bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evidence for a dominant‐negative effect of a missense mutation in the SERPING1 gene responsible for hereditary angioedema type I
Authors: Yasuno Shuichiro , Ansai Osamu , Hayashi Ryota , Nakamura Sawako , Shimomura Yutaka 
Published: April 2021

AbstractHereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare condition characterized by episodic local edema involving various organs, which can be life‐threatening in some cases. Among the three subtypes of the disease, HAE types I and II are known to be caused by heterozygous mutations in the SERPING1 gene encoding C1 inhibitor (C1INH). Although a number of mutations in the SERPING1 gene have been identified to date, the mechanisms how these mutations cause HAE are not completely understood. We herein performed detailed in vitro studies for a missense SERPING1 gene mutation p.S150F which we recently identified in a Japanese patient with HAE type I. We showed that the p.S150F‐mutant C1INH was stably expressed within the cultured cells, while it was not secreted into the medium at all. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the mutant C1INH significantly prevented secretion of wild‐type C1INH. Finally, the results suggested that the wild‐type protein was not only retained but also degraded within the cytoplasm through interacting with the mutant protein. Our study clearly revealed a dominant‐negative effect of the p.S150F‐mutant C1INH against the wild‐type C1INH.
WTO Reform: Back to the Past to Build for the Future
Authors: Hoekman Bernard , Mavroidis Petros C. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSince its formation, with a few notable exceptions, WTO members have not been able to negotiate new rules on policies that generate negative international spillovers. The Doha Development Agenda negotiations, launched in 2001, became deadlocked in 2008. Problems extend beyond negotiations – other functions of the WTO are also not performing well. The dispute settlement mechanism, long perceived as the crown jewel of the organization, no longer is operational because of US refusal to appoint new WTO Appellate Body members. Calls for WTO reform have been mounting. This article provides an overview of the WTO reform agenda, drawing on the findings of recent multidisciplinary research to provide context for the papers included in this special issue on trade conflicts, multilateral cooperation and WTO reform.
Prognostic value of lymph node ratio in children and adolescents with papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: Xu Yangmengyuan , Wang Yu , Zhang Xinyue , Huang Rui , Tian Rong , Liu Bin 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectiveNeck lymph node (LN) metastasis is a common feature of paediatric papillary thyroid cancer, and LN ratio (LNR) is defined as the ratio of the number of positive LNs excised to the total number of removed. Unlike in adults, few data are available regarding the clinical implication of LNR in the paediatric population. Our purpose was to investigate the association of LNR with clinical outcomes in paediatric papillary thyroid cancer.Design & MethodsThe study retrospectively reviewed 136 consecutive children and adolescents with papillary thyroid cancer and LN involvement but no initial distant metastasis. Initial treatment, included in all patients a total thyroidectomy with central and/or lateral neck dissection followed by radioactive iodine ablation. Within the neck dissections, total number of LNs removed, total positive LNs and LN ratios were determined. The effect of clinicopathologic characteristics and intraoperative findings on persistent and recurrent diseases were analysed by univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsMedian number of positive LNs was 9, and median LNR was 0.4. During a median follow‐up of 49 months (range, 12.0‐139 months), persistent disease occurred in 43 (31.6%) patients. The multivariable analysis showed that age and LNR were the independent factors predictive of persistent disease. Patients with a LNR >0.34 exhibited a threefold higher risk of persistent disease after initial therapy than the counterparts (P = .02).ConclusionOur findings suggest that LNR was an independent determinant predictive of persistent disease after initial therapy in children and adolescents with papillary thyroid cancer.
Within‐session reproducibility of forced oscillometry
Authors: Wollmer Per , Tufvesson Ellen , Wennersten André , Malmqvist Ulf , Engström Gunnar , Olsson Henric K. , Zaigham Suneela , Frantz Sophia , Nihlén Ulf 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe forced oscillation technique (FOT) provides detailed information about the mechanics of the respiratory system, while requiring minimal co‐operation by the patient. FOT may be abnormal in subjects with normal spirometry and appears to be more closely related to airway symptoms. It is, therefore, attractive in epidemiological studies, where a large number of different examinations are made in each subjects in a short period of time. Current technical standards recommend the mean of three consecutive measurements to be used, but there is limited information regarding within‐session variability of FOT measurements.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine the within‐session variability in FOT measurements in a large, population‐based sample.MethodsWe performed three consecutive FOT measurements in 700 subjects using the impulse oscillometry system. The first measurement was compared to the mean of three measurements for resistance at 5 and 20 Hz (R5 and R20, respectively), R5‐R20, reactance at 5 Hz (X5) and resonant frequency (fres).ResultsThe differences between the first and the mean of three measurements (median, interquartile range) were minimal, for example 0.002, −0.008 to 0.014 kPa L−1 s for R5 and −0.001, −0.008 to 0.005 kPa L−1 s for X5. Findings were numerically similar for men and women as well as for subjects with and without airflow obstruction at spirometry.ConclusionsWe conclude that, whereas in clinical situations, three FOT measurements are to be preferred, a single measurement may suffice in epidemiological studies.
Financialization for Development? Asset Making on Indigenous Land in Remote Northern Australia
Authors: Langford Alexandra , Lawrence Geoffrey , Smith Kiah 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTIndigenous Australian landowners are increasingly seeking to develop agricultural production on their lands to improve the welfare and economic opportunities of their communities. This can require substantial capital input and, in the absence of enough government funding, Indigenous groups are turning to private investors. Development literature has explored private sector‐led and ‘financialized’ approaches to development at a macro level as something that is done to communities; however, less research has examined how remote communities themselves seek to develop their natural assets through partnerships with businesses and with global finance. This article examines the work being done to prepare land for external investment. It provides an example of emergent assetization processes being undertaken outside the financial sector, driven by social outcomes seemingly beyond the domain of shareholder value. Paradoxically, individuals engaged in these asset‐making processes may oppose the withdrawal of direct funding for community development associated with a financialization of development, yet they are left with few options but to further these efforts by seeking private finance themselves — facilitating financialization for development. This interaction of structural effects and local agency complicates narratives of financialization as they are commonly presented and has important implications for Indigenous economic development in Northern Australia.
Basal ganglia and cortical control of thalamic rebound spikes
Authors: Nejad Mohammadreza Mohagheghi , Rotter Stefan , Schmidt Robert 
Published: April 2021

AbstractMovement‐related decreases in firing rate have been observed in basal ganglia output neurons. They may transmit motor signals to the thalamus, but the effect of these firing rate decreases on downstream neurons in the motor thalamus is not known. One possibility is that they lead to thalamic post‐inhibitory rebound spikes. However, it has also been argued that the physiological conditions permitting rebound spiking are pathological, and primarily present in Parkinson's disease. As in Parkinson's disease neural activity becomes pathologically correlated, we investigated the impact of correlations in basal ganglia output on the transmission of motor signals using a Hodgkin‐Huxley model of thalamocortical neurons. We found that such correlations disrupt the transmission of motor signals via rebound spikes by decreasing the signal‐to‐noise ratio and increasing the trial‐to‐trial variability. We further examined the role of sensory responses in basal ganglia output neurons and the effect of cortical excitation of motor thalamus in modulating rebound spiking. Interestingly, both could either promote or suppress the generation of rebound spikes depending on their timing relative to the motor signal. Finally, we determined parameter regimes, such as levels of excitation, under which rebound spiking is feasible in the model, and confirmed that the conditions for rebound spiking are primarily given in pathological regimes. However, we also identified specific conditions in the model that would allow rebound spiking to occur in healthy animals in a small subset of thalamic neurons. Overall, our model provides novel insights into differences between normal and pathological transmission of motor signals.
Fragility and temperature dependence of stretched exponential relaxation in glass‐forming systems
Authors: Wilkinson Collin J. , Doss Karan , Gulbiten Ozgur , Allan Douglas C. , Mauro John C. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractRelaxation behavior is critically important for nearly all high‐tech applications of glass. It is also known as one of the most difficult unsolved problems in condensed matter physics. The relaxation behavior of glass can be described using the stretched exponential decay function , the shape of which is governed by the dimensionless stretching exponent β. Here, a temperature‐dependent model for β(T) is proposed. The model is derived based on the Adam‐Gibbs relationship and insights from the energy landscape description of glass‐forming systems. The model captures previously known limiting values of β(T) while also providing a continuous transition between these limits. Additionally, the model captures the effects of fragility and thermal history. The model is validated with experimental data for commercial silicate glasses and a borate glass.
The effect of anxiety, psychopathological symptoms and personality traits on response to treatment in male patients with anogenital warts: a prospective study
Authors: Tyros G. , Papageorgiou C. , Kanelleas A. , Kotsafti O. , Spyridonos E. , Gregoriou S. , Tagka A. , Stratigos A. , Nicolaidou E. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundIn the era of precision medicine, identification of possible predictive factors of clinical response to treatment is fundamental. This need is particularly strong for anogenital warts (AGW), because there are several treatment modalities with different clearance and recurrence rates. However, data regarding the effect of mental health parameters on response to treatment in patients with AGW are lacking.ObjectivesThe purpose of the present study was to evaluate the association between patients’ mental health parameters and AGW treatment outcomes.MethodsThis was a single‐centre, prospective study that included newly diagnosed male patients with AGW. At their initial visit, all patients completed the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Symptom Checklist‐90‐Revised (SCL‐90‐R) and the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) questionnaires, which evaluate anxiety, psychopathological manifestations and personality traits, respectively. All patients received cryotherapy until clearance of lesions and were followed up for 18 months for detection of recurrences.ResultsThe study included 167 male patients. The mean number of days for AGW clearance was 89 ± 65. During the 18‐month follow‐up, 28% of participants showed a recurrence, after a mean number of 150 ± 132 days. No statistically significant association was detected between questionnaires scores and (a) time needed for AGW clearance, (b) time until 1st recurrence and (c) number of recurrences.ConclusionIf confirmed, our findings indicate that we may not need to modify our AGW treatment plan according to a patient’s mental health profile.
Global diversity and ecological drivers of lichenised soil fungi
Authors: Liu Yu‐Rong , Eldridge David J. , Zeng Xiao‐Min , Wang Juntao , Singh Brajesh K. , Delgado‐Baquerizo Manuel 
Published: April 2021

Summary

Lichens play crucial roles in sustaining the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems; however, the diversity and ecological factors associated with lichenised soil fungi remain poorly understood.

To address this knowledge gap, we used a global field survey including information on fungal sequences of topsoils from 235 terrestrial ecosystems.

We identified 880 lichenised fungal phylotypes across nine biomes ranging from deserts to tropical forests. The diversity and proportion of lichenised soil fungi peaked in shrublands and dry grasslands. Aridity index, plant cover and soil pH were the most important factors associated with the distribution of lichenised soil fungi. Furthermore, we identified Endocarpon, Verrucaria and Rinodina as some of the most dominant lichenised genera across the globe, and they had similar environmental preferences to the lichenised fungal community. In addition, precipitation seasonality and mean diurnal temperature range were also important in predicting the proportion of these dominant genera. Using this information, we were able to create the first global maps of the richness and the proportion of dominant genera of lichenised fungi.

This work provides new insight into the global distribution and ecological preferences of lichenised soil fungi, and supports their dominance in drylands across the globe.
A parallel multipoint viewshed analysis method for urban 3D building scenes
Authors: Chen Yuxuan , Chen Jing 
Published: April 2021

AbstractViewshed analysis is a spatial analysis method essential for three‐dimensional (3D) scenes. Existing methods are unable to rapidly and accurately analyze the visibility of complex fields formed by multiple viewpoints in 3D building scenes. In this study, a parallel multipoint viewshed analysis method for urban 3D building scenes is proposed. First, an algorithm was developed for the field‐of‐view based viewshed scope construction, enabling pickup and calculation of buildings, then a graphical processing unit based 3D scene depth calculation method was used to determine the visibility index for the complex area formed by multiple viewpoints. Results were visualized using a visibility grading method based on the cumulative visibility index. To evaluate accuracy and efficiency, we applied the algorithm to a building scene in an urban area. Results show that the method is able to compute complex viewshed situations formed by multiple viewpoints in urban 3D building scenes.
Hypoglobulinemia in a dog with disseminated plasma cell neoplasia: Case report and review of the diagnostic criteria
Authors: Brown Juliet E. , Russell Elise B. , Moore A. Russell , Oscos‐Snowball Astrid , Stent Andrew , Courtman Natalie F. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis is the first reported case of hypoglobulinemia in a dog with disseminated plasma cell neoplasia. A 6‐year‐old male intact Rottweiler was referred to the U‐Vet Animal Hospital (Werribee, Vic, Australia) for weight loss, hyporexia, lethargy, vomiting, and soft stools. Examination of a buffy coat preparation and splenic and liver aspirates revealed a monomorphic population of plasmacytoid cells, and the same cells comprised approximately 90% of bone marrow samples submitted for cytologic and histologic evaluation. Biochemistry revealed a hypoglobulinemia, and the presence of an M‐protein was not supported by serum and urine protein electrophoresis or serum immunofixation. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated strong nuclear labeling for MUM‐1.
Optimum Design of Wing Structures With Multiple Frequency Constraints
Authors: Venkayya V. B. , Grandhi R. V. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In this paper, design optimization of aircraft wing structures with multiple frequency constraints is considered. An optimality criterion algorithm along with a scaling procedure has been used. Large scale structural design problems were considered for demonstrating the reliability and efficiency of the algorithm. A simplified fighter wing, an intermediate complexity wing, and a large wing typical of a transport aircraft were considered as design examples. Design histories and the first few frequencies at the initial and final conditions are presented.
Active Constraint Deduction: A Framework for Expert Systems in Mechanical System Design
Authors: Ishii K. , Barkan P. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
This paper presents a framework for applying AI techniques to mechanical engineering design. In particular, we focus on the determination of the limiting factors, i.e., the bottlenecks, of system design. We refer to the bottlenecks as active constraints and propose a method called Active Constraint Deduction (ACD.) A Knowledge-base is constructed from the activity-data, each of which includes a constraint predicted to be active, the validity intex that indicates the confidence of the claim, and the justification for the claim. Given a set of design constraints, ACD deduces the candidate active constraints from the system specification. The deduced information is then used in conjunction with monotonicity analysis to determine the actual active constraints on which the design decisions should be based. The use of ACD allows designers to rapidly obtain the optimal solution. We illustrate the proposed method by an example: the system design of coal-fired power generation plants.
Linguistic Representations of Postproverbial Expressions among Selected Yoruba Speakers
Authors: Ayinuola Ojo Akinleye 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Extant studies have investigated postproverbial expressions from sociological, feminist, and philosophical perspectives with insufficient attention paid to the linguistic representations of social identity in such expressions. This study, therefore, examines how social identities are constructed through postproverbials among Yoruba youths with a view to exploring the social realities that conditioned the representations of new identities in such expressions. The study adopts Halliday’s Systemic Functional Linguistics and Tajfel and Tuner’s Social Identity Theory as framework. Ten (10) postproverbial expressions, which are from anonymous and the written collections of Yoruba proverbs by Yoruba scholars form the data. Linguistic substitutions and code-mixings characterise such expressions. Postproverbials are a conveyor of rationalist, religious, hedonistic, and economic identities, which are conditioned by western influence and are transported by the generation of conscious Yoruba youths. The paper inferred that, though proverbs and postproverbials are context-dependent, postproverbials explicate a paradigm shift in the postmodernist discourse and refract Nigerian socio-cultural realities.
A Pragmemic Analysis of Igbo Postproverbials
Authors: Oboko Uche , Umezinwa Jennifer 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Igbo proverbs (Ilu Igbo) are linguistic expressions which projects principles with the intent to address diverse social, political, economic and culturally contextual issues that bother on values, morals and the identity of the Igbo people of Eastern Nigeria. Proverbs are handed down to different generations by speech acts of storytelling, conversing, rebuking or admonishing. The researchers carried out a pragmatic analysis of Igbo proverbs as a social practice, to establish their meaning and how its social significance are internalized and continually recreated. Language is central to the process of producing meaning. Using the Theory of Pragmeme by Jacob Mey (2001), the paper evaluates the pragmatic acts, the extent to which some of these proverbs are reformed and doctored, yet, maintain qualities of the Igbo culture while accommodating the identity of the 21st century ideology of the Igbo people. Primary and secondary methods of data collection are adopted. Being a qualitative study, the research randomly selected 12 Igbo proverbs that cut across the five Igbo speaking states of eastern Nigeria. The findings are that Igbo proverbs are essentially custodians of the Igbo cultural identity and orientalism, most proverbs have been moderated to fit the emerging trends in the identity of the Igbo ancestry.
Proverbs and Postproverbial Stance in Selected Plays of Emeka Nwabueze and Zulu Sofola
Authors: Ezenwamadu Nkechi Judith , Ojiakor Chinyere Theodora 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Since the birth of Nigerian literature, writers have produced impressive collection of literature in English. African oral traditions like proverbs have been in use in creative works. Over time, there have been some alterations in proverbs as their usage and meanings slightly assume different dimensions on their seriousness, effects and explicitness of the message therein, forming either an extension to the traditional proverbs or coinages of certain expressions. It is contended that the meaning of proverbs can be interpreted within the semantic, ideational, stimulus-response, realist and contextual theories, as proverbs play significant roles in literary works. This paper anchors on J.L. Austin’s Speech Act Theory and examines the proverb uses and postproverbial reflections with the view to foregrounding their implications in two plays of common thematic preoccupations—Zulu Sofola’s Old Wines are Tasty and Emeka Nwabueze’s A Parliament of Vultures. Ultimately, it will highlight the proverbial stance and significance of the texts, thereby ascertaining the proverbial mutations in contexts.