bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: La Macchia Tommaso , Albiero Remo , Invernizzi Tommaso , Ceravolo Giorgia , Ceravolo Ida
Published: April 2021

We report a case of branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO) that occurred after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). A 59-year-old man with no other previous diseases presented visual acuity deterioration in the left eye 24 hours after PCI. Fundus examination revealed ischemia at the temporal branch of the retinal artery associated with inner layer edema. Prompt treatment was performed with ocular digital massage and paracentesis of the anterior chamber. However, at discharge, the patient had a persistent visual loss with a central scotoma that persisted at 35-day follow-up without improvement of the visual acuity. The patient did not suffer from any other systemic complications. Retinal infarction should be considered a potential complication of PCI. Patients and health care providers should be aware of any visual signs. Permanent visual disability can be prevented by immediate diagnosis and prompt intervention.
The Existence of Nontrivial Solutions to a Class of Quasilinear Equations
Authors: Jia Xiaoyao , Lou Zhenluo
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we study the following quasilinear equation:

−
div

ϕ

∇
u

∇
u

+
ϕ

u

u
=
f

u

 
in
 

ℝ

N

, where

ϕ

∈

C

1

ℝ

+

,

ℝ

+

and

Φ

t

=

∫

0

t

s
ϕ

∣
s
∣

d
s

. In the Orlicz-Sobolev space, by variational methods and a minimax theorem, we prove the equation has a nontrivial solution.
EPHB2 Activates β-Catenin to Enhance Cancer Stem Cell Properties and Drive Sorafenib Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Leung Hoi Wing , Leung Carmen Oi Ning , Lau Eunice Y. , Chung Katherine Po Sin , Mok Etienne H. , Lei Martina Mang Leng , Leung Rainbow Wing Hei , Tong Man , Keng Vincent W. , Ma Cong , Zhao Qian , Ng Irene Oi Lin , Ma Stephanie , Lee Terence K.
Published: April 2021

The survival benefit derived from sorafenib treatment for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is modest due to acquired resistance. Targeting cancer stem cells (CSC) is a possible way to reverse drug resistance, however, inhibitors that specifically target liver CSCs are limited. In this study, we established two sorafenib-resistant, patient-derived tumor xenografts (PDX) that mimicked development of acquired resistance to sorafenib in patients with HCC. RNA-sequencing analysis of sorafenib-resistant PDXs and their corresponding mock controls identified EPH receptor B2 (EPHB2) as the most significantly upregulated kinase. EPHB2 expression increased stepwise from normal liver tissue to fibrotic liver tissue to HCC tissue and correlated with poor prognosis. Endogenous EPHB2 knockout showed attenuation of tumor development in mice. EPHB2 regulated the traits of liver CSCs; similarly, sorted EPHB2High HCC cells were endowed with enhanced CSC properties when compared with their EPHB2-Low counterparts. Mechanistically, EPHB2 regulated cancer stemness and drug resistance by driving the SRC/AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling cascade, and EPHB2 expression was regulated by TCF1 via promoter activation, forming a positive Wnt/β-catenin feedback loop. Intravenous administration of rAAV-8-shEPHB2 suppressed HCC tumor growth and significantly sensitized HCC cells to sorafenib in an NRAS/AKT-driven HCC immunocompetent mouse model. Targeting a positive feedback loop involving the EPHB2/β-catenin axis may be a possible therapeutic strategy to combat acquired drug resistance in HCC.

Significance:

This study identifies a EPHB2/β-catenin/TCF1 positive feedback loop that augments cancer stemness and sorafenib resistance in HCC, revealing a targetable axis to combat acquired drug resistance in HCC.
A new species of the micro snail genus Heleobia (Caenogastropoda, Cochliopidae) from Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Simone Luiz Ricardo Lopes de , Oliveira George Vita de
Published: April 2021

The prey of a recent described characid fish, so far endemic of the small lake Pratinha (Iraquara, Bahia, Brazil), a small (~2.5 mm) lentic gastropod, revealed to be a new (possible endemic) species. It is herein formally described as Heleobia brucutu sp. nov. The description includes anatomical features, revealing interesting idiosyncrasies such as egg laying attached to shell, and penis lacking glands, but with terminal papilla. The new species appears to be endemic of that small lake as much as its fish predator. As the species is now formally described and named, protective efforts must be implemented.
A new species of Gammarus Fabricius, 1775 (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Gammaridae) from extreme high-altitude Lake Tong Tso, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Andrade Luiz Felipe , Tavares Marcos Domingos Siqueira , Senna André Resende de
Published: April 2021

A new species of the genus Gammarus Fabricius, 1775 is described from Lake Tong Tso, an extreme high-altitude lake in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Gammarus pontual sp. nov. is considered part of the Gammarus lacustris G.O. Sars, 1863 group, which is characterized by having the inner ramus of uropod 3 longer than half the length of the outer ramus, and by having both rami covered with plumose setae. The new species stands apart from their congeners, mainly, by the following combination of characters: head with cephalic lateral lobe truncated; gnathopods 1-2 propodus weakly armed, with 1 stout seta defining palm; palm longer than posterior margin of propodus, with 1 main stout seta medially; pereopods 5-7 basis slender, posterior margin crenulate; epimeral plate 1 posterior margin produced into a short spine, facial ridge present; epimeral plates 2-3 posteroventral corner sharply pointed; uropod 3 rami covered with plumose setae, inner ramus about 80% the length of the outer ramus; telson apex with 2 stout setae on each side.
Two new catfish species of typically Amazonian lineages in the Upper Rio Paraguay (Aspredinidae: Hoplomyzontinae and Trichomycteridae: Vandelliinae), with a biogeographic discussion
Authors: Dagosta Fernando Cesar Paiva , De Pinna Mário César Cardoso
Published: April 2021

Two new species of particular biogeographic significance are described from the upper rio Paraguay basin, one of the genus Paracanthopoma (Trichomycteridae, Vandelliinae) and the other of the genus Ernstichthys (Aspredinidae, Hoplomyzontinae). The two species occur sympatrically in the Rio Taquarizinho, tributary of the Rio Taquari, in the upper Paraguay system. Paracanthopoma saci is distinguished from its only congener, P. parva, by a spatulate caudal peduncle; a minuscule premaxillary dentition (reduced to three delicate teeth); the supraorbital latero-sensory canals opening as two separate s6 pores; the caudal fin slightly convex or truncate with round edges; the skull roof entirely open, unossified; the origins of dorsal and anal fins approximately at same vertical; and the pelvic fin with three rays. Ernstichthys taquari is diagnosed among congeners by the narrow bony shields on dorsal and ventral series, not overlapping or contacting each other; by the presence of seven or eight serrations on the posterior margin of the pectoral spine; and by the pectoral-fin spine only slightly larger than subsequent soft rays. Both Paracanthopoma and Ernstichthys were previously unknown outside of the Greater Amazonian river systems (Amazon, Orinoco, Essequibo and smaller surrounding drainages). Their presence restricted to the Rio Taquari is unexpected and suggests a peculiar biogeographical history. Ancestral geographic distributions were reconstructed using S-DIVA and BBM methods in RASP. A majority of resulting hypotheses support that the two species reached the Paraguay from the Amazon. The alternative explanation accounts for their presence in the Paraguay by vicariant events. In no case, their presence in the Paraguay is an ancestral distribution with subsequent Amazonian dispersal. Though unusual, this pattern is also seen in a few other fish taxa, showing that the Rio Taquari is biogeographically hybrid, combining elements from both the Paraguay and Amazon drainages.
Uma proposta metodológica para mapear a dissecação do relevo e aplicá-la no Parque Nacional da Serra da Canastra-MG
Authors: Mantovani José Roberto , Bueno Guilherme Taitson
Published: April 2021

Este trabalho propõe um mapa da dissecação do relevo por meio da técnica de geovisualização bivariada. Esse mapa permite verificar a influência de cada variável, entalhamento do vale e dimensão interfluvial, de forma separada ou combinada. O Parque Nacional da Serra da Canastra, no sudoeste de Minas Gerais, foi escolhido para aplicação do método devido a suas características geomorfológicas e a sua amplitude altimétrica. O resultado do mapa bivariado

apresentado mostrou equivalência com outras propostas aplicadas existentes na literatura brasileira, com boa precisão e correlação espacial, principalmente onde a dissecação é “muito forte”. A vantagem dessa metodologia é a universalidade, pois sua aplicação independe da base de dados utilizada e prescinde da interferência do tomador de decisões, a partir do modelo digital de elevação (MDE) de qualquer região geográfica.
Uma "fake news" setecentista? Investigação a respeito da "conversão dos índios Orizes" nos sertões da Bahia (c. 1710 - c. 1730)
Authors: De Araújo Souza Jorge Victor
Published: April 2021

Este artigo apresenta os resultados de uma recente investigação sobre uma narrativa de conversão ocorrida nos sertões da Bahia. De acordo com ela, um padre de nome Eusébio Dias Lassos de Lima, no ano de 1713, converteu os índios Orizes-Procazes, grupo tido como um “dos mais bárbaros e perigosos dos sertões”. Ao cotejarmos documentação de diversos arquivos, inclusive da Torre do Tombo, e analisarmos tal narrativa, foi possível concluirmos que esta notícia publicada em Lisboa no ano de 1716, citada inclusive em várias teses, foi colocada em dúvida, sendo afirmado por coetâneos que tudo não passou de invenção do padre em colaboração com um “editor” lusitano. Apresentamos aqui as intencionalidades, as condições de produção da notícia, e os regimes de verdade que estavam subsumidos nos enunciados dos envolvidos.
Apologistas e falsários do século XXI: negacionismo e usos da história da Inquisição em sites católicos brasileiros
Authors: Rocha Igor Tadeu Camilo
Published: April 2021

Este artigo é fruto de uma coleta e análise de textos publicados em espaços virtuais, como blogs e fóruns, voltados ao público católico e que têm como tema a história das Inquisições. Todos foram publicados entre 2004 e 2019, em sites brasileiros. A hipótese defendida é de que há neles uma escrita da história que articula negacionismo histórico e uma apologética católico-conservadora, buscando-se engajamento de grupos conservadores católicos em guerras culturais da contemporaneidade. Trata-se de usos sociais de narrativas sobre o passado, especificamente sobre os tribunais da Inquisição, por grupos vinculados à extrema direita católica, conferindo sentido histórico a polêmicas contra outros grupos religiosos e rejeições a diversos aspectos modernidade, que vão de doutrinas como liberalismo e o comunismo, a movimentos como o feminismo ou, ainda, à democracia, estados laicos, entre outros. Tais escritas do passado evidenciam alguns aspectos que trazem reflexões diversas sobre o atual papel do historiador e os usos sociais da história.
Apresentação: Dossiê Direitas nos Estados Unidos e Brasil durante a Guerra Fria
Authors: Junqueira Mary Anne , Napolitano Marcos
Published: April 2021

Apresentação do dossiê Direitas nos Estados Unidos e Brasil durante a Guerra Fria.
Transient Vestibular Symptoms Preceding Posterior Circulation Stroke: A Prospective Multicenter Study
Authors: Kim Hyun Ah , Oh Eun Hye , Choi Seo-Young , Choi Jae Hwan , Park Ji-Yun , Lee Hyung , Choi Kwang-Dong
Published: April 2021

Background and Purpose:

The recognition of clinical features of transient vestibular symptoms (TVSs) preceding posterior circulation stroke (PCOS) would be informative to discriminate dizziness/vertigo due to vertebrobasilar transient ischemic attack from the acute transient vestibular syndrome. We sought to determine the prevalence and characteristics of TVSs preceding PCOS.

Methods:

We performed a prospective multicenter observational study that had recruited 447 patients with PCOS from referral-based 4 university hospitals in Korea. We investigated the timing, pattern, frequency, duration, and accompanying neurological symptoms of TVSs during the 3 months preceding PCOS.

Results:

The prevalence of TVSs preceding PCOS was 12% (55/447) during the previous 3 months. The TVSs preceding PCOS occurred within 1 week (33%), between 1 week and 1 month (16%), or between 1 and 3 months (51%). The TVSs were mostly dizziness/vertigo with (36%) or without (60%) imbalance, while the remaining 4% had an isolated imbalance. The dizziness/vertigo was spinning in 38% and was aggravated during head position in 45%. The duration of TVSs was mostly a few seconds (55%) or minutes (38%). Approximately 72% of the patients with PCOS had TVSs 1 to 5 times, while 16% had >10 times. Accompanying neurological symptoms, including headache, tinnitus, limb weakness, sensory change, dysarthria, visual field defect, and diplopia, were reported in 11%.

Conclusions:

Preceding TVSs can occur in 12% of PCOS during the previous 3 months. Isolated dizziness/vertigo of unknown cause needs to be considered as a vertebrobasilar transient ischemic attack symptom, especially in patients with vascular risk factors. The characteristics of isolated vestibular symptom in vertebrobasilar transient ischemic attacks is highly variable and atypical compared with other transient ischemic symptoms.
Multi-spatial-scale dynamic interactions between functional sources reveal sex-specific changes in schizophrenia
Authors: Iraji Armin , Faghiri Ashkan , Fu Zening , Rachakonda Srinivas , Kochunov Peter , Belger Aysenil , Ford Judy M. , McEwen Sarah , Mathalon Daniel H. , Mueller Bryon A. , Pearlson Godfrey D. , Potkin Steven G. , Preda Adrian , Turner Jessica A. , van Erp Theodorus G. M. , Calhoun Vince D.
Published: April 2021

We introduce an extension of independent component analysis (ICA), called multiscale ICA, and design an approach to capture dynamic functional source interactions within and between multiple spatial scales. Multiscale ICA estimates functional sources at multiple spatial scales without imposing direct constraints on the size of functional sources, overcomes the limitation of using fixed anatomical locations, and eliminates the need for model-order selection in ICA analysis. We leveraged this approach to study sex-specific and sex-common connectivity patterns in schizophrenia. Results show dynamic reconfiguration and interaction within and between multi-spatial scales. Sex-specific differences occur (a) within the subcortical domain, (b) between the somatomotor and cerebellum domains, and (c) between the temporal domain and several others, including the subcortical, visual, and default mode domains. Most of the sex-specific differences belong to between-spatial-scale functional interactions and are associated with a dynamic state with strong functional interactions between the visual, somatomotor, and temporal domains and their anticorrelation patterns with the rest of the brain. We observed significant correlations between multi-spatial-scale functional interactions and symptom scores, highlighting the importance of multiscale analyses to identify potential biomarkers for schizophrenia. As such, we recommend such analyses as an important option for future functional connectivity studies.
Thalictrum kangdingense (Ranunculaceae), a new synonym of T. megalostigma from China
Authors: ZENG YOU-PAI , YUAN QIONG , YANG QIN-ER
Published: April 2021

Based on critical observations on herbarium specimens (including type material) and living plants in the wild from its type locality, we demonstrate that Thalictrum kangdingense, recently described from Kangding county in western Sichuan province, China, is readily distinguishable from T. xinningense by an array of morphological characters but is actually conspecific with T. megalostigma, a species with its type locality also in Kangding. We therefore reduce T. kangdingense to the synonymy of T. megalostigma herein. The morphological distinction between T. baicalense and T. megalostigma is also clarified.
Description of Paraxiopsis kensleyi n. sp., a new axiid lobster from the Gulf of Mexico (Crustacea: Decapoda: Axiidea)
Authors: FELDER DARRYL L.
Published: April 2021

A new species of axiid was discovered during sampling offshore deep banks on the middle continental shelf off Louisiana. Paraxiopsis kensleyi n. sp. appears to inhabit interstices and cavities of coralline algal rubble, rhodoliths, coral rubble, and other eroded calcareous substrates. Weakly separated from Eutrichocheles Wood-Mason, 1876 on the basis of morphology, present assignments of western Atlantic species to Paraxiopsis de Man, 1905 are regarded as provisional. The new species is described morphologically, and the coloration of freshly captured specimens is documented and compared to related species where possible. Coloration readily distinguishes mature specimens of the new species from Paraxiopsis spinipleura Kensley, 1996, with which it was initially confused. The diagnosis includes GenBank accession numbers for COI sequences to allow future molecular phylogenetic comparisons. Compared to regional species that share a similar dentation or spination on the submedian carina, the pleon of the new species is distinctive in the truncate ventral margin on pleura 2–4, as opposed to being broadly rounded or directed ventrally in an acutely triangular tip. The new species is the eighteenth species of Paraxiopsis worldwide and the ninth from western Atlantic waters, seven of which are now known to range into the Gulf of Mexico. An updated key to western Atlantic members of the genus is provided.
Fossil Melandryidae (Coleoptera: Tenebrionoidea) from Eocene Baltic amber of the Sambian peninsula: new genus, six new species, new records and key to described taxa
Authors: ALEKSEEV VITALII IGOREVICH , BUKEJS ANDRIS
Published: April 2021

Six new extinct representatives of the family Melandryidae, namely Electroxylita chronographica gen. et sp. nov., Madelinia capillata sp. nov., Microscapha kugelanni sp. nov., Phloiotrya inmarinata sp. nov., Symphora pollocki sp. nov., and S. glaesonauta sp. nov. are described from inclusions in Eocene Baltic amber. Twenty-eight additional fossil specimens of melandryid beetles belonging to ten species are reported. A list of Melandryidae described from Baltic amber is compiled and an identification key is provided.
Comparison of Monthly IMERG Precipitation Estimates with PACRAIN Atoll Observations
Authors: Bolvin David T. , Huffman George J. , Nelkin Eric J. , Tan Jackson
Published: April 2021

Satellite-based precipitation estimates provide valuable information where surface observations are not readily available, especially over the large expanses of the ocean where in-situ precipitation observations are very sparse. This study compares monthly precipitation estimates from the Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) with gauge observations from 37 low-lying atolls from the Pacific Rainfall Database for the period June 2000 – August 2020. Over the analysis period, IMERG estimates are slightly higher than the atoll observations by 0.67% with a monthly correlation of 0.68. Seasonally, DJF shows excellent agreement with a near-zero bias, while MAM shows IMERG is low by 4.6%, and JJA is high by 1.2%. SON exhibits the worst performance, with IMERG overestimating by 6.5% compared to the atolls. The seasonal correlations are well-contained in the range 0.67 – 0.72, with the exception of SON at 0.62. Furthermore, SON has the highest RMSE at 4.70 mm/day, making it the worst season for all metrics. Scatterplots of IMERG versus atolls show IMERG, on average, is generally low for light precipitation accumulations and high for intense precipitation accumulations, with best agreement at intermediate rates. Seasonal variations exist at light and intermediate rate accumulations, but IMERG consistently overestimates at intense precipitation rates. The differences between IMERG and atolls varies over time but does not exhibit any discernable trend or dependence on atoll population. The PACRAIN atoll gauges are not wind-loss corrected, so application of an appropriate adjustment would increase the precipitation amounts compared to IMERG. These results provide useful insight to users as well as valuable information for future improvements to IMERG.
Evaluation of boundary-layer and urban-canopy parameterizations for simulating wind in Miami during Hurricane Irma (2017)
Authors: Hendricks Eric A. , Knievel Jason C. , Nolan David S.
Published: April 2021

The simulated winds within the urban canopy of landfalling tropical cyclones are sensitive to the representation of the planetary-boundary and urban-canopy layers in numerical weather prediction models. In order to assess the sub-grid-scale parameterizations of these layers, mesoscale model simulations were executed and evaluated against near-surface observations as the outer wind field of Hurricane Irma (2017) interacted with the built-up region from downtown Miami northward to West Palm Beach. Four model simulations were examined, comprised of two different planetary boundary layer (PBL) parameterizations (a local closure scheme with turbulent kinetic energy prediction and a nonlocal closure scheme) and two different urban canopy models (UCMs) [a zeroth order bulk scheme and a multilayer Building Effect Parameterization (BEP) that mimics the three-dimensionality of buildings]. Overall, the simulated urban canopy winds were weakly sensitive to the PBL scheme and strongly sensitive to the UCM. The bulk simulations compared most favorably to an analyzed wind swath in the urban environment, while the BEP simulations had larger negative biases in the same region. There is uncertainty in magnitude of the urban environment biases due to the lack of many urban sheltered measurements in the wind swath analysis. Biases in the rural environment were similar among the bulk and BEP simulations. An improved comparison with the analyzed wind swath in the urban region was obtained by reducing the drag coefficient in BEP in one of the PBL schemes. The usefulness of BEP was demonstrated in its ability to predict realistic heterogeneous near-surface velocity patterns in urban regions.
Constructing fatherhood in the North and South: Paid parental leave, work and care in Iceland and Spain
Authors: Arnalds Ásdís A , Belope-Nguema Sabina , Eydal Guðný Björk , Fernández-Cornejo José Andrés
Published: April 2021

While Iceland and Spain historically belong to two different welfare regimes, both countries have enacted fathers’ quotas to their systems of paid parental leave. From the year 2000, Iceland has provided fathers with a three-month-long quota, and Spain introduced a 13-day fathers’ quota in 2007. Using survey data, the article applies structural equation modelling to learn of the interconnection between parents’ leave use, their working hours and fathers’ participation in care of their children. Fathers’ leave use was found to be associated with their involvement in care in both countries, both directly and indirectly, through the reduction in working hours. Icelandic fathers were more engaged in childcare than fathers in Spain, which could be explained by the longer period of paid leave available for fathers in Iceland.
Endocan: A Novel Predictor of Endothelial Dysfunction in Silent Brain Infarction
Authors: Erdal Yuksel , Yavuz Nurettin , Oguz Osman , Mahmutoglu Abdullah Soydan , Emre Ufuk
Published: April 2021

Silent brain infarction (SBI) has been considered as a subclinical risk factor for symptomatic possible future stroke. We investigated the association between serum inflammatory markers and SBI. Patients (n = 54) diagnosed with SBI as the study group and 52 individuals as the control group were included in this study. Silent brain infarction is defined as a hyperintense lesion that was ≥3 mm in 1 dimension on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery T2-weighted magnetic resonance image, if the patient had normal neurological examination or had an abnormality that was not consistent with the brain lesion locations, after being evaluated by a neurologist. Serum endocan levels ( P = .036) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP; P = .022) were significantly higher in patients with SBI than the controls. Pentraxin 3, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, white blood count, lymphocyte, monocyte, neutrophil, low-density lipoprotein, and triglyceride levels were not significantly different when comparing the groups with and without SBI. There was a significant correlation ( r = −0.196; P = .16) between hsCRP and endocan levels in the SBI group. Endocan, a novel biomarker of endothelial pathology, was significantly increased in patients with SBI and may be useful to predict the future risk of stroke.
Non-Conventional Migration: An Evolving Pattern in South Asia
Authors: Ullah AKM Ahsan , Akram Hossain Mallik , Huque Ahmed Shafiqul
Published: April 2021

The circumstances prevailing in South Asia (SA) have led to a plateauing migration stream that has resulted in several categories of migrants. The underlying factors driving migration have been identical in all the countries of SA. In recent years, however, poverty, conflicts, political and religious persecution, natural disasters and climate change have emerged as the most prominent drivers. External migration flow from SA has more than doubled between 2000 and 2015. This is a dynamic region, with millions (over 38m in 2017) of people crossing borders, both intra-regionally and extra-regionally. In recent years, wealthy citizens from SA have begun to move out of their countries with the intention of settling down elsewhere. This tendency has raised concerns among the policy makers because they create the grounds for reverse remittance flows. This research is meant to identify and contribute to the discourse of a new category of migrants (non-conventional migration) who are different from those in the conventional migration stream that included economic and forced migration. This research has crucial policy implications for both origin and destination countries.
Cellular Bi2O3/natural rubber composites for light-weight and lead-free gamma-shielding materials and their properties under gamma irradiation
Authors: Limarun Phakamat , Markpin Teerasak , Sombatsompop Narongrit , Wimolmala Ekachai , Saenboonruang Kiadtisak
Published: April 2021

This work investigated the effects of a radiation-protective filler, namely bismuth oxide (Bi2O3), and blowing agents, namely azodicarbonamide (ADC) and oxy-bis (benzene sulfonyl) hydrazide (OBSH), on gamma attenuation and the mechanical, physical, and morphological properties of cellular natural rubber (NR) composites for potential use as light-weight and lead-free gamma-shielding materials. The contents of Bi2O3 were varied from 100 to 300 and 500 parts per hundred of rubber by weight (phr) and the contents of ADC or OBSH were varied from 0 to 8 and 16 phr. The results indicated that the addition of Bi2O3 enhanced the overall gamma-shielding ability, density, tensile modulus, and hardness (Shore OO), but lowered the tensile strength and elongation at break. On the other hand, the addition of ADC or OBSH resulted in decreases in the density, linear attenuation coefficient ( μ), and overall tensile properties but an increase in the mass attenuation coefficient ( μm), with ADC producing better mechanical properties than samples with OBSH. In addition, investigations on the properties of the cellular Bi2O3/NR composites under additional 35 kGy and 70 kGy gamma irradiation revealed that the irradiated samples had increased density, tensile modulus, and hardness (Shore OO), but decreased tensile strength, elongation at break, and μm after such ageing. In conclusion, the overall results suggested that the developed cellular Bi2O3/NR composites not only had efficient and promising gamma-shielding and mechanical properties but also offered comfort and light-weight to users, which could potentially reduce discomforts caused by wearing heavier conventional radiation-protective equipment.
Drinking Through Good Times and Bad: The Role of Consumer Differences
Authors: Joo Hailey Hayeon , Kim Minki , Lee Jungmin , Chintagunta Pradeep
Published: April 2021

The authors revisit the question of alcohol consumption and public health over business cycles by decomposing overall alcohol consumption into drinking frequency and intensity in relation to consumer heterogeneity. To study this question, they use consumer-level panel data on the reported consumption (not purchases) of beer, which is the most heavily consumed alcoholic beverage and accounts for the majority of binge drinking in the United States. Leveraging the panel nature of the data, the authors find a negative (positive) relationship between unemployment and drinking frequency (intensity). Total consumption, which is the product of drinking frequency and intensity, is procyclical. To uncover differences in behavior across consumers and to provide policy recommendations at a segment level, the authors present a structural model where consumers simultaneously choose the frequency and intensity of their alcohol consumption. They find differences across consumers in their behaviors, notably with respect to income and age. They conduct policy simulations to compare the effectiveness of alcohol-related policies to counter the adverse effects of recessions on the health of vulnerable groups such as low-income and elderly populations.
Ethnic trust, minority status, and public goods in post-conflict societies
Authors: Whitt Sam
Published: April 2021

This study considers how ethnic trust and minority status can impact the ability of ethnic groups to pursue cooperative public goods, focusing on groups with a history of conflict and lingering hostility. A public good experiment between ethnic Albanians and Serbs in postwar Kosovo reveals that subjects contribute far more to a mutually beneficial public good when they are part of an experimentally induced coethnic majority. However, when in the minority, subjects not only underinvest, but many actively divest entirely, privatizing the public good. Majority/minority status also has wide-ranging implications for how individuals relate to real-world public goods and the institutions of government that provide them. Compared to majority Albanians, survey data indicate how minority Serbs in Kosovo express greater safety and security concerns, feel more politically, socially, and economically excluded, are more dissatisfied with civil liberties and human rights protections, and are less likely to participate politically or pay taxes to support public goods. Conflict-related victimization and distrust of out-groups are strong predictors of these minority group attitudes and behaviors. This suggests a mechanism for how conflict amplifies out-group distrust, increasing parochial bias in public good commitments, especially among minorities who are wary of exploitation at the hands of an out-group majority. To restore trust, this study finds that institutional trust and intergroup contact are important to bridging ethnic divides that inhibit public good cooperation.
The prevalence of common mental disorders and its relationship with mental toughness in professional South African rugby players
Authors: Grobler Herman , du Plooy Kobus , Kruger Pieter , Ellis Suria
Published: April 2021

This study explores the relationship between common mental disorders and mental toughness in professional South African rugby players. A cross-sectional survey design was used by administering a questionnaire and preliminary and bivariate analyses were conducted. The inclusion criteria were professional rugby players who are able to communicate in English. The results indicated that, in general, these players (N = 215) portray significant mental toughness ( M = 5.69) on a 7-point scale. Anxiety/depression and distress measured the lowest ( M = 1.65) of all the common mental disorders measured in this study. Furthermore, the results indicated a positive relationship between mental toughness and sound sleep ( r = .262). Negative relationships were found between mental toughness and all other common mental disorders with the highest relationship being with anxiety/depression positive2 ( r = –.423). Other significant relationships were found with anxiety/depression ( r = –.401), distress ( r = –.259), and common mental disorders problems in general ( r = –.220). The results indicated that the management of teams and clinicians need to look at specific aspects, such as alcohol consumption among players, the implications of alcohol use on performance, but also mental wellbeing in general.
Representing Tuberculosis Transmission with Complex Contagion: An Agent-Based Simulation Modeling Approach
Authors: Zwick Erin D. , Pepperell Caitlin S. , Alagoz Oguzhan
Published: April 2021

Objective

A recent study reported a tuberculosis (TB) outbreak in which, among newly infected individuals, exposure to additional active infections was associated with a higher probability of developing active disease. Referred to as complex contagion, multiple reexposures to TB within a short period after initial infection is hypothesized to confer a greater likelihood of developing active infection in 1 y. The purpose of this article is to develop and validate an agent-based simulation model (ABM) to study the effect of complex contagion on population-level TB transmission dynamics.

Methods

We built an ABM of a TB epidemic using data from a series of outbreaks recorded in the 20th century in Saskatchewan, Canada. We fit 3 dynamical schemes: base, with no complex contagion; additive, in which each reexposure confers an independent risk of activated infection; and threshold, in which a small number of reexposures confers a low risk and a high number of reexposures confers a high risk of activation.

Results

We find that the base model fits the mortality and incidence output targets best, followed by the threshold and then the additive models. The threshold model fits the incidence better than the base model does but overestimates mortality. All 3 models produce qualitatively realistic epidemic curves.

Conclusion

We find that complex contagion qualitatively changes the trajectory of a TB epidemic, although data from a high-incidence setting are reproduced better with the base model. Results from this model demonstrate the feasibility of using ABM to capture nuances in TB transmission.
Indian Board of Orthodontics Case Report: Management of Skeletal Class II Division 1 Malocclusion With Single-Phase Fixed Orthodontic Treatment Along With Forsus FRD Fixed Functional Appliance
Authors: Garg Ashish
Published: April 2021

This case report was submitted to the board under category II for the Indian Board of Orthodontics examination in November 2017. This case report illustrated the treatment of class II division 1 malocclusion by pre-adjusted appliance along with Forsus Fatigue Resistance Device (FRD) fixed functional appliance (single-phase treatment) in a 13.6 year-old female patient whose growth was about to cease. The summary of the treatment, various records, treatment progress, and critical appraisal are reprinted here with minimal editing and reformatting, and hence, the presentation resembles the actual documents submitted to the board.
Supervision behaviours of customs supervisors on solid waste import in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
Authors: Wang Keqiang , Lu Jianglin , Lu Yiyou
Published: April 2021

Waste management is a key challenge the world currently faces. Solid waste imports (SWIs) are counteractive to the construction of ecological civilization. The comprehensive prohibition of “foreign waste” (FW) imports (FWIs) is an iconic measure to promote ecological civilization and ecological environment safety. Strengthening the People’s Republic of China (PRC)’s supervision of SWI (SSWIs) is an important means of implementing the comprehensive prohibition of FWIs, while existing research has paid little attention to the behaviour of SSWIs. This paper firstly analyses the influential factors of the behaviour of SSWIs based on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), and five corresponding research hypotheses are put forward accordingly. Then, it uses 262 micro questionnaires regarding the behaviour of SSWIs in the Port of Waigaoqiao in Shanghai, PRC, and constructs a structural equation model based on the TPB to identify the influential factors and effects of the behaviour of SSWIs. Some interesting findings are observed in this research. Firstly, it indicates that attitude, subjective norms (SNs) and perceived behavioural control (PBC), all indirectly act upon supervision behaviour by influencing supervision intention. Secondly, PBC acts directly on the behaviour of SSWIs, which is consistent with the TPB. Thirdly, the direct effects on supervision intention from strongest to weakest are SNs, attitude, and PBC, respectively. The conclusion provides important policy enlightenment for the supervision optimization of the behaviour of SSWIs. The supervision intention can be motivated from various angles by strengthening the attitude, SNs and PBC of customs supervisors, subsequently strengthening their supervision intention and behaviour.
Fostering Trust With a Young Man Experiencing Homelessness and Advanced Cancer
Authors: Rosa William E. , Andersen Laurie J. , Frierson Ethel , Fulton Carolyn , Moryl Natalie
Published: April 2021

Persons experiencing homelessness (PEH) face countless barriers to equitable health, social, and palliative care across all settings. Brandon was a 23-year-old male, well-spoken, groomed, and polite despite difficult circumstances. He was severely abused then abandoned as a child, living in multiple foster homes until 18. With no consistent caring adult figure, he predictably fell into a chaotic lifestyle, had 3 children by different mothers, and became homeless in New York City. He presented with newly diagnosed renal cell carcinoma metastatic to lung, lymph nodes, and bone. Spine and pelvic metastases caused paralyzing somatic pain that interfered with walking and sitting and prevented Brandon from performing the activities of daily living essential for his survival on the streets and safekeeping of opioids. Lack of basic social support and a history of multiple abandonments made a care plan for this young, homeless, and truly isolated man very challenging. The inpatient and outpatient interdisciplinary team members partnering with Brandon each earned his trust with time. A “safe place” opened hearts on all sides of the therapeutic relationship and led to a plan that was acceptable for both the patient and the palliative care team. Clinicians are often challenged to provide sustained and pragmatic palliative care services for PEH due to complex barriers. Continued advocacy for equitable and tailored services that ensure high-quality palliative care for PEH is critical at individual, institutional, and system levels to promote health equity and dignified care.
Crime Diversity: Sociocultural Aspects of Femicide in Hong Kong
Authors: Dayan Hava
Published: April 2021

Despite Hong Kong’s ranking as having one of the lowest homicide rates worldwide, it has one of the highest female homicide rates globally. This research catered to the need for a systematic empirical analysis of the femicide phenomenon in Hong Kong by examining census data of femicide cases that occurred in Hong Kong in 5 years: from January 2015 to December 2019. Thirty-eight cases were examined and coded, covering 17 variables relating to victims, perpetrators, and modus operandi. Despite the small number of cases, this article highlights femicide’s sociocultural diversity by discussing its unique patterns in Hong Kong, with a high share of femicide-suicide cases and overrepresentation of foreigners and women older than 60. The article concludes with recommended policy strategy reformulations needed to better combat femicide in Hong Kong.
Doing Double Time: Women, Incarceration and Employment Discrimination
Authors: van den Broek Diane , Black Prudence , Nicki
Published: April 2021

People who have served prison time experience a higher unemployment rate than other social groups. Australian law stipulates individuals must not face employment discrimination on the basis of criminal record if unrelated to the job’s inherent requirements, but discrimination remains significant. Female ex-offenders are particularly vulnerable to stigma and discrimination. Nicki’s (pseudonym) account airs injustices facing women seeking rehabilitation post-incarceration. Her experiences highlight structural barriers female ex-offenders face when seeking employment and marginalisation hindering social acceptance.
Flight dynamics modeling and stability analysis of a tube-launched tandem wing aerial vehicle during the deploying process
Authors: Cheng Hao , Shi Qingli , Wang Hua , Shan Wei , Zeng Tao
Published: April 2021

During the subsequent deploying process after the launch, the vehicle experiences dramatic changes in geometry as well as aerodynamics, which cannot be ignored for the flight stability of the aircraft. The investigation on the flight dynamics modeling and stability analysis during the unsteady deploying process is of great significance for the flight control system design and the launch system design. The nonlinear multibody dynamic model of the vehicle, which mainly consists of the airframe and four wings, is established through the Newton–Euler method. Meanwhile, the unsteady vortex lattice method (VLM), which is suitable for tandem wing aircraft and combined with the viscosity effect in light of the strip theory, is proposed to calculate the aerodynamic loads of the vehicle during the deploying process. A series of simulations about the motion of the vehicle after the launch are calculated to analyze the effects of various parameters, including the deploying forms, the start-up time of the power system along with the launching parameters, on the stability of the aerial vehicle in the deployment process. As results indicated, a small difference in the deploying rates of wings and larger deploying rates of wings on the same side are beneficial to the stability of the vehicle during the deploying process. Additionally, it is advantageous to the pitching stability but not the lateral stability of the vehicle when the power system is started earlier. Besides, the attitude control strategy of the vehicle can be formulated in advance by analyzing the attitude of the vehicle with different launch parameters at the launching moment.
A study on the relationship between library service and digital competence
Authors: Noh Younghee , Hong Hyun-Jin
Published: April 2021

This study measures the digital competence required by the fourth industrial revolution era and intends to disclose the correlation of such competence and the use of library programs and services. For this, a survey targeting the citizens was conducted. As a result, library service had critical influence on hardware ability and knowledge, software ability and knowledge, network ability and knowledge, and Internet ability and knowledge. The service provided at the library also had influence on computer and economic life, social development and issue, attitude toward computer, as well as ethical aspect. The implication found from such study results is that the citizens’ digital competence could grow with heightened quality and quantity of library services. As mentioned above, various cultural and educational programs including mutual loan service and e-book service contribute to the improvement of the citizens’ computer application, formation of positive attitude to society, and ethical awareness, as to which the nation and library should make careful development of service and program, notwithstanding investment budget in consideration of such correlation. Likewise, higher library visit rate represented high participation rate in various offline services offered by the library just as well as other online services, which can be used at the comfort of one’s home. The respective study results indicate that it is an utmost importance to seek plans to attract users to come to the library. It is critical to expand the role of library by continuously identifying people’s needs and desire for the library’s role and function, and to provide appropriate space and instrument for them to have various community activities at the library.
Circulating miRNA in Patients Undergoing Total Pancreatectomy and Islet Autotransplantation
Authors: Vasu Srividya , Yang Jiemin M. , Hodges James , Abu-El-Haija Maisam A. , Adams David B. , Balamurugan Appakalai N. , Beilman Greg J. , Chinnakotla Srinath , Conwell Darwin L. , Freeman Martin L. , Gardner Timothy B. , Hatipoglu Betul , Kirchner Varvara , Lara Luis F. , Morgan Katherine A. , Nathan Jaimie D. , Posselt Andrew , Pruett Timothy L. , Schwarzenberg Sarah J. , Singh Vikesh K. , Wijkstrom Martin , Witkowski Piotr , Naziruddin Bashoo , Bellin Melena D.
Published: April 2021

Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) can be biomarkers for diagnosis and progression of several pathophysiological conditions. In a cohort undergoing total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT) from the multicenter Prospective Observational Study of TPIAT (POST), we investigated associations between a panel of circulating miRNAs (hsa-miR-375, hsa-miR-29b-3p, hsa-miR-148a-3p, hsa-miR-216a-5p, hsa-miR-320d, hsa-miR-200c, hsa-miR-125b, hsa-miR-7-5p, hsa-miR-221-3p, hsa-miR-122-5p) and patient, disease and islet-isolation characteristics. Plasma samples ( n = 139) were collected before TPIAT and miRNA levels were measured by RTPCR. Disease duration, prior surgery, and pre-surgical diabetes were not associated with circulating miRNAs. Levels of hsa-miR-29b-3p ( P = 0.03), hsa-miR-148a-3p ( P = 0.04) and hsa-miR-221-3p ( P = 0.01) were lower in those with genetic risk factors. Levels of hsa-miR-148a-3p ( P = 0.04) and hsa-miR-7-5p ( P = 0.04) were elevated in toxic/metabolic disease. Participants with exocrine insufficiency had lower hsa-miR-29b-3p, hsa-miR-148a-3p, hsa-miR-320d, hsa-miR-221-3p ( P < 0.01) and hsa-miR-375, hsa-miR-200c-3p, and hsa-miR-125b-5p ( P < 0.05). Four miRNAs were associated with fasting C-peptide before TPIAT (hsa-miR-29b-3p, r = 0.18; hsa-miR-148a-3p, r = 0.21; hsa-miR-320d, r = 0.19; and hsa-miR-221-3p, r = 0.21; all P < 0.05), while hsa-miR-29b-3p was inversely associated with post-isolation islet equivalents/kg and islet number/kg ( r = −0.20, P = 0.02). Also, hsa-miR-200c ( r = 0.18, P = 0.03) and hsa-miR-221-3p ( r = 0.19, P = 0.03) were associated with islet graft tissue volume. Further investigation is needed to determine the predictive potential of these miRNAs for assessing islet autotransplant outcomes.
Shopping Safety Practices Mutate Consumer Buying Behaviour during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Sehgal Reetika , Khanna Prateek , Malviya Mayank , Dubey Ashish Mohan
Published: April 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic presents the greatest test the world has faced. On 24 March 2020, the Government of India announced a 21-days national lockdown that had been extended to 3 May 2020. In this pandemic, the consumer faced unforeseen challenges to deal with the abrupt change in shopping practices. A safety measure is one of the key elements in consumer shopping behaviour across the world and today consumers are more conscious towards healthiness. The current work aspires to identify the factors of safety measures by consumers and shopkeepers. Twenty-eight variables were identified from the extensive literature review and a total of 751 questionnaires were administered from consumers regarding safety measures from 1 April to 31 May 2020 in India. Exploratory factors analysis and multiple regression analysis are conducted to identify the factors which are prominent for shopping safety practices. The results obtained can be useful to consumers and shopkeepers in the decision-making process during pandemic.