bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The correlation between tumor thickness and aggressive histopathological pattern in Basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Gülseren Duygu , Elçin Gonca , Erkin Gül , Gököz Özay
Published: September 2021

Background

The significance of tumor thickness is not clear in the prognosis of basal cell carcinoma. We aimed to identify the relationship between the tumor thickness and aggressive histopathological growth pattern in BCC.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 85 primary BCCs of 82 patients. A total of 78 (91.7%) tumor slides were available for review, 7 (8.2%) missing slides in archive could not to be re‐evaluated. We recorded the histological subtype, ulceration, perineural invasion, and the tumor thickness. Tumors with infiltrative, micronodular, morpheaform and basosquamous features were classified as having an aggressive growth pattern.

Results

The aggressive growth pattern was determined in 21 (26.9%) tumors with a mean tumor thickness of 2.19 ± 0.71 mm (range, 0.9–3.40). The non‐aggressive growth pattern was detected in 57 (73%) tumors and the mean tumor thickness was 1.76 ± 0.87 mm (range 0.50–4.40 mm). There was a statistically significant difference in the mean tumor thickness between the tumors with aggressive growth pattern and non‐aggressive growth pattern (p = 0.033).

Conclusion

Tumor thickness might have positive correlation with aggressive histological pattern. Measuring and reporting tumor thickness may be a more practical way to determine the pathological risk for BCC.
Expression and significance of laminin receptor in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue
Authors: Matsuo Katsuhisa , Akiba Jun , Ogasawara Sachiko , Kondo Reiichiro , Naito Yoshiki , Kusano Hironori , Sanada Sakiko , Kakuma Tatsuyuki , Kusukawa Jingo , Yano Hirohisa
Published: September 2021

Background

Laminin receptor is a non‐integrin cell‐surface receptor that binds laminin present on the basement membrane. It has been reported to be associated with infiltration and metastasis of various malignant tumors. However, no studies regarding tongue cancer have been reported. This study aimed to clarify the role of laminin receptor in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.

Methods

We performed immunohistochemical staining of specimens from 66 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and assessed laminin receptor expression and clinicopathological factors. As epithelial‐mesenchymal transition has been shown to be associated with infiltration and metastasis of malignant tumors, staining for E‐cadherin, vimentin, and N‐cadherin were also performed.

Results

Of 20 patients with postoperative recurrence, 14 exhibited high laminin receptor expression (p = 0.0025). Kaplan‐Meier analysis revealed a significantly shorter time to postoperative recurrence for the high laminin receptor expression group than that for the low laminin receptor expression group (p = 0.0008). Based on multivariate analyses for postoperative recurrence, high laminin receptor expression was associated with poor prognosis (high expression vs. low expression; HR =3.19, 95% CI =0.92–11.08; p = 0.0682). There was a correlation between laminin receptor and N‐cadherin (p = 0.0089) but not between laminin receptor and E‐cadherin (p = 0.369) or vimentin (p = 0.4221).

Conclusion

These results suggest that high laminin receptor expression is a useful prognostic factor for postoperative recurrence and may be a target for molecular therapy to treat squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.
Development of soy‐based nanocomposite film: Modeling for barrier and mechanical properties and its application as cheese slice separator
Authors: V. Ajesh Kumar , M. Pravitha , Srivastav Prem Prakash , Mangaraj Shukadev , R. Pandiselvam , Hasan Muzaffar
Published: September 2021

In the current study, soybean aqueous extract (SAE)‐based nanocomposite film was developed by incorporating cellulose nanofiber (CNF) at various concentrations (0–10%). Effect of nanoreinforcement on essential properties of the nanocomposite film such as barrier, mechanical, water affinity, and optical properties were evaluated. Homogeneous films with improved barrier and mechanical properties were observed until 6% CNF, beyond which considerable reduction in desirable properties was noticed due to nanoparticle's agglomeration effect. Furthermore, the prediction of the mechanical and barrier properties of nanocomposite film was performed with mathematical models such as modified Halpin–Tsai and modified Nielsen equations, respectively. The model‐fitting results reveal that the theoretically predicted values were in close agreement with the experimental values. Hence, these models were well suited for predicting respective properties. Model prediction also implies that the increase in the aspect ratio of fillers can considerably cause a reduction in water vapor permeability and improvement in mechanical properties. Suitability of developed film as cheese slice separator was evaluated: they had equivalent outcomes in terms of easiness in slice separation and wholeness of slices after separation compared to the commercial material.
The effects of cortical bone thickness and miniscrew implant root proximity on the success rate of miniscrew implant: A retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Shuting , Choi Yuhsin , Li Wa , Shi Danni , Tang Pei , Yang Li'an , Wang Yu , Yang Xin , Wu Jianyong
Published: September 2021

Objective

To investigate the effects of cortical bone thickness (CBT), miniscrew implant root proximity (MRP) and other related factors on the success rate of miniscrew implant (MSI).

Materials and Methods

Four hundred and five MSIs placed in 171 patients were analysed in this retrospective study. The primary predictor variables were CBT and MRP at MSI insertion sites. The predictor variables also included patient, location, MSI design and procedure related factors. The outcome variable was the survival of MSI. The differences in measurement data between success group and failed group were evaluated by the analysis of variance and independent samples t tests. Patient, location, MSI design and procedure related factors associated with the MSI prognosis were analysed by survival analysis with Cox proportional hazard regression model. The P value was set at .05. And the survival curves of independent factors were plotted.

Results

The overall success rate of MSI was 82.7%. The age of MSI host, CBT, interdental root distance (IRD) and MRP at MSI sites showed no significant differences between failed group and success group. CBT and insertion jaws were independent prognosis factors screened out by Cox proportional hazard regression model. Failure risk (hazard ratio) of MSI with CBT <1 mm was 4.72. The failure risk in the mandible was 3.80 times as high as that in the maxilla.

Conclusion

Inadequate CBT (<1 mm) contributed to the failure of MSI. MSI placed in the maxilla showed better prognosis compared to the mandible. MRP had no significant effect on the prognosis.
LINC00664/miR‐411‐5p/KLF9 feedback loop contributes to the human oral squamous cell carcinoma progression
Authors: Wang Chengyong , Wang Qinglian , Weng Zuquan
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most aggressive head and neck cancers with high incidence. Multiple studies have revealed that long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play pivotal roles in tumorigenesis. However, the role of long intergenic non‐protein coding RNA 664 (LINC00664) on the progression of OSCC was still unclear.

Subjects and methods

In this study, the expression of LINC00664 in OSCC tissues and cell lines was detected by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). The functional role of LINC0664 was estimated by cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8), transwell assays, Western blot in vitro, and xenograft tumor model in vivo. The regulatory mechanism was investigated by RNA‐binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP), chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and luciferase reporter assays.

Results

LINC00664 was found to be upregulated in OSCC tissues and cell lines and was associated with poor prognosis of OSCC patients. LINC00664 knockdown suppressed OSCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). Moreover, Kruppel like factor 9 (KLF9) enhanced LINC00664 expression at transcription level. Interestingly, LINC00664 upregulated KLF9 expression by sponging miR‐411‐5p. In addition, knockdown of LINC00664 restrained tumor growth of OSCC in vivo.

Conclusion

Our study identified the oncogenic roles of LINC00664 in OSCC tumorigenesis and EMT via KLF9/LINC00664/miR‐411‐5p/KLF9 feedback loop, which provides new perspectives of the potential therapeutic target for OSCC.
Many roads to success: different combinations of life‐history traits provide accurate germination timing in seasonally dry environments
Authors: Escobar Diego Fernando Escobar , Rubio de Casas Rafael , Morellato Leonor Patricia Cerdeira
Published: September 2021

Germination timing is determined by several plant life‐history traits. Seed dormancy regulates the time and place of early plant development and spreads recruitment risks over time. Dispersal phenology and syndrome can influence germination timing and buffer spatial heterogeneity. The ecological requirements for germination (the germination niche) can also influence when and where germination takes place. To date, the relative importance of each of these four traits to ensure the phenological adaptation of individual species in diverse communities remains unexplored. Here, we investigated the functional interactions among them and their relevance in heterogenous, seasonally dry environments.

We collected seed dispersal phenology and syndrome for 82 species of the Brazilian savanna (cerrado) and evaluated the dormancy and germination behavior of the seeds of every taxon. Based on these data, we developed two new ecological indexes to estimate the likelihood of a non‐dormant seed to germinate upon dispersal (∆G) and the overall variability of germination through time (σT). We then evaluated the influence of each trait on germination timing within a phylogenetically controlled framework.

Our results show that even though germination is concentrated at the beginning of the rainy season, seed dispersal takes place year‐round. Non‐dormant seeds released during the dry season were characterized by high ∆G values that delayed their germination until the onset of the favorable season. Simultaneously, seed dormancy and spatial dispersal (i.e., the two risk‐reduction mechanisms) were negatively correlated as dormancy and high σT values were only prevalent in seeds with reduced spatial dispersal ability. We conclude that the timing of seed germination is ultimately the net outcome of adaptive interactions among life‐history traits, which can result in multiple functionally equivalent phenotypes. It is possible that this might contribute to community diversity by providing opportunities for the coexistence of different species.
Suppressing chlorophyll degradation by silencing OsNYC3 improves rice resistance to Rhizoctonia solani, the causal agent of sheath blight
Authors: Cao Wenlei , Zhang Huimin , Zhou Yong , Zhao Jianhua , Lu Shuaibing , Wang Xiaoqiu , Chen Xijun , Yuan Liming , Guan Haiying , Wang Guangda , Shen Wangxin , De Vleesschauwer David , Li Zhiqiang , Shi Xiaopin , Gu Junfei , Guo Min , Feng Zhiming , Chen Zongxiang , Zhang Yafang , Pan Xuebiao , Liu Wende , Liang Guohua , Yan Changjie , Hu Keming , Liu Qiaoquan , Zuo Shimin
Published: September 2021

Necrotrophic fungus Rhizoctonia solani Kühn (R. solani) causes serious diseases in many crops worldwide, including rice and maize sheath blight (ShB). Crop resistance to the fungus is a quantitative trait and resistance mechanism remains largely unknown, severely hindering the progress on developing resistant varieties. In this study, we found that resistant variety YSBR1 has apparently stronger ability to suppress the expansion of R. solani than susceptible Lemont in both field and growth chamber conditions. Comparison of transcriptomic profiles shows that the photosynthetic system including chlorophyll biosynthesis is highly suppressed by R. solani in Lemont but weakly in YSBR1. YSBR1 shows higher chlorophyll content than that of Lemont, and inducing chlorophyll degradation by dark treatment significantly reduces its resistance. Furthermore, three rice mutants and one maize mutant that carry impaired chlorophyll biosynthesis all display enhanced susceptibility to R. solani. Overexpression of OsNYC3, a chlorophyll degradation gene apparently induced expression by R. solani infection, significantly enhanced ShB susceptibility in a high‐yield ShB‐susceptible variety ‘9522’. However, silencing its transcription apparently improves ShB resistance without compromising agronomic traits or yield in field tests. Interestingly, altering chlorophyll content does not affect rice resistance to blight and blast diseases, caused by biotrophic and hemi‐biotrophic pathogens, respectively. Our study reveals that chlorophyll plays an important role in ShB resistance and suppressing chlorophyll degradation induced by R. solani infection apparently improves rice ShB resistance. This discovery provides a novel target for developing resistant crop to necrotrophic fungus R. solani.
By No Other Means Than Peace: W.E.B. Du Bois on Nonviolence, World peace, and Justice
Authors: Corazza Chiara
Published: September 2021

The “battle for peace” characterized Du Bois’s commitment throughout his entire life. Following the methodology for a global history of political concepts, this study highlights the theoretical connections Du Bois drew between peace and racial justice through a global lens. In particular, the attention Du Bois paid to Gandhi is related to his global vision of solidarity against racism, colonialism, and imperialism. The analysis demonstrates how Du Bois’s final fictional works provide additional meanings to his conceptualization of peace. Ultimately, Du Bois’s semantic challenge consists in giving the notion of peace a depth of movement. In this vision, according to Du Bois, world peace is not an aim or an ideal, but the material conditions for establishing a true democracy.
Interrater reliability of spectrogram for detecting wheezing in children
Authors: Bae Woori , Kim Kyunghoon , Yoon Jong‐seo
Published: September 2021

Background

Auscultation is an easy way to evaluate and diagnose patients with lung conditions but has the shortcoming of being subjective. Using the spectrogram, it is possible to visualize wheezing. We therefore conducted a study to compare the efficacy of diagnosing wheezing by auscultation versus diagnosing wheezing by spectrogram.

Methods

This was an investigation of interrater reliability and agreement in which the subject population consisted of children, and the rater population consisted of pediatric pulmonologists. We recorded 55 respiratory sound files from June to November 2019. Three pediatric pulmonologists listened to the respiratory sound files and assessed whether wheezing was present. All respiratory sound files were also converted into spectrograms; the same pulmonologists viewed these and assessed whether wheezing was present. We tested for interrater reliability and agreement between the auscultation results and spectrographic results and investigated the diagnostic reliability of auscultation versus spectrogram.

Results

Agreement among the three raters of our auscultation respiratory recordings was 88% and reliability was good (κ = 0.76, P < 0.001). Agreement among the three raters of our spectrograms was 83% and reliability was good (κ =0.66, P < 0.001). The level of agreement between each rater's spectrographic findings and diagnosed wheezing was 91%, 75%, and 93%, respectively. Reliability was accordingly very good, moderate, and very good (κ = 0.82, 0.49, 0.85, P < 0.001), respectively.

Conclusions

A spectrogram may be a valuable tool for evaluating wheezing in children. It may also be used to improve a young clinician's ability to accurately diagnose wheezing in the future.
Increased alpha suppression with age during involuntary memory retrieval
Authors: Henderson Sarah E. , Hall Shana A. , Callegari Jessica M. , Desjardins James A. , Segalowitz Sidney J. , Campbell Karen L.
Published: September 2021

Recent work suggests that while voluntary episodic memory declines with age, involuntary episodic memory, which comes to mind spontaneously without intention, remains relatively intact. However, the neurophysiology underlying these differences has yet to be established. The current study used electroencephalography (EEG) to investigate voluntary and involuntary retrieval in older and younger adults. Participants first encoded sounds, half of which were paired with pictures, the other half unpaired. EEG was then recorded as they listened to the sounds, with participants in the involuntary group performing a sound localization cover task, and those in the voluntary group additionally attempting to recall the associated pictures. Participants later reported which sounds brought the paired picture to mind during the localization task. Reaction times on the localization task were slower for voluntary than involuntary retrieval and for paired than unpaired sounds, possibly reflecting increased attentional demands of voluntary retrieval and interference from reactivation of the associated pictures respectively. For the EEG analyses, young adults showed greater alpha event‐related desynchronization (ERD) during voluntary than involuntary retrieval at frontal and occipital sites, while older adults showed pronounced alpha ERD regardless of intention. Additionally, older adults showed greater ERD for paired than unpaired sounds at occipital sites, likely reflecting visual reactivation of the associated pictures. Young adults did not show this alpha ERD memory effect. Taken together, these data suggest that involuntary memory is largely preserved with age, but this may be due to older adults' greater recruitment of top‐down control even when demand for such control is limited.
Pulmonary fibrosis in non‐mutation carriers of families with short telomere syndrome gene mutations
Authors: van der Vis Joanne J. , van der Smagt Jasper J. , van Batenburg Aernoud A. , Goldschmeding Roel , van Es H. Wouter , Grutters Jan C. , van Moorsel Coline H. M.
Published: September 2021

Background and objective

Diagnostic and predictive genetic testing for disease cause and risk estimation is common in many countries. For genetic diseases, predictive test results are commonly straightforward: presence of the mutation involves increased risk for disease and absence of the mutation involves no inherit risk for disease. Germline mutations in telomere‐related genes (TRGs) can lead to telomere shortening and are associated with short telomere syndrome (STS). Telomere length is heritable, and in families with STS due to a TRG mutation, progeny with and without the TRG mutation is known to have shorter than average telomeres. We hypothesize that progeny of TRG mutation carriers who did not inherit the TRG mutation may still develop pulmonary fibrosis.

Methods

A genetic screen of 99 unrelated families with familial pulmonary fibrosis revealed five patients with features of pulmonary fibrosis but without carrying the familial disease‐causing TRG mutation.

Results

Features of STS were present in each family, including short telomeres in blood and tissue of the non‐mutation carrying patients. Additional genetic, clinical or environmental risk factors for pulmonary fibrosis were present in each non‐mutation carrying patient.

Conclusion

Our study shows that non‐mutation carrying first‐degree relatives in families with STS are at increased risk for pulmonary fibrosis. Disease development may be triggered by inherited short telomeres and additional risk factors for disease. This observation has profound consequences for genetic counselling. Unlike any other genetic syndrome, absence of the mutation does not imply absence of disease risk. Therefore, clinical follow‐up is still urged for non‐mutation carrying first‐degree family members.
UK‐based specialist dental professionals’ experiences of working with autistic patients
Authors: McMillion Audrey , Tobiansky Beth , Wang Kefei , Cronin Aaron J. , Johnson Adele , Monteiro Joana , Remington Anna
Published: September 2021

Aims

Previous research has demonstrated that autistic individuals often experience difficulties accessing dental care, both as a result of autism specific difficulties and practitioners’ attitudes towards autism. However, very little research exists that explores dental professionals’ experiences of providing care to their autistic patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the strategies UK‐based dental professionals’ use when working with autistic patients

Methods and Results

In this study, dental professionals (n = 16) from a variety of specialty roles (special care, paediatrics, orthodontics) were interviewed. We asked participants to talk through, in depth, specific cases they had encountered in their practice, what sorts of accommodations they had provided, and what concerns had arisen during appointments. Thematic analysis was used to analyses the data and revealed four main themes: the unique dental needs associated with being autistic, effective adaptations to practice, the crucial role of the caregiver, and the importance of specialist knowledge

Conclusion

Recommendations for how dentists can improve the dental experiences of autistic patients can be drawn from the specialist dentists’ responses in this study. These include involving autistic patients in decisions about their treatment and being flexible and willing to work with autistic patients and their caregivers.
From Self‐Determination to Offspring‐Determination? Reproductive Autonomy, Procrustean Parenting, and Genetic Enhancement
Authors: Rueda Jon
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Emerging reprogenetic technologies may radically change how humans reproduce in the not‐so‐distant future. One foreseeable consequence of disruptive innovations in the procreative domain is an increase in the reproductive autonomy of intended parents. Regarding the prospective parental liberty of enhancing non‐health–related traits of the offspring, one controversy has particularly dominated the literature. Does parents' choice of genetically enhancing the traits of their descendants compromise children's future personal autonomy? In this article, I will analyse the main arguments which posit that reprogenetic enhancement could be at odds with the child's future autonomy. I will argue that these objections are ill‐founded. Moreover, I will present other arguments that show that reprogenetic technologies can enhance the autonomy of future children. Autonomy enhancement is a plausible and pro tanto desirable application of emerging reprogenetic technologies.
Proteins associated with the Arabidopsis thaliana plastid rhomboid‐like protein RBL10
Authors: Lavell Anastasiya , Smith Montgomery , Xu Yang , Froehlich John E. , De La Mora Cameron , Benning Christoph
Published: September 2021

Rhomboid‐like proteins are intramembrane proteases with a variety of regulatory roles in cells. Though many rhomboid‐like proteins are predicted in plants, their detailed molecular mechanisms or cellular functions are not yet known. Of the 13 predicted rhomboids in Arabidopsis thaliana, one, RBL10, affects lipid metabolism in the chloroplast, because in the respective rbl10 mutant the transfer of phosphatidic acid through the inner envelope membrane is disrupted. Here we show that RBL10 is part of a high‐molecular‐weight complex of 250 kDa or greater in size. Nine likely components of this complex are identified by two independent methods and include Acyl Carrier Protein 4 (ACP4) and Carboxyltransferase Interactor1 (CTI1), which have known roles in chloroplast lipid metabolism. The acp4 mutant has decreased C16:3 fatty acid content of monogalactosyldiacylglycerol, similar to the rbl10 mutant, prompting us to offer a mechanistic model of how an interaction between ACP4 and RBL10 might affect chloroplast lipid assembly. We also demonstrate the presence of a seventh transmembrane domain in RBL10, refining the currently accepted topology of this protein. Taken together, the identity of possible RBL10 complex components as well as insights into RBL10 topology and distribution in the membrane provide a stepping‐stone towards a deeper understanding of RBL10 function in Arabidopsis lipid metabolism.
EAP45 association with budding HIV‐1: Kinetics and domain requirements
Authors: Meng Bo , Vallejo Ramirez Pedro P. , Scherer Katharina M. , Bruggeman Ezra , Kenyon Julia C. , Kaminski Clemens F. , Lever Andrew M.
Published: September 2021

A number of viruses including HIV use the ESCRT system to bud from the infected cell. We have previously confirmed biochemically that ESCRT‐II is involved in this process in HIV‐1 and have defined the molecular domains that are important for this. Here, using SNAP‐tag fluorescent labelling and both fixed and live cell imaging we show that the ESCRT‐II component EAP45 colocalises with the HIV protein Gag at the plasma membrane in a temporal and quantitative manner, similar to that previously shown for ALIX and Gag. We show evidence that a proportion of EAP45 may be packaged within virions, and we confirm the importance of the N terminus of EAP45 and specifically the H0 domain in this process. By contrast, the Glue domain of EAP45 is more critical for recruitment during cytokinesis, emphasising that viruses have ways of recruiting cellular components that may be distinct from those used by some cellular processes. This raises the prospect of selective interference with the pathway to inhibit viral function while leaving cellular functions relatively unperturbed.
The U.S.‐Canadian trade and exchange rate uncertainty: Asymmetric evidence from commodity trade
Authors: Bahmani‐Oskooee Mohsen , Harvey Hanafiah
Published: September 2021

Although the main goal of the original NAFTA treaty was to promote trade among the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, exchange rate uncertainty among the members is still a factor affecting trade. A previous study that assessed asymmetric effects of the real peso‐dollar volatility on trade flows between Mexico and the U.S. used the nonlinear ARDL approach and found that increased (decreased) volatility hurts (boosts) exports of nearly 50% of the industries that trade between the two countries. In this paper, we carry out the same analysis using trade data from 34 (24) large U.S. exporting (importing) industries to (from) Canada. We find that nearly 38% of the industries are affected by the U.S. dollar‐Canadian dollar volatility. However, the majority of the affected industries export more when exchange rate volatility increases or decreases. It appears that traders are more risk tolerant in the case of U.S.‐Canada trade but risk averse in the case of U.S.‐Mexico.
Development and validation of methods to visualize conventional aqueous outflow pathways in canine primary angle closure glaucoma
Authors: Telle Mary Rebecca , Snyder Kevin C. , Oikawa Kazuya , Nilles Jacob P. , Gehrke Shaile , Teixeira Leandro B. C. , Kiland Julie A. , Huang Alex , McLellan Gillian J.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Angle closure glaucoma (PACG) is highly prevalent in dogs and is often refractory to medical therapy. We hypothesized that pathology affecting the post‐trabecular conventional aqueous outflow pathway contributes to persistent intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation in dogs with PACG. The goal of this study was to determine the potential for aqueous angiography (AA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) to identify abnormalities in post‐trabecular aqueous outflow pathways in canine PACG.

Methods

AA and anterior segment OCT (Spectralis HRA + OCT) were performed ex vivo in 19 enucleated canine eyes (10 normal eyes and 9 irreversibly blind eyes from canine patients enucleated for management of refractory PACG). Eyes were cannulated and maintained at physiologic IOP (10–20 mmHg) prior to intracameral infusion of fluorescent tracer. OCT scleral line scans were acquired in regions of high and low perilimbal AA signal. Eyes were then perfusion fixed and cryosections prepared from 10/10 normal and 7/9 PACG eyes and immunolabeled for a vascular endothelial marker.

Results

Normal canine eyes showed segmental, circumferential limbal AA signal, whereas PACG eyes showed minimal or no AA signal. AA signal correlated with scleral lumens on OCT in normal dogs, but lumens were generally absent or flattened in PACG eyes. Collapsed vascular profiles were identified in tissue sections from PACG eyes, including those in which no lumens were identified on AA and OCT.

Conclusions

In canine eyes with PACG, distal aqueous outflow channels are not identifiable by AA, despite normalization of their IOP, and intra‐scleral vascular profiles are collapsed on OCT and histopathology.
Facilitating practices to support children's self-regulation in classrooms: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Merritt Judith , Kernot Jocelyn , Dizon Janine , Boshoff Kobie
Published: September 2021

Objective:

The objective of this scoping review is to describe practices for supporting children's self-regulation in the classroom.

Introduction:

Self-regulation is an integral component of children's well-being and learning in the classroom. Self-regulation is a broad concept that encompasses behavioral, emotional, cognitive, or sensory regulation processes. Children often struggle to self-regulate in class and teachers have difficulty supporting them, which affects children's participation and academic achievement, as well as teachers’ self-efficacy and well-being.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will consider studies that include mainstream primary school children regardless of diagnosis or disability, classroom teachers, and allied health professionals who provide services in mainstream public or private school settings. Self-regulation support practices may include pedagogical, classroom- or curriculum-based practices, environmental modifications, class-management strategies, adult-child relationships, and trauma-informed classroom practices.

Methods:

The review will be conducted using the JBI three-step search strategy. The databases to be searched include MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, CINAHL, OTSeeker, and ERIC. Documents from 2010 to the present in English will be included. Data will be extracted and charted by two reviewers using a data extraction tool based on JBI recommendations. Study findings will be presented in tabular or diagrammatic format that aligns with the objective, and a narrative summary will be provided.
Future Ready
Authors: Jeff O’Heir
Published: September 2021

Engineering companies have been investing in training to bring their existing workforce up to speed. Over the last year, as workplaces became remote, online learning opportunities have helped in upskilling and reskilling the engineering workforce. Conversations with experts unearthed many lessons learned from dealing with the chaos, disruption, isolation, and frustration born from COVID 19. But those hard-won lessons, the experts warned, would be in vain unless all stakeholders work together toward implementing the changes needed to turn the best of them into reality.
Future Ready
Authors: O’Heir Jeff
Published: September 2021

Engineering companies have been investing in training to bring their existing workforce up to speed. Over the last year, as workplaces became remote, online learning opportunities have helped in upskilling and reskilling the engineering workforce. Conversations with experts unearthed many lessons learned from dealing with the chaos, disruption, isolation, and frustration born from COVID 19. But those hard-won lessons, the experts warned, would be in vain unless all stakeholders work together toward implementing the changes needed to turn the best of them into reality.
Tolerance-Based Optimization of Sinking Electrical Discharge Machining for Industrial Seal Slot Manufacture
Authors: Petersen Timm , Zeis Markus , Bergs Thomas
Published: September 2021

Seal plates for turbine vanes significantly reduce gap losses and thus play a major role in increasing the efficiency of turbines. The industrial production of seal slots, which position the seal plates in the turbine vanes, is driven by the need for high productivity in combination with a reliable processing of necessary geometrical and surface integrity features. A machining technology that is able to machine hard-to-cut materials such as nickel-based alloys is electrical discharge machining. Due to its electrothermal working principle, it is able to machine materials independently from their mechanical properties even at high aspect ratios. Achievable removal and wear rates as well as the resulting surface properties strongly depend on the discharge energy. Furthermore, the discharge energy affects the working gap sizes and therefore flushing efficiencies when machining high aspect ratio cavities. This relationship is investigated taking into account various contemporary generator technologies and graphite grades from both published literature and own experimental investigations. Their effect on machining performance focusing on productivity, recast layer thickness, and crack formation is quantified. Based on these data, a novel empirical model for tolerance-based optimization is developed. The model is used to perform an optimization on an existing serial production, and implementation has been proven successful.
Transcriptional and Translational Responsiveness of the Neisseria gonorrhoeae Type IV Secretion System to Conditions of Host Infections
Authors: Callaghan Melanie M. , Klimowicz Amy K. , Shockey Abigail C. , Kane John , Pepperell Caitlin S. , Dillard Joseph P.
Published: September 2021

The type IV secretion system of
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
translocates single-stranded DNA into the extracellular space, facilitating horizontal gene transfer and initiating biofilm formation. Expression of this system has been observed to be low under laboratory conditions, and multiple levels of regulation have been identified.
Efficient Terpene Production by Marine Thraustochytrids: Shedding Light on the Thermodynamic Driving Force
Authors: Kulagina Natalja , Perrin Jennifer , Besseau Sébastien , Courdavault Vincent
Published: September 2021

Terpenoids, such as squalene, are valuable compounds for cosmetic and drug industries, the supply of which is often limited by natural sources. Alternative production strategies have been investigated for decades but remain challenging due to low yields.
Mechanism of Microbial Metabolite Leupeptin in the Treatment of COVID-19 by Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbs
Authors: Fu Lifeng , Shao Shuai , Feng Yong , Ye Fei , Sun Xue , Wang Qingling , Yu Feng , Wang Qisheng , Huang Baoying , Niu Peihua , Li Xuebing , Wong Catherine C. L. , Qi Jianxun , Tan Wenjie , Gao George Fu
Published: September 2021

A TCM formula has played an important role in the treatment of COVID-19 in China. However, the mechanism of TCM action is still unclear.
BU CMi as a Quadruple Doubly Eclipsing System
Authors: Volkov I. M. , Kravtsova A. S. , Chochol D.
Published: September 2021

We found that the known spectroscopic binary and variable BU CMi = HD65241 ($$V = 6.4{-} {{6.7}^{{\text{m}}}}$$, A0 V) is a quadruple doubly eclipsing 2+2 system. Both eclipsing binaries are detached systems moving in an eccentric orbits: pair “A” with the period $${{P}_{{\text{A}}}} = {{2}^{{\text{d}}}}.94$$ ($$e = 0.20$$) and pair “B” with the period $${{P}_{{\text{B}}}} = {{3}^{{\text{d}}}}.26$$ ($$e = 0.22$$). All four components have nearly equal sizes, temperatures and masses in the range $$M = 3.1{-} 3.4\,{{M}_{ \odot }}$$, and A0 spectra. We found the mutual orbit of both pairs around the system barycenter with a period of 6.6 years and eccentricity $$e$$ = 0.7. We detected in pairs “A” and “B” the fast apsidal motion with the periods $${{U}_{{\text{A}}}} = 25.4$$ years and UB = 26.3 years, respectively. The orbit of each pair shows small nutation like oscillations in periastron longitude. The system is young and it seems that its components does not yet reached the Zero Age Main Sequence (ZAMS). The photometric parallax calculated from the found parameters coincides perfectly with the GAIA DR2 $$\pi =0.00407'' \pm 0.00006'' $$.
The Source of Ore Fluids and Sm–Nd Age of Siderite from the Largest Bakal Deposit, Southern Urals
Authors: Krupenin M. T. , Kuznetsov A. B. , Chervyakovskaya M. V. , Gulyaeva T. Ya. , Konstantinova G. V.
Published: September 2021

Abstract—

Based on Sm–Nd data, a crustal source of iron-ore fluid was substantiated and the probability of age estimation for hydrothermal–metasomatic siderite of the Bakal Group, Southern Urals, was shown for the first time. The εNd (Т) values of siderite (from –13.4 to –17.6) plot in the field of Riphean shale and not the Precambrian rift gabbro and granite of this region. The obtained Sm–Nd age of the Bakal siderite is 970 ± 40 Ma, which is consistent with the Pb–Pb age of siderite from the major ore phase (~1000 Ma). The established age boundary coincides with tectonic restructuring, including the formation of a number of barite–polymetallic deposits, as well as ferruginous magnesite and fluorite in the Riphean deposits on the western slope of the Southern Urals.
Stemming the ‘Leaky Pipeline’: an investigation of the relationship between work–family conflict and women’s career progression in academic medicine
Authors: James-McCarthy Kizanne , Brooks-McCarthy Andrew , Walker Dawn-Marie
Published: September 2021

Background

Even though women outnumber men enrolled in medical school, making up 59% of entrants in the UK, they are significantly under-represented in academic medicine and senior positions. In the UK, 28.6% of academics overall are women. In the USA, while 51% of instructors are women, only 20% make it through the ‘leaky pipeline’ to become professors. One attributable factor is work–family conflict. The purpose of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between work–family conflict and women’s career progression in academic medicine, and to provide a model to inform and change perceptions and practice in order to improve the ‘leaky pipeline’.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed to identify qualitative studies which investigated this relationship. Studies were critically appraised, and data were analysed using thematic analysis. Themes identified in the data were used to develop a model to build on the understanding of this issue.

Findings

The findings of this research highlighted two main themes, one related to perceptions of gender (intrinsic or extrinsic), the way it impacts on work–family conflict and its relationship to women’s career progression. The second theme relates to structures which hinder or support women’s ability to have work–life balance. A model was developed that represents the inter-relationship between these factors.

Interpretation

Changes in both organisational culture and individuals’ perception in regard to gender roles, especially of those in leadership, are necessary to create an environment where the best talent in academic medicine is selected regardless of gender.
L-ergothioneine and metformin alleviates liver injury in experimental type-2 diabetic rats via reduction of oxidative stress, inflammation, and hypertriglyceridemia
Authors: Dare Ayobami , Channa Mahendra L. , Nadar Anand
Published: September 2021

Type-2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with liver toxicity. L-ergothioneine (L-egt) has been reported to reduce toxicity in tissues exposed to injury, while metformin is commonly prescribed to manage T2D. Hence, this study evaluates the hepatoprotective role of L-egt, with or without metformin, in T2D male rats. A total of 36 adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into non-diabetic (n = 12) and diabetic (n = 24) groups. After induction of diabetes, animals were divided into six groups (n = 6) and treated orally either with deionized water, L-egt (35 mg/kg bodyweight (bwt)), metformin (500 mg/kg bwt), or a combination of L-egt and metformin for 7 weeks. Body weight and blood glucose were monitored during the experiment. Thereafter, animals were euthanized and liver tissue was excised for biochemical, ELISA, real-time quantitative PCR, and histopathological analysis. L-egt with or without metformin reduced liver hypertrophy, liver injury, triglycerides, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Also, L-egt normalized mRNA expression of SREBP-1c, fatty acid synthase, nuclear factor kappa B, transforming growth factor β1, nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2, and sirtuin-1 in diabetic rats. Furthermore, co-administration of L-egt with metformin to diabetic rats reduced blood glucose and insulin resistance. These results provide support to the therapeutic benefits of L-egt in the management of liver complications associated with T2D.
Crystallisation and polymorph selection in active Brownian particles
Authors: Moore Fergus J. , Royall C. Patrick , Liverpool Tanniemola B. , Russo John
Published: September 2021

We explore crystallisation and polymorph selection in active Brownian particles with numerical simulation. In agreement with previous work (Wysocki et al. in Europhys Lett 105:48004, 2014), we find that crystallisation is suppressed by activity and occurs at higher densities with increasing Péclet number ($${ Pe }$$

Pe

). While the nucleation rate decreases with increasing activity, the crystal growth rate increases due to the accelerated dynamics in the melt. As a result of this competition, we observe the transition from a nucleation and growth regime at high $${ Pe }$$

Pe

to “spinodal nucleation” at low $${ Pe }$$

Pe

. Unlike the case of passive hard spheres, where preference for FCC over HCP polymorphs is weak, activity causes the annealing of HCP stacking faults, thus strongly favouring the FCC symmetry at high $${ Pe }$$

Pe

. When freezing occurs more slowly, in the nucleation and growth regime, this tendency is much reduced and we see a trend towards the passive case of little preference for either polymorph.
Enabling an Innovation Ecosystem and Participation at the Higher End of Global Value Chains
Authors: LEE MINSOO , GASPAR RAYMOND , DU HUIYAN
Published: September 2021

Moving up the global value chain requires an enabling innovation ecosystem alongside economy-specific endowments, a mix of supportive policies in broad areas of infrastructure and institutions, and other enabling factors. Examining sample economies globally and in developing Asia, the empirical results suggest that during the transition from a low level of upgrading in a global value chain to a medium-level one, efforts should focus on increasing the scale of innovation inputs, allowing firms to improve in many areas of their capacity to innovate. To move higher up a global value chain, the design of innovation policies should gradually emphasize the production of technological, knowledge, and creative outputs.
Long-Term Dynamics of Poverty Transitions in India
Authors: SAHASRANAMAN ANAND
Published: September 2021

I use a stochastic model to explore the dynamics of poverty in India from 1952 to 2006 and find that temporal transitions into and out of poverty are common. Model outcomes suggest that transitions out of poverty outnumber transitions into poverty in recent times, but that there is still a nontrivial proportion of individuals transitioning annually into poverty, highlighting the economic fragility of those near the poverty line. There is also a marked persistence of poverty over time, and although this has been slowly declining, past poverty remains a good predictor of current poverty. Particularly concerning in this context are the income trajectories of those in the bottom decile of the income distribution for whom escape from poverty appears infeasible given extant income dynamics. Finally, the dynamics suggest that transitional and persistent poverty are distinct phenomena that require distinct policy responses involving both missing markets and state action.
Policy-Driven Boom and Bust in the Housing Market: Evidence from Mongolia
Authors: DOOJAV GAN-OCHIR , DAMDINJAV DAVAASUKH
Published: September 2021

This paper examines the effects of a mortgage interest rate subsidy on booms and busts in the housing market by analyzing the Housing Mortgage program in Mongolia. We find that the most recent housing boom in Mongolia occurred from the second quarter (Q2) of 2012 to first quarter (Q1) of 2014, and that the subsequent housing bust lasted 4 years. Both house-specific factors and macroeconomic variables had a significant influence on housing price dynamics. Mortgage interest rate semielasticity and real household income elasticity were estimated as −3 and 1.4, respectively. Dynamic analysis of the estimated vector error correction models suggests that the country’s policy intervention in the mortgage market—introducing an interest rate subsidy on mortgage loans for residential properties of up to 80 square meters—drove the recent housing boom in Mongolia.
Taxonomy of Production Systems with Combining K-Means and Evolutionary Algorithms
Authors: Fadaei Somayeh , Pooya Alireza , Soleymanifard Omid
Published: September 2021

The study of production systems taxonomy not only provides a good description of organization dominant groups but also provides the ground for more specialized studies such as a study of performance, the proper form of production decisions in each group, and the theorizing in it. In some taxonomic studies, due to high speed and ease of implementation, K-means cluster analysis was used to analyze data but the convergence took place in local optimum. For this reason, Hybrid Clustering Algorithms were used for the clustering of manufacturing companies. The clustering results of these methods were compared using validation indicators. According to the results of the comparisons, the best clustering algorithm was chosen, based on which cluster naming was done. Then, using the results of Discriminant Analysis, the distinctive dimensions of clusters were identified and the results showed that the manufacturing systems in Iran can be introduced in two dimensions of green production planning and resource capacity.
The role of geomorphology in the Quaternary
Authors: Bridgland David
Published: September 2021

The advances in understanding of Quaternary geomorphology in the latter half of the twentieth century were closely linked with the improved knowledge of Quaternary climatic fluctuation, principally derived from isotopic evidence from ocean and ice cores. An important goal was finding terrestrial sedimentary records that can be correlated with the globally applicable isotopic sequence. From a geomorphological viewpoint, river terraces are paramount, particularly since they can provide semi-continuous sequences that record palaeoclimate and landscape evolution throughout the Quaternary, as well as the interaction of rivers with glaciation, sea-level change and notable geomorphological events. In coastal areas, shoreline terraces and raised beaches can provide similar sequences. The chapter discusses the progress made in understanding these archives and, in particular, the various mechanisms for dating and correlation, as well as touching upon contributions from other environments, namely slopes and karstic systems, as well as the role of soils in deciphering geomorphological evidence.