ), where λ1 and Γ represent the relaxation time and the viscosity ratio of the viscoelastic fluid, respectively. It is found that the influence of the elasticity parameter γ on the linear stability characteristics is non-monotonic. The fluid elasticity stabilizes (destabilizes) the basic Poiseuille flow if γ<γ* (γ>γ*) where γ* is a particular value of γ that we have determined. It is also shown that when the temperature gradient imposed on the external boundaries is zero, the critical Reynolds number for the onset of such viscous dissipation/viscoelastic-induced instability may be well below the one needed to trigger the pure hydrodynamic instability in weakly elastic solutions.
Physicochemical, Digestive, and Sensory Properties of Panax Notoginseng Saponins Encapsulated by Polymerized Whey Protein
Authors: Zhou Zengjia , Sun Xiaomeng , Cheng Jianjun , Ban Qingfeng , Guo Mingruo
Published: November 2021

Panax Notoginseng Saponins (PNS) may be beneficial to human health due to their bioactive function. The application of PNS in functional foods was limited due to the bitter taste and low oral bioavailability. PNS were encapsulated by polymerized whey protein (PWP) nanoparticles. The physicochemical, digestive, and sensory properties of the nanoparticles were investigated. Results showed that the nanoparticles had a particle size of 55 nm, the zeta potential of −28 mV, and high PNS encapsulation efficiency (92.94%) when the mass ratio of PNS to PWP was 1:30. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) results revealed that PNS were successfully encapsulated by PWP. The mainly intermolecular forces between PNS and PWP were hydrogen bonding and electrostatic attraction confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Results of simulated gastrointestinal digestion indicated that the PNS-PWP (1:30) nanoparticles had smaller average particle size (36 nm) after treatment with gastric fluids and increased particle size (75 nm) after treatment with intestinal fluids. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) micrographs reflected that the nanoparticles had irregular spherical structures. The encapsulated PNS exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) decreased bitterness compared to the non-encapsulated PNS confirmed by the electronic tongue. The results indicated that encapsulation of PNS with PWP could facilitate their application in functional foods.
Feasibility of Elder-Friendly Food Applications of Sacha Inchi According to Cooking Method: Focusing on Analysis of Antioxidative Activity and Brain Neuron Cell Viability
Authors: Kim Dah-Sol , Joo Nami
Published: December 2021

One of the objectives of this study was to determine the effect of the cooking method on the antioxidant activity of Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis). This work was focused on the importance of performing proper cooking for studying Sacha inchi. The result of this study sheds light on preventing nutritional loss with appropriate cooking methods. Three types of cooking processes were selected: uncooked, roasted at 160 °C for 6 min, boiled at 100 °C for 13 min. The results of the present study indicated that roasted Sacha inchi is distinguishable for its high content of antioxidants (total polyphenol content 485.50 μM, total flavonoid content 0.02 μg/mL, DPPH free radical scavenging activity 33.05%, ferric reducing ability 0.19 μM). The results of the present study also indicated that Sacha inchi uniquely promotes HT22 cell viability. With roasted Sacha inchi treatment, HT22 hippocampal neuronal cell showed a significantly increased number of growth (p < 0.001). Results also suggest that the development of tenderized Sacha inchi could help the elderly consumers achieve their target antioxidant provision in smaller portion sizes, thus curtailing the peril of sarcopenia. The mousse type of elderly food may also change the taste of many other nut consumers as they may opt to start selling and consuming Sacha inchi. It could be in the Sacha inchi industry’s best interest to make certain all of the population’s textural favors are catered.
(Re)discovering the Familial Past and Its Impact on Historical Consciousness
Authors: Shaw Emma L. , Donnelly Debra J.
Published: December 2021

Family history has become a significant contributor to public and social histories exploring and (re)discovering the micro narratives of the past. Due to the growing democratisation of digital access to documents and the proliferation of family history media platforms, family history is now challenging traditional custodianship of the past. Family history research has moved beyond the realms of archives, libraries and community-based history societies to occupy an important space in the public domain. This paper reports on some of the findings of a recent study into the historical thinking and research practices of Australian family historians. Using a case study methodology, it examines the proposition that researching family history has major impacts on historical understanding and consciousness using the analytic frameworks of Jorn Rüsen’s Disciplinary Matrix and his Typology of Historical Consciousness. This research not only proposes these major impacts but argues that some family historians are shifting the historical landscape through the dissemination of their research for public consumption beyond traditional family history audiences.
The Adenoviral E1B-55k Protein Present in HEK293 Cells Mediates Abnormal Accumulation of Key WNT Signaling Proteins in Large Cytoplasmic Aggregates
Authors: Olsen Petter Angell , Krauss Stefan
Published: November 2021

HEK293 cells are one of the most widely used cell lines in research, and HEK293 cells are frequently used as an in vitro model for studying the WNT signaling pathway. The HEK293 cell line was originally established by transfection of human embryonic kidney cells with sheared adenovirus 5 DNA, and it is known that that HEK293 cells stably express the adenoviral E1A and E1B-55k proteins. Here, we show that HEK293 cells display an unexpected distribution of key components of the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway where AXIN1, APC, DVL2 and tankyrase are all co-localized in large spherical cytoplasmic aggregates. The cytoplasmic aggregates are enclosed by a narrow layer of the adenoviral E1B-55k protein. The reduction of E1B-55k protein levels leads to the disappearance of the cytoplasmic aggregates thus corroborating an essential role of the E1B-55k protein in mediating the formation of the aggregates. Furthermore, HEK293 cells with reduced E1B-55k protein levels display reduced levels of transcriptional activation of WNT/β-catenin signaling upon stimulation by the Wnt3A agonist. The demonstrated influence of the E1B-55k protein on the cellular localization of WNT/β-catenin signaling components and on transcriptional regulation of WNT/β-catenin signaling asks for caution in the interpretation of data derived from the HEK293 cell line.
Comparative Phylogeography and Phylogeny of Pennah Croakers (Teleostei: Sciaenidae) in Southeast Asian Waters
Authors: Lim Hong-Chiun , Habib Ahasan , Chen Wei-Jen
Published: November 2021

A broad-scale comparative phylogeographic and phylogenetic study of pennah croakers, mainly Pennahia anea, P. macrocephalus, and P. ovata was conducted to elucidate the mechanisms that may have driven the diversification of marine organisms in Southeast Asian waters. A total of 316 individuals from the three species, and an additional eight and six individuals of P. argentata and P. pawak were employed in this study. Two genetically divergent lineages each of P. argentata and P. anea (lineages L1 and L2) were respectively detected from the analyses based on mitochondrial cytochrome b gene data. Historical biogeography analysis with a multi-gene dataset revealed that Pennahia species most likely originated in the South China Sea and expanded into the eastern Indian Ocean, East China Sea, and northwestern Pacific Ocean through three separate range expansions. The main diversifications of Pennahia species occurred during Miocene and Pliocene periods, and the occurrences of lineage divergences within P. anea and P. argentata were during the Pleistocene, likely as a consequence of cyclical glaciations. The population expansions that occurred after the sea level rise might be the reason for the population homogeneity observed in P. macrocephalus and most P. anea L2 South China Sea populations. The structure observed between the two populations of P. ovata, and the restricted distributions of P. anea lineage L1 and P. ovata in the eastern Indian Ocean, might have been hampered by the northward flowing ocean current at the Malacca Strait and by the distribution of coral reefs or rocky bottoms. While our results support S. Ekman’s center-of-origin hypothesis taking place in the South China Sea, the Malacca Strait serving as the center of overlap is a supplementary postulation for explaining the present-day high diversity of pennah croakers centered in these waters.
Biochemical Studies in Fibroblasts to Interpret Variants of Unknown Significance in the ABCD1 Gene
Authors: van de Stadt Stephanie I. W. , Mooyer Petra A. W. , Dijkstra Inge M. E. , Dekker Conny J. M. , Vats Divya , Vera Moin , Ruzhnikov Maura R. Z. , van Haren Keith , Tang Nelson , Koop Klaas , Willemsen Michel A. , Hui Joannie , Vaz Frédéric M. , Ebberink Merel S. , Engelen Marc , Kemp Stephan , Ferdinandusse Sacha
Published: November 2021

Due to newborn screening for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), and the use of exome sequencing in clinical practice, the detection of variants of unknown significance (VUS) in the ABCD1 gene is increasing. In these cases, functional tests in fibroblasts may help to classify a variant as (likely) benign or pathogenic. We sought to establish reference ranges for these tests in ALD patients and control subjects with the aim of helping to determine the pathogenicity of VUS in ABCD1. Fibroblasts from 36 male patients with confirmed ALD, 26 healthy control subjects and 17 individuals without a family history of ALD, all with an uncertain clinical diagnosis and a VUS identified in ABCD1, were included. We performed a combination of tests: (i) a test for very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFA) levels, (ii) a D3-C22:0 loading test to study the VLCFA metabolism and (iii) immunoblotting for ALD protein. All ALD patient fibroblasts had elevated VLCFA levels and a reduced peroxisomal ß-oxidation capacity (as measured by the D3-C16:0/D3-C22:0 ratio in the D3-C22:0 loading test) compared to the control subjects. Of the VUS cases, the VLCFA metabolism was not significantly impaired (most test results were within the reference range) in 6/17, the VLCFA metabolism was significantly impaired (most test results were within/near the ALD range) in 9/17 and a definite conclusion could not be drawn in 2/17 of the cases. Biochemical studies in fibroblasts provided clearly defined reference and disease ranges for the VLCFA metabolism. In 15/17 (88%) VUS we were able to classify the variant as being likely benign or pathogenic. This is of great clinical importance as new variants will be detected.
Special Issue: Autoimmune Disease Genetics
Authors: Wasniewska Malgorzata Gabriela , Bossowski Artur
Published: December 2021

Autoimmune diseases (ADs) are characterized by a multifactorial etiology, in which genetic and environmental factors are responsible for the loss of immunological tolerance [...]
State-of-the-Art Review of Enzyme-Induced Calcite Precipitation (EICP) for Ground Improvement: Applications and Prospects
Authors: Arab Mohamed G. , Alsodi Rami , Almajed Abdullah , Yasuhara Hideaki , Zeiada Waleed , Shahin Mohamed A.
Published: December 2021

The global construction industry consumes huge amounts of mined materials that are considered unsustainable for earth resources. In addition, Portland cement which is a key element in concrete and most construction materials is considered one of the main contributors to worldwide CO2 emissions. On the other hand, natural cemented soil deposits are examples of sustainable structures that have survived decades of severe environmental conditions. Mimicking these natural biological systems provide an alternative to the current practices of construction materials production. Enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) is a bio-inspired technique based on the precipitation of calcium carbonate for enhancing the geo-mechanical properties of soils. In this technique, calcium carbonate acts as a cementitious agent that binds the soil particles together at the points of contact, hence, increasing the strength and stiffness of treated soils, while relatively reducing the soil permeability and porosity. The achieved enhancements make EICP useful for applications such as ground improvement, construction materials, and erosion control over traditional binders. This paper presents a state-of-the-art review of EICP for ground improvement including the fundamental basics of EICP treatment. The paper also discusses the chemical and physical factors affecting the performance of EICP such as enzyme source, enzyme activity and solution constitutes. Moreover, the paper reviews the different methods and testing techniques used in the application of EICP for soil treatment. Furthermore, the paper compares EICP with other biomineralization techniques in terms of performance and applicability on ground improvement. Finally, the paper discusses the research gaps and existing challenges concerning the commercialization and large-scale implementation of the technology.
Lessons Learnt from the EU Response to NCDs: A Content Analysis on Building Resilient Post-COVID Health Systems
Authors: Orhan Rana , Paric Martina , Czabanowska Katarzyna
Published: December 2021

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) impose a heavy burden on the healthcare system of countries in the European Union (EU). An estimated 91.3% of all deaths and 86.6% of DALYs in the EU-28 were attributable to NCDs. It is imperative that the EU act on mitigating this challenging health issue and help create trajectories for building resilient health systems. Using qualitative analysis, this study examines the question of how the European Commission 2019–2024 is planning to mitigate the impact of NCDs on health systems, while taking into account the COVID-19 pandemic. A content analysis of 44 documents communicating the European Commission’s position on the issue was done. In vivo coding was performed using the software package ATLAS.ti 9. Unique codes were simplified and grouped into main themes. Five main themes were identified: ‘health plan’, ‘COVID-19’, ‘future direction’, ‘collaboration and solidarity’, and ‘persuasion’. This study shows that the European Commission is emphasising the impact of the pandemic and the relevance of policies tackling NCDs. By calling for more cross- and multi-sectoral collaboration, the Commission hopes to create the right climate for a European framework for cooperation, which can help develop EU-wide resilient health systems.
Consideration of Intestinal Failure in Cases of De-Adaptation of Short Bowel Syndrome: A Case Report and Descriptive Review
Authors: Kato Tasuku , Nakano Yasuhisa , Yamane Fumiko , Ohta Ryuichi , Sano Chiaki
Published: December 2021

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) causes malabsorption due to extensive intestinal resection. While intestinal function declines with age, little is known about the relationship between intestinal failure and ageing. For the first time in Japan, we report a case of de-adaptation of SBS thought to be due to ageing, in a 93-year-old woman who presented with electrolyte imbalance and malnutrition. She had undergone five surgical resections of the small intestine over the past 20 years. She had developed SBS once due to multiple surgeries, but due to compensatory function, the symptoms had abated. However, due to decreased intestinal function caused by ageing, it worsened and symptoms reappeared. A literature search for the period January 1990 to May 2021 in Ichushi a major journal in Japan, found that de-adaptation of SBS occurred in 23 previous cases, of which we were able to confirm the details in 17 cases, with no case reports on “de-adaptation of SBS”, demonstrating that the concept of “intestinal failure” has only recently begun to be used in routine practice. Therefore, we stress the importance of re-emphasizing the concept of ”intestinal failure” in everyday practice, as well as other organ-related conditions such as cardiac or renal failure, as this may lead to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of malnutrition and diarrhoea in elderly patients.
Single Slow-Paced Breathing Session at Six Cycles per Minute: Investigation of Dose-Response Relationship on Cardiac Vagal Activity
Authors: You Min , Laborde Sylvain , Zammit Nina , Iskra Maša , Borges Uirassu , Dosseville Fabrice
Published: November 2021

The practice of slow-paced breathing (SPB) has been linked to a range of positive outcomes, such as decreasing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as increasing well-being. Among the suggested mechanisms of action, SPB has been shown to increase cardiac vagal activity (CVA). The present study aimed to investigate whether there is a dose-response relationship modulating the effects of SPB on CVA. A total of 59 participants were involved in this study. In a within-subject design, participants attended the lab five times, and realized SPB at six cycles per minute with different durations (5, 10, 15, and 20 min), as well as a control condition without SPB. CVA was indexed via the root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD). During SPB, findings showed an increase in RMSSD in all conditions compared to the control condition. However, no differences were found in RMSSD among the different session durations, during SPB or during the resting measurement completed immediately after SPB. Noteworthily, session duration showed an influence on the spontaneous respiratory frequency in the resting measurement occurring immediately after SPB. Specifically, respiratory frequency appears to decrease with session duration, thus potentially contributing to additional relaxing effects.
Direct and Indirect Effects of Business Environment on BRI Countries’ Global Value Chain Upgrading
Authors: He Shengbing , Yao Huilin , Ji Zhou
Published: November 2021

This study incorporates business environment, foreign direct investment (FDI), and the global value chain upgrading into a unified analysis framework to unravel the effects of business environment and FDI on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries’ status elevation on the global value chain. The panel data of 112 BRI countries from 2007 to 2017 are employed for empirical tests on the trilateral relationship through the panel data regression model. The results show: (1) business environment improvement and FDI inflow significantly promote BRI countries’ status elevation on the global value chain. Business environment not only elevates BRI countries’ status on the global value chain directly, but indirectly lifts their status through the intermediate effects of FDI; (2) business environment and FDI significantly promote the status elevation on the global value chain for industries that are intensive on varied factors, especially for labor-intensive industry; (3) the test results of the panel threshold model further verify the positive effect of the business environment and FDI inflows on BRI countries’ status elevation on the global value chain.
Older Adult Employment Status and Well-Being: A Longitudinal Bidirectional Analysis
Authors: Chia Jonathan L. , Hartanto Andree
Published: November 2021

Mixed findings in the literature on the effects of older adult employment on well-being and the reciprocal influence of well-being on employment suggest the need for more careful methodology in teasing out this relationship. Moreover, as previous research has shown that different domains of well-being relate to constructs differently, more nuanced definitions of well-being may be appropriate. The present study examined the longitudinal bidirectional associations of employment and different domains of well-being, controlling for stable within-person variables. The present study sampled older adults from the Midlife Development in the US study at three timepoints on employment status and well-being, specifically psychological, social, and subjective well-being. A Random-Intercept Cross-lagged Panel Model (RI-CLPM) approach was employed to determine the longitudinal bidirectional influence of employment and domains of well-being. Results showed that employment status was not associated with various well-being domains at a later time point. Results also showed that greater well-being, specifically in meaningfulness of society and personal growth, was associated with being employed at a later time point.
A Qualitative Exploration in Causes of Water Insecurity Experiences, and Gender and Nutritional Consequences in South-Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Ahmed Farooq , Shahid Muhammad , Cao Yang , Qureshi Madeeha Gohar , Zia Sidra , Fatima Saireen , Guo Jing
Published: November 2021

Although water insecurity has been discussed in general, its impacts on mothers’ physical and mental health, and infants’ and young children’s feeding (IYCF), has largely been ignored. This study explores household water insecurity experiences and their association with optimal health and nutrition of women and children in the Rajanpur district of Punjab Province. Using focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informants (KIIs) interviews from an area with high maternal-child malnutrition prevalence, a qualitative study was conducted to describe local experiences of water acquirement and arrangement, and of the consequences of water insecurity. The findings highlight that rural Western marginalized populations of the Rajanpur district rely on brackish, canal, or flood surface water as the water supply is absent, which intensifies mothers’ work burden and stress, and often makes them victims of violence, stigma, and sickness. Water fetching impacts women in unforeseen ways, impacting the psychosocial and physical health of mothers engaged in maternal breastfeeding. Water insecurity, originally rooted in regional disparities, compounds with gender inequities, which leads to maternal stress and child sickness. Justice in water resources is imperative and urgent in the deprived South of Punjab province for improving public health nutrition.
Factors Associated with Subsequent Childbirth between Marriage Years in Korea
Authors: Park Jeongok , Lee Kyoungjin , Kim Heejung
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to identify differences in factors associated with subsequent childbirth between the marriage years of 1996–2005 (Group 1) and 2006–2015 (Group 2) using the 2015 National Survey. A total of 5097 eligible participants (2492 and 2605 women in each group, respectively) were included. The main variables consisted of demographic characteristics, socio-economic status, value for child and son, and social support for raising child. For statistical analysis, discrete-time hazard models were used. The common factors associated with subsequent childbirth in both groups were son preference (Group 1: HR = 1.16; 95% CI = 1.06–1.27, Group 2: HR = 1.14; 95% CI = 1.04–1.24) and the favorable value on children (HR = 1.12; 95% CI = 1.01–1.25, HR = 1.11; 95% CI = 1.01–1.22). Only in Group 2, age at the first childbirth (HR = 1.35; 95% CI = 1.31–1.39) and more monthly income (≥4600, <6000: HR = 1.18; 95% CI = 1.04–1.33, ≥6000: HR = 1.15; 95% CI = 1.00–1.32) were significantly associated with subsequent children. Whereas, working women (HR = 0.86; 95% CI = 0.78–0.94) were less likely to have subsequent children. To increase fertility in Korea, the government must provide childcare and deal with factors associated with low fertility considering the reduction in role incomparability for women due to changes in demographic characteristics.
Implementing the Federal Smoke-Free Public Housing Policy in New York City: Understanding Challenges and Opportunities for Improving Policy Impact
Authors: Jiang Nan , Gill Emily , Thorpe Lorna E. , Rogers Erin S. , de Leon Cora , Anastasiou Elle , Kaplan Sue A. , Shelley Donna
Published: November 2021

In 2018, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development required public housing authorities to implement a smoke-free housing (SFH) policy that included individual apartments. We analyzed the policy implementation process in the New York City Public Housing Authority (NYCHA). From June–November 2019, we conducted 9 focus groups with 64 NYCHA residents (smokers and nonsmokers), 8 key informant interviews with NYCHA staff and resident association leaders, and repeated surveys with a cohort of 130 nonsmoking households pre- and 12-month post policy. One year post policy implementation, participants reported widespread smoking violations and multi-level factors impeding policy implementation. These included the shared belief among residents and staff that the policy overreached by “telling people what to do in their own apartments”. This hindered compliance and enforcement efforts. Inconsistent enforcement of illegal marijuana use, staff smoking violations, and a lack of accountability for other pressing housing issues created the perception that smokers were being unfairly targeted, as did the lack of smoking cessation resources. Resident support for the policy remained unchanged but satisfaction with enforcement declined (60.1% vs. 48.8%, p = 0.047). We identified multilevel contextual factors that are influencing SFH policy implementation. Findings can inform the design of strategies to optimize policy implementation.
Childhood Rotavirus Infection Associated with Temperature and Particulate Matter 2.5 µm: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Tseng Hui-Chen , Sung Fung-Chang , Mou Chih-Hsin , Chen Chao W. , Tsai Shan P. , Hsieh Dennis P. H. , Lu Chung-Yen , Chen Pei-Chun , Tzeng Ya-Ling
Published: November 2021

No study has ever investigated how ambient temperature and PM2.5 mediate rotavirus infection (RvI) in children. We used insurance claims data from Taiwan in 2006–2012 to evaluate the RvI characteristics in children aged ≤ 9. The RvI incidence rates were higher in colder months, reaching the highest in March (117.0/100 days), and then declining to the lowest in July (29.2/100 days). The age–sex-specific average incident cases were all higher in boys than in girls. Stratified analysis by temperature (<20, 20–24, and ≥25 °C) and PM2.5 (<17.5, 17.5–31.4, 31.5–41.9, and ≥42.0 μg/m3) showed that the highest incidence was 16.4/100 days at average temperatures of <20 °C and PM2.5 of 31.5–41.9 μg/m3, with Poisson regression analysis estimating an adjusted relative risk (aRR) of 1.26 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.11–1.43), compared to the incidence at the reference condition (<20 °C and PM2.5 < 17.5 μg/m3). As the temperature increased, the incident RvI cases reduced to 4.84 cases/100 days (aRR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.35–0.45) when it was >25 °C with PM2.5 < 17.5 μg/m3, or to 9.84/100 days (aRR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.77–0.93) when it was >25 °C with PM2.5 > 42 μg/m3. The seasonal RvI is associated with frequent indoor personal contact among children in the cold months. The association with PM2.5 could be an alternative assessment due to temperature inversion.
Self-Esteem as a Predictor of Mental Adjustment in Patients with Breast Cancer
Authors: Tsai Pei-Ling , Kuo Ting-Ting , Ku Chih-Hung , Liao Guo-Shiou , Lin Chi-Kang , Pan Hsueh-Hsing
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to explore the relationship between self-esteem and mental adjustment and examine the directional effects in patients with breast cancer using path modeling. This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, and correlational study. A total of 128 patients with breast cancer were selected through convenience sampling at a medical center in northern Taiwan. They completed a basic characteristics questionnaire, the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale short form, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale. Descriptive statistics, regression analysis, and path analysis were used to analyze the data. The results showed that higher self-esteem was associated with better mental adjustment (β = 0.9, 95% confidence interval 0.6~1.3, p < 0.001). Age, religious beliefs, employment, cancer stage, and symptom distress were correlated with mental adjustment. Path modeling demonstrated that self-esteem, cancer stage, performance status, and symptom distress directly affected mental adjustment in patients with breast cancer. These findings suggest that health professionals should evaluate self-esteem, performance status, and symptom distress in patients with breast cancer immediately upon admission. This can facilitate early implementation of relevant nursing interventions and, consequently, improve self-esteem and symptom distress and increase mental adjustment in these patients.
Exposures to IARC Carcinogenic Agents in Work Settings Not Traditionally Associated with Sinonasal Cancer Risk: The Experience of the Italian National Sinonasal Cancer Registry
Authors: Binazzi Alessandra , Mensi Carolina , Miligi Lucia , Di Marzio Davide , Zajacova Jana , Galli Paolo , Camagni Angela , Calisti Roberto , Balestri Anna , Murano Stefano , Piro Sara , d’Errico Angelo , Bonzini Matteo , Massacesi Stefania , Sorasio Denise , Marinaccio Alessandro ,   on behalf of ReNaTuNS Working group
Published: November 2021

The aim of this study is to highlight tasks and jobs not commonly considered at high risk for sinonasal cancer (SNC) identified by Regional Operating Centers currently active in the Italian National Sinonasal Cancer Registry (ReNaTuNS), which retrieve occupational histories through a standardized questionnaire. Data on exposures to IARC carcinogenic agents in work settings unknown to be associated with SNC risk were collected and analyzed. Out of 2,208 SNC cases recorded in the ReNaTuNS database, 216 cases and their worked exposure periods were analyzed. Unsuspected jobs with exposure to wood dust include construction-related tasks, production of resins, agriculture and livestock jobs (straw and sawdust), and heel factory work (cork dust). Other examples are hairdressers, bakers (formaldehyde), dressmakers, technical assistants, wool and artificial fiber spinners, and upholsterers (textile dusts). Moreover, settings with coexposure to different agents (e.g., wood with leather dusts and chromium–nickel compounds) were recognized. The study describes jobs where the existence of carcinogenic agents associated with SNC risk is unexpected or not resulting among primary materials employed. The systematic epidemiological surveillance of all epithelial SNC cases with a detailed collection of their work history, as performed by a dedicated population registry, is essential for detecting all potential occupational cases and should be considered in the context of forensic medicine and the compensation process.
Internal Validity of Two Promising Methods of Altering Temporal Orientation among Cigarette Smokers
Authors: O’Connor Richard J. , Carl Ellen , Shevorykin Alina , Stein Jeffrey S. , Vantucci Darian , Liskiewicz Amylynn , Bensch Lindsey , Thorner Hannah , Marion Matthew , Hyland Andrew , Sheffer Christine E.
Published: November 2021

Relapse to smoking continues to be among the most urgent global health concerns. Novel, accessible, and minimally invasive treatments to aid in smoking cessation are likely to improve the reach and efficacy of smoking cessation treatment. Encouraging prospection by decreasing delay discounting (DD) is a new therapeutic target in the treatment of smoking cessation. Two early-stage interventions, delivered remotely and intended to increase prospection, decrease DD and promote cessation are Episodic Future Thinking (EFT) and Future Thinking Priming (FTP). EFT and FTP have demonstrated at least modest reductions in delay discounting, but understanding whether these interventions are internally valid (i.e., are accomplishing the stated intention) is key. This study examined the internal validity of EFT and FTP. Participants (n = 20) seeking to quit smoking were randomly assigned to active or control conditions of EFT and FTP. Linguistic Inquiry Word Count (LIWC2015) was used to examine the language participants used while engaged in the tasks. Results revealed significant differences in the language participants used in the active and control conditions. Women employed more words than men, but no other demographic differences were found in language. The active conditions for both tasks showed a greater emphasis on future orientation. Risk-avoidance was significantly higher in the active vs. control condition for EFT. Remote delivery of both EFT and FTP was valid and feasible as participants adhered to instructions in the remote prompts, and trends in DD were in the expected directions.
An Adaptive Pose Fusion Method for Indoor Map Construction
Authors: Zhang Jinming , Xu Lianrui , Bao Cuizhu
Published: November 2021

The vision-based robot pose estimation and mapping system has the disadvantage of low pose estimation accuracy and poor local detail mapping effects, while the modeling environment has poor features, high dynamics, weak light, and multiple shadows, among others. To address these issues, we propose an adaptive pose fusion (APF) method to fuse the robot’s pose and use the optimized pose to construct an indoor map. Firstly, the proposed method calculates the robot’s pose by the camera and inertial measurement unit (IMU), respectively. Then, the pose fusion method is adaptively selected according to the motion state of the robot. When the robot is in a static state, the proposed method directly uses the extended Kalman filter (EKF) method to fuse camera and IMU data. When the robot is in a motive state, the weighted coefficient is determined according to the matching success rate of the feature points, and the weighted pose fusion (WPF) method is used to fuse camera and IMU data. According to the different states, a series of new poses of the robot are obtained. Secondly, the fusion optimized pose is used to correct the distance and azimuth angle of the laser points obtained by LiDAR, and a Gauss–Newton iterative matching process is used to match the corresponding laser points to construct an indoor map. Finally, a pose fusion experiment is designed, and the EuRoc data and the measured data are used to verify the effectiveness of this method. The experimental results confirm that this method provides higher pose estimation accuracy compared with the robust visual inertial odometry (ROVIO) and visual-inertial ORB-SLAM (VI ORB-SLAM) algorithms. Compared with the Cartographer algorithm, this method provides higher two-dimensional map modeling accuracy and modeling performance.
The Spatiotemporal Pattern and Driving Factors of Cyber Fraud Crime in China
Authors: Chen Shuai , Gao Chundong , Jiang Dong , Hao Mengmeng , Ding Fangyu , Ma Tian , Zhang Shize , Li Shunde
Published: November 2021

As a typical cybercrime, cyber fraud poses severe threats to civilians’ property safety and social stability. Traditional criminological theories such as routine activity theory focus mainly on the effects of individual characteristics on cybercrime victimization and ignore the impacts of macro-level environmental factors. This study aims at exploring the spatiotemporal pattern of cyber fraud crime in China and investigating the relationships between cyber fraud and environmental factors. The results showed that cyber fraud crimes were initially distributed in southeastern China and gradually spread towards the middle and northern regions; spatial autocorrelation analysis revealed that the spatial concentration trend of cyber fraud became more and more strong, and a strong distinction in cyber fraud clustering between the north and the south was identified. To further explain the formative causes of these spatial patterns, a generalized additive model (GAM) was constructed by incorporating natural and social environmental factors. The results suggested that the distribution of cyber fraud was notably affected by the regional economy and population structure. Also, the high incidence of cyber fraud crime was closely associated with a large nonagricultural population, a high proportion of tertiary industry in GDP, a large number of general college students, a longer cable length, and a large numbers of internet users.
Air Humidity Characteristics in “Local Climate Zones” of Novi Sad (Serbia) Based on Long-Term Data
Authors: Dunjić Jelena , Milošević Dragan , Kojić Milena , Savić Stevan , Lužanin Zorana , Šećerov Ivan , Arsenović Daniela
Published: December 2021

This study aims to investigate spatial and temporal dynamics and relationship between air temperature and five air humidity parameters (relative humidity, water vapor pressure, absolute humidity, specific humidity, and vapor pressure deficit) in Novi Sad, Serbia, based on two-year data (December 2015–December 2017). The analysis includes different urban areas of Novi Sad, which are delineated in five built (urban) types of local climate zones (LCZ) (LCZ 2, LCZ 5, LCZ 6, LCZ 8, and LCZ 9), and one land cover (natural) local climate zone (LCZ A) located outside the urban area. Temporal analysis included annual, seasonal, and monthly dynamics of air temperature and air humidity parameters, as well as their patterns during the extreme periods (heat and cold wave). The results showed that urban dry island (UDI) occurs in densely urbanized LCZ 2 from February to October, unlike other urban LCZs. The analysis of the air humidity dynamics during the heat wave shows that UDI intensity is most pronounced during the daytime, but also in the evening (approximately until midnight) in LCZ 2. However, lower UDI intensity is observed in the afternoon, in other urban LCZs (LCZ 6, LCZ 8, and LCZ 9) and occasionally in the later afternoon in LCZ 5. Regression analysis confirms the relationship between air temperature and each of the analyzed air humidity parameters.
Evaluation of the Optimal Topic Classification for Social Media Data Combined with Text Semantics: A Case Study of Public Opinion Analysis Related to COVID-19 with Microblogs
Authors: Liang Qin , Hu Chunchun , Chen Si
Published: December 2021

Online public opinion reflects social conditions and public attitudes regarding special social events. Therefore, analyzing the temporal and spatial distributions of online public opinion topics can contribute to understanding issues of public concern, grasping and guiding the developing trend of public opinion. However, how to evaluate the validity of classification of online public opinion remains a challenging task in the topic mining field. By combining a Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) pre-training model with the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) topic model, we propose an evaluation method to determine the optimal classification number of topics from the perspective of semantic similarity. The effectiveness of the proposed method was verified based on the standard Chinese corpus THUCNews. Taking Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related geotagged posts on Weibo in Wuhan city as an example, we used the proposed method to generate five categories of public opinion topics. Combining spatial and temporal information with the classification results, we analyze the spatial and temporal distribution patterns of the five optimal public opinion topics, which are found to be consistent with the epidemic development, demonstrating the feasibility of our method when applied to practical cases.
Multiparametric Evaluation of Post-MI Small Animal Models Using Metabolic ([18F]FDG) and Perfusion-Based (SYN1) Heart Viability Tracers
Authors: Kolanowski Tomasz Jan , Wargocka-Matuszewska Weronika , Zimna Agnieszka , Cheda Lukasz , Zyprych-Walczak Joanna , Rugowska Anna , Drabik Monika , Fiedorowicz Michał , Krajewski Seweryn , Steczek Łukasz , Kozanecki Cezary , Rogulski Zbigniew , Rozwadowska Natalia , Kurpisz Maciej
Published: November 2021

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), with myocardial infarction (MI) being one of the crucial components, wreak havoc in developed countries. Advanced imaging technologies are required to obtain quick and widely available diagnostic data. This paper describes a multimodal approach to in vivo perfusion imaging using the novel SYN1 tracer based on the fluorine-18 isotope. The NOD-SCID mice were injected intravenously with SYN1 or [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]-FDG) radiotracers after induction of the MI. In all studies, the positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET/CT) technique was used. To obtain hemodynamic data, mice were subjected to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Finally, the biodistribution of the SYN1 compound was performed using Wistar rat model. SYN1 showed normal accumulation in mouse and rat hearts, and MI hearts correctly indicated impaired cardiac segments when compared to [18F]-FDG uptake. In vivo PET/CT and MRI studies showed statistical convergence in terms of the size of the necrotic zone and cardiac function. This was further supported with RNAseq molecular analyses to correlate the candidate function genes’ expression, with Serpinb1c, Tnc and Nupr1, with Trem2 and Aldolase B functional correlations showing statistical significance in both SYN1 and [18F]-FDG. Our manuscript presents a new fluorine-18-based perfusion radiotracer for PET/CT imaging that may have importance in clinical applications. Future research should focus on confirmation of the data elucidated here to prepare SYN1 for first-in-human trials.
Pseudophosphatases as Regulators of MAPK Signaling
Authors: Hepworth Emma Marie Wilber , Hinton Shantá D.
Published: November 2021

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways are highly conserved regulators of eukaryotic cell function. These enzymes regulate many biological processes, including the cell cycle, apoptosis, differentiation, protein biosynthesis, and oncogenesis; therefore, tight control of the activity of MAPK is critical. Kinases and phosphatases are well established as MAPK activators and inhibitors, respectively. Kinases phosphorylate MAPKs, initiating and controlling the amplitude of the activation. In contrast, MAPK phosphatases (MKPs) dephosphorylate MAPKs, downregulating and controlling the duration of the signal. In addition, within the past decade, pseudoenzymes of these two families, pseudokinases and pseudophosphatases, have emerged as bona fide signaling regulators. This review discusses the role of pseudophosphatases in MAPK signaling, highlighting the function of phosphoserine/threonine/tyrosine-interacting protein (STYX) and TAK1-binding protein (TAB 1) in regulating MAPKs. Finally, a new paradigm is considered for this well-studied cellular pathway, and signal transduction pathways in general.
RNA-Seq Analysis Reveals an Essential Role of the Tyrosine Metabolic Pathway and Inflammation in Myopia-Induced Retinal Degeneration in Guinea Pigs
Authors: Zeng Ling , Li Xiaoning , Liu Jian , Liu Hong , Xu Heping , Yang Zhikuan
Published: November 2021

Myopia is the second leading cause of visual impairment globally. Myopia can induce sight-threatening retinal degeneration and the underlying mechanism remains poorly defined. We generated a model of myopia-induced early-stage retinal degeneration in guinea pigs and investigated the mechanism of action. Methods: The form-deprivation-induced myopia (FDM) was induced in the right eyes of 2~3-week-old guinea pigs using a translucent balloon for 15 weeks. The left eye remained untreated and served as a self-control. Another group of untreated age-matched animals was used as naïve controls. The refractive error and ocular biometrics were measured at 3, 7, 9, 12 and 15 weeks post-FDM induction. Visual function was evaluated by electroretinography. Retinal neurons and synaptic structures were examined by confocal microscopy of immunolabelled retinal sections. The total RNAs were extracted from the retinas and processed for RNA sequencing analysis. Results: The FDM eyes presented a progressive axial length elongation and refractive error development. After 15 weeks of intervention, the average refractive power was −3.40 ± 1.85 D in the FDM eyes, +2.94 ± 0.59 D and +2.69 ± 0.56 D in the self-control and naïve control eyes, respectively. The a-wave amplitude was significantly lower in FDM eyes and these eyes had a significantly lower number of rods, secretagogin+ bipolar cells, and GABAergic amacrine cells in selected retinal areas. RNA-seq analysis showed that 288 genes were upregulated and 119 genes were downregulated in FDM retinas compared to naïve control retinas. In addition, 152 genes were upregulated and 12 were downregulated in FDM retinas compared to self-control retinas. The KEGG enrichment analysis showed that tyrosine metabolism, ABC transporters and inflammatory pathways were upregulated, whereas tight junction, lipid and glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis were downregulated in FDM eyes. Conclusions: The long-term (15-week) FDM in the guinea pig models induced an early-stage retinal degeneration. The dysregulation of the tyrosine metabolism and inflammatory pathways may contribute to the pathogenesis of myopia-induced retinal degeneration.
Inhibitory Effects of Sulfonamide Derivatives on the β-Carbonic Anhydrase (MpaCA) from Malassezia pachydermatis, a Commensal, Pathogenic Fungus Present in Domestic Animals
Authors: De Luca Viviana , Angeli Andrea , Mazzone Valeria , Adelfio Claudia , Carta Fabrizio , Selleri Silvia , Carginale Vincenzo , Scaloni Andrea , Supuran Claudiu T. , Capasso Clemente
Published: November 2021

Fungi are exposed to various environmental variables during their life cycle, including changes in CO2 concentration. CO2 has the potential to act as an activator of several cell signaling pathways. In fungi, the sensing of CO2 triggers cell differentiation and the biosynthesis of proteins involved in the metabolism and pathogenicity of these microorganisms. The molecular machineries involved in CO2 sensing constitute a promising target for the development of antifungals. Carbonic anhydrases (CAs, EC 4.2.1.1) are crucial enzymes in the CO2 sensing systems of fungi, because they catalyze the reversible hydration of CO2 to proton and HCO3-. Bicarbonate in turn boots a cascade of reactions triggering fungal pathogenicity and metabolism. Accordingly, CAs affect microorganism proliferation and may represent a potential therapeutic target against fungal infection. Here, the inhibition of the unique β-CA (MpaCA) encoded in the genome of Malassezia pachydermatis, a fungus with substantial relevance in veterinary and medical sciences, was investigated using a series of conventional CA inhibitors (CAIs), namely aromatic and heterocyclic sulfonamides. This study aimed to describe novel candidates that can kill this harmful fungus by inhibiting their CA, and thus lead to effective anti-dandruff and anti-seborrheic dermatitis agents. In this context, current antifungal compounds, such as the azoles and their derivatives, have been demonstrated to induce the selection of resistant fungal strains and lose therapeutic efficacy, which might be restored by the concomitant use of alternative compounds, such as the fungal CA inhibitors.