bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep Portrait Lighting Enhancement with 3D Guidance
Authors: Han Fangzhou , Wang Can , Du Hao , Liao Jing
Published: July 2021

Despite recent breakthroughs in deep learning methods for image lighting enhancement, they are inferior when applied to portraits because 3D facial information is ignored in their models. To address this, we present a novel deep learning framework for portrait lighting enhancement based on 3D facial guidance. Our framework consists of two stages. In the first stage, corrected lighting parameters are predicted by a network from the input bad lighting image, with the assistance of a 3D morphable model and a differentiable renderer. Given the predicted lighting parameter, the differentiable renderer renders a face image with corrected shading and texture, which serves as the 3D guidance for learning image lighting enhancement in the second stage. To better exploit the long‐range correlations between the input and the guidance, in the second stage, we design an image‐to‐image translation network with a novel transformer architecture, which automatically produces a lighting‐enhanced result. Experimental results on the FFHQ dataset and in‐the‐wild images show that the proposed method outperforms state‐of‐the‐art methods in terms of both quantitative metrics and visual quality.
Test items of 3D printed copper alloy parts based on virtual reality technology
Authors: Huo Jiaofei , Zhang Guangpeng
Published: July 2021

Today, with the rapid development of virtual reality technology, 3D printing technology has gradually gained people's attention. Copper alloy parts have a wide range of uses in our lives, but due to the high technology required, production is more difficult. In order to make copper alloy parts more widely used, this paper uses 3D printing technology to print copper alloy parts, and through comparative experiments, the printed copper alloy parts are analyzed in detail. In the printing process, by adjusting the printing parameters, different parts are printed, and the printing results are analyzed for different parameters. The experimental results show that the experimental 3D printing technology can successfully print copper alloy parts. During the printing process, the input parameters have an extremely important effect on the results. The experimental results show that there are related parameters in the printing process, such as layer height, length, density, etc., which will cause deviations in the printing results. Among them, the layer height and length have the most important effect on the results, accounting for more than 50% of the deviation value. This shows that based on virtual reality technology, the use of 3D printing copper alloy parts is achievable.
An ontology matching approach for semantic modeling: A case study in smart cities
Authors: Djenouri Youcef , Belhadi Hiba , Akli‐Astouati Karima , Cano Alberto , Lin Jerry Chun‐Wei
Published: July 2021

This paper investigates the semantic modeling of smart cities and proposes two ontology matching frameworks, called Clustering for Ontology Matching‐based Instances (COMI) and Pattern mining for Ontology Matching‐based Instances (POMI). The goal is to discover the relevant knowledge by investigating the correlations among smart city data based on clustering and pattern mining approaches. The COMI method first groups the highly correlated ontologies of smart‐city data into similar clusters using the generic k‐means algorithm. The key idea of this method is that it clusters the instances of each ontology and then matches two ontologies by matching their clusters and the corresponding instances within the clusters. The POMI method studies the correlations among the data properties and selects the most relevant properties for the ontology matching process. To demonstrate the usefulness and accuracy of the COMI and POMI frameworks, several experiments on the DBpedia, Ontology Alignment Evaluation Initiative, and NOAA ontology databases were conducted. The results show that COMI and POMI outperform the state‐of‐the‐art ontology matching models regarding computational cost without losing the quality during the matching process. Furthermore, these results confirm the ability of COMI and POMI to deal with heterogeneous large‐scale data in smart‐city environments.
Deep learning for breast cancer classification: Enhanced tangent function
Authors: Thapa Ashu , Alsadoon Abeer , Prasad P. W. C. , Bajaj Simi , Alsadoon Omar Hisham , Rashid Tarik A. , Ali Rasha S. , Jerew Oday D.
Published: July 2021

Recently, deep learning using convolutional neural network (CNN) has been used successfully to classify the images of breast cells accurately. However, the accuracy of manual classification of those histopathological images is comparatively low. This research aims to increase the accuracy of the classification of breast cancer images by utilizing a patch‐based classifier (PBC) along with deep learning architecture. The proposed system consists of a deep convolutional neural network that helps in enhancing and increasing the accuracy of the classification process. This is done by the use of the PBC. CNN has completely different layers where images are first fed through convolutional layers using hyperbolic tangent function together with the max‐pooling layer, drop out layers, and SoftMax function for classification. Further, the output obtained is fed to a PBC that consists of patch‐wise classification output followed by majority voting. The results are obtained throughout the classification stage for breast cancer images that are collected from breast‐histology datasets. The proposed solution improves the accuracy of classification whether or not the images had normal, benign, in‐situ, or invasive carcinoma from 87% to 94% with a decrease in processing time from 0.45 to 0.2 s on average. The proposed solution focused on increasing the accuracy of classifying cancer in the breast by enhancing the image contrast and reducing the vanishing gradient. Finally, this solution for the implementation of the contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization technique and modified tangent function helps in increasing the accuracy.
Kenya’s informal milk markets and the regulation–reality gap
Authors: Blackmore Emma , Guarin Alejandro , Vorley William , Alonso Silvia , Grace Delia
Published: July 2021

Motivation

Around 80% of milk in Kenya is marketed informally, providing livelihoods and contributing to the food security and nutrition of low‐income consumers. Government policy, however, is focused on formalization—primarily through licensing and pasteurization—with enforcement via fines, confiscation of milk, or closing the premises of informal actors.

Purpose

This article seeks to better understand if, and why, Kenya’s informal milk sector and regulatory system are disconnected from one another and how the policy–reality gap might be better bridged.

Methods and approach

To understand the nature and performance of Kenya’s informal milk markets and their governance, we used a mix of research methods and data sources, including surveys with informal market players, and key informant interviews with key sector stakeholders. Fieldwork was carried out in Nairobi in late 2018.

Findings

Milk safety and quality matters to all actors in informal milk value chains. The trust‐based system used is effective in moderating behaviours and assessing and prioritizing quality and safety. Government policy is not accomplishing the stated goal of formalization: licensing levels remain low among informal actors. Pasteurization is not rewarded in the market. There is some evidence of suboptimal pasteurization processes being undertaken to satisfy regulators. There is a gap between the reality of Kenya’s informal milk sector and its regulatory system.

Policy implications

The regulation–reality gap manifests itself as adversarial relationships between regulators and informal actors, and unnecessary transaction costs, missing opportunities for enhancing livelihoods, food safety, and food security. New approaches should build on and consider existing approaches taken by actors in informal food markets to ensure food safety and quality. Policy‐makers should seek to communicate more effectively with informal actors and engage in more constructive dialogue on inclusive ways forward.
Applying the peak‐end rule to decision‐making regarding similar products: A case‐based decision approach
Authors: Kinjo Keita , Ebina Takeshi
Published: July 2021

This study proposes a marketing decision support system (DSS) for firms using case‐based and peak‐end approaches to model consumers. The proposed DSS is composed of model and estimation methods. We employ a similarity function used in case‐based decision theory to examine the degree of similarity between the past and current products offered to a consumer. The contributions of this study are as follows: First, by extending the peak‐end approach, the proposed model could be utilized to analyse not only the same product but also multiple similar products. The DSS could be applied to a broad range of decision problems. Second, by extending the case‐based decision model, our DSS considerably reduces the number of computational operations needed. Third, the model demonstrated the best fit among the compared models and possessed high prediction accuracy when analysing the viewing data for Japanese television dramas. The DSS could increase the future purchase probability of a product. Our research bridges two significant concepts: case‐based decision models in DSSs and peak‐end rules in behavioural economics.
Contrasting temporal variations in responses of leaf unfolding to daytime and nighttime warming
Authors: Wang Jinmei , Xi Zhenxiang , He Xujian , Chen Shanshan , Rossi Sergio , Smith Nicholas G. , Liu Jianquan , Chen Lei
Published: July 2021

Earlier spring phenological events have been widely reported in plants under global warming. Recent studies reported a slowdown in the warming‐induced advanced spring phenology in temperate regions. However, previous research mainly focused on daily mean temperature, thus neglecting the asymmetric phenological responses to daytime and nighttime temperature. Using long‐term records of leaf unfolding in eight deciduous species at 1300 sites across central Europe, we assessed and compared the effects of daytime temperature, nighttime temperature, and photoperiod on leaf unfolding during 1951–1980 and 1981–2013. Although leaf unfolding was advanced by daytime warming during 1951–2013, the advancing responses of leaf unfolding significantly decreased from 1951–1980 to 1981–2013 due to a lower accumulation of chilling units by daytime warming. Nighttime warming delayed leaf unfolding during 1951–1980 but advanced it during 1981–2013 due to a higher accumulation of chilling units by nighttime warming. In contrast, critical daylength and plasticity of leaf unfolding dates remained unchanged between 1951 and 2013. Our study provided evidence that daytime warming instead of nighttime warming accounts for the slowdown in the advancing spring phenology and implied that nighttime warming‐induced earlier spring phenology may be buffering the slowdown of the advanced spring phenology by daytime warming. The response of spring phenology to nighttime temperature may override that to daytime temperature under the actual trends in global warming.
The bargaining set and coalition formation
Authors: Shimomura Ken‐Ichi
Published: July 2021

We study solution concepts for nontransferable utility games according to which the coalition structure and the payoff allocations are simultaneously determined. The steady bargaining set is a refinement of the Zhou bargaining set, which is included in the Mas‐Colell bargaining set. We prove the nonemptiness and partial efficiency of the steady bargaining set for at least one coalition structure under the restrictive non‐crossing condition. Without this condition, the Zhou bargaining set may be empty and the Mas‐Colell bargaining set is nonempty but may not be efficient.
Polyporous PVDF/TiO2 photocatalytic composites for photocatalyst fixation, recycle, and repair
Authors: Sun Xi‐xi , Liu Gang , Li Ruichen , Meng Yan , Wu Jiagang
Published: July 2021

An investigation into photocatalysts mainly focuses on inorganic powders, and their fixation, recycle, and repair in an open and flowing environment remains a problem. Herein, the photocatalytic property of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is utilized to solve this problem. It can be facilely recycled and repaired because of the form of membrane, and porous structure ensures its sufficient contact with pollutants. In addition, its photocatalytic activity can be effectively modified by compositing TiO2 nanopowder, which performs better photocatalytic activity than equivalent content TiO2 powder, originated from the enhanced separation efficiency of electron and hole resulting from the extra driving force maybe generated by PVDF's ferroelectric spontaneous polarization and heterojunction structure, which reduces the recombination of charge carriers. In addition, the pore structure with large density and small size provides more reaction area for the composite structure, which also benefits for the enhancement of photocatalytic activities. Tight combination between PVDF and TiO2 guarantees the stable activity of the composites under flowing environment, and so PVDF/TiO2 composite can sustain its initial photocatalytic activity after at least 10 times cycles. More importantly, when the membrane is damaged, it can be easily repaired by the cost of a small quantity of solvent and can maintain its initial photocatalytic activity. This work would promote the understanding of physical mechanisms of enhanced photocatalytic activities, and recycle and repair properties in PVDF‐xTiO2 composites.
Regional and sex differences in spontaneous striatal dopamine transmission
Authors: Brundage James N. , Mason Colin P. , Wadsworth Hillary A. , Finuf Chris S. , Nelson Josh J. , Ronström P. Joakim W. , Jones Sara R. , Siciliano Cody A. , Steffensen Scott C. , Yorgason Jordan T.
Published: July 2021

Striatal dopamine release is key for learning and motivation and is composed of subregions including the dorsal striatum (DS), nucleus accumbens core, and the nucleus accumbens shell. Spontaneously occurring dopamine release was compared across these subregions. Dopamine release/uptake dynamics differ across striatal subregions, with dopamine transient release amplitude and release frequency greatest in male mice, and the largest signals observed in the DS. Surprisingly, female mice exhibited little regional differences in dopamine release for DS and nucleus accumbens core regions, but lower release in the nucleus accumbens shell. Blocking voltage‐gated K+ channel (Kv channels) with 4‐aminopyridine enhanced dopamine detection without affecting reuptake. The 4‐aminopyridine effects were greatest in ventral regions of female mice, suggesting regional differences in Kv channel expression. The dopamine transporter blocker cocaine also enhanced detection across subregions in both sexes, with greater overall increased release in females than males. Thus, sex differences in dopamine transmission are apparent and likely include differences in the Kv channel and dopamine transporter function. The lack of regional differences in dopamine release observed in females indicates differential regulation of spontaneous and evoked dopamine release.

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The quality of clinical trials in neuroendocrine tumours; have we learnt from our mistakes? An evaluation of phase II and phase III clinical trials
Authors: Hayes Aimee R. , Chan David L. H. , Chan Bryan A. , Pavlakis Nick
Published: July 2021

The quality and reporting of neuroendocrine tumour (NET) clinical trials has previously been found to be heterogeneous impairing trial interpretability. We aimed to perform an updated review of the quality of phase II/III clinical trials in NET to assess if trial design and reporting have improved since 2011. We performed a PubMed search for phase II/III trials evaluating systemic anticancer therapies or liver‐directed therapies published between 2011 and 2018. Data collected comprised administrative data, study population characteristics, endpoints, reporting and statistical design parameters, and results. Sixty studies were included (5218 patients): 50 phase II and 10 phase III trials. Study populations were heterogeneous: 52% of trials allowed tumours from various primary sites, 28% allowed both well‐ and poorly‐differentiated tumour morphology or did not specify, and 57% did not report proliferative indices and/or tumour grade in ≥80% of the study population. Only 36% of trials mandated radiological disease progression on participant enrolment using a validated measure. Statistical design and primary endpoint were clearly defined in 67% and 88% of trials, respectively. Toxicity (88%), radiological response rate (85%) and progression‐free survival/time to progression (82%) were well reported in a majority of trials, but health‐related quality of life was included in the minority. Of the randomised trials (n = 11), study populations were more homogeneous and study design was more often clearly defined; however, only 45% mandated radiological progression at baseline as measured per Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumours, and reporting of health‐related quality of life (55%) remained suboptimal. The design and reporting of NET clinical trials, predominantly of single‐arm phase II trials, remains suboptimal and has not considerably improved over time despite the growth in our knowledge of the biology and unique characteristics of NETs. Higher quality is seen in randomised trials, although certain design and reporting elements remain inadequate in some studies. We must prioritise the design and conduct of NET clinical trials to effectively inform future research and guide practice change.
Effectiveness of a cosmetic device containing a combination of alpha‐ and beta‐hydroxy acids, urea, and thuja for the treatment of seborrheic keratoses
Authors: Campione Elena , Cosio Terenzio , Di Prete Monia , Piccolo Arianna , Lanna Caterina , Lombardo Paolo , Diluvio Laura , Dika Emi , Baciorri Francesca , Orlandi Augusto , Bianchi Luca
Published: July 2021

Background

Seborrheic keratosis is a benign epidermal tumor of cosmetic concern—as it progressively increases in size, thickness, and pigmentation—on which topical treatments are poorly effective. Considering its keratotic component, effective products may include active principles with keratolytic action.

Aims

Evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a topical cosmetic product with urea and hydroxy acids, in the treatment of seborrheic keratoses.

Patients and Methods

Twenty patients were enrolled in an observational, prospective, open‐label study. The topical device was applied on seborrheic keratoses twice daily for 30 days. We evaluated the progression of the treatment by clinical examination—using Daily Life Quality Index—and epiluminescence microscopy at baseline and day 30.

Results

After 30 days of treatment, we documented a significant reduction in seborrheic keratosis thickness and number, which was confirmed also by epiluminescence microscopy. On day 30, global Daily Life Quality Index improved by 99.95%. The tolerability of the cosmetic device was considered excellent, according to 19/20 subjects (95%).

Conclusions

The results of our study showed the efficacy and tolerability of this cosmetic device. Its active compounds favor gradual removal of seborrheic keratoses, even in case of pigmented variants. This non‐invasive treatment represents an alternative to surgical procedures, mainly for fragile patients and delicate skin areas. It is possible to speculate its usefulness in the topical treatment of circumscribed hyperkeratosis, palmoplantar keratoderma, and thick psoriatic plaques.
I speak a little Arabic: Nursing communication in a cross‐cultural context
Authors: Kuzemski Dawn , Thirlwall Alison , Brunton Margaret , Brownie Sharon
Published: July 2021

Aims and objectives

This study investigated the challenges of cross‐cultural communication among internationally qualified nurses, and the impact on nurse‐to‐nurse and nurse‐to‐patient relationships.

Background

Open and authentic communication between nurses and patients is required as a foundation of patient‐centred practice; however, this may be a challenge in cross‐cultural settings.

Design

An exploratory qualitative study with an inductive approach.

Methods

Semi‐structured, face‐to‐face interviews explored the influences on communication and practice of 21 internationally qualified nurses practising in the United Arab Emirates. Manual and software‐driven processes guided coding and analysis of data. Caring theory guided the analysis of themes; while COREQ criteria guided research conduct and reporting.

Results

Four key themes emerged; (a) Challenges in communication, (b) The science versus art of nursing; (c) The impact of ineffective communication and (d) Strategies for coping. Eleven sub‐themes are reported within these themes. Overall, nurses felt they had sufficient language and nursing skills to undertake the technical or scientific aspects of their work; however, they reported experiencing restricted ability to participate in complex cross‐cultural conversations, such as providing explanations and reassurance about treatment options or discussing end of life and treatment decisions. This limitation diminished the nurses’ ability to engage in the art of nursing and left them unable to employ themselves therapeutically to attain a sense of true presence with patients and their families.

Conclusion

This article highlights the need for language and communication support, and Arabic‐speaking advocates as partners in care for expatriate nurses.

Relevance to practice

Internationally qualified nurses in this Middle Eastern setting lack cultural orientation and language skills to fully enact the art and true presence of nursing. Findings indicate that health service employers need to increase the employment of Arabic‐speaking nurses and provide additional language for other expatriate nurses.
Key issues in the field of macro‐sociolinguistics of the Maghreb: Societal debates and contentious discourse
Authors: Chachou Ibtissem
Published: July 2021

Sociolinguistic debates and controversies in the Maghreb can be explained as a function of the complexity of the linguistic facts on the ground, their stereotypical representations and their essentialization in political, everyday and also academic discourses. This contribution aims to produce a critical synthesis of the important issues linked to the status of the official languages, namely institutional Arabic and school Tamazight, which some social actors oppose to the first languages of the people of the Maghreb, namely Maghrebi Arabic and Berber languages. Current debates also concern the question of the replacement of French by English in academia, English being defended by the Arabist elite in order to reduce the field of influence of the francophone elite.
Use of global trait cues helps to explain older adults’ decrements in detecting children’s lies
Authors: O’Connor Alison M. , Lyon Thomas D. , Wiens Micaela , Evans Angela D.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Previous research has established that lie‐detection accuracy decreases with age; however, various mechanisms for this effect have yet to be explored, particularly when examining the detection of children’s lies. The present study investigated if younger and older adults detect children’s lies using different cues (verbal content, verbal auditory, non‐verbal, global traits) to explore if cue usage may help to explain this age‐related decline.

Method

A total of 100 younger (18–30 years) and 100 older adults (66–89 years) watched child interview videos (half were truth‐tellers; half were lie‐tellers coached to conceal a transgression). Participants provided veracity judgements (truth vs. lie) and described the cues that they relied on to make their judgements.

Results

Older adults used marginally significantly fewer verbal content and significantly more global trait cues compared to younger adults. The use of global trait cues partially mediated the age‐related decline in detection accuracy.

Conclusion

These results present a partial mechanism for the age‐related decline in deception detection. This can inform psychological theory on how ageing affects perceptions of child witnesses and deception detection abilities.
Predictive urodynamic factors for de novo stress urinary incontinence after laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Yoshio Yuko , Hayashi Tokumasa , Tokiwa Shino , Sawada Yugo , Okada Yoshiyuki , Achila Bobby , Kitagawa Yasuhide , Nomura Jimmy
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy is often performed to treat pelvic organ prolapse. Preoperative stress urinary incontinence (SUI) can improve after laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy. In contrast, some patients without incontinence preoperatively develop SUI after pelvic organ prolapse repair (ie, de novo SUI). This study aimed to identify the preoperative predictive factors of de novo SUI after laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy.

Methods

A total of 858 patients underwent laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy between January 2013 and November 2017 at Kameda Medical Center. Urodynamic studies were performed pre‐ and postoperatively on 75 patients. This retrospective study included 43 of 75 patients who did not have SUI preoperatively. We assessed urethral function according to functional profile length and maximum urethral closure pressure. We evaluated voiding function in terms of maximum flow rate, detrusor pressure at maximum flow rate, and postvoid residual volume. Furthermore, each factor was compared between de novo SUI‐positive and SUI‐negative groups.

Results

After laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy, 30 (69.8%) patients presented with SUI. The preoperative maximum urethral closure pressure was significantly lower in the de novo SUI‐positive group (36.0 cmH2O) than in the de novo SUI‐negative group (50.5 cmH2O, P = .020). More patients with maximum urethral closure pressure <40 cmH2O had de novo SUI than patients with maximum urethral closure pressure ≥40 cmH2O (P = .004). There were no significant differences between preoperative maximum urethral closure pressure and postoperative maximum urethral closure pressure in either group.

Conclusions

Low preoperative maximum urethral closure pressure, particularly maximum urethral closure pressure <40 cmH2O, is a predictor of de novo SUI after laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy.
Asymmetric epigenetic modification and homoeolog expression bias in the establishment and evolution of allopolyploid Brassica napus
Authors: Li Mengdi , Sun Weiqi , Wang Fan , Wu Xiaoming , Wang Jianbo
Published: July 2021

This study explores how allopolyploidization reshapes the biased expression and asymmetric epigenetic modification of homoeologous gene pairs, and examines the regulation types and epigenetic basis of expression bias.

We analyzed the gene expression and four epigenetic modifications (DNA methylation, H3K4me3, H3K27me3 and H3K27ac) of 29 976 homoeologous gene pairs in resynthesized, natural allopolyploid Brassica napus and an in silico ‘hybrid’.

We comprehensively elucidated the biased gene expression, asymmetric epigenetic modifications and the generational transmission characteristics of these homoeologous gene pairs in B. napus. We analyzed cis/trans effects and the epigenetic basis of homoeolog expression bias. There was a significant positive correlation between two active histone modifications and biased gene expression.

We revealed that parental legacy was the dominant principle in the remodeling of homoeolog expression bias and asymmetric epigenetic modifications in B. napus, and further clarified that this depends on whether there were differences in the expression/epigenetic modifications of gene pairs in parents/progenitors. The maternal genome was dominant in the homoeolog expression bias of resynthesized B. napus, and this phenomenon was attenuated in natural B. napus. Furthermore, cis rather than trans effects were dominant when epigenetic modifications potentially affected biased expression of gene pairs in B. napus.
On the response of the middle atmosphere to anthropogenic forcing
Authors: Garcia Rolando R.
Published: July 2021

Anthropogenic forcing of the atmosphere by greenhouse gases (GHG) and ozone‐depleting substances has provided an unintended test of the robustness of current understanding of the physics and chemistry of the middle atmosphere, that is, the stratosphere and mesosphere. We explore this topic by examining how well anthropogenic changes can be simulated by modern, comprehensive numerical models. Specifically, we discuss the simulations of trends in global mean temperature; the development of the ozone hole and its impact on the dynamics of the Southern Hemisphere, both in the stratosphere and troposphere; trends in the stratospheric Brewer–Dobson circulation; and the response of the quasi‐biennial oscillation (QBO) to increasing burdens of CO2. We find that, in most of these cases, numerical simulation is able to reproduce observed changes and provide physical insights into the relevant mechanisms. Simulation of the QBO is on a less firm footing. Although many numerical models can now generate realistic QBOs, future projections of its behavior under the increasing burdens of GHG are inconsistent and even contradictory.
Acquired oral syphilis: A multicenter study of 339 patients from South America
Authors: de Andrade Bruno Augusto Benevenuto , de Arruda José Alcides Almeida , Gilligan Gerardo , Piemonte Eduardo , Panico René , Molina Ávila Ignacio , Pimentel Sola Juan Martin , Carmona Lorduy Martha Cecilia , Pupo Marrugo Stella , Sánchez Tatis Angélica Sofia , Werner Laura Cecilia , Abrahão Aline Corrêa , Agostini Michelle , Buoro Luisa , Israel Mônica Simões , Freire Nathália de Almeida , Lima Lucas Ambrósio , Abrantes Thamiris de Castro , Cunha John Lennon Silva , Pérez‐de‐Oliveira Maria Eduarda , Roza Ana Luiza Oliveira Corrêa , Vargas Pablo Agustin , Lopes Marcio Ajudarte , Santos‐Silva Alan Roger , de Almeida Oslei Paes , Pontes Flávia Sirotheau Corrêa , Pontes Hélder Antônio Rebelo , Rondanelli Benjamin Martínez , Villarroel‐Dorrego Mariana , Bologna‐Molina Ronell , Derderian Nathalie , Sánchez‐Romero Celeste , Abreu Lucas Guimarães , Fonseca Felipe Paiva , Mesquita Ricardo Alves , Gomez Ricardo Santiago , Martínez‐Flores René , Delgado‐Azañero Wilson , Alves Adriana Terezinha Neves Novellino , Lourenço Simone de Queiroz Chaves , Coimbra Carolina , Polignano Giovanni Augusto Castanheira , Assunção Júnior José Narciso Rosa , Souto Giovanna Ribeiro , Souza Paulo Eduardo Alencar , Horta Martinho Campolina Rebello , González‐Arriagada Wilfredo Alejandro , Romañach Mário José
Published: July 2021

Objective

To report the clinicopathologic features of acquired oral syphilis cases in South American countries.

Materials and Methods

Clinical data were retrospectively collected from the records of 18 oral diagnostic services in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Venezuela, Uruguay, and Peru. Serologies of nontreponemal and treponemal tests were used for diagnosis.

Results

The series comprised 339 cases of acquired oral syphilis. Secondary syphilis ranked as the most common stage (86.7%). Lesions were more frequent among males (58.0%) and young adults with a mean age of 33.3 years. Individuals aged 20–29 years were most affected (35.3%). The most commonly involved sites were the tongue (31.6%), lip/labial commissure (25.1%), and hard/soft palate (20.4%). Clinically, acquired oral syphilis usually presented as mucous patches (28.4%), papules (25.7%), and ulcers (18.1%). Skin manifestations occurred in 67.7% of individuals, while lymphadenopathy and fever were observed in 61.3% and 11.6% of all subjects, respectively. Most patients were treated with the benzathine penicillin G antibiotic.

Conclusion

This report validates the spread of acquired oral syphilis infection among young adults in South America. Our directives include accessible diagnostic tools for proper disease screening, surveillance, and counselling of affected individuals, especially in low‐ and middle‐income countries.
Transcriptional regulation of ZIP genes is independent of local zinc status in Brachypodium shoots upon zinc deficiency and resupply
Authors: Amini Sahand , Arsova Borjana , Gobert Sylvie , Carnol Monique , Bosman Bernard , Motte Patrick , Watt Michelle , Hanikenne Marc
Published: July 2021

The biological processes underlying zinc homeostasis are targets for genetic improvement of crops to counter human malnutrition. Detailed phenotyping, ionomic, RNA‐Seq analyses and flux measurements with 67Zn isotope revealed whole‐plant molecular events underlying zinc homeostasis upon varying zinc supply and during zinc resupply to starved Brachypodium distachyon (Brachypodium) plants. Although both zinc deficiency and excess hindered Brachypodium growth, accumulation of biomass and micronutrients into roots and shoots differed depending on zinc supply. The zinc resupply dynamics involved 1,893 zinc‐responsive genes. Multiple zinc‐regulated transporter and iron‐regulated transporter (IRT)‐like protein (ZIP) transporter genes and dozens of other genes were rapidly and transiently down‐regulated in early stages of zinc resupply, suggesting a transient zinc shock, sensed locally in roots. Notably, genes with identical regulation were observed in shoots without zinc accumulation, pointing to root‐to‐shoot signals mediating whole‐plant responses to zinc resupply. Molecular events uncovered in the grass model Brachypodium are useful for the improvement of staple monocots.
Predictors of family impact of juvenile localized scleroderma
Authors: Milovanova Katia , Adly Merna , Lethebe Brendan C. , Stevenson Rebeka , Prajapati Vimal H. , Luca Nadia J. C.
Published: July 2021

Objective

To measure the impact juvenile localized scleroderma (jLS) has on family quality of life and to identify predictors of family impact in this population which may inform the development of tailored resources to enhance family functioning for patients with jLS.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients with jLS and their families was conducted. Five questionnaires were administered at each visit: Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Family Impact Module (PedsQL‐FIM), PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales (PedsQL‐Generic), PedsQL Rheumatology Module (PedsQL‐RM), Child Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ), and Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI). Linear mixed models with random intercepts for each patient were used to find relationships between family impact scores and clinically relevant variables over time. Variables of interest included disease activity status, methotrexate use, jLS distribution, and scores for PedsQL‐Generic and PedsQL‐RM.

Results

The median baseline PedsQL‐FIM total score was 80.9 (IQR = 76.6‐97.4). Adjusting for age and sex, the most significant predictors of family impact were PedsQL‐Generic scores and four of five PedsQL‐RM dimensions (all P < .001); methotrexate use had borderline significance (P = .06). Family impact increased more significantly over time in older patients. In multivariable modeling, PedsQL‐Generic total score and jLS “other” distribution were significant for predicting an increased PedsQL‐FIM score (P = .003 and P = .03, respectively).

Conclusions

JLS has a moderate family impact. Family impact is predicted by patients’ general and disease‐specific health‐related quality of life (HRQL) and their jLS subtype. There is a trend toward increased family impact with methotrexate treatment. This study emphasizes the importance of family‐centered care in jLS.
Infantile leukocytoclastic vasculitis caused by enterotoxin‐producing methicillin‐sensitive Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Namba Takahiro , Ebuchi Yuki , Manabe Keiko , Shimizu Junya
Published: July 2021

Staphylococcus aureus infections are known to cause leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV). Herein, we describe a case of an 18‐month‐old with LCV caused by enterotoxin‐producing methicillin‐sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) emanating from an unrecognized pharyngeal abscess. It is critical to consider the possibility of extracutaneous sources of MSSA infection when investigating an infant with vasculitis. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are vital in preventing potentially life‐threatening complications.
Genome‐wide identification of the light‐harvesting chlorophyll a/b binding (Lhc) family in Gossypium hirsutum reveals the influence of GhLhcb2.3 on chlorophyll a synthesis
Authors: Zhang Q. , Ma C. , Wang X. , Ma Q. , Fan S. , Zhang C.
Published: July 2021

Light‐harvesting chlorophyll a/b binding (Lhc) family proteins play a significant role in photosynthetic processes. Our objective was systematic identification and analysis of the Lhc family in cotton, as well as the relationship between Lhc family genes and chlorophyll synthesis during photosynthetic processes.

We used genome‐wide identification, phylogenetic analysis, chromosomal distribution and collinearity to examine potential functions of Lhc superfamily genes in upland cotton. Subcellular localization, qRT‐PCR, a yeast two hybrid (Y2H) , and Virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) experiment were used to explore function of GhLhcb2.3.

Focusing on GhLhc family, gene structural analysis of G. hirsutum Lhc family genes (GhLhc) indicated the conservation of selected Lhc family members. The expression pattern of GhLhc proteins shows that Lhc family proteins are important for photosynthetic processes in leaves. Results of subcellular localization and qRT‐PCR in different cotton varieties showed that GhLhcb2.3 is closely related to chloroplast chlorophyll. Y2H found extensive heteromeric interactions between the GhLhcb2.3 and GhLhcb1.4. Subcellular localization revealed that GhLhcb1.4 is located in chloroplasts. VIGS showed that GhLhcb2.3 influenced chlorophyll a synthesis.

We comprehensively identified Lhc family genes in cotton, characterized these genes and reveal the influence of GhLhcb2.3 on chlorophyll a synthesis.
Bacterial strains integrated with surfactin molecules of Bacillus subtilis MTCC441 enrich nematocidal activity against Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Nadeem H. , Niazi P. , Asif M. , Kaskavalci G. , Ahmad F.
Published: July 2021

Bacteria secrete lipopeptide (surfactin) molecules, which are known to act as natural antibiotics. Recently, research on lipopeptide molecules has grown because of their role in increasing resistance to plant pathogens.

Isolated surfactin molecules at several concentrations, viz. 35, 25, 15 and 5 ppm, were used in an in vitro study for analysis of egg hatching inhibition and second‐stage juvenile (J2) mortality of the nematode Meloidogyne incognita. Cell suspensions (1.2 × 108 cfu·ml−1) of both Bacillus subtilis (MTCC‐441) and Pseudomonas putida (MTCC‐102) were used in J2 inoculated tomato plants. Root‐dip treatment of tomato seedlings with the crude lipopeptide (35 ppm) was also performed to analyse biocontrol potential. MALDI‐TOF MS analysis was conducted to determine specific lipopeptide molecules.

Data showed nematode egg mortality of 85% in the 35 ppm surfactin concentration 96 h after exposure. The maximum ovicidal activity was 83.97% after incubation with 35 ppm surfactin for the same exposure period. Plant growth attributes and biochemical parameters were significantly improved when bacterial cultures were applied before J2 inoculation of tomato seedlings. We also recorded a reduction in egg masses, nematode population and root galling. The J2 penetration into tomato roots was effective in the root‐dip experiments. Surfactin mass peak was determined at m/z 1058 [M+Na]+ using MALDI‐TOF MS.

These results indicate that bacterial cell suspensions can be used as a potent and versatile source to deal with nematode infection and provide a rich source of bioactive compounds with antinematode activity.
Cryptocaryon irritans (Brown, 1951) is a serious threat to aquaculture of marine fish
Authors: Li Yanwei , Jiang Biao , Mo Zequan , Li Anxing , Dan Xueming
Published: July 2021

Cryptocaryon irritans (Brown, 1951) is an obligate parasite that mainly invades the skin, fins and gills of marine fish and causes marine ‘white spot disease’. It is common to aquarium and maricultured fish and causes high mortality due to its widespread geographical distribution, indiscriminate host specificity, short and simple life cycle, and high level of virulence. Numerous physical methods and chemical bath agents are applied to cure this disease in closed, re‐circulating aquaculture systems, but these treatments are not suitable in open environments such as cages and ponds. Fortunately, new measures, such as oral chemical drugs, oral plant components, vaccines and even biological control, are being developed as promising methods to treat and prevent cryptocaryoniasis in open aquaculture systems. Here, we provide a broad overview of C. irritans research, focussing primarily on work conducted in the last decade that may offer new insights into the treatment of disease in a practical setting.
China’s import demand for agricultural products: The impact of the Phase One trade agreement
Authors: Feenstra Robert , Hong Chang
Published: July 2021

In December 2019, China committed to purchase more imports from the United States under a Phase One trade agreement. We show that the most efficient way for China to increase its agricultural imports from the United States is to mimic the effect of an import subsidy, which would need to be 42% and 59%, respectively, to meet the 2020 and 2021 targets in the absence of other growth from 2017. As a result, China would divert agricultural imports away from other countries, especially from Australia and Canada, followed by Brazil, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
“Should I Wear a Headscarf to be a Good Muslim Woman?”: Situated Meanings of the Hijab Among Muslim College Women in America
Authors: Karaman Nuray , Christian Michelle
Published: July 2021

This paper aims to understand the multiple meanings ascribed to the hijab as a “situated, embodied practice” understood with a “translocational lens.” Using data from thirty‐four Muslim women college students in the United States, we argue there are multiple meanings ascribed to the “headscarf.” Muslim college women described the veil with discourses surrounding the hijab being a religious requirement, a symbol of identity, and representative of diverse feminist positions. These negotiations were motivated and informed by their various translocational positions that highlight the role of structured inequities surrounding nationality, ethnicity, and race shaping their understandings and choice to veil or not. Thus, a situated, embodied and intersectional lens of the hijab provides nuance and a deeper understanding to the meanings and practices associated with the hijab for Muslim college women.
Surface Layer Modification by Cryogenic Burnishing of Al 7050-T7451 Alloy With Near Ultra-Fine Grained Structure
Authors: Huang B. , Kaynak Y. , Sun Y. , Khraisheh M. K. , Jawahir I. S.
Published: July 2021

Burnishing has been increasingly utilized to improve the surface integrity of manufactured components. The generation of surface and subsurface layers with ultrafine grains, attributed to severe plastic deformation (SPD) and dynamic recrystallization (DRX), leads to improved surface integrity characteristics including surface and subsurface hardness and reduction in surface roughness. Additionally, due to the generation of compressive stresses within the refined layers, increase in fatigue life and improved wear and corrosion resistance can be achieved. In this study, we apply cryogenic burnishing on Al 7050-T7451 discs and compare the surface integrity characteristics with dry conventional burnishing. A special roller burnishing tool with flexible rotating roller head was designed and used to perform the cryogenic burnishing experiments using liquid nitrogen as the coolant. The results show that cryogenic burnishing can increase the surface hardness by an average of 20–30% within a layer depth of 200 µm compared with only 5–10% increase using dry conventional burnishing. Refined layers with nano grain structure were also generated. During cryogenic burnishing, the tangential burnishing forces were higher than those of dry conventional burnishing due to rapid cooling and work hardening of the material.
Modeling orthogonal superposition rheometry to probe nonequilibrium dynamics of entangled polymers
Authors: Zhang Jiamin , Jurzyk Andres , Helgeson Matthew E. , Leal L. Gary
Published: July 2021

Understanding changes to microstructural dynamics under nonlinear deformations is critical for designing flow processes of entangled polymeric fluids, motivating the development of experimental methods to probe strain- and rate- dependent modifications to relaxation mechanisms. Although orthogonal superposition rheometry (OSR) holds promise as such a probe, the ability to interpret the superposition moduli accessible by OSR in the context of entangled polymer dynamics remains an open question. To fill this gap, we report model OSR predictions using detailed microstructural models for both monodisperse and polydisperse entangled polymers, i.e., the Rolie-Poly and the Rolie-Double-Poly models, respectively, which account for reptation, chain retraction, and convective constraint release. By combining numerical calculations with a perturbation analysis, we demonstrate that for polymers that can be described by a single-mode model, the OSR superposition moduli at different shear rates and frequencies can generally be collapsed onto a single master curve, with rate-dependent shift factors that depend on the nonlinear rate-dependent modification of polymer conformation and relaxation rates without changing the dominant relaxation mechanisms. We systematically study how the OSR moduli are sensitive to the shape and dispersity of the molecular weight distribution. We discuss the generality of our results for a broad class of constitutive models and suggest an analogy to Laun’s rule to relate OSR moduli to the first normal stress difference. Our results provide a foundation to guide the design and interpretation of future experiments and demonstrate that orthogonal superposition rheometry often probes features in nonlinear dynamics more directly than conventional rheometry techniques.
European law could boost clinical trials reporting
Authors: Casassus Barbara
Published: July 2021

New database and stricter enforcement could help end lapses in reporting results.
Neural representations of space in the hippocampus of a food-caching bird
Authors: Payne H. L. , Lynch G. F. , Aronov D.
Published: July 2021

Conserved spatial memory mechanisms

Food-caching birds are memory specialists that can remember thousands of hidden food items. Using electrophysiological recordings from freely behaving birds, Payne
et al.
analyzed neuronal activity in the likely hippocampus homolog of two bird species, the tufted titmouse and the zebra finch. They chose these two species to compare, respectively, birds that do and do not display food-caching behavior. Place cells and typical hippocampal firing patterns that resembled rodent neuronal activity could be detected in the extreme memory specialists. Compared with titmice, however, spatial activity was noticeably weaker and less abundant in zebra finches. These findings provide evidence that the neural processes underlying spatial memory are remarkably conserved across widely divergent hippocampal circuits separated by millions of years of evolution.

Science
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Using viral load to model disease dynamics
Authors: Lopman Benjamin A. , McQuade Elizabeth T. Rogawski
Published: July 2021

The quantity of an individual's viral load improves monitoring of epidemics in populations
A sustainable use of space
Authors: Krag Holger
Published: July 2021

Last month, at the G7 Leaders' Summit in Cornwall, United Kingdom, the leading industrial nations addressed the sustainable and safe use of space, making space debris a priority and calling on other nations to follow suit. This is good news because space is becoming increasingly congested, and strong political will is needed for the international space community to start using space sustainably and preserve the orbital environment for the space activities of future generations.