bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of Xinfeng Capsule in the Treatment of Hypercoagulable State of Ankylosing Spondylitis Based on Data Mining and Network Pharmacology
Authors: Li Xu , Liu Jian , Fang Yanyan , He Mingyu , Wang Fanfan , Han Qi
Published: March 2022

Background. Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a rheumatism that mainly affects the axial bones and joints. Xinfeng capsule (XFC) is a preparation with a remarkable clinical effect that is used in our hospital. And it has definite curative effect and less side effects in the treatment of AS. Objective. Data mining and network pharmacology were used to analyze the efficacy of Chinese medicine Xinfeng capsule on treating the hypercoagulable state of ankylosing spondylitis and the underlying mechanism behind it. Methods. Clinical data were collected and compiled from the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine. Cluster analysis was used to investigate herbs that frequently used to treat AS, Apriori module was used to analyze the association rules between herbs and laboratory indexes, and the random walk model was used to reveal the therapeutic efficacy of XFC against AS. The TCMSP database was used to acquire the active components and targets of XFC, and the GeneCards and OMIM database were used to obtain the targets of AS. Afterward, an active ingredient‐target network was established and core targets were screened for; overlapping targets were screened for the protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, the Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. Molecular docking was adopted to investigate the interactions between main active components and core targets. Results. Frequently used herbs could be divided into three groups, and according to the analysis of Apriori module, there is a strong correlation between XFC and the improvement of ESR and hs‐CRP, and the results of the random walk model demonstrated that the effect of XFC on improving PLT, ESR, and hs‐CRP was superior to the use of traditional Chinese medicine alone. In total, 103 active compounds of XFC and 59 overlapping targets were obtained. The PPI relationships were obtained through the STRING database, and 13 core targets were identified. 1786 GO enrichment results and 205 KEGG enrichment results were obtained, including NF‐kappa B signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, and IL17 signaling pathway. The outcomes of molecular docking revealed a close relationship between the active compounds of XFC and core targets. Conclusion. This study demonstrated that XFC can effectively improve the hypercoagulable state and the inflammatory indices of AS patients through data mining, and it has a strong correlation with the clinical improvement of inflammation. The active compounds of formononetin, triptolide, quercetin, and kaempferol may be the key active components of XFC in regulating AS, possibly through inhibiting the activation of NF‐kappa B signaling pathway to improve hypercoagulable state.
Expression of Dickkopf-1 and Twist2 in Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Their Correlation with Vasculogenic Mimicry
Authors: Wang Beibei , Zhang Huihui , Wei Li , Li Yan
Published: March 2022

Wnt/β-catenin signaling, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) all exert important effects in tumors. Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) is an antagonist of the Wnt/β-catenin, Twist homolog 2 (Twist2) is a key EMT transcription factor involved in cancer cell migration and invasion, and VM participates in the progression and metastasis of a variety of cancers. However, the correlation of DKK1, Twist2, and VM in cervical squamous cell carcinoma(CSC) is still unclear. This study focuses on correlations among these factors as well as their correlation with clinicopathologic data and survival in CSC. DKK1, Twist2, and VM expressions were immunohistochemically examined in 116 CSC tissues and 37 normal cervical tissues. Furthermore, clinical data were processed. The expression levels of these three factors differed between CSC and normal tissues. VM was observed in CSC, but not in normal cervical tissues. Twist2 expression was high in CSC but low in normal cervical tissues, whereas DKK1 expression had the opposite pattern. Tumor cells with VM had a high expression of Twist2 and low expression of DKK1. In addition, DKK1 expression was negatively correlated with Twist2 expression. Analyzing the relationships of DKK1, Twist2, and VM with the data of patients with CSC revealed that DKK1 expression was negatively correlated with the clinical stage, degree of differentiation, depth of infiltration, and lymph node metastasis of tumors. VM and Twist2 expression were positively correlated with the degree of differentiation, the depth of infiltration, and lymph node metastasis. The positive rate of VM was greater in stage II than in stage I. The patients who expressed VM and Twist2 had a reduced overall survival (OS) when compared with patients not expressing these proteins. However, the patients who expressed DKK1 had an increased OS when compared with patients who did not show any DKK1 expression. Multivariate analysis indicated that the expressions of DKK1, Twist2, and VM were prognostic factors for CSC. VM and the expression of DKK1 and Twist2 can be the potential prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for CSC.
Synthesis and Optimization of Cr (VI) Removal from Aqueous Solution by Activated Carbon with Magnetic Fe3O4Nanoparticles by Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Natrayan L. , Rajalakshmi R. , Amandeep Singh K. , Patil Pravin P. , Veeman Dhinakaran , Paramasivam Prabhu
Published: March 2022

In this study, the activated carbon with Fe3O4 nanoparticles was synthesized and employed as an effective tool to remove the Cr (VI) from the aqueous solution. The process inputs like concentration of Cr (VI), the dosage of Fe3O4 nanoparticles in activated carbon, and pH of the aqueous solution were optimized by response surface methodology, and their effects were studied. The statistical analysis by ANOVA showed that the process inputs were significantly affected the removal rate, with the maximum impact provided by the pH of the aqueous solution. The best parameters were identified to be pH of 3, aqueous solution concentration of 12 mg/L, the dosage of 1.5 g/L, and adsorption time of 40 min. SEM, EDS, and FTIR characterized the synthesized activated carbon/Fe3O4 samples with magnetic characteristics. Adsorption isotherms and adsorption kinetics analyzed the chemical stability of the synthesized nanocomposite.
Information and Data Analysis Based on Big Data and Blockchain Technology in Promoting the Development of Cultural Tourism Industry
Authors: Qin Xuan
Published: March 2022

With the introduction of the reform and opening-up policy, the Chinese tourism industry has made considerable progress, but the current development is facing new development shortcomings and limitations. With the rapid development of technology and informatization, big data and blockchain technology provide new ideas and directions for the development of information and data analysis in the cultural and tourism industry. Under big data and blockchain technology, an in-depth research is conducted on the statistical system and GDP accounting data of the two industries of culture and tourism using coupling coordination model, model setting, and proxy re-encryption technology. It coordinates the statistical system of cultural and tourism industries, forming a unified cultural and tourism statistical report and value-added accounting report. It uses blockchain technology to calculate and analyze that the total output value of the tourism industry and cultural integration development in the past two years has increased by 1,4677.5 billion yuan, with a growth rate of 42.79%. Under the integrated development of culture and tourism in various regions, the overall income has shown an upward trend, with the highest growth rate of nearly 50%. The deep integration and development of cultural and tourism industry will become the top priority of Chinese cultural and tourism work in the future. With the addition of big data and blockchain technology, the great development of cultural and tourism integration has been realized.
Rivaroxaban as Therapy for Saphenous Venous Graft Failure due to Venous Outflow Mismatch
Authors: Lee Matthew T. , Mohan Ayush , Lee Jenna E. , Lee Daniel T.
Published: March 2022

Background. Recurrent angina and long-term occlusion following coronary artery bypass graft surgery is often treated with percutaneous coronary intervention, a high-risk intervention for distal embolization. Here, we present the utilization of the novel oral anticoagulant, rivaroxaban, in the treatment of saphenous vein graft thrombosis with complete resolution of the thrombus secondary to graft outflow mismatch. Case Presentation. A 69-year-old man with triple coronary artery bypass grafting using a saphenous vein and left internal mammary artery, performed in 2017, presented at our hospital for recurrent angina. Coronary angiography revealed a patent LIMA to LAD and a large clot burden in the venous conduit to the first OM/terminal circumflex—theorized to be due to an outflow mismatch of the large saphenous vein to the native artery resulting in stasis. Instead of percutaneous coronary intervention, he was treated with rivaroxaban 20 mg once a day. The angiography 4 weeks after starting rivaroxaban showed complete resolution of the thrombus. Conclusion. Rivaroxaban could become a potential treatment option in thrombus reversal due to static venous flow with subsequent long-term patency of the graft. Additionally, its use may be indicated in the generalized prevention of VGF.
Lack of Prognostic Value ofCTNNB1Mutation Profile in Desmoid-Type Fibromatosis
Authors: Penel Nicolas , Bonvalot Sylvie , Bimbai André-Michel , Meurgey Alexandra , Le Loarer François , Salas Sébastien , Piperno-Neumann Sophie , Chevreau Christine , Boudou-Rouquette Pascaline , Dubray-Longeras Pascale , Kurtz Jean-Emmanuel , Guillemet Cécile , Bompas Emmanuelle , Italiano Antoine , Le Cesne Axel , Orbach Daniel , Thery Julien , Le Deley Marie-Cécile , Blay Jean-Yves , Mir Olivier
Published: March 2022

Purpose:

This prospective nationwide cohort study aimed to investigate desmoid-type fibromatosis (DF) outcomes, focusing on the prognostic value of CTNNB1 mutations.

Experimental Design:

ALTITUDES (NCT02867033) was a nationwide prospective cohort study of DF diagnosed between January 2016 and December 2020. At diagnosis, CTNNB1 molecular alterations were identified using next-generation sequencing or Sanger sequencing. The primary endpoint was event-free survival (EFS; progression, relapse, or death). We enrolled 628 patients managed by active surveillance, surgical resection, or systemic treatment as first-line therapy.

Results:

Overall, 516 (82.2%) patients [368 females (71.3%), median age 40.3 years (range, 1–89)] were eligible for analysis. In 435 (84.3%) cases, there was one CTNNB1 molecular alteration: p.T41A, p.S45F, or p.S45P. The first-line management was active surveillance in 352 (68.2%), surgical resection in 120 (23.3%), and systemic treatments in 44 (8.5%) patients. CTNNB1 mutation distribution was similar across the three therapeutic groups. The median follow-up period was 24.7 (range, 0.4–59.7) months. The estimated 3-year EFS rate was 66.2% [95% confidence interval (CI), 60.5%–71.2%]. DF harboring p.S45F was significantly associated with male sex (P = 0.03), non-abdominal wall sites (P = 0.05), pain (P = 0.007), and large tumor size (P = 0.025). CTNNB1 p.S45F mutation was not significantly associated with EFS, either in univariate (HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.65–1.73; P = 0.81) or in multivariate analysis (HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.55–1.49; P = 0.71).

Conclusions:

We found that CTNNB1 mutation profile was associated with unfavorable prognostic factors but was not a prognostic factor for EFS.

See related commentary by Greene and Van Tine, p. 3911
Hydrophilic Lens Opacification after Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Injections: A Case Series
Authors: Wahab Charbel , Ayash Jad , Sayegh Kevin , Sammouh Fady , Warrak Elias L.
Published: March 2022

Our objective in this retrospective case series was to report 4 cases of hydrophilic intraocular lens (IOL) opacifications after repeated intravitreal bevacizumab injections. This is a retrospective analysis of all the cases of IOL opacifications presenting to a tertiary referral ophthalmic center in Beirut between January 2013 and January 2019. Four cases were included in the study, of which one was treated for vitreal hemorrhage, the other for macular edema secondary to wet age-related macular edema, and the rest for macular edema secondary to diabetic retinopathy. The mean age of the patients was 71 years with a male predominance and a mean of 5 injections. The IOL opacifications appeared approximately 24 months after first bevacizumab injection. The opacification could be explained by multiple theories such as a possible anterior or posterior segment subclinical inflammation secondary to intraocular interventions, interaction between the hydrophilic properties of the IOLs and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injection’s content, impurities transmission during injection, or faulty IOL manufacturing.
Bilateral Orbital Proptosis and Corneal Ulcer in a Child with Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Susiyanti Made , Mawarasti Burhana , Kumalasari Sesaria Rizky
Published: March 2022

A 5-year-old girl had a 2-week history of protruding bilateral eye with blurred vision. The patient had a history of low-grade fever. Bilateral proptosis with a markedly severe protrusion of the conjunctival palpebral and infraorbital tissues was observed. A more pronounced proptosis occurred on the left eye. Lagophthalmos and corneal defects were found in the left eye. Laboratory tests revealed anemia, hyperleukocytosis, and thrombocytopenia. A confirmed diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia-M2 was established from bone marrow aspiration. The patient was treated with standard multiagent chemotherapy and topical antibiotic eyedrops. Proptosis had resolved in 4 months with residual corneal cicatrix in the left eye.
Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Portal Vein Tumor Thrombus in China (2021 Edition)
Authors: Sun Juxian , Guo Rongping , Bi Xinyu , Wu Mengchao , Tang Zhaoyou , Lau Wan Yee , Zheng Shusen , Wang Xuehao , Yu Jinming , Chen Xiaoping , Fan Jia , Dong Jiahong , Chen Yongjun , Cui Yunfu , Dai Chaoliu , Fang Chihua , Feng Shuang , Ji Zhili , Jia Weidong , Jia Ningyang , Li Gong , Li Jing , Li Qiu , Li Jiangtao , Liang Tingbo , Liu Lianxin , Lu Shichun , Lv Yi , Mao Yilei , Meng Yan , Meng Zhiqiang , Shen Feng , Shi Jie , Sun Huichuan , Tao Kaishan , Teng Gaojun , Wan Xuying , Wen Tianfu , Wu Liqun , Xia Jinglin , Ying Mingang , Zhai Jian , Zhang Leida , Zhang Xuewen , Zhang Zhiwei , Zhao Haiping , Zheng Donghai , Zhi Xuting , Zhou Jie , Zhou Cuncai , Zhou Jian , Zeng Zhaochong , Zhu Kangshun , Chen Minshan , Cai Jianqiang , Cheng Shuqun ,   On behalf of Chinese Association of Liver Cancer and Chinese Medical Doctor Association
Published: March 2022

Portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) is very common and it plays a major role in the prognosis and clinical staging of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We have published the first version of the guideline in 2016 and revised in 2018. Over the past several years, many new evidences for the treatment of PVTT become available, especially for the advent of new targeted drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors which have further improved the prognosis of PVTT. So, the Chinese Association of Liver Cancer and Chinese Medical Doctor Association revised the 2018 version of the guideline to adapt to the development of PVTT treatment. Future treatment strategies for HCC with PVTT in China would depend on new evidences from more future clinical trials.
Antônio Abujamra, influências e algumas realizações
Authors: Abujamra Marcia Prado
Published: March 2022

O artigo apresenta o início de carreira do diretor e ator Antônio Abujamra, desde a sua estada na Europa no final dos anos 50 onde estagia com Jean Villar, Roger Planchon e no Berliner Ensemble, identificando os trabalhos realizados e algumas manifestações da influência de B.Brecht em seu trabalho.
Zumbi e Tiradentes, Calabar
Authors: Hotimsky Nina Nussenzweig
Published: March 2022

A peça Calabar foi escrita por Chico Buarque e Ruy Guerra em 1973, dirigida por Fernando Peixoto no mesmo ano e censurada às vésperas da estreia.  Este artigo analisa aspectos dramatúrgicos e de encenação em Calabar que o ligam diretamente à experiência dos musicais realizados pelo Teatro de Arena após o Golpe Militar de 1964, através do Sistema Coringa sistematizado por Augusto Boal. Investigaremos de que maneira Calabar dá a ver as transformações operadas no teatro musical político brasileiro realizado na década de 1970.
Insights on the Gut-Mesentery-Lung Axis in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Poorly Investigated Crossroad
Authors: Oliveira Suellen Darc
Published: March 2022

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a life-threatening disease characterized by the hyperproliferation of vascular cells, including smooth muscle and endothelial cells. Hyperproliferative cells eventually obstruct the lung vasculature, leading to irreversible lesions that collectively drive pulmonary pressure to life-threatening levels. Although the primary cause of PAH is not fully understood, several studies have indicated it results from chronic pulmonary inflammation, such as observed in response to pathogens’ infection. Curiously, infection by the intravascular parasite Schistosoma mansoni recapitulates several aspects of the widespread pulmonary inflammation that leads to development of chronic PAH. Globally, >200 million people are currently infected by
Schistosoma spp
., with about 5% developing PAH (Sch-PAH) in response to the parasite egg-induced obliteration and remodeling of the lung vasculature. Before their settling into the lungs, Schistosoma eggs are released inside the mesenteric veins, where they either cross the intestinal wall and disturb the gut microbiome or migrate to other organs, including the lungs and liver, increasing pressure. Spontaneous or surgical liver bypass via collateral circulation alleviates the pressure in the portal system; however, it also allows the translocation of pathogens, toxins, and antigens into the lungs, ultimately causing PAH. This brief review provides an overview of the gut-mesentery-lung axis during PAH, with a particular focus on Sch-PAH, and attempts to delineate the mechanism by which pathogen translocation might contribute to the onset of chronic pulmonary vascular diseases.
Simultaneous Hemodynamic and Structural Imaging of Ischemic Stroke With Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting Arterial Spin Labeling
Authors: Fan Hongli , Su Pan , Lin Doris Da May , Goldberg Emily B. , Walker Alexandra , Leigh Richard , Hillis Argye E. , Lu Hanzhang
Published: March 2022

Background:

Perfusion and structural imaging play an important role in ischemic stroke. Magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) arterial spin labeling (ASL) is a novel noninvasive method of ASL perfusion that allows simultaneous estimation of cerebral blood flow (CBF), bolus arrival time (BAT), and tissue T
1
map in a single scan of <4 minutes. Here, we evaluated the utility of MRF-ASL in patients with ischemic stroke in terms of detecting hemodynamic and structural damage and predicting neurological deficits and disability.

Methods:

A total of 34 patients were scanned on 3T magnetic resonance imaging. MRF-ASL, standard single-delay pseudo-continuous ASL, T
2
-weighted, and diffusion magnetic resonance imaging were performed. Regions of interest of lesion and contralateral normal tissues were manually delineated. CBF (with 2 different compartmental models), BAT, and tissue T
1
parameters were quantified. Cross-sectional linear regression analyses were performed to examine the relationship between MRF-ASL parameters and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified Rankin Scale. Receiver operating characteristic analyses were performed to determine the utility of MRF-ASL in the classification of stroke lesion voxels.

Results:

MRF-ASL derived parameters revealed a significant difference between stroke lesion and contralateral normal regions of interest, in that lesion regions manifested a lower CBF
1-compartment
(
P
<0.001), lower CBF
2-compartment
(
P
<0.001), longer BAT (
P
=0.002), and longer T
1
(
P
<0.001) compared with normal regions of interest. NIHSS scores at acute stage revealed a strong association with lesion-normal differences in CBF
1-compartment,diff
(β=−0.11,
P
=0.008), CBF
2-compartment,diff
(β=−0.16,
P
=0.003), and T
1,diff
(β=0.008,
P
=0.001). MRF-ASL parameters were also predictive of NIHSS score and modified Rankin Scale scale measured at a later stage, although the degree of the associations was weaker. These associations tended to be even stronger when the MRF-ASL data were acquired at the acute/subacute stage. Compared with standard pseudo-continuous ASL, the multiparametric capability of MRF-ASL yielded higher area under curve values in the receiver operating characteristic analyses of stroke voxel classifications.

Conclusions:

MRF-ASL may provide a new approach for quantitative hemodynamic and structural imaging in ischemic stroke.
Minimum spanning tree analysis of brain networks: A systematic review of network size effects, sensitivity for neuropsychiatric pathology, and disorder specificity
Authors: Blomsma N. , de Rooy B. , Gerritse F. , van der Spek R. , Tewarie P. , Hillebrand A. , Otte W. M. , Stam C. J. , van Dellen E.
Published: March 2022

Brain network characteristics’ potential to serve as a neurological and psychiatric pathology biomarker has been hampered by the so-called thresholding problem. The minimum spanning tree (MST) is increasingly applied to overcome this problem. It is yet unknown whether this approach leads to more consistent findings across studies and converging outcomes of either disease-specific biomarkers or transdiagnostic effects. We performed a systematic review on MST analysis in neurophysiological and neuroimaging studies (N = 43) to study consistency of MST metrics between different network sizes and assessed disease specificity and transdiagnostic sensitivity of MST metrics for neurological and psychiatric conditions. Analysis of data from control groups (12 studies) showed that MST leaf fraction but not diameter decreased with increasing network size. Studies showed a broad range in metric values, suggesting that specific processing pipelines affect MST topology. Contradicting findings remain in the inconclusive literature of MST brain network studies, but some trends were seen: (1) a more linelike organization characterizes neurodegenerative disorders across pathologies, and is associated with symptom severity and disease progression; (2) neurophysiological studies in epilepsy show frequency band specific MST alterations that normalize after successful treatment; and (3) less efficient MST topology in alpha band is found across disorders associated with attention impairments.
Higher-Order Thinking Skills of High School and College Students on Flood Mitigation
Authors: Rahmayanti Henita , Ichsan Ilmi Zajuli , Arif Wiwin Pramita , Sa’diyah Rika , Irwandani  , Fachrial Nur Fadli Hazhar
Published: March 2022

Background and objective Numerous flood disaster events encourage mitigation efforts. One of the efforts is education to high school and college students through a project-based learning (PjBL) model during COVID-19. The PjBL innovation can be developed by teachers with a formulation that integrates it with learning media and higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) as the measured parameter. Methods The research goal is to analyze high school and college students’ HOTS, learning media, and the PjBL model. Learning method employed in the research is descriptive. The HOTS instrument was developed according to Anderson’s taxonomy to measure the ability of high school and college students. Results The research results indicated that the HOTS score of the high school and college students was very low at 28.29 and 46.01, respectively. The research results suggested an improvement of the HOTS by developing a learning medium to enhance students’ HOTS. In addition, the results of the study also showed that the role of teachers and lecturers was very important in facilitating the use of learning media. Conclusion Teachers and lecturers in this context must be able to facilitate the formation of loving behavior towards the environment. The learning media will be a content supplement for the primary, secondary, and higher education in learning flood concepts. Based on the results, the conclusion is that high school and college students’ HOTS score is in a low category and all aspects of learning media can be integrated with PjBL.
Understanding Drivers of Changes in Green Space Assessments: Focusing on the Green Flag Award
Authors: Cho Yongil , Nam Jinvo
Published: March 2022

Background and objective The benefits of green spaces are starting to be recognized, particularly after the emergence of COVID-19. However, only well-managed green spaces deliver positive benefits. To maintain green spaces, various assessment tools have been developed. The Green Flag Award (GFA), which is the UK’s national audit tool, is focused on the structure and criteria of green spaces assessment. However, we do not know about the changes that drive our understandings of well-managed green spaces, impacts of the GFA, or changes in other assessment tools. Therefore, the aim of this study is to understand the changes that drive the development of green space assessment tools, with a focus on the GFA, to deliver a framework for the long-term management of these spaces. Methods This study employed the Protocol and Reporting result with Search, Appraisal, Synthesis, and Analysis (PSALSAR) and Develop frameworks, as well as the assessment-focused place-keeping analytical framework. The PSALSAR framework was used to ensure accuracy, systematisation, exhaustiveness, and reproducibility. The assessment-focused place-keeping analytical framework was employed to understand the contribution of green space assessment tools in the long-term management of these spaces. Results First, well-managed green spaces (GS) were positively associated with quality of life, which is a widely known fact. However, the approach to managing GS in the long term is a key issue. Second, the GFA had great impacts on the ability to manage GS well by providing developed domains and reflecting contemporary GS issues. Third, drivers of GS assessment tools include the persistence and importance of conventional maintenance, emphasis on accessibility by expanding practical boundaries, the inevitability of enhancing community involvement, and diversity of involvement in the judging process. Lastly, assessment-focused, place-keeping analytical frameworks imply that approaches to long-term management should be contextualised based on policy, funding, governance, partnership, and maintenance. Conclusion Understanding changes that drive GS assessment and its association with GS management should be prioritised. This study concludes that approaches to GS assessment should be framed in the context of long-term management, underscored by understanding contemporary GS issues.
Bureaucracy and Development in Egypt Today
Authors: Ayubi Nazih N.
Published: March 2022

In spite of the adoption of an open door economic policy, the size of the Egyptian bureaucracy continues to grow, and its control functions remain quite significant. There is very little retrenchment in the economic role of the bureaucracy, although that role is now much less integrated with any comprehensive plans for national development. The main preference seems to be for ajoint venture formula between the public sector and foreign capital. The most important casuality of this practice has been the Egyptian public sector itself.
Bureaucracy and Development in Jordan
Authors: Jreisat Jamil E.
Published: March 2022

Bureaucracy is the major instrument of socio-economic development in Jordan. It functions within an environment of scarce resources, overpowering political leadership, and particularistic cultural habits. This study reviews not only the progress made towards achieving the goals of national development but also the obstacles that retard modernization efforts. It examines specific bureaucratic pathologies in the Jordanian political-administrative structure: clerkism, centralism, nepotism, incompetence, and the negative effects of such factors on development and administrative effectiveness. The examination of official administrative reform efforts in Jordan indicates that the substantive issues of reform have not been effectively articulated or managed.
The Effect of Ideology in Gender Role Definition: China as a Case Study
Authors: Lock Jean
Published: March 2022

Male and female roles are defined by soeiety in aecordanee with eultural values and dominant ideologies. But gender-role definitions do not remain constant over time. When dominant ideologies clash with eultural values, gender-roles may be redefined. To illustrate this, the present paper eompares gender-role expeetations in China before the revolution and after the establishment of the soeialist system, espeeially during theCultural Revolution (1966-76). Family roles, work roles, and other role expeetations for females in these two periods are examined. The study eoncludes that politieal ideology strongly influenees gender-role definitions and expeetations in soeiety. The redefinition of gender-roles tends to be more effeetive when it is eonsistent with the dominant ideology and soeial values. Gender-role expeetations are an important refleetion of the dominant ideology of society at any partieular period of time.
Ecology, Identity, Developmentalism and Displacement in Northern Nigeria
Authors: Shettima Kole Ahmed
Published: March 2022

While the Nigerian state, in association with multilateral institutions, seized the opportunity of the 1972-1974 drought and the resulting famine to introduce large scale mechanized irrigation schemes as "development" projects, the repercussions of such projects on the people so affected has been largely ignored. As the projects in Bakolori and Kano demonstrate, however, state intervention has had a negative impact and has led to massive displacement of communities. As a result, rural-urban migration has intensified with the consequence of increased social conflict, including the Maitatsine rising of the 1980s.
The Displacement of the Nigerian Academic Community
Authors: Jumare Ibrahim M.
Published: March 2022

The exit of academics from Nigerian universities has reached alarming proportions. The article highlights the causes and effects of this exodus. Among the causes of the flight has been the pervasive insecurity of life under military rule and the abject poverty which the unconditional implementation of SAP has heightened. The exodus has resulted in the loss of experienced academics, specialists and administrators, with a corresponding fall in the standards of education. This drain has undermined the leadership role of Nigeria in Africa.
Eremitism in China
Authors: Paper Jordan
Published: March 2022

The ascetic-eremitic life typical of the elite spirituality of Buddhism and pre-Protestant Christianity was not a part of Chinese culture prior to the introduction of Buddhism, and it has been viewed askance from the standpoint of normative Chinese values to the present. On the other hand, an unusual non-ascetic eremitism has a history in China that precedes Buddhism. The equivalent of the eremitic life in China into the present, for the elite, of course, was to refuse to hold governmental office or to be forced into retirement. This was a lifestyle understood as a religious one often related to ecstatic religious experience as well as maintaining the highest ethical values. There was no asceticism involved indeed, such a life was often one devoted to aesthetic pursuits- except the poverty that may follow from being unemployed.
Revisiting the Concept of Legitimate Expectations in Renewable Energy Treaty Cases
Authors: Ilie Lucian
Published: March 2022

The past decade has seen a significantly increased level of foreign investment as a result of international initiatives on the development of alternative energy sources. The renewable energy sector often depends on significant up- front investments, which can only be recouped over a long period. Given the substantial initial capital investment required, many countries have implemented government subsidies and support schemes to encourage investments in renewable energy. For different reasons, some countries have recently decided to change or eliminate those incentives, triggering a wave of arbitral proceedings. These disputes raise fundamental questions, particularly concerning the need for investment protection, on the one hand, and the host State’s right to regulate, on the other. This article provides an overview of the evolution of the concept of legitimate expectations in renewable energy cases, which covers (1) the traditional approach giving rise to legitimate expectations, reflecting contractual arrangements and specific commitments or representations made by States, and (2) the modern approach where legitimate expectations may arise under a general domestic regulatory or legislative framework aimed to attract investments, and from investors’ expectations to obtain a ‘reasonable rate of return’ on their investments.
Corrections to the publication of Aubrieta necmi-aksoyi (Brassicaceae)
Authors: TUNÇKOL BILGE , GÜNEŞ-ÖZKAN NEVAL , AL-SHEHBAZ IHSAN A.
Published: March 2022

N/A
Redescription of two parasitic feather mites sampled from the last two Crested Ibises, Nipponia nippon (Temminck, 1835) (Pelecaniformes: Threskiornithidae), lived in Japan
Authors: WAKI TSUKASA , SHIMANO SATOSHI
Published: March 2022

The objective of this paper is to redescribe two feather mites, Compressalges nipponiae Dubinin, 1950 (Caudiferidae) and Freyanopterolichus nipponiae Dubinin, 1953 (Kramerellidae), based on samples collected from the last two individuals of the Crested Ibis Nipponia nippon (Temminck, 1835) from the native Japanese populations, which had been extirpated in 2003. Our study provides detailed description of the leg and idiosomal chaetotaxy, and many morphological structures, which were missed or misinterpreted in the original publications.
The modulation effect of sea surface cooling on the eyewall replacement cycle in Typhoon Trami (2018)
Authors: Li Xiangcheng , Cheng Xiaoping , Fei Jianfang , Huang Xiaogang , Ding Juli
Published: March 2022

The duration of the eyewall replacement cycle (ERC) in typhoons is determined by the rate of dissipation of the inner eyewall and intensification of the outer eyewall, which is an important indicator for predicting changes in the intensity and structure of typhoons. Previous studies on ERCs have focused on the internal storm dynamics associated with the interactions between the concentric eyewalls (CEs), but the impacts of the sea surface cooling (SSC) on ERCs remain not adequately investigated. The slow movement of Typhoon Trami results in remarkable SSC. Using a coupled atmosphere-ocean model, the simulation for Trami generates an ERC that matches observations, whereas an unrealistic long-lived ERC is produced in the uncoupled simulation. Numerical simulations suggest that the typhoon-induced nonuniform SSC can not only weaken the typhoon, but can also modulate the duration of the ERCs. The SSC acts like a catalyst for triggering the negative feedback between the surface heat exchange and the circulations of Trami to reduce the energy supply to the inner eyewall more severely where the sea surface temperature (SST) dropped more sharply. The SSC works in concert with the interactions between the CEs to weaken the inner eyewall faster, thus terminating the ERC of Trami rapidly. The results indicate that a better understanding of the modulation effect of SSC is required for the accurate forecast of ERCs.
Statistical Considerations and Tools to Improve Histopathologic Protocols with Spectroscopic Imaging
Authors: Mittal Shachi , Kim Jonathan , Bhargava Rohit
Published: March 2022

Advances in infrared (IR) spectroscopic imaging instrumentation and data science now present unique opportunities for large validation studies of the concept of histopathology using spectral data. In this study, we examine the discrimination potential of IR metrics for different histologic classes to estimate the sample size needed for designing validation studies to achieve a given statistical power and statistical significance. Next, we present an automated annotation transfer tool that can allow large-scale training/validation, overcoming the limitations of sparse ground truth data with current manual approaches by providing a tool to transfer pathologist annotations from stained images to IR images across diagnostic categories. Finally, the results of a combination of supervised and unsupervised analysis provide a scheme to identify diagnostic groups/patterns and isolating pure chemical pixels for each class to better train complex histopathological models. Together, these methods provide essential tools to take advantage of the emerging capabilities to record and utilize large spectroscopic imaging datasets.
Cortisol and α-amylase awakening response in children and adolescents with functional neurological (conversion) disorder
Authors: Chung Jason , Mukerji Shohini , Kozlowska Kasia
Published: March 2022

Objective:

Stress system dysregulation is considered to have an important role in the aetiology of paediatric functional neurological (conversion) disorder. This study examined salivary cortisol and α-amylase awakening responses in children with functional neurological disorder to determine activation patterns of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and sympathetic system. A healthy cortisol awakening response involves a robust increase in cortisol within 30 minutes of awakening. Alpha-amylase awakening response is variable in children.

Methods:

Cortisol and α-amylase were measured in saliva from 32 patients with functional neurological disorder (26 girls and 6 boys, aged 11.3−16.1 years) and 31 healthy controls (23 girls and 8 boys, aged 8.6–17.7 years). Saliva samples were collected using a Salivette sampling device at two time points – upon awakening and 30 minutes after awakening.

Results:

Patients with functional neurological disorder showed a decrease in cortisol awakening response (–4 nmol.min/L) and controls showed an increase (107 nmol.min/L), t(55) = –.4.6, p < 0.001. Within the functional neurological disorder group, 57% showed an attenuated cortisol awakening response and 43% showed an obliterated/reversed cortisol awakening response: Cortisol awakening response was negatively correlated with adverse childhood experiences, r(58) = –0.6, p = 0.002, and subjective distress (total Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales score), r(58) = –0.4, p = 0.050. In controls, cortisol awakening response showed no correlation with adverse childhood experiences and a positive correlation with subjective distress, r(56) = 0.4, p = 0.023. Total cortisol remained similar between the functional neurological disorder and control group. No significant differences were observed between the functional neurological disorder and control group in any of the α-amylase analyses.

Discussion:

The results suggest dysregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis in children with functional neurological disorder. Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal dysregulation in children with functional neurological disorder may contribute to comorbid symptoms of fatigue, sleep disturbance and subjective loss of well-being because circadian rhythms and energy metabolism are disrupted. Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal dysregulation – and changes in glucocorticoid (cortisol) signalling at the molecular level – may also contribute to increased vulnerability for functional neurological disorder symptoms because of epigenetically mediated changes to neural networks implicated in functional neurological disorder.
Forensic Science Regulator: The Forensic Science Regulator Act 2021
Authors: Samuels Alec
Published: March 2022

Deficiencies in performance in forensic science have led to the need for a statutory regulator with powers over standards and performance, investigation, compliance and enforcement.
China’s bid for international leadership in Central and Eastern Europe: role conflict and policy responses
Authors: Song Weiqing , Fürst Rudolf
Published: March 2022

China and Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs) have intensified their cooperation over the past decade or so. Despite some modest progress, this cooperation has performed below the expectations of the CEECs in general, and, even more so, generated negative feedback and implications more widely. This study is motivated by the puzzle over why there are widening discrepancies between the two sides after initially positive expectations. Informed by the role theory of international relations, this paper mainly argues that there is an intrarole conflict between China’s perception of its international leadership role and the corresponding role expectations of China held by the CEECs. This framework is empirically assessed on the 17 + 1 cooperation, through which China strives to forge a leadership role for itself in relation to the CEECs. Amid generally low expectations of China’s leadership role, three general patterns of responses can be identified among the CEECs, including those of dissenters, pragmatists, and persisting partners. Furthermore, China’s leadership demands encountered challenges from other players, particularly the European Union and the United States.
Love, Games and Gamification: Gambling and Gaming as Techniques of Modern Romantic Love
Authors: Mackinnon Lee
Published: March 2022

A number of authors claim that Western European modern romantic love has been ‘gamified’ by digital apps and platforms, resulting in a ludic market logic that is increasingly compulsive and even addictive. This paper will suggest that modern romantic love was, in fact, predicated on games, particularly games of chance and competition. These games are seen to provide a number of functions, including homosocial bonding, the vindication of personal responsibility, and bringing about the probability of the improbable. The paper examines changing attitudes to chance at several key historical moments in Western Europe, changes which we can discern in romantic codification, as well as in the modern economy. We trace these tendencies to digital corporations, where gathered behavioural data accelerates the capacity to economize and determine futures.
The problem of the future in the spacetime of resettlement: Iraqi refugees in the U.S.
Authors: Secor Anna J , Ehrkamp Patricia , Loyd Jenna M
Published: March 2022

How do the lost futures of forced displacement converge with the impasse of being resettled to a “post-future” society such as the U.S.? Based on interviews conducted between 2016 and 2019 with resettlement agents, service providers and Iraqis resettled in the U.S., we argue that the condemnation of “expectations” (that is, realistic hope) coupled with the demand for refugees’ gratitude means that Iraqis resettled to the U.S. are asked to sustain a “hope against hope” for the fullness of American futurity, even in the face of its collapse. We argue that this prescribed structure of feeling distorts the affective realities of those for whom resettlement has meant at once the loss of past futures (e.g. professional qualifications, career trajectories, social status, or intergenerational cycles of care) and the running aground of capacities for futurity – especially as these capacities are bound up with transnationally stretched and reconfigured familial relations. What is at stake is the recognition of the crisis of futurability in the spacetime of resettlement and the rightfulness of refugee expectations for a more humane and fulfilling resettlement.
Choroid plexus function in neurological homeostasis and disorders: The awakening of the circadian clocks and orexins
Authors: Christensen Jennaya , Li Crystal , Mychasiuk Richelle
Published: March 2022

As research regarding the role of circadian rhythms, sleep, and the orexinergic system in neurodegenerative diseases is growing, it is surprising that the choroid plexus (CP) remains underappreciated in this realm. Despite its extensive role in the regulation of circadian rhythms and orexinergic signalling, as well as acting as the primary conduit between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the circulatory system, providing a mechanism by which toxic waste molecules can be removed from the brain, the CP has been largely unexplored in neurodegeneration. In this review, we explore the role of the CP in maintaining brain homeostasis and circadian rhythms, regulating CSF dynamics, and how these functions change across the lifespan, from development to senescence. In addition, we examine the relationship between the CP, orexinergic signalling, and the glymphatic system, highlighting gaps in the literature and areas that require immediate exploration. Finally, we assess current knowledge, including possible therapeutic strategies, regarding the role of the CP in neurological disorders, such as traumatic brain injury, migraine, Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.
Gender Differences in Friendship Values: Intensification at Adolescence
Authors: Rudolph Karen D. , Dodson Jillian F.
Published: March 2022

Friendships can provide a critical buffer against stress for youth, but the extent to which they serve this role depends on whether they provide resources that youth value most. These valued provisions may differ for girls and boys and across stages of development. This study examined whether gender differences in friendship values intensify across the adolescent transition, specifically from elementary to junior high school. Youth (73 elementary schoolers; 80 junior high schoolers; Mage = 11.40 years; SDage = 1.55) completed a novel friendship values measure assessing how much youth valued psychological provisions (intimacy, support) and recreational provisions (companionship, enjoyment) in their friendships. Consistent with predictions, results revealed that junior high school girls place higher value on psychological provisions, whereas junior high school boys place higher value on recreational provisions, differences that were less apparent during elementary school. These gender differences in friendship values may have trade-offs for adolescent socioemotional development.