bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An assessment of forced expiratory volumes and flow rates in the detection of early ventilatory impairment in RN submariners
Authors: Clifford G. M. , Smith D. J. , Searing Caroline S. M.
Published: October 2021

A prospective study of an early diagnostic test of small airway dysfunction, the forced expiratory flow between 75 and 85% of the forced vital capacity, was carried out in 230 RN submariners. All the subjects were male caucasians, of whom 105 were smokers and 125 non-smokers. Measurements were performed using a single breath wedge spirometer (Vitalograph®) and forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), ratio of the FEV1 to the FVC (FEV1/FVC%) and the forced expiratory flow between 75 and 85% of the forced vital capacity (FEF75–85) obtained from the tracings in accordance with the recommendations of the American Thoracic Society. Multiple linear regression analysis of these four measurements together with height, age and smoking habit showed age to be the most significant factor for FEF75–85, followed by height Height was the most significant factor for FVC and FEV1 followed by age. Age was the only significant factor for FEV1/FVC%. FEF75-85 was highly correlated with FEV1/FVC% (r = 0.72) and to a lesser extent with FEV1 and FVC (r = 0.70 and 0.37 respectively). In the presence of age and height no significant effect of smoking habit on FEF75–85 could be demonstrated. However when the FEV1/FYC%, age and smoking habit were examined, there was found to be a significantly greater decrease in FEV1/FYC% with age in the smokers. It would appear that in this study FEV1/FVC% is a more sensitive index of early obstructive changes induced by smoking than measurement of flow at low lung volumes.
A study of the food eaten in conventional Royal Navy submarines
Authors: Gilbert J. R. , Brooks G. J.
Published: October 2021

A detailed study of the food eaten at sea in three conventional submarines was performed. The composition of the ships’ companies’ diet was taken from forms which detailed daily transfers from store to galley. The constituents were analysed by computer using a database drawn from The Composition of Foods (HMSO).

From this investigation it is evident that during the period studied (62 days at sea in total) in comparison with the national average the submariners’ daily diet contains 50-100% excess salt, fat, sugar, protein and energy. Due to this general excess of consumption, the daily fibre intake was found to be greater than the national average but less than advised by the National Advisory Committee on Nutrition Education (NACNE).

In view of the present consensus, as expressed in the NACNE report, on what constitutes a healthy diet, it was felt that the food consumed in the sample would contribute in the short term to loss of overall fitness and predispose in the long term to disease. This has implications for the efficiency of the Submarine Service if the sample was truly representative.
The gastroenterological manifestations of AIDS and HIV infection
Authors: Miller A. R. O.
Published: October 2021

Disturbance of gastrointestinal structure and function is common in AIDS patients and may be due to infection, neoplasia or other, as yet unidentified factors. Gastrointestinal upset also occurs in individuals who have been infected with the causative agent of AIDS but have not developed clinical consequences severe enough to define them as having AIDS. This review examines the various disease processes which can affect the gut in these groups.
A comparison of oral cholecystography and real time ultrasonography in the diagnosis of non-acute disease of the gall bladder
Authors: Evans S. D. , Dewar E. P.
Published: October 2021

In a retrospective study to assess the accuracy of our methods of diagnosing non-acute surgical pathology of the gall bladder, we compared oral cholecystography (OCG) with biliary ultrasound in 80 patients who had their pathology confirmed at operation. OCG was 100% accurate but ultrasound was correct in only 76%. There were no failures of examination with OCG but ultrasound failed 16 times (22.5%) and in addition gave one false negative result, but no false positives. Ultrasound followed by OCG, if no abnormality is detected, is the safest and most cost-effective method of making a correct diagnosis using these diagnostic techniques, but OCG is the more accurate of the two.
Conjunctival Amyloid—A case report
Authors: Jeffrey M. N. , Jeffrey M. J.
Published: October 2021

A case of conjunctival amyloid in a 56 year old lady is described in whom no evidence of predisposing localised or systemic disease was found. Histochemistry and immunocytochemistry showed that the amyloid was immunoglobulin-derived. The clinical and pathological features of conjunctival amyloid are discussed.
Computers: Application of Micro Computer in a Royal Naval Air Station
Authors: Sheard S. C. , Johnston R. P.
Published: October 2021

An HP 150 II Microprocessor was installed in the Sick Bay RNAS Yeovilton in January 1986 to undertake the following tasks:

a. As a word processor to assist the secretarial work load.

b. To assist with the Medical History Section.

To date it has proved a tremendous success. This article describes the progress made towards attaining these aims and the other uses which have been found for the system.
A simple test for the assessment of aerobic fitness
Authors: Smith D. J. , Pethybridge R. J. , Duggan A.
Published: October 2021

The relationship between physical fitness, anthropometric measures, and the scores in three submaximal step tests have been evaluated in a group of 30 male subjects. Physical fitness was assessed as VO2max measured directly during uphill treadmill running. Each submaximal exercise test was of six minutes duration and the heart rate recorded during the last minute (fH6) constituted the test score. Significant negative correlation coefficients were found between VO2max and each test score while lean body mass, gross body weight and body surface area were all positively correlated with VO2max (1/min). The score in the least severe step test was included with anthropometric measures in multiple linear regression analysis for the prediction of VO2max and a number of prediction equations were derived. It was found that when lean body mass is calculated from skinfold measurements and weight, VO2max can be calculated from the equation:

VO2max(1/min) = 1.470 + 0.0614 × Lean Body mass −0.0131 × fH6

This equation accounts for 73% of the total variation of VO2max. If lean body mass cannot be calculated, a combination of gross body weight and age plus fH6 gives the equation:

VO2max = 3.614 + 0.0349 × Weight −0.0177 × fH6 −0.0161 × Age

accounting for 66% of the variance. The test has the following advantages over those currently employed:

It is simple to administer requiring 6 minutes of stepping onto a 32 cm platform—the height of a gymnasium bench—20 times per minute.

Although ideally an assessment of lean body mass is required, gross body weight plus age is a good second best.

It is submaximal, minimising the stress on the individual (mean heart rate achieved 121 beats per minute).

Its accuracy in terms of its ability to predict maximal aerobic power is better than either the Ohio or Harvard University tests.

It is suggested that this test could be used where maximal testing is contraindicated or where currently used tests are insufficiently accurate.
The influence of Periodontal screening upon dental hygienist practice in the Royal Navy
Authors: Woodman A. J.
Published: October 2021

Treatment patterns and times were observed for 616 Royal Naval personnel following routine referral to a Dental Hygienist. Results were then related to the patient’s periodontal status recorded at their initial examination, using the Periodontal Index for Treatment, to determine whether the Index would allow prediction of the treatment necessary for such patients and whether the Index was being used, as intended, for prioritisation of resources for periodontal care. Results indicated that both the treatment time and oral health education time for each patient were related to the Index and thus to disease severity. However, the results failed to show that the Index was used for prioritising periodontal care and suggested that Dental Hygienist practice is dominated by the treatment of patients with little or no periodontal disease to the disadvantage of a minority of patients requiring intensive therapy for destructive periodontal disease.
Toe temperatures during Dartmoor training
Authors: Travis S. P. L.
Published: October 2021

The surface temperature of eight Royal Marine recruits was monitored in the field during Autumn training on Dartmoor (minimum air temperature 4.5°C). The lowest skin temperature recorded was 6.1°C. One subject experienced a toe temperature below 10° for 5.5 hours and below 15°C for 12.6 hours during a 24 hour recording period. Ambient temperature and inactivity during exposure to cold were the main factors associated with low toe temperatures but individual responses varied widely.
Coxsackie B viruses and the post viral syndrome in nuclear submariners
Authors: Warnock P. J. , Bell E. J. , Riding M. H.
Published: October 2021

Sera from 168 submariners, the entire crew of a Polaris submarine, were tested for Coxsackie B Virus (CBV) specific IgM antibodies using a μ antibody capture enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). 36 (21%) were positive or weak positive with 22 (13%) confirmed by CBV neutralisation tests (NT) suggesting recent or active CBV infection. The sailors were observed over a two year period during which three patients (2%) developed illnesses suggestive of the post viral fatigue syndrome. These cases, all previously seronegative for CBV did not seroconvert once they became unwell and their illnesses are presumed to have been due to other viruses. The prevalence of CBV infections and the post viral fatigue syndrome in this close and confined community are discussed.
Elucidation of Conformational Dynamics of MDM2 and Alterations Induced Upon Inhibitor Binding Using Elastic Network Simulations and Molecular Docking
Authors: Kantarci-Carsibasi Nigar
Published: October 2021

Elastic network model simulations were performed to investigate the conformational changes of MDM2 protein induced by its native substrate p53 and two small molecule inhibitor (NVP-CGM097 and HDM 201) bindings. Residues Phe 19, Trp 23, Leu 26 were observed to reside in the minima of slowest modes of p53, pointing to the accepted three finger binding model. Pro 27 displays the most significant hinge present in p53 and comes out to be another functionally important residue. Three distinct conserved regions are identified in MDM2. Regions I (residues 50–77) and III (residues 90–105) correspond to the binding interface of MDM2 including [Formula: see text] helix-2 ([Formula: see text]), Loop-2 (L2) and [Formula: see text] helix-4 ([Formula: see text]) domains which are stabilized during complex formation. Region II (residues 77–90) is a highly flexible region in both unbound and bound forms exhibiting high amplitude collective motion. MDM2 exhibits a scattered profile in the fastest modes of motion, while binding of p53 and inhibitors puts restraints on MDM2 pointing to induced-fit mechanism. Flexible docking using AutoDock Vina is performed to account for the flexible nature of the receptor and to elucidate the essential interactions in the binding cleft. [Formula: see text] domain controls the size of the cleft by keeping the cleft narrow in unbound MDM2; and open in the bound states. Inhibitors studied in this work (NVP-CGM097 and HDM201), which are recently undergoing clinical trials, succeed in mimicking p53 behavior which would shed light on the rational design of novel anticancer drugs.
A sage package for the symbolic-numeric factorization of linear differential operators
Authors: Goyer Alexandre
Published: October 2021

We present a SageMath implementation of the symbolic-numeric algorithm introduced by van der Hoeven in 2007 for factoring linear differential operators whose coefficients are rational functions.
Postmortem accurate IR-level state recovery for deployed concurrent programs
Authors: Hoshino Shinji , Arahori Yoshitaka , Gondow Katsuhiko
Published: October 2021

Debugging failures of deployed concurrent software is important for quality assurance. However, such failures are difficult to debug because their behavior is non-deterministic and limited information can be obtained with conventional means. Reverse debuggers such as REPT [11] assists with debugging by recovering data values before the failure. This is achieved by using a hardware-tracer to log control-flow information, then using the information and a conventional coredump to recover data values via reverse-execution at machine-level. REPT's algorithm for data value recovery is reliable and fast. But the implementation cost is high because of its dependence on architecture. Applying REPT to more abstract IR (Intermediate Representation) level instructions to counter this yielded limited results with low accuracy compared to the original x86_64 implementation. The main reason for this is that the stack layout is abstracted at IR-level.

In this paper, we present STRAB (State Recovery at Abstract-level), a collection of our proposed methods to solve these problems. STRAB works in two phases. First, the data values in the coredump are lifted from machine-level to IR-level using rich debug information (DWARF3) and a novel technique we call mid-recovery lifting, the latter helping to recover more heap data values at IR-level. Second, our novel hybrid memory location resolution reduces the accuracy loss due to the abstracted stack layout at IR-level.

Experimental results on a variety of real-world concurrent programs show that STRAB has significantly higher accuracy compared to REPT at IR-level (+40% on average) with only minor slowdowns (x2.7 on average), while also achieving architecture-independence.
Fault Diagnosis for Bearing Based on 1DCNN and LSTM
Authors: Sun Haibin , Zhao Shichao
Published: October 2021

Condition monitoring and fault diagnosis of the bearing are essential for the smooth operation of rotating machinery. In this paper, an end‐to‐end intelligent fault diagnosis method for bearing combining one‐dimensional convolutional neural network with long short‐term memory network (1DCNN‐LSTM) is proposed for the deficiencies of existing fault diagnosis methods. First, the proposed method takes one‐dimensional fault data directly as input. Second, one‐dimensional convolutional neural network (1DCNN) is used for self‐adaptively extracting robust features from the original bearing signal, and more features are extracted while ensuring the validity and saliency of the extracted features by combining maximum pooling and average pooling layers to downsample features. Then, long short‐term memory network (LSTM) is used to learn the temporal dependencies among features. At last, fault identification is achieved. 1DCNN‐LSTM does not require any manual feature extraction, and the errors caused by reliance on expert experience and incomplete information in traditional feature extraction methods are avoided. The results show that the proposed classifier with good generalization performance not only diagnoses the category of fault quickly and accurately under different load conditions but also achieves an average fault identification accuracy of 99.95%. For its powerful learning abilities, this method can also be applied to the bearing fault diagnosis of rotating machinery in many fields.
Research on the Involvement of Computer Graphics Algorithms in Systems for the Creation of Public Sculpture
Authors: Zhou Acheng , Gao Chao
Published: October 2021

Currently, there is less research on how to improve the efficiency of the application of computer graphics technology in the creation of public sculpture. Therefore, this paper will focus on how computer graphics algorithms can enable systems for the creation of public sculpture with the intervention of computer graphics technology to create more accurate and completed works of public sculpture. It will explore and analyze how computer image algorithms can help creators apply computer image technology to finish complete and accurate public sculptures, and individual studies, computer imagery, and model analysis are also used. In systems for the creation of public sculpture, the point cloud data of the model is obtained through 3D laser scanning technology; then the algorithm of the point cloud model is integrated and the Statistical Outlier Removal algorithm of the point cloud model intervention is processed. By this way, the point cloud model of the work is optimized, and then a more completed and accurate public sculpture work can be produced by 3D sculpting or 3D printing. The research shows that, in the creation of public sculptures with the intervention of computer graphics technology, the computer graphics algorithm acquires the basis of the high-definition public sculpture data model. The computer graphics algorithm improves the accuracy and completeness of the creator using computer graphics technology; it is also the key to transform the accurate enlargement and transformation of the sculptural model into the actual sculptural work.
Using Genomic and Transcriptome Analyses to Identify the Role of the Oxidative Stress Pathway in Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma and Its Potential Therapeutic Significance
Authors: Che Xiangyu , Qi Xiaochen , Xu Yingkun , Wang Qifei , Wu Guangzhen
Published: October 2021

Oxidative stress (OS) refers to endogenous and/or exogenous stimulation when the balance between oxidation and antioxidants in the body is disrupted, resulting in excessive production of free radicals. Excessive free radicals exert a series of negative effects on the body, which can result in the oxidation of and infliction of damage on biological molecules and further cause cell death and tissue damage, which are related to many pathological processes. Pathways related to OS have always been the focus of medical research. Several studies are being conducted to develop strategies to treat cancer by exploring the OS pathways. Therefore, this study is aimed at determining the correlation between the OS pathway and kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) through bioinformatics analysis, at proving the effect of common anticancer drugs on the OS pathway, and at constructing a prognosis model of patients with KIRC based on several genes with the strongest correlation between the OS pathway and KIRC. We first collected and analyzed gene expression and clinical information of related patients through TCGA database. Then, we divided the samples into three clusters according to their gene expression levels obtained through cluster analysis. Using these three clusters, we performed GDSC drug analysis and GSEA analysis and examined the correlation among the OS pathway, histone modification, and immune cell infiltration. We also analyzed the response of anti‐PD‐1 and anti‐CTLA‐4 to the OS pathway. Thereafter, we used LASSO regression to select the most suitable nine genes, combined with the clinicopathological characteristics to establish the prognosis model of patients with KIRC, and verified the scientific precision of the model. Finally, tumor mutational burden was calculated to verify whether patients would benefit from immunotherapy. The results of this study may provide a reference for the establishment of treatment strategies for patients with KIRC.
Resource Sharing of Smart City Based on Blockchain
Authors: Huang Tao
Published: October 2021

The concept of smart city refers to the improvement of the quality of life of the city by making full use of idle resources by sharing. However, limited by the technical level, the current resource sharing system mostly adopts centralized data storage mode. Systems managed in this way are vulnerable to multiple threats. The tested blockchain technology with the characteristics of decentralization and tamper resistance can effectively prevent various risks. Starting with the architecture of blockchain intelligent contract, this paper puts forward a structural optimization factor model of intelligent contract. To optimize the structure of blockchain intelligent contract, the gas optimization theory is put forward by changing the order, reducing the use of costly EVM data fields, reducing redundant fields, and optimizing intelligent contract codes. Experimental analysis of the proposed model is carried out, and the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by comparing the transaction execution time of cost calculation with the cost of executing gas, which can provide reference for the selection of intelligent contract organization structure of smart city resource sharing system.
A Subsidy Strategy to Boost the Activity of Small Milk Producers in Morocco
Authors: Labriji Ali , El Foutayeni Youssef , Rachik Mostafa
Published: October 2021

The dairy sector in Morocco is a sector that struggles to develop by facing several difficulties. Therefore, a significant gap has emerged between the main national producers and small farmers, while in the economy, the development of small economic actors presents an important lever of growth. If we assume that the consumer’s milk demand function is linear, that it depends only on the consumer’s price, and that production costs follow a decreasing return, and finally, by considering only two actors representing the different types of producers, we will show in this paper that a competitive production subsidy of 0.5 MAD can triple the market share of small farmers while being in a situation of Nash-Cournot’s equilibrium. In addition, the addition of a subsidy to production costs will reduce the price of milk and, thus, increase the annual milk consumption of Moroccans from 59 liters, which is below the world average consumption, to 94 liters annually, thus benefiting the consumer in addition to small farmers.
Application of Leg, Vertical, and Joint Stiffness in Running Performance: A Literature Overview
Authors: Struzik Artur , Karamanidis Kiros , Lorimer Anna , Keogh Justin W. L. , Gajewski Jan
Published: October 2021

Stiffness, the resistance to deformation due to force, has been used to model the way in which the lower body responds to landing during cyclic motions such as running and jumping. Vertical, leg, and joint stiffness provide a useful model for investigating the store and release of potential elastic energy via the musculotendinous unit in the stretch-shortening cycle and may provide insight into sport performance. This review is aimed at assessing the effect of vertical, leg, and joint stiffness on running performance as such an investigation may provide greater insight into performance during this common form of locomotion. PubMed and SPORTDiscus databases were searched resulting in 92 publications on vertical, leg, and joint stiffness and running performance. Vertical stiffness increases with running velocity and stride frequency. Higher vertical stiffness differentiated elite runners from lower-performing athletes and was also associated with a lower oxygen cost. In contrast, leg stiffness remains relatively constant with increasing velocity and is not strongly related to the aerobic demand and fatigue. Hip and knee joint stiffness are reported to increase with velocity, and a lower ankle and higher knee joint stiffness are linked to a lower oxygen cost of running; however, no relationship with performance has yet been investigated. Theoretically, there is a desired “leg-spring” stiffness value at which potential elastic energy return is maximised and this is specific to the individual. It appears that higher “leg-spring” stiffness is desirable for running performance; however, more research is needed to investigate the relationship of all three lower limb joint springs as the hip joint is often neglected. There is still no clear answer how training could affect mechanical stiffness during running. Studies including muscle activation and separate analyses of local tissues (tendons) are needed to investigate mechanical stiffness as a global variable associated with sports performance.
Experimental Study on the Effect of Allogeneic Endothelial Progenitor Cells on Wound Healing in Diabetic Mice
Authors: Leng Min , Peng Ying , Pan Manchang , Wang Hong
Published: October 2021

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are involved in the neovascularization in traumatic and ischemic sites, but EPCs are “detained” in bone marrow under diabetic conditions, which results in reduction of the number of EPCs and their biological activity in peripheral blood. Based on our previous study to mobilize autologous bone marrow EPCs by administering AMD3100+G-CSF to realize the optimal effect, our present study is aimed at exploring the effects of transplanting EPCs locally in a wound model of diabetic mice. First, we prepared and identified EPCs, and the biological functions and molecular characteristics were compared between EPCs from DB/+ and DB/DB mice. Then, we performed full-thickness skin resection in DB/DB mice and tested the effect of local transplantation of EPCs on skin wound healing. The wound healing process was recorded using digital photographs. The animals were sacrificed on postoperative days 7, 14, and 17 for histological and molecular analysis. Our results showed that DB/+ EPCs were biologically more active than those of DB/DB EPCs. When compared with the control group, local transplantation of EPCs accelerated wound healing in DB/DB mice by promoting wound granulation tissue formation, angiogenesis, and collagen fiber deposition, but there was no significant difference in wound healing between DB/+ EPCs and DB/DB EPCs transplanted into the wound. Furthermore, local transplantation of EPCs promoted the expression of SDF-1, CXCR4, and VEGF. We speculated that EPC transplantation may promote wound healing through the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis. This point is worth exploring further. Present data are of considerable significance because they raise the possibility of promoting wound healing by isolating autologous EPCs from the patient, which provides a new approach for the clinical treatment of diabetic wounds in the future.
Endothelial
GNAQ
p.R183Q Increases ANGPT2 (Angiopoietin-2) and Drives Formation of Enlarged Blood Vessels
Authors: Huang Lan , Bichsel Colette , Norris Alexis L. , Thorpe Jeremy , Pevsner Jonathan , Alexandrescu Sanda , Pinto Anna , Zurakowski David , Kleiman Robin J. , Sahin Mustafa , Greene Arin K. , Bischoff Joyce
Published: October 2021

Objective:

Capillary malformation (CM) occurs sporadically and is associated with Sturge-Weber syndrome. The somatic mosaic mutation in
GNAQ
(c.548G>A, p.R183Q) is enriched in endothelial cells (ECs) in skin CM and Sturge-Weber syndrome brain CM. Our goal was to investigate how the mutant Gαq (G-protein αq subunit) alters EC signaling and disrupts capillary morphogenesis.

Approach and Results:

We used lentiviral constructs to express p.R183Q or wild-type
GNAQ
in normal human endothelial colony forming cells (EC-R183Q and EC-WT, respectively). EC-R183Q constitutively activated PLC (phospholipase C) β3, a downstream effector of Gαq. Activated PLCβ3 was also detected in human CM tissue sections. Bulk RNA sequencing analyses of mutant versus wild-type EC indicated constitutive activation of PKC (protein kinase C), NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa B) and calcineurin signaling in EC-R183Q. Increased expression of downstream targets in these pathways, ANGPT2 (angiopoietin-2) and DSCR (Down syndrome critical region protein) 1.4 were confirmed by quantitative PCR and immunostaining of human CM tissue sections. The Gαq inhibitor YM-254890 as well as siRNA targeted to PLCβ3 reduced mRNA expression levels of these targets in EC-R183Q while the pan-PKC inhibitor AEB071 reduced ANGPT2 but not DSCR1.4. EC-R183Q formed enlarged blood vessels in mice, reminiscent of those found in human CM. shRNA knockdown of ANGPT2 in EC-R183Q normalized the enlarged vessels to sizes comparable those formed by EC-WT.

Conclusions:

Gαq-R183Q, when expressed in ECs, establishes constitutively active PLCβ3 signaling that leads to increased ANGPT2 and a proangiogenic, proinflammatory phenotype. EC-R183Q are sufficient to form enlarged CM-like vessels in mice, and suppression of ANGPT2 prevents the enlargement. Our study provides the first evidence that endothelial Gαq-R183Q is causative for CM and identifies ANGPT2 as a contributor to CM vascular phenotype.
High and Low Applicatives of Unaccusatives: Dependent Case and the Phase
Authors: den Dikken Marcel
Published: October 2021

The principal objective of this article is to establish a direct relationship between the structural height of the base position of the applied argument and the case and promotion-to-subject patterns observed in applicative constructions, with particular reference to applicatives of unaccusatives. The article achieves this through an approach exploiting dependent case, with the domains relevant for dependent case assignment being identified as phases, defined as (a) complete predicate-argument structures and (b) propositions. By making argument structure a defining ingredient of the delineation of phases, the article distills precise and accurate predictions about the interaction between the base-generation site of the applied object and the case patterns of unaccusative constructions featuring such an object, improving on the efficacy of previous accounts. In the process, the article reexamines the syntactic status of constituents located on the edge of a phase.
Defectivity Matters: Cliticization in French Causatives Revisited
Authors: Hu Xiaoshi
Published: October 2021

On the basis of revised syntactic structures for the French faire-causatives, this article argues that the placement of various clitics in these causatives can be accounted for by making reference to the feature defectivity/completeness of clitics and that of their host. I show that the faire-à construction involves a biclausal structure, where the raised causativized v in the embedded clause is defective and activates the object to prepose. In addition, I identify four types of clitics with respect to their feature contents, which are licensed by different applications of three syntactic dependency operations: Agree-match, Agree-value, and Agree-check.
On Stepping Stones and Other Calamities of Marxist Historiography
Authors: Gerstenberger Heide
Published: October 2021

Historical research is always in danger of being made use of for explaining and illustrating instead of testing one’s theoretical conceptions. Since Marxist historical research has certainly not been exempt from this temptation, one has to start any debate about Marxist historiography with the demand to accord empirical research the chance to shake even the cornerstones of one’s own theoretical conceptions. In a paper that has triggered off a new discussion on ‘Political Marxism’, Samuel Knafo and Benno Teschke insist on such a practice. In what follows I try to position the ongoing discussion in the wider context of theoretical concepts of Marxist historiography.
The Networked Diplomacy of Informal International Institutions
Authors: Manulak Michael W.
Published: October 2021

The rise of informal international institutions has been one of the most significant developments in institutional design and choice since the 1990s. While states have increasingly opted for informal governance, little is known about the character of intergovernmental relations in these settings. Scholars, for instance, debate whether great powers dominate such institutions, or whether influence can be exercised by a wider array of players. Drawing from the author’s experience as a government representative within the Proliferation Security Initiative, a leading informal institution, this article provides a theory-driven analysis of intergovernmental interactions within such bodies. It demonstrates that diplomacy within informal institutions tends to assume a decentralized, networked quality that favors actors positioned at the center of intergovernmental networks. In doing so, the article highlights clear means through which central network positions confer influence. The article also sheds new light on the Proliferation Security Initiative and on counterproliferation cooperation more generally.
Ripe for Resolution
Authors: Hinz Kristina , Herz Monica , Siman Maira
Published: October 2021

This article discusses how the institutionalization of international mediation practices and its growing relevance since the end of the Cold War coincided with the formation of an epistemic community that shares common practices for a third party. This community focuses on core concepts that structure mediation practices such as efficiency, rationality, and the management of time and information. The article analyzes the consolidation of this community through the circulation of knowledge among scholars and practitioners. In particular, it highlights the place of the concept of ripeness, developed by Ira William Zartman, in stabilizing a division between a moment of conflict and a moment of nonconflict; and it discusses the place of the UN system in its dissemination among mediation practitioners. The article argues that the project-oriented understanding of mediation practices that arises from these shared conceptions contributes to an insulation of these practices from broader views of conflict within international politics.
Political implications of compassion in Mencius
Authors: Arunkhajornsak Sarinya
Published: October 2021

This paper examines Mencius’ view on compassion in the political realm by proposing that Mencius defends compassionate governance by reconciling the two extremes of Yangist self-love and Mohist universal love. This paper proposes a reading of two famous stories, namely, the story of a young child on the verge of falling into a well, and the story of King Xuan of Qi sparing an ox as paradigmatic cases for understanding Mencius’ account of compassion in the political realm. This paper argues that Mencius succeeds in his defense of governance with compassion against the other two extremes of self-love and altruism. To provide an argument for compatibility with egoism or self-love, this paper offers an analysis of Mencius’ idea of the ruler sharing pleasure with his people instead of denying pleasure for himself. In this sense, a good ruler does not need to sacrifice his self-interest. To counter the demand of universal love of the Mohists, Mencius develops a position that the Confucian ideal ruler, while not sacrificing his self-interests, those interests need to be guided and directed by a proper process of moral cultivation of his compassionate heart so that he can readily share his pleasures with all the peoples in his kingdom. These readings indicate Mencius’ expanded argument for political implications of compassion in the moral universe of the Confucian school.
Hypothetical molecular interconnection between type 2 diabetes and dyslexia
Authors: Bülbül Tuğba , Baharlooie Maryam , Safaeinejad Zahra , Gure Ali Osmay , Ghaedi Kamran
Published: October 2021

Background

Dyslexia is one of the most common learning disabilities, especially among children. Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder that affects a large population globally, with metabolic disorders. There have been several genes that are identified as causes of Dyslexia, and in recent studies, it has been found out that some of those genes are also involved in several metabolic pathways. For several years, it has been known that type 2 diabetes causes several neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Furthermore, in several studies, it was suggested that type 2 diabetes also has some associations with learning disabilities. This raises the question of whether “Is there a connection between type 2 diabetes and dyslexia?”. In this study, this question is elaborated by linking their developmental processes via bioinformatics analysis about these two diseases individually and collectively.

Result

The literature review for dyslexia and type two diabetes was completed. As the result of this literature review, the genes that are associated to type 2 diabetes and dyslexia were identified. The biological pathways of dyslexia, and dyslexia associated genes, type 2 diabetes, and type 2 diabetes associated genes were identified. The association of these genes, regarding to their association with pathways were analysed, and using STRING database the gene associations were analysed and identified.

Conclusion

The findings of this research included the interaction analysis via gene association, co-expression and protein–protein interaction. These findings clarified the interconnection between dyslexia and type 2 diabetes in molecular level and it will be the beginning of an answer regarding to the relationship between T2D and dyslexia. Finally, by improving the understanding this paper aims to open the way for the possible future approach to examine this hypothesis.
Decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate predicts long-term recurrence after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in mild to moderate renal insufficiency
Authors: Zheng Jing , Zu Deling , Cheng Keyun , Xia Yunlong , Dong Yingxue , Gao Zhenyan
Published: October 2021

Background

Catheter ablation is an established therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF), but recurrence after ablation remains a great challenge. Additionally, little is known about the effect of renal function on the efficiency of AF ablation. This study aimed to evaluate the predictors of the prognosis of catheter ablation for AF, especially the effect of renal function.

Methods

A total of 306 drug-refractory symptomatic patients with AF who underwent first-time catheter ablation were enrolled in the present study. Individuals underwent circumferential pulmonary vein isolation for paroxysmal AF and stepwise ablation for persistent AF.

Results

The follow-up time was 27.2 ± 19.5 months, 202 patients (66.01%) were free of atrial tachyarrhythmia (non-recurrence group), and the other 104 patients experienced recurrence (recurrence group). The recurrence group had a larger left atrial diameter (LAD) and left atrial volume (LAV), a higher LAV index (LAVI) (both, p < 0.01), and a lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (53.5 ± 14.4 vs. 65.5 ± 13.3 ml/min/1.732, p < 0.001) and creatinine clearance rate (CCr) (85.2 ± 26.1 vs. 101.5 ± 29.4 ml/min, p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression indicated both eGFR (p = 0.002) and LAVI (p < 0.001) as independent associated factors for long-term recurrence after single catheter ablation; multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression with backward feature selection identified both eGFR (HR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.91–0.95, p < 0.001) and LAVI (HR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.25–1.40, p < 0.001) as independent prognostic factors for recurrence when adjusting other clinical variables.

Conclusions

Decreased eGFR and elevated LAVI may facilitate the long-term recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia after catheter ablation for AF.
Physicians’ experiences, attitudes, and beliefs towards medical cannabis: a systematic literature review
Authors: Rønne Sabrina Trappaud , Rosenbæk Frederik , Pedersen Line Bjørnskov , Waldorff Frans Boch , Nielsen Jesper Bo , Riisgaard Helle , Søndergaard Jens
Published: October 2021

Background

An increasing number of countries legalise the use of medical cannabis or allow it for a narrow range of medical conditions. Physicians, and often the patients’ general practitioner, play a major role in implementing this policy. Many of them, however, perceive a lack of evidence-based knowledge and are not confident with providing patients with medical cannabis. The objectives of this review are to synthesise findings about hospital physicians’ and GPs’ experiences, attitudes, and beliefs towards the use of medical cannabis with the purpose of identifying barriers and facilitators towards providing it to their patients.

Methods

Peer-reviewed articles addressing hospital physicians’ and GPs’ experiences, attitudes, and beliefs towards the use of medical cannabis were searched systematically in PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library.

Results

Twenty-one articles were included from five different countries in which the medical cannabis laws varied. The studied physicians experienced frequent inquiries about medical cannabis from their patients (49–95%), and between 10 and 95% of the physicians were willing to prescribe and/or provide it to the patients, depending on setting, specialty and experience among the physicians. This review found that physicians experienced in prescribing medical cannabis were more convinced of its benefits and less worried about adverse effects than non-experienced physicians. However, physicians specialized in addiction treatment and certain relevant indication areas seemed more sceptical compared to physicians in general. Nevertheless, physicians generally experienced a lack of knowledge of clinical effects including both beneficial and adverse effects.

Conclusion

This review indicates that GPs and hospital physicians from various specialties frequently experience patient demands for medical cannabis and to some degree show openness to using it, although there was a wide gap between studies in terms of willingness to provide. Hospital physicians and GPs’ experienced in prescribing are more convinced of effects and less worried of adverse effects. However, most physicians experience a lack of knowledge of beneficial effects, adverse effects and of how to advise patients, which may comprise barriers towards prescribing. More research, including larger studies with cohort designs and qualitative studies, is needed to further examine facilitators and barriers to physicians’ prescribing practices.
Regional and income disparities in treatment and drug adherence of patients with dyslipidemia: a retrospective cohort study in South Korea, 2003–2015
Authors: Han Kyu-Tae , Choi Dong-Woo , Kim Seungju
Published: October 2021

Backgrounds

Health disparities represent a major public health problem that needs to be addressed, and a variety of factors, including geographical location and income, can contribute to these disparities. Although previous studies have suggested that health differs by region and income, evidence on the difference in treatment rate is relatively insufficient. To identify differences in prescription rates by region and income in patients with dyslipidemia.

Methods

Using data from the National Health Insurance Service senior cohort, we included older adults who were diagnosed with dyslipidemia in Korea from 2003 to 2015. Overall prescription rate was determined for patients with dyslipidemia. In addition, medication possession ratio and a defined daily dose were analyzed in patients who were prescribed statins. A generalized estimating equation Poisson model was used to assess differences in prescription rates.

Results

Patients living in rural areas (Chungcheong-do, Jeolla-do, and Gyeongsang-do) had a significantly higher prescription rate than those in metropolitan cities. Unlike the prescription rate, the drug adherence was significantly higher in Seoul, Gyeonggi-do, and Gangwon-do but lower in Jeolla-do and Gyeongsang-do than in metropolitan cities. Patients with low income had lower prescription rates than those with high income, but this difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate differences in the treatment rates of patients with dyslipidemia by region and income. Appropriate interventions are needed in vulnerable regions and groups to increase the treatment rate for patients with dyslipidemia.
Clinical features and prognosis of paediatric rhabdomyosarcoma with bone marrow metastasis: a single Centre experiences in China
Authors: Huang Cheng , Jian Binglin , Su Yan , Xu Na , Yu Tong , He Lejian , Zhang Xue , Liu Yi , Jin Mei , Ma Xiaoli
Published: October 2021

Background

The aim of this study was to summarize the clinical characteristics, therapeutic effects and prognosis of patients with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) and bone marrow metastasis, improve the understanding of this disease.

Method

This was a single-institution retrospective study involving the children with RMS, who presented with bone marrow metastasis at initial presentation to our hospital between 1st, Jan, 2006 and 31st, Dec,2019. Follow-up concluded on 31st, Dec, 2020 and the clinical data were collected and analysed.

Result

Between 1st Jan 2006 and 31st Dec 2019, 13 eligible patients presented to our hospital, including 10 males and 3 females, these eligible patients accounted for 4.5% of all RMS patients. The median age at onset was 5.6 years (range 1.7-14 years). The patients not only had unfavourable primary sites, but also had multiple metastases. The bone marrow aspirate samples of the patients comprised 8-95% blast-like cells. Nine of 13 patients were misdiagnosed with haematological malignancies or other solid tumours. With respect to histology, four of 13 children were classified as embryonal RMS and nine as alveolar RMS. Eleven patients underwent PAX-FOXO1 fusion testing; eight had the POX- FOXO1 fusion gene. Immunohistochemically(IHC) analysis revealed that the tumour cells were positive for Desmin, Vimentin, Myo-D1 and Myogenin. More importantly, the patients had extremely poor prognoses, the median EFS was 12.0 months (range 3-28.3 months) and the median OS was 27.0 months (range6-46.2 months).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that children with RMS and bone marrow metastasis usually exhibit atypical primary sites and multiple metastases, with presentation mimicking haematological malignancies or other solid tumors at initial presentation. Pathology and IHC analysis combined with POX-FOXO1 fusion gene detections can effectively confirm the diagnosis. These patients are more likely to relapse or progress during early treatment and are prone to intracranial metastasis. While multidisciplinary therapy combined with Temozolomide may prevent it, further prospective research is required to evaluate the therapeutic effects.
Recurrent sick leave after COVID-19: investigating the first wave of the pandemic in a comprehensive Swedish registry-based study
Authors: Palstam Annie , Westerlind Emma , Sunnerhagen Katharina S. , Persson Hanna C.
Published: October 2021

Background

Sick-leave due to COVID-19 vary in length and might lead to re-current episodes. The aim was to investigate recurrent sick leave due to COVID-19 during the first wave.

Methods

This is a registry-based cohort study. The study comprises all people with sickness benefit due to COVID-19 in Sweden in March 1–August 31, 2020. Data from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency, the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare, and Statistics Sweden were merged.

Results

Within the follow-up period of 4 months, 11,955 people were subject to sickness benefit due to COVID-19, whereof 242 people (2.0%) took recurrent sick leave due to COVID-19, and of those 136 (56.2%) remained on sick leave at the end of follow-up. People with recurrent sick leave were older, more often women, and more likely to have been on sick leave prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusion

A group of people presented with recurrent sick leave due to COVID-19. For half of them, the second sick leave lasted throughout the follow-up. People with recurrent sick leave differ in several aspects from those with shorter sick leave. To capture long-term sick-leave patterns due to COVID-19, a longer period of follow-up is needed.