bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Phase 3 Study of Enarodustat (JTZ-951) in Japanese Hemodialysis Patients for Treatment of Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease: SYMPHONY HD Study
Authors: Akizawa Tadao , Nangaku Masaomi , Yamaguchi Takuhiro , Koretomo Ryosuke , Maeda Kazuo , Miyazawa Yuya , Hirakata Hideki
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Enarodustat (JTZ-951) is a new oral hypoxia-inducible factor-prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor for the treatment of anemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD). We conducted a phase 3 study to compare the efficacy and safety of enarodustat with darbepoetin alfa (DA) in Japanese anemic patients with CKD receiving maintenance hemodialysis. Methods: Subjects receiving maintenance hemodialysis were randomly assigned at a 1:1 ratio to receive oral enarodustat once daily or intravenous DA every week for 24 weeks with dose adjustment every 4 weeks to maintain hemoglobin (Hb) within a target range (≥10.0 to <12.0 g/dL). The primary efficacy endpoint was difference in mean Hb level between arms during the evaluation period defined as weeks 20–24 (noninferiority margin: −1.0 g/dL). Intravenous iron preparations were prohibited during the screening period and during weeks 0–4. Results: The mean Hb level of each arm during the evaluation period was 10.73 g/dL (95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.56, 10.91) in the enarodustat arm and 10.85 g/dL (95% CI: 10.72, 10.98) in the DA arm. The difference in the mean Hb level between arms was −0.12 g/dL (95% CI: −0.33, 0.10), confirming the noninferiority of enarodustat to DA. The mean Hb level of each arm was maintained within the target range during the treatment period. Increased total iron-binding capacity and serum iron and decreased hepcidin were observed through week 4 in the enarodustat arm albeit after switching from erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. No apparent safety concerns of enarodustat were observed compared with DA. Discussion/Conclusion: Enarodustat was noninferior to DA for the treatment of anemia in CKD patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis and was generally well tolerated over 24 weeks.
Miridiba hani Gao, a new species from Hainan, China (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae: Rhizotrogini), with a new combination from Vietnam
Authors: GAO CHUAN-BU , BAI MING , FANG HONG , LI JUN
Published: July 2021

A new species of the genus Miridiba Reitter, 1902 from Hainan Island of China is described and illustrated: Miridiba hani Gao, new species. A key to the species of the genus Miridiba known in Hainan Island is provided. A new combination is proposed: Miridiba longiuscula (Moser, 1909), new combination.
A new genus of Isoperlinae (Plecoptera: Perlodidae) from Tibet, China
Authors: HUO QING-BO , DU YU-ZHOU
Published: July 2021

A new genus of family Perlodidae, Tibetisoperla Huo & Du, gen. nov. is described with one new species from Tibet, China. Male of the new genus is characterized by the divided tergum 10 with several large apical erect setae, highly reduced vesicle on sternum 8, and the sclerotized paraprocts with separate apical sclerite.
Effect of Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF-β) on the Degeneration of Intervertebral Discs by Regulating Nuclear Factor Kappa-Light-Chain-Enhancer of Activated B Cells/Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (NF-fcB/mTOR) Signaling Pathway
Authors: Song Mengxiong , Zhang Chi , Zhang Yongtao , Chao Wang , Zhang Lin , Xu Derong , Zhu Kai , Li Guanghui , Zhao Han , Ma Xuexiao
Published: July 2021

Intervertebral disc degenerative disease (IDDD) is common in orthopedics. TGF-β involves in inflammation and tissue repair. But its role in IDDD remains unclear. IDDD patients and normal intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus tissues were collected. IDDD was divided into prominent
group and prolapse group. IDDD nucleus pulposus cells were isolated and divided into control group, TGF-β agonist group and TGF-β inhibitor group followed by analysis of cell proliferation by MTT, cell apoptosis by flow cytometry BALP and OC expression by Real time
PCR, NF-/<B/mTOR signaling protein expression by Western blot as well as IL-1 and IL-6 secretion by ELISA. Compared with normal group, TGF-β mRNA and serum level in patients with IDDD was significantly decreased (P < 0.05), with more significant changes in prolapse
group (P < 0.01). Pfirrmann grading scores were negatively correlated with TGF-β serum level (P < 0.001). TGF-β agonists can significantly promote cell proliferation, inhibit apoptosis, upregulate BALP and OC expression, inhibit NF-κB
expression, increased p-mTOR level and decrease IL-1 and IL-6 secretion (P < 0.05). All these changes were significantly reversed by TGF-β inhibitors (P < 0.05). TGF-β expression in IDDD is reduced and associated with disease severity. Promoting
TGF-β expression can inhibit inflammatory factors secretion, promote BALP and OC expression and cell proliferation, and inhibit the degeneration of intervertebral discs by regulating NF-/<B/mTOR signaling.
Stromal Cell-Derived Factor (SDF)-1-Pretreated Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BMSCs) Ameliorates Acute Kidney Injury in Mice
Authors: Dong Xiaohui , Lv Xifeng
Published: July 2021

To explore the effects of stromal cell-derived factor (SDF-1) pretreatment of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on acute kidney injury (AKI) in mice. BMSCs were cultured and treated with SDF-1 to detect osteogenic and adipogenic ability. Cisplatin (20 mg/kg) was used to establish
AKI model and then divided into blank group, control group 2 (BMSCs injection), and experimental group (intraperitoneal injection of BMSCs treated with SDF-1 (80 ng/ml)) followed by analysis of serum cytokines (Toll like receptor 4 (TLR4), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α),
and interleukine-6 (IL-6)) by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In cultured BMSCs, positive rates of CD29, CD44, CD45, and CD11b were 98.2%, 97.6%, 2.5% and 2.1%, respectively. When the concentration of SDF-1 was within 80 ng/mL, the chemotaxis and proliferation ability was dose-dependent
(p < 0.05). SDF-1 pretreatment did not affect BMSCs adipogenic and osteogenic abilities. The creatinine and serum cytokines (TLR4, TNF-α, and IL-6) level in experimental group showed statistical significance (p < 0.05). At 24 h, thrombosis and tubular dilatation
in the mesangial region of control group 2 and experimental group under light microscope were similar without difference of inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrosis. At 72 h, the glomerular mesangium widened in control group 2 with focal segmental sclerosis, renal tubules dilated, and protein
casts and inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrosis. Experimental group showed a small amount of cell proliferation in the glomerular mesangium with few inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrosis. SDF-1 can enhance the migration and proliferation activity of BMSCs, reduce extracellular
matrix precipitation, improve renal fibrosis, and alleviate AKI.
Experimental Study on the Effect of miR-200b Regulation of Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP)-2 Expression on the Proliferation and Invasion of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Xiao Yi , Li Peiei , Lu Xiaoming
Published: July 2021

BMP is an important member of the skeletal junction proteins associated with cell invasion, metastasis, and migration. MiR-200b is associated with the progression of several tumors. This study investigated whether miR-200b plays a role in regulating BMP-2 expression and affecting the
proliferation and invasion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. The nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues with different TNM stages were collected and the proliferative nasal tissues alone were used as controls to detect the expression of miR-200b and BMP by RT-PCR. The nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell
line CNE1 cells were divided into miR-NC group, miR-200b mimic group, siRNA-NC group, and siRNA-BMP-2 group, to detect BMP-2 level, cell invasion and proliferation ability by transwell. The BMP-2 mRNA expressed in nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues was significantly elevated compared to controls
and correlated with TNM stage. BMP-2 was higher in tumor tissues than in controls, however, the expression profile of miR-200b was opposite to BMP-2. Transfection with miR-200b mimic or siRNA-BMP-2 significantly down-regulated BMP-2 in CNE1 cells and attenuated cell invasive and proliferative
capacity. Reduced expression of miR-200b is associated with elevated BMP-2 expression and increased invasive capacity of nasopharyngeal cancer cells. Overexpression of miR-200b reduces the invasive and proliferative capacity of nasopharyngeal cancer cells by targeting and inhibiting BMP-2
expression.
Exosomes from Umbilical Cord-Originated Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) Prevent and Treat Diabetic Nephropathy in Rats via Modulating the Wingless-Related Integration Site (Wnt)/β-Catenin Signal Transduction Pathway
Authors: Dong Fuxing , Hong Fuyuan
Published: July 2021

For the exosomes secreted by umbilical cord-originated mesenchymal stem cells (so-called hucMSC-exo), they can be applied to treat a variety of clinical diseases as a therapeutic strategy. The Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway has received widespread attention for its capability to modulate multiple kinds of diseases including diabetic nephropathy. Our study aimed to assess the therapeutic efficiency of exosomes secreted by hucMSC-exo on the rat model with diabetic nephropathy (DN). Rats were given an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) to induce diabetes, while rats in blank group received same amount of buffer. The DN rats were randomized into DN group and treatment group (treated with hucMSC-exo) followed by analysis of total urine protein, creatinine and urea nitrogen in serum, the histopathological changes in rat kidneys and Wnt-4 andβ-catenin expression by western blot. In comparison with the rats in DN group, those in hucMSC-exo treatment group exhibited significantly reduced indexes related to urinary and renal function biochemical tests (P< 0.05). HE staining of kidney tissues showed that abnormal degree of renal damage was significantly alleviated after treatment. In addition, exosomes can ameliorate the symptoms of renal damage in DN rats through modulating the Wnt-4/β-catenin signal pathway. It provides an experimental basis for hucMSC-exo as a new treatment method for DN. hucMSC-exo can ameliorate the renal function and the tissue damage in DN rats through impeding Wnt-4/β-catenin signal pathway thereby providing a basis for the prevention and treatment of DN.
Echocardiographic Monitoring of Cardiac Parameters to Predict Bronchial Dysplasia in Very Premature Infants
Authors: Yan Xiaofang , Gao Yan , Wu Peipei , Feng Xing
Published: July 2021

Echocardiography was used to measure the cardiac parameters in high-risk premature infants prone to bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). These measurements were used to determine the correlation between the parameters and BPD and whether they could be used to predict the parameters associated
with cardiac health of BPD in very premature infants at a very early stage. Seventy-four very premature infants (gestational age < 32 weeks) were recruited in this retrospective, single-center, observational studies. All infants were examined using echocardiography within a week after birth,
and the cardiac chamber parameters were recorded. Of these, 14 infants with BPD were reexamined at 4 weeks after birth. Statistical analysis and comparison of the data of these 14 infants indicated that 1-week after birth, the inner diameters of PA/AS/AO/LA/ROVT/LVPW/LV were significantly
smaller (P < 0.05), and that of AS/AO/LA/LV were highly significantly smaller (P < 0.001) in the BPD group compared with the non-BPD group. Comparing the cardiac parameters between 1 and 4 weeks after birth in infants with BPD showed a significant difference in the diameter
of PA/AS/AO/ROVT/IVS/LVPW/LV, suggesting that the ventricular cavity developed more efficiently during growth.
Is Dante a pilgrim? Pilgrimage, material culture, and modern Dante criticism
Authors: Flack Corey
Published: July 2021

The phrase “Dante the pilgrim” has become commonplace within scholarship on the Commedia as a way to refer to the character within the text who travels the Christian afterlife, as distinct from “Dante the poet,” the voice which narrates the poem. Yet, despite such prevalence, the validity of the term “pilgrim” goes rather unquestioned by scholars. This study aims to challenge the label through Dante’s own definition of a peregrino in the Vita nuova as “chiunque è fuori de la sua patria” (XL.6), a definition that shows a more nuanced understanding of the term than modern scholarship acknowledges. Instead, by tracing out the legacy of the term “Dante the pilgrim” as emerging from late 19th-century criticism such as Francesco de Sanctis’s Storia della letteratura italiana, this article will show that the typical understanding of pilgrim ignores a central dimension of Dante’s own definition: a sense of physical displacement. For Dante, pilgrimage becomes constitutive of the virtual world in the poem, drawing off of material practices of travel to inform the physical experiences of the protagonist. This literal level, signified by an embodied protagonist in similar ways as pilgrims to holy sites interacted with those places, is fundamental for interpreting the larger theological truths Dante conveys, even in minute details such as kicking rocks in Inferno 12.
Liaison and diversion services in South East London: Referral patterns over a 25-year period
Authors: Ryland Howard , Forrester Andrew , Exworthy Tim , Gallagher Shaun , Ramsay Lynne , Khan Al Aditya
Published: July 2021

Criminal justice liaison and diversion services identify people with mental health needs and ensure they receive appropriate support. We describe a 25-year period of one such service that deals with a population of 864,540 in South East London that was set up in 1991. We used data from three time periods. A diagnosis of a mental illness was recorded in 70.0–80.3% of court liaison and diversion referrals. The proportion receiving a hospital order declined from 15.4% in 1991/1992 to 1.1% in 2015/2016; 54/199 (27.1%) of referrals to the police liaison and diversion service were detained in hospital. Although the service is designed to support any individual with a mental health issue, these results suggest that it has dealt mainly with people who have severe mental illness. Further research is required to understand how best to benefit a wider range of people with mental health issues who attend the lower (Magistrates’) courts, and whether screening for mental disorders can be applied in liaison and diversion settings to aid the implementation of national policy. We also need to understand how disposal decisions are made, and which are most effective.
ERP Characteristics of Inducing Rule Validity in Number Series Under Time Pressure
Authors: Nie Aiqing , Jia Xiuqin , Wang Yuli , Yuan Shangqing , Li Minye , Xiao Yueyue , Liang Peipeng
Published: July 2021

A great deal of research has been devoted to examining the neural mechanisms of inductive reasoning. However, the influences of rule validity and time pressure on numerical inductive reasoning remain unclear. In the current study, we aimed to examine the effects of these variables on the time course of rule identification in numerical inductive reasoning. We designed a 3 (task type: valid, invalid, and anomalous) × 2 (time pressure: with time pressure and without time pressure) within-subject experiment based on electroencephalographic event-related potentials (ERP). Behaviorally, we found significant effects of rule validity and time pressure on rule identification. Neurologically, we considered the elicited N200 ERP to reflect conflict detection and found it to be modulated by rule validity but not time pressure. We considered the induced P300 ERP to be primarily related to updating working memory, affected by both rule validity and time pressure. These findings have new implications for better understanding dynamic information processing within numerical inductive reasoning.
Adaptive consensus for heterogeneous unknown nonlinear multi-agent systems with asymmetric input dead-zone: A finite-time approach
Authors: Zamanian Mehdi , Abdollahi Farzaneh , Yadavar Nikravesh Seyyed Kamaleddin
Published: July 2021

This study deals with the adaptive finite-time consensus problem of heterogeneous multi-agent systems composed of first-order and second-order agents with unknown nonlinear dynamics and asymmetric input dead-zone under connected undirected topology. Under the proposed protocol and adaptive laws, a sliding mode variable for every agent converges to a compact set in finite time, and also the position errors and the velocity errors (for second-order agents) between any two agents converge to a small desired neighborhood of the origin in finite time. Each agent requires its states and the relative positions of its neighbors. By applying sliding mode control, the external disturbances, and the imperfect approximation of neural networks are rejected. The unknown terms of the agents’ dynamics are approximated using radial basis function neural networks. The adaptive compensator plus dead-zone is applied to overcome the asymmetric input dead-zone. Based on Lyapunov stability theory, analysis is led on stability. Different from the previous works, the global information graph is not used in the proposed protocol. Finally, our approach is examined for two examples to evaluate its performance.
God as Righteous Agitator: Grounding Biblical Theology
Authors: Moser Paul K.
Published: July 2021

Biblical theology should be grounded in a broad perspective, an Überblick, on the character of God as the main actor in biblical history. Without such a perspective, we will lose sight of what kind of agent motivates the main story-line of the Bible. If our perspective is inadequate, we will fail to recognize how God works in history, including biblical history. Biblical interpreters typically have neglected a key feature of the biblical God: God as righteous agitator for redemptive good in human lives, individually and socially. In doing so, they have failed to give an adequate portrayal of what God is doing or trying to do in history. This article corrects that neglect by acknowledging the biblical God as agitating in history for righteousness among humans as a reflection of God’s unique moral character. It explains how such agitating distinguishes God from the gods of deism and determinism, while enabling the redemptive work of this God to be seen not only in biblical history but also in everyday human life. The article relates divine agitation to the crisis of Jesus in Gethsemane in relation to the kingdom of God and to the apostle Paul on dying-and-rising with Christ.
Understanding the City-transport System of Urban Agglomeration through Improved Space Syntax Analysis
Authors: Zheng Wensheng , Du Nanqiao , Wang Xiaofang
Published: July 2021

From the perspective of city-transport system, this article applies space syntax to analyze the physical integration of cities. Traditionally, space syntax is mainly applied to urban areas, buildings, and other scales. However, when space syntax is applied to the configuration analysis of urban agglomeration, the change of scale causes changes in spatial perception and human behavioral patterns. Thus, we present a new method of space syntax. This method defines the lane and track between entrance and exit, and city as node, which represents small-scale space. Infrastructure, such as stations, entrances, and exits, are defined as links. The urban agglomeration is thus transformed into a topological network, and then displayed as a bipartite graph of cities and routes. We take the urban agglomerations in the Yangtze River Middle Reaches (YRMR) as the case study area and analyze its spatial configuration from the perspectives of local and integral, interfaces at different scales, gaps, evolution of the dual foreground and background networks, and evolution of the transport networks. The results reveal the way cities integrate with each other and further reveal the multi-scale spatial structure of urban agglomeration.
Mediated communication matters during the COVID-19 pandemic: The use of interpersonal and masspersonal media and psychological well-being
Authors: Choi Mina , Choung Hyesun
Published: July 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed our social lives. Stay-at-home orders and physical distancing guidelines have led to restricted face-to-face interactions. The role of communication technologies has become important more than ever. The present study investigated how people use interpersonal (i.e., phone calling, texting, video chatting) and masspersonal media (i.e., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) for different purposes (i.e., social connection, entertainment, information seeking) during the pandemic. Further, we examined how such mediated communication is associated with users’ loneliness and, in turn, satisfaction with life. Results showed that people preferred interpersonal media for social connection and masspersonal media for entertainment and information seeking. The use of interpersonal and masspersonal media and its purpose were associated with users’ psychological well-being both positively and negatively. Social use of interpersonal media was associated with decreased loneliness and, in turn, increased satisfaction with life. However, using media for information seeking was associated with increased loneliness and, in turn, decreased satisfaction with life.
A simple model predicting in-hospital death in patients with type A acute aortic dissection
Authors: Wang Min , Luo Liyan , Xia Xiaohong , Jiang Jiahong , Zhang Litao , Ge Gaoxia , Dong Ning
Published: July 2021

Background:

Type A acute aortic dissection (TAAAD) is a destructive cardiovascular disease, with high morbidity and mortality rates. Identifying the high-risk TAAAD patients at an early stage is urgently necessary.

Methods:

A retrospective study of 160 patients was carried out. The admission data were retrospectively gathered. Logistic regression analysis and receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) was utilized.

Results:

Compared with the survivor group, the nonsurvivor group was older, had higher D-dimer levels, red blood cell distribution width (RDW) levels and platelet distribution width (PDW) levels, and lower fibrinogen levels, platelet levels and plateletcrit levels. Multivariate analysis displayed that four independent factors, age (hazard ratio (HR): 7.877, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.740–22.641, p < 0.001), D-dimer (HR: 3.791, 95% CI 1.520–9.452, p = 0.004), RDW (HR: 3.300, 95% CI 1.109–9.825, p = 0.032), PDW (HR: 3.755, 95% CI 1.436–9.815, p = 0.007) were incorporated into the model. The predict accuracy of the model (AUC 0.861, 95% CI 0.798–0.911, p < 0.001) was best.

Conclusions:

Age, D-dimer, RDW and PDW are independent markers of in-hospital death in TAAAD patients and the newly established model has better performance in predicting high-risk patients. This model can be used as a quick screening tool to assess the prognosis of patients in individualizing.
Prognostic histopathologic features of canine glial tumors
Authors: Merickel Joshua L. , Pluhar G. Elizabeth , Rendahl Aaron , O’Sullivan M. Gerard
Published: July 2021

Gliomas are relatively common tumors in aged dogs (especially brachycephalic breeds), and the dog is proving to be useful as a translational model for humans with brain tumors. Hitherto, there is relatively little prognostic data for canine gliomas and none on outcome related to specific histological features. Histologic sections of tumor biopsies from 33 dogs with glioma treated with surgical resection and immunotherapy and 21 whole brains obtained postmortem were reviewed. Tumors were diagnosed as astrocytic, oligodendroglial, or undefined glioma using Comparative Brain Tumor Consortium criteria. Putative features of malignancy were evaluated, namely, mitotic counts, glomeruloid vascularization, and necrosis. For biopsies, dogs with astrocytic tumors lived longer than those with oligodendroglial or undefined tumor types (median survival 743, 205, and 144 days, respectively). Dogs with low-grade gliomas lived longer than those with high-grade gliomas (median survival 734 and 194 days, respectively). Based on analysis of tumor biopsies, low mitotic counts, absence of glomeruloid vascularization, and absence of necrosis correlated with increased survival (median 293, 223, and 220 days, respectively), whereas high mitotic counts, glomeruloid vascularization, and necrosis correlated with poor survival (median 190, 170, and 154 days, respectively). Mitotic count was the only histological feature in biopsy samples that significantly correlated with survival ( P < .05). Whole-brain analyses for those same histologic features had similar and more robust correlations, and were statistically significant for all features ( P < .05). The small size of biopsy samples may explain differences between biopsy and whole-brain tumor data. These findings will allow more accurate prognosis for gliomas.
The Role of The Gut Microbiome in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Gallop Amy , Weagley James , Paracha Saif-ur-Rahman , Grossberg George
Published: July 2021

The gut microbiota is known to play a role in various disease states through inflammatory, immune and endocrinologic response. Parkinson’s Disease is of particular interest as gastrointestinal involvement is one of the earlier features seen in this disease. This paper examines the relationship between gut microbiota and Parkinson’s Disease, which has a growing body of literature. Inflammation caused by gut dysbiosis is thought to increase a-synuclein aggregation and worsen motor and neurologic symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. We discuss potential treatment and supplementation to modify the microbiota. Some of these treatments require further research before recommendations can be made, such as cord blood transplant, antibiotic use, immunomodulation and fecal microbiota transplant. Other interventions, such as increasing dietary fiber, polyphenol and fermented food intake, can be made with few risks and may have some benefit for symptom relief and speed of disease progression.
Neuromodulation Approaches in Parkinson’s Disease Using Deep Brain Stimulation and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Authors: Cleary Ryan T. , Bucholz Richard
Published: July 2021

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, characterized by progressive motor (such as resting tremor, hypokinesia, postural instability) and non-motor symptoms (such as neuropsychiatric decline and autonomic dysfunction). Since its introduction in the late 1980s, deep brain stimulation (DBS) has revolutionized the treatment of PD. Initially used in patients’ with advanced PD with either medically refractory motor symptoms or medication intolerance, DBS typically provides excellent improvement in motor symptoms. Indications for DBS have continued to expand, with demonstrated efficacy in early PD and essential tremor, and promising preliminary results in the treatment of epilepsy, psychiatric disease, and depression. Advancements in DBS hardware, programming, neuroimaging, and surgical techniques have led to progressive improvement in efficacy and safety profiles. Thanks to ongoing research into remote programming, adaptive DBS, new targets, and alternative interventions, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation, the opportunities for further improvements in DBS and neuromodulation are bright.
The Role of Exercise in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Emig Mallory , George Tikku , Zhang Justin K. , Soudagar-Turkey Momina
Published: July 2021

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system. While it primarily affects motor function, patients eventually develop non-motor symptoms including depression, anxiety, and eventually dementia. Although there is currently no cure, treatment is aimed largely at improving quality of life though medication or surgical techniques to reduce motor symptoms. However, there is vast evidence of the benefits of physical activity as adjunct therapy for Parkinson’s disease. In this review, we analyze 31 studies or reviews and highlight the role of exercise and rehabilitation in PD treatment. This study serves to provide clinicians with a comprehensive resource of the wide variety of exercises with proven benefit for patients affected by Parkinson’s disease. Specifically, patients report significant improvements in motor function, cognition, mood and sleep habits.
Generating and storing power on the moon using in situ resources
Authors: Ellery Alex
Published: July 2021

The Moon Village and similar concepts are strongly reliant on in situ resource utilisation (ISRU). There is great interest in harvesting solar power using locally leveraged in situ resources as an essential facet of in situ infrastructure. Traditionally, silicon-based photovoltaic cells have been assumed, preferably manufactured in situ using a 3D printing rover, but there are major difficulties with such scenarios. Solar cells require pre-processing of regolith and solar cell manufacture. We present an alternative lunar resource leveraged-solar power production system on the Moon which can yield high conversion efficiencies – solar Fresnel lens-thermionic conversion. The thermionic vacuum tube is constructed from lunar-derived materials and NiFe asteroidal ores on the Moon. Given that the majority of energy required for ISRU is thermal, thermionic conversion exploits this energy source directly. Silicates such as anorthite can be treated with acid to yield alumina and silicic acid in solution from which pure silica can be precipitated. Pure silica when heated to high temperature yields fused silica glass which is transparent – fused silica glass may be employed to manufacture Fresnel lenses and/or mirrors. Both silica and alumina may be input to the Metalysis Fray Farthing Chen Cambridge electrolytic process to yield near pure Si and near pure Al, respectively.
EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor Almonertinib induces apoptosis and autophagy mediated by reactive oxygen species in non-small cell lung cancer cells
Authors: Ge X , Zhang Y , Huang F , Wu Y , Pang J , Li X , Fan F , Liu H , Li S
Published: July 2021

Almonertinib, a new third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is highly selective to EGFR T790M-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, there is no available information on the form and molecular mechanism of Almonertinib-induced death in NSCLC cells. Herein, CCK-8 and colony formation assays, flow cytometry, electron microscopy, and western blots assay showed that Almonertinib inhibited NSCLC cells growth and proliferation by inducing apoptosis and autophagy which can be inhibited by a broad spectrum of caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-fmk or autophagy inhibitor chloroquine. Importantly, Almonertinib-induced autophagy was cytoprotective in NSCLC cells, and the blockade of autophagy improved cell apoptosis. In addition, Almonertinib increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and clearance of ROS through pretreatment with N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) inhibited the decrease of cell viability, apoptosis and increase of LC3-II induced by Almonertinib. The results of Western blot showed that both EGFR activity and downstream signaling pathways were inhibited by Almonertinib. Taken together, these findings indicated that Almonertinib induced apoptosis and autophagy by promoting ROS production in NSCLC cells.
Estimation of ordinal population with multi-observer ranked set samples using ties information
Authors: Alvandi Amirhossein , Hatefi Armin
Published: July 2021

In many surveys, we often deal with situations where measuring the study variable is expensive; however, there are easy-to-measure characteristics which can be used as ranking information to obtain more representative samples from the population. Ranked set sampling is successfully employed in these cases as an alternative to commonly used simple random sampling. When the data is ordinal categorical, it is common to apply the ordinal logistic regression approach to ranked set sampling data for the estimation of parameters. This technique first depends on the information of training data. Besides, one is not capable of using the ranking information in the estimation process. In this paper, we propose a ranked set sampling scheme in which ranking information from multiple sources can be combined and incorporated efficiently into both data collection and estimation. The ranked set sampling data is used for non-parametric and maximum likelihood estimation of ordinal categorical population. Through extensive simulation studies, the performance of estimators is evaluated. The methods are finally applied to analyze bone disorder data and obesity data.
Making international law, making carbon markets
Authors: Silbert Nicola
Published: July 2021

This article presents an exploratory discussion of Antony Anghie’s history of the making of international law. It provides an accessible introduction to the text and some of the debates surrounding its key arguments. The article goes on to explore Anghie’s arguments in the context of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Anghie’s arguments are used to foreground the colonial encounter in carbon market systems, with implications for discussions of Article 6 at the upcoming 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow late in 2021.
A five-decade review of gender-based occupational segregation: A bibliometric study of influential authors, institutions, and research clusters
Authors: Sachdeva Leena , Bharti Kumkum , Maheshwari Mridul
Published: July 2021

Despite the proliferation of occupational segregation research, only a limited amount has explored it from a gender perspective. The attention that has been given is widely scattered and requires an analysis to identify the major works undertaken and the changes over time. This study aimed to examine and assimilate articles published on gender-based occupational segregation through a bibliometric analysis. The study examined 512 articles published from the early 1970s to 2020 that were retrieved from the Web of Science database. The findings suggest that gender and occupational segregation remain an extensive field of research, although this research comes mainly from North American and European countries. The low representation from developing countries indicates that more research is needed based on these different socio-cultural settings. This study identified three dominant research clusters, namely gendered organisational structures and systems, measurement of occupational segregation, and wage differential. Studies also covered areas including conceptualization, LGBTQ issues, and the role of legislation and institutions in reducing workplace inequalities; thus, providing a direction for scholars and practitioners.
The relationship between locus of control and hope in adolescents: The mediating role of career and talent development self-efficacy
Authors: Turan Mehmet Emin
Published: July 2021

Adolescence is a period that plays a crucial role in career development. Understanding the psychological structures associated with a career can help to better understand adolescents’ career development. The aim of this study was to examine the mediating role of career and talent development self-efficacy in the relationship between adolescents’ locus of control and the construct of children’s hope. The study group was composed of 354 adolescents including 170 females and 184 males. The mean age of participants was 14.3 years. Structural equation modelling was used to investigate the mediating role of career and talent development self-efficacy in the relationship between locus of control and children's hope. It was concluded that career and talent development self-efficacy had a mediating role in the relationship between locus of control and children’s hope. Mental health professionals and educators who carry out locus of control or hope-based interventions are recommended to pay attention to the mediating role of self-efficacy.
Lean in? The role of single sex schools in the gendering of confidence in high school adolescents
Authors: Fitzsimmons Terrance W , Yates Miriam S , Callan Victor J
Published: July 2021

Structural inequalities and stereotypes are held out as explanations for gender differences in reported levels of confidence. However, while it is reported that in the absence of stereotypes women and men should possess identical levels of self-confidence, no study to date has tested this hypothesis. Single sex schools were identified as an environment where structural bias might be mitigated. From a survey of 9,414 Australian adolescents aged 13–17 years attending single sex high schools, no significant difference in overall self-efficacy was identified between genders. Overall, by age cohort there was no significant difference between boys’ and girls’ self-efficacy, with a minor exception of the 15 years cohort. Self-efficacy levels were linked to participation in team sport and undertaking leadership roles. The study provides the first large scale study that demonstrates that women are no less confident than men under conditions where gendered structures are mitigated by their environment.
An isotropic elasto-damage-plastic micromechanical framework of innovative pothole patching materials featuring high-toughness, low-viscosity nanomolecular resin
Authors: Zhang H , Ju J Woody , Zhu WL , Yuan KY
Published: July 2021

In a recent companion paper, a three-dimensional isotropic elastic micromechanical framework was developed to predict the mechanical behaviors of the innovative asphalt patching materials reinforced with a high-toughness, low-viscosity nanomolecular resin, dicyclopentadiene (DCPD), under the splitting tension test (ASTM D6931). By taking advantage of the previously proposed isotropic elastic-damage framework and considering the plastic behaviors of asphalt mastic, a class of elasto-damage-plastic model, based on a continuum thermodynamic framework, is proposed within an initial elastic strain energy-based formulation to predict the behaviors of the innovative materials more accurately. Specifically, the governing damage evolution is characterized through the effective stress concept in conjunction with the hypothesis of strain equivalence; the plastic flow is introduced by means of an additive split of the stress tensor. Corresponding computational algorithms are implemented into three-dimensional finite elements numerical simulations, and the outcomes are systemically compared with suitably designed experimental results.
An Analysis of the Quality of the Time Allocated to Dinner by Structural Equation Modeling (SEM)
Authors: Kandemir Aysen Şimşek , Latif Hasan , Karaman Engin
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study is to determine the factors that affect the quality of the time allocated to dinner eaten together and to put forth whether the scale obtained can measure the quality of the time allocated to dinner. A scale was developed to fit the purpose. The data obtained from 171 parents were analyzed. A model with six hypotheses was designated. Hypotheses were tested via structural equation modeling. According to the test results; the formative aspect of the dinner activity (Hypothesis 2) and healthiness and deliciousness of dinner (Hypothesis 3) strongly positively affect the quality of the time allocated to dinner. At the end of the study, it was concluded that the formative aspect of the dinner activity (0.676) and the healthy and delicious food (0.678) strongly positively affected the quality of the time allocated for dinner.
A numerical comparison of the uniformly valid asymptotic plate equations with a 3D model: Clamped rectangular incompressible elastic plates
Authors: Wang Fan-Fan , Dai Hui-Hui , Giorgio Ivan
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we derive the weak form for clamped plates composed of incompressible neo-Hookean material from the uniformly valid asymptotic plate theory. By using the finite-element software COMSOL, we study the numerical solutions of the weak form. We show the accuracy and the efficiency of the weak form by comparing the numerical results for the two-dimensional weak form and a three-dimensional model. As a basis for comparison we choose numerical values of the displacement, the second Piola–Kirchhoff stress, and the Green–Lagrange strain at the bottom. The numerical simulations are performed for three different cases of thickness–span ratios, including (1) very thin plate, (2) thin plate, and (3) moderately thick plate. The results show that the uniformly valid plate theory is a reliable and implementable plate theory for even moderately thick plates with large deformations.
The effect of surface free energy on the fracture behaviors of nanoparticle-reinforced composites
Authors: Zhang YM , Fan M , Xiao ZM , Zhang WG
Published: July 2021

By considering the surface free energy effect, an analytical investigation on the fracture behaviors of nanoparticle-reinforced composites was performed in this study. The plastic zones ahead of the crack tips based on the Irwin model were introduced in our analysis, which has a significant influence on the fracture toughness of inelastic structures, especially for polymer and metal matrix composites. Take copper and aluminum nanoparticles as examples, comprehensive parametric studies were conducted to investigate the interaction between a Griffith crack and the nearby nanoparticle. It was found that for nanoparticles with the radius of less than 10 nm, apart from the mechanical property of the nanoparticle, the surface free energy effect plays a dominant role in determining the fracture behaviors of the nanoparticle-reinforced composites. Moreover, taking the surface free energy into account, a decrease in the plastic zone size is obtained, particularly for the crack tip nearer the nanoparticle.
A non-polynomial axiomatic framework for modelling and bending analysis of doubly curved spherical and cylindrical shells: An analytical solution
Authors: Sharma Lalit K , Grover Neeraj , Purohit Ashish , Sahoo Rosalin
Published: July 2021

In the present work, the doubly curved spherical and cylindrical laminated composite shells are modelled and analysed in the framework of non-polynomial axiomatic approach. The inverse hyperbolic shear deformation theory originally developed for the laminated composite plates is extended to model the deformation characteristics of laminated composite shells. The mathematical formulation is developed under the assumption of linear structural kinematics and linear-elastic-orthotropic material behaviour. The governing equations of the model are obtained using the principle of virtual work and solved in exact manner for simply supported boundary conditions following the Navier solution methodology. The bending response of thick and thin spherical and cylindrical shells subjected to different types of transverse loads such as point load, uniform load and sinusoidal load is analysed in the framework of developed methodology. The obtained results due to inverse hyperbolic shear deformation theory are compared with other shell theories and on the basis of this comparison, the validity and applicability of the inverse hyperbolic shear deformation theory for doubly curved spherical and cylindrical shells is ensured.
Effect of regional terrorism events on Malaysian tourism demand
Authors: Buigut Steven , Kapar Burcu , Braendle Udo
Published: July 2021

The study analyzes the impact of terrorism on Malaysia’s tourism demand. Panel data from the 25 top source countries, covering the period from 2000Q4 to 2017Q4 is obtained from the Global Terrorism Database, and the Malaysian Tourism Board (MyTourismData). For analysis, a panel Fully Modified OLS (FMOLS) procedure is employed. The results indicate that an increase in terrorism activity in Malaysia depresses international arrivals to the country. Furthermore, spillover effects from terrorism activity in neighboring South East Asian countries are identified. Increased terrorism activity in Thailand is found to boost tourist arrivals in Malaysia from each of the four source continents (Europe, North America, Oceania, and Asia) as well as overall. However, increased terrorism activity in Indonesia depresses arrivals from each of the four source continents as well as overall, possibly due to closer physical and cultural proximity. Increase in terrorism activity in Philippines generally creates a negative effect on Malaysia tourism arrivals except for fatalities which induces a positive effect from North America and Oceania. It is suggested Malaysia should coordinate counter terrorism strategies with Indonesia and Philippines to reduce negative spillover. Malaysia tourism providers should also emphasize differentiation of Malaysia tourism products from Indonesian and Philippine products. Future research should assess how terrorism attack patterns affect tourism demand across different nationalities.
Place or Partisanship? The Conditional Role of Identities on Candidate Support
Authors: Fudge Daniel , Armaly Miles T.
Published: July 2021

Recent work on the influence of social identities reveals that placed-based attachments serve as a powerful heuristic when making political assessments. When a politician makes a place-based appeal—such as cuing rural origins—individuals who share that identity more strongly support the candidate. Yet, other important identities—namely, partisanship—are strongly related to place. Here, we attempt to disentangle the unique influence of a place-based identity (and the strength thereof) on candidate support. Additionally, we ask whether shared place can compel supportive behavior, rather than merely increase expressive support. Using a unique survey experiment, we find that those who strongly identify with a place are more willing to donate to the campaign of a shared-place candidate, relative to weaker place identification, but only among co-partisans. We find little evidence that place attachment influences supportive behavior beyond the role of partisanship. Disparate identities—here, place and partisanship—that create cross-pressures can operate in tandem.
A new LNG wharf health assessment model considering structural weak areas
Authors: Zhang Chaoli , Yang Lihao , Hu Guanyu , Tang Shuaiwen , Zhou Zhijie
Published: July 2021

The structural health state of liquefied natural gas (LNG) wharf is important for the docking and operation of LNG ships. Based on the finite element modal analysis (FEMA) and evidential reasoning (ER) rule, a new health assessment model for the LNG wharf is proposed in this paper, where structural weak areas are considered. Firstly, combining the structural mechanism and FEMA, the LNG wharf is simulated and modeled. The weak areas of the wharf in common working modes are analyzed and obtained. Secondly, based on the analysis results, the sensor deployment is guided and the wharf health information is collected. Finally, based on the ER rule, the sensor monitoring information is fused to realize the health assessment of the wharf. This paper takes an LNG wharf in the Hainan Yangpu area of China as an example. The experimental results show that the proposed method can accurately and effectively assess the health state of the wharf.
Creating conference posters: Structure, form and content
Authors: Barker Eleanor , Phillips Veronica
Published: July 2021

This article aims to provide an overview of the form, structure and content of conference posters for researchers who intend to submit an academic poster to a conference. It focuses in particular on the design and layout of academic conference posters, making some suggestions for possible poster layouts. It also provides information about factors influencing conference selection. Finally, it summarises some top tips to be considered when creating a conference poster such as font selection and use of images.