bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypoxia‐inducible factor 1‐alpha acts as a bridge factor for crosstalk between ERK1/2 and caspases in hypoxia‐induced apoptosis of cementoblasts
Authors: Yong Jiawen , von Bremen Julia , Groeger Sabine , Ruiz‐Heiland Gisela , Ruf Sabine
Published: September 2021

Hypoxia‐induced apoptosis of cementoblasts (OCCM‐30) may be harmful to orthodontic treatment. Hypoxia‐inducible factor 1‐alpha (HIF‐1α) mediates the biological effects during hypoxia. Little is known about the survival mechanism capable to counteract cementoblast apoptosis. We aimed to investigate the potential roles of HIF‐1α, as well as the protein‐protein interactions with ERK1/2, using an in‐vitro model of chemical‐mimicked hypoxia and adipokines. Here, OCCM‐30 were co‐stimulated with resistin, visfatin or ghrelin under CoCl2‐mimicked hypoxia. In‐vitro investigations revealed that CoCl2‐induced hypoxia triggered activation of caspases, resulting in apoptosis dysfunction in cementoblasts. Resistin, visfatin and ghrelin promoted the phosphorylated ERK1/2 expression in OCCM‐30 cells. Furthermore, these adipokines inhibited hypoxia‐induced apoptosis at different degrees. These effects were reversed by pre‐treatment with ERK inhibitor (FR180204). In cells treated with FR180204, HIF‐1α expression was inhibited despite the presence of three adipokines. Using dominant‐negative mutants of HIF‐1α, we found that siHIF‐1α negatively regulated the caspase‐8, caspase‐9 and caspase‐3 gene expression. We concluded that HIF‐1α acts as a bridge factor in lengthy hypoxia‐induced apoptosis in an ERK1/2‐dependent pathway. Gene expressions of the caspases‐3, caspase‐8 and caspase‐9 were shown to be differentially regulated by adipokines (resistin, visfatin and ghrelin). Our study, therefore, provides evidence for the role of ERK1/2 and HIF‐1α in the apoptotic response of OCCM‐30 cells exposed to CoCl2‐mimicked hypoxia, providing potential new possibilities for molecular intervention in obese patients undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Adiponectin improves amyloid‐β 31‐35‐induced circadian rhythm disorder in mice
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Li Chen , Guo Shuai , Sun Cong , Ning Na , Hao Haihu , Wang Li , Bian Yunfei , Liu Huirong , Wang Xiaohui
Published: September 2021

Adiponectin is an adipocyte‐derived hormone, which is closely associated with the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and has potential preventive and therapeutic significance. In the present study, we explored the relationship between adiponectin and circadian rhythm disorder in AD, the effect of adiponectin on the abnormal expression of Bmal1 mRNA/protein induced by amyloid‐β protein 31‐35 (Aβ31‐35), and the underlying mechanism of action. We found that adiponectin‐knockout mice exhibited amyloid‐β deposition, circadian rhythm disorders and abnormal expression of Bmal1. Adiponectin ameliorated the abnormal expression of the Bmal1 mRNA/protein caused by Aβ31‐35 by inhibiting the activity of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β). These results suggest that adiponectin deficiency could induce circadian rhythm disorders and abnormal expression of the Bmal1 mRNA/protein, whilst exogenous administration of adiponectin may improve Aβ31‐35‐induced abnormal expression of Bmal1 by inhibiting the activity of GSK3β, thus providing a novel idea for the treatment of AD.
The patient‐driven payment model: A missed opportunity for patient‐centered cancer care
Authors: Singh Sarguni , Lum Hillary D. , Kutner Jean , Fischer Stacy
Published: September 2021

Hospitalized older patients with advanced cancer who were discharged to a skilled nursing facility (SNF) for rehabilitation are unlikely to receive future cancer treatment, have high 30‐day readmission rates, and high mortality yet minimal hospice use. The Medicare SNF benefit was designed to be a bridge and provide short‐term nursing and rehabilitation care for patients after a hospitalization. However, advanced cancer patients churn through the health system cycling between the hospital, post‐acute care facilities, and home in the last months of life. This article explores the potential impact of the patient‐driven payment model, a new SNF reimbursement model introduced by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services in 2019, on the experience of older cancer patients. Previously, SNF reimbursement was based on the hours of rehabilitative therapy provided to patients, unintentionally incentivizing SNFs to provide more therapy resulting in long lengths of stay and increased Medicare expenditure. The new patient‐driven payment model bases reimbursement on patient clinical characteristics and resources utilized during their SNF stay. We discuss the impact this payment model might have on cancer patients in the SNF setting and highlight the importance of access to palliative care for this population. We discuss challenges policymakers face in creating palliative care guidelines and developing palliative care delivery models in SNFs. We highlight the policy gaps that remain in creating a system that achieves high‐quality SNF care and conclude by offering suggestions that might better incorporate a patient's illness trajectory, prognosis, and goals of care.
How thoughts of death and intrinsic/extrinsic goal orientation affect well‐being during the pandemic
Authors: Sonmez Fatih
Published: September 2021

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, reminders of death are so ubiquitous that it is almost impossible to avoid death‐related thoughts. This research examined the effect of COVID‐19‐induced thoughts of death on life evaluation, a core component of well‐being, and investigated the moderating role of goal orientation in this effect. Results from two experiments (N = 384) indicated that participants with a relative orientation toward extrinsic aspirations (wealth, fame, image) decreased their life evaluation, both when under conscious death thoughts (Study 1) and after being distracted from these thoughts (Study 2). By contrast, participants with a relative orientation toward intrinsic aspirations (personal growth, meaningful relationships, community contributions) increased their life evaluation when under conscious death thoughts, while they maintained their baseline life evaluation after being distracted from these thoughts. This research also found evidence for the moderating role of belongingness. However, no evidence was found for the moderating roles of self‐esteem and attachment style.
Demographic characteristics, treatment, and outcome of patients with Kaposi sarcoma: Ten‐year follow‐up results of a single center
Authors: Güneş Begüm , Mert Ömer , Onsun Nahide
Published: September 2021

Background

Clinical features, types of Kaposi sarcoma, and treatment outcomes have not been well‐defined in Turkey. In this study, we reviewed records of the patients who had been diagnosed with Kaposi sarcoma in the last decade in a single center and evaluated treatment results.

Methods

Medical records of the Kaposi sarcoma patients seen in the last decade in a single tertiary center were evaluated in detail.

Results

A total of 27 patients were identified; 18 patients had been checked for HHV8; and 16 of those patients were positive for HHV8. One patient was positive for HIV. Two patients having mycosis fungoides and myasthenia graves developed iatrogenic KS after immunosuppressive treatments. Interferon α was used in 21 patients; 8 patients achieved complete response; and 11 patients achieved a partial response. No serious side effects were observed. Systemic involvement did not develop in any patients except lymph node involvement in a patient with widespread skin lesions.
Microneedling‐assisted topical tranexamic acid solution versus 4% hydroquinone for treating melasma: A split‐face randomized study
Authors: Zaky Mohamed S. , Obaid Zakaria M. , Khalil Eman A. , Elsaie Mohamed L.
Published: September 2021

Background

Melasma, also known as chloasma or mask of pregnancy, is a common, acquired, hyperpigmentary disorder usually affecting females. Tranexamic acid (TA), a derivative of amino acid lysine, has shown promising results over the past few years when used along with other therapies and when used as a stand‐alone therapy.

Aim of the Work.

In this study, we aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of topically applied tranexamic acid after microneedling versus topically applied hydroquinone (HQ) 4% alone in patients with melasma.

Patients and Methods

Fifty selected patients were divided randomly according to the random number allocation method into two groups (25 patients each) of A (topical 4% hydroquinone, nightly application) and B (microneedling + topical 4% TA, every other week).

Results

After eight weeks of treatment, the mean modified MASI score of the HQ treated side changed from 6.604 ± 4.02 to 3.032 ± 1.19 with a mean decrease percentage of 54.8% ± 19.4%. This reduction in modified MASI score was found to be statistically significant, (p < 0.001). MASI score of group B (TA +microneedling) changed from 6.348 ± 3.84 to 3.712 ± 1.19 with mean decrease percentage of 57.4% ± 23.4% which was also statistically significant, (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

We demonstrated safety and efficacy of both used modalities and with minimal side effects. Topical HQ application achieved minimal non‐significant higher satisfactory results among raters and subjects.
Children’s psychosocial and behavioural consequences during their siblings’ hospitalisation: A qualitative content analysis from caregivers’ perspectives
Authors: Niinomi Kazuteru , Fukui Minae
Published: September 2021

Aims and Objectives

This study aimed to comprehensively describe the psychosocial and behavioural consequences experienced by siblings of hospitalised children from the caregivers’ perspective.

Background

After children are diagnosed with a major illness, their siblings may begin to exhibit psychological and behavioural problems, coupled with decreased quality of life.

Design

This study employed qualitative content analysis to describe the perspectives of 147 caregivers of siblings of hospitalised children, following the COREQ guidelines.

Methods

From January to March 2015, data were collected from 33 medical institutions in Japan using a survey that utilised an open‐ended question.

Results

Four themes comprising 13 comprehensive categories were extracted: (1) maintaining their usual self, (2) internalising difficulties, (3) externalising difficulties, and (4) personal growth. During data analysis, value judgments were avoided, with the focus instead placed on dividing the perspectives into positive and negative categories.

Conclusions

The neutral data analysis enabled us to describe the psychosocial and behavioural adjustments that siblings make to ‘maintain their usual self’.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study's results can be used to educate healthcare providers, teachers and families about the psychosocial and behavioural effects of hospitalisation on siblings of hospitalised children to ensure that siblings struggling with psychosocial conflicts receive the necessary support.
Demoralization syndrome among cardiac transplant recipients
Authors: Hsu Ching‐Hwa , Tung Heng‐Hsin , Wu Yi‐Chen , Wei Jeng , Tsay Shiow‐Luan
Published: September 2021

Aims and Objectives

To investigate the characteristics and prevalence of demoralisation syndrome among heart transplantation patients in Taiwan.

Background

Patients with end‐stage heart failure who have undergone cardiac transplantation are at risk of demoralisation syndrome. Demoralisation syndrome has been studied in cancer populations, but our understanding of the syndrome among heart transplant recipients is limited.

Design and Methods

The study adopted a cross‐sectional design and analysed the baseline data from a longitudinal study with cardiac transplant patients at a heart centre in northern Taiwan. A structured questionnaire, namely the Demoralization Scale‐Mandarin Version (DS‐MV), was used to assess demoralisation syndrome. Hierarchical regression was applied to determine the predictors of demoralisation. Reporting was consistent with the STROBE checklist.

Results

There were a total of 84 participants with an average age of 51.9 years and a time since heart transplantation of around 4.1 years. Among them, the prevalence of demoralisation syndrome was 35.8%, and 57.1% coped well with stress. In addition, on the DS‐MV, participants tended to choose sentences with positive rather than negative wording. Our data showed that cardiac transplant recipients with stress have higher possibility suffering from demoralisation syndrome; poor renal function and those who cannot relive from stress are predictors for loss of meaning.

Conclusions

Chinese individuals tend to hide their weaknesses; nevertheless, demoralisation syndrome among cardiac transplant recipients, as related to stress status and kidney function, is still remarkable.

Relevance to clinical practice

Since demoralisation is preventable, further research on this phenomenon in the cardiac transplant population is warranted and needs to be developed.
“Kom Khoi San, kry trug jou land”: Disrupting White Settler Colonial Logics of Language, Race, and Land with Afrikaaps
Authors: Alim H. Samy , Williams Quentin E. , Haupt Adam , Jansen Emile
Published: September 2021

This article offers a broad and deep discussion of critical issues in the study of language, race, and political economy through an analysis of the verbal art, aesthetics, and performances of South African hip hop artists. In particular, we present an in‐depth analysis of the Afrikaaps language movement in Cape Town, South Africa and theorize the language‐race‐land complex , the range of issues with respect to the co‐constitution and refusal of the colonial logics of language, race, and land. Specifically, we address the Afrikaaps language movement in Cape Town, South Africa. Afrikaaps is a South African hiphopera that disrupts white settler colonial logics of language, race, and land through an interrogation and revision of white supremacist constructions of Afrikaans. This reinvention of language, race, and land frees the Afrikaans‐speaking, so‐called Coloured community from oppressive, colonial logics and offers them new ways of envisioning their linguistic, racial, spatial, and political‐economic futures. We argue that, for the artists–activists involved in this decolonial, raciolinguistic movement, Hip Hop becomes a critical vehicle for raising consciousness through language, foregrounding Indigenous knowledge systems, and upending the white supremacist legacies of apartheid through a radical re‐education. Methodologically, we center Black and Indigenous artists’ voices, understanding them to be more than cultural producers but also cultural theorists. We draw upon our longitudinal, ethnographic cultural engagement with the Hip Hop artists involved in the theatre production and related forms of language activism (Alim & Haupt 2015, 2017; Haupt 2012; Haupt et al. 2019; Jansen 2019; Jansen et al. 2019; Stroud & Williams 2017; Williams 2018), as well as language and media analyses of the Afrikaaps production, soundtrack, and documentary film (Valley 2010).
A Black Perspective on the Language of Race in Dutch
Authors: Kanobana Sibo Rugwiza
Published: September 2021

In Dutch, the standard language of the Netherlands and the Flemish region of Belgium, ras (tr. race) is not a word that one can just throw around without raising questions. Ras carries a very heavy ideological weight. As a result, claiming that the social processes by which people of color are stigmatized, marginalized, and delegitimized is raciaal (tr. racial) is often considered imprecise, at best, and a reproduction of racism itself, at worst (see Lo 2019). However, it seems crucial to underscore the importance of studying the social processes that shape racial categories and structures, and the specific position of blackness in relation to whiteness in various contexts. Indeed, a concept like antiblackness becomes deeply resonant, conceptually and experientially, because with its rhizomorphic characteristics (see Ibrahim 2014) blackness reminds Belgium and the Netherlands of their own exclusionary hardened self‐image.
Dis/possession Afoot: American (Anthropological) Traditions of Anti‐Blackness and Coloniality
Authors: Davis Jenny L. , Smalls Krystal A.
Published: September 2021

In this essay, we call on linguistic anthropology to combat specific modes of White Supremacy (anti‐Blackness, anti‐Indigeneity, and anti‐Nativeness) by recognizing them as intimately central to the formations and formulations of our (sub)field in the US (and broader) context. We speak to and from particular legacies of dispossession and repossession engendered by two mated and enduring structural processes, settler colonialism (Simpson 2014) and racial slavery (Hartman 2008; Sharpe 2016; Mignolo 2006), which continue to animate the ubiquity of owning via the making of (linguistic) anthropological knowledge (owning through knowing and collecting) and via the knowing, collecting, and wearing of Black and Native people that helps make up everyday life in America (e.g., mascots, blackface, pop cultural caricatures, Halloween costumes, language appropriation, slave souvenirs, dream catchers and on and on (Meek 2006; 2020; Smalls and Davis forthcoming; Smalls forthcoming). Finally, we draw on Black and Native theorists to offer practices of solidarities and abolition (Byrd 2019; Harris 2019; Latty et. al 2016; Leroy 2016; King 2019; Tuck et. al 2014; Morrill et al. 2016).
Bridging the Gap between Sexual Health Education and Clinical Services: Adolescent Perspectives and Recommendations
Authors: Decker Martha J. , Dandekar Shebani , Gutmann‐Gonzalez Abigail , Brindis Claire D.
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND

Adolescents often lack access to accurate and appropriate sexual health information and services. Providing information about local clinical services during sexual health education classes is one strategy to increase awareness, yet many programs miss this opportunity. This study aims to learn about adolescents' experiences with sexual health education and their perceptions of barriers and facilitators to clinical care.

METHODS

Nine focus groups were conducted between April to July 2018 with 69 adolescents who had recently attended a comprehensive sexual health education program in California. Topics included information received about local clinics during class and barriers and facilitators to access care. Qualitative data were coded and analyzed for key themes and compared by sex and geographic location.

RESULTS

The majority of participants (89%) were Latino and most reported receiving relevant information about clinical services and had positive impressions of local services. Several mentioned that this information increased the likelihood that they would access services if needed. Common barriers to clinic services included parental disapproval, stigma, embarrassment, and confidentiality concerns. Facilitators included peer and family support, confidentiality of services, awareness and education, and accessibility.

CONCLUSIONS

Sexual health education programs can provide an important bridge to local clinic services and address adolescents' concerns.
Impact of temperature variation on the phytotoxic secondary metabolite production by Lasiodiplodia theobromae
Authors: Aluthmuhandiram Janith V. S. , Chethana K. W. T. , Zhang Wei , Peng Junbo , Zhao Ercheng , Li Xing Hong , N Saichana , Yan Jiye
Published: September 2021

Botryosphaeriaceae species are associated with grapevine trunk diseases. Lasiodiplodia theobromae plays a significant role as one of the most virulent grapevine pathogens in the world. In this study, we evaluate the effects of temperature on phytotoxin‐induced virulence in Lasiodiplodia theobromae. The fungal strain is grown in Czapek‐Dox liquid medium at four different temperatures (20°C, 25°C, 30°C and 35°C) for 14 days under dark conditions. The culture filtrates were screened for three selected phytotoxins, indole‐3‐carboxylic acid, jasmonic acid, and lasiodiplodin using UPLC MS/MS techniques. Phytotoxicity of the crude culture filtrates was tested on detached grapevine leaves. With UPLC MS/MS analysis, we identified that indole‐3‐carboxylic acid and jasmonic acid production varied with the increasing temperature, and did not detect any lasiodiplodin. At high temperatures, we observed a significant increase in the phytotoxicity of crude culture filtrates on the detached grapevine leaves. The most severe necrotic leaf lesions were observed when inoculated with crude culture filtrates extracted at 35°C.
Converting technological inventions into new products: The role of CEO human capital
Authors: Nasirov Shukhrat , Li Qian Cher , Kor Yasemin Y.
Published: September 2021

Despite technological inventions being a key input to new product development, companies often struggle with commercializing new technologies via the product development route. Drawing on a sample of publicly traded U.S. manufacturing companies that spans the period 1992–2013, our study shows that CEOs play a catalytic role in the technology conversion process, but this role is highly nuanced and depends on the characteristics (generalist vs. specialist) of their human capital. Specifically, generalist CEOs tend to be better at facilitating the conversion process in companies with more diverse and/or higher quality inventions. In contrast, specialist CEOs play a catalytic role in technology conversion when companies have less diverse and/or lower quality inventions. Hence, our paper offers a solution to the technology conversion problem that consists in aligning CEO human capital characteristics with the characteristics of the company’s inventions portfolio.
Inter‐annual precipitation variability alters the effects of soil resource enrichment and mycorrhizal suppression on plant communities in desert steppe
Authors: Yang Xin , Tian Haiyang , Feng Jialin , Zang Jiayi , Ji Bo , Wang Zhanjun , Shen Yue
Published: September 2021

Questions

In desert steppes, plant community productivity and species composition are primarily co‐limited by soil water and nitrogen availability. However, how the addition of resources and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) interactively influence plant community performance has not been investigated in detail.

Location

Desert steppe, China.

Methods

We performed a field study to examine the effects of levels of increased water, nitrogen and AMF suppression on plant communities in two years with contrasting inter‐annual precipitation variability in desert steppe.

Results

We found that inter‐annual precipitation variability altered plant community composition and their productivity in response to water and nitrogen addition and mycorrhizal suppression. AM fungal suppression had few effects on above‐ground plant productivity, whereas the primary effects of water and nitrogen addition were significant across both years. The addition of water and nitrogen altered plant community composition and productivity primarily by increasing the abundance and biomass of annual species only in the normal year (2019), but decreasing the abundance of perennial grasses regardless of the presence of AM fungi across two years with contrasting precipitation conditions. Moreover, the addition of water alone slightly increased the species richness and Shannon diversity compared with the control.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the importance of inter‐annual precipitation variability rather than that of soil resource enrichment and interactions of plants and AM fungi in plant community composition within the desert steppe.
A (contingent) content–parthood analysis of indirect speech reports
Authors: Davies Alex
Published: September 2021

This article presents a semantic analysis of indirect speech reports. The analysis aims to explain a combination of two phenomena. First, there are true utterances of sentences of the form α said that φ which are used to report an utterance u of a sentence wherein φ's content is not u's content. This implies that in uttering a single sentence, one can say several things. Second, when the complements of these reports (and indeed, these reports themselves) are placed in conjunctions, the conjunctions are typically infelicitous. I argue that this combination of phenomena can be explained if speech reports report (perhaps contingent) parts of the contents of the sentences reported.
Reply to Laura Gow's critical notice of The Metaphysics of Sensory Experience
Authors: Papineau David
Published: September 2021

I am grateful to Laura Gow for her generous and illuminating comments. I will focus on her queries, as this will allow me to elaborate on some points that were treated rather quickly in the book. Gow challenges me on three points. (1) Does my central argument against representationalism about perception commit me to an overly abstract view of properties? (2) What does my view imply about the representational contents of beliefs prompted by sensory experiences? (3) Do I do sufficient justice to the way sensory experience seems representational? I shall consider these in turn.
Individual‐based networks reveal the highly skewed interactions of a frugivore mutualist with individual plants in a diverse community
Authors: Tonos Jadelys , Razafindratsima Onja H. , Fenosoa Zo Samuel Ella , Dunham Amy E.
Published: September 2021

While plant–animal interactions occur fundamentally at the individual level, the bulk of research examining the mechanisms that drive interaction patterns has focused on species or population levels. In seed‐dispersal mutualisms between frugivores and plants, little is known about the role of space and individual‐level variation among plants in structuring patterns of frugivory and seed dispersal in a plant community. Here we use a zoocentric approach to examine how space and variation between individual plants affect movement and visitation by frugivores foraging on individual fruiting plants. To do this, we used a spatially explicit network approach informed by observations of the movement and foraging of a frugivorous lemur species Eulemur rubriventer among individual plants in a diverse plant community in Madagascar. The resulting hierarchical networks show a few individual plants receiving the bulk of the interactions, demonstrating that a generalist frugivore species could act as an individual‐plant specialist within a plant community. The few individual plants that dominated interactions with lemurs shaped the modular spatial structure of frugivory interactions in the community and facilitated visitation to near neighbors. This interaction structure was primarily driven by extrinsic factors, as lemur movements among plants were significantly influenced by the individual plant's spatial position and the fruiting plant richness in its immediate neighborhood. Individual plants in central spatial locations with large fruit crops received the most visits. The observed inequality in the interactions of a generalist frugivore within a highly diverse plant community highlights the importance of considering individual‐level variation for essential ecosystem processes such as seed dispersal.
Compressing inferior alveolar nerve impacted mandibular third molar: a comparison of three techniques
Authors: Wang Yong , Xu Ying , Chi Zhengbing , Mao Runyi
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Injury to the inferior alveolar nerve while conducting extraction of impacted mandibular third molar is highly related to the relative position of the inferior alveolar nerve and the root of third molar. The aim of this study was to compare the incidences of inferior alveolar nerve injury in orthodontic traction, coronectomy and piezosurgery for the removal of impacted mandibular third molar.

Methods

After examining the panoramic radiography and cone‐beam computed tomography, 66 patients with impacted mandibular third molar compressing the inferior alveolar nerve were enrolled in this study. Orthodontic traction, coronectomy and piezosurgery were carried out in 20 patients, respectively. Signs of postoperative neurosensory impairment were recorded.

Results

Baseline characteristics were similar among the three groups (p > 0.05). No sign of neurosensory impairment was observed in patients performed by orthodontic traction or coronectomy. One patient who underwent piezosurgery had postoperative lower lip numbness.

Conclusions

No statistical differences in these three techniques were observed in this study. Orthodontic traction, coronectomy and piezosurgery can reduce the incidence of nerve injury during the removal of impacted mandibular third molar compressing the inferior alveolar nerve.
Mid‐ and Long‐Term Follow‐Up Efficacy Analysis of 3D‐Printed Interbody Fusion Cages for Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
Authors: Jin Yuan‐zhang , Zhao Bin , Lu Xiang‐dong , Zhao Yi‐bo , Zhao Xiao‐feng , Wang Xiao‐nan , Zhou Run‐tian , Qi De‐tai , Wang Wen‐xuan
Published: September 2021

Objective

To evaluate the safety and stability of 3D‐printed interbody fusion cages (3D‐printed cages) in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) by investigating the mid‐ and long‐term follow‐up outcomes.

Methods

In this prospective study, the clinical data of 30 patients with CSM admitted to the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from May 2012 to May 2014 were analyzed. The cohort comprised 18 males and 12 females with an average age of 60.22 ± 3.2 years. All patients were examined by X‐ray, CT and MRI before the operation. A total of 30 cases of CSM were treated by ACDF with 3D printed cage implantation. Mid‐ and long‐term follow‐ups were performed after the surgery. Clinical efficacy was evaluated by comparing the JOA score, SF‐36 score, change in neurological function, cervical curvature index (CCI), vertebral intervertebral height (VIH) and fusion rate before the operation, 6 months after the operation, and at the last follow‐up.

Results

Two of the 30 patients were lost to follow‐up. The remaining patients were followed up for 48–76 (65.23 ± 3.54) months. The patients recovered satisfactorily with a significant clinical effect. The JOA score increased meanfully and the improvement rate was 89.4% at the final follow‐up. The SF‐36 score increased significantly from pre‐ to postoperatively. The height of the intervertebral space at the last follow‐up was not statistically significantly different from that at 6 months after surgery (P > 0.05), showing that the height of the intervertebral space did not change much and the severity of cage subsidence (CS) decreased. The CCI improved from pre‐ to postoperatively. The CCI did not change much from the 6‐month follow‐up to the last follow‐up. and the cage rate (CR) was 100% at the 6‐month and last follow‐ups. No severe complications, such as spinal cord injury, esophageal fistula, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, cervical hematoma or wound infection, occurred in any of the patients.

Conclusion

The clinical and radiological results show that the application of 3D‐printed cages in ACDF can significantly relieve symptoms. Moreover, 3D‐printed cages can restore the curvature of the cervical spine, effectively maintain the intervertebral height for a long time, and prevent complications related to postoperative subsidence.
Evaluating natural variation, heritability, and genetic advance of photosynthetic traits in rice (Oryza sativa)
Authors: Acevedo‐Siaca Liana G. , Coe Robert , Quick W. Paul , Long Stephen P.
Published: September 2021

Despite significant advances to harvest index and interception efficiency, photosynthesis has remained largely unimproved through conventional breeding approaches. However, increasing photosynthetic efficiency is a key method for enhancing crop productivity, yield, and sustainability. In this study, photosynthetic and morphological traits were characterized in indica rice to examine natural variation and the potential for hybridization in the future. Additionally, broad‐sense heritability (H2) was calculated for photosynthetic traits, including, for the first time, biochemical limitations to photosynthesis. Heritability was high for CO2 assimilation in saturating light and [CO2] (Amax; H2 = .65), the maximum rate of carboxylation (Vc,max; H2 = .63), the maximum rate of electron transport (Jmax; H2 = .68), and triosephosphate utilization (TPU; H2 = .73). Genetic advances of up to 17.7% were estimated, suggesting that it would be possible to not only select for the improvement of biochemical components of photosynthesis but also achieve significant gains in one generation. Heritability was low for CO2 assimilation at ambient [CO2] in saturating light (Asat; H2 = .22), suggesting that rising [CO2] may increase heritability for photosynthesis in rice.
Trace elements mineral chemistry of sulfides from the Woxi Au‐Sb‐W deposit, southern China
Authors: Zhou Zhekai , Yonezu Kotaro , Imai Akira , Tindell Thomas , Li Huan , Gabo‐Ratio Jillian Aira
Published: September 2021

The Woxi Au‐Sb‐W deposit is one of the largest polymetallic ore deposits in the Xuefengshan Range, southern China, hosted in low‐grade metamorphosed Neoproterozoic volcaniclastic rocks. The orebodies of the deposit are predominantly composed of banded quartz veins, which are strictly controlled by bedding and faults. Petrographic observations and geochemical results are reported on the occurrence of Au and properties of the ore‐forming processes for different stages in the deposit. The veins extend vertically up to 2 km without obvious vertical metal zoning. The ore‐forming process can be subdivided into four mineralization stages: Pre‐ore stage; Early stage (scheelite‐quartz stage); Middle stage (pyrite‐stibnite‐quartz stage); and Late stage (stibnite‐quartz sage). Four types of pyrite (Py0, Py1, Py2, and Py3) were identified in the ores and host‐rock: Py0 occurs as euhedral grains with voids in the core, ranging in size from 50 to 100 μm and formed mainly in the Pre‐ore stage and Early stage; Py1 occurs as subhedral grains. Small grains (around 10 μm) of Py1 form irregularly shaped clusters of variable size ranging from tens to hundreds of μm and mainly formed in the Middle stage; Euhedral‐subhedral fine‐grained Py2 formed in the Late stage; Minor subhedral fine‐grained Py3 was deposited in the Late‐stage. Stibnite is widely distributed in the Middle and Late stage ore veins. No systemic difference was recognized in mineralogical features among stibnite formed in different stages. In addition to native gold, the lattice bound Au+1 widely exists in Py1 and Py2 in the deposit, and widespread Py1 is considered as the main Au‐bearing mineral with the highest Au contents. Most elements (such as Co, Ni, Cu, As, Sb, Ba, and Pb) are considered to occur as solid solution within the crystal lattice and/or invisible nanoparticles in sulfides minerals. The Co/Ni ratio of most pyrite is lower than 1, suggesting that the metals in the ore‐forming fluid are sourced from sedimentary rocks. The coupled behavior between Au and As; Au and Sb suggests that the substitution of As and Sb in pyrite can enhance the incorporation of Au. Variation of trace elements in pyrites of different stages suggests some information on the mineralization processes: Large ion lithophile elements (such as Ba and Pb) are enriched in Py0 indicating that water‐rock reaction occurred in the Early stage; Fine‐grained Py1 with a heterogeneous distribution of elements suggests fast crystallization of pyrite in the Middle stage.
How People Understand Risk Matrices, and How Matrix Design Can Improve their Use: Findings from Randomized Controlled Studies
Authors: Sutherland Holly , Recchia Gabriel , Dryhurst Sarah , Freeman Alexandra L.J.
Published: September 2021

Risk matrices are a common way to communicate the likelihood and potential impacts of a variety of risks. Until now, there has been little empirical work on their effectiveness in supporting understanding and decision making, and on how different design choices affect these. In this pair of online experiments (total n = 2699), we show that risk matrices are not always superior to text for the presentation of risk information, and that a nonlinear/geometric labeling scheme helps matrix comprehension (when the likelihood/impact scales are nonlinear). To a lesser degree, results suggested that changing the shape of the matrix so that cells increase in size nonlinearly facilitates comprehension as compared to text alone, and that comprehension might be enhanced by integrating further details about the likelihood and impact onto the axes of the matrix rather than putting them in a separate key. These changes did not affect participants’ preference for reducing impact over reducing likelihood when making decisions about risk mitigation. We recommend that designers of risk matrices consider these changes to facilitate better understanding of relationships among risks.
Have Schemas Been Good To Think With?*
Authors: Leschziner Vanina , Brett Gordon
Published: September 2021

Schemas are one of the most popular explanatory concepts in cultural sociology and are increasingly used in sociology more broadly. In this article, we ask the question: have schemas been good to think with? We answer this question by analyzing the ontological, epistemic, and methodological bases of schemas, including the conceptualizations, claims, assumptions, and methods that underpin the use of schemas in sociological inquiry. We show that sociologists have developed two distinct, contradictory, and often conflated perspectives on schemas, what we refer to as culturalist and cognitivist perspectives. We suggest that schemas have acquired a polysemic character in sociology, and that they have become a (more narrow and consequently more scientifically legitimate) proxy for Culture, and that these features have (paradoxically) facilitated the popularity of schemas within the discipline. Sociologists have recently begun to make the necessary advancements to turn schemas into a more useful explanatory concept, through both analytical improvements (by distinguishing schemas from both public culture and other forms of nondeclarative personal culture), and methodological innovations (for better deriving schemas from survey data, texts, and experiments). Yet, some challenges remain, and the analytical value of schemas remains promissory. We conclude by offering some guidelines for making more specific and measured claims about schemas in sociological research.
Polarization of ocean acoustic normal modes
Authors: Bonnel Julien , Flamant Julien , Dall'Osto David R. , Le Bihan Nicolas , Dahl Peter H.
Published: September 2021

In ocean acoustics, shallow water propagation is conveniently described using normal mode propagation. This article proposes a framework to describe the polarization of normal modes, as measured using a particle velocity sensor in the water column. To do so, the article introduces the Stokes parameters, a set of four real-valued quantities widely used to describe polarization properties in wave physics, notably for light. Stokes parameters of acoustic normal modes are theoretically derived, and a signal processing framework to estimate them is introduced. The concept of the polarization spectrogram, which enables the visualization of the Stokes parameters using data from a single vector sensor, is also introduced. The whole framework is illustrated on simulated data as well as on experimental data collected during the 2017 Seabed Characterization Experiment. By introducing the Stokes framework used in many other fields, the article opens the door to a large set of methods developed and used in other contexts but largely ignored in ocean acoustics.
Muscle Activation in the Shoulder Girdle and Lumbopelvic-Hip Complex During Common Therapeutic Exercises
Authors: Devorski Luk , M. Bazett-Jones David , Mangum L. Colby , Glaviano Neal R.
Published: September 2021

Context: Lumbopelvic-hip complex (LPHC) exercises are used to increase stabilization within the human body. Torso-elevated side support (TESS), foot-elevated side support (FESS), prone bridge plank (PBP), and V-sit are common LPHC exercises. Objective: To evaluate muscle activation in the shoulder girdle and LPHC during 4 LPHC exercises and evaluate the reasoning for termination. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Seventeen healthy participants (12 males and 5 females; age: 21.47 [3.16] y, height: 179.73 [8.92] cm, mass: 76.89 [11.17] kg). Main Outcome Measures: Participants completed 2 repetitions of the TESS, FESS, PBP, and V-sit until failure. Surface electromyography of the middle deltoid, latissimus dorsi, middle trapezius, rectus abdominis, erector spinae, external oblique, and gluteus medius were recorded and normalized to maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). The duration of exercise and subjective reasoning for termination of exercise was completed following the 4 tasks. Results: The TESS and PBP had significantly greater middle deltoid muscle activation (TESS: 55.66% [24.45%] MVIC and PBP: 42.63% [18.25%] MVIC) compared with the FESS (10.10% [10.04%] MVIC) and V-sit (2.21% [1.94%] MVIC), P < .05. The TESS produced significantly greater external oblique activity (78.13% [32.32%] MVIC) than the PBP (54.99% [19.54%] MVIC), P < .05. Due to shoulder fatigue and pain, 41.1% and 17.0% of participants terminated the TESS, respectively. The PBP was terminated due to abdominal fatigue (41.1%) and upper-extremity fatigue (47.0%). Conclusions: The V-sit resulted in isolated activity of the abdominal portion of the LPHC. The FESS had increased global co-contraction of the LPHC compared with the TESS. The PBP and TESS had significant muscle activation in the upper-extremity.
Nondiffractive beam shaping for enhanced optothermal control in metal additive manufacturing
Authors: Tumkur Thejaswi U. , Voisin Thomas , Shi Rongpei , Depond Philip J. , Roehling Tien T. , Wu Sheldon , Crumb Michael F. , Roehling John D. , Guss Gabe , Khairallah Saad A. , Matthews Manyalibo J.
Published: September 2021

Beam shape engineering in the form of propagation-invariant Bessel beams significantly improves metal additive manufacturing.
Nanoscale molecular architecture controls calcium diffusion and ER replenishment in dendritic spines
Authors: Basnayake Kanishka , Mazaud David , Kushnireva Lilia , Bemelmans Alexis , Rouach Nathalie , Korkotian Eduard , Holcman David
Published: September 2021

Nanoscale organization and calcium influx in dendritic spines guarantee ER store refilling without depletion.
Diversity of non-equilibrium patterns and emergence of activity in confined electrohydrodynamically driven liquids
Authors: Raju Geet , Kyriakopoulos Nikos , Timonen Jaakko V. I.
Published: September 2021

Electrohydrodynamic driving of simple liquids leads to a plethora of unexpected non-equilibrium patterns and active droplets.
Capturing 3D atomic defects and phonon localization at the 2D heterostructure interface
Authors: Tian Xuezeng , Yan Xingxu , Varnavides Georgios , Yuan Yakun , Kim Dennis S. , Ciccarino Christopher J. , Anikeeva Polina , Li Ming-Yang , Li Lain-Jong , Narang Prineha , Pan Xiaoqing , Miao Jianwei
Published: September 2021

A correlative method is demonstrated to decipher 3D atomic defects and vibrational properties at the 2D heterostructure interface.
Endothelial TLR2 promotes proangiogenic immune cell recruitment and tumor angiogenesis
Authors: McCoy Michael G. , Nascimento Daniel W. , Veleeparambil Manoj , Murtazina Rakhylia , Gao Detao , Tkachenko Svyatoslav , Podrez Eugene , Byzova Tatiana V.
Published: September 2021

Toll-like receptor 2 contributes to innate immune responses in endothelial cells as well as in immune cells.
Attenuation of peripheral serotonin inhibits tumor growth and enhances immune checkpoint blockade therapy in murine tumor models
Authors: Schneider Marcel André , Heeb Laura , Beffinger Michal Mateusz , Pantelyushin Stanislav , Linecker Michael , Roth Lilian , Lehmann Kuno , Ungethüm Udo , Kobold Sebastian , Graf Rolf , van den Broek Maries , vom Berg Johannes , Gupta Anurag , Clavien Pierre-Alain
Published: September 2021

Serotonin dampens tumor-specific immunity in pancreatic and colorectal cancer mouse models.
Ectopic activation of the miR-200c–EpCAM axis enhances antitumor T cell responses in models of adoptive cell therapy
Authors: Zhang Minggang , Zhao Zeguo , Pritykin Yuri , Hannum Margaret , Scott Andrew C. , Kuo Fengshen , Sanghvi Viraj , Chan Timothy A. , Seshan Venkatraman , Wendel Hans-Guido , Schietinger Andrea , Sadelain Michel , Huse Morgan
Published: September 2021

Up-regulation of the miR-200c–EpCAM axis promotes the engraftment, persistence, and antitumor activity of transferred T cells in murine models.
The OxrA Protein of Aspergillus fumigatus Is Required for the Oxidative Stress Response and Fungal Pathogenesis
Authors: Zhai Pengfei , Shi Landan , Zhong Guowei , Jiang Jihong , Zhou Jingwen , Chen Xin , Dong Guokai , Zhang Lei , Li Rongpeng , Song Jinxing
Published: September 2021

Knowledge of ROS detoxification in fungal pathogens is useful in the design of new antifungal drugs and could aid in the study of oxidative stress resistance mechanisms. In this study, we demonstrate that OxrA protein localizes to the mitochondria and functions to protect against oxidative damage.
A Synergistic Consortium Involved in
rac
-Dichlorprop Degradation as Revealed by DNA Stable Isotope Probing and Metagenomic Analysis
Authors: Hu Shunli , Liu Guiping , Zhang Long , Gan Yufeng , Wang Baozhan , Freilich Shiri , Jiang Jiandong
Published: September 2021

Understanding of the key microbial consortium involved in the degradation of the phenoxyalkanoic acid herbicide
rac
-dichlorprop is pivotal for design of synergistic consortia used for enhanced bioremediation of herbicide-contaminated sites. However, the composition of the microbial consortium and the interactions between community members during the biodegradation of
rac
-dichlorprop are unclear.
Genomes of Novel
Myxococcota
Reveal Severely Curtailed Machineries for Predation and Cellular Differentiation
Authors: Murphy Chelsea L. , Yang R. , Decker T. , Cavalliere C. , Andreev V. , Bircher N. , Cornell J. , Dohmen R. , Pratt C. J. , Grinnell A. , Higgs J. , Jett C. , Gillett E. , Khadka R. , Mares S. , Meili C. , Liu J. , Mukhtar H. , Elshahed Mostafa S. , Youssef Noha H.
Published: September 2021

The phylum
Myxococcota
is a phylogenetically coherent bacterial lineage that exhibits unique social traits. Cultured
Myxococcota
are predominantly aerobic soil-dwelling microorganisms that are capable of predation and fruiting body formation.
Protective Efficacy of Rhesus Adenovirus COVID-19 Vaccines against Mouse-Adapted SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Tostanoski Lisa H. , Gralinski Lisa E. , Martinez David R. , Schaefer Alexandra , Mahrokhian Shant H. , Li Zhenfeng , Nampanya Felix , Wan Huahua , Yu Jingyou , Chang Aiquan , Liu Jinyan , McMahan Katherine , Ventura John D. , Dinnon Kenneth H. , Leist Sarah R. , Baric Ralph S. , Barouch Dan H.
Published: September 2021

We have developed a series of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines using rhesus adenovirus serotype 52 (RhAd52) vectors, which exhibit a lower seroprevalence than human and chimpanzee vectors, supporting their development as novel vaccine vectors or as an alternative adenovirus (Ad) vector for boosting. We sought to test these vaccines using a recently reported mouse-adapted SARS-CoV-2 (MA10) virus to (i) evaluate the protective efficacy of RhAd52 vaccines and (ii) further characterize this mouse-adapted challenge model and probe immune correlates of protection.
The ORF45 Protein of Kaposi Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Is an Inhibitor of p53 Signaling during Viral Reactivation
Authors: Alzhanova Dina , Meyo James O. , Juarez Angelica , Dittmer Dirk P.
Published: September 2021

Unlike in other cancers, the tumor suppressor protein p53 is rarely mutated in Kaposi sarcoma (KS). Rather, Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) inactivates p53 through multiple viral proteins.
DNA Repair in
Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Ha Kam Pou , Edwards Andrew M.
Published: September 2021

Staphylococcus aureus
is a common cause of both superficial and invasive infections of humans and animals. Despite a potent host response and apparently appropriate antibiotic therapy, staphylococcal infections frequently become chronic or recurrent, demonstrating a remarkable ability of
S. aureus
to withstand the hostile host environment.