bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transanal total mesorectal excision for abdominoperineal resection is associated with poor oncological outcomes in rectal cancer patients: A word of caution from a multicentric Canadian cohort study
Authors: Caycedo‐Marulanda Antonio , Verschoor Chris P. , Brown Carl P. , Karimuddin Ahmer , Raval Manoj , Phang Terry , Vikis Elena , Melich George , Patel Sunil V. ,   the Canadian taTME Expert COllaboration (CaTaCO)
Published: December 2021

Aim

The main objective of this study was to compare the oncological outcomes of patients undergoing abdominoperineal resection (APR) versus low anterior resection (LAR) through a transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) approach.

Method

A total of 360 adult patients with a diagnosis of rectal cancer were enrolled at participating centres from the Canadian taTME Expert Collaboration. Forty‐three patients received taTME‐APR and received 317 taTME‐LAR. Demographic, operative, pathological and follow‐up data were collected and merged into a single database. Results are presented as hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval. All analyses were performed in the R environment (v.3.6).

Results

The proportion of patients with a positive circumferential radial margin status was higher in the taTME‐APR group than the taTME‐LAR group (21% vs. 9%, p = 0.001). Complete TME was achieved in 91% of those undergoing APR compared with 96% of those undergoing LAR (p = 0.25). APR was associated with a greater rate of local recurrence relative to LAR, although it was not significant [crude HR = 3.53 (95% CI 0.92–13.53)]. Circumferential margin positivity was significantly associated with a higher rate of systemic recurrence [crude HR = 3.59 (95% CI 1.38–9.3)].

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate inferior outcomes in those undergoing taTME‐APR compared with taTME‐LAR. The use of this technique for this particular indication needs to be carefully considered.
Corporate governance and labor investment efficiency: International evidence from board reforms
Authors: Le Anh‐Tuan , Tran Thao Phuong
Published: December 2021

Research Question/Issue

This study investigates whether and how board reforms affect labor investment efficiency using a difference‐in‐differences analysis of board reforms in 41 countries worldwide as an exogenous shock.

Research Findings/Insights

Board reforms are positively associated with labor investment efficiency because they benefit firms in reducing over‐hiring, under‐firing, under‐hiring, and over‐firing. Further, we show that the positive effect is more pronounced among firms with lower board independence before the reforms, firms with high institutional foreign ownership, firms with higher corporate social responsibility (CSR), and labor‐intensive firms. While countries with rule‐based reforms experience a greater reduction in abnormal net hiring post‐reform, the effects of reforms are similar across civil and common law countries. Further analyses reveal that in countries with higher employment protection legislation, the beneficial relationship between board reforms and labor investment efficiency is weaker.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

Our study suggests that one of the mechanisms linking board reforms and labor investment efficiency is a reduction in frictions, such as moral hazard and adverse selection, which hamper efficient labor investment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first international study that explores globally the relationship between board reforms and firm labor policies, in particular, labor investment efficiency.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

Given the importance of identifying and confirming the role of corporate governance in human capital investment efficiency, our empirical investigation provides useful insights and policy implications for managers in building efficient labor policies.
An effective approach for BRAF V600E mutation analysis of routine thyroid fine needle aspirates
Authors: Agrawal Tanupriya , Xi Liqiang , Navarro Winnifred , Raffeld Mark , Patel Snehal B. , Roth Mark J. , Klubo‐Gwiezdzinska Joanna , Filie Armando C.
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Molecular testing for genetic alterations in thyroid neoplasms, including BRAF V600E (BRAF) mutation, are often applied to thyroid aspirates falling into the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology indeterminate categories. Current methods typically use dedicated aspirated material, without morphological determination of containing the cells of interest and may be of elevated cost. We describe our experience with BRAF mutation analysis on material obtained from Papanicolaou (PAP)‐stained ThinPrep® (TP) slides.

Methods

Eighty‐three cases collected between 2012 and 2019 with more than 100 cells were selected. An electronic record of a whole slide scan was made for each case before testing. The coverslips were removed, and DNA was extracted from material scraped from each slide using the Qiagen QIAamp DNA FFPE Tissue Kit. BRAF testing was performed using a highly sensitive mutation detection assay, either COLD‐PCR, castPCR, or droplet digital PCR.

Results

Fourteen out of 83 cases had a BRAF mutation. Of these, 8 were classified as atypia of undetermined significance or suspicious for malignancy in which follow‐up showed conventional papillary thyroid carcinoma in 5 out of 6 cases. The specificity and positive predictive value were 97% and 91%, respectively.

Conclusions

BRAF mutation analysis can be performed on material obtained from routine clinical PAP‐stained TP slides. As a first step, this unconventional effective approach may reduce costs related to the molecular evaluation of thyroid nodule aspirates and provides the opportunity for cytomorphological confirmation that the cells of interest are present in material submitted for BRAF mutation analysis.
Categorisation of lymph node aspirates using the proposed Sydney system with assessment of risk of malignancy and diagnostic accuracy
Authors: Ahuja Sana , Malviya Avneesh
Published: December 2021

Background

The Sydney system has been proposed as a uniform format for reporting lymph node cytopathology under five standardised categories: Non‐Diagnostic (ND), Benign (B), Atypical (Cells) of Undetermined Significance/Atypical Lymphoid (Cells) of Uncertain Significance (AUS/ALUS), Suspicious for Malignancy (SFM), and Malignant (M). Very few studies have been conducted so far to confirm the risk of malignancy (ROM) of the different categories. The main objectives of our study were to classify lymph node aspirates according to the proposed Sydney system and assess the ROM and other performance parameters.

Materials and Methods

All lymph node aspirates done at our centre from January 2018 to December 2020 were reclassified according to the Sydney system. Using histopathological diagnosis as gold standard, ROM and performance parameters were calculated.

Results

A total of 1205 lymph node aspirates were reclassified: 53 (4.4%) ND, 488 (40.5%) B, 10 (0.8%) AUS/ALUS, 275 (22.8%) SFM, and 379 (31.5%) M. The ROM for each category was 9.1%, 1.5%, 37.5%, 96.9%, and 98.2%, respectively. The highest sensitivity was achieved when AUS/ALUS, SFM, and M were considered positive for malignancy, whereas maximum diagnostic accuracy was observed when only SFM and M were considered positive.

Conclusion

The Sydney system is an excellent system for accurately categorising lymph node aspirates with greater reproducibility of reports and better patient management through improved communication between cytopathologist and clinician.
Non‐alcoholic beer in the European Union and UK: Availability and apparent consumption
Authors: Kokole Daša , Jané Llopis Eva , Anderson Peter
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Market research indicates an increasing interest in low‐ and no‐alcohol drinks in Europe, but there is no systematic overview of their availability and consumption. In this article, we present data on the availability and apparent consumption of non‐alcoholic beer in the European Union and the UK.

Methods

We use Sold production, exports and imports by PRODCOM list (NACE Rev. 2) dataset, available in Eurostat, to extract the available data on sold production, exports and imports of non‐alcoholic beer in the EU‐27 (total and country‐level) and the UK between 2013 and 2019, and additionally calculate the apparent consumption.

Results

Between 2013 and 2019, the sold production volume in the EU increased from 0.59 to 1.38 billion litres, the value from 0.42 to 1.28 billion EUR and value per litre from 0.72 to 0.93 EUR/L. In 2019, the share of non‐alcoholic beer represented 3.8% of all beer volume and 4.1% of all beer value produced. Five countries accounted for 80.8% of sold production volume: Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Poland and Czechia. The Netherlands and Germany were the largest exporters, while importing was distributed more equally. Per capita, average apparent consumption (2017–2019) was highest in Czechia, followed by the Netherlands, Spain, Luxembourg and Germany.

Discussion and Conclusions

Our results show the increasing availability of non‐alcoholic beer in the EU‐27, although overall changes seem to be driven by a small number of countries. More research is needed at the country‐level on no‐ and low‐alcohol consumption trends and drivers, and their impact on alcohol‐related harm reduction.
Pain and cerebral palsy: the need for a broader perspective to intervention
Authors: Greenberg Ashira
Published: December 2021

This commentary is on the original article by Ostojic et al. on pages 364–371 of this issue.
Poor self‐reported sleep is associated with risk factors for cardiovascular disease: A cross‐sectional analysis in half a million adults
Authors: Valenzuela Pedro L. , Santos‐Lozano Alejandro , Torres‐Barrán Alberto , Morales Javier S. , Castillo‐García Adrián , Ruilope Luis M. , Ríos‐Insua David , Ordovás José M. , Lucia Alejandro
Published: December 2021

Background

Sleep is known to affect cardiovascular health, but some controversy exists on the independent association between different sleep characteristics (duration, restfulness, difficulties falling asleep) and specific risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). We aimed to assess the association between self‐reported sleep characteristics and the likelihood of major CVD risk factors.

Methods

Totally, 521,364 Spanish workers (32% female, 44 ± 9 years [18–64]) insured by an occupational risk prevention company participated in this nationwide cross‐sectional study. Participants’ sleep was considered ‘poor’ if they reported having ≥1 of the following conditions: excessively short (<6 h/d) or long (>9 h/d) sleep, unrestful sleep, or difficulties to fall asleep. We assessed the independent association between aforementioned sleep characteristics and the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolaemia, obesity and physical inactivity.

Results

Poor sleep (reported by 33% of participants) was associated with a higher likelihood of presenting all CVD risk factors individually, particularly physical inactivity (which prevalence was ~3‐fold higher in the poor sleep group compared with participants reporting no sleep abnormality). In separate analyses, all the different sleep characteristics were associated with the likelihood of ≥2 CVD risk factors. Participants with optimal sleep, normal sleep duration, no difficulties falling sleep and restful sleep showed a lower total CVD risk score than their peers with poor sleep, short sleep duration, difficulties falling sleep and unrestful sleep, respectively (all p < .001).

Conclusions

Poor sleep was associated with a higher likelihood of presenting major CVD risk factors. These findings might support the importance of monitoring and improving sleep patterns for primary CVD prevention.
Leading university internationalisation: The future of Euro‐Chinese academic cooperation
Authors: Amaro de Matos João , Pina e Cunha Miguel , Falcão de Berredo Rita
Published: December 2021

Under the pressure of globalisation, both China and Europe have active strategies to internationalise their higher education systems. This paper explores the cultural and institutional constraints of these strategies in both territories, analysing their impact on the cooperation and competition among higher education institutions. The article focuses on the historical and current practices of internationalisation in Europe and China, the strategic goals underlying these practices, and the implications of internationalisation strategies in constraining the choices and actions of academic leaders in Chinese and European higher education institutions. This article contributes to the literature on Chinese and European cooperation in higher education by analysing the points of conflict and opportunities for growth. Despite differences (e.g., centralised vs. decentralised systems, top‐down vs. bottom‐up decision‐making processes, and the roles of leadership in the governance of higher education institutions), there is a common interest in promoting economic competitiveness, developing a knowledge‐based society, advancing research, attracting and retaining talent, and reducing regional inequalities. The paper concludes that cooperation is possible in specific areas in which neither China nor Europe can succeed alone with the same impact that would be possible with cooperation.
Temperature‐mediated acquisition of rare heterologous symbionts promotes survival of coral larvae under ocean warming
Authors: Matsuda Shayle B. , Chakravarti Leela J. , Cunning Ross , Huffmyer Ariana S. , Nelson Craig E. , Gates Ruth D. , van Oppen Madeleine J. H.
Published: December 2021

Reef‐building corals form nutritional symbioses with endosymbiotic dinoflagellates (Symbiodiniaceae), a relationship that facilitates the ecological success of coral reefs. These symbionts are mostly acquired anew each generation from the environment during early life stages (“horizontal transmission”). Symbiodiniaceae species exhibit trait variation that directly impacts the health and performance of the coral host under ocean warming. Here, we test the capacity for larvae of a horizontally transmitting coral, Acropora tenuis, to establish symbioses with Symbiodiniaceae species in four genera that have varying thermal thresholds (the common symbiont genera, Cladocopium and Durusdinium, and the less common Fugacium and Gerakladium). Over a 2‐week period in January 2018, a series of both no‐choice and four‐way choice experiments were conducted at three temperatures (27, 30, and 31°C). Symbiont acquisition success and cell proliferation were measured in individual larvae. Larvae successfully acquired and maintained symbionts of all four genera in no‐choice experiments, and >80% of larvae were infected with at least three genera when offered a four‐way choice. Unexpectedly, Gerakladium symbionts increased in dominance over time, and at high temperatures outcompeted Durusdinium, which is regarded as thermally tolerant. Although Fugacium displayed the highest thermal tolerance in culture and reached similar cell densities to the other three symbionts at 31°C, it remained a background symbiont in choice experiments, suggesting host preference for other symbiont species. Larval survivorship at 1 week was highest in larvae associated with Gerakladium and Fugacium symbionts at 27 and 30°C, however at 31°C, mortality was similar for all treatments. We hypothesize that symbionts that are currently rare in corals (e.g., Gerakladium) may become more common and widespread in early life stages under climate warming. Uptake of such symbionts may function as a survival strategy in the wild, and has implications for reef restoration practices that use sexually produced coral stock.
Mesenchymal neoplasms with NTRK and other kinase gene alterations
Authors: Davis Jessica L , Al‐Ibraheemi Alyaa , Rudzinski Erin R , Surrey Lea F
Published: December 2021

Kinase alterations are increasingly recognised as oncogenic drivers in mesenchymal tumours. Infantile fibrosarcoma and the related renal tumour, congenital mesoblastic nephroma, were among the first solid tumours shown to harbour recurrent tyrosine kinase fusions, with the canonical ETV6::NTRK3 fusion identified more than 20 years ago. Although targeted testing has long been used in diagnosis, the advent of more robust sequencing techniques has driven the discovery of kinase alterations in an array of mesenchymal tumours. As our ability to identify these genetic alterations has improved, as has our recognition and understanding of the tumours that harbour these alterations. Specifically, this study will focus upon mesenchymal tumours harbouring NTRK or other kinase alterations, including tumours with an infantile fibrosarcoma‐like appearance, spindle cell tumours resembling lipofibromatosis or peripheral nerve sheath tumours and those occurring in adults with a fibrosarcoma‐like appearance. As publications describing the histology of these tumours increase so, too, do the variety kinase alterations reported, now including NTRK1/2/3, RET, MET, RAF1, BRAF, ALK, EGFR and ABL1 fusions or alterations. To date, these tumours appear locally aggressive and rarely metastatic, without a clear link between traditional features used in histological grading (e.g. mitotic activity, necrosis) and outcome. However, most of these tumours are amenable to new targeted therapies, making their recognition of both diagnostic and therapeutic import. The goal of this study is to review the clinicopathological features of tumours with NTRK and other tyrosine kinase alterations, discuss the most common differential diagnoses and provide recommendations for molecular confirmation with associated treatment implications.
Prevalence and risk factors of fatigue in type 1 and type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Romadlon Debby Syahru , Hasan Faizul , Wiratama Bayu Satria , Chiu Hsiao‐Yean
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This meta‐analysis was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors of fatigue in type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods

Observational studies reporting the prevalence and risk factors of fatigue in type 1 or 2 DM were systematically searched for in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL Plus, Cochrane Trial, and ProQuest Dissertation and Theses databases. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers. A random‐effect model was used for data analysis.

Findings

We included 19 studies involving 7131 patients with type 1 DM and 32 studies involving 34,994 patients with type 2 DM in the study. The pooled prevalence of fatigue in type 1 and type 2 DM was 44% and 50%, respectively. The Asia–Pacific region (e.g., Japan and Australia), South America, and Africa lacked reports regarding fatigue prevalence in type 1 DM, and North Asia and Southeast Asia lacked reports of fatigue prevalence in type 2 DM. Depression and physical activity were the only two variables significantly correlated with fatigue in both type 1 and type 2 DM (all p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Approximately half of the patients with type 1 or type 2 DM experienced fatigue, with the prevalence of 44% and 50%, respectively. Our findings regarding its risk factors can provide an evidence‐based approach for managing fatigue in DM patients.

Clinical relevance

This meta‐analysis emphasizes the importance of fatigue management in patients with type 1 and type 2 DM. Most significantly, our results on risk factors related to fatigue in diabetes can contribute to the development of evidence‐based strategies for managing fatigue in individuals with DM.
Comparison of stent retriever thrombectomy using 3‐dimensional patient‐specific models of intracranial circulation with actual middle cerebral artery occlusion thrombectomy cases
Authors: Pressman Elliot , Sommer Kelsey N. , Waqas Mohammad , Siddiqui Adnan H. , Ionita Ciprian N. , Mokin Maxim
Published: December 2021

Background and Purpose

Stent retriever (SR) thrombectomy is commonly used for the treatment of emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO) in acute ischemic stroke. Clot imaging parameters such as clot length, diameter, distance to the internal carotid artery terminus, and vessel angle where the SR is deployed may predict the likelihood of achieving first pass effect (FPE). Most of the proposed factors that seem to affect recanalization success have been studied individually, and conflicting data derived from clinical versus in vitro studies using 3‐dimensional printed models of intracranial circulation currently exist.

Methods

Using patient‐specific 3‐dimensional phantoms of the cervical and intracranial circulation, we simulated middle cerebral arteries (MCA) M1 and M2 occlusions treated with SR thrombectomy using Solitaire (Medtronic) or Trevo (Styker). Our primary outcome was FPE, defined as Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score of 2c–3 achieved after a single thrombectomy attempt. We also performed retrospective analysis of same clot imaging characteristics of consecutive cases of MCA occlusion and its association with FPE matching the 3‐dimensional in vitro experiments. Analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 25 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Chi‐square tests and bivariate logistic regressions were the main statistical tests used in analysis. A p‐value of less than .05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. Ninety‐five confidence intervals (95% CI) were generated.

Results

We compared 41 thrombectomy experiments performed using patient‐specific 3‐dimensional in vitro models with a retrospective cohort of 41 patients treated with SR thrombectomy. We found that in the in vitro cohort, higher MCA angulation was associated with a lower likelihood of FPE (odds ratio [OR] = 0.967, 95% CI = 0.944‐0.991, p = .008). Meanwhile in the in vivo cohort, higher MCA angulation was associated with a higher likelihood of FPE (OR = 1.039, 95% CI = 1.003‐1.077, p = .033). Neither clot length nor location of clot (M1 vs. M2) was associated with a difference in FPE rates in either cohort.

Discussion

Comparison of SR thrombectomy performed during actual MCA occlusion cases versus patient‐specific 3‐dimensional replicas revealed MCA angulation as an independent predictor of procedure success or failure. However, the opposite direction of effect was observed between the two studied environments, indicating potential limitations of studying SR thrombectomy using 3‐dimensional models of LVO.
Identification of Paramyrothecium foliicola causing crater rot in eggplant and its potential hosts under controlled conditions
Authors: Aumentado Herbert Dustin , Balendres Mark Angelo
Published: December 2021

Fruit diseases are among the major problems that negatively affect eggplants (Solanum melongena L.). With climate change, new pathogens may potentially emerge and threaten the yield and profitability of eggplant production. This study elucidates the causal agent of a crater rot in eggplant fruit. The disease appears as shallow to deep and crater‐shaped lesions on infected fruits. Olive‐coloured sporodochia and dark exudates appeared around the centre of the lesion. The fungal pathogen associated with the crater rot was identified as Paramyrothecium foliicola L. Lombard & Crous. The fungus was pathogenic to eggplant in two independent, detached fruit assays. The fungus also induced crater rot on wounded tomato and pepper fruits. The same fungus was consistently re‐isolated from the inoculated fruits satisfying Koch's postulates. In an attempt to determine the potential host range of this fungal pathogen, 45 plant species from 21 plant families were assessed for pathogenicity under detached fruit or leaf assays. A wide range of plant species was susceptible to P. foliicola MBEPFR05 in either wounded or unwounded inoculations. This is the first report of P. foliicola causing crater rot in eggplant. This study also demonstrates the ability of the fungus to infect other economically important plants. Crater rot may become a problem in vegetable production and thus entails that more research would be needed considering little information on crater rot epidemiology and its management.
Phylotype, sequevar and pathogenicity of Ralstonia solanaceaum species complex from Northern Thailand
Authors: Akarapisan Angsana , Kumvinit Athidtaya , Nontaswatsri Chalermsri , Puangkrit Theeraniti , Kositratana Wichai
Published: December 2021

Ralstonia solanacearum species complex is a group of vascular soil‐borne plant pathogens that causes bacterial wilt on various host plants and has caused great yield losses in Thailand. In 2020 and 2021, bacterial wilt diseases were observed in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai Province, Thailand. Approximately 19 bacterial wilt strains that were infecting 10 plant species were identified. The different bacterial wilt strains were characterized based on biovar test, phylotypes and DNA sequence of egl gene to determine their sequevar classification. The results of biovar tests by oxidation of disaccharides and hexose alcohols showed the strains belong to biovars 2T, 3 and 4. The partial egl gene sequence analysis of the strains clustered into five type groups that included phylotype IIA sequevar 1 as R. solanacearum and phylotype I, which included 4 sequevars (13, 17, 30 and 47) as R. pseudosolanacearum. The results showed that tomato, Thai eggplant and marigold were susceptible to all bacterial wilt strains. Furthermore, R. pseudosolanacearum biovar 2T phylotype I sequevar 17 was specifically pathogenic to pumpkin and cucumber, but sequevar 13 produced bacterial wilt symptoms on cucumber, and the two sequevars were non‐symptomatic on Patumma and turmeric. R. pseudosolanacearum biovar 4 phylotype I sequevar 30 was specifically pathogenic to Patumma and turmeric. This new report expands the knowledge on genetic analysis and host range diversity of the R. solanacearum species complex in Thailand.
Rewriting the Grand Siècle: Blackface in Early Modern France and the Historiography of Race
Authors: Ndiaye Noémie
Published: December 2021

This essay critiques the French cultural aversion to racial thinking which has resulted in the absence of race as a theme and analytic in French historiographic practices, especially in relation to the ancien régime. This essay argues that focusing on 17th century theater and performance culture, especially on baroque ballets and their oblique representations of Blackness and slavery through blackface, reveals a long national history of racism against Black people. This essay is a call to rewrite as an age of race‐making a period often construed as a cultural and literary golden age that still plays a central role in definitions of French heritage and identity today.
Displacement of impacted third molar
Authors: Zhang Ye
Published: December 2021

The displacement of the tooth into the fascial spaces is an unusual complication in the procedure of third molar extraction surgery. The present article reported three cases regarding the displaced teeth in the third molar extraction, including two mandible cases and one maxillary case. The reason and treatment of the displaced tooth were reviewed.
A Techno-Economic Analysis of Parabolic Trough Collector (PTC) and Solar Power Tower (SPT) as Solar Energy in Malaysia
Authors: Jailani Nur Akmal , Ahmad Arshad , Norazahar Norafneeza
Published: December 2021

Malaysia receives an annual average of 2200 hours of solar radiation, making her abundant renewable resources to generate electricity. Thus, a good planning is required to manage the resources efficiently and to utilize the abundant resources fully. Concentrating solar power (CSP) technology is a possible approach to manage renewable resources in Malaysia. Using a techno-economic analysis, the researchers, engineers, industries, or government agencies will be able to identify contributing and discouraging factors of building the CSP technology. This paper presents a techno-economic analysis of two CSP technology: parabolic trough collector (PTC) and solar power tower (SPT), for potential implementation in Malaysia. This paper provides information on two CSP technologies to researchers and industries prior to the planning and design stages. The techno-economic analysis begins with identifying potential locations based on the direct normal irradiation (DNI). Kuah, Kuantan, Miri and Labuan are identified as the potential locations using the RETScreen Expert software. Labuan could be the most promising PTC and SPT technology project because it has the highest DNI received annually. Next, the techno-economic analysis uses two reference projects, ANDASOL-1 and PS-10 systems in Spain, as references for all locations. The techno-economic analysis consists of annual electricity generation, unit cost of electricity, net Present Value (NPV), benefit-to-cost ratio (B/C), internal rate of return (IRR), and payback period calculated in Microsoft Excel. Finally, a sensitivity analysis is conducted to measure the impact of uncertainties of one or more input variables, leading to uncertainties on the output variables. Two sensitive factors are the annual electricity generation and the initial cost, affecting the construction, installation, and implementation of PTC or SPT technology.
The contrast between clear and plain speaking style for Mandarin tones
Authors: Tupper Paul , Leung Keith W. , Wang Yue , Jongman Allard , Sereno Joan A.
Published: December 2021

We examine the acoustic characteristics of clear and plain conversational productions of Mandarin tones. Twenty-one native Mandarin speakers were asked to produce a selection of Mandarin words in both plain and clear speaking styles. Several tokens were gathered for each of the four tones giving a total of 2045 productions. Six critical tonal cues were computed for each production: fundamental frequency (F0) mean, slope, and second derivative, duration, mean intensity, and a binary variable coding whether the production involved creaky voice. A linear mixed-effects regression model was used to explore how these cues changed with respect to the clear versus plain distinction for each tone, with speaking style as the fixed effect and speaker being a random effect. The strongest effects detected were that duration and mean intensity increased in clear speech across speakers and tones. Tones 2 and 3 increased in mean F0 and Tone 4 increased its slope. An additional finding was that, for contour tones, speakers accomplished the increase in duration by stretching out the tone contours in time while largely not changing the F0 range. These results are discussed in terms of signal-based (affecting all tones) and code-based (enhancing contrast between tones) change.
Supplemental Material: Geology of Chief Joseph Pass, Wyoming: Crest of Rattlesnake Mountain anticline and escape path of the Eocene Heart Mountain slide
Authors: Malone David , al. et
Published: December 2021

File S1: AMS data. File S2: Dike paleopole data. File S3: O and C isotope data. File S4: Fluid-inclusion data. File S5: U-Pb ages
Magnetics Hysteresis Properties and Microstructure of High-Energy (Nd,Dy)–Fe–B Magnets with Low Oxygen Content
Authors: Vasilenko D. Yu. , Shitov A. V. , Bratushev D. Yu. , Podkorytov K. I. , Gaviko V. S. , Golovnya O. A. , Popov A. G.
Published: December 2021

Magnetic properties and microstructure of high-energy (Nd,Dy)–Fe–B magnets with Dy of no more than 1 wt % prepared via a low-oxygen routine are studied. Oxygen content in magnets does not exceed 0.20 wt %. 0.5 wt %–Dy addition reliably stabilizes the coercivity MHc higher than 13 kOe; in this case, the maximum energy density product (BH)max of magnets is 48.5–49.5 MG Oe. High magnetic hysteresis properties are gained via optimization of chemical and phase compositions of magnets, as well as their microstructure. The grain size of the main Nd2Fe14B phase is approximately 3.5 μm; and according to X-ray analysis, the weight fraction of additional Nd-rich phases (NdOx and Nd2O3) does not exceed 2.5%. Scanning electron microscopy study has demonstrated that in triple junctions of Nd2Fe14B grains there are two types of inclusions (В and С) of the NdOx phase, which significantly differ by their chemical composition. С-phase inclusions with low oxygen content (х ≈ 0.03) are enriched in Fe (40–50 wt %); whereas, В-phase with high oxygen content (х ≈ 0.70) contains 3–5 times less Fe. The angular dependences of coercivity of (Nd,Dy)–Fe–B magnets are presented.
Tissue-specific responses that constrain glucose oxidation and increase lactate production with the severity of hypoxemia in fetal sheep
Authors: Jones Amanda K. , Wang Dong , Goldstrohm David A. , Brown Laura D. , Rozance Paul J. , Limesand Sean W. , Wesolowski Stephanie R.
Published: December 2021

Hypoxemia lowered fetal glucose oxidation rates, based on severity of hypoxemia, and increased lactate production. This was supported by tissue-specific metabolic responses that may result from increased norepinephrine and cortisol concentrations, which decrease pancreatic insulin secretion and insulin concentrations and decrease glucose utilization. This highlights the vulnerability of metabolic pathways in the fetus and demonstrates that constrained glucose oxidation may represent an early event in response to sustained hypoxemia and fetal growth restriction.
Propagation of Pore Pressure and Stress in Saturated Porous Media Based on a Darcy-Brinkman Formulation
Authors: Yang Duoxing , Zhang Lianzhong
Published: December 2021

Propagation of pore pressure and stress in water-saturated elastic porous media is theoretically investigated when considering the Darcy-Brinkman law. The wave mode, phase velocity, phase lag, damping factor, and characteristic frequency are found from the updated mathematic model. The Brinkman term describes the fluid viscous shear effects and importantly contributes to the dispersion relation and wave damping. The coincidence of the properties of Biot waves of the first and second kinds occurs at a characteristic frequency, which is remarkably influenced by the Brinkman term. A key finding is that, compared to the Darcy-Brinkman law, Darcy’s law overestimates the phase velocity, damping, and phase lag of the first wave, while underestimates the phase velocity, damping, and phase difference of the second wave. The introduction of the Darcy-Brinkman law yields an improved description of the damping of the compressional wave modes in saturated porous media.
Dietary Practice among Type 2 Diabetic Ppatients in Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Worsa Kidus Temesgen , Zinab Beakal , Teshome Melese Sinaga
Published: December 2021

Background. Diabetic patients’ dietary practice is critical to improve glycemic, lipid, and blood pressure control. However, a significant number of patients had poor dietary practice. In Ethiopia, more than half of diabetic patients were not practicing a healthy dietary approach. Therefore, this study assessed variables that were hardly addressed in previous studies. The aim of this study was to assess dietary practice and associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods. A facility-based cross-sectional study was performed among patients with type 2 diabetes in Arba Minch General Hospital from April 21 to May 20, 2020. A systematic sampling technique was used to select 352 patients. The data were entered into EpiData version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 21 for cleaning and analysis. Descriptive statistics were performed. All variables in bivariate analysis with

p

-value <0.25 were entered into a multivariable logistic regression model, and statistical significance was declared at a

p

-value of less than 0.05. Results. The prevalence of poor dietary practice was found to be 40.6% (95%CI (35.7–46.0)). After adjusting for other variables in multivariable analysis, not attending formal education (AOR = 3.0; 95%CI (1.6–5.5)), being at primary education level (AOR = 2.2; 95%CI (1.1–4.4)), being moderately food insecure (AOR = 5.3; 95%CI (2.8–9.9)), having depression (AOR = 5.9; 95%CI (3.0–11.4)), and not having nutrition education (AOR = 2.2; 95% (1.1–4.6)) were factors associated with poor dietary practice. Conclusions. A significant proportion of patients had poor dietary practice. The poor dietary practice was significantly higher among those with no formal education, at the primary education level, from the moderately food-insecure household, having depression, and not having nutrition education. The results imply the need for strengthening health information dissemination concerning healthy dietary practice in the form of a package.
Identification of Differentially Expressed and Prognostic lncRNAs for the Construction of ceRNA Networks in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Cui Yimeng , Cui Yaowen , Gu Ruixue , Liu Yuechao , Wang Xin , Bi Lulu , Zhang Shuai , Fan Weina , Tian Fanglin , Zhan Yuning , Zhang Ningzhi , Xing Ying , Cai Li
Published: December 2021

Background. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) could function as competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) to competitively adsorb microRNAs (miRNAs), thereby regulating the expression of their target protein-coding mRNAs. In this study, we aim to identify more effective diagnostic and prognostic markers for lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Methods. We obtained differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs), miRNAs (DEmiRNAs), and mRNAs (DEmRNAs) for LUAD by using The Cancer Genomes Atlas (TCGA) portal. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to unveil core gene modules associated with LUAD. The Cox proportional hazards model was performed to determine the prognostic significance of DElncRNAs. The diagnostic and prognostic significance of DElncRNAs was further verified based on the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). Cytoscape was used to construct the ceRNA networks comprising the lncRNAs-miRNAs-mRNAs axis based on the correlation obtained from the miRcode, miRDB, and TargetScan. Results. Compared with normal lung tissues, 2355 DElncRNAs, 820 DEmiRNAs, and 17289 DEmRNAs were identified in LUAD tissues. We generated 8 WGCNA core modules in the lncRNAs coexpression network, 5 modules in the miRNAs, and 12 modules in the mRNAs coexpression network, respectively. One lncRNA module (blue) consisting of 441 lncRNAs, two miRNA modules (blue and turquoise) containing 563 miRNAs, and one mRNA module (turquoise), which consisted of 15162 mRNAs, were mostly significantly related to LUAD status. Furthermore, 67 DEmRNAs were found to be tumor-associated as well as the target genes of the DElncRNAs-DEmiRNAs axis. Survival analyses showed that 6 lncRNAs (LINC01447, WWC2-AS2, OGFRP1, LINC00942, LINC01168, and AC005863.1) were significantly correlated with the prognosis of LUAD patients. Ultimately, the potential ceRNA networks including 6 DElncRNAs, 4 DEmiRNAs, and 22 DEmRNAs were constructed. Conclusion. Our study indicated that 6 DElncRNAs had the possibilities as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for LUAD. The lncRNA-mediated ceRNA networks might provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of LUAD progression.
The Hypolipidemic Effect of Dalbergia odorifera T. C. Chen Leaf Extract on Hyperlipidemic Rats and Its Mechanism Investigation Based on Network Pharmacology
Authors: Mei Hui , Hu Huiming , Lv Yanni , Ma Guangqiang , Tang Fangrui , Hong Zhou , Shao Feng
Published: December 2021

Objective. The aim of this study was to explore the hypolipidemic effect and mechanism of Dalbergia odorifera T. C. Chen leaf extract. Methods. The hypolipidemic effect of D. odorifera leaf extract was investigated using a hyperlipidemic rat model. Then, its mechanism was predicted using network pharmacology methods and verified using western blotting. Results. Compared with the levels in the model group, the serum levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) decreased significantly, whereas the serum level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) increased dramatically after treatment with the extract. The degrees of hepatocyte steatosis and inflammatory infiltration were markedly attenuated in vivo. Then, its hyperlipidemic mechanism was predicted using network pharmacology-based analysis. Thirty-five key targets, including sterol regulatory element-binding protein cleavage-activating protein (SCAP), sterol regulatory element-binding protein-2 (SREBP-2), 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR), low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), and ten signaling pathways, were associated with hyperlipidemia. Finally, it was verified that the extract downregulated the protein levels of SCAP, SREBP-2, and HMGCR, and upregulated protein levels of LDLR. Conclusion. These findings provided additional evidence of the hypolipidemic effect of D. odorifera leaf extract.
[Retracted] Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis Disease in Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging Based on the Harris Hawks Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Iswisi Amal F. A. , Karan Oğuz , Rahebi Javad
Published: December 2021

The damaged areas of brain tissues can be extracted by using segmentation methods, most of which are based on the integration of machine learning and data mining techniques. An important segmentation method is to utilize clustering techniques, especially the fuzzy C‐means (FCM) clustering technique, which is sufficiently accurate and not overly sensitive to imaging noise. Therefore, the FCM technique is appropriate for multiple sclerosis diagnosis, although the optimal selection of cluster centers can affect segmentation. They are difficult to select because this is an NP‐hard problem. In this study, the Harris Hawks optimization (HHO) algorithm was used for the optimal selection of cluster centers in segmentation and FCM algorithms. The HHO is more accurate than other conventional algorithms such as the genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization. In the proposed method, every membership matrix is assumed as a hawk or an HHO member. The next step is to generate a population of hawks or membership matrices, the most optimal of which is selected to find the optimal cluster centers to decrease the multiple sclerosis clustering error. According to the tests conducted on a number of brain MRIs, the proposed method outperformed the FCM clustering and other techniques such as the k‐NN algorithm, support vector machine, and hybrid data mining methods in accuracy.
The Prevalence of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli and Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli Isolated from Raw Chicken Meat Samples
Authors: Zarei Omid , Shokoohizadeh Leili , Hossainpour Hadi , Alikhani Mohammad Yousef
Published: December 2021

Background. Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is known as a crucial zoonotic food-borne pathogen. A total of 257 raw chicken meat samples were collected from different markets in Hamadan, west of Iran, from January 2016 to May 2017. Materials and Methods. The samples were cultured in selective and differential culture media, and the virulence genes of E. coli isolates were analyzed by PCR assay. The antibiotic resistance patterns of E. coli isolates were determined by the disk diffusion method. The genetic relatedness of the E. coli O157 isolates was analyzed by ERIC-PCR. Results. In total, 93 (36% ± 3.12) of the isolates were identified as E. coli in this study. Based on serological and microbiological tests, 36 (38.7% ± 9.9), 7 (7.5% ± 5.35), and 12 (12.9% ± 6.81) of the E. coli isolates were characterized as STEC, enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), and attaching and effacing E. coli (AEEC) strains, respectively. A high level of resistance to nalidixic acid (91.4% ± 5.7), tetracycline (89.2% ± 6.31), ampicillin (82.8% ± 7.67), and trimotoprime-sulfametoxazole (71% ± 9.22) was detected among the E. coli isolates. The analysis of the ERIC-PCR results showed five different ERIC types among the E. coli O157 isolates. Conclusions. Based on our findings, control and check-up of poultry meats should be considered as a crucial issue for public health.
Factors Associated with Changes in Peripapillary Retinal Nerve Fibre Layer Thickness in Healthy Myopic Eyes
Authors: Du Jianli , Du Yang , Xue Yanyan , Wang He , Li Yaping
Published: December 2021

Myopic people face an elevated risk of primary open angle glaucoma. Changes in the fundus in people with high myopia often lead to misdiagnosis of glaucoma, as this condition has many clinical signs in common with myopia, making the diagnosis of glaucoma more challenging. Compared to reduction of the visual field, a decrease in retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness occurs earlier in glaucoma, which is widely considered useful for distinguishing between these conditions. With the development of optical coherence tomography (OCT), RNFL thickness can be measured with good reproducibility. According to previous studies, this variable is not only affected by axial length but also related to the patient’s age, gender, ethnicity, optic disc area, and retinal blood flow in myopia. Herein, we intend to summarize the factors relevant to the RNFL in myopia to reduce the false-positive rate of glaucoma diagnosis and facilitate early prevention of myopia.
Simulation Research on Risks of Entrepreneurship Platform Organization Complex Network
Authors: Huang Chun
Published: December 2021

The risks of entrepreneurship platform are considered one of the most significant factors that affect regional economic development. However, the complexity of the constitutive relationship and the dynamics of the research process have made it difficult for studies to analyse the evolution and risks from the quantitative perspective. According to the analysis perspective of complex networks, this study determined the coupling relationship between the entrepreneurship platform network structure and complex network model. With the results studied and described in the paper, this study had constructed a platform structure model portraying the evolution process of the platform structure under two types of risks by using the simulation method. Three main conclusions are being drawn from the study: Firstly, endogenous and exogenous risks showed substantial results in affecting the changes in microentities and network relationship of enterprises within the platform, causing the robustness of platform to risk to differ significantly. Secondly, based on exogenous risks, the robustness distribution scaling from highest to lowest among three types of platforms studied is hub‐and‐spoke > mixed > market. Lastly, based on endogenous risk, the robustness distribution scaling from highest to lowest among the three types of platform studies is market > mixed > hub‐and‐spoke.
Visual Sequence Algorithm for Moving Object Tracking and Detection in Images
Authors: Xue Renzheng , Liu Ming , Yu Xiaokun
Published: December 2021

Objective. The effects of different algorithms on detecting and tracking moving objects in images based on computer vision technology are studied, and the best algorithm scheme is confirmed. Methods. An automatic moving target detection and tracking algorithm based on the improved frame difference method and mean-shift was proposed to test whether the improved algorithm has improved the detection and tracking effect of moving targets. The algorithm improves the traditional three-frame difference method and introduces a single Gaussian background model to participate in target detection. The improved frame difference method is used to detect the target, and the position window and center of the target are determined. Combined with the mean-shift algorithm, it is determined whether the template needs to be updated according to whether it exceeds the set threshold so that the algorithm can automatically track the moving target. Results. The position and size of the search window change as the target location and size change. The Bhattacharyya similarity measure ρ (y) exceeds the threshold r, and the target detection algorithm is successfully restarted. Conclusion. The algorithm for automatic detection and tracking of moving objects based on the improved frame difference method and mean-shift is fast and has high accuracy.