bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Secondhand smoke exposure and oral cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mariano Lorena C. , Warnakulasuriya Saman , Straif Kurt , Monteiro Luís 
Published: April 2021

ObjectivesInhalation of secondhand smoke (SHS) causes several diseases, including lung cancer. Tobacco smoking is a known cause of oral cancer; however, it has not been established whether SHS also causes oral cancer . The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential association between SHS exposure and the risk of oral cancer.MethodsA systematic review and meta-analysis study (following the PRISMA guidelines) was developed to examine the studies reporting on the associations of SHS and the risk of oral cancer, employing a search strategy on electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Open Grey, and ProQuest databases for dissertations) until 10 May 2020. Meta-analyses and sensitivity analyses were performed using random-effect models. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020189970).ResultsFollowing the application of eligibility criteria, five studies were included, comprising a total of 1179 cases and 5798 controls, with 3452 individuals exposed and 3525 individuals not exposed to SHS. An overall OR of 1.51 (95% CI 1.2o to 1.91, p=0.0004) for oral cancer was observed, without significant heterogeneity (I2=0%, p=0.41). The duration of exposure of more than 10 or 15 years increased the risk of oral cancer (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.54 to 2.79, p<0.00001), compared with non-exposed individuals, without significant heterogeneity (I2=0%, p=0.76).ConclusionsThis systematic review and meta-analysis supports a causal association between SHS exposure and oral cancer. Our results could provide guidance to public health professionals, researchers, and policymakers to further support effective SHS exposure prevention programs worldwide.
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D
α
-Closed Sets in Topological Spaces
Authors: Gao Xiao-Yan , Khalil Ahmed Mostafa 
Published: April 2021

The aim of this paper is to present and study topological properties of

D
α

-derived,

D
α

-border,

D
α

-frontier, and

D
α

-exterior of a set based on the concept of

D
α

-open sets. Then, we introduce new separation axioms (i.e.,

D
α
−

R

0

and

D
α
−

R

1

) by using the notions of

D
α

-open set and

D
α

-closure. The space of

D
α
−

R

0

(resp.,

D
α
−

R

1

) is strictly between the spaces of

α
−

R

0

(resp.,

α
−

R

1

) and

g
−

R

0

(resp.,

g
−

R

1

). Further, we present the notions of

D
α

-kernel and

D
α

-convergent to a point and discuss the characterizations of interesting properties between

D
α

-closure and

D
α

-kernel. Finally, several properties of weakly

D
α
−

R

0

space are investigated.
The Existence of Nontrivial Solutions to a Class of Quasilinear Equations
Authors: Jia Xiaoyao , Lou Zhenluo 
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we study the following quasilinear equation:

−
div

ϕ

∇
u

∇
u

+
ϕ

u

u
=
f

u

in

ℝ

N

, where

ϕ
∈

C

1

ℝ

+

,

ℝ

+

and

Φ

t

=

∫

0

t

s
ϕ

∣
s
∣

d
s

. In the Orlicz-Sobolev space, by variational methods and a minimax theorem, we prove the equation has a nontrivial solution.
EPHB2 Activates β-Catenin to Enhance Cancer Stem Cell Properties and Drive Sorafenib Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Leung Hoi Wing , Leung Carmen Oi Ning , Lau Eunice Y. , Chung Katherine Po Sin , Mok Etienne H. , Lei Martina Mang Leng , Leung Rainbow Wing Hei , Tong Man , Keng Vincent W. , Ma Cong , Zhao Qian , Ng Irene Oi Lin , Ma Stephanie , Lee Terence K. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe survival benefit derived from sorafenib treatment for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is modest due to acquired resistance. Targeting cancer stem cells (CSC) is a possible way to reverse drug resistance, however, inhibitors that specifically target liver CSCs are limited. In this study, we established two sorafenib-resistant, patient-derived tumor xenografts (PDX) that mimicked development of acquired resistance to sorafenib in patients with HCC. RNA-sequencing analysis of sorafenib-resistant PDXs and their corresponding mock controls identified EPH receptor B2 (EPHB2) as the most significantly upregulated kinase. EPHB2 expression increased stepwise from normal liver tissue to fibrotic liver tissue to HCC tissue and correlated with poor prognosis. Endogenous EPHB2 knockout showed attenuation of tumor development in mice. EPHB2 regulated the traits of liver CSCs; similarly, sorted EPHB2High HCC cells were endowed with enhanced CSC properties when compared with their EPHB2-Low counterparts. Mechanistically, EPHB2 regulated cancer stemness and drug resistance by driving the SRC/AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling cascade, and EPHB2 expression was regulated by TCF1 via promoter activation, forming a positive Wnt/β-catenin feedback loop. Intravenous administration of rAAV-8-shEPHB2 suppressed HCC tumor growth and significantly sensitized HCC cells to sorafenib in an NRAS/AKT-driven HCC immunocompetent mouse model. Targeting a positive feedback loop involving the EPHB2/β-catenin axis may be a possible therapeutic strategy to combat acquired drug resistance in HCC.Significance:This study identifies a EPHB2/β-catenin/TCF1 positive feedback loop that augments cancer stemness and sorafenib resistance in HCC, revealing a targetable axis to combat acquired drug resistance in HCC.
A new species of the micro snail genus Heleobia (Caenogastropoda, Cochliopidae) from Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Simone Luiz Ricardo Lopes de , Oliveira George Vita de 
Published: April 2021

The prey of a recent described characid fish, so far endemic of the small lake Pratinha (Iraquara, Bahia, Brazil), a small (~2.5 mm) lentic gastropod, revealed to be a new (possible endemic) species. It is herein formally described as Heleobia brucutu sp. nov. The description includes anatomical features, revealing interesting idiosyncrasies such as egg laying attached to shell, and penis lacking glands, but with terminal papilla. The new species appears to be endemic of that small lake as much as its fish predator. As the species is now formally described and named, protective efforts must be implemented.
A new species of Gammarus Fabricius, 1775 (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Gammaridae) from extreme high-altitude Lake Tong Tso, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Andrade Luiz Felipe , Tavares Marcos Domingos Siqueira , Senna André Resende de 
Published: April 2021

A new species of the genus Gammarus Fabricius, 1775 is described from Lake Tong Tso, an extreme high-altitude lake in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Gammarus pontual sp. nov. is considered part of the Gammarus lacustris G.O. Sars, 1863 group, which is characterized by having the inner ramus of uropod 3 longer than half the length of the outer ramus, and by having both rami covered with plumose setae. The new species stands apart from their congeners, mainly, by the following combination of characters: head with cephalic lateral lobe truncated; gnathopods 1-2 propodus weakly armed, with 1 stout seta defining palm; palm longer than posterior margin of propodus, with 1 main stout seta medially; pereopods 5-7 basis slender, posterior margin crenulate; epimeral plate 1 posterior margin produced into a short spine, facial ridge present; epimeral plates 2-3 posteroventral corner sharply pointed; uropod 3 rami covered with plumose setae, inner ramus about 80% the length of the outer ramus; telson apex with 2 stout setae on each side.
Two new catfish species of typically Amazonian lineages in the Upper Rio Paraguay (Aspredinidae: Hoplomyzontinae and Trichomycteridae: Vandelliinae), with a biogeographic discussion
Authors: Dagosta Fernando Cesar Paiva , De Pinna Mário César Cardoso 
Published: April 2021

Two new species of particular biogeographic significance are described from the upper rio Paraguay basin, one of the genus Paracanthopoma (Trichomycteridae, Vandelliinae) and the other of the genus Ernstichthys (Aspredinidae, Hoplomyzontinae). The two species occur sympatrically in the Rio Taquarizinho, tributary of the Rio Taquari, in the upper Paraguay system. Paracanthopoma saci is distinguished from its only congener, P. parva, by a spatulate caudal peduncle; a minuscule premaxillary dentition (reduced to three delicate teeth); the supraorbital latero-sensory canals opening as two separate s6 pores; the caudal fin slightly convex or truncate with round edges; the skull roof entirely open, unossified; the origins of dorsal and anal fins approximately at same vertical; and the pelvic fin with three rays. Ernstichthys taquari is diagnosed among congeners by the narrow bony shields on dorsal and ventral series, not overlapping or contacting each other; by the presence of seven or eight serrations on the posterior margin of the pectoral spine; and by the pectoral-fin spine only slightly larger than subsequent soft rays. Both Paracanthopoma and Ernstichthys were previously unknown outside of the Greater Amazonian river systems (Amazon, Orinoco, Essequibo and smaller surrounding drainages). Their presence restricted to the Rio Taquari is unexpected and suggests a peculiar biogeographical history. Ancestral geographic distributions were reconstructed using S-DIVA and BBM methods in RASP. A majority of resulting hypotheses support that the two species reached the Paraguay from the Amazon. The alternative explanation accounts for their presence in the Paraguay by vicariant events. In no case, their presence in the Paraguay is an ancestral distribution with subsequent Amazonian dispersal. Though unusual, this pattern is also seen in a few other fish taxa, showing that the Rio Taquari is biogeographically hybrid, combining elements from both the Paraguay and Amazon drainages.
Transient Vestibular Symptoms Preceding Posterior Circulation Stroke: A Prospective Multicenter Study
Authors: Kim Hyun Ah , Oh Eun Hye , Choi Seo-Young , Choi Jae Hwan , Park Ji-Yun , Lee Hyung , Choi Kwang-Dong 
Published: April 2021

Background and Purpose:
The recognition of clinical features of transient vestibular symptoms (TVSs) preceding posterior circulation stroke (PCOS) would be informative to discriminate dizziness/vertigo due to vertebrobasilar transient ischemic attack from the acute transient vestibular syndrome. We sought to determine the prevalence and characteristics of TVSs preceding PCOS.

Methods:
We performed a prospective multicenter observational study that had recruited 447 patients with PCOS from referral-based 4 university hospitals in Korea. We investigated the timing, pattern, frequency, duration, and accompanying neurological symptoms of TVSs during the 3 months preceding PCOS.

Results:
The prevalence of TVSs preceding PCOS was 12% (55/447) during the previous 3 months. The TVSs preceding PCOS occurred within 1 week (33%), between 1 week and 1 month (16%), or between 1 and 3 months (51%). The TVSs were mostly dizziness/vertigo with (36%) or without (60%) imbalance, while the remaining 4% had an isolated imbalance. The dizziness/vertigo was spinning in 38% and was aggravated during head position in 45%. The duration of TVSs was mostly a few seconds (55%) or minutes (38%). Approximately 72% of the patients with PCOS had TVSs 1 to 5 times, while 16% had >10 times. Accompanying neurological symptoms, including headache, tinnitus, limb weakness, sensory change, dysarthria, visual field defect, and diplopia, were reported in 11%.

Conclusions:
Preceding TVSs can occur in 12% of PCOS during the previous 3 months. Isolated dizziness/vertigo of unknown cause needs to be considered as a vertebrobasilar transient ischemic attack symptom, especially in patients with vascular risk factors. The characteristics of isolated vestibular symptom in vertebrobasilar transient ischemic attacks is highly variable and atypical compared with other transient ischemic symptoms.
Multi-spatial-scale dynamic interactions between functional sources reveal sex-specific changes in schizophrenia
Authors: Iraji Armin , Faghiri Ashkan , Fu Zening , Rachakonda Srinivas , Kochunov Peter , Belger Aysenil , Ford Judy M. , McEwen Sarah , Mathalon Daniel H. , Mueller Bryon A. , Pearlson Godfrey D. , Potkin Steven G. , Preda Adrian , Turner Jessica A. , van Erp Theodorus G. M. , Calhoun Vince D. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
We introduce an extension of independent component analysis (ICA), called multiscale ICA, and design an approach to capture dynamic functional source interactions within and between multiple spatial scales. Multiscale ICA estimates functional sources at multiple spatial scales without imposing direct constraints on the size of functional sources, overcomes the limitation of using fixed anatomical locations, and eliminates the need for model-order selection in ICA analysis. We leveraged this approach to study sex-specific and sex-common connectivity patterns in schizophrenia. Results show dynamic reconfiguration and interaction within and between multi-spatial scales. Sex-specific differences occur (a) within the subcortical domain, (b) between the somatomotor and cerebellum domains, and (c) between the temporal domain and several others, including the subcortical, visual, and default mode domains. Most of the sex-specific differences belong to between-spatial-scale functional interactions and are associated with a dynamic state with strong functional interactions between the visual, somatomotor, and temporal domains and their anticorrelation patterns with the rest of the brain. We observed significant correlations between multi-spatial-scale functional interactions and symptom scores, highlighting the importance of multiscale analyses to identify potential biomarkers for schizophrenia. As such, we recommend such analyses as an important option for future functional connectivity studies.
Comparison of Monthly IMERG Precipitation Estimates with PACRAIN Atoll Observations
Authors: Bolvin David T. , Huffman George J. , Nelkin Eric J. , Tan Jackson 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSatellite-based precipitation estimates provide valuable information where surface observations are not readily available, especially over the large expanses of the ocean where in-situ precipitation observations are very sparse. This study compares monthly precipitation estimates from the Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) with gauge observations from 37 low-lying atolls from the Pacific Rainfall Database for the period June 2000 – August 2020. Over the analysis period, IMERG estimates are slightly higher than the atoll observations by 0.67% with a monthly correlation of 0.68. Seasonally, DJF shows excellent agreement with a near-zero bias, while MAM shows IMERG is low by 4.6%, and JJA is high by 1.2%. SON exhibits the worst performance, with IMERG overestimating by 6.5% compared to the atolls. The seasonal correlations are well-contained in the range 0.67 – 0.72, with the exception of SON at 0.62. Furthermore, SON has the highest RMSE at 4.70 mm/day, making it the worst season for all metrics. Scatterplots of IMERG versus atolls show IMERG, on average, is generally low for light precipitation accumulations and high for intense precipitation accumulations, with best agreement at intermediate rates. Seasonal variations exist at light and intermediate rate accumulations, but IMERG consistently overestimates at intense precipitation rates. The differences between IMERG and atolls varies over time but does not exhibit any discernable trend or dependence on atoll population. The PACRAIN atoll gauges are not wind-loss corrected, so application of an appropriate adjustment would increase the precipitation amounts compared to IMERG. These results provide useful insight to users as well as valuable information for future improvements to IMERG.
Evaluation of boundary-layer and urban-canopy parameterizations for simulating wind in Miami during Hurricane Irma (2017)
Authors: Hendricks Eric A. , Knievel Jason C. , Nolan David S. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe simulated winds within the urban canopy of landfalling tropical cyclones are sensitive to the representation of the planetary-boundary and urban-canopy layers in numerical weather prediction models. In order to assess the sub-grid-scale parameterizations of these layers, mesoscale model simulations were executed and evaluated against near-surface observations as the outer wind field of Hurricane Irma (2017) interacted with the built-up region from downtown Miami northward to West Palm Beach. Four model simulations were examined, comprised of two different planetary boundary layer (PBL) parameterizations (a local closure scheme with turbulent kinetic energy prediction and a nonlocal closure scheme) and two different urban canopy models (UCMs) [a zeroth order bulk scheme and a multilayer Building Effect Parameterization (BEP) that mimics the three-dimensionality of buildings]. Overall, the simulated urban canopy winds were weakly sensitive to the PBL scheme and strongly sensitive to the UCM. The bulk simulations compared most favorably to an analyzed wind swath in the urban environment, while the BEP simulations had larger negative biases in the same region. There is uncertainty in magnitude of the urban environment biases due to the lack of many urban sheltered measurements in the wind swath analysis. Biases in the rural environment were similar among the bulk and BEP simulations. An improved comparison with the analyzed wind swath in the urban region was obtained by reducing the drag coefficient in BEP in one of the PBL schemes. The usefulness of BEP was demonstrated in its ability to predict realistic heterogeneous near-surface velocity patterns in urban regions.
Representing Tuberculosis Transmission with Complex Contagion: An Agent-Based Simulation Modeling Approach
Authors: Zwick Erin D. , Pepperell Caitlin S. , Alagoz Oguzhan 
Published: April 2021

Objective A recent study reported a tuberculosis (TB) outbreak in which, among newly infected individuals, exposure to additional active infections was associated with a higher probability of developing active disease. Referred to as complex contagion, multiple reexposures to TB within a short period after initial infection is hypothesized to confer a greater likelihood of developing active infection in 1 y. The purpose of this article is to develop and validate an agent-based simulation model (ABM) to study the effect of complex contagion on population-level TB transmission dynamics. Methods We built an ABM of a TB epidemic using data from a series of outbreaks recorded in the 20th century in Saskatchewan, Canada. We fit 3 dynamical schemes: base, with no complex contagion; additive, in which each reexposure confers an independent risk of activated infection; and threshold, in which a small number of reexposures confers a low risk and a high number of reexposures confers a high risk of activation. Results We find that the base model fits the mortality and incidence output targets best, followed by the threshold and then the additive models. The threshold model fits the incidence better than the base model does but overestimates mortality. All 3 models produce qualitatively realistic epidemic curves. Conclusion We find that complex contagion qualitatively changes the trajectory of a TB epidemic, although data from a high-incidence setting are reproduced better with the base model. Results from this model demonstrate the feasibility of using ABM to capture nuances in TB transmission.
From green jobs to Green New Deal: What are the questions?
Authors: Stilwell Frank 
Published: April 2021

Proposals for development of ‘green jobs’ emerged when environmentalists, labour organisations and political economists recognised the need for economic restructuring to reduce climate change. Current proposals for a Green New Deal go further by putting additional emphasis on fiscal stimulus, ‘just transition’, reducing socio-economic inequalities, and political empowerment. This article analyses the development of this more comprehensive policy approach, its rationale, the constraints it would face and its prospects in the Australian context.JEL Codes: B50, H12, L78, P18, Q58
Effect of microaggregate filter passage on feline whole blood stored for 35 days
Authors: Morse Sophia A , Mooney Erin T 
Published: April 2021

Objectives The aim of this study was to compare the characteristics of fresh and stored feline red blood cells (RBCs) after passage through an 18 μm microaggregate filter. Methods Nine cats were recruited for a single blood donation using an open collection system. A simulated transfusion using a syringe driver and microaggregate filter was performed over 2 h with half the blood on the day of donation and the other half after 35 days of storage. Differences in haematological parameters, haemolysis percentage and osmotic fragility (OF) were compared on the day of donation pre-filter passage (D0–) vs day of donation post-filter (D0+) or day 35 storage pre-filter (D35–) and post-filter (D35+). Blood was cultured at D0+ and D35+. Results There were no statistically significant differences in the D0– vs D0+ comparisons. There were statistically significant ( P <0.05) increases in haemolysis percentage, red cell distribution width (RDW) percentage and mean OF, and decreases in packed cell volume (PCV), RBC count, haemoglobin and haematocrit for D0– vs D35–. The same was found for D0– vs D35+ with the addition of a significant increase in mean cell haemoglobin (MCH). For D35– vs D35+ only MCH significantly increased. At day 35, 6/9 units had haemolysis percentages that exceeded 1%. This increased to 8/9 of stored units post-filter passage. All blood units cultured negative. Conclusions and relevance Fresh RBCs exhibited no in vitro evidence of injury following passage through an 18 μm microaggregate filter. Increased MCH was observed in the stored blood and may represent haemolysis induced by the filter. All other changes can be explained by storage lesion rather than filter passage. The findings highlight the importance of blood banking quality controls and the need for further research to assess the effects of transfusion technique, specifically filter passage, on storage lesion-affected feline blood.