bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Machine Learning Tool Using Digital Microscopy (Morphogo) for the Identification of Abnormal Lymphocytes in the Bone Marrow
Authors: Tang Gusheng , Fu Xinyan , Wang Zhen , Chen Mingyi
Published: July 2021

Morphological analysis of the bone marrow is an essential step in the diagnosis of hematological disease. The conventional analysis of bone marrow smears is performed under a manual microscope, which is labor-intensive and subject to interobserver variability. The morphological differential diagnosis of abnormal lymphocytes from normal lymphocytes is still challenging. The digital pathology methods integrated with advances in machine learning enable new diagnostic features/algorithms from digital bone marrow cell images in order to optimize classification, thus providing a robust and faster screening diagnostic tool. We have developed a machine learning system, Morphogo, based on algorithms to discriminate abnormal lymphocytes from normal lymphocytes using digital imaging analysis. We retrospectively reviewed 347 cases of bone marrow digital images. Among them, 53 cases had a clinical history and the diagnosis of marrow involvement with lymphoma was confirmed either by morphology or flow cytometry. We split the 53 cases into two groups for training and testing with 43 and 10 cases, respectively. The selected 15,353 cell images were reviewed by pathologists, based on morphological visual appearance, from 43 patients whose diagnosis was confirmed by complementary tests. To expand the range and the precision of recognizing the lymphoid cells in the marrow by automated digital microscopy systems, we developed an algorithm that incorporated color and texture in addition to geometrical cytological features of the variable lymphocyte images which were applied as the training data set. The selected images from the 10 patients were analyzed by the trained artificial intelligence-based recognition system and compared with the final diagnosis rendered by pathologists. The positive predictive value for the identification of the categories of reactive/normal lymphocytes and abnormal lymphoid cells was 99.04%. It seems likely that further training and improvement of the algorithms will facilitate further subclassification of specific lineage subset pathology, e.g., diffuse large B-cell lymphoma from chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma or even hairy cell leukemia in cases of abnormal malignant lymphocyte classes in the future. This research demonstrated the feasibility of digital pathology and emerging machine learning approaches to automatically diagnose lymphoma cells in the bone marrow based on cytological-histological analyses.
Temporal Trends and Clinical Trial Characteristics Associated With the Inclusion of Women in Heart Failure Trial Steering Committees: A Systematic Review
Authors: Eliya Yousif , Whitelaw Sera , Thabane Lehana , Voors Adriaan A. , Douglas Pamela S. , Van Spall Harriette G.C.
Published: July 2021

Background:

Trial steering committees (TSCs) steer the conduct of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We examined the gender composition of TSCs in impactful heart failure RCTs and explored whether trial leadership by a woman was independently associated with the inclusion of women in TSCs.

Methods:

We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL for heart failure RCTs published in journals with impact factor ≥10 between January 2000 and May 2019. We used the Jonckheere-Terpstra test to assess temporal trends and multivariable logistic regression to explore trial characteristics associated with TSC inclusion of women.

Results:

Of 403 RCTs that met inclusion criteria, 127 (31.5%) reported having a TSC but 20 of these (15.7%) did not identify members. Among 107 TSCs that listed members, 56 (52.3%) included women and 6 of these (10.7%) restricted women members to the RCT leaders. Of 1213 TSC members, 11.1% (95% CI, 9.4%–13.0%) were women, with no change in temporal trends (
P
=0.55). Women had greater odds of TSC inclusion in RCTs led by women (adjusted odds ratio, 2.48 [95% CI, 1.05–8.72],
P
=0.042); this association was nonsignificant when analysis excluded TSCs that restricted women to the RCT leaders (adjusted odds ratio 1.46 [95% CI, 0.43–4.91],
P
=0.36).

Conclusions:

Women were included in 52.3% of TSCs and represented 11.1% of TSC members in 107 heart failure RCTs, with no change in trends since 2000. RCTs led by women had higher adjusted odds of including women in TSCs, partly due to the self-inclusion of RCT leaders in TSCs.
Ticagrelor Monotherapy Versus Ticagrelor With Aspirin in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients With a High Risk of Ischemic Events
Authors: Lee Seung-Jun , Lee Yong-Joon , Kim Byeong-Keuk , Hong Sung-Jin , Ahn Chul-Min , Kim Jung-Sun , Ko Young-Guk , Choi Donghoon , Hong Myeong-Ki , Jang Yangsoo
Published: July 2021

Background:

In patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) with a high risk of ischemia, the impact of ticagrelor monotherapy after short-term dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) has not been clearly elucidated.

Methods:

This post hoc analysis of the TICO trial (Ticagrelor Monotherapy After 3 Months in the Patients Treated With New Generation Sirolimus-Eluting Stent for Acute Coronary Syndrome) compared the impact of ticagrelor monotherapy after 3-month DAPT versus ticagrelor-based 12-month DAPT in patients with high-ischemic risk ACS, defined as any of the following: number of stents implanted ≥3, total stent length >60 mm, complex procedures (chronic total occlusion, left main occlusion, or bifurcation plaques remedied using the 2-stent technique), or a history of diabetes or chronic kidney disease. Ischemic (composite of death, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, stroke, and target vessel revascularization) and bleeding outcomes (major bleeding) were evaluated at 12 months.

Results:

Of the total population (N=3056), 1473 (48.2%) patients were identified as having high-ischemic risk ACS. The rate of the ischemic outcome was significantly higher in high-ischemic risk ACS patients than in nonhigh-ischemic risk ACS patients (3.9% versus 1.9%, hazard ratio, 2.14 [95% CI, 1.37–3.35],
P
=0.001). Furthermore, the risk of major bleeding (3.2% versus 1.5%, hazard ratio, 2.23 [95% CI, 1.36–3.68],
P
=0.001) and the composite ischemic and bleeding outcome (6.6% versus 3.3%, hazard ratio, 2.02 [95% CI, 1.44–2.84],
P
<0.001) were also higher in the high-risk ACS population. In ACS patients with or without high-ischemic risk, the effect of ticagrelor monotherapy after 3-month DAPT, as compared to that of 12-month DAPT, was consistent with ischemic (
P
int
=0.718), bleeding (
P
int
=0.092), and composite outcomes (
P
int
=0.094) without significant interactions.

Conclusions:

There were no significant heterogeneities in the impact of ticagrelor monotherapy after 3-month DAPT compared with that of ticagrelor-based 12-month DAPT on clinical outcomes according to the presence of high-ischemic risk.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02494895.
Outcomes of Carotid Revascularization in the Treatment of Restenosis After Prior Carotid Endarterectomy
Authors: Elsayed Nadin , Ramakrishnan Ganesh , Naazie Isaac , Sheth Sharvil , Malas Mahmoud B.
Published: July 2021

Background and Purpose:

Restenosis after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is associated with an increased risk of ipsilateral stroke. The optimal procedural modality for this indication has yet to be determined. Here, we evaluate the in-hospital outcomes of transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR), redo-CEA, and transfemoral carotid artery stenting (TFCAS) in a large contemporary cohort of patients who underwent treatment for restenosis after CEA.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients in the vascular quality initiative database who underwent TCAR, redo-CEA, or TFCAS after ipsilateral CEA between September 2016 and April 2020. Patients with prior ipsilateral CAS were excluded from this analysis. In-hospital outcomes following TCAR versus CEA and TCAR versus TFCAS were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results:

A total of 4425 patients were available for this analysis. There were 963 (21.8%) redo-CEA, 1786 (40.4%) TFCAS, and 1676 (37.9%) TCAR. TCAR was associated with lower odds of in-hospital stroke/death (odds ratio [OR], 0.41 [95% CI, 0.24–0.70],
P
=0.021), stroke (OR, 0.46 [95% CI, 0.23–0.93],
P
=0.03), myocardial infarction (MI; OR, 0.32 [95% CI, 0.14–0.73],
P
=0.007), stroke/transient ischemic attack (OR, 0.42 [95% CI, 0.24–0.74],
P
=0.002), and stroke/death/MI (OR, 0.41 [95% CI, 0.24–0.70],
P
=0.001) when compared with redo-CEA. There was no significant difference in the odds of death between the 2 groups (OR, 0.99 [95% CI, 0.28–3.5],
P
=0.995). TCAR was also associated with lower odds of stroke/transient ischemic attack (OR, 0.37 [95% CI, 0.18–0.74],
P
=0.005) when compared with TFCAS. There was no significant difference in the odds of stroke, death, MI, stroke/death, or stroke/death/MI between TCAR and TFCAS.

Conclusions:

TCAR was associated with significantly lower odds of in-hospital stroke, MI, stroke/transient ischemic attack, stroke/death, and stroke/death/MI when compared with redo-CEA and lower odds of in-hospital stroke/transient ischemic attack when compared with TFCAS. Additional long-term studies are warranted to establish the role of TCAR for the treatment of restenosis after CEA.
Taxonomic revision of the genus Tupirinna Bonaldo, 2000 (Araneae: Corinnidae: Corinninae)
Authors: XAVIER CLÁUDIA , BONALDO ALEXANDRE B.
Published: July 2021

The genus Tupirinna Bonaldo, 2000 is revised, including 20 species. New records of T. rosae Bonaldo, 2000 from Pará, Brazil are given. Tupirinna albofasciata (Mello-Leitão, 1943) is redescribed based on the female lectotype, here designated. The following 17 new species are described, diagnosed, and illustrated: T. platnicki sp. nov. (♂ and ♀ from Pará, Brazil); T. zebra sp. nov. (♂ and ♀ from Amazonas and Mato Grosso, Brazil); T. caraca sp. nov. (♂ and ♀ from south and southeast Brazil); T. urucu sp. nov. (♂ from Amazonas, Brazil); T. coari sp. nov. (♂ and ♀ from Amazonas, Brazil); T. lata sp. nov. (♂ and ♀ from the states of Bahia, Espiríto Santo, Minas Gerais, São Paulo and Santa Catarina, Brazil); T. regiae sp. nov. (♂ and ♀ from Amazonas and Pará, Brazil); T. mutum sp. nov. (♂ and ♀ from Pará and Mato Grosso, Brazil); T. cruzes sp. nov. (♂ and ♀ from Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Santa Catarina, Brazil); T. palmares sp. nov. (♂ and ♀ from northeast Brazil); T. una sp. nov. (♂ and ♀ from Bahia, Brazil); T. gigantea sp. nov. (♂ and ♀ from Vaupés, Colômbia and Peru); T. oba sp. nov. (♀ from Bahia, Brazil); T. goeldi sp. nov. (♀ from Pará, Brazil); T. ibiapaba sp. nov. (♂ and ♀ from Ceará, Brazil); T. luctuosa sp. nov. (♀ from Minas Gerais, Brazil) and T. araguaia sp. nov. (♂ and ♀ from Pará, Brazil). Additionally, two species groups are delimited based on genitalic morphology. Distribution maps and an identification key to the males and females of all known species of Tupirinna are also provided.
Taxonomy and ecology of genus Phlogophora Treitschke, 1825 (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Indian Himalaya with description of a new species
Authors: BANDYOPADHYAY UTTARAN , DEY RUSHATI , BHATTACHARYYA KAMALIKA , MALLICK KAUSHIK , MAZUMDER ARNA , GAYEN SUBRATA , DAS MOUMITA , RAHA ANGSHUMAN , SANYAL ABESH KUMAR , KUMAR VIKAS , UNIYAL VIRENDRA PRASAD , CHANDRA KAILASH
Published: July 2021

The Genus Phlogophora Treitschke, 1825 (Noctuidae: Xyleninae), widely distributed in Palaearctic and Oriental realms, is especially diverse within Indian Himalaya with 12 known species till now. Current communication reports three species new to India viz. P. meticulodina (Draudt, 1950), P. nobilis Hreblay & Ronkay, 1998 and P. szecsenyii Hreblay & Ronkay, 1998 and a new species P. similis Bandyopadhyay, Mallick, Sanyal & Chandra sp. nov., thus bringing the species number to 16 for the country, along with taxonomic key with morphology and genitalia-based diagnosis for all the Indian/Himalayan species. Out of those species, partial mitochondrial Cytochrome C Oxidase I (COI) sequences were generated for 6 species, of which 5 were novel to the NCBI GenBank. The genus had maximum species richness and abundance in Eastern Himalayan Temperate Forest spanning 1800–2500 m in Central Himalayan landscape of Darjeeling-Sikkim and Nepal. Current Habitat suitability model of six Phlogophora species indicated that temperature dependent variables like Temperature Annual Range, Temperature Seasonality and Elevation are the most contributing factors for their predicted distribution range. The genus comprising of both Polycyclic and Monocyclic species became most abundant during Post-monsoon, in cold (9–11 ºC) and humid (87–91%) nights, in areas with Annual Mean Temperature ranging within 4.6–19.9 ºC and Annual Precipitation of 1000–2800 mm.
The Adsorption Characteristics and Mechanism of Pb(II) onto Corn Straw Biochar
Authors: Wang Liucheng , Zhao Huanhuan , Song Xianglin , Li Yake , Li Dong
Published: July 2021

Heavy metal pollution has adversely affected the ecological environment. As an eco-friendly and renewable material, biochar has a positive effect on environmental restoration. For study the feasibility of removing lead using corn straw biochar, the adsorption characteristics and mechanism
were studied. This work prepared corn straw biochar at 300 °C, and its surface properties were characterized. The adsorption kinetics, isotherm, thermodynamics were determined. The result indicated the mechanism belonged ion exchange and complexation, and the experiment were controlled
by comprehensive process, which included reaction rate and diffusion. The Langmuir model had better fitting results for the adsorption data, which indicated that adsorption was chemical adsorption and single molecular layer adsorption, and the maximum adsorption amount of corn straw biochar
at 25 °C, 35 °C and 45 °C were 81.63 mg/g, 83.89 mg/g and 89.21 mg/g respectively. The thermodynamic analysis showed that increasing temperature was helpful to adsorption, and the adsorption was spontaneous. The results can be used for comprehensive utilization of straw and treatment
of lead pollution.
Enhanced CH4 Production from Corn Stover by Simultaneous Lime Treatment
Authors: Jiang Danping , Ge Xumeng , Lin Long , Wang Lingling , Yu Zhongtang , Chen Zhou , Zhang Huan , Lu Chaoyang , Li Yebo , Zhang Quanguo
Published: July 2021

Calcium hydroxide (lime) treatment and solid-state anaerobic digestion (SSAD) of corn stover (CS) were carried out simultaneously with different lime doses (0, 2, 3.5, and 5%) and feedstock to seed sludge (F/S) ratios (6, 8, and 10). It was found that the addition of 3.5% lime improved
CH4 yield from 118 mL/g VS to 182 mL/g VS (54% increase) during SSAD of CS when F/S ratio was at 6. The improved CH4 production is consistent with increased relative abundance of several microbes that might play important roles in biomass degradation and CH4
generation. At higher F/S ratios (8 and 10), SSADs with different lime doses (0–5%) were all upset with accumulation of volatile fatty acids. Addition of 3.5% lime can obtain a net benefit of $18.4/tonne TS which are 44% of the gross benefit of power production ($41.5/tonne
TS) via SSAD of CS and combined heat and power system.
Effect of Different Ensiling Conditions on the Anaerobic Digestion of Corn Stalks Pretreated with NaOH
Authors: Zhen Xiaofei , Luo Miao , Li Zhenggui
Published: July 2021

When ensiled corn straw is used for anaerobic digestion to produce biogas, it usually has problems such as slow start and long fermentation cycle due to low pH. To solve these problems, improving the utilization rate of silage straw, this study analyzed the methanogenic properties of
different ensiled corn straw pretreated with sodium hydroxide. The experimental results showed that the methane-producing ability of the experimental group (CB) with cellulase was the best and reached 10.91 L in total methane production. It can be seen from the parameter performance of pH,
VFAs, FAN and COD that NaOH can significantly shorten the experiment start-up period and make the system run stably. The overall trend of each group was basically the same, however, there are slight differences due to different ensiling additives. In general, the overall performance of the
experiment was better after adding NaOH.
Screening of a Mannosylerythritol Lipids Producing Strain and Analysis on Its Products
Authors: Fu Rui-Min , Tang Wei , Zhang Hong , Xue Ting-Ting , Chen Wu-Ling
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this study is to improve the environmental pollution problem, the strains which can produce glycolipid biosurfactant and degrade petroleum hydrocarbons efficiently were screened out in this study. Six strains of glycolipid-producing fungi were isolated from the surface
of apple skin by the methods of blood plate and oil plate. After comparing the oil drainage ability of each strain and using PCR to amplify the key genes for the synthesis of glycolipid surfactants, we screened a fungus K6 with emtl sequence. The strain was identified by morphological,
physiological and biochemical tests and molecular phylogenetic analysis (5.8S, ITS1, ITS2). Its metabolites were analyzed by TLC and HPLC. The strain was identified as Pseudozyma churashimaensis, which could produce mannose and erythritol. The experiment of petroleum hydrocarbon degradation
shows that strain K6 has strong emulsifying ability and the ability of degrading petroleum hydrocarbon. Strain K6, with the strong ability in producing biosurfactants and degrading petroleum, will have broad application prospects for bioremediation of petroleum contaminated environment.
Role of LncRNA CASC9 in oral carcinoma and its downstream gene expression and mechanism detected by nanomagnetic bead-based polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Liu Junjie , Mu Hong , Cheng Xiangyong , Yuan Gangying , Wang Qinqin , Cao Haotian
Published: July 2021

In view of the increasing incidence of oral carcinoma (OC), an in-depth understanding of the mechanism is required for future prevention and treatment. In modern medical research, the etiology of tumor diseases is mainly focused on gene changes, among which lncRNA is a trending topic.
We speculated that lncRNA CASC9 may attribute to OC occurrence. To verify our conjecture, we extracted the total RNA of the research samples through nanomagnetic beads, detected the expression of CASC9 downstream genes miR-383-5p and KIF3B by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and analyzed the
impact of the three on OC cells and the targeting relationship. The total RNA extracted by nanomagnetic beads were found to be able to effectively improve the PCR speed, yield and the accuracy of the results, and reduce the allergic amplification results of the samples to be tested to obtain
the best results. The detection result showed high CASC9 and KIF3B expression, and low miR-383-5p expression in OC cells. Inhibition of CASC9 and KIF3B and elevation of miR-383-5p can inhibit the viability of OC cells and boost apoptosis. Through dual-luciferase reporter (DLR) assay, the targeted
regulation relationship between CASC9 and miR-383-5p and between miR-383-5p and KIF3B, was determined. Rescue experiments confirmed that CASC9 was able to modulate OC cell biological behaviors by targeting the miR-383-5p/KIF3B axis. Therefore, we argue that with high expression in OC, CASC9
can enhance the proliferation and migration of OC cells and inhibit the apoptosis through targeting the miR-383-5p/KIF3B axis.
Comparative analysis of different drug delivery methods of injectable hydrogel nanomaterials of insulin biomaterials via multiple daily injections and continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion in the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus in children
Authors: Sun Yan , Niu Haoshu , Wang Zhixia , Wang Ying , Li Xuechun , Hao Jinli
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the difference between multiple daily injections (MDI) and continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) in blood glucose control during the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in children. under the nano-hydrogel delivery carrier.
In order to improve the efficiency and therapeutic effect of the experiment, this paper adopts injectable nanomaterial-polymer composite hydrogel as drug delivery system to cooperate with insulin injection to improve the effective utilization of drugs. Eighty children diagnosed with T1DM by
the department of Endocrinology, Genetics, and Metabolism of INNER MONGOLIA BAOGANG Hospital from October 2018 to December 2019 were selected as research subjects for this study. The children were randomly divided into MDI group (treated with MDI) and CSII group (treated with CSII), with 40
children in each group. The basic data of the children were compared, and changes in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) at admission and 1, 2, and 3 months after treatment were detected. During the detection, the blood glucose level, therapeutic time of blood glucose normalization, and daily insulin dosage
were recorded. The HbA1c and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were followed up three months after discharge, and incidences of hypoglycemia in the two groups were observed. The results showed that the mean value of HbA1c in the MDI group was higher than that in the CSII group (P < 0.05).
Each patient was assessed for the number of times their blood sugar was allowed to dip below normal levels; patients with less hypoglycemia had a higher rate of blood sugar control. The control rates of blood glucose in the MDI and CSII groups were 19.21% and 23.50%, respectively. The CSII
group showed significantly higher blood glucose rates than the MDI group (P < 0.05). The therapeutic time of blood glucose normalization in the MDI group was significantly longer than that in the CSII group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the average
daily insulin dosage between the MDI and CSII groups (P > 0.05), which indicated that CSII therapy had significant advantages in reducing blood glucose in children with T1DM.
Experimental study on nuclear-targeted plasmid-based short hairpin RNA (ShRNA) to hypoxia inducible factor-1α (PshHIF-1α) PshHIF-1α nano-drug carrier system for breast cancer treatment in rats
Authors: Sun Gang , Zhang Jin , Wu Shuai , Liu Yun
Published: July 2021

This study was aimed at exploring the regulatory mechanism of auclear-targeted pshHIF-1α nano-drug carrier system (NPNCS) in the treatment of breast cancer in rats. MDA-MB-231 cell was cultured and DJ-1 and PTEN mRNA level was detected by qRT-PCR along with analysis of
cell viability by CCK-8 and apoptosis by means of flow cytometry. The rats were assigned into control group, nuclear-targeted pshHIF-1α nanopharmaceutical system treatment group, and nuclear-targeted pshHIF-1α nano-pharmaceutical system+PTEN inhibitor SF1670 group,
followed by analysis of cell proliferation by EdU staining, cell apoptosis by flow cytometry, and the levels of DJ-1, PTEN, and p-AKT. Compared with MDA-MB-231 cells treated with NPNCS, cells without intervention showed decreased PTEN and increased DJ-1 level. NPNCS induced cell apoptosis.
Administration of nuclear-targeted pshHIF-1α nano-drug delivery system down-regulated DJ-1 and up-regulated PTEN. Combined treatment with SF1670 promoted p-AKT level and decreased the inhibitory effect of NPNCS on p-AKT level. In conclusion, the nuclear-targeted pshHIF-1α
nano-drug delivery system down-regulated DJ-1 and exerted a tumor suppressor and pro-apoptotic effect, which wasrelated to p-AKT phosphorylation and up-regulation of PTEN.
Expression and role of miR-637 before and after lymphadenectomy for thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Qu Yanqing , Chu Xiaoyu , Dong Cuihong , Wang Weijiao , Zhang Xiaojian
Published: July 2021

Thyroid carcinoma (TC) is a common endocrine malignancy that can be partially relieved by surgery, but its recurrence rate remains high. It is speculated that miR-637 exerts certain influence in its occurrence and development. Accordingly, we included 87 TC patients and 72 concurrent
healthy controls as the research participants and purchased human papillary thyroid carcinoma cells with which to study and analyze the biological significance of miR-637. The determination of miR-637 and SH2B1 in peripheral blood and tissues was performed using nanoparticle-assisted polymerase
chain reaction assay, and the identification of cell proliferation and apoptosis was made by MTT, Transwell, and flow cytometry. The results indicated that after transfection of miR-637 into TPC-1, the cell proliferation and invasion capacities in the mimics-miR-637 group were significantly
reduced as compared to that of the inhibition-miR-637 and negative control (NC)-miR groups (P < 0.05). While transfection of SH2B1 into TPC-1 cells led to significantly enhanced cell proliferation and invasion capacities in sh-SH2B1 group than in si-SH2B1 and NC groups (P
< 0.05). Finally, a double luciferase reporter assay identified enormously inhibited fluorescence activity of SH2B1-WT by mimics-miR-637. According to the experimental results, it is concluded that miR-637 expression was low in TC but increased after lymphadenectomy for TC. Moreover, by
targeting SH2B1, miR-637 interferes with TC progression, which carries significant implications for future diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
Feature engineering for subseasonal-to-seasonal warm-season precipitation forecasts in the Midwestern US: towards a unifying hypothesis of anomalous warm-season hydroclimatic circulation
Authors: Carter Elizabeth , Herrera Dimitris A. , Steinschneider Scott
Published: July 2021

The literature has established dozens of potential predictive indices (PIs) of anomalous warm season precipitation in the Midwestern US that could have utility in subseasonal to seasonal (S2S) forecasts This analysis posits that these predictive indices relate to one of three “modes of action” that work in tandem to drive anomalous hydroclimatic circulation into the continental interior. These include contributions from the (1) geostrophic mass flux, (2) ageostrophic mass flux, and (3) atmospheric moisture supply, and represent semi-independent, interactive forcings on S2S precipitation variability. This study aggregates 24 PIs from the literature that are related to the three modes of action. Using an interpretable machine learning algorithm that accounts for non-linear and interactive responses in a noisy predictive space, we evaluate the relative importance of PIs in predicting S2S precipitation anomalies from March-September. Physical mechanisms driving PI skill are confirmed using composite analysis of atmospheric fields related to the three modes of action. In general, PIs associated with ageostrophic mass flux anomalies are important in early summer, while PIs associated with Atlantic-sourced atmospheric moisture supply are important in late summer. At a two month lead, PIs associated with continental-scale thermodynamic processes are more important relative to PIs associated with local convective phenomena. PIs representing geostrophic mass flux anomalies are also critical throughout the warm season, in real-time and at a 1-2 month lag, but particularly in during transitional months (spring/fall). Several new PIs describing zonal and meridional asymmetry in hemispherical thermal gradients emerge as highly important, with implications for both S2S forecasting and climate change.
“ENSO Influence on Western European summer and fall Temperatures”
Authors: Martija-Díez Maialen , Rodríguez-Fonseca Belén , López-Parages Jorge
Published: July 2021

In certain regions, such as Europe, the increase in global air-temperatures in the world is translated into more frequent extreme events. Recent studies suggest that the increasing intensity in heatwaves seems to be related to the interannual variability of the mean temperature, a finding that motivates the search for its possible predictability. El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is the principal predictor of global climate variability at interannual timescales. Its impact on the European climate has been deeply studied in relation to rainfall variability, but only a few studies exist that focus on its impact on temperature. In this work, we focus on the analysis of the interannual variability of maximum and minimum temperature in order to find some predictability and trends. To that end, we choose the western European region, which has experienced intense heatwaves and is also the main region of air temperature interannual variability in Europe. Our results indicate that the ENSO impact on temperatures over this region is non-linear and non-stationary. We have found the way in which, during the decades prior to 1980s, the increase in temperatures is related to La Niña in summer and to El Niño in fall during the decades after the 1980s, which shows a change in the seasonality of the impact. We study the dynamical mechanisms involved, which suggest a circumglobal response for summer and an arching-like teleconnection pattern in fall. The aforementioned warmer conditions in western European temperatures are found to be significantly correlated to ENSO characteristics of previous seasons, which suggests a potential source for improving the seasonal forecast.
Decomposing International Trade in Commercial Services
Authors: Roelfsema Hein , Findlay Christopher , Ye Xianjia
Published: July 2021

To delve deeper into the rise of trade in commercial services as the most important determinant of the recent increase in digital trade, this article offers a decomposition of international service trade using the latest release of the Inter-Country Input–Output (ICIO) tables. The analysis decomposes international service trade into a split between (a) direct services exports and services embodied in goods, (b) advanced economies and the major emerging markets, and (c) the major commercial services industries. We show that overall direct service exports have become more important relative to services embodied in goods, especially in advanced economies (the ‘cross-border’ effect). Further, we show that for emerging markets, the rise of the exports of services comes from the increase in volume of export of goods, which embed services and not because of an increased share of services embodied in the domestic value of exported goods (the ‘embodied volume’ effect). Finally, we show that the increase in services trade can be attributed to the increase in traded information technology (IT) services and not so much to that in financial and business services that are increasingly traded digitally across borders (the ‘plain vanilla digitalisation’ effect).

JEL Codes: F14, F15, G20
Experimental study on erosion resistance evaluation of single-layer metal mesh screen
Authors: Wu Lijuan , Ying Ruomeng , Lou Yishan , Shi Baocheng , Zhang Xingkai , Qiu Yijie , Zhang Yindi
Published: July 2021

In order to predict the erosion life and erosion failure time of the metal mesh, based on the rotating erosion experiments under different working conditions, the erosion mass loss of the metal mesh under different factors was measured by the weight loss method and the erosion mathematical prediction model was put forward. The erosion wear mechanism of the single-layer metal mesh was explored by using electron microscope scanner and optical microscope. The results show that the erosion rate increases exponentially with the increase of liquid velocity (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 m/s). When the solid mass fraction (0.3%, 0.5%, 0.8%) and erosion Angle is 15°–45°, the erosion rate is proportional to the solid mass fraction and erosion Angle. After erosion, the mesh samples suffered different degree of pitting corrosion, ploughing and cutting wear, and the mesh wear was local wear. Compared with the experimental value, the error of the erosion mathematical model is less than 20%, which has a certain reliability, and has an important reference significance for guiding the production control of sand oil Wells.
Explaining sentiment shifts in UN system annual reporting: a longitudinal comparison of UNHCR, UNRWA and IOM
Authors: Thorvaldsdottir Svanhildur , Patz Ronny
Published: July 2021

Annual reports are a central element of international bureaucracies' accountability communication to member states and other stakeholders. Most UN system bureaucracies produce reports of significant length and detail. International agencies use these reports to draw attention to particular challenges or successes. Hitting the right tone with their diverse stakeholders is crucial to maintain continued support. UN agencies do so by employing differentiated sentiment-loaded language alongside factual reporting. We argue that agencies' operational focus, administrative structures and resource mobilization needs have a significant impact on how they use sentiment to communicate with different stakeholder groups. Drawing on a dictionary-based sentiment analysis of three text corpora of annual reports produced by three UN system agencies—UNRWA (reports published from 1951 to 2019), UNHCR (1953–2019) and IOM (2000–2019)—we show a general trend toward increased positive sentiment use across all three agencies, coinciding with a period of stronger donor orientation. At the same time, we find a more volatile and agency-specific use of negative sentiment in response to field-level challenges that are communicated to stakeholders in line with agencies' evolving mandates. Through a text-as-data perspective, this contribution enhances our comparative understanding of the diverse and context-dependent language of international bureaucracies.

Points for practitioners

Reading UN agency reporting, practitioners need to be aware of the constraints and incentives that international bureaucrats face—notably operational focus, administrative structures and resource needs—that drive tone differences across reports and over time.
Cannabis Use Among Mental Health Professionals: A Qualitative Study of Cannabis-Related Risk Perceptions
Authors: Ghelani Amar
Published: July 2021

Background: Perceptions of cannabis-related risk are changing, and many are viewing cannabis as harmless despite the biopsychosocial risks. Perceptions of risk have an impact on behavior as individuals who are less likely to view cannabis as risky are more likely to use it problematically. Purpose: This study examined how mental health professionals who use cannabis perceive the risks related to use. Methods: Interpretative phenomenological analysis was utilized to understand how participants made sense of the harm related to personal and client use. Interviews were conducted with a sample of social workers, nurses, and psychotherapists who work with cannabis-consuming clients. Results: Participants reported cannabis use is related to anxiety, relational challenges, impaired driving, psychosis, cognitive impairment, educational/employment dysfunction, and addiction in some users. Conclusion: Assessing risk perceptions among cannabis users can reveal subtle psychosocial problems the user may be experiencing. Mental health workers may benefit from further education regarding cannabis-related physical health harm.
The Practical Wisdom Framework: A Compass for School Leaders
Authors: Bohlin Karen Elizabeth
Published: July 2021

Educational leaders are required to respond in real time to questions, quandaries, and cases that involve individuals in different contexts. They face an array of possible choices that exist in tension. Justice and fairness must coexist with mercy and compassion; in enforcing policy, compliance must make room for flexibility in special cases. School leaders are called to adjudicate competing goods and teach others to do the same. This article examines what practical wisdom is, why it matters, and introduces a theoretically grounded Practical Wisdom Framework (PWF) to help school leaders deliberate well to create and sustain formative institutions.
An optimal non-viral gene transfer method for genetically modifying porcine bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells for experimental therapeutics
Authors: Zhang Qiuwang , Wang Chenxi , Cheema Zayed M , Kutryk Michael JB
Published: July 2021

No currently available treatment is able to generate new contractile tissue or significantly improve cardiac function after myocardial infarction (MI), a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although gene transfer-enhanced endothelial progenitor cells (GTE-EPCs) show effectiveness in MI treatment in small animal models, no clinical trials using GTE-EPCs have been documented. Before the introduction of GTE-EPCs into human trials, gene-transfer-mediated augmentation of EPC function in animal models that reflect the human MI scenario should be tested. In this regard, a porcine model is the best choice since pigs have cardiac size, hemodynamics and coronary anatomy similar to that of humans. To examine GTE-EPC therapeutic efficacy in pig MI models, an efficient method for gene transfer into pig EPCs is required, which however, has been poorly documented. Pig bone marrow mononuclear cells were isolated and cultured in EGM-2 medium to obtain bone marrow-derived EPCs (BM-EPCs) that were characterized by immunostaining and the tube formation assay. Gene transfer was optimized in 6-well plates using a GFP and a VEGF plasmid, and scaled up in T75 flasks. Gene transfer efficiency was determined by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. VEGF levels were measured by ELISA. Cell proliferation was assayed by the CCK-8 kit. (1) BM-EPCs expressed VEGFR2 and eNOS but not CD45 protein, and formed tube structures on Matrigel; (2) several chemical compounds were explored with the highest transfection efficiency of 41.4% ± 5.8% achieved using Lipofectamine 3000; (3) the VEGF level in culture medium after VEGF transfection was 378 ± 48 ng/106 cells; and (4) BM-EPCs overexpressing VEGF had significantly enhanced proliferation than GFP-transfected EPCs. A simple, easy and cheap method that can be applied to produce a large number of genetically-modified BM-EPCs was established, which will facilitate the study of GTE-EPC therapeutic efficacy in pig MI model.
Intravenous sedation management for an outpatient with dental phobia and vasovagal reflex following an atrioventricular junctional rhythm: A case report
Authors: Shimoda Hajime , Takahashi Tetsu
Published: July 2021

Perioperative arrhythmias may be induced by an imbalance between sympathetic and parasympathetic activities owing to excessive mental and physical stress. To date, no studies have been conducted on intravenous sedation (IVS) during dental procedures in a serious dental anxiety patient with atrioventricular junctional rhythm (AVJR). We describe herein the management of IVS in an outpatient with dental phobia who experienced the AVJR followed by vasovagal reflex (VVR) during dental care. A 26-year-old woman with serious dental anxiety was scheduled for dental extraction under intravenous conscious sedation. A II-lead electrocardiogram revealed AVJR following sinus rhythm. Immediately afterwards, she experienced VVR with dimmed vision, cold sweat, hypotension, and bradycardia. She was made to relax in the supine position, which restored hemodynamics to normal, and sinus rhythm followed. She was optimally sedated with midazolam 4 mg and uneventfully treated under a preparation of intravenous atropine, and hemodynamic and respiratory statuses were closely monitored to ensure spontaneous breathing without any signs of AVJR or cardiorespiratory disorders. Finally, flumazenil 0.5 mg was administered, and she recovered without re-sedation or prolonged sedation. The autonomic nervous system and endocrine system are closely related in order to control the stress responses. The present case suggests that an electrocardiographic change such as AVJR is induced by an imbalance of autonomic activity owing to excessive psychosomatic stress and is considered as a possible prodromal sign of VVR as the dental procedures are likely to be stressful for some patients.
Neorealism, neoclassical realism and the problem(s) of history
Authors: Meibauer Gustav
Published: July 2021

Following scholarship on IR’s ‘historical turn’ as well as on neorealism and neoclassical realism, this article finds fault particularly in neorealism’s implicit reliance on the historically contingent but incompletely conceptualised transmission of systemic factors into state behaviour. Instead, it suggests that neoclassical realism (NCR) is well-suited to leveraging ‘history’ in systematic and general explanation. This article interrogates two routes towards a historically sensitive NCR (intervening variables and structural modifiers), and how they enable different operationalisations of ‘history’ as a sequence of events, cognitive tool or collective narrative. The first route suggests history underpins concepts and variables currently used by neoclassical realists. Here, history is more easily operationalised and allows a clearer view at learning and emulation processes. It is also more clearly scoped, and therefore less ‘costly’ in terms of paradigmatic distinctiveness. The second route, in which history modifies structural incentives and constraints, is more theoretically challenging especially in terms of differentiating NCR from constructivist approaches, but lends itself to theorising systemic change. Both routes provide fruitful avenues for realist theorising, can serve to emancipate NCR from neorealism in IR and foster cross-paradigmatic dialog. Examining how ‘history’ can be leveraged in realism allows interrogating how other ‘mainstream’, positivist approaches can and should leverage historical contingency, context and evidence to explain international processes and outcomes.
Strong tracking central difference Kalman filter for CubeSat attitude estimation with status mutation
Authors: Ma Haining , Lu Zhengliang , Zhang Xiang , Liao Wenhe
Published: July 2021

This paper addressed a strongly nonlinear problem caused by status mutation in CubeSat attitude estimation system. The multiple fading factors are employed to make different state channels have separate adjustment ability, which enhances the tracking performance for status mutation. The second-order difference transformation is adopted to improve the approximation accuracy of state posterior mean and covariance. Therefore, a multiple fading second-order central difference Kalman filter (MFSCDKF) is formed for CubeSat attitude estimation system in the presence of status mutation. Compared with the single fading factor first-order central difference Kalman filter, the proposed one can improve tracking performance and estimation accuracy simultaneously. Simulation results based on real telemetry data from the on-orbit CubeSat NJUST-1 verify the effectiveness of the proposed MFSCDKF.
Rare Case of a Schwannoma of the Posterior Pharyngeal Wall in a Child
Authors: Zhu Peng , Li Xiao Yan
Published: July 2021

We present a rare case of a schwannoma which is localized on the posterior pharyngeal wall. It caused severe difficulty in swallowing and breathing in a 3-year-old child. Schwannomas of the posterior pharyngeal wall have been rarely reported in children. To our knowledge, only 7 cases of posterior pharyngeal wall schwannoma have been previously reported in the literature, but none of them is associated with a child. The tumor was removed with plasma radiofrequency excision via a transoral route. Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging examination showed no recurrence of the tumor up to 2 years. To our knowledge, for the first time, a case of posterior pharyngeal wall schwannoma has been reported in a 3-year-old child, and the schwannoma was removed via plasma radiofrequency transoral excision. This case study illustrates that schwannoma may occur in children, and it is safe to treat this disease through plasma radiofrequency transoral excision route.
Postoperative Urinary Retention Following General Anesthesia for Endoscopic Nasal Surgery in Men Aged Older Than 60 Years: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Lee Yong Won , Kim Bum Sik , Chung Jihyun
Published: July 2021

Objectives:

Postoperative urinary retention (POUR) is influenced by many factors, and its reported incidence rate varies widely. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence and risk factors for urinary retention following general anesthesia for endoscopic nasal surgery in male patients aged >60 years.

Methods:

A retrospective review of medical records between January 2015 and December 2019 identified 253 patients for inclusion in our study. Age, body mass index (BMI), a history of diabetes/hypertension, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, and urologic history were included as patient-related factors. Urologic history was subdivided into 3 groups according to history of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH)/lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and current medication. The following was analyzed as perioperative variables for POUR development: duration of anesthesia and surgery; amount of fluid administered; rate of fluid administration; intraoperative requirement for fentanyl, ephedrine, and dexamethasone; postoperative pain; and analgesic use. Preoperatively measured prostate size and uroflowmetry parameters of patients on medication for symptoms were compared according to the incidence of urinary retention.

Results:

Thirty-seven (15.7%) patients developed POUR. Age (71.4 vs 69.6 years), BMI (23.9 vs 24.9 kg/m2), a history of diabetes/hypertension, ASA classification, and perioperative variables were not significantly different between patients with and without POUR. Only urologic history was identified as a factor affecting the occurrence of POUR ( P = .03). The incidence rate among patients without urologic issues was 5.9%, whereas that among patients with BPH/LUTS history was 19.8%. Among patients taking medication for symptoms, the maximal and average velocity of urine flow were significantly lower in patients with POUR.

Conclusions:

General anesthesia for endoscopic nasal surgery may be a potent trigger for urinary retention in male patients aged >60 years. The patient’s urological history and urinary conditions appear to affect the occurrence of POUR.
Parent Coaching via Telepractice for Children From Latinx Backgrounds With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Yllades Valeria A. , Ganz J. B. , Wattanawongwan Sanikan , Dunn Claudia , Pierson Lauren M.
Published: July 2021

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder from bilingual homes have to learn and discriminate which language to use across settings and different people. Language instruction is complicated by the core deficits in social communication, which is common in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Using a single case, multiple probe design across three parent-child dyads between 3 and 6 years from Spanish speaking backgrounds, the present study examined the effect of telepractice-based parent coaching in a multimodal communication intervention. Culturally responsive approaches were integrated within the coaching model, including targeted interview questions. There was also a 15-item rubric used for identifying criteria for culturally responsive research. Findings indicate that the use of multimodal communication intervention via telepractice parent coaching showed promising results. We can conclude that this approach can be a beneficial tool to help family members improve communication for bilingual children with autism spectrum disorder.