bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Capturing gendered aspects of active aging in China: Insights drawn from the Active Aging Index in comparison with EU countries
Authors: Um Jinpil , Zaidi Asghar , Parry Jane , Xiong Qian
Published: December 2020

This paper extends the Active Aging Index (AAI) to China to measure active aging among men and women over the age of 55. The strength of the AAI approach lies in its selection of a dashboard of multidimensional indicators of active aging, which are then aggregated into composite measures. The analysis used here considers the differences between men and women on 22 AAI indicators and their aggregations. China scores high on the first domain of the AAI (employment), is comparable with the EU countries on the second (participation in society), and scores lower on the third and fourth domains (independent and health living, and capacity and enabling environment). China has one of the largest gender gaps in active aging, especially in employment, but also in the domain of “Independent Living.” The comparison with EU countries points to a number of policy priorities and learnings, including the removal of disincentives to women working longer, namely differential mandatory and occupational retirement ages, and the introduction of measures to make workplaces more age and gender friendly.
Reproduction in the bushmaster (Lachesis muta): Uterine muscular coiling and female sperm storage
Authors: de Souza Eletra , Almeida‐Santos Selma Maria
Published: December 2020

Prolonged sperm storage in the female reproductive tract is a widespread strategy among vertebrates. In reptiles, especially lizards and snakes, females have specialized structures to store sperm in their oviduct, which occur in the posterior infundibulum and the nonglandular uterus. Many viperids exhibit uterine muscular coiling (UMC) in the nonglandular uterus, and this modification has been proposed as an ancestral trait in this taxon to store sperm. However, UMC and oviductal sperm storage have not been reported in Lachesis. Here, we studied the reproductive tract of L. muta females using histological techniques and describe, for the first time, the occurrence of oviductal sperm storage and UMC in nonglandular uterus of this species. We also describe an increase in secretory activity in the oviduct throughout the reproductive cycle. Our results support the hypothesis that UMC is an ancestral character in Viperidae and suggest that female L. muta must store sperm in the oviduct to fertilize the oocytes. We also propose new hypotheses for reproductive strategies of L. muta in nature.
Phosphoproteomic identification of vasopressin‐regulated protein kinases in collecting duct cells
Authors: Datta Arnab , Yang Chin‐Rang , Salhadar Karim , Park Euijung , Chou Chung‐Lin , Raghuram Viswanathan , Knepper Mark A.
Published: December 2020

Background and Purpose

The peptide hormone vasopressin regulates water transport in the renal collecting duct largely via the V2 receptor, which triggers a cAMP‐mediated activation of a PKA‐dependent signalling network. The protein kinases downstream from PKA have not been fully identified or mapped to regulated phosphoproteins.

Experimental Approach

We carried out systems‐level analysis of large‐scale phosphoproteomic data quantifying vasopressin‐induced changes in phosphorylation in aquaporin‐2‐expressing cultured collecting duct (mpkCCD) cells. Quantification was done using stable isotope labelling (SILAC method).

Key Results

Nine thousand six hundred forty phosphopeptides were quantified. Stringent statistical analysis identified significant changes in response to vasopressin in 429 of these phosphopeptides. The corresponding phosphoproteins were mapped to known vasopressin‐regulated cellular processes. The vasopressin‐regulated sites were classified according to the sequences surrounding the phosphorylated amino acids giving 11 groups. Among the vasopressin‐regulated phosphoproteins were 25 distinct protein kinases. Among these, six plus PKA appeared to account for phosphorylation of about 81% of the 313 vasopressin‐regulated phosphorylation sites. The six downstream kinases were salt‐inducible kinase 2 (Sik2), cyclin‐dependent kinase 18 (Cdk18), calmodulin‐dependent kinase kinase 2 (Camkk2), protein kinase D2 (Prkd2), mitogen‐activated kinase 3 (Mapk3) and myosin light chain kinase (Mylk).

Conclusion and Implications

In V2 receptor‐mediated signalling, PKA is at the head of a complex network that includes at least six downstream vasopressin‐regulated protein kinases that are prime targets for future study. The extensive phosphoproteomic data reported in this study are provided as a web‐based data resource for future studies of GPCRs. [Correction added on 4 March 2021, after first online publication: The first sentence in the Key Results was corrected in this current version.]
Primary cutaneous malignant melanoma in Rett syndrome: Report of a case with nuclear features resembling herpes simplex virus cytopathic effects—a hitherto unrecognized morphological variant
Authors: Petkar Mahir Abdulla , Rodrigo Thushara
Published: December 2020

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a progressive neurological disorder, affecting females with mutations in the X‐linked gene methyl‐CpG‐binding protein 2 (MECP2). While MECP2 has been implicated in cancers of the breast, colon, and prostrate, cancer in patients with RTT is rare. We present a case of malignant melanoma in a patient with RTT, which additionally, displayed hitherto undescribed nuclear features, resembling herpes simplex virus cytopathic effects.
Risk factors in early life for developmental coordination disorder: a scoping review
Authors: van Hoorn Jessika F , Schoemaker Marina M , Stuive Ilse , Dijkstra Pieter U , Rodrigues Trigo Pereira Francisca , van der Sluis Corry K , Hadders‐Algra Mijna
Published: December 2020

Aim

To perform a scoping literature review of associations between risk factors in early life and developmental coordination disorder (DCD).

Method

PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science (January 1994–March 2019) were searched to identify studies on early risk factors and motor impairment or DCD. The effect of single and multiple risk factors was assessed. Level of evidence was evaluated following the Centre for Evidence‐Based Medicine guidelines. Meta‐analysis on the effect of preterm birth was performed.

Results

Thirty‐six studies fulfilled inclusion criteria; 35 had evidence level 3, one had level 4. Highest evidence was available that preterm birth and male sex in term‐born children were associated with DCD. The odds ratio of preterm birth was 2.02 (95% confidence interval: 1.43–2.85). Low to moderate evidence was available that parental subfertility, maternal smoking during pregnancy, postnatal corticosteroid treatment in infants born preterm, extra corporeal membrane oxygenation, retinopathy of prematurity, abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging scans at term age, and accumulating perinatal or neonatal risk factors were associated with motor impairment.

Interpretation

Limited information on early risk factors of DCD is available. Only preterm birth and male sex were consistently associated with an increased risk of DCD.

What this paper adds

Preterm birth is a risk factor for developmental coordination disorder (DCD).

In term‐born children, male sex was consistently associated with DCD.

Risk factors for DCD are similar to risk factors for cerebral palsy.
Unique technique to relieve left ventricular assist device electromagnetic interference with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator
Authors: Jin Chengyue , Hsu Joshua , Frenkel Daniel , Jacobson Jason T. , Iwai Sei , Ferrick Aileen
Published: December 2020

We introduced a simple technique to eliminate electromagnetic interference between a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). A 43‐year‐old male with heart failure and a reduced ejection fraction who had an ICD presented with decompensated heart failure and received an LVAD as a bridge to transplant. Remote monitoring showed persistent atrial fibrillation causing an inappropriate ICD shock leading to a decision to disable shock therapies. However, an in‐office interrogation was unsuccessful due to electromagnetic interference. Patient was instructed to extend his arm above his head on the ipsilateral side of the ICD, thus increasing the distance between LVAD and ICD, eliminating the interaction to allow reprogramming of the device.
Exosome‐derived long non‐coding RNA ADAMTS9‐AS2 suppresses progression of oral submucous fibrosis via AKT signalling pathway
Authors: Zhou Shanghui , Zhu Yun , Li Zhenming , Zhu Yonggan , He Zhijing , Zhang Chenping
Published: December 2020

Oral submucosal fibrosis (OSF) is one of the pre‐cancerous lesions of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Its malignant rate is increasing, but the mechanism of malignancy is not clear. We previously have elucidated the long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) expression profile during OSF progression at the genome‐wide level. However, the role of lncRNA ADAMTS9‐AS2 in OSF progression via extracellular communication remains unclear. lncRNA ADAMTS9‐AS2 is down‐regulated in OSCC tissues compared with OSF and normal mucous tissues. Low ADAMTS9‐AS2 expression is associated with poor overall survival. ADAMTS9‐AS2 is frequently methylated in OSCC tissues, but not in normal oral mucous and OSF tissues, suggesting tumour‐specific methylation. Functional studies reveal that exosomal ADAMTS9‐AS2 suppresses OSCC cell growth, migration and invasion in vitro. Mechanistically, exosomal ADAMTS9‐AS2 inhibits AKT signalling pathway and regulates epithelial‐mesenchymal transition markers. Through profiling miRNA expression profile regulated by exosomal ADAMTS9‐AS2, significantly enriched pathways include metabolic pathway, PI3K‐Akt signalling pathway and pathways in cancer, indicating that exosomal ADAMTS9‐AS2 exerts its functions through interacting with miRNAs during OSF progression. Thus, our findings highlight the crucial role of ADAMTS9‐AS2 in the cell microenvironment during OSF carcinogenesis, which is expected to become a marker for early diagnosis of OSCC.
CASC9 plays a role in salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma in vitro by upregulation of ACLY
Authors: Xie Hongliang , Tang Jianming , Lu Lu , Li Bohan , Wang Mengmeng
Published: December 2020

Objective

The study was designed to explore the role of cancer susceptibility candidate 9 (CASC9) in salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC) (SACC‐83 and SACC‐LM) cell malignant phenotypes.

Methods

Colony formation assay was used to measure cell proliferation. Transwell assay was used to detect cell migration and invasion. Flow cytometry analysis was applied to determine cell cycle distribution and apoptosis. FISH assay revealed the subcellular location of CASC9.

Results

Downregulation of CASC9 inhibited SACC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, led to cell arrest at G0/G1 phase, and facilitated cell apoptosis. In mechanism, CASC9 bound with microRNA 146b‐5p (miR‐146b‐5p) and negatively modulated miR‐146b‐5p expression. MiR‐146b‐5p directly targeted 3’ untranslated region of ATP‐Citrate Lyase (ACLY) to degrade ACLY in SACC cells. CASC9 upregulated ACLY expression through competitively binding with miR‐146b‐5p. Furthermore, rescue assays indicated that ACLY overexpression counteracted the effects triggered by CASC9 knockdown on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis in SACC cells.

Conclusion

CASC9 facilitated the malignant phenotypes of SACC cells by the regulation of the miR‐146b‐5p/ACLY axis. These findings might lay foundation for SACC research.
Forearm Interosseous Membrane Maintains the Stability of Proximal Radioulnar Joint
Authors: Zhang Ning , Fang Jia‐hu
Published: December 2020

Objective

To evaluate the effect of the proximal and central bundles of the interosseous membrane on the stability of proximal radioulnar joint.

Methods

Twenty fresh samples of human forearm provided by the anatomy room of the Department of Human Anatomy of Nanjing Medical University were included in this study. They were used to explore the effect of proximal interosseous membrane bundle on the stability of proximal radioulnar joint. The proximal bundle was reconstructed along the original attachment point. The reconstructions of central bundle were divided into the reconstruction of original attachment point on radius‐midpoint of the ulnar original attachment point (reconstruction A) and original attachment point reconstruction (reconstruction B). The loads of the proximal radioulnar joint in different positions were measured. The load of the proximal radioulnar joint was analyzed in neutral, pronation, and supination positions.

Results

After resection of proximal and central fascicles, the loads of proximal radioulnar joint in neutral, pronation, and supination positions were significantly lower than those before resection (P < 0.05). After reconstruction, the loads of proximal radioulnar joint in neutral and supination positions were higher than those after resection (P < 0.05). After reconstruction, the loads of proximal radioulnar joint in neutral and supination positions were higher than those after resection (P < 0.05), and that after reconstruction B in pronation position was higher than that after resection (P < 0.05), while there was no significant difference between reconstruction A and after resection (P > 0.05). In supination position, the load of reconstruction B was higher than that of reconstruction A (P < 0.05). After reconstruction of the proximal and central bundles, the proximal radioulnar joint could not reached the same load as it could before resection (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The stability of proximal radioulnar joint is affected by central bundle and proximal bundle. Reconstruction can increase the stability of proximal radioulnar joint.
Sterile Tissue Ablation Using Laser Light—System Design, Experimental Validation, and Outlook on Clinical Applicability
Authors: Duverney Cédric , Abbasi Hamed , Berkelaar Majoska , Pelttari Karoliina , Cattin Philippe C. , Barbero Andrea , Zam Azhar , Rauter Georg
Published: December 2020

Preparation of biological samples for further processing or analysis is generally performed manually by means of standard mechanical tools such as scalpels or biopsy punches. While this approach is uncomplicated and swift, it entails constraints such as low, operator-dependent cutting accuracy and reproducibility. Tissue segments surrounding the cut may further suffer mechanical and thermal damage due to shear forces and friction between tool and sample. These hindrances affect procedures both in the laboratory environment as well as within clinical settings. A system has been developed leveraging robotic positioning and laser light for precise, controlled, and contactless tissue ablation, and providing a concise and intuitive graphical user interface. Additionally, sterility of the process is demonstrated, a paramount element for clinical application. The proposed process does not require sterilization of the robotic components or the lasers, easing a prospective integration into existing workflows. In the context of this work, mainly cartilage repair surgery is targeted. The proposed system allows for highly accurate and reproducible shaping of the cartilage lesion area as well as its corresponding engineered cartilage graft, possibly leading to better and faster integration at the defect site. Promising results could be obtained in a first test series with human cartilage samples, validating the functionality of the preparation system and the feasibility of the sterility concept.
Palatalization in coronal consonants of Polish: A three-/four-dimensional ultrasound study
Authors: Ćavar Malgorzata E. , Rudman Emily M. , Lulich Steven M.
Published: December 2020

This paper presents the results of an articulatory study of palatalized consonants in Polish, a language with a typologically rare concentration of two phonemic series of posterior sibilants, one inherently palatalized, and the other contextually (allophonically) palatalized. For both phonemic and allophonic palatalization in Polish, it was found that the most stable correlates of palatalization are the advancement of the tongue root and a combined effect of raising and fronting of the tongue body. The advancement of the tongue root can be interpreted as the driving force in palatalization, while the effect of tongue body fronting and raising can be seen as secondary, resulting from the movement of the tongue root and the characteristic of the tongue as a muscular hydrostat.
Quantifying the contribution of ship noise to the underwater sound field
Authors: Shajahan Najeem , Barclay David R. , Lin Ying-Tsong
Published: December 2020

The ambient sound field in the ocean can be decomposed into a linear combination of two independent fields attributable to wind-generated wave action at the surface and noise radiated by ships. The vertical coherence (the cross-spectrum normalized by the power spectra) and normalized directionality of wind-generated noise in the ocean are stationary in time, do not vary with source strength and spectral characteristics, and depend primarily on the local sound speed and the geoacoustic properties which define the propagation environment. The contribution to the noise coherence due to passing vessels depends on the range between the source and receiver, the propagation environment, and the effective bandwidth of the characteristic source spectrum. Using noise coherence models for both types of the sources, an inversion scheme is developed for the relative and absolute contribution of frequency dependent ship noise to the total sound field. A month-long continuous ambient sound recording collected on a pair of vertically aligned hydrophones near Alvin Canyon at the New England shelf break is decomposed into time-dependent ship noise and wind-driven noise power spectra. The processing technique can be used to quantify the impact of human activity on the sound field above the natural dynamic background noise, or to eliminate ship noise from a passive acoustic monitoring data set.
l
-Arabinose Induces the Formation of Viable Nonproliferating Spheroplasts in Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Espinosa Elena , Daniel Sandra , Hernández Sara B. , Goudin Anthony , Cava Felipe , Barre François-Xavier , Galli Elisa
Published: December 2020

Vibrios
spp. among other bacteria form transient cell wall-deficient forms as a response to different stresses and revert to proliferating rods when permissive conditions have been restored. Such cellular forms have been associated with antimicrobial tolerance, chronic infections, and environmental dispersion.
Availability of the Molecular Switch XylR Controls Phenotypic Heterogeneity and Lag Duration during Escherichia coli Adaptation from Glucose to Xylose
Authors: Barthe Manon , Tchouanti Josué , Gomes Pedro Henrique , Bideaux Carine , Lestrade Delphine , Graham Carl , Steyer Jean-Philippe , Meleard Sylvie , Harmand Jérôme , Gorret Nathalie , Cocaign-Bousquet Muriel , Enjalbert Brice
Published: December 2020

For decades, it was thought that the lags observed when microorganisms switch from one substrate to another are inherent to the time required to adapt the molecular machinery to the new substrate. Here, the lag duration was found to be the time necessary for a subpopulation of adapted cells to emerge and become the main population.
Combined and Distinct Roles of Agr Proteins in Clostridioides difficile 630 Sporulation, Motility, and Toxin Production
Authors: Ahmed Ummey Khalecha Bintha , Shadid Tyler M. , Larabee Jason L. , Ballard Jimmy D.
Published: December 2020

C. difficile
is a spore-forming, toxigenic, anaerobic bacterium that causes severe gastrointestinal illness. Understanding the ways in which
C. difficile
senses growth conditions to regulate toxin expression and sporulation is essential to advancing our understanding of this pathogen.
Thermal properties of $$\pi $$ and $$\rho $$ meson
Authors: Gao Fei , Ding Minghui
Published: December 2020

We computed the pole masses and decay constants of $$\pi $$
π
and $$\rho $$
ρ
meson at finite temperature in the framework of Dyson–Schwinger equations and Bethe–Salpeter equations approach. Below transition temperature, pion pole mass increases monotonously, while $$\rho $$
ρ
meson seems to be temperature independent. Above transition temperature, pion mass approaches the free field limit of screening mass $$\sim 2\pi T$$

∼
2
π
T

, whereas $$\rho $$
ρ
meson is about twice as large as that limit. Pion and the longitudinal projection of $$\rho $$
ρ
meson decay constants have similar behaviour as the order parameter of chiral symmetry, whereas the transverse projection of $$\rho $$
ρ
meson decay constant rises monotonously as temperature increases. The inflection point of decay constant and the chiral susceptibility get the same phase transition temperature. Though there is no access to the thermal width of mesons within this scheme, it is discussed by analyzing the Gell-Mann-Oakes-Renner (GMOR) relation in medium. These thermal properties of hadron observables will help us understand the QCD phases at finite temperature and can be employed to improve the experimental data analysis and heavy ion collision simulations.
Stability of Thin Web Composite Cantilever Beams of Random Lamination
Authors: Rasheed Hayder A. , Ahmadi Habiburrahman , Halim Abdul H.
Published: December 2020

This study addresses the analytical treatment of a closed-form buckling equation for lateral-torsional stability of thin web composite cantilever beams under mid-height tip force. The beam is composed of random ply fiber orientations. Classical lamination theory is embedded into the Vlasov plate formulation to make up the framework of the analytical treatment. A closed-form solution is realized when an innovative dimensional reduction is extended to the 3D constitutive stiffness matrix. This was made possible through a two-step process in which the shear strain, lateral curvature, and twisting curvature are retained first. By condensing the shear strain variable, effective lateral, torsional, and coupling stiffness terms were formulated. Applying the equilibrium conditions in the deformed configuration, two differential equations are obtained in terms of the lateral curvature and twisting angle. Eliminating the lateral curvature, the twisting angle differential equation with nonconstant coefficients is generated. This equation is solved using a hybrid numerical-analytical approach yielding an analytical buckling expression. Finite element results are generated to verify the accuracy of the buckling load predictions indicating very good correlation with the buckling equation results regardless of the random lamination applied.
Investigation on the Aerodynamic Efficiency of Braking Spoiler for High Speed Train Applications
Authors: Vikraman M. , Bruce Ralphin Rose J. , Ganesh Natarajan S.
Published: December 2020

The demand for high speed rail networks is rapidly increasing in developing countries like India. One of the major constraints in the design and implementation of high speed train is the braking efficiency with minimum friction losses. Recently, the aerodynamic braking concept has received good attention and it has been incorporated for high speed bullet trains as a testing phase. The braking performance is extremely important to ensure the passenger safety specifically for the trains moving at more than 120[Formula: see text]km/h. In this paper, an Indian train configuration WAP7 (wide gauge AC electric passenger, Class 7) has been assumed with the locomotive and one passenger car. Aerodynamic braking system design is done by opening a spoiler over the train to amplify the aerodynamic drag at high speeds. The magnitude of braking force depends on the position and orientation of the braking spoiler. It creates differential drag forces at various deflection angles to decelerate the trains instantaneously in proportion to the running speeds. Drag created by the braking spoiler is observed numerically with the help of CFD simulation tools for further validation through wind tunnel experiments. Striking aerodynamic results are obtained with and without braking spoilers on the passenger cars and the spoiler at [Formula: see text] orientation makes greater drag coefficient as compared to the other angles.
C1q/TNF-Related Protein 9 Inhibits Coxsackievirus B3-Induced Injury in Cardiomyocytes through NF-κB and TGF-β1/Smad2/3 by Modulating THBS1
Authors: Liu Kebei , Wang Juan , Gao Xinru , Ren Wei
Published: December 2020

C1q/TNF-related protein 9 (CTRP9) is implicated in diverse cardiovascular diseases, but its role in viral myocarditis (VMC) is not well explored. This study is aimed at investigating the role and potential mechanism of CTRP9 in VMC. Herein, we found that the peripheral blood collected from children with VMC had lower CTRP9 levels than that from children who had recovered from VMC. H9c2 cardiomyocytes treated with coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) were applied to establish a VMC model in vitro, and the expression of CTRP9 was significantly decreased in CVB3-induced H9c2 cells. The overexpression of CTRP9 attenuated CVB3-induced apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis reactions in H9c2 cells by promoting cell proliferation, reducing the cell apoptosis rate, and inhibiting inflammatory cytokine levels and fibrosis-related gene expression. Moreover, we found that thrombospondin 1 (THBS1) levels were increased in children with VMC, and CTRP9 negatively regulated THBS1 expression by interacting with THBS1. The downregulation of THBS1 inhibited CVB3-induced apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in H9c2 cells. In addition, our mechanistic investigation indicated that the overexpression of THBS1 impaired the inhibitory effect of CTRP9 on CVB3-induced H9c2 cells. The results further revealed that the CVB3-induced NF-κB and TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathways of H9c2 cells were blocked by CTRP9 yet activated by THBS1. In conclusion, CTRP9 protected H9c2 cells from CVB3-induced injury via the NF-κB and TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathways by modulating THBS1.
Effect of Calomelanone, a Dihydrochalcone Analogue, on Human Cancer Apoptosis/Regulated Cell Death in an In Vitro Model
Authors: Rachakhom Wasitta , Banjerdpongchai Ratana
Published: December 2020

Calomelanone, 2 ′,6 ′‐dihydroxy‐4,4 ′‐dimethoxydihydrochalcone, possesses anticancer activities. This study was conducted to investigate the cytotoxic effect of calomelanone, a dihydrochalcone analogue, on human cancer cells and its associated mechanisms. The cytotoxic effect of calomelanone was measured by MTT assay. Annexin V‐FITC/propidium iodide and DiOC6 staining that employed flow cytometry were used to determine the mode of cell death and reduction of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (MTP), respectively. Caspase activities were measured using specific substrates and colorimetric analysis. The expression levels of Bcl‐2 family proteins were determined by immunoblotting. Reactive oxygen species were also measured using 2 ′,7 ′‐dihydrodichlorofluorescein diacetate and dihydroethidium (fluorescence dyes). Calomelanone was found to be toxic towards various human cancer cells, including acute promyelocytic HL‐60 and monocytic leukemic U937 cells, in a dose‐dependent manner at 24 h and human hepatocellular HepG2 cells at 48 h. However, the proliferation of HepG2 cells increased at 24 h. Calomelanone was found to induce apoptosis in HL‐60 and U937 at 24 h and HepG2 apoptosis at 48 h via the intrinsic pathway by inducing MTP disruption. This compound also induced caspase‐3, caspase‐8, and caspase‐9 activities. Calomelanone upregulated proapoptotic Bax and Bak and downregulated antiapoptotic Bcl‐xL proteins in HepG2 cells. Moreover, signaling was also associated with oxidative stress in HepG2 cells. Calomelanone induced autophagy at 24 h of treatment, which was evidenced by staining with monodansylcadaverine (MDC) to represent autophagic flux. This was associated with a decrease of Akt (survival pathway) and an upregulation of Atg5 (the marker of autophagy). Thus, calomelanone induced apoptosis/regulated cell death in HL‐60, U937, and HepG2 cells. However, it also induced autophagy in HepG2 depending on duration, dose, and type of cells. Thus, calomelanone could be used as a potential anticancer agent for cancer treatment. Nevertheless, acute and chronic toxicity should be further investigated in animals before conducting investigations in human patients.
Pathology‐Related Influences on the VEM: Three Years’ Experience since Implementation of a New Parameter in Phoniatric Voice Diagnostics
Authors: Müller Constanze , Caffier Felix , Nawka Tadeus , Müller Matthias , Caffier Philipp P.
Published: December 2020

The vocal extent measure (VEM) represents a new diagnostic tool to express vocal capacity by quantifying the dynamic performance and frequency range of voice range profiles (VRPs). For VEM calculation, the VRP area is multiplied by the quotient of the theoretical perimeter of a circle with equal VRP area and the actual VRP perimeter. Since different diseases affect voice function to varying degrees, pathology‐related influences on the VEM should be investigated more detailed in this retrospective study, three years after VEM implementation. Data was obtained in a standardized voice assessment comprising videolaryngostroboscopy, voice handicap index (VHI‐9i), and acoustic‐aerodynamic analysis with automatic calculation of VEM and dysphonia severity index (DSI). The complete dataset comprised 1030 subjects, from which 994 adults (376 male, 618 female; 18‐86 years) were analyzed more detailed. The VEM differed significantly between pathology subgroups (p < 0.001) and correlated with the corresponding DSI values. Regarding VHI‐9i, the VEM reflected the subjective impairment better than the DSI. We conclude that the VEM proved to be a comprehensible and easy‐to‐use interval‐scaled parameter for objective VRP evaluation in all pathology subgroups. As expected, exclusive consideration of the measured pathology‐related influences on the VEM does not allow conclusions regarding the specific underlying diagnosis.
Model Test on Segmental Grouting Diffusion Process in Muddy Fault of Tunnel Engineering
Authors: Liu Jun , Zhang Qingsong , Zhang Lianzhen , Peng Fang , Li Zhipeng , Weng Xianjie
Published: December 2020

In order to realize the diffusion law of segmental grouting in muddy fault of tunnel engineering, a three-dimensional grouting diffusion simulation test has been done. Three times of grouting operation have been done for three adjacent sections in grouting pipe. Grouting pressure, injection rate, soil pressure field, and seepage pressure field have been real-time monitored in three grouting stages. The effect of segmental grouting operation on soil pressure field and effective stress field has been analyzed. Results show that previous grouting operation can affect later grouting operation. Due to previous grouting operation, the grouted stratum can be compacted and grouting diffusion will conquer greater resistance in later grouting stages. Correspondingly, grouting pressure increases and injection rate decreases in the later grouting stage. There exists a limited influence range for a single grouting operation. For every grouting stage, soil pressure and effective stress in the section which the injection hole locates in are affected effectively by grouting operation. By contrast, soil pressure and effective stress in section away from injection hole are affected relatively weakly by grouting operation. With distance to injection hole increasing, compaction degree and reinforcement effect of grouted muddy fault decay in space. Multisegmental grouting method has significant advantages over single grouting method. Ineffectively compacted area by previous grouting operation can be effectively compacted by later grouting operation from adjacent injection hole. As a result, uniformity of grouting reinforcement effect can be improved, and weakly reinforcement area can be reduced.
Seam-Carved Image Tampering Detection Based on the Cooccurrence of Adjacent LBPs
Authors: Zhang Dengyong , Chen Xiao , Li Feng , Sangaiah Arun Kumar , Ding Xiangling
Published: December 2020

Seam carving has been widely used in image resizing due to its superior performance in avoiding image distortion and deformation, which can maliciously be used on purpose, such as tampering contents of an image. As a result, seam-carving detection is becoming crucially important to recognize the image authenticity. However, existing methods do not perform well in the accuracy of seam-carving detection especially when the scaling ratio is low. In this paper, we propose an image forensic approach based on the cooccurrence of adjacent local binary patterns (LBPs), which employs LBP to better display texture information. Specifically, a total of 24 energy-based, seam-based, half-seam-based, and noise-based features in the LBP domain are applied to the seam-carving detection. Moreover, the cooccurrence features of adjacent LBPs are combined to highlight the local relationship between LBPs. Besides, SVM after training is adopted for feature classification to determine whether an image is seam-carved or not. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness in improving the detection accuracy with respect to different scaling ratios, especially under low scaling ratios.
Joint Optimization of Regular Charging Electric Bus Transit Network Schedule and Stationary Charger Deployment considering Partial Charging Policy and Time-of-Use Electricity Prices
Authors: Li Xinghua , Wang Tianzuo , Li Lingjie , Feng Feiyu , Wang Wei , Cheng Cheng
Published: December 2020

Electric buses (EBs) have been implemented worldwide and exhibited great potential for air pollution reduction and traffic noise control. In regular charging scenarios, the deployment of charging facilities and the operational scheduling of the transit system is crucial to bus transit system management. In this paper, we proposed a joint optimization model of regular charging electric bus transit network schedule and stationary charger deployment considering partial charging policy and time-of-use electricity prices. The objective of the model is to minimize the total investment cost of the transit system including the capital and maintenance cost of EBs and chargers, the power consumption cost, and time-related in-service cost. A solving procedure based on the improved adaptive genetic algorithm (AGA) is further designed and a transit network at inner Anting Town, Shanghai, with 8 individual bus routes and 867 daily service trips is adopted for the model validation. The validation results illustrated that the methodology considering the partial charging policy can arrange the charging schedule adaptive to the time-of-use electricity prices. Compared with the benchmark of single line separate scheduling, the proposed model can yield 3 million RMB investment saving by highly utilizing EBs and battery chargers.
Origin of Bedding-Parallel Calcite Veins from Lacustrine Shale in the Eocene Dongying Depression, Bohai Bay Basin, China
Authors: Shen Zhenhuan , Yu Bingsong , Bai Chenyang , Han Shujun , Liu Huimin
Published: December 2020

Calcite veins, which developed parallel to the bedding, are widespread in laminated source rocks in the Eocene Dongying Depression. However, there is a lack of systematic description and classification of the veins. This study presents a systematic characterization of the calcite veins, host rocks, and micritic carbonate laminae by applying petrographic and geochemical methods to understand vein-forming mechanisms. Antitaxial and syntaxial veins are examined. Antitaxial veins contain typical fibrous crystals with the most intense fluorescence, and the median zone of these veins is often the micritic carbonate. Calcite crystals in syntaxial veins develop a blocky morphology of various sizes, indicating obvious growth competition. Data of rare earth elements and trace elements obtained from the micritic laminae, host rocks, and calcite veins are very similar. This indicates that the vein-forming nutrients originated from the carbonate in the host rocks and micritic laminae. The minor difference in C and Sr isotopes between calcite veins and micritic carbonate within the host rock and the negative shift in O isotopes in the veins are caused by ion exchange and dehydration of swelling clay minerals in the burial environment. This further proves that the calcite veins are formed in a closed system. Geochemical analysis suggests that the rocks are in the oil window and have good hydrocarbon potential. Thermal evolution of the acidic fluids generated from organic matter (OM) resulted in the dissolution of carbonate and formed fluid overpressure in the rocks. Fluid overpressure induced the formation of fractures in the interlayer and expanded the veins with the force of crystallization due to fibrous calcite growth. Blocky crystals grow in the fractures from the margins toward the center. Hydrocarbon expulsed via OM maturation in the host rock fills the intercrystalline pores. Moreover, shale with bedding-parallel calcite has the characteristics of high-quality shale oil reservoirs. These characteristics will probably provide guidance for shale oil exploration.
Association of Cumulative Systolic Blood Pressure With Long-Term Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Healthy Longevity
Authors: Reges Orna , Ning Hongyan , Wilkins John T. , Wu Colin O. , Tian Xin , Domanski Michael J. , Lloyd-Jones Donald M. , Allen Norrina B.
Published: December 2020

Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), but previous studies have mostly been limited to a single exam, a single cohort, a short follow-up period, or a limited number of outcomes. This study aimed to assess the association of 10-year cumulative systolic blood pressure (BP) in middle age with long-term risk of any CVD, coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure, all-cause mortality, and healthy longevity. Individuals (11 502) from 5 racially/ethnically diverse US community-based cohorts were included in this study once they met all the inclusion criteria: ≥10 year of observation in the included cohort, aged 45 to 60 years, free of CVD, and had ≥3 visits with BP exams over the preceding 10 years. For each participant, systolic BP level was predicted for each year of the 10-year prior inclusion, based on the available exams (median of 4.0; spread over, 9.1 [range, 7.2–10] years). Lower 10-year cumulative systolic BP was associated with 4.1 years longer survival and 5.4 years later onset of CVD, resulting in living longer life with a shorter period with morbidity. Models adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, cardiovascular risk factors, and index systolic BP demonstrated associations of 10-year cumulative systolic BP (per 130 mm Hg×year change, the threshold for stage-1 hypertension) with CVD (hazard ratio [HR], 1.28 [95% CI, 1.20–1.36]), coronary heart disease (HR, 1.29 [95% CI, 1.19–1.40]), stroke (HR, 1.33 [95% CI, 1.20–1.47]), heart failure (HR, 1.12 [95% CI, 1.02–1.23]), and all-cause mortality (HR, 1.21 [95% CI, 1.14–1.29]). These findings emphasize the importance of 10-year cumulative systolic BP as a risk factor to CVD, above and beyond current systolic BP.
Direct Admission of Patients With ST‐Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction to the Catheterization Laboratory Shortens Pain‐to‐Balloon and Door‐to‐Balloon Time Intervals but Only the Pain‐to‐Balloon Interval Impacts Short‐ and Long‐Term Mortality
Authors: Meisel Simcha R. , Kleiner‐Shochat Michael , Abu‐Fanne Rami , Frimerman Aaron , Danon Asaf , Minha Sa’ar , Levi Yaniv , Blatt Alex , Mohsen Jameel , Shotan Avraham , Roguin Ariel
Published: December 2020

Background

Shortening the pain‐to‐balloon (P2B) and door‐to‐balloon (D2B) intervals in patients with ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) is essential in order to limit myocardial damage. We investigated whether direct admission of PPCI‐treated patients with STEMI to the catheterization laboratory, bypassing the emergency department, expedites reperfusion and improves prognosis.

Methods and Results

Consecutive PPCI‐treated patients with STEMI included in the ACSIS (Acute Coronary Syndrome in Israel Survey), a prospective nationwide multicenter registry, were divided into patients admitted directly or via the emergency department. The impact of the P2B and D2B intervals on mortality was compared between groups by logistic regression and propensity score matching. Of the 4839 PPCI‐treated patients with STEMI, 1174 were admitted directly and 3665 via the emergency department. Respective median P2B and D2B were shorter among the directly admitted patients with STEMI (160 and 35 minutes) compared with those admitted via the emergency department (210 and 75 minutes,
P
<0.001). Decreased mortality was observed with direct admission at 1 and 2 years and at the end of follow‐up (median 6.4 years,
P
<0.001). Survival advantage persisted after adjustment by logistic regression and propensity matching. P2B, but not D2B, impacted survival (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

Direct admission of PPCI‐treated patients with STEMI decreased mortality by shortening P2B and D2B intervals considerably. However, P2B, but not D2B, impacted mortality. It seems that the D2B interval has reached its limit of effect. Thus, all efforts should be extended to shorten P2B by educating the public to activate early the emergency medical services to bypass the emergency department and allow timely PPCI for the best outcome.
Fātiḥa Marriage in Morocco
Authors: Yavuz-Altıntaş Miyase
Published: December 2020

This paper investigates the debates over, and the promulgation of, the new Moroccan laws on unregistered customary marriages and on establishing the paternity of offspring resulting from such marriages, and it analyzes how those laws have been implemented by the judiciary. The paper closely examines the relevant deliberations of the Moroccan Royal Advisory Commission, and analyzes 24 court cases involving the laws. I argue that, while monogamous registered marriage is depicted in the national legal system as the basis for establishing a modern Moroccan society, legislators regard fātiḥa marriage as a social reality that has its roots in customs and religious practices. The paper shows that judges abide by the conditions specified in law but differ in their interpretation of “force majeure” when it comes to a couple’s having not registered their marriage. The study also reveals how the laws create legal loopholes in terms of underage marriage and polygyny, which are strictly restricted in the code.
A close affinity of the enigmatic genus Stegocoleus with Lepidomma revealed by new fossil evidence (Coleoptera: Archostemata: Ommatidae)

Authors: LI YAN-DA , TIHELKA ERIK , YAMAMOTO SHÛHEI , HUANG DI-YING , CAI CHEN-YANG
Published: December 2020

Stegocoleus Jarzembowski & Wang is an enigmatic genus in the family Ommatidae, known to date only from Burmese amber. This genus possesses a unique combination of characters, including antennal grooves on the ventral side of head, well-developed epipleural rims, and presence of separated procoxae, which makes its systematic position unclear. Here we report two new species of Lepidomma from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber, L. longisquama sp. nov. and L. jarzembowskii sp. nov. Based on these well-preserved specimens and new morphological details revealed by widefield fluorescence and confocal microscopy, we discuss the morphological similarities between Lepidomma and the enigmatic Stegocoleus. We suggest that Stegocoleus is not a basal ommatid, but a highly derived form of ommatid beetles.
New early Barremian amber outcrops from Lebanon

Authors: MAKSOUD SIBELLE , TALEB KHALED , GÈZE RAYMOND , AZAR DANY
Published: December 2020

Lebanon is fascinating with its numerous Mesozoic amber outcrops. To date, 19 amber outcrops have been reported from the Kimmeridgian, Late Jurassic (Azar et al., 2010b; Nohra et al., 2013; Maksoud & Azar, 2020), and more than 430 from the lower Barremian (Garnier et al., 2016; Maksoud et al., 2017), Lower Cretaceous (Maksoud & Azar, 2020). This later number is still continuously growing, with to date 24 outcrops yielding biological inclusions (Maksoud et al., 2019, 2020). Lebanese amber is among the most important ambers as it documents the initial diversification of the extant entomofauna and the disappearance of some archaic insect groups (Azar, 1997, 2007, 2012; Azar & Nel, 1998; Azar et al., 2010a; Maksoud & Azar, 2020; Poinar & Milki, 2001).
A new mesopanorpodid scorpionfly (Insecta: Mecoptera) from the Mesozoic of Jilin Province, northeastern China

Authors: LIAN XIN-NENG , CAI CHEN-YANG , HUANG DI-YING
Published: December 2020

Mesopanorpodidae Tillyard, 1918 is a small extinct family of Mecoptera described from France, Russia, China, Australia, and South Africa ranging from the Late Permian to the Late Triassic. The systematic placement of Mesopanorpodidae is debated; some suggested it as a separate family (Riek, 1953, 1976; Carpenter, 1992; Ren et al., 1995; Van Dijk & Geertsema, 1999; Hong et al., 2002; Hong & Guo, 2003; Sun et al., 2007), whereas others considered it a member of Permochoristidae Tillyard, 1918 (Martynova, 1962; Novokshonov, 2001; Novokshonov et al., 2004; Bashkuev, 2011). As all mesopanorpodids distinctly differ from Permochoristidae by their constant four-branched Rs and M in both forewing and hind wing, here we regard it as a valid family. Herein, we describe the first species of Prochoristella Riek, 1953 (Mesopanorpodidae) from the Xiaofengmidingzi Formation of Jilin Province, northeastern China.
SOUTHTRAC-GW: An Airborne Field Campaign to Explore Gravity Wave Dynamics at the World’s Strongest Hotspot
Authors: Rapp Markus , Kaifler Bernd , Dörnbrack Andreas , Gisinger Sonja , Mixa Tyler , Reichert Robert , Kaifler Natalie , Knobloch Stefanie , Eckert Ramona , Wildmann Norman , Giez Andreas , Krasauskas Lukas , Preusse Peter , Geldenhuys Markus , Riese Martin , Woiwode Wolfgang , Friedl-Vallon Felix , Sinnhuber Björn-Martin , Torre Alejandro de la , Alexander Peter , Hormaechea Jose Luis , Janches Diego , Garhammer Markus , Chau Jorge L. , Conte J. Federico , Hoor Peter , Engel Andreas
Published: December 2020

The southern part of South America and the Antarctic peninsula are known as the world’s strongest hotspot region of stratospheric gravity wave (GW) activity. Large tropospheric winds are deflected by the Andes and the Antarctic Peninsula and excite GWs that might propagate into the upper mesosphere. Satellite observations show large stratospheric GW activity above the mountains, the Drake Passage, and in a belt centered along 60°S. This scientifically highly interesting region for studying GW dynamics was the focus of the Southern Hemisphere Transport, Dynamics, and Chemistry–Gravity Waves (SOUTHTRAC-GW) mission. The German High Altitude and Long Range Research Aircraft (HALO) was deployed to Rio Grande at the southern tip of Argentina in September 2019. Seven dedicated research flights with a typical length of 7,000 km were conducted to collect GW observations with the novel Airborne Lidar for Middle Atmosphere research (ALIMA) instrument and the Gimballed Limb Observer for Radiance Imaging of the Atmosphere (GLORIA) limb sounder. While ALIMA measures temperatures in the altitude range from 20 to 90 km, GLORIA observations allow characterization of temperatures and trace gas mixing ratios from 5 to 15 km. Wave perturbations are derived by subtracting suitable mean profiles. This paper summarizes the motivations and objectives of the SOUTHTRAC-GW mission. The evolution of the atmospheric conditions is documented including the effect of the extraordinary Southern Hemisphere sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) that occurred in early September 2019. Moreover, outstanding initial results of the GW observation and plans for future work are presented.