bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Virtual Reality Technology in Analysis of the Three-Dimensional Evaluation System of Rural Landscape Planning
Authors: Li Jing , Hou Tao
Published: February 2021

From the construction of “new socialist countryside” to the proposal of “full coverage of village planning,” rural construction has gradually been pushed to a climax. However, the current situation of rural landscape construction in China is not optimistic. On the one hand, the rural landscape deviates from its rural and regional characteristics due to deliberately seeking novelty and differences. Based on these two extreme development trends, this article uses virtual reality technology to construct a rural landscape virtual-roaming system, and randomly select 25 people, each group of 5 people, a total of 3 groups, enter the system in batches with a real reduction degree of 30%, 45%, 60%, 75%, and 80% for experimentation and score the system after the experience. The true reduction degree of the first group is 30%; the true reduction degree of the second group is 45%; the true reduction degree of the third group is 60%; the true reduction degree of the fourth group is 75%; and the true reduction degree of the fifth group is 80%. After analyzing the experimental data, it is concluded that when the true reduction degree of the system goes from low to high, people’s satisfaction is higher; when the true reduction degree is as high as 80%, the satisfaction is as high as 9 points; when the true reduction degree of the system goes from low to high, people’s sense of immersion is getting deeper and deeper. When the true reduction degree is 30%, the lowest score for immersion is 1 point; when the true reduction degree is 80%, the lowest score for immersion is 7.5 points; the true reduction of the system decreases from high to low; when it is high, people’s interaction degree becomes stronger and stronger. When the true reduction degree is 30%, the lowest interaction degree score is 2 points; when the true reduction degree is 80%, the lowest interaction degree score is 9 points; it can be seen from this that, with the increase in the degree of realism of the rural landscape virtual-roaming system, it is extremely difficult for people to find whether they are in the virtual or the reality, and their immersion in virtual reality is getting deeper and deeper. This test also confirmed the superiority of the virtual roaming system in rural landscapes, and the experience is extremely effective.
Deep Learning Method for RNA Secondary Structure Prediction with Pseudoknots Based on Large-Scale Data
Authors: Shen Bowen , Zhang Hao , Li Cong , Zhao Tianheng , Liu Yuanning
Published: February 2021

Traditional machine learning methods are widely used in the field of RNA secondary structure prediction and have achieved good results. However, with the emergence of large-scale data, deep learning methods have more advantages than traditional machine learning methods. As the number of network layers increases in deep learning, there will often be problems such as increased parameters and overfitting. We used two deep learning models, GoogLeNet and TCN, to predict RNA secondary results. And from the perspective of the depth and width of the network, improvements are made based on the neural network model, which can effectively improve the computational efficiency while extracting more feature information. We process the existing real RNA data through experiments, use deep learning models to extract useful features from a large amount of RNA sequence data and structure data, and then predict the extracted features to obtain each base’s pairing probability. The characteristics of RNA secondary structure and dynamic programming methods are used to process the base prediction results, and the structure with the largest sum of the probability of each base pairing is obtained, and this structure will be used as the optimal RNA secondary structure. We, respectively, evaluated GoogLeNet and TCN models based on 5sRNA, tRNA data, and tmRNA data, and compared them with other standard prediction algorithms. The sensitivity and specificity of the GoogLeNet model on the 5sRNA and tRNA data sets are about 16% higher than the best prediction results in other algorithms. The sensitivity and specificity of the GoogLeNet model on the tmRNA dataset are about 9% higher than the best prediction results in other algorithms. As deep learning algorithms’ performance is related to the size of the data set, as the scale of RNA data continues to expand, the prediction accuracy of deep learning methods for RNA secondary structure will continue to improve.
A Multiple-Fault Localization Method for Embedded Software with Applications in Engineering
Authors: Kong Lu , Wang JinBo , Zhou Shan , Wang MengRu
Published: February 2021

Embedded software is increasingly being used with high reliability. However, the fault localization of embedded software is still largely dependent on the experience of engineers. Besides, faults in embedded software programs are not independent individuals; they are related to each other and affect each other, which may lead to more complex interaction behavior. These uncertainties render the traditional methods for single-fault localization with limited practical value. This paper has proposed a multiple-fault localization method to be applied to the embedded software, with emphasis on the cache-based program spectra-acquiring method and the hybrid clustering-based fault partition method. Through case studies on 108 groups of the subject program, it has been proved that the hybrid clustering-based fault partition method has significantly improved the effectiveness of multiple-fault localization in comparison with the traditional fault localization methods. Experiments on three embedded software programs in engineering have revealed that the cache-based program spectra-acquiring method saves nearly half of the running-time cost compared with the traditional spectrum-acquiring method based on real-time transmission. Therefore, the multiple-fault localization method proposed in this paper can be applied in embedded software debugging and testing in engineering.
Association of the Risk of Osteoarthritis and Hypertension in the Korean Adult Population Aged 40–59 in Pre- and Postmenopausal Women: Using Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2012–2016 Data
Authors: Ryu Mikyung , Ha Ji Sun , Lee Sol , Baek Weon-Chil , Kimm Heejin , Gym Ho
Published: February 2021

Purpose. Previous studies reported the relation of osteoarthritis (OA) and hypertension (HTN) mostly in postmenopausal women. This study aimed to identify the association between OA and HTN in pre- and postmenopausal women. Methods. We used data of 4,627 middle-aged (40–59 years) women from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) from 2012 to 2016. Chi-square and t-test compared the characteristics of the participants. Binomial logistic regression was used to identify an association between OA and HTN under controlling covariates such as age, tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity. Results. There were 1,859 participants with non-OA and menopause, 104 with OA and nonmenopause, and 375 with OA and menopause, respectively. The number of women with OA and HTN was 129. OA was significantly associated with HTN diagnosis in postmenopausal women under controlling covariates (odds ratio: 1.408, 95% CI: 1.092–1.815,

p
=
0.008

). However, this relationship was weakened in premenopausal women (odds ratio: 1.651, 95% CI: 0.950–2.869,

p
=
0.075

). Conclusion. In conclusion, women with HTN showed a distinct association with OA than the normotensives, and this relationship was more apparent among postmenopausal women. Further research is needed for a preventive approach.
Rate and Spraying Frequency Determination of Propiconazole Fungicide for the Management of Garlic Rust at Woreilu District, Northeastern Ethiopia
Authors: Kassaw Admasie , Mihretie Aderajew , Ayalew Abebe
Published: February 2021

Rust is a major disease of garlic in Ethiopia. A field experiment was conducted at Kabe and Segno Kebeles of Woreilu District in 2019 to determine the appropriate rate and spraying frequency of propiconazole fungicide and select cost-effective management options of garlic rust. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used. The combination of five rates and three spraying frequencies of propiconazole fungicide and unsprayed treatments was evaluated. A combination of rate and spraying frequencies of propiconazole significantly reduced disease with correspondingly increased bulb yield of garlic. The minimum percentage severity index and area under disease progress curve were scored from plots treated by all rates with three times spraying frequency of Tilt fungicide application. The highest bulb yield was obtained from plots treated with all fungicide rates with three times spraying frequencies of propiconazole application. But the highest (6896.36%) marginal rate of return was obtained from plots treated with 0.5 L with two times spraying. Generally, 0.5 liters with two times spraying of propiconazole was effective in controlling garlic disease and get the highest cost-benefit advantage as compared with other treatments. Therefore, it could be recommended for the management of garlic rust in Ethiopia.
Abstract IA016: Cellular senescence in cancer therapy: Friend or foe?
Authors: Demaria Marco
Published: March 2021

Most used anti-cancer therapeutic approaches are based on impairing mitosis and targeting highly proliferative cells. The non-specificity of these interventions often leads to transient and chronic side effects, and a general accelerated aging phenotype. Cellular senescence - a complex stress response whereby cells lose irreversibly their capacity to proliferate – is potent tumor suppressive mechanism and a desired outcome of anti-cancer therapies. Our data show that chemotherapy agents induce senescent cells in both mice and humans. However, chemotherapy-induced senescent cells develop a strong secretory phenotype (SASP) and contribute to chemotoxicity in mice including bone marrow suppression, cardiac decline, decreased physical activity and cancer relapse. Interestingly, chemotherapy treatment combined to genetic or pharmacological senolysis delays or prevents the onset of several pathologies. We also show that similar to genotoxic chemotherapy, inhibitors of Cyclin-Dependent Kinases (CDK)-4/6 induce a p53-mediated senescence program. Interestingly, using RNAseq, cytokine arrays and in-tissue analyses we demonstrate that CDKi-induced senescent cells are characterized by a strongly reduced SASP. CDKi-induced senescent cells fail to promote paracrine detrimental effects, and do not lead to adverse effects in mice. Moreover, transient treatment with CDK4/6i in combination with chemotherapy is sufficient to reduce SASP and improve healthspan. Together, our data suggest that modulating the senescence response is a potent strategy to limit the toxicity of ant-cancer treatments. This effect can be achieved either by eliminating detrimental senescent cells or by designing drugs that can promote stable growth arrest without strong paracrine effects. Importantly, the phenotypical characterization of these different senescent cells could predict toxicity and side effects associated to standard oncological drugs.

Citation Format: Marco Demaria. Cellular senescence in cancer therapy: Friend or foe? [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Special Conference on the Evolving Tumor Microenvironment in Cancer Progression: Mechanisms and Emerging Therapeutic Opportunities; in association with the Tumor Microenvironment (TME) Working Group; 2021 Jan 11-12. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(5 Suppl):Abstract nr IA016.
Abstract IA017: Age against the machine: How the aging tumor microenvironment governs tumor progression
Authors: Weeraratna Ashani
Published: March 2021

Cancer is a disease of aging. Most cancers arise after the age of 50, and in our increasingly aging population, this poses a significant public health burden. The molecular mechanisms that underlie the age-induced progression of cancer are not well understood. We have discovered that aged fibroblasts in the tumor microenvironment secrete, or stop secreting, key molecules that affect multiple aspects of tumorigenesis. These include: the loss of molecules that maintain ECM integrity, resulting in changes in mechanotransduction and increased metastasis; the secretion of molecules that increase resistance to targeted therapy; the uptake of macromolecules such as lipids by melanoma cells in the aged microenvironment, affecting tumor cell metabolism; changes in the aged immune tumor microenvironment and the secretion of non-canonical Wnt molecules that affect cell signaling leading to angiogenesis, metastasis, and therapy resistance. These changes drive tumor progression and affect response to therapy in the elderly. Our data suggest that patient age is an important factor in the response to therapy, which is not reflected in most preclinical studies and therapeutic approaches.

Citation Format: Ashani Weeraratna. Age against the machine: How the aging tumor microenvironment governs tumor progression [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Special Conference on the Evolving Tumor Microenvironment in Cancer Progression: Mechanisms and Emerging Therapeutic Opportunities; in association with the Tumor Microenvironment (TME) Working Group; 2021 Jan 11-12. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(5 Suppl):Abstract nr IA017.
Abstract LT013: Endocrine-exocrine signaling is a driver of obesity-associated pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Garcia Cathy , Singh Jaffarguriqbal , Lawres Lauren , Agabiti Sherry , Burkhardt Daniel B. , Tong Alexander , Cardone Rebecca , Kibbey Richard G. , Krishnaswamy Smita , Muzumdar Mandar D.
Published: March 2021

Obesity is a major modifiable host risk factor for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States and a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite the rapid rise in the prevalence of obesity, surprisingly little is known about how it drives tumor progression. Therefore, deciphering these mechanisms is not only a societal imperative but also represents a key untapped target to develop novel strategies for PDAC prevention and therapy. Motivated by this gap in knowledge, we developed a rapid and reversible autochthonous mouse model of obesity-associated PDAC that recapitulates the genetic and histologic features of the human disease. We showed that obesity accelerates pancreatic tumorigenesis, while genetic or dietary weight loss intercepts tumor development, consistent with a causal and reversible role for obesity in early PDAC progression. By analyzing human and murine biospecimens, we defined obesity-driven microenvironmental alterations that foster tumorigenesis rather than new driver mutations, including significant inflammation, fibrosis, and islet adaptation. Specifically, we identified aberrant pancreatic beta cell expression of the hormone cholecystokinin (CCK) in response to obesity and showed that islet CCK itself promotes oncogenic Kras-driven pancreatic cancer. We further observed that CCK expression and tumor progression correlated with hyperglycemia, beta cell dysfunction, and reduced insulin secretion, suggesting that islet adaptations apart from insulin may drive tumorigenesis in obesity. By performing single-cell RNA-sequencing of islets from genetic and diet-induced obesity models, we have further nominated molecular mechanisms of CCK induction in beta cells and are testing their functional role in PDAC progression. Together, our findings argue that PDAC development is driven by local obesity-associated alterations in the tumor microenvironment, implicate a previously unappreciated endocrine-exocrine signaling axis beyond insulin in this process, and highlight the possibility of targeting the endocrine pancreas as a novel approach to intercept pancreatic exocrine tumorigenesis.

Citation Format: Cathy Garcia, Jaffarguriqbal Singh, Lauren Lawres, Sherry Agabiti, Daniel B. Burkhardt, Alexander Tong, Rebecca Cardone, Richard G. Kibbey, Smita Krishnaswamy, Mandar D. Muzumdar. Endocrine-exocrine signaling is a driver of obesity-associated pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Special Conference on the Evolving Tumor Microenvironment in Cancer Progression: Mechanisms and Emerging Therapeutic Opportunities; in association with the Tumor Microenvironment (TME) Working Group; 2021 Jan 11-12. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(5 Suppl):Abstract nr LT013.
Abstract PO008: Stromal Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes (sTILs) as a putative prognostic marker to identify a responsive subset of TNBC in an Indian Breast Cancer Cohort
Authors: Kulkarni Madhura , Vaid Pooja M. , Puntambekar Anirudha Puntambekar , Banale Rituja A. , Reddy Ruhi , Unde Rohini , Namewar Namrata , Kelkar Devaki , Shashidhara L.S. , Koppiker C.B.
Published: March 2021

Objectives: Prognostic significance of stromal tumor infiltrating lymphocytes; sTILs is evaluated to identify a responsive subset of TNBC in an Indian cohort of breast cancer patients. Methods: A retrospective cohort of breast cancer patients from a single onco-surgeon breast cancer clinic treated with uniform treatment strategy across is evaluated for sTILs. FFPE tissue of primary tumor of invasive breast carcinoma are collected with ethical approvals. Tumor sections blinded for subtypes are stained with H&E and scored for sTILs by a pathologist following Immuno-Oncology TILs working groups scoring guidelines. Results: Analysis of 144 primary breast tumors for sTILs scores re-enforces significantly higher infiltration in TNBC tumors than HER2+ve and ER+ve tumors. Higher sTILs scores co-relate with gradually incremental pathological response to therapy specifically in TNBC subset and with better disease-free survival outcomes. Within TNBC, older and post-menopausal patients harbor higher scores of sTILs. Conclusion: Despite a small cohort of breast cancer patients, TNBC subtype reflected significantly higher scores of sTILs with better response to therapy and disease-free outcomes as compared to other breast cancer subtypes. A larger number of breast cancer patients from an Indian cohort will strengthen the findings to establish sTILs as a marker to identify a responsive subset of TNBC.

Citation Format: Madhura Kulkarni, Pooja M. Vaid, Anirudha Puntambekar Puntambekar, Rituja A. Banale, Ruhi Reddy, Rohini Unde, Namrata Namewar, Devaki Kelkar, L.S. Shashidhara, C.B. Koppiker. Stromal Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes (sTILs) as a putative prognostic marker to identify a responsive subset of TNBC in an Indian Breast Cancer Cohort [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Special Conference on the Evolving Tumor Microenvironment in Cancer Progression: Mechanisms and Emerging Therapeutic Opportunities; in association with the Tumor Microenvironment (TME) Working Group; 2021 Jan 11-12. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(5 Suppl):Abstract nr PO008.
Abstract PO017: Role of NF-κB and epiregulin in tumor-associated macrophages promoting therapeutic resistance to JAK inhibition
Authors: Bapat Aditi S. , Jesser Emily , Lassiter Chelsea , Schwertfeger Kaylee
Published: March 2021

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortalities in women. Triple-negative is the most lethal type of breast cancer with poorest survival rates. Triple-negative breast cancers do not respond to conventional hormone receptor targeted therapies and thus inhibitors for other overactivated signaling pathways are being investigated. The Janus Kinase (JAK)/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT) is an oncogenic transcription factor pathway expressed in tumor and stromal cell populations. Inhibitors of this pathway such as ruxolitinib are being studied for treatment of triple-negative breast cancer but their efficacy in patients is limited. A significant barrier to the success of these inhibitors in the clinic is the lack of information about mechanisms of resistance. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are important components of the immune-suppressive environment within the tumor and are associated with poor outcome. We found that JAK inhibition in TAMs leads to induction of tumor-promoting genes that mediate therapeutic resistance of the tumor to JAK inhibition. A subset of the activated tumor promoting genes are known transcriptional targets of the NF-κB transcription factor pathway. We hypothesize that JAK inhibition activates tumor-promoting pathways in TAMs through activation of the NF-κB pathway and targeting these tumor-promoting pathways in combination with JAK inhibition will be beneficial over single therapy. We aim to elucidate activation of NF-κB in TAMs, to identify the mechanism of the observed pro-tumor response. In addition, we aim to target epiregulin, an EGFR ligand which was observed to be one of the most significantly upregulated genes in TAMs treated with JAK inhibitor. We hypothesize that targeting effects of macrophage-derived epiregulin in combination with JAK inhibition will overcome macrophage-mediated therapeutic resistance. This work will provide useful information about novel pathways that can be targeted to combat the compensatory negative effects of TAMs on tumor-targeted therapies. The results will also pave the way for development of novel inhibitor combinations targeting the tumor microenvironment in addition to targeting the tumor, and ultimately benefit patients who do not respond to single therapies.

Citation Format: Aditi S. Bapat, Emily Jesser, Chelsea Lassiter, Kaylee Schwertfeger. Role of NF-κB and epiregulin in tumor-associated macrophages promoting therapeutic resistance to JAK inhibition [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Special Conference on the Evolving Tumor Microenvironment in Cancer Progression: Mechanisms and Emerging Therapeutic Opportunities; in association with the Tumor Microenvironment (TME) Working Group; 2021 Jan 11-12. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(5 Suppl):Abstract nr PO017.
Activity and Safety of Mobocertinib (TAK-788) in Previously Treated Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer with EGFR Exon 20 Insertion Mutations from a Phase I/II Trial
Authors: Riely Gregory J. , Neal Joel W. , Camidge D. Ross , Spira Alexander I. , Piotrowska Zofia , Costa Daniel B. , Tsao Anne S. , Patel Jyoti D. , Gadgeel Shirish M. , Bazhenova Lyudmila , Zhu Viola W. , West Howard L. , Mekhail Tarek , Gentzler Ryan D. , Nguyen Danny , Vincent Sylvie , Zhang Steven , Lin Jianchang , Bunn Veronica , Jin Shu , Li Shuanglian , Jänne Pasi A.
Published: February 2021

Mobocertinib, an oral epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor targeting EGFR gene mutations, including exon 20 insertions (EGFRex20ins), in non–small cell lung cancer, was evaluated in a phase I/II dose-escalation/expansion trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02716116). Dose escalation identified 160 mg/d as the recommended phase 2 dose and maximum tolerated dose. Among 136 patients treated with 160 mg/d, the most common any-grade treatment-related adverse events (TRAE; >25%) were diarrhea (83%), nausea (43%), rash (33%), and vomiting (26%), with diarrhea (21%) the only grade ≥3 TRAE >5%. Among 28 EGFRex20ins patients treated at 160 mg/d, the investigator-assessed confirmed response rate was 43% (12/28; 95% confidence interval, 24%–63%) with median duration of response of 14 months (5.0–not reached) and median progression-free survival of 7.3 months (4.4–15.6). Mobocertinib demonstrated antitumor activity in patients with diverse EGFRex20ins variants with a safety profile consistent with other EGFR inhibitors.

Significance:

No oral EGFR-targeted therapies are currently approved for patients with EGFRex20ins NSCLC. Mobocertinib demonstrated antitumor activity with manageable toxicity in patients with advanced EGFRex20ins NSCLC in this study, supporting additional development of mobocertinib in this patient population.

See related commentary by Pacheco, p. 1617.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1601
Mobocertinib (TAK-788): A Targeted Inhibitor ofEGFRExon 20 Insertion Mutants in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Gonzalvez Francois , Vincent Sylvie , Baker Theresa E. , Gould Alexandra E. , Li Shuai , Wardwell Scott D. , Nadworny Sara , Ning Yaoyu , Zhang Sen , Huang Wei-Sheng , Hu Yongbo , Li Feng , Greenfield Matthew T. , Zech Stephan G. , Das Biplab , Narasimhan Narayana I. , Clackson Tim , Dalgarno David , Shakespeare William C. , Fitzgerald Michael , Chouitar Johara , Griffin Robert J. , Liu Shengwu , Wong Kwok-kin , Zhu Xiaotian , Rivera Victor M.
Published: February 2021

Most EGFR exon 20 insertion (EGFRex20ins) driver mutations in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are insensitive to approved EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). To address the limitations of existing therapies targeting EGFR-mutated NSCLC, mobocertinib (TAK-788), a novel irreversible EGFR TKI, was specifically designed to potently inhibit oncogenic variants containing activating EGFRex20ins mutations with selectivity over wild-type EGFR. The in vitro and in vivo activity of mobocertinib was evaluated in engineered and patient-derived models harboring diverse EGFRex20ins mutations. Mobocertinib inhibited viability of various EGFRex20ins-driven cell lines more potently than approved EGFR TKIs and demonstrated in vivo antitumor efficacy in patient-derived xenografts and murine orthotopic models. These findings support the ongoing clinical development of mobocertinib for the treatment of EGFRex20ins-mutated NSCLC.

Significance:

No oral EGFR-targeted therapies are approved for EGFR exon 20 insertion (EGFRex20ins) mutation-driven NSCLC. Mobocertinib is a novel small-molecule EGFR inhibitor specifically designed to target EGFRex20ins mutants. Preclinical data reported here support the clinical development of mobocertinib in patients with NSCLC with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations.

See related commentary by Pacheco, p. 1617.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1601
Circulating Wnt Ligands Activate the Wnt Signaling Pathway in Mature Erythrocytes
Authors: Siman-Tov Ronen , Zelikson Natalie , Caspi Michal , Levi Yakir , Perry Chava , Khair Fayhaa , Stauber Hagit , Sznitman Josué , Rosin-Arbesfeld Rina
Published: February 2021

Objective:

The deformation ability of erythrocytes is critical for their function and affects their mobility in the circulation. To circulate and travel through narrow vessels, erythrocytes must continuously alter their shape by modifying their cytoskeleton, which controls their elasticity and stability. Erythrocytes lack nuclei and other major organelles, and thus most of the known signaling cascades are thought to be inactive in these cells. As the noncanonical Wnt pathway affects cytoskeleton dynamics by posttranslational modifications, we hypothesized that this signaling pathway may affect erythrocytes.

Approach and Results:

We demonstrate that components of the noncanonical Wnt pathway are expressed in erythrocytes and that incubation of erythrocytes with Wnt ligands prolonged their survival both ex vivo, under storage conditions, and in posttransfusion recipient mice. We show that Wnt ligands modulate the erythrocyte cytoskeleton, enhancing its flexibility and strength. Importantly, we show that the noncanonical Wnt-5A ligand is secreted into the plasma and that monocytes and lymphocytes are a possible source of the Wnt effectors in the blood circulation.

Conclusions:

These findings provide evidence for intracellular signaling activity in enucleated cells and signal transduction in the blood circulation and thus open new and exciting avenues for studying the function of signaling pathways in the bloodstream.
New Avenues for Optimal Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke Prevention
Authors: De Marchis Gian Marco , Sposato Luciano A. , Kühne Michael , Dittrich Tolga D. , Bonati Leo H. , Fischer Urs , Chaturvedi Seemant
Published: February 2021

One in 3 individuals free of atrial fibrillation (AF) at index age 55 years is estimated to develop AF later in life. AF increases not only the risk of ischemic stroke but also of dementia, even in stroke-free patients. In this review, we address recent advances in the heart-brain interaction with focus on AF. Issues discussed are (1) the timing of direct oral anticoagulants start following an ischemic stroke; (2) the comparison of direct oral anticoagulants versus vitamin K antagonists in early secondary stroke prevention; (3) harms of bridging with heparin before direct oral anticoagulants; (4) importance of appropriate direct oral anticoagulants dosing; (5) screening for AF in high-risk populations, including the role of wearables; (6) left atrial appendage occlusion as an alternative to oral anticoagulation; (7) the role of early rhythm-control therapy; (8) effect of lifestyle interventions on AF; (9) AF as a risk factor for dementia. An interdisciplinary approach seems appropriate to address the complex challenges posed by AF.
Trading Emerging Technologies: Export Controls Meet Reality
Authors: Jones Scott A.
Published: February 2021

“Emerging technologies” and the growing inventory of their dual-use applications increasingly challenge policymakers with how to balance technological development, economic competitiveness, and national security priorities. While dual-use export control regulators have always struggled with balancing economic and security interests, emerging technologies are challenging controls systems ill-equipped to define or practically control them. As the most advanced case, the US export control effort is an instructive regarding the challenges of deploying conventional controls over defining and controlling rapidly developing technology sets. This article reviews the US case in light of the current challenges posed by emerging and foundational technologies.
Morphological evidence for paraphyly of Holopothrips Hood (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae), a Neotropical genus of gall-inducing thrips
Authors: Lindner Mariana F. , Ferrari Augusto , Cavalleri Adriano
Published: February 2021

Holopothrips is a diverse group of thrips associated to galls in the Neotropics, with a variety of host plants and wide morphological diversity. Relationships to other Neotropical groups have been proposed, but are still untested, and the monophyly of the genus remains doubtful. Here, we perform a phylogenetic analysis of Holopothrips, based on morphological characters. A total of 87 species were included in the matrix and eight analyses were carried out, but all of them failed to recover Holopothrips as a monophyletic grouping. Bremer and Bootstrap support values were low, and the topologies varied among all analyses, with uncertain internal relations for the ingroup. These results indicate that the relationships for Holopothrips species, and the proposed related genera, are more complex than previously reported; and morphological characters may not be enough to recover the evolutionary story within this group. We also discuss the influences of different character coding, continuous characters and weighting schemes in our results.
Time Perspective among Patients Diagnosed with Neurotic and Personality Disorders − an Exploratory, Clinical Study
Authors: Mostowik Joanna , Rutkowski Krzysztof , Ostrowski Tadeusz , Mielimąka Michał
Published: February 2021

(1) An assessment of the structure of time perspective (TP) in a group of patients with neurotic and personality disorders (ICD-10: F4x, F60.x, F61) treated with group psychotherapy. (2) An analysis of the differences between the structure of TP in patients and the general population in order to expand the understanding of the relations between TP and mental health. Data were collected from 49 patients at the University Hospital Day Centre for the Treatment of Neurotic Disorders and Behavioural Syndromes. The measurement of TP was performed with the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory. A licensed psychiatrist conducted the diagnosis of neurotic and personality disorders, with additional data obtained from the Symptom Checklist KO ‘O’ and the Neurotic Personality Questionnaire KON-2006. The statistical analysis revealed significant differences in the structure of TP between patients and the general population. Among patients, the intensity of the past experienced negatively was significantly higher, and subsequently, the degree of the past experienced positively was lower. Patients remain in the negative past and concentrate much more on the pain and the worrying memories. They give much less attention to what was and what is valuable and pleasant in their life. Results of this research reveal distinct features of the structure of TP in the studied group. Findings underline the clinical relevance of TP at various stages of therapy. Restoring a balanced time perspective could be regarded as a tenable goal for psychotherapy and perhaps an innovative indicator of the treatment’s effectiveness.
Re-description of Hoffeinsodes inexpectatus (Wagner, 2012) (Psychodidae, Bruchomyiinae) from Baltic amber

Authors: WAGNER RÜDIGER , HOFFEINS CHRISTEL , HOFFEINS HANS WERNER
Published: February 2021

Bruchomyiinae is a subfamily of the Psychodidae (Diptera) with 57 extant and 19 extinct described species (Wagner & Stuckenberg, 2012, 2016). The core distribution area of extant species is the Neotropical region with almost 50 species in four genera. Six species in two genera are known from the Afrotropical region, and four species in one genus from the Oriental region (Polseela et al., 2018; Wagner & Stuckenberg, 2012, 2016). In the Nearctic and the Palearctic regions Bruchomyiinae are almost absent, with species occurrences only along the southern borders with sub-tropical climates.
New early Barremian fossiliferous amber outcrop from North Lebanon

Authors: MAKSOUD SIBELLE , TALEB KHALED , AZAR DANY
Published: February 2021

Lebanon is famous for its abundant Mesozoic amber deposits. Most of its amber outcrops are from the Lower Cretaceous [lower Barremian (Granier et al., 2016; Maksoud et al., 2017)] (ca. 430 outcrops found hitherto), while others are from Upper Jurassic (Kimmeridgian) [19 outcrops (Azar et al., 2010b; Nohra et al., 2013; Maksoud & Azar, 2020)]. Among the many Lebanese Lower Cretaceous amber deposits, only 24 of them gave biological inclusions to date (Azar et al., 2010a; Maksoud & Azar, 2020; Maksoud et al., 2020).
Trends of karyotype evolution in the Neotropical long-legged crickets Phalangopsidae (Orthoptera, Grylloidea)
Authors: TIMM VÍTOR FALCHI , MARTINS LUCIANO DE PINHO , ACOSTA RIULER CORRÊA , SZINWELSKI NEUCIR , PEREIRA MARCELO RIBEIRO , DA COSTA MARIA KÁTIA MATIOTTI , ZEFA EDISON
Published: February 2021

Phalangopsids are a diverse group of crickets found in all tropical and subtropical regions, and includes 1044 valid species. Up to now, only 22 species were studied cytologically, with the chromosome number ranging from 2n = 11 to 2n = 21. In this paper we studied the chromosomes of 12 phalangopsid species from different Brazilian biomes (eight of them reported for the first time), and we traced some trends on chromosomal derivation in this group, based on chromosome morphology and fundamental number. We found that in the phalangopsid species the karyotype concentrates a large amount of metacentric chromosomes, the result of successive centric fusions over evolutionary time. Moreover, pericentric inversions and translocations have been also important in the chromosomal derivation of these crickets.
Tangguoa gen. nov., one new genus of daddy-long-leg spiders (Araneae: Pholcidae) from southern China
Authors: YAO ZHIYUAN , LUO YIPING , LI SHUQIANG
Published: February 2021

The spider family Pholcidae C.L. Koch, 1850 exhibits high diversity at generic level and currently contains 94 genera. In this study, one new genus Tangguoa Yao & Li gen. nov. from southern China is described with the type species T. laibin Yao & Li sp. nov. (male, female; Guangxi) and one additional species T. tongguling Yao & Li sp. nov. (male, female; Hainan).
Laparoscopic Diagnosis of Peritoneal Tuberculosis
Authors: Viejo Martínez Elena , García Nebreda María , de Fuenmayor Valera María Luisa , Paseiro Crespo Gloria
Published: February 2021

Peritoneal tuberculosis is a rare form of tuberculosis, which involves parietal and visceral peritoneum, omentum, and intestinal mesentery. Its incidence is increasing in developed countries due to HIV infection and immigration. We present a case of peritoneal tuberculosis in a twenty two-year-old patient misdiagnosed with appendicitis. A laparoscopic surgery was performed showing multiple implants on serosal surfaces and adhesions. Laparoscopic appendectomy and peritoneal biopsies were performed. As peritoneal tuberculosis was suspected, an early antituberculous treatment was initiated. A pathological examination of the samples revealed epithelioid granulomas with a centrale caseous necrosis and acid-fast bacilli. Peritoneal tuberculosis is a challenging diagnosis that can mimic other pathologies and should be kept in mind to establish an early antituberculosis treatment avoiding the high morbidity and mortality associated with a late treatment initiation. In case of suspicion of peritoneal tuberculosis, laparoscopy with guided biopsies is useful for the establishment of a correct diagnosis.
B-Lymphoblastic Lymphoma of the Small Bowel: An Extremely Rare Occurrence
Authors: Symeonidis Nikolaos G. , Stavrati Kalliopi E. , Pavlidis Efstathios T. , Psarras Kyriakos K. , Martzivanou Eirini , Kofinas Athanasios , Pavlidis Theodoros E.
Published: February 2021

B-lymphoblastic lymphoma is a neoplasm of immature B cells and is characterized by aggressive behavior and disease progression. Common sites of involvement are skin, lymph nodes, bone, soft tissues, breast, and the mediastinum. Gastrointestinal lesions are rarely encountered and therefore not fully described. We herein report the case of a 28-year-old male, who presented with abdominal pain and CT scan showed a tumor involving the small bowel and its mesentery. He underwent emergency laparotomy and enterectomy. Histopathology report revealed B-lymphoblastic lymphoma affecting the small bowel and the adjacent mesentery. This is the first documented case of a small bowel tumor diagnosed as B-lymphoblastic lymphoma in published literature.
Pilot Study of External Beam Radiotherapy for Recurrent Unremitting Tracheal Stenosis
Authors: Vincent Aurora G. , Barker Jerry L. , Ducic Yadranko
Published: February 2021

Objective:

Tracheal stenosis can have a variety of presentations, severities, causes, and be a difficult condition to treat. Some patients demonstrate recurrent stenosis after multiple endoscopic treatments and are either poor candidates for open procedures or do not desire open surgery. We sought to evaluate low-dose postoperative external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) as a novel therapy for patients with recurrent tracheal stenosis refractory to endoscopic therapies.

Method:

We performed a retrospective review of patients with recurrent tracheal stenosis who underwent EBRT in addition to endoscopic dilation. We compared the number of endoscopic procedures required in the 6 months before EBRT to the number required in the 6 months after EBRT.

Results:

Six patients met criteria for inclusion in our study. The cause of stenosis was variable among the study population. In the 6 months leading up to EBRT, patients underwent an average 6.2 endoscopic procedures. This dropped to an average 1.9 procedures in the 6 months following EBRT ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

Herein, we show that low-dose postoperative external beam radiotherapy (EBRT), a novel therapy for patients with recurrent tracheal stenosis refractory to endoscopic therapies, is effective in decreasing the frequency of endoscopic dilations.

Level of Evidence:

4
The development and application of new media technology in news communication industry
Authors: Guo Hong
Published: February 2021

Many new media technologies have emerged in modern society. The application of new media technologies has impacted traditional TV news media, which not only faces great challenges, but also brings some lessons for the development of TV news media. New media technology relies on powerful information processing technology and data storage technology to develop and grow continuously. Compared with traditional news, new media technology has more powerful information storage capacity and dissemination capacity. Firstly, this paper briefly introduces the concept of new media technology, summarizes the typical characteristics of new media technology, and analyzes the existing problems in the application of new media technology in the news communication industry based on the necessity of applying new media technology. Finally, some Suggestions are put forward based on this, hoping to provide some reference for the development of news communication industry.
Opportunity management of the COVID-19 pandemic: testing the crisis from a global perspective
Authors: Kuhlmann Sabine , Bouckaert Geert , Galli Davide , Reiter Renate , Hecke Steven Van
Published: February 2021

This article provides a conceptual framework for the analysis of COVID-19 crisis governance in the first half of 2020 from a cross-country comparative perspective. It focuses on the issue of opportunity management, that is, how the crisis was used by relevant actors of distinctly different administrative cultures as a window of opportunity. We started from an overall interest in the factors that have influenced the national politics of crisis management to answer the question of whether and how political and administrative actors in various countries have used the crisis as an opportunity to facilitate, accelerate or prevent changes in institutional settings. The objective is to study the institutional settings and governance structures, (alleged) solutions and remedies, and constellations of actors and preferences that have influenced the mode of crisis and opportunity management. Finally, the article summarizes some major comparative findings drawn from the country studies of this Special Issue, focusing on similarities and differences in crisis responses and patterns of opportunity management.

Points for practitioners

With crises emerging in ever shorter sequences of time, governing turbulence and using crises for strategic institutional decisions has become an increasingly important issue for policymakers. Aiming at effective and proportionate responses, policymakers must take the institutional conditions, administrative traditions and relevant actor constellations of crisis management into account, which are key to learn from other countries’ experiences. Comparing these experiences and analyzing the politics of crisis governance from a cross-country perspective may help policymakers to identify strengths and weaknesses of their own national/regional approaches and to seize crisis-related windows of opportunity for institutional reforms at the national and international levels.
Factors Impacting Elementary General Music Teachers’ Career Decisions: Systemic Issues of Student Race, Teacher Support, and Family
Authors: Robison Tiger , Russell Joshua A.
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this study was to examine factors that may influence the projected career plans of elementary general music teachers. Survey participants ( N = 972) completed a questionnaire designed to elicit responses about multiple factors and projected career plans in 1 year and in 5 years. The vast majority of participants planned to remain in their position the following year, yet a little under half of them planned on remaining in their positions in 5 years. The variables associated with teacher migration or attrition in 5 years were issues of teacher support (i.e., participation in a mentoring program and recognition in the form of teaching awards), student race, and family responsibilities (i.e., number of children at home). Movers were also more likely to have received a teaching award than those who intended to stay in their current positions or those who planned to leave the profession. Implications for the profession as well as for practice and future research are discussed.
End-of-Life Needs of Dying Patients and Their Families in Mainland China: A Systematic Review
Authors: Cheng Guobin , Chen Chuqian
Published: February 2021

Objective

To map the current research status and understand existing findings regarding end-of-life care needs in Mainland China.

Method

First-hand, empirical studies on the needs of dying patients and/or their families in Mainland China were searched in Web of Science, Scopus, Proquest, Taylor & Francis Online and CNKI in December 2019. Findings were synthesized.

Results

A total of 33 (10 qualitative) studies were involved. Chinese dying patients and their families had physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs and needs for knowledge and information. Prevalent needs of dying patients were mainly symptom control and decent look, being treated kindly by professional caregivers, family accompany, dignity, and comfortable environment. Families mainly need healthcare professionals to take good care of patients and wishes for information, knowledge, and facilities to help themselves become better caregivers.

Conclusions

Findings lay the foundation for effective and tailored services for Chinese clients and provided insights for future investigations.
Coercion, Consent and Contestation: A Study of Changing Scientific Practices in India
Authors: Mallick Sambit
Published: February 2021

The advent of the customer–funder–policymaker as a prominent element in scientific practice since mid-1990s in India and intensifying thereafter seems to have forced scientists to (re)negotiate scientific boundaries and to do some of the delicate boundary work. The challenge for scientists is to not only bring science ‘close enough’ to politics and policy demonstrating social accountability, legitimacy and relevance but also avoid either science or politics overextending into the other’s territory—a prospect that is evidently disorienting and poses serious threats to idealised identities of science and the scientific community. Based on in-depth personal interviews with 68 agricultural biotechnologists in 24 scientific institutions in India, this article examines the factors responsible for the shift in the practice of science from being a curiosity-driven activity to contract obligation. Through the radical changes in science funding and policy-orientation in India since mid-1990s, scientists seem to be vigorously mapping out the cultural spaces for science and for their own identities as forming the scientific community. In this context, scientists included in the study are not actually in the process of (re)classifying a satisfactory version of ‘science’ and ‘policy’ through their work. Instead, they are engaged in multiple versions of actively negotiated science–policy boundaries, many of which seem to have different qualities and make different demands on them as researchers/scientists.