bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated Radiolarian and Conodont Biostratigraphy of the Middle to Late Permian Linghao Formation in Northwestern Guangxi, South China
Authors: ZHANG Lei , WU Jun , YUAN Dongxun , FOREL Marie Béatrice , CHANG Shan , KHAN Maliha Zareen , FENG Qinglai , HE Weihong , MA Qiangfen , DANELIAN Taniel , CARIDROIT Martial , ITO Tsuyoshi
Published: May 2021

The Permian radiolarian zones and their correlations with conodont zones or other chronostratigraphic schemes are still under debate. In this study, four genera, 21 species and two subspecies of radiolarians together with one genus and six species of conodonts were recovered from the Linghao Formation cropping out at the Longwangpo (LWP) section, northwestern Guangxi, South China. Six radiolarian interval zones and one abundance zone are recognized in the section, namely in ascending order, theFollicucullus scholasticus, Albaillella cavitata, A. protolevis, A. levis, A. excelsa, A. triangularisInterval zones andA. yaoiAbundance Zone. They are correlated with theClarkina dukouensis, C. guangyuanensisandC. orientalisconodont zones recognized at the same section. Based on our data, theF. scholasticusInterval Zone and the lowermost part ofA. cavitataInterval Zone are recognized to be upper Capitanian age, whereas the fourAlbaillellaInterval zones are of Lopingian age (Wuchiapingian to the late Changhsingian). Two previously known Changhsingian radiolarian zones, namely theA. triangularisandA. yaoiInterval zones, should be extended down to the uppermost Wuchiapingian in this studied section.
Tectonic Characteristics, Evolution, and Significance of the Zhouwang Fault, Lower Yangtze Area, Eastern China
Authors: ZHANG Gang , CHEN Guangtao , REN Shenglian , GE Can , LIN Shoufa , SONG Chuanzhong , LI Longming
Published: May 2021

Fault geometry, kinematics, geophysics, the tectonic stress field and tectonic evolution of the Zhouwang fault in the southern Jiangnan tectonic transition zone of the Lower Yangtze region, eastern China are examined. Field observations show the fault is composed of a series of nearly E–W trending, N–S dipping faults, and four stages of tectonism (sinistral strike‐slip, thrust nappe, normal fault, and dextral strike‐slip) developed in turn. Geophysical data show that the fault trends almost linearly E–W along a flat, steep gravity gradient at shallow depth, with distinct gravity anomalies to the north and south and different in the north and south. Also, the deep part is characterized by northward dip and a gradual slowing down. Tectonic stress field analysis indicates that the fault experienced four tectonic movements: NNE–SSW compression, NNW–SSE compression, NEE–SWW extension, and E–W compression. Combined with regional tectonic background and previous research results, this indicates that: (1) the Zhouwang fault experienced sinistral strike‐slip movement during the Indosinian Period (260–200 Ma); (2) thrust nappes developed during the early Yanshanian Period (163–145 Ma); (3) a normal fault occurred in the late Yanshanian Period (125–65 Ma); and (4) dextral strike‐slip movement occurred in the Himalayan Period (ca. 50–37 Ma). The results reveal the tectonic evolution of the fault during Mesozoic deformation in the area, and also reveal the geological evolution and tectonic transformation of the Lower Yangtze region, which is key to our understanding of intracontinental deformation in eastern China.
Reservoir Characteristics of Fine‐grained Sedimentary Rocks in Saline Lakes in the Cenozoic Upper Ganchaigou Formation, Southwestern Qaidam Basin, NW China
Authors: SHENG Jun , LIU Jincheng , LI Yunlong , ZOU Haiyan , LONG Anlin , WANG Lin , LI Jiyong , QI Qingshan , YANG Xiaojing , LI Yanan
Published: May 2021

Cenozoic fine‐grained sedimentary rocks in the southwestern Qaidam Basin, as typical salinized lacustrine sediments, are significantly different from those in other freshwater lakes under the impact of the high salinity in the lake. Many fine‐grained sedimentary rock samples were selected from the lower member of Neogene (N1) in the Gaskule Oilfield, Qaidam Basin, northwest China, with the aim to analyze and test their petrology, pore structure, and organic geochemical characteristics and determine its genesis and geological significance. Based on previous results, a new genesis of mixed sedimentary rocks is proposed. The Cenozoic lacustrine fine‐grained sedimentary rocks in SW Qaidam Basin belong to mixed sedimentary rocks, which can be divided into three types, including carbonate and terrigenous clastic‐bearing mudstone, carbonate‐bearing to terrigenous clastic mixed sedimentary rocks, and carbonate‐terrigenous clastic mixed sedimentary rocks. The geneses of mixing are quite different from that of mixed marine rocks. According to the sedimentary characteristics of the salinized lakes, three new geneses of mixed deposits are proposed: syn‐sedimentary mixing, varve interbedded mixing, and biogenic mixing. The reservoir spaces of the Cenozoic lacustrine fine‐grained sedimentary rocks in SW Qaidam Basin include residual intergranular pores, intercrystalline pores, microfractures, and minor dissolved pores. The reservoirs have super‐low porosity and ultra‐low permeability, with a porosity of 1.82%–21.04%, averaging 7.71%, and permeability of (0.0028–254.86) × 10–3 μm2, averaging 2.82 × 10–3 μm2. The test results of total organic carbon (TOC) content show that the highest content of organic carbon reached 1.41%, and those of vitrinite reflectance show that Ro ranges from 0.525%–0.824%, with an average of 0.806%. The organic geochemical characteristics show that the fine‐grained mixed sedimentary rocks of SW Qaidam Basin have the potential for self‐generation and self‐storage. As an unconventional reservoir, it has potential industrial value. This is the first study of fine‐grained sedimentary rocks in the Qaidam Basin, which offers certain theoretical and practical values.
New Early Cambrian Maikhanellids (Mollusca) from Zhangjiagou Section, South Shaanxi, China
Authors: ZHANG Ya'nan , LIU Yunhuan , SHAO Tiequan , WANG Qi , QIN Jiachen , ZHANG Wei , LIANG Tanxing
Published: May 2021

A new maikhanellid genus,Totornatusgen. nov., from the Lower Cambrian (Fortunian Stage) of Zhangjiagou section at Xixiang County, southern Shaanxi Province, South China, is based on a new taxonT. strigatusgen. et sp. nov. Although showing similar morphology with a cap‐shaped shell and an oval aperture to other members of the family, the new species differs from previous maikhanellids in its smooth apex. The apical field consists of dense, small, round or oval granules, which gradually merge to bigger, elongated, scale‐like protrusions toward the apertural margin. On this basis, we establishTotornatus strigatus, which shows a transverse groove in two‐ninths of its shell. This result enriches the diversity of the earliest mollusks and maikhanellids.
New Discovery of Oligocene Gastropod Opercula from the Yehucheng Formation in Northwestern China
Authors: LI Zhaoyu , LI Yongxiang , ZHANG Yunxiang , XIE Kun , LI Zhichao
Published: May 2021

Fourteen species of nonmarine gastropod opercula are found to be in high abundance in the Oligocene upper member of the Yehucheng Formation, Lanzhou Basin, northwest China. They are attributed to two families, namely Bithyniidae and Assimineidae, and four genera, namely Pseudemmericia, Bithynia, Mirolaminatus and Assiminea. Among them, three species are new, and they are Bithynia paramonolithic sp. nov., B. obliquus sp. nov., and B. disregularis sp. nov. Some of these species were first discovered in Paleogene strata of the vast Northwest China and can be compared with the opercula recovered from the Paleogene deposits in East and South China. It is inferred from the paleontology and sediment associations that the climate was slightly humid and the fauna probably inhabited the fresh or brackish water of a shallow lake in the Lanzhou Basin during the late early Oligocene period.
Shale Gas Reservoir Evaluation by Geophysical Measurements: A Case Study of the Upper Ordovician–Lower Silurian in the Fenggang Block, Northern Guizhou Province
Authors: XIA Peng , FU Yong , GUO Chuan , YANG Zhen , HUANG Jinqiang , MOU Yuliang
Published: May 2021

With the aid of geophysical measurements, including seventeen two‐dimensional (2D) seismic lines and the well logging curves of well FGY1, the structure and reservoir characteristics of the Upper Ordovician–Lower Silurian strata in the Fenggang block, northern Guizhou Province, were analyzed thoroughly to identify desert areas and favorable intervals. The results show that Longmaxi‐Wufeng is the most prospect‐rich formation, consisting of a thick succession of overmature black shale, this formation remaining partially in the Suiyang, Fenggang and Jianchaxi synclines. The Longmaxi‐Wufeng shale, especially the lower member, was deposited in a reducing low‐energy environment with relatively high U content and a low Th/U value. In this shale, the organic matter type (sapropelic and humic‐sapropelic), total organic carbon (TOC) content, gas content, gas adsorption capacity, vitrinite reflectance and brittle mineral content are profitable for shale gas preservation and development. The fractures of this shale were closed because of its high overburden pressure. The gas adsorption capacity of this shale increases with increasing TOC content and Ro. In the Longmaxi‐Wufeng Formation at well FGY1, the most favorable intervals are in the depth ranges of 2312.4–2325.1 m and 2325.8–2331.1 m.
Gold and Base Metals Associated with Uranium Mineralization in Some Lower Carboniferous Rock Units in the Wadi Abu El Mogheirat Area, Southwestern Sinai, Egypt
Authors: SALLAM Osama R. , ALSHAMI Abdalla S. , ABBAS Abd Elhadi A. , GUIBAL E.
Published: May 2021

The Lower Carboniferous sediments at Wadi Abu El Mogheirat consist of four stratigraphic formations, from base upwards: Um Bogma, El Hashash, Magharet El Maiah and Abu Zarab formations. The most‐concentrated radioactive anomalies at Wadi Abu El Mogheirat are in the middle member of the Um Bogma Formation. The gibbsitic marl in this formation shows the highest uranium contents (around 710 ppm). Gibbsitic marl and black gibbsite of the middle Um Bogma Formation show higher enrichment in Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, U, V, Ce and Th. Black gibbsite contains the highest total rare earth elements concentration, especially in terms of LREEs, while gibbsitic marl contains the highest content of HREEs. Anomalous contents of gold at Wadi Abu El Mogheirat are recorded for the first time in the gibbsitic marl (content: 10.4 ppm), black gibbsite (2.8 ppm) of the middle member of the Um Bogma Formation and in the siltstones of the El Hashash Formation (0.6 ppm). Gibbsitic marl shows the presence of uranothorite, celestite, zircon, atacamite, barite, xenotime and rutile. These characteristic demonstrate that the middle member of the Um Bogma Formation constitutes a potential source for gold. This conclusion is reinforced by the potential to exploit other metals such as Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, U, V, Th and Ce as by‐products.
A multicenter longitudinal study of the prevalence and mortality rate of systemic lupus erythematosus patients in Oman: Oman Lupus Study
Authors: Al‐Adhoubi Nasra K. , Al‐Balushi Farida , Al Salmi Issa , Ali Maha , Al Lawati Talal , Al Lawati Batool S. H. , Abdwani Reem , Al Shamsi Ali , Al Kaabi Juma , Al Mashaani Musallam , Krishna Jha Divij , Sayed Sherin , Al‐Araimi Tariq , Liyanage Prabha , Al Shirawi Ali , Al Wahshi Humaid A.
Published: May 2021

Aim

This study is a longitudinal multicenter study which aims to find the prevalence, the demographic data, survival and mortality rates of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Oman.

Method

All Omani patients, pediatrics and adults diagnosed with SLE, who fulfill either the 1997 American College of Rheumatology or Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics classifications criteria for SLE were included from January 2006 till February 2020.

Results

In total 1160 patients were included in this cohort. Data analysis showed that patient’s ages ranged from 2‐82 years with female predominance and female‐to‐male ratio of 7:1 (87.7% female,12.3% male). The mean prevalence of SLE among different age groups was 38.8 (range 5‐63 per 100 000 inhabitants). The mortality rate was found to be 5%. Male patients had significantly higher mortality rate than females (7.6% vs 5.4%, P value = .04). Sepsis was the commonest cause of mortality (34%). The coexistence of systemic sclerosis correlates significantly with death (P = .002). Survival analysis in our data showed 5, 10, 20, 40‐year survival rates of 100%, 100%, 99% and 90% respectively for antinuclear antibody (ANA) positive patients and lower survival rate for ANA negative patients with 5,10, 20, 40‐year survival rates of 100, 99%, 99% and 75%, respectively.

Conclusion

This study showed that the mean prevalence of SLE in Oman to be 38.8 (range 5‐63) per 100 000 inhabitants. The 40‐year survival rate among patients with positive ANA was found to be 90%, while patients with negative ANA had worse survival outcomes.
Managing adverse selection: underinsurance versus underenrollment
Authors: Saltzman Evan
Published: May 2021

Adverse selection in insurance markets may lead some consumers to underinsure or too few consumers to purchase insurance relative to the socially optimal level. I study whether common government policy interventions can mitigate both underinsurance and underenrollment due to adverse selection. I establish conditions under which there exists a tradeoff in addressing underinsurance and underenrollment. I then estimate a model of the California ACA insurance exchange using consumer‐level data to quantify the welfare impact of risk adjustment and the individual mandate. I find (1) risk adjustment reduces underinsurance, but reduces enrollment and (2) the mandate increases enrollment, but increases underinsurance.
Ecological insights into a charismatic bird using different citizen science approaches
Authors: Hall Matthew J. , Martin John M. , Burns Alicia L. , Hochuli Dieter F.
Published: May 2021

Citizen science projects provide valuable ecological data owing to their capacity to collect a wide variety of data at scales that would be difficult to achieve through traditional methods. A trade‐off exists between the complexity of data collected and participation, with projects typically falling into a continuum between documenting the presence of species at a location, through to the collection of detailed ecological data using complex protocols. Researchers must balance an approach that suits their aims with maximising participation. However, the ability of different citizen science approaches to collected detailed ecological data for a target species is poorly understood. We compared the number of participants and amount of data collected from the three projects to explore different citizen science approaches for focal species research. We examine data for the Australian brush‐turkey (Alectura lathami) from two open survey citizen science projects and one focal species project: iNaturalist, eBird and BrushTurkeys. Over a period of 18 months, eBird recorded the greatest number of participants (n = 1861) and presence records of brush‐turkeys (n = 17810). Across the three projects participation varied significantly with an average of 1.95 (range = 1–65), 9.6 (range = 1–389) and 4.7 (range = 1–331) reports per citizen scientist, respectively. The targeted BrushTurkeys project collected specific ecological data including counts, sex and behaviours in a higher proportion of sightings and recorded the largest number of nest mound reports compared with eBird and iNaturalist. We confirm that engaging an active group of participants produced the largest amount of data (eBird), including reports per participant. Ecologically, the most detailed information on habitat use and behaviours came from the focal citizen science project (BrushTurkeys). We conclude that seeking opportunities to grow and actively engage existing citizen science communities to report more detailed ecological information is likely to produce more detailed and informative data set.
Molecular allergology and its impact in specific allergy diagnosis and therapy
Authors: Barber Domingo , Diaz‐Perales Araceli , Escribese Maria M. , Kleine‐Tebbe Jörg , Matricardi Paolo M. , Ollert Markus , Santos Alexandra F. , Sastre Joaquin
Published: May 2021

Progressive knowledge of allergenic structures resulted in a broad availability of allergenic molecules for diagnosis. Component‐resolved diagnosis allowed a better understanding of patient sensitization patterns, facilitating allergen immunotherapy decisions. In parallel to the discovery of allergenic molecules, there was a progressive development of a regulation framework that affected both in vitro diagnostics and Allergen Immunotherapy products. With a progressive understanding of underlying mechanisms associated to Allergen immunotherapy and an increasing experience of application of molecular diagnosis in daily life, we focus in analyzing the evidences of the value provided by molecular allergology in daily clinical practice, with a focus on Allergen Immunotherapy decisions.
Increased risk of complications in smokers undergoing reversal of diverting ileostomy
Authors: Cribb Benjamin , Kollias Victoria , Hawkins Rosalyn , Ganguly Timothy , Edwards Suzanne , Hewett Peter
Published: May 2021

Background

Diverting ileostomy (DI) is utilised in rectal cancer surgery to mitigate the effects of anastomotic leak. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical risk factors associated with post‐operative complications of DI reversal.

Methods

A single‐centre retrospective analysis of patients who underwent surgical resection for rectal cancer and subsequent DI reversal between January 2012 and December 2020 was undertaken. Medical records were reviewed to extract clinical, operative and pathologic details and post‐operative complications according to the Clavien‐Dindo classification. Univariate and multivariable analyses were undertaken to assess risk factors associated with post‐operative complications of DI reversal.

Results

One hundred and twenty‐six adult patients who underwent DI reversal were included of which 49 had a post‐operative complication (39%). The most common complication was prolonged post‐operative ileus, which occurred in 24 patients (19%). On multivariable analysis smoking was significantly associated with overall complications (odds ratio [OR] = 5.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.90–16.52, p = 0.0018), and high Clavien‐Dindo (2–5) category complications (OR = 4.60, 95% CI 1.81–11.68, p = 0.0013). In addition, patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy were less likely to have a reversal of DI complication (OR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.19–0.94, p = 0.0342) and less likely to have a high Clavien‐Dindo (2–5) category complication (OR = 0.44, 95% CI 0.20–0.93, p = 0.0311).

Conclusion

Smokers who have undergone surgical resection of rectal cancer have a significantly increased risk of post‐operative complications after DI reversal. In these patients, the importance of smoking cessation must be emphasised. The decreased complication rate observed in patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy was an unexpected finding.
Protein O‐GlcNAcylation in the heart
Authors: Ng Yann Huey , Okolo Chidinma A. , Erickson Jeffrey R. , Baldi James C. , Jones Peter P.
Published: May 2021

O‐GlcNAcylation is a ubiquitous post‐translational modification that is extremely labile and plays a significant role in physiology, including the heart. Sustained activation of cardiac O‐GlcNAcylation is frequently associated with alterations in cellular metabolism, leading to detrimental effects on cardiovascular function. This is particularly true during conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiac remodelling, heart failure and arrhythmogenesis. Paradoxically, transient elevation of cardiac protein O‐GlcNAcylation can also exert beneficial effects in the heart. There is compelling evidence to suggest that a complex interaction between O‐GlcNAcylation and phosphorylation also exists in the heart. Beyond direct functional consequences on cardiomyocytes, O‐GlcNAcylation also acts indirectly by altering the function of transcription factors that affect downstream signalling. This review focuses on the potential cardioprotective role of protein O‐GlcNAcylation during ischaemia‐reperfusion injury, the deleterious consequences of chronically elevated O‐GlcNAc levels, the interplay between O‐GlcNAcylation and phosphorylation in the cardiomyocytes and the effects of O‐GlcNAcylation on other major non‐myocyte cell types in the heart.
Soil phosphorus availability determines the contribution of small, individual grassland remnants to the conservation of landscape‐scale biodiversity
Authors: Plue Jan , Baeten Lander
Published: May 2021

Questions

Small, remnant habitats embedded in degraded, human‐dominated landscapes are generally not a priority in conservation, despite their potential role in supporting landscape‐scale biodiversity. To warrant their inclusion in conservation management and policy, we question under which conditions they may exhibit the largest conservation value.

Location

Nine landscapes spread across the counties of Stockholm and Södermanland, Sweden.

Methods

Per landscape, plant communities were surveyed in 6 and 12 1 × 1 m2plots across large, intact semi‐natural grasslands and small remnant grasslands, respectively. These two contrasting grassland types served as a model system. A topsoil sample was taken in each plot to determine habitat quality in terms of soil pH, plant‐available P, and C:N ratio. We used a joint species distribution model to analyse the extent to which grassland type and habitat quality define and predict resident community diversity and composition, including whether they support grassland specialists.

Results

At the landscape scale, the combined remnant grasslands sustained diverse plant communities which did include a significant subset of habitat specialists. Yet, the contribution of individual remnants clearly varied with local‐scale habitat quality; soil phosphorus availability lowered plot‐level species richness, mostly by constraining the occurrence of grassland specialists. Semi‐natural grassland communities were comparatively insensitive to variation in soil phosphorus availability.

Conclusions

The combined habitat amount and the significant number of habitat specialists sustained by remnant grasslands with high habitat quality, shows they can represent a valuable resource to support landscape‐scale biodiversity conservation. This offers no wildcard to neglect the continued biotic and abiotic threats on semi‐natural grassland plant diversity such as chronic and accumulating P eutrophication, discontinuation of management or poor matrix permeability, as semi‐natural grasslands harbour the majority of habitat specialists, while sourcing surrounding remnant grassland communities.
Rent sharing in China: Magnitude, heterogeneity and drivers
Authors: Duan Wenjing , Martins Pedro S.
Published: May 2021

Do firms in China share rents with their workers? We address this question by examining firm‐level panel data covering virtually all manufacturing firms over the period 2000–2007, representing an average of 52 million workers per year. We find evidence of rent sharing (RS), with wage–profit elasticities of between 4% and 6%. These results are based on multiple instrumental variables, including firm‐specific international trade shocks. We also present a number of complementary findings to understand better the nature of RS in the country: it involves an element of risk sharing, as wages also decrease when profits fall; RS is lower in regions with more latent competition from rural workers; higher minimum wages tend to reduce RS; and, while employer labour market power reduces wages, it increases RS. Overall, despite its importance, RS in China is smaller and more symmetric than in developed economies, which reflects the weaker bargaining power of its workers and the earlier stage of development of its labour market institutions.
What predicts perceived economic inequality? The roles of actual inequality, system justification, and fairness considerations
Authors: Du Hongfei , King Ronnel B.
Published: May 2021

Past studies have mostly focused on investigating actual economic inequality with less work devoted to understanding perceived economic inequality and its antecedents. However, numerous studies have shown that perceived inequality is a strong predictor of psychological, political, and social outcomes and hence is an important outcome in and of itself. This paper aims to identify the socioecological (i.e., actual inequality) and psychological (legitimation and fairness considerations) antecedents of perceived economic inequality. We hypothesized that individuals who legitimized income inequality would perceive less inequality, whereas individuals who experienced unfairness engendered by income inequality would perceive more inequality. We utilized a nationally representative sample in China (N = 33,600 respondents nested within 25 provinces) and conducted multilevel longitudinal analyses to test our hypotheses. In line with our predictions, we found that legitimation of inequality was associated with less perceived inequality six years later, whereas unfairness was associated with more perceived inequality six years later. In addition, we found that in more unequal areas, people perceived less income inequality. These longitudinal effects were robust when controlling for prior years of perceived inequality, economic development, and sociodemographic factors. Findings have implications for system justification and economic inequality theories.
Methodological advances for hypothesis‐driven ethnobiology
Authors: Gaoue Orou G. , Moutouama Jacob K. , Coe Michael A. , Bond Matthew O. , Green Elizabeth , Sero Nadejda B. , Bezeng Bezeng S. , Yessoufou Kowiyou
Published: May 2021

Ethnobiology as a discipline has evolved increasingly to embrace theory‐inspired and hypothesis‐driven approaches to study why and how local people choose plants and animals they interact with and use for their livelihood. However, testing complex hypotheses or a network of ethnobiological hypotheses is challenging, particularly for data sets with non‐independent observations due to species phylogenetic relatedness or socio‐relational links between participants. Further, to account fully for the dynamics of local ecological knowledge, it is important to include the spatially explicit distribution of knowledge, changes in knowledge, and knowledge transmission and use. To promote the use of advanced statistical modelling approaches that address these limitations, we synthesize methodological advances for hypothesis‐driven research in ethnobiology while highlighting the need for more figures than tables and more tables than text in ethnobiological literature. We present the ethnobiological motivations for conducting generalized linear mixed‐effect modelling, structural equation modelling, phylogenetic generalized least squares, social network analysis, species distribution modelling, and predictive modelling. For each element of the proposed ethnobiologists quantitative toolbox, we present practical applications along with scripts for a widespread implementation. Because these statistical modelling approaches are rarely taught in most ethnobiological programs but are essential for careers in academia or industry, it is critical to promote workshops and short courses focused on these advanced methods. By embracing these quantitative modelling techniques without sacrificing qualitative approaches which provide essential context, ethnobiology will progress further towards an expansive interaction with other disciplines.
Metacarpophalangeal profile pattern analysis in a further patient with a novel ARID1B variant
Authors: Pascolini Giulia
Published: May 2021

Acral clinical and radiographic characteristics of a further patient with Coffin‐Siris syndrome (CSS), which is caused by mutations in the ARID1B gene, encoding a subunit of the BAF‐complex, are here described. Metacarpophalangeal profile pattern analysis (MCPPPA) of the present proband and other two known ARID1B mutated individuals has been performed for the first time, demonstrating hands brachydactyly. In this novel study, the utility of an accurate appendicular radiographic examination and MCPPPA in this congenital condition is highlighted. The MCPPPA could be considered in the clinical practice, to better study the hand skeletal morphology in patients with a syndrome characterized by limb defects, including CSS.
Normalization of non‐canonical Wnt signalings does not compromise blood‐brain barrier protection conferred by upregulating endothelial Wnt/β‐catenin signaling following ischemic stroke
Authors: Ji Ya‐bin , Wang Tian‐xi , Gao Qiang , Huang Xiao‐wen , Chang Junlei
Published: May 2021

Background

Endothelial canonical (Wnt/β‐catenin) and non‐canonical Wnt signalings (Wnt/PCP and Wnt/Ca2+) promote blood‐brain barrier (BBB) development and antagonize each other. However, the effects of ischemic stroke on endothelial canonical and non‐canonical Wnt signalings are unclear. Further, how non‐canonical Wnt signalings are influenced by upregulation of endothelial Wnt/β‐catenin signaling and subsequently affect BBB function following ischemic stroke have not been studied.

Methods

First, we determined the levels of Wnt signaling markers including TCF/LEF1 transcription activity, Axin2 mRNA, phospho‐JNKThr183/Tyr185, and NFAT in brain endothelial cells (ECs) with the deletion of Wnt receptor Frizzled (Fzd)4 or Fzd6, the two most abundant Fzds in brain ECs. Next, we observed the effect of ischemia/reperfusion injury on Wnt signalings in brain ECs and adult mice. Last, we assessed the changes of non‐canonical Wnt signalings and BBB injury in the early stage of ischemic stroke in mice with endothelial β‐catenin activation (β‐cat mice).

Results

Fzd4 or Fzd6 deletion dampened both Wnt/β‐catenin and Wnt/PCP signalings but enhanced Wnt/Ca2+ signaling in brain ECs. Both canonical and non‐canonical Wnt signalings in brain ECs were downregulated after ischemia/reperfusion injury in vitro and in vivo. Upregulating endothelial Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in β‐cat mice normalized the downregulated non‐canonical Wnt signalings, which did not compromise its protective effects on BBB integrity and endothelial tight junction following ischemic stroke.

Conclusions

The BBB protection induced by upregulation of endothelial Wnt/β‐catenin signaling may be not interfered by the normalization of non‐canonical Wnt signalings in the early stage of ischemic stroke.
Pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and immunogenic rationale for optimal dosing of pegvaliase, a PEGylated bacterial enzyme, in adult patients with phenylketonuria
Authors: Qi Yulan , Patel Gina , Henshaw Joshua , Gupta Soumi , Olbertz Joy , Larimore Kevin , Harding Cary O. , Merilainen Markus , Zori Roberto , Longo Nicola , Burton Barbara K. , Li Mingjin , Gu Zhonghua , Zoog Stephen J. , Weng Haoling H. , Schweighardt Becky
Published: May 2021

Phenylketonuria (PKU), a deficiency in the activity of the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase, leads to toxic levels of phenylalanine (Phe) in the blood and brain. Pegvaliase (recombinant Anabaena variabilis phenylalanine ammonia lyase conjugated with polyethylene glycol) is approved to manage PKU in patients aged greater than or equal to 18 years in the United States and in patients aged greater than or equal to 16 years in the European Union. Pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and immunogenicity results from five open‐label pegvaliase trials were assessed. Studies with induction/titration/maintenance (I/T/M) dosing regimens demonstrated pharmacokinetic stabilization and sustained efficacy associated with maintenance doses (20, 40, or 60 mg/day). Immune‐mediated pegvaliase clearance was high during induction/titration phases when the early immune response was peaking. The combination of low drug dosage and high drug clearance led to low drug exposure and minimal decreases in blood Phe levels during induction/titration. Higher drug exposure and substantial reductions in blood Phe levels were observed later in treatment as drug clearance was reduced due to the maturation of the immune response, which allowed for increased dosing to target levels. The incidence of hypersensitivity reactions was temporally associated with the peaking of the early antidrug immune response and decreased with time as immune response matured after the first 6 months of treatment. These results support an I/T/M dosing regimen and suggest a strategy for administration of other nonhuman biologics to achieve efficacy and improve tolerability.
Potential benefit of vitamin D supplementation in people with respiratory illnesses, during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Chetty Vasudevan V. , Chetty Manoranjenni
Published: May 2021

This review describes the evidence for the potential benefit of vitamin D supplementation in people with respiratory diseases who may have a higher susceptibility to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection and its consequences. Clinical evidence indicates that vitamin D may reduce the risk of both upper and lower respiratory tract infections and offers benefit particularly in people with vitamin D deficiency. Some evidence exists for a higher incidence of active tuberculosis (TB) in patients who are deficient in vitamin D. An association between low levels of 25(OH)D (the active form of vitamin D) and COVID‐19 severity of illness and mortality has also been reported. In addition, low 25(OH)D levels are associated with poor outcomes in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The cytokine storm experienced in severe COVID‐19 infections results from excessive release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Due to its immunomodulatory effects, adequate vitamin D levels may cause a decrease in the pro‐inflammatory cytokines and an increase in the anti‐inflammatory cytokines during COVID‐19 infections. Vitamin D deficiency was found in 82.2% of hospitalized COVID‐19 cases and 47.2% of population‐based controls (p < 0.0001). The available evidence warrants an evaluation of vitamin D supplementation in susceptible populations with respiratory diseases, such as TB, and particularly in those who are deficient in vitamin D. This may mitigate against serious complications of COVID‐19 infections or reduce the impact of ARDS in those who have been infected.
Translational and pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic application for the clinical development of GDC‐0334, a novel TRPA1 inhibitor
Authors: Chan Phyllis , Ding Han Ting , Liederer Bianca M. , Mao Jialin , Belloni Paula , Chen Liuxi , Gao Simon S. , Joseph Victory , Yang Xiaoying , Lin Joseph S. , Mitra Mayur S. , Putnam Wendy S. , Quartino Angelica , Bauer Rebecca N. , Pan Lin
Published: May 2021

GDC‐0334 is a novel small molecule inhibitor of transient receptor potential cation channel member A1 (TRPA1), a promising therapeutic target for many nervous system and respiratory diseases. The pharmacokinetic (PK) profile and pharmacodynamic (PD) effects of GDC‐0334 were evaluated in this first‐in‐human (FIH) study. A starting single dose of 25 mg was selected based on integrated preclinical PK, PD, and toxicology data following oral administration of GDC‐0334 in guinea pigs, rats, dogs, and monkeys. Human PK and PK‐PD of GDC‐0334 were characterized after single and multiple oral dosing using a population modeling approach. The ability of GDC‐0334 to inhibit dermal blood flow (DBF) induced by topical administration of allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) was evaluated as a target‐engagement biomarker. Quantitative models were developed iteratively to refine the parameter estimates of the dose‐concentration‐effect relationships through stepwise estimation and extrapolation. Human PK analyses revealed that bioavailability, absorption rate constant, and lag time increase when GDC‐0334 was administered with food. The inhibitory effect of GDC‐0334 on the AITC‐induced DBF biomarker exhibited a clear sigmoid‐Emax relationship with GDC‐0334 plasma concentrations in humans. This study leveraged emerging preclinical and clinical data to enable iterative refinement of GDC‐0334 mathematical models throughout the FIH study for dose selection in subsequent cohorts throughout the study.

Study Highlights

WHAT IS THE CURRENT KNOWLEDGE ON THE TOPIC?

GDC‐0334 is a novel, small molecule TRPA1 inhibitor and a pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic (PK‐PD) modeling strategy could be implemented in a systematic and step‐wise manner to build and learn from emerging data for early clinical development.

WHAT QUESTION DID THIS STUDY ADDRESS?

Can noncompartmental and population‐based analyses be used to describe the PK and PD characteristics of GDC‐0334 in preclinical and clinical studies?

WHAT DOES THIS STUDY ADD TO OUR KNOWLEDGE?

GDC‐0334 exposure generally increased with dose in rats, dogs, and monkeys. The starting dose (25 mg) in the clinical study was determined based on the preclinical data. GDC‐0334 exhibited linear PK in humans and the bioavailability was increased with food. The inhibitory effect of GDC‐0334 on dermal blood flow induced by the TRPA1 agonist allyl isothiocyanate in humans indicates a clear PK‐PD relationship.

HOW MIGHT THIS CHANGE CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY OR TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE?

The models developed based on TRPA1 agonist‐induced dermal blood flow inhibition data can be used to predict PK‐PD relationships in future preclinical and clinical studies evaluating new drug entities that target TRPA1.
Investigating the Development and Reception of an Art Exhibition on the Theme of Early Modern Representations of Love
Authors: Krause Amanda E. , Davidson Jane W.
Published: May 2021

Can the modern‐day art gallery visitor access the historical emotional meaning of what is viewed? The present investigation exploredLove: Art of Emotions, an exhibition curated and shown at the National Gallery of Victoria April–June 2017, which displayed a variety of artworks from the early modern period. The current article aimed to investigate both curator intentions and visitor reception of the exhibition. The project leader and the exhibition curator were interviewed about the aims of the exhibition and the steps implemented to realize its intentions. Materials such as the catalogue and exhibition labels were also subjected to a textual analysis to deepen understanding of the curatorial offerings. Additionally, 80 gallery visitors were asked about their subjective experiences of the exhibition. Thematic analysis of the curatorial team interviews and supporting materials from the exhibition identified how the exhibition was created, including coverage of the presenting the historical meaning of love, the selection of specific artworks to be exhibited, design aesthetics, layout and the additional materials presented to support the viewing experience. Thematic analyses of the impact of the exhibition on visitors highlighted overlap with the curatorial team’s intentions, demonstrating that some curatorial choices were apparent to gallery visitors and were also well received. A major exception was appreciation for a historical understanding of love. This was found to be less striking or memorable than the visitors’ own visceral and personal emotional response, such as an emotional reaction to the ambience, rather than to the historical meanings the work might have generated. These findings challenge curators to devise strategies that can help elicit historical understandings in exhibited art works as well as visceral emotional responses. This will project an understanding of art galleries as multi‐sensorial and also multi‐modal sites in which to experience the emotional impact of artworks through both a visceral and historical frame.
Does the Belt and Road Initiative Increase the Carbon Emission Intensity of Participating Countries?
Authors: Wu Yan , Chen Chunlai , Hu Cong
Published: May 2021

The impact that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has had on carbon emissions is a hotly debated issue. Using a panel dataset of 178 countries from 2002 to 2017, and applying the quantile difference‐in‐difference method in different industries, this study finds that, first, the BRI overall tends to reduce the carbon emission intensity of BRI countries. Second, the impact of BRI on reducing the carbon emission intensity is significant for BRI countries at higher (0.8 and 0.9) and lower (0.2 and 0.3) carbon emission intensity quantiles but it is insignificant for those at medium levels. Third, the BRI has significant impacts on reducing carbon emission intensity in the energy‐intensive industries, and this effect is the highest at the quantile level of 0.9 for all three industries considered here: transportation, electric and heating, and manufacturing and construction. These results indicate that establishing BRI cooperation with China will improve the environment and enhance the sustainable development ability of BRI countries.
How Did China Maintain Macroeconomic Stability During 1978–2018?
Authors: Feng Ming , Li David Daokui , Wu Shuyu
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we analyze the role of macroeconomic management in developing countries’ economic take‐off and structural transformation. We argue that developing countries face three leading challenges: market immaturity, lack of a developed financial system, and severe information asymmetry between international investors and domestic players. If not properly dealt with, these challenges can lead to macroeconomic volatility and fragility in economic development. Therefore, the government must intervene appropriately to address these challenges. By analyzing China's experiences in the era of reform and opening up (1978–2018), we find three important lessons: (i) It is important for the government to facilitate the entry and exit of enterprises in macroeconomic cycles, relying not only on market signals but also on administrative orders and measures of institutional reform; (ii) Financial reforms should be implemented in order to promote financial deepening and channel savings into investment; and (iii) The government should carefully manage capital account liberalization in order to preserve financial stability while promoting foreign investment, international trade, and industrial upgrading.
Impacts of Two Tax Reforms on Inequality and Welfare in China
Authors: Shen Yangyang , Li Shi , Wang Xiaobing
Published: May 2021

This paper takes stock of the existing literature on taxation and presents a framework to evaluate the impacts of tax policy reforms from the perspectives of progressivity and social welfare. It applies this framework to examine two tax reforms in China and finds that (i) the abolition of the regressive agricultural tax in 2005 has significantly improved the social welfare of rural residents; (ii) the increase in the income tax thresholds in 2011 increased progressivity but reduced the overall income tax share of total taxation. When the majority of the taxpayers are in the lower tax bracket, progressivity has little real impact in improving income distribution.
The impacts of extreme climate change on mammals differ among functional groups at regional scale: The case of Iranian terrestrial mammals
Authors: Yusefi Gholam Hosein , Safi Kamran , Tarroso Pedro , Brito José Carlos
Published: May 2021

Aim

The negative impacts of climate change on mammals have been largely based on assessments of total species’ assemblages or individual species at broad scales. Here, we evaluate how the predicted magnitude and velocity of climate change in the arid region of southwest Asia might affect regional functional groups of terrestrial mammals.

Location

Iran.

Methods

We gathered data from 186 species to map diversity hotspots of 12 functional groups, threatened species richness and total species richness. We mapped areas with high risk of exposure to extreme drying and warming events and calculated the velocity of climate change by using precipitation and temperature data from current and future periods. We then quantified the exposure of these hotspots to extreme changes in magnitude and velocity.

Results

Hotspots of functional groups, threatened species and species richness were most exposed to precipitation decline in current and future scenarios (average of 17.9% and 29.9% respectively), compared to temperature rise. While most hotspots are found in mountains, hotspots located in lowlands were more exposed to extreme drying, particularly for carnivore, desert and large‐bodied functional groups, as well as threatened species. These patterns remained intact when we considered only hotspots covered by existing protected areas. The impacts of velocity also varied significantly among functional groups, with highest levels for carnivore, large‐bodied and specialist groups and threatened species.

Main conclusions

We show that climate change does not equally impact all species within a community and that vulnerability to these changes differed between functional groups. We found that the areas with the highest risk of exposure to extreme climates are located in lowlands and not in mountains. We found that extreme drying, rather than warming, is the major threat to regional mammal diversity in this arid region, particularly for large‐bodied and threatened species.
A Searchable Spreadsheet for Educational Games in the Decision Sciences
Authors: Chen Chun‐Miin (Jimmy)
Published: May 2021

Educational games are effective pedagogical tools capable of enhancing teaching. A number of organizations and journals have been promoting teaching with games and publishing educational game articles for decades. However, many instructors have never used a game in teaching, and studies show that the lack of information about games is part of the reason. To help instructors find games compatible with their course content and preferences, we present a searchable spreadsheet that samples peer‐reviewed game articles in the field of decision science. We also share our experiences in choosing and using games to address some common concerns instructors might have before adopting a game. As a result, we hope that more instructors will consider using games for instructional purposes in the future.
Upward pricing pressure in mergers of capacity‐constrained firms
Authors: Greenfield Daniel , Sandford Jeremy A.
Published: May 2021

Merging firms regularly argue that mergers involving capacity‐constrained firms are unlikely to be anticompetitive, because a capacity‐constrained firm does not represent a meaningful competitive constraint on its rivals. We construct a modified notion of upward pricing pressure called ccGUPPI, or capacity‐constrained GUPPI, which accounts for upward pricing pressure from binding capacity constraints, in addition to standard merger effects. We show that the pricing pressure terms underlying ccGUPPI, calculated using premerger data, are sufficient to determine whether a merger of capacity‐constrained firms will increase price, irrespective of the functional form of demand. Further, using Monte Carlo simulation, we show that ccGUPPI is generally a useful proxy for actual price effects, with lower informational requirements than full merger simulation.
Overconfidence and conflict
Authors: Menuet Maxime , Sekeris Petros G.
Published: May 2021

This paper studies the causes and duration of conflicts with a war of attrition game featuring overconfident players. We find that overconfidence is neither necessary, nor sufficient to have conflict. Overconfident decision makers are nevertheless more likely to initiate conflict, and to also remain active longer in a conflict. Our main results are that (i) the degree of overconfidence and conflict duration may have an inverted U‐shaped relationship, and (ii) the outcome of the war of attrition may be in favor of a weaker, yet overconfident player. We argue that this simple model helps understanding a host of real‐world conflictive situations.