bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinicopathological, Radiological, and Molecular Features of Primary Lung Adenocarcinoma with Morule-Like Components
Authors: Wang Li-Li , Ding Li , Zhao Peng , Guan Jing-Jing , Ji Xiao-Bin , Zhou Xiao-Li , Shao Shi-Hong , Zou Yu-Wei , Fu Wei-Wei , Lin Dong-Liang
Published: June 2021

Background. Morule-like component (MLC) was a rare structure in primary lung adenocarcinoma. We aimed to reveal the clinicopathological, radiological, immunohistochemical, and molecular features of lung adenocarcinoma with MLCs. Methods. Twenty lung adenocarcinomas with MLCs were collected, and computed tomographic and histological documents were reviewed. Immunohistochemistry, targeted next-generation sequencing, and Sanger sequencing for β-catenin gene were performed. Results. There were 9 lepidic adenocarcinomas, 8 acinar adenocarcinomas, 2 papillary adenocarcinomas, and 1 minimally invasive adenocarcinoma. Most patients (16/17) were shown a pure solid nodule, and 1 patient was shown a partly solid nodule on chest computed tomography (CT). Nine cases were accompanied with micropapillary components, and 3 were with cribriform components in which 2 suffered a worse prognosis. No significant association was found between the MCLs and the overall survival of lung adenocarcinoma (

P
=
0.109

). The MLCs were often arranged in whorled or streaming patterns. The cells in MLCs showed syncytial and mild appearance. The MLCs were positive for E-cadherin, CK7, TTF-1, napsin-A, vimentin, and β-catenin (membrane), and negative for CK5/6, p40, p63, Synaptophysin, chromogranin A, and Cdx-2. EGFR mutation, ALK-EML4 fusion, HER2 amplification, and PIK3CA mutation were detected in 16 cases, 2 cases, 1 case, and 1 case, respectively. EGFR mutation was more frequent in adenocarcinomas with MLCs than those without MLCs (

P
=
0.040

). β-catenin gene mutation was not detected in any patients. Conclusions. MLC is often observed in the background of acinar, lepidic, and papillary adenocarcinomas. Lung adenocarcinomas with MLCs tend to appear as a solid mass on CT and harbor EGFR gene mutations. The micropapillary components and cribriform components may cause poor prognosis of lung adenocarcinomas with MLCs. Vimentin is always positive in MLCs, and it is a useful marker for the identification of MLCs.
Life‐Cycle Seismic Fragility Assessment of Existing RC Bridges Subject to Chloride‐Induced Corrosion in Marine Environment
Authors: Hu Sicong , Wang Zheyan , Guo Yu , Xiao Gui
Published: June 2021

Bridges in a marine environment have been suffering from the chloride attack for a long period of time. Due to the fact that different sections of piers may be exposed to different conditionals, the chloride‐induced corrosion not only affects the scale of the deterioration process but also significantly modifies over time the damage propagation mechanisms and the seismic damage distribution. In order to investigate the seismic damage of existing RC bridges subject to spatial chloride‐induced corrosion in a marine environment, Duracrete model is applied to determine the corrosion initiation time of reinforcing steels under different exposure conditionals and the degradation models of reinforcing steels, confined concrete, and unconfined concrete are obtained based on the previous investigation. According to the seismic fragility assessment method, the damage assessment approach for the existing RC bridges subject to spatial chloride‐induced corrosion in a marine environment is present. Moreover, a case study of a bridge under two kinds of water regions investigated the influence of spatial chloride‐induced corrosion on the seismic damage of piers and other components. The results show that the spatial chloride‐induced corrosion may result in the section at the low water level becoming more vulnerable than the adjacent sections and the alteration of seismic damage distribution of piers. The corrosion of pier will increase the seismic damage probability of itself, whereas it will result in a reduction of seismic damage probability of other components. Moreover, the alteration of seismic damage distribution of piers will amplify the effect. Due to the fact that the spatial chloride‐induced corrosion of piers may alter the yield sequence of cross section, it then affects the seismic performance assessment of piers. A method to determine the evolution probability of yield sequence of corroded piers is proposed at last. From the result, the evolution probability of yield sequence of piers in longitudinal direction depends on the relationship between the height of piers and submerged zone. Moreover, the height of piers, submerged zone, and tidal zone have a common influence on the evolution of yield sequence of piers in transversal direction.
Multi‐Nyström Method Based on Multiple Kernel Learning for Large Scale Imbalanced Classification
Authors: Wang Ling , Wang Hongqiao , Fu Guangyuan
Published: June 2021

Extensions of kernel methods for the class imbalance problems have been extensively studied. Although they work well in coping with nonlinear problems, the high computation and memory costs severely limit their application to real‐world imbalanced tasks. The Nyström method is an effective technique to scale kernel methods. However, the standard Nyström method needs to sample a sufficiently large number of landmark points to ensure an accurate approximation, which seriously affects its efficiency. In this study, we propose a multi‐Nyström method based on mixtures of Nyström approximations to avoid the explosion of subkernel matrix, whereas the optimization to mixture weights is embedded into the model training process by multiple kernel learning (MKL) algorithms to yield more accurate low‐rank approximation. Moreover, we select subsets of landmark points according to the imbalance distribution to reduce the model’s sensitivity to skewness. We also provide a kernel stability analysis of our method and show that the model solution error is bounded by weighted approximate errors, which can help us improve the learning process. Extensive experiments on several large scale datasets show that our method can achieve a higher classification accuracy and a dramatical speedup of MKL algorithms.
Loss of SDHB Promotes Dysregulated Iron Homeostasis, Oxidative Stress, and Sensitivity to Ascorbate
Authors: Goncalves Judith , Moog Sophie , Morin Aurélie , Gentric Géraldine , Müller Sebastian , Morrell Alexander P. , Kluckova Katarina , Stewart Theodora J. , Andoniadou Cynthia L. , Lussey-Lepoutre Charlotte , Bénit Paule , Thakker Alpesh , Vettore Lisa , Roberts Jennie , Rodriguez Raphaël , Mechta-Grigoriou Fatima , Gimenez-Roqueplo Anne-Paule , Letouzé Eric , Tennant Daniel A. , Favier Judith
Published: June 2021

Succinate dehydrogenase is a key enzyme in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and the electron transport chain. All four subunits of succinate dehydrogenase are tumor suppressor genes predisposing to paraganglioma, but only mutations in the SDHB subunit are associated with increased risk of metastasis. Here we generated an Sdhd knockout chromaffin cell line and compared it with Sdhb-deficient cells. Both cell types exhibited similar SDH loss of function, metabolic adaptation, and succinate accumulation. In contrast, Sdhb−/− cells showed hallmarks of mesenchymal transition associated with increased DNA hypermethylation and a stronger pseudo-hypoxic phenotype compared with Sdhd−/− cells. Loss of SDHB specifically led to increased oxidative stress associated with dysregulated iron and copper homeostasis in the absence of NRF2 activation. High-dose ascorbate exacerbated the increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, leading to cell death in Sdhb−/− cells. These data establish a mechanism linking oxidative stress to iron homeostasis that specifically occurs in Sdhb-deficient cells and may promote metastasis. They also highlight high-dose ascorbate as a promising therapeutic strategy for SDHB-related cancers.

Significance:

Loss of different succinate dehydrogenase subunits can lead to different cell and tumor phenotypes, linking stronger 2-OG–dependent dioxygenases inhibition, iron overload, and ROS accumulation following SDHB mutation.
“Rescue” of Nonparticipants in Colorectal Cancer Screening: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Three Noninvasive Test Options
Authors: Young Graeme Paul , Chen Gang , Wilson Carlene J. , McGrane Ellen , Hughes-Barton Donna Lee-Ann , Flight Ingrid Helen K. , Symonds Erin Leigh
Published: June 2021

Few studies have directly targeted nonparticipants in colorectal cancer screening to identify effective engagement strategies. We undertook a randomized controlled trial that targeted nonparticipants in a previous trial of average-risk subjects which compared participation rates for mailed invitations offering a fecal test, a blood test or a choice of either. Nonparticipants (n = 899) were randomized to be offered a kit containing a fecal immunochemical test (FIT), directions on how to arrange a blood DNA test, or the option of doing either. Screening participation was assessed 12 weeks after the offer. To assess the cognitive and attitudinal variables related to participation and invitee choice, invitees were surveyed after 12 weeks, and associations were investigated using multinomial logistic regression. Participation rates were similar between groups (P = 0.88): 12.0% for FIT (35/292), 13.3% for the blood test (39/293), and 13.4% for choice (39/290). Within the choice group, participation was significantly higher with FIT (9.7%, 28/290) compared with the blood test (3.8%, 11/290, P = 0.005). The only variable significantly associated with participation was socioeconomic status when offered FIT, and age when offered choice but there was none when offered the blood test. Survey respondents indicated that convenience, time-saving, comfort, and familiarity were major influences on participation. There was no clear advantage between a fecal test, blood test, or choice of test although, when given a choice, the fecal test was preferred. Differences in variables associated with participation according to invitation strategy warrant consideration when deciding upon an invitation strategy for screening nonparticipants.

Prevention Relevance:

This trial of screening for those at average risk for colorectal cancer targeted past fecal-test nonparticipants and compared participation rates for mailed invitations offering a fecal test, blood test, or choice of either. Although there was no clear advantage between strategies, factors associated with participation differed between each strategy.
Duodenal Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor: A Rare Disease in a Young Adult Female Patient Presenting with Life-Threatening Hemorrhage
Authors: Fabbi Manrica , Castoldi Laura , Sallusti Maurizio , Rossi Giorgio , Reggiani Paolo
Published: June 2021

Duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumors (dGISTs) may be a source of life-threatening hemorrhage that leads to emergency surgical care, precluding tumor staging and the planning of an elective treatment. In this study, we report a case of potentially lethal bleeding dGIST in a young woman successfully treated by an organ-preserving elective surgery after endoscopic and angiographic hemostasis. A 26-year-old female patient was admitted to the Emergency Unit of our hospital with the complaints of hematemesis and melena in the previous 12 h. An upper endoscopy showed a 4-cm submucosal lesion, between the 2nd and 3rd part of the duodenum, in the lateral wall, with massive bleeding arising from central ulceration. Hemostasis was initially achieved endoscopically and then optimized by transarterial embolization. After a contrast-enhanced CT, the patient underwent planning elective surgery. Intraoperatively, a 3-cm lesion was confirmed and resected by excision of the full-thickness duodenum with adequate free margins. Immunohistochemical analysis of the specimen revealed to be a dGIST, with a low mitotic count (<5 mitosis/50 high power field), and tumor necrosis present in <50% of the lesion. The patient had an uneventful course.
Protective Effect of Calcium Dobesilate on Induced AKI in Severely Burned Mice
Authors: Akhter Nazma , Sun Hong , Machuki Jerrmia Ong’achwa , Ren Hong-qi
Published: June 2021

Background: Early acute kidney injury (AKI) predicts a high mortality rate in severely burned patients. However, the pathophysiology of early AKI induced by severe burn has not been well-defined. This study was designed to examine the protective effects of calcium dobesilate (CaD) against severe burn-induced early AKI in mice and explore the mechanism. Methods: The shaved backs of mice were immersed in 100°C water for 10 s to make severe burn (40% of the total body surface area). CD-57 male mice were randomly divided into sham, burn, burn + vehicle, and burn + CaD groups. Renal function, reactive oxygen species generation, tubular necrosis, and phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase, protein kinase B (Akt), and nuclear factor (NF)-κB were measured at 24 and 48 h after the burn. Renal histology, ELISA, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting were performed on the renal tissue of mice to examine the effects and mechanisms at 24 and 48 h after the burn. Results: Tubular damage, cast formation, and elevations of serum creatinine, BUN, and renal tissue kidney injury molecule 1 levels were all observed in the burned mice, and these were all alleviated in the mice with CaD treatment. In addition, the levels of oxidation-reduction potential and malondialdehyde were decreased, while the activities of the endogenous antioxidative enzymes were increased in the kidney tissues from the mice after CaD treatment. Furthermore, the activities of Akt, p38, extracellular sign-regulated kinase, Jun N-terminal kinase, and NF-κB signaling were increased in the kidney of burned mice and normalized after CaD treatment. Conclusion: This study has established, for the first time, the protective effect of CaD against early AKI in severely burned mice. CaD may exert its protective effect through alleviating oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation, as well as modulating some signaling pathways in the kidney.
Severe Bilateral Photophobia and Unilateral Abducens Nerve Palsy: An Unusual Presentation of Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus
Authors: Seddon Ian , Skolnick Keith
Published: June 2021

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) is an uncommon neurocutaneous condition resulting from reactivation of the varicella zoster virus in the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve. Typical presentation of HZO includes a characteristic painful vesicular dermatomal rash. However, the appearance of isolated neurologic complications in the absence of ocular findings has not been previously emphasized. We observed a 47-year-old female patient with established HZO who presented with 1 week of worsening bilateral photophobia and double vision following completion of antiviral treatment. Her motility examination revealed near-complete abduction deficit of her left eye with no other signs of neurologic deficit. Slit lamp biomicroscopy, magnetic resonance imaging, and all laboratory tests were negative. After 2 tapering cycles of oral corticosteroid treatment, her photophobia resolved, and ophthalmoplegia significantly improved. The failure of antiviral therapy in preventing our patient’s neurologic sequelae highlights the importance of concurrent steroid therapy in suspected HZO patients. Furthermore, the resolution of symptoms following administration of systemic glucocorticoids supports consideration of HZO complications as immune-mediated. Finally, the unusual presentation of bilateral photophobia in the absence of ocular inflammation warrants further investigation into the pathogenesis of HZO.
5-Deoxyadenosine Metabolism: More than “Waste Disposal”
Authors: Rapp Johanna , Forchhammer Karl
Published: June 2021

5-Deoxyadenosine (5dAdo) is a by-product of many radical SAM enzyme reactions in all domains of life, and an inhibitor of the radical SAM enzymes themselves. Hence, pathways to recycle or dispose of this toxic by-product must exist but remain largely unexplored. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge about canonical and atypical 5dAdo salvage pathways that have been characterized in the last years. We highlight studies that report on how, in certain organisms, the salvage of 5dAdo via specific pathways can confer a growth advantage by providing either intermediates for the synthesis of secondary metabolites or a carbon source for the synthesis of metabolites of the central carbon metabolism. Yet, an alternative recycling route exists in organisms that use 5dAdo as a substrate to synthesize and excrete 7-deoxysedoheptulose, an allelopathic inhibitor of one enzyme of the shikimate pathway, thereby competing for their own niche. Remarkably, most steps of 5dAdo salvage are the result of the activity of promiscuous enzymes. This strategy enables even organisms with a small genome to synthesize bioactive compounds which they can deploy under certain conditions to gain a competitive growth advantage. We conclude emphasizing that, unexpectedly, 5dAdo salvage pathways seem not to be ubiquitously present, raising questions about the fate of such a toxic by-product in those species. This observation also suggests that additional 5dAdo salvage pathways, possibly relying on the activity of promiscuous enzymes, may exist. The future challenge will be to bring to light these “cryptic” 5dAdo recycling pathways.
GFAP-Negative Subcutaneous Sacrococcygeal Extraspinal Ependymoma
Authors: Goto Kazuya , Fujii Hiroko , Honjo Gen , Kore-eda Satoshi
Published: June 2021

Ependymomas are slowly growing glial tumors derived from the ependymal cells and usually occur in the central nervous system (CNS). Ependymomas rarely occur outside of the CNS and they are called extraspinal ependymomas. In spite of their metastatic potential, extraspinal ependymomas can be misdiagnosed for other benign mass like pilonidal cysts. The diagnosis is confirmed by histopathology and most of the cases are known to show glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), S-100 protein, and keratin (AE1AE3) immunoreactivity. Herein, we present a case of GFAP-negative ependymoma, which presented as asymptomatic subcutaneous tumor of the left buttock and was clinically misdiagnosed as epidermal cyst. Our case indicates that ependymomas cannot be ruled out by lack of GFAP immunoreactivity and an asymptomatic subcutaneous mass could be a malignant tumor like ependymomas, which requires careful examinations.
Prolactin and Its Altered Action in Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Duc Nguyen Hai , Pal Yu Byung , Hoang Ngoc Hong Minh , Jo Won Hee , Young Chung Hae , Kim Min-Sun
Published: June 2021

Background: Prolactin (PRL) is one of the most diverse pituitary hormones and is known to modulate normal neuronal function and neurodegenerative conditions. Many studies have described the influence that PRL has on the central nervous system and addressed its contribution to neurodegeneration, but little is known about the mechanisms responsible for the effects of PRL on neurodegenerative disorders, especially on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Summary: We review and summarize the existing literature and current understanding of the roles of PRL on various PRL aspects of AD and PD. Key Messages: In general, PRL is viewed as a promising molecule for the treatment of AD and PD. Modulation of PRL functions and targeting of immune mechanisms are needed to devise preventive or therapeutic strategies.
Hypertension, Arterial Stiffness, and Clinical Outcomes: A Cohort Study of Chinese Community-Based Population
Authors: Zhou Zhe , Xing Ai-Jun , Zhang Jian-Ning , Xia Wen-Hao , Su Chen , Xu Shi-Yue , Zhang Xiao-Yu , Chen Shuo-Hua , Huang Zhe , Qian Xiao-Xian , Wu Shou-Ling , Tao Jun
Published: June 2021

Whether the combination of different blood pressure and arterial stiffness (AS) status is independently associated with clinical outcomes in community dwellers has not been fully investigated so far. We measured AS by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity and other cardiovascular risk factors in a community-based population. A total of 5797 participants were enrolled. The end point was a composite of stroke, unfatal myocardial infraction, and all-cause death. Using Cox proportional hazard model to calculate hazard ratios with 95% CIs, we compared the end point between individuals with ideal vascular function (defined as normotension with normal AS), normotension with elevated AS, hypertension with normal AS, and hypertension with elevated AS. After a median follow-up of 6.34 years, the end point was confirmed in 346 participants. Compared with ideal vascular function group, the individuals of normotension with elevated AS and hypertension with elevated AS exerted a higher risk independently (normotension with elevated AS: hazard ratio, 1.74 [95% CI, 1.09–2.79]; hypertension with elevated AS: hazard ratio, 2.10 [95% CI, 1.30–3.39];
P
for trend, <0.001), but the association between ideal vascular function and hypertension with normal AS did not reach statistical significance (hazard ratio, 1.13 [95% CI, 0.58–2.17]). In subgroup analysis, our data showed similar results in individuals with isolated systolic, isolated diastolic, high systolic and diastolic hypertension, and uncontrolled hypertension, while for the individuals with controlled hypertension, although crude model showed a similar result, after adjusting for risk factors, the risk of hypertension with elevated AS was not significantly increased. In conclusion, the individuals with hypertension and elevated AS had a much higher risk than the other groups. Combined control of hypertension and AS may help reduce the risk of clinical events.
Cumulative Serum Uric Acid and Its Time Course Are Associated With Risk of Myocardial Infarction and All‐Cause Mortality
Authors: Tian Xue , Wang Anxin , Wu Shouling , Zuo Yingting , Chen Shuohua , Zhang Licheng , Mo Dapeng , Luo Yanxia
Published: June 2021

Background

Serum uric acid (SUA) has been demonstrated as a risk factor for myocardial infarction (MI) and all‐cause mortality; however, the impact of cumulative SUA (cumSUA) remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the association of cumSUA with MI risk and all‐cause mortality, and to further explore the effects of SUA accumulation time course.

Methods and Results

The study enrolled 53 463 participants without a history of MI, and these participants underwent 3 examinations during 2006 to 2010. cumSUA from baseline to the third examination was calculated, multiplying mean values between consecutive examinations by time intervals between visits. Cox models estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs of MI and all‐cause mortality for cumSUA quartiles, hyperuricemia exposure duration, and SUA accumulation time course. During a median follow‐up of 7.04 years, 476 incident MIs and 2692 deaths occurred. In the fully adjusted model, a higher MI risk was observed in the highest cumSUA quartile (HR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.10–1.99), in participants with longer hyperuricemia exposure duration (HR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.06–2.73), and in participants with cumSUA≥median and a negative slope (HR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.18–2.11). Similar associations persisted for all‐cause mortality.

Conclusions

The risk of MI and all‐cause mortality increased with higher cumSUA and was affected by the SUA accumulation time course. Early SUA accumulation contributed more to MI risk and all‐cause mortality than later SUA accumulation with the same overall cumulative exposure, emphasizing the importance of optimal SUA control early in life.
Measures of Left Ventricular Diastolic Function and Cardiorespiratory Fitness According to Glucose Metabolism Status: The Maastricht Study
Authors: Veugen Marja G. J. , Linssen Pauline B. C. , Henry Ronald M. A. , Koster Annemarie , Kroon Abraham A. , Stehouwer Coen D. A. , Brunner‐La Rocca Hans‐Peter
Published: June 2021

Background

This cross‐sectional study evaluated associations between structural and functional measures of left ventricular diastolic function and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in a well‐characterized population‐based cohort stratified according to glucose metabolism status.

Methods and Results

Six hundred seventy‐two participants from The Maastricht Study (mean±SD age, 61±9 years; 17.4% prediabetes and 25.4% type 2 diabetes mellitus) underwent both echocardiography to determine left atrial volume index, left ventricular mass index, maximum tricuspid flow regurgitation, average e′ and E/e′ ratio; and submaximal cycle ergometer test to determine CRF as maximum power output per kilogram body mass. Associations were examined with linear regression adjusted for cardiovascular risk and lifestyle factors, and interaction terms. After adjustment, in normal glucose metabolism but not (pre)diabetes, higher left atrial volume index (per 1 mL/m
2
), left ventricular mass index (per 1 g/m
2.7
), maximum tricuspid regurgitation flow (per 1 m/s) were associated with higher CRF (maximum power output per kilogram body mass; β in normal glucose metabolism 0.015 [0.008–0.023],
P
interaction
(pre)diabetes <0.10; 0.007 [−0.001 to 0.015],
P
interaction
type 2 diabetes mellitus <0.10; 0.129 [0.011–0.246],
P
interaction
>0.10; for left atrial volume index, left ventricular mass index, maximum tricuspid regurgitation flow, respectively). Furthermore, after adjustment, in all individuals, higher average E/e′ ratio (per unit), but not average e′, was associated with lower CRF (normal glucose metabolism −0.044 [−0.071 to −0.016]),
P
interaction
>0.10).

Conclusions

In this population‐based study, structural and functional measures of left ventricular diastolic function were independently differentially associated with CRF over the strata of glucose metabolism status. This suggests that deteriorating left ventricular diastolic function, although of small effect, may contribute to the pathophysiological process of impaired CRF in the general population. Moreover, the differential effects in these structural measures may be the consequence of cardiac structural adaptation to effectively increase CRF in normal glucose metabolism, which is absent in (pre)diabetes.
The Aesthetics of Doom: Nature, Science, and Art in Henry Adams's Dynamic Theory of History
Authors: Sommer Robert F.
Published: June 2021

The Education of Henry Adams and The Degradation of the Democratic Dogma reject the anthropocentric view of scientific history and its implied theme of human progress. In Darwin, Haeckel, the Curies, and other scientists Adams found a model for the study of history within the fabric of nature. Adams's “dynamic theory of history” argues for a wholistic view of history and nature.
Pterocarpus wood identification by independent and complementary analysis of DART-TOFMS, microscopic anatomy, and fluorescence spectrometry
Authors: Price Erin R. , Miles-Bunch Isabella A. , Gasson Peter E. , Lancaster Cady A.
Published: June 2021

Attention to illegal logging practices and demanding policies in transnational timber trade have driven the need for species-level identification of timber. Historically wood has been identified to genus level using microscopy and anatomical characteristics, however, new chemometric and imaging methods have been developed to increase the speed and precision of timber identification. This study approaches species identification using a combination of complementary methods: Direct Analysis in Real Time–Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (DART-TOFMS), wood anatomy, and fluorescence spectroscopy. Seven commercially and environmentally significant species in Pterocarpus, including P. erinaceus (CITES Appendix II), P. santalinus (CITES Appendix II), P. tinctorius (CITES Appendix II), P. indicus, P. macrocarpus, P. dalbergioides, and P. soyauxii were studied. It was found that DART-TOFMS paired with discriminant analysis of principal components (PCA) could classify species with an accuracy of 95–100%, while anatomy in combination with PCA applied to fluorescence spectra could be used to classify CITES Appendix II species. In the absence of access to DART-TOFMS, a combination of wood anatomy and fluorescence spectrometry can permit more accurate identification than anatomy alone.
A new species of a rare genus, Truxonchus quangi sp. n. (Mononchida, Anatonchidae) from bat xat nature reserve in Lao Cai Province, Vietnam
Authors: VU TAM T.T.
Published: June 2021

Truxonchus quangi sp. n. is described and illustrated from Vietnam. Females of the new species are characterized by large body size (L = 4.8-5.8 mm); barrel shaped buccal cavity of large size (105-113 x 66-73 µm) with one dorsal tooth and two subventral teeth posteriorly directed, of equal shape, size and apex position; dorsal tooth apex located 36-39% of buccal cavity length from its base; reproductive system didelphic-amphidelphic, vagina long, 39-45% of corresponding body width, with distinct par refringens vaginae, sclerotized pieces rounded in optical section; tail long, filiform, ventrally arcuate, with three small caudal glands in tandem and prominent subventral spinneret. The new species is close to T. dolichurus but differs by the larger buccal cavity, more anterior position of the dorsal tooth apex, more anterior vulval position and presence of advulval pores.
Relative contributions of internal atmospheric variability and surface processes to the interannual variations in wintertime Arctic surface air temperatures
Authors: Wu Fengmin , Li Wenkai , Zhang Peng , Li Wei
Published: June 2021

Superimposed on a warming trend, Arctic winter surface air temperature (SAT) exhibits substantial interannual variability, whose underlying mechanisms are unclear, especially regarding the role of sea-ice variations and atmospheric processes. Here, atmospheric reanalysis data and idealized atmospheric model simulations are used to reveal the mechanisms by which sea-ice variations and atmospheric anomalous conditions affect interannual variations in wintertime Arctic SAT. Results show that near-surface interannual warming in the Arctic is accompanied by comparable warming throughout large parts of the Arctic troposphere and large-scale anomalous atmospheric circulation patterns. Within the Arctic, changes in large-scale atmospheric circulations due to internal atmospheric variability explain a substantial fraction of interannual variation in SAT and tropospheric temperatures, which lead to an increase in moisture and downward longwave radiation, with the rest likely coming from sea ice-related and other surface processes. Arctic winter sea-ice loss allows the ocean to release more heat and moisture, which enhances Arctic warming; however, this effect on SAT is confined to the ice-retreat area and has a limited influence on large-scale atmospheric circulations.
Sequential patent trading recommendation using knowledge-aware attentional bidirectional long short-term memory network (KBiLSTM)
Authors: Du Wei , Jiang Guanran , Xu Wei , Ma Jian
Published: June 2021

With the rapid development of the patent marketplace, patent trading recommendation is required to mitigate the technology searching cost of patent buyers. Current research focuses on the recommendation based on existing patents of a company; a few studies take into account the sequential pattern of patent acquisition activities and the possible diversity of a company’s business interests. Moreover, the profiling of patents based on solely patent documents fails to capture the high-order information of patents. To bridge the gap, we propose a knowledge-aware attentional bidirectional long short-term memory network (KBiLSTM) method for patent trading recommendation. KBiLSTM uses knowledge graph embeddings to profile patents with rich patent information. It introduces bidirectional long short-term memory network (BiLSTM) to capture the sequential pattern in a company’s historical records. In addition, to address a company’s diverse technology interests, we design an attention mechanism to aggregate the company’s historical patents given a candidate patent. Experimental results on the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) data set show that KBiLSTM outperforms state-of-the-art baselines for patent trading recommendation in terms of F1 and normalised discounted cumulative gain (nDCG). The attention visualisation of randomly selected company intuitively demonstrates the recommendation effectiveness.
The democratic king: The role of ritualized flattery in political discourse
Authors: Danziger Roni
Published: June 2021

Research has shown that personality cults are a strategy to further political legitimation. They function to secure a leader’s position in the absence of democratic legitimation methods by using excessive flattery towards the leader. Habitual public flattery towards democratic leaders has not received scholarly attention, even though it can provide insight into the danger authoritarian discursive rituals can have on democratic processes. By applying a ritual perspective to a comparative case study analysis, this paper illustrates how political flattery is not just an instrumental means for self-promotion in the political order, but also a manipulative and antidemocratic exploitation of epideictic rhetoric. Furthermore, the implicit requirement for ritualized flattery hinders accountability and deliberative decision-making, and the process of integrating differences of opinion or interest towards a collective and impartial political practice. Leaders who surround themselves with sycophants encourage opinion- and action-conformity to whatever pleases that specific leader.
Isolation and Characterization of a Bacterial Strain Enterobacter cloacae (Accession No. KX438060.1) Capable of Degrading DDTs Under Aerobic Conditions and Its Use in Bioremediation of Contaminated Soil
Authors: Suman Sonal , Tanuja
Published: June 2021

DDT is one of the most persistent pesticides among all the different types of organo-chlorine pesticides used. Among all the degradation methods, bacterial degradation of DDT is most effective. The present study was conducted to isolate different bacteria present in waste samples which have the ability to degrade DDT present in the soil in the minimum possible period of time and to observe the effect of different physical and chemical properties of the soil samples. Many pesticide degrading bacteria were isolated and identified through cultural, biochemical tests and further identified by 16S RNA sequencing method. The most potent strain DDT 1 growth in mineral salt medium supplemented with DDT as the only source of carbon (5-100 PPM) and was monitored at an optical density of 600 nm. The growth parameters at different physio-chemical conditions were further optimized. The result showed that Enterobacter cloacae had maximum growth in 15 days. FTIR analysis of the residual DDT after 15 days incubation showed that Enterobacter cloacae was able to degrade pesticide into its further metabolites of DDD, DDE, DDNU and other components can be used for biodegradation of DDT present in contaminated soil and water ecosystems.
Double-circular-arc tooth profile design and parametric analysis on the comprehensive performance of the harmonic drive
Authors: Tang Ting , Li Junyang , Wang Jiaxu , Xiao Ke , Han Yanfeng
Published: June 2021

A tooth profile is of significant importance to the performance of a harmonic drive. Available studies about designing a tooth profile only consider the influence of the tooth profile on the meshing characteristics from a macro perspective. However, the effects of the surface roughness and contact geometry of the tooth on the lubrication characteristics from the micro perspective are rarely reported. In the present study, a double-circular-arc tooth profile is used as the basic tooth profile of the flexspline. Based on the modified kinematic method, a conjugate profile is calculated and the tooth profile of the circular spline is obtained. On this basis, the mathematical model for the mixed lubrication of the harmonic drive with a double-circular-arc tooth profile is established by considering the factors of the normal load of meshing point, relative velocity, contact geometry, and surface roughness. The comprehensive performance under different double-circular-arc tooth profile parameters (tooth face radius, tooth flank radius, and common inclination) is analyzed. To verify the correctness of the research, four sets of harmonic drives are designed and machined for testing their basic performance. The results show that the parameters of the double-circular-arc tooth profile have multiple influences on the comprehensive performance. The meshing performance and lubrication performance are restricted. Parameter control can effectively improve comprehensive performance and different tooth profile parameters should be designed for different applications.
‘The man that got away’: Gender inequalities in the consumption and production of jazz
Authors: McAndrew Siobhan , Widdop Paul
Published: June 2021

Jazz is remarkable among genres in emerging from marginalised communities to a position of status, and is also evidently male-dominated in terms of both audiences and musicians. Using the Taking Part surveys of cultural participation in England, we investigate the gender gap in jazz and how it compares with classical and rock. We find women are less likely to attend jazz concerts than men. We also report on a unique dataset of 983 musicians, and identify how the position of women in the jazz network differs from men. Women also feature lower recording productivity, an effect appearing to work directly rather than mediated by instrumental choice or period of birth. We argue that equality of access to cultural advantage requires that we attend to how gender inequalities operate within genres, both to inform measures for debiasing and also to uncover mechanisms of gender inequalities which may hold in other contexts.
African migrant women in the aged care sector: Conceptualising experiences of racism, micro-aggressions and Otherness
Authors: Olasunkanmi-Alimi Temi , Natalier Kristin , Mulholland Monique
Published: June 2021

Existing commentary rarely systematically acknowledges racism in the Australian aged care field. This article begins to address this gap through a detailed focus on the experiences of 30 African migrant women workers, one of the fastest growing groups employed in aged care across Australia. Drawing on data generated through in-depth, semi-structured interviews, we argue that racist micro-aggressions, specifically micro-insults and micro-assaults, were a commonplace experience for this group of workers. Micro-insults and micro-assaults were perpetrated interpersonally, and also drew upon and reinforced colonial discourses about backwardness, inferiority and Otherness. We conclude that for these carers, micro-aggressions have a two-fold effect: they express everyday racism in interaction, and they position African migrant carers as unwelcome and unable to care for and care about clients.
Sharing and asking for help: Social support networks from the perspective of 4–6 year olds in three different eco-social milieus
Authors: Rübeling Hartmut , Storm Sina , Gernhardt Ariane
Published: June 2021

In view of increasing diversity regarding the cultural background of children in pre-schools and the like, it is important to know how they differ in their perception of social networks. This study investigated the perception of social support networks in young children from three different eco-social milieus. Participants ( N = 138, 4–6 year olds) were recruited from German urban nuclear families and two groups of rural extended families in Central America. The support networks were analyzed by means of two game scenarios for “Sharing” and “Asking for Help” with a family collage in addition. Results show significant differences between groups in regard to the size, structure, and relationship patterns of support networks. Networks of urban German children included mainly friends, parents, and siblings, whereas those from Central American children also included other members of the extended family. The perceived importance of father, mother, and siblings differed between groups. Children’s willingness to share correlated with parental socio-cultural orientation. Practical implications for early childhood education are discussed in view of children’s socio-cultural background.
Development and external validation of a novel nomogram for screening Chinese Lynch syndrome: based on a multicenter, population study
Authors: Yang Mengyuan , Li Dan , Jiang Wu , Zhu Lizhen , Ju Haixing , Sun Yan , Shan Yuqiang , Yang Chunkang , Dong Jian , Wang Lin , Wu Baoping , Qiu Meng , Yin Xianli , Wang Xicheng , Xiong Bin , Yan Wei , Liu Tao , Liu Chenglin , Mao Xinru , Ding Kefeng , Zhang Suzhan , Zheng Shu , Xu Dong , Ding Peirong , Yuan Ying
Published: June 2021

Background:

This multicenter study aimed to reveal the genetic spectrum of colorectal cancer (CRC) with deficient mismatch repair (dMMR) and build a screening model for Lynch syndrome (LS).

Methods:

Through the immunohistochemical (IHC) screening of mismatch repair protein results in postoperative CRC patients, 311 dMMR cases, whose germline and somatic variants were detected using the ColonCore panel, were collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed on the clinical characteristics of these dMMR individuals, and a clinical nomogram, incorporating statistically significant factors identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis, was constructed to predict the probability of LS. The model was validated externally by an independent cohort.

Results:

In total, 311 CRC patients with IHC dMMR included 95 identified MMR germline variant (LS) cases and 216 cases without pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in MMR genes (non-Lynch-associated dMMR). Of the 95 individuals, approximately 51.6%, 28.4%, 14.7%, and 5.3% cases carried germline MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2 pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants, respectively. A novel nomogram was then built to predict the probability of LS for CRC patients with dMMR intuitively. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve informed that this nomogram-based screening model could identify LS with a higher specificity and sensitivity with an area under curve (AUC) of 0.87 than current screening criteria based on family history. In the external validation cohort, the AUC of the ROC curve reached 0.804, inferring the screening model’s universal applicability. We recommend that dMMR-CRC patients with a probability of LS greater than 0.435 should receive a further germline sequencing.

Conclusion:

This novel screening model based on the clinical characteristic differences between LS and non-Lynch-associated dMMR may assist clinicians to preliminarily screen LS and refer susceptible patients to experienced specialists.
The Housing Question, ground rent theory, and differentiation vs. homogenization
Authors: Manning F. T. C.
Published: June 2021

This essay takes Engels’ The Housing Question as a provocation to (1) apply ground rent theory to housing (something which Engels neglected to do) and (2) investigate Engels’ conflation of housing struggles with the concerns of a “backwards” peasantry. I show that applying Marx’s ground rent theory to housing illuminates aspects of the housing question heretofore unexamined—in particular, the significance of the relationship between landowner and capitalist in housing. I then show that Engels’ dismissal of housing struggles and land-based struggles more broadly is rooted in the specious belief that proletarianization homogenizes people. Engels’ spurious logic nonetheless sets in relief an important connection: I suggest that only through grasping what Cedric Robinson has called racialization or differentiation and what Sylvia Wynter has named nonhomogeneity can we recognize the theoretical and practical centrality of housing and other land-based struggles to revolution and abolition.
On the Road to Recovery: The Role of Post-Lockdown Stimulus Package
Authors: Prusty Sadananda , Anubha  , Gupta Saurabh
Published: June 2021

Indian economy witnessed a plummeted growth in past few years leading to recession. The entire economic activity all over the globe was disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To revive the economy out of recession, various monetary and fiscal stimulus measures were announced by the Government of India. The objective of this research was to assess the perception of various stakeholders with respect to the effects of these stimulus measures on reviving Indian economy. Based on the intensive discussion with academic experts and policymakers from corporates, five constructs of monetary and fiscal stimulus measures were developed. Web-based survey was conducted with 250 stakeholders from India. Confirmatory factor analysis technique was applied to confirm the constructs. The path analysis using structural equation modelling revealed that all five hypotheses, that is, monetary policy, labour and land law, taxation and subsidies, general business climates, and employee and consumer-related monetary and fiscal stimulus measures, positively and insignificantly affected economic recovery. This results showed a positive perception of stakeholders about the stimulus measures on reviving the Indian economy. However, the insignificant results suggested that unless these stimulus measures are implemented and monitored properly by the Government of India, they would not revive the Indian economy in near future.
A genetic interaction of NRXN2 with GABRE, SYT1 and CASK in migraine patients: a case-control study
Authors: Alves-Ferreira Miguel , Quintas Marlene , Sequeiros Jorge , Sousa Alda , Pereira-Monteiro José , Alonso Isabel , Neto João Luís , Lemos Carolina
Published: June 2021

Background

Migraine is a multifactorial disorder that is more frequent (two to four times) in women than in men. In recent years, our research group has focused on the role of neurotransmitter release and its regulation. Neurexin (NRXN2) is one of the components of the synaptic vesicle machinery, responsible for connecting intracellular fusion proteins and synaptic vesicles.

Our aim was to continue exploring the role and interaction of proteins involved in the control and promotion of neurotransmission in migraine susceptibility.

Methods

A case-control study was performed comprising 183 migraineurs (148 females and 35 males) and 265 migraine-free controls (202 females and 63 males). Tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms of NRXN2 were genotyped to assess the association between NRXN2 and migraine susceptibility. The χ2 test was used to compare allele frequencies in cases and controls and odds ratios were estimated with 95% confidence intervals. Haplotype frequencies were compared between groups. Gene-gene interactions were analysed using the Multifactor Dimensionality Reduction v2.0.

Results

We found a statistically significant interaction model (p = 0.009) in the female group between the genotypes CG of rs477138 (NRXN2) and CT of rs1158605 (GABRE). This interaction was validated by logistic regression, showing a significant risk effect [OR = 4.78 (95%CI: 1.76–12.97)] after a Bonferroni correction. Our data also supports a statistically significant interaction model (p = 0.011) in the female group between the GG of rs477138 in NRXN2 and, the rs2244325's GG genotype and rs2998250’s CC genotype of CASK. This interaction was also validated by logistic regression, with a protective effect [OR = 0.08 (95%CI: 0.01–0.75)]. A weak interaction model was found between NRXN2-SYT1. We have not found any statistically significant allelic or haplotypic associations between NRXN2 and migraine susceptibility.

Conclusions

This study unravels, for the first time, the gene-gene interactions between NRXN2, GABRE - a GABAA-receptor - and CASK, importantly it shows the synergetic effect between those genes and its relation with migraine susceptibility.

These gene interactions, which may be a part of a larger network, can potentially help us in better understanding migraine aetiology and in development of new therapeutic approaches.