bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolve Roundup Ready® high erucic acid, low glucosinolate hybrid summer rape
Authors: Duncan R.W. , McVetty P.B.E. , Nugent-Rigby J.A. , Fernando W.G.D. , Li G.
Published: July 2020

Evolve is the world’s first ogu INRA (Institut national de la recherche agronomique) CMS (cytoplasmic male sterility) hybrid summer rape (Brassica napus L.) Roundup Ready® high erucic acid, low glucosinolate cultivar. On average, Evolve yielded 12.4% more seed, 6 g kg−1 more seed oil, and 5 g kg−1 less meal protein than Red River 1861, an open-pollinated Roundup Ready® high erucic acid, low glucosinolate summer rape. Evolve has an erucic acid content of 52.3% in isolated field trials of high erucic acid rapeseed genotypes and is adapted to the southern B. napus growing regions of western Canada.
A New Approach for Pedestrian Density Estimation Using Moving Sensors and Computer Vision
Authors: Tokuda Eric K. , Lockerman Yitzchak , Ferreira Gabriel B. A. , Sorrelgreen Ethan , Boyle David , Cesar-Jr. Roberto M. , Silva Claudio T.
Published: July 2020

An understanding of person dynamics is indispensable for numerous urban applications, including the design of transportation networks and planning for business development. Pedestrian counting often requires utilizing manual or technical means to count individuals in each location of interest. However, such methods do not scale to the size of a city and a new approach to fill this gap is here proposed. In this project, we used a large dense dataset of images of New York City along with computer vision techniques to construct a spatio-temporal map of relative person density. Due to the limitations of state-of-the-art computer vision methods, such automatic detection of person is inherently subject to errors. We model these errors as a probabilistic process, for which we provide theoretical analysis and thorough numerical simulations. We demonstrate that, within our assumptions, our methodology can supply a reasonable estimate of person densities and provide theoretical bounds for the resulting error.
Image-based scaling laws for somatic growth and pulmonary artery morphometry from infancy to adulthood
Authors: Dong Melody , Yang Weiguang , Tamaresis John S. , Chan Frandics P. , Zucker Evan J. , Kumar Sahana , Rabinovitch Marlene , Marsden Alison L. , Feinstein Jeffrey A.
Published: July 2020

Pulmonary artery (PA) morphometry studies to date have focused primarily on large arteries and intra-acinar arteries in either adults or children, neglecting preacinar arteries in both populations. Our study is the first to quantify in vivo preacinar PA morphometry changes spanning infants to adults. For preacinar arteries > 1 mm in diameter, we identify scaling laws for vessel diameters and lengths with patient metrics of growth and establish a healthy PA morphometry baseline for most preacinar PAs.
An Observational Study: IsN-Acetylcysteine Helpful in Performance Improvement of Mycoplasma IST2 Testing through Sample Homogenization?
Authors: Mao Xin-Ru , Wang Rui-Cheng , Li Rong-Jiao , Zhou Cai-Rong , Chen Xian-Kai , Cheng Can-Can , Yin Xiao-Mao
Published: July 2020

Background. Culture is still the gold standard for the detection of genital mycoplasma which could cause urogenital infections in humans. Mycoplasma IST2 is a commercial kit widely used for the detection ofM. hominisandUreaplasmaspecies. Its accuracy was partially impaired because clinical specimens are usually mixed with purulent or transparent mucus. We aimed to solve this problem through sample homogenization byN-acetylcysteine (NAC) treatment.Methods. Twenty-two endocervical swab samples were collected from 22 female patients with suspected mycoplasma infection, while 11 of these specimens were with purulent or transparent mucus. Mycoplasma IST2 testing kit was used for mycoplasma culture and AST for the control group and NAC-treated group.Results. Genital mycoplasma was detected in 15 of 22 samples for both groups. The colony number in 6 out of 11 purulent specimens (54.5%) was more than 104 CFU/ml of genital mycoplasma for the NAC-treated group, while only one of 11 (9.1%) for the control group. For the nonpurulent specimens, no significant difference had been found in colony counting of genital mycoplasma between the control group and NAC-treated group (P>0.05). The results of antimicrobial susceptibility testing for the NAC-treated group were highly similar to those for the control group.Conclusions. Our results demonstrate that NAC is helpful in sample homogenization and NAC treatment can improve the detection efficiency of mycoplasma with Mycoplasma IST2 testing.
miR‐214‐3p Attenuates Sepsis‐Induced Myocardial Dysfunction in Mice by Inhibiting Autophagy through PTEN/AKT/mTOR Pathway
Authors: Sang Zhenzhen , Zhang Pu , Wei Yunxia , Dong Shimin
Published: July 2020

Aims. More than half of the patients with sepsis would develop cardiac dysfunction, which is termed as sepsis‐induced myocardial dysfunction (SIMD). Previous studies suggest that autophagy may play an important role in SIMD. The present study investigated whether miR‐214‐3p could attenuate SIMD by inhibiting autophagy. Main Methods. In this article, we investigated the role of autophagy in a mouse model of cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The structure and function of hearts harvested from the mice were evaluated. Myocardial autophagy levels were detected with immunohistochemical, immunofluorescent, and Western blot. Key Findings. miR‐214‐3p can alleviate SIMD in septic mice by inhibiting the level of cardiac autophagy to attenuate myocardial dysfunction. Moreover, this study showed that miR‐214‐3p inhibited autophagy by silencing PTEN expression in the myocardial tissues of septic mice. Significance. This study showed that miR‐214‐3p attenuated SIMD through myocardial autophagy inhibition by silencing PTEN expression and activating the AKT/mTOR pathway. The present findings supported that miR‐214‐3p may be a potential therapeutic target for SIMD.
Inhibition of A2B Adenosine Receptor Attenuates Intestinal Injury in a Rat Model of Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Authors: Huang Lie , Fan Juan , Chen Yan-Xiang , Wang Jian-Hui
Published: July 2020

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a lethal gastrointestinal tract disease that occurs in premature infants. Adenosine receptor A2B (A2BR) regulates the inflammation cytokine secretion and immune cell infiltration in the colonic pathophysiology conditions. In the present study, we aim to determine the roles of A2BR in the development of NEC. A NEC rat model was established and treated with A2BR agonist-BAY60-6583 or A2BR antagonist-PSB1115. Animals in the control group were free from any interventions. Our results showed that the inhibition of A2BR PSB1115 improved intestinal injury and inflammation in newborn NEC rats. The expression levels of caspase-3 and the ratio of apoptotic cells were upregulated in NEC rats, and these indices were downregulated after treating with PSB1115 but further upregulated by BAY60-6583. Meanwhile, a similar trend was also witnessed in the changes of MPO activities and proinflammatory cytokines including IL-6, IFN-γ, and TNF-α. However, the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in the NECP group was significantly higher than that in the NEC and NECB groups (p<0.05, respectively). Moreover, the expression of Ki67 was significantly increased in the NECP group as compared with those of the NEC and the NECB groups (p<0.05, respectively). Collectively, our study suggested that the inhibition of A2BR attenuates NEC in the neonatal rat, at least partially through the modulation of inflammation and the induction of epithelial cell proliferation.
Combined Transplantation of Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells and Endothelial Progenitor Cells Improve Diabetic Erectile Dysfunction in a Rat Model
Authors: Yang Qiyun , Chen Wanmei , Zhang Chi , Xie Yun , Gao Yong , Deng Cuncan , Sun Xiangzhou , Liu Guihua , Deng Chunhua
Published: July 2020

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common complication in men suffered with diabetic mellitus. Stem cell transplantation is a promising strategy for the treatment of diabetic ED (DED). In this study, we evaluated whether combined transplantation of adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) could improve the erectile function of the DED rat model. DED rats were induced via intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg), and ED was screened by apomorphine (100 mg/kg). DED rats were divided into 4 groups (n=14 each): DED, ADSC, EPC, and ADSC/EPC group. Another 14 age-matched male SD rats with normal erectile function were served as the normal group. The normal group and the DED group were received intracavernous injection with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). And the other groups were received intracavernous injection with ADSCs (1×106), EPCs (1×106), and ADSCs/EPCs (0.5×106/0.5×106), respectively. The total intracavernous pressure (ICP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were recorded at day 28 after injection. The endothelium, smooth muscle, and penile dorsal nerves were assessed within cavernoursal tissue. On day 28 after injection, the ADSC/EPC group displayed more significantly enhanced ICP and ICP/MAP than the DED or ADSC or EPC group (p<0.05). Immunofluorescent analysis and western blot demonstrated that the improvement of erectile function in the ADSC/EPC5 group was associated with increased expression of endothelial marker (CD31) and the correction of eNOS-cGMP-NO signaling. More 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine- (EdU-) positive EPCs could be found lining in the cavernous endothelial layer in the ADSC/EPC group than the EPC group, which was attributed to the paracrine of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) by ADSCs. Combined transplantation of ADSCs and EPCs has a synergic effect in repairing the endothelial function of DED rats, and the underlying mechanism might be the paracrine of VEGF and SDF-1 by ADSCs, which improves the recruitment and proliferation of EPCs in the cavernosum.
Effects of Graphene-Based Materials on the Behavior of Neural Stem Cells
Authors: Zhang Yan , Wang Shu , Yang Ping
Published: July 2020

Neural tissue engineering is a research field aimed at rebuilding neurological defects resulting from severe trauma, vascular impairment, syringomyelia, spinal stenosis, malignant and benign tumors, or transverse myelitis. Of particular interest, neural stem cells (NSCs) and the effective differentiation and proliferation thereof are attractive research areas that have yielded widespread utility for implants or neural scaffold materials. Graphene and its derivatives have more effective and efficient physical, chemical, and biological abilities than other nanomaterials, and may act as new coating materials to promote neuronal proliferation and differentiation. Therefore, here, we review the recent progress of studies that examine the effect of graphene-based materials on NSCs. We specifically review how graphene and its derivatives influence NSC adhesion, differentiation, and proliferation. We also discuss the risks of graphene-based materials, including their anti-inflammatory effects, in the realm of neural tissue engineering as well as current challenges facing the field today.
The Oncogenic Role of miR‐BART19‐3p in Epstein‐Barr Virus‐Associated Diseases
Authors: Zhang Qingxun , Luo Donghua , Xie Zhengde , He Hongxuan , Duan Ziyuan
Published: July 2020

Accumulating evidence so far has shown that EBV’s miRNAs have been found to be involved in cancer progression. However, the comprehensive EBV miRNA expression profiles and their biological significance in EBV‐associated diseases are not well documented. A comprehensive profiling of EBV‐encoded miRNAs expressed in CAEBV, EBV‐HLH, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients was constructed, and the results showed that miR‐BART19‐3p was upregulated in all these diseases. Ectopic expression of miR‐BART19‐3p induced EBV‐negative cell proliferation and suppressed cell apoptosis. Molecularly, adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) was identified to be a direct target of miR‐BART19‐3p, and APC mRNA expression was inversely correlated with miR‐BART19‐3p in CAEBV samples. Our results demonstrated that miR‐BART19‐3p contributes to the tumorigenesis of EBV‐associated diseases and may be a potential therapeutic target.
Plication versus Resection in Horizontal Strabismus Surgery: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Authors: Issaho Dayane Cristine , de Freitas Denise , Cronemberger Monica Fialho
Published: July 2020

Purpose. The purpose of this review was to compare the efficacy of rectus muscle plication versus resection on the treatment of horizontal strabismus and to evaluate the exodrift after each technique.Methods. A research was performed in Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences (LILACS); MEDLINE; and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trial (CENTRAL). The database was searched by 30 June 2019. The selection was restricted to articles published in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. There were no date restrictions in the search. A minimum mean follow-up of six months was required to access the primary outcomes. Motor alignment success was defined as postprocedure deviation within 10 prism diopters (PD) of orthotropia.Results. Seven studies were eligible for inclusion. The grouped success rate after plication was 66% (95% CI =  [43%–89%]), and the grouped success rate after resection was 68% (95% CI = [43%–89%]). High heterogeneity was observed between the estimations. There was no difference between the mean amount of deviation corrected in prism diopters, when using the mixed-model approach (SMD = 0.12; 95% CI = −0.2–0.44;p=0.45). The undercorrection rates were also analyzed. The combined odds ratio was 1.37 (95% CI = 0.59–3.16;p=0.462), and there was no statistical significance.Conclusion. Plication of horizontal extraocular muscles reveals to be an alternative to resection in strabismus surgery, with similar results. Exodrift is observed after plication and after resection in the treatment of exotropia, but randomized clinical trials are necessary to analyze and compare the follow-up.
Differential Games of Rechargeable Wireless Sensor Networks against Malicious Programs Based on SILRD Propagation Model
Authors: Liu Guiyun , Peng Baihao , Zhong Xiaojing , Lan Xuejing
Published: July 2020

Based on the traditional propagation model, this paper innovatively divides nodes into high- and low-energy states through introducing Low-energy (L) state and presents a whole new propagation model which is more suitable for WSNs (wireless sensor networks) against malicious programs, namely, SILRD (Susceptible, Infected, Low-energy, Recovered, Dead) model. In this paper, nodes are divided into five states according to the residual energy and infection level, and the differential equations are constructed to describe the evolution of nodes. At the same time, aiming at the exhaustion of WSNs’ energy, this paper introduces charging as a method to supplement the energy. Furthermore, we regard the confrontation between WSNs and malicious programs as a kind of game and find the optimal strategies by using the Pontryagin Maximum Principle. It is found that charging as a defense mechanism can inhibit the spread of malicious programs and reduce overall costs. Meanwhile, the superiority of bang-bang control on the SILRD model is highlighted by comparing with square control.
Magnolol Ameliorates Behavioral Impairments and Neuropathology in a Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Xian Yan-Fang , Qu Chang , Liu Yue , Ip Siu-Po , Yuan Qiu-Ju , Yang Wen , Lin Zhi-Xiu
Published: July 2020

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive memory loss. Magnolol (MN), the main active ingredient of Magnolia officinalis, possesses anti-AD effects in several experimental models of AD. In this study, we aimed to explore whether MN could ameliorate the cognitive deficits in TgCRND8 transgenic mice and to elucidate its molecular mechanisms. Male TgCRND8 mice were orally administered with MN (20 and 40 mg/kg) daily for 4 consecutive months, followed by assessing the spatial learning and memory functions using the open-field, radial arm maze, and novel object recognition tests. The results demonstrated that MN (20 and 40 mg/kg) could markedly ameliorate the cognitive deficits in TgCRND8 mice. In addition, MN significantly increased the expression of postsynaptic density protein 93 (PSD93), PSD-95, synapsin-1, synaptotagmin-1, synaptophysin (SYN), and interleukin-10 (IL-10), while markedly reduced the protein levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), IL-6, IL-1β, Aβ40, and Aβ42, and modulated the amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing and phosphorylation. Immunofluorescence showed that MN significantly suppressed the activation of microglia (Iba-1) and astrocytes (GFAP) in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of TgCRND8 mice. Mechanistic studies revealed that MN could significantly increase the ratios of p-GSK-3β (Ser9)/GSK-3β, p-Akt (Ser473)/Akt, and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65. These findings indicate that MN exerted cognitive deficits improving effects via suppressing neuroinflammation, amyloid pathology, and synaptic dysfunction through regulating the PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β and NF-κB pathways, suggesting that MN is a promising naturally occurring polyphenol worthy of further developing into a therapeutic agent for AD treatment.
Bafilomycin A1 Accelerates Chronic Refractory Wound Healing in db/db Mice
Authors: Wang Fan , Zhang Chao , Dai Linna , Zhang Yulu , Wang Yongxue , Hao Yongwei , Ji Shenglu , Xu Zhihao , Han Na , Chen Hongli , Zhang Qiqing , Nan Wenbin
Published: July 2020

Numerous studies have reported that autophagy plays an important role in chronic wound healing, and enhancement of autophagic activity impairs cutaneous wound healing. The autophagy inhibitor Bafilomycin A1 (Baf A1) inhibits autophagy by preventing the formation of autophagosomes. This study aimed at elucidating the effect of Bafilomycin A1 on chronic refractory wound healing in diabetic mice. A total of 40 diabetic (db/db) mice and 20 nondiabetic (db/m) mice were used in this study. Full‐thickness skin defects were generated in the db/db mice models, which were then divided into the following two groups: the nontreated (db/db group) and Baf A1‐treated groups (Baf A1 group). The same skin defects were generated in db/m mice (db/m group) to serve as a control. We demonstrated that Baf A1 treatment significantly accelerated wound healing in db/db mice and exerted good healing effects. Moreover, Baf A1 inhibited autophagy in the newly generated epidermis and had minor effects on metabolism in db/db mice. PCNA expression, as detected by immunohistochemistry, and collagen thickness, as detected by Masson’s trichrome staining on the 14th day, were higher in the db/m and Baf A1 groups than in the db/db group. In addition, the expression of the proinflammatory cytokine TNF‐α in the db/m and Baf A1 groups increased significantly on day 6, and the expression of the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10 also increased significantly on day 9. However, there were no significant changes in the expression levels of TNF‐α and IL‐10 in the db/db group. Therefore, Baf A1 may accelerate diabetic chronic refractory wound healing by promoting cell proliferation, collagen production, and regulating the inflammatory balance.
Reuse of Clay Brick Waste in Mortar and Concrete
Authors: Zhu Lihua , Zhu Zengmei
Published: July 2020

The application of recycled clay brick can not only solve the disposal problem of demolished solid waste but also reduce ecological environment damage caused by the excessive development of resources. Clay brick powder (CBP) exhibits pozzolanic activity and can be used as cement replacement. Recycled clay brick aggregate (RBA) can be used to substitute natural coarse aggregate. Recycled clay brick aggregate concrete (RBAC) can attain suitable strength and be used in the production of medium‐ and low‐strength concrete. Clay brick waste as potential partial cement and aggregate replacement material is reviewed herein. Performances in terms of mechanical and durability‐related properties of mortar and concrete are discussed. Understanding the properties of clay bricks is crucial to further research and applications.
Cervical Cancer Screening Service Utilization and Associated Factors among Women in the Shabadino District, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Kasim Jeylan , Kalu Abdurehman , Kamara Bekele , Alema Haileselasie Berhane
Published: July 2020

Background. Cervical cancer is the major cause of morbidity and mortality among women worldwide with an estimated 528,000 new cases and 266,000 deaths annually. In Ethiopia, there are 7095 new cases and 4732 deaths of cervical cancer every year. But cervical cancer screening utilization remains limited. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess cervical cancer screening utilization and associated factors among women in the Shabadino district, Southern Ethiopia. Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Shabadino district, Southern Ethiopia, using a structured questionnaire. A systematic random sampling method was used to recruit 536 study participants. The collected data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to assess factors associated with cervical cancer screening utilization at a 95% level of significance and a p value of less than 0.05. Results. The study revealed that among 506 women, only 52 (10.3%) have been screened for cervical cancer. Women who are educated (completed primary school and above) (AOR=1.9; 95% CI=1.18-3.05), who have a history of the presence of sexually transmitted diseases (AOR=2.6; 95% CI=1.26-5.23), who have multiple sexual partners (AOR=4.0; 95% CI=1.86-8.66), and who knew methods of cervical cancer prevention (AOR=4.3; 95% CI=1.18-13.05) were significantly associated with high cervical cancer screening utilization. Conclusion. The magnitude of cervical cancer screening utilization among women was very low. Educational status, history of multiple sexual partners, history of sexually transmitted diseases, and knowing methods of prevention were significant factors of high cervical cancer screening utilization. Recommendation. It is very crucial to implement an appropriate awareness creation method. Additionally, the STI clinic should be linked to the cervical cancer screening service to increase the knowledge of cervical cancer prevention and the utilization of cervical cancer screening.
Parameter Identification of Multistage Fracturing Horizontal Well Based on PSO-RBF Neural Network
Authors: Yin Rongwang , Li Qingyu , Li Peichao , Lu Detang
Published: July 2020

In order to more accurately identify multistage fracturing horizontal well (MFHW) parameters and address the heterogeneity of reservoirs and the randomness of well-production data, a new method based on the PSO-RBF neural network model is proposed. First, the GPU parallel program is used to calculate the bottomhole pressure of a multistage fracturing horizontal well. Second, most of the above pressure data are imported into the RBF neural network model for training. In the training process, the optimization function of the global optimal solution of the PSO algorithm is employed to optimize the parameters of the RBF neural network, and eventually, the required PSO-RBF neural network model is established. Third, the resulting neural network is tested using the remaining data. Finally, a field case of a multistage fracturing horizontal well is studied by using the presented PSO-RBF neural network model. The results show that in most cases, the proposed model performs better than other models, with the highest correlation coefficient, the lowest mean, and absolute error. This proves that the PSO-RBF neural network model can be applied effectively to horizontal well parameter identification. The proposed model has great potential to improve the prediction accuracy of reservoir physical parameters.
Blockade of Adenosine A2A Receptor Protects Photoreceptors after Retinal Detachment by Inhibiting Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Gao Sha , Li Na , Wang Yanuo , Zhong Yisheng , Shen Xi
Published: July 2020

Purpose. Adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) signaling is neuroprotective in some retinal damage models, but its role in neuronal survival during retinal detachment (RD) is unclear. We tested the hypothesis that A2AR antagonist ZM241385 would prevent photoreceptor apoptosis by inhibiting retinal inflammation and oxidative stress after RD. Methods. The A2AR antagonist ZM241385 was delivered daily to C57BL/6J mice for three days at a dose (3 mg/kg, i.p.) starting 2 hours prior to creating RD. A2AR expression, microglia proliferation and reactivity, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) accumulation, IL-1β expression, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were evaluated with immunofluorescence. Photoreceptor TUNEL was analyzed. Results. A2AR expression obviously increased and accumulated in microglia and Müller cells in the retinas after RD. The A2AR antagonist ZM241385 effectively inhibited retinal microglia proliferation and reactivity, decreased GFAP upregulation and proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β expression of Müller cells, and suppressed ROS overproduction, resulting in attenuation of photoreceptor apoptosis after RD. Conclusions. The A2AR antagonist ZM241385 is an effective suppressor of microglia proliferation and reactivity, gliosis, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and photoreceptor apoptosis in a mouse model of RD. This suggests that A2AR blockade may be an important therapeutic strategy to protect photoreceptors in RD and other CNS diseases that share a common etiology.
Willingness to Participate in Hypothetical HIV Vaccine Trial and Associated Factors among People Who Inject Drugs in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Iseselo Masunga K. , Tarimo Edith A. M. , Sandstrom Eric , Kulane Asli
Published: July 2020

This study is aimed at assessing the willingness to participate in the HIV vaccine trials and the associated factors among people who inject drugs (PWIDs) in Tanzania. Information about the willingness to participate and the associated factors was collected using interviewer‐administered questionnaires at the medication treatment for opioid use disorder (MOUD) clinic in Dar es Salaam. Data analysis was performed using the IBM SPSS Statistic 20. The mean age of respondents was 36.7, and the standard deviation (SD) was ±7.2. The majority of respondents (68%) had primary education, and a high proportion of them were single (61.5%). More than one‐third (37.9%) shared needles and syringes. Most (87.3%) had more than three sexual partners, and almost half (51.4%) did not use condoms during sexual intercourse with nonregular partners. About 63% had knowledge of HIV transmission while 27% had heard about HIV vaccine trials. Generally, 76% of the respondents expressed willingness to participate in future HIV vaccine trials regardless of prior knowledge of HIV vaccine trials. Willingness to participate in HIV vaccine trials was not associated with education level, people living with, knowledge about HIV transmission, awareness of HIV vaccine trials, sharing of syringe/needles, and number of sexual partners. Only older age (OR = 1.6, 95%CI = 1.01, 2.6) and condom use (OR = 0.49, 95%CI = 0.26, 0.97) showed an association with willingness. However, after performing logistic regression with factors at p value ≤ 0.2 to ascertain the other factors on the effects of age, condom use, education level, and sharing of needles/syringes, the results were not statistically significant. Although participants reported a high willingness to participate in hypothetical HIV vaccine trials, no definitive conclusion can be drawn about the associated factors. Further studies with intensive educational programs are needed to investigate the factors on willingness to participate in actual HIV vaccine trials among PWIDs.
Use Chou’s 5-Step Rule to Classify Protein Modification Sites with Neural Network
Authors: Song Chuandong , Yang Bin
Published: July 2020

Lysine malonylation is a novel-type protein post-translational modification and plays essential roles in many biological activities. Having a good knowledge of malonylation sites can provide guidance in many issues, including disease prevention and drug discovery and other related fields. There are several experimental approaches to identify modification sites in the field of biology. However, these methods seem to be expensive. In this study, we proposed malNet, which employed neural network and utilized several novel and effective feature description methods. It was pointed that ANN’s performance is better than other models. Furthermore, we trained the classifiers according to an original crossvalidation method named Split to Equal validation (SEV). The results achieved AUC value of 0.6684, accuracy of 54.93%, and MCC of 0.1045, which showed great improvement than before.
Association between PD-L1 Expression and the Prognosis and Clinicopathologic Features of Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Shen Maolei , Chen Guang , Xie Qiang , Li Xin , Xu Hao , Wang Hui , Zhao Shankun
Published: July 2020

The expression of programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and its correlation with the prognosis and clinicopathologic features of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remain controversial to date. Concerning this issue, we had conducted a meta-analysis of relevant studies searched in the Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. The Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale was applied to assess the quality of the included studies. The hazard ratio (HR) and its corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were collected by Stata 12.0 and used for the results of overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). A total of 1,644 patients in 8 studies were included in this meta-analysis. Results showed that PD-L1 expression significantly correlated with OS (HR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.22–3.22, Z = 2.77, p = 0.006) and DFS (HR = 3.70, 95% CI: 2.07–6.62, Z = 4.40, p = 0.0001) in ccRCC. Subgroup analysis indicated that PD-L1 expression significantly correlated with the lymph-gland transfer ratio (HR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.02–5.92, Z = 1.99, p = 0.05) and tumor necrosis (HR = 6.05, 95% CI: 3.78–9.67, Z = 7.51, p < 0.00001). This meta-analysis suggests that PD-L1 expression is a valuable prognostic tool for patients with ccRCC. Subgroup analyses demonstrated that it was helpful for screening patients with RCC who need anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment and support them to benefit from such immune-targeted therapy.
Intramural Hematoma Shape and Acute Cerebral Infarction in Intracranial Artery Dissection: A High-Resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Authors: Lee Sang-Hun , Jung Jin-Man , Kim Keon-yeup , Kim Bum Joon
Published: July 2020

Background: Intracranial artery dissection (IAD) is gaining recognition as an important cause of stroke, but limited information is available about the morphology of the dissection. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between acute cerebral infarctions and the shape of hematoma in patients with IADs using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI). Methods: We enrolled consecutive patients who presented with vascular headaches, transient ischemic attacks, or ischemic strokes with acute IAD confirmed by HRMRI using key pathognomonic radiological findings of IAD, including intimal flap, intramural hematoma (IMH), and double lumen. All patients were enrolled and HRMRI was performed, both within 7 days of symptom onset. All patients with acute ischemic infarction within 7 days were enrolled. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those with a proximal dominant intramural hematoma (PIMH) and those with a distal dominant intramural hematoma (DIMH). A PIMH was defined as when the volume of the hematoma in the proximal region was greater than that in the distal region, and a DIMH was defined as when the distal region was greater than that in the proximal region. Clinical and radiological characteristics between the 2 groups were compared using univariable and multivariable logistic regression. Results: The mean age of the 42 participants was 52.6 ± 12.7 years, and 24 (57.1%) were male. Twenty-seven (64.3%) had a PIMH and 15 (35.7%) had a DIMH. Thirty-six (85.7%) showed a double lumen and 27 (64.3%) showed a dissecting flap. Acute infarction was observed in 31 (73.8%) patients. Patients with PIMHs showed a higher prevalence of cerebral infarction than those with DIMHs (96.3 vs. 33.3%; p < 0.001). Univariable (odds ratio [OR] 52.00; 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.386–502.082; p = 0.001) and multivariable (OR 65.43; 95% CI 5.20–822.92; p = 0.001) analyses showed that only dissection type was independently associated with the risk of cerebral infarction. Conclusion: In patients with cerebral artery dissections, the shape of IMHs was independently associated with cerebral infarction. PIMHs may be more closely associated with cerebral infarctions than DIMHs.
Forced Duction Test: Is It Necessary after the Scleral Buckling Procedure?
Authors: Sharifi Mohammad , Ansari Astaneh Mohammad Reza
Published: July 2020

A 14-year-old boy who had ocular motility disorder which started 2 weeks following retinal surgery (scleral buckling) secondary to rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, was referred to the strabismus clinic. He had significant ocular movement limitations in adduction and elevation under general anesthesia. The forced duction test (FDT) was positive in both adduction and elevation. After buckle removal, FDT was negative. The eye was orthotropic without ocular movement limitation at final follow-up. In conclusion, FDT at the end of the scleral buckling procedure needs to be performed. It may prevent restrictive strabismus after scleral buckling surgery.
Can Pay-for Performance Incentive Levels be Determined Using a Cost-Effectiveness Framework?
Authors: Pandya Ankur , Soeteman Djøra I. , Gupta Ajay , Kamel Hooman , Mushlin Alvin I. , Rosenthal Meredith B.
Published: July 2020

Background:

Healthcare payers in the United States are increasingly tying provider payments to quality and value using pay-for-performance policies. Cost-effectiveness analysis quantifies value in healthcare but is not currently used to design or prioritize pay-for-performance strategies or metrics. Acute ischemic stroke care provides a useful application to demonstrate how simulation modeling can be used to determine cost-effective levels of financial incentives used in pay-for-performance policies and associated challenges with this approach.

Methods and Results:

Our framework requires a simulation model that can estimate quality-adjusted life years and costs resulting from improvements in a quality metric. A monetary level of incentives can then be back-calculated using the lifetime discounted quality-adjusted life year (which includes effectiveness of quality improvement) and cost (which includes incentive payments and cost offsets from quality improvements) outputs from the model. We applied this framework to an acute ischemic stroke microsimulation model to calculate the difference in population-level net monetary benefit (willingness-to-pay of $50 000 to $150 000/quality-adjusted life year) accrued under current Medicare policy (stroke payment not adjusted for performance) compared with various hypothetical pay-for-performance policies. Performance measurement was based on time-to-thrombolytic treatment with tPA (tissue-type plasminogen activator). Compared with current payment, equivalent population-level net monetary benefit was achieved in pay-for-performance policies with 10-minute door-to-needle time reductions (5057 more acute ischemic stroke cases/y in the 0–3-hour window) incentivized by increasing tPA payment by as much as 18% to 44% depending on willingness-to-pay for health.

Conclusions:

Cost-effectiveness modeling can be used to determine the upper bound of financial incentives used in pay-for-performance policies, although currently, this approach is limited due to data requirements and modeling assumptions. For tPA payments in acute ischemic stroke, our model-based results suggest financial incentives leading to a 10-minute decrease in door-to-needle time should be implemented but not exceed 18% to 44% of current tPA payment. In general, the optimal level of financial incentives will depend on willingness-to-pay for health and other modeling assumptions around parameter uncertainty and the relationship between quality improvements and long-run quality-adjusted life expectancy and costs.
The effect of food preference, landmarks, and maze shift on maze-solving time in desert ants
Authors: Saar Maya , Hershkovitz Dar , Amano Orin , Bega Darar , Subach Aziz , Scharf Inon
Published: July 2020

We studied how food type and available landmarks affect spatial learning in the ant Cataglyphis niger while searching for food in a maze. We expected the ants to solve the maze faster with consecutive runs, when the preferred food type is offered, and in the presence of landmarks. Ants should also solve the maze more slowly following a mirror-route switch in the maze. As expected, maze-solving improved when searching for a preferred food type than a less preferred one, as determined in a separate food preference experiment. In contrast, adding landmarks to the maze had only little effect on maze-solving and the number of searching workers. Switching the route to a mirror-imaged route in the maze delayed maze-solving and required more workers to search for food. Our findings extend the knowledge on the ants’ learning abilities and demonstrate how foragers detect food faster when offered a high-ranking food item.
The Poetic Transformation of Christian Cabbala
Authors: Wilkinson Robert J.
Published: July 2020

This article follows the development of a genre of eighteenth-century texts, explicitly self-designated as ‘cabbalistic’, initially intended for fortune telling by use of a number-alphabet. Such texts were found in Latin and German and eventually emerged from clandestinity into print, though initially they were often anonymous and with false places of printing. As these texts attracted the attention of those interested in promoting the German vernacular and demonstrating the poetic capacity of that language, they were increasingly identified as ‘paragrams’, lost much of their mantic purpose and increasingly became an inventive technique for the stimulation of the composition of honorific verse.
The Classification of Armed Conflicts by International Criminal Courts and Tribunals
Authors: Bartels Rogier
Published: July 2020

This article analyses how international criminal courts and tribunals have pronounced on the contextual elements of their respective war crimes provisions. A comprehensive overview of the way these institutions treated the material scope of application of ihl shows that the ad hoc tribunals tended to avoid classification as either international or non-international armed conflict​, and merely found that a generic ‘armed conflict’ existed at the relevant​ time. The icc shows a tendency to classify situations as non-international armed conflicts without considering whether the situation concerned may instead (or at the same time) qualify as an international armed conflict. Non-international​ armed conflict is often, mistakenly, treated as a residual regime. Incorrect conflict classification may​ affect ihl’s scope of application, and negatively impact on an accused’s fair trial​ rights under international criminal law. The author proposes a fresh look at the​ icc’s legal framework to solve conflict classification​ problems.
Bemba and the Individualisation of War: Reconciling Command Responsibility under Article 28 Rome Statute with Individual Criminal Responsibility
Authors: Galand Alexandre Skander
Published: July 2020

Never has the doctrine of command responsibility been shaken as when the Appeal Chamber of the International Criminal Court issued the Bemba Appeal Judgment. The latter solely addresses whether the defendant – Jean-Pierre Bemba, former Commander-in-chief of the Mouvement de libération du Congo – took reasonable and necessary measures to prevent or punish his subordinates’ crimes perpetrated in the Central African Republic. Yet, the various dissenting, separate and concurring opinions advocate opposing positions on the scope, elements and nature of this notorious doctrine. This paper relocates the ‘sharp disagreements’ that surfaced during the Bemba Appeal Judgment within the broader phenomena of the individualisation of war. Through an in-depth examination of the interpretation offered by the appellate judges, it designs a model of command responsibility that properly individualises Article 28 Rome Statute, and, by the same token, respect the fundamental rights of military commanders.
The Binding Force of Unilateral Promises in the Ius Commune before Grotius
Authors: Chiodi Giovanni
Published: July 2020

The idea that a simple unilateral promise, until it is accepted, is not binding according to natural law is defended by Grotius in his major work with an argumentation drawn directly from Lessius, an important source of inspiration for the Dutch jurist, who in turn solves the dispute rooted in the tradition of ius commune. This article aims to reconstruct, in its essential stages, an itinerary through the main positions of medieval and early modern civil and canon lawyers about this controversial issue. These sources constitute the background of early modern scholastics and Grotius as well. The paper analyses some of the principal texts of both bodies of law, highlighting arguments and adding new findings. Notably it is shown that Lessius’s and Grotius’s statements represent a turning point, as far as they react against the resumption of the theory of the binding force of simple unilateral promises in the sixteenth century. With Lessius and Grotius, on the other hand, acceptance became a necessary requirement for every transfer of rights and duties to be enforceable.
Grotius’s Impact on the Scandinavian Theory of Contract Law
Authors: Koch Sören
Published: July 2020

This article discusses to what extent the widely accepted hypotheses of Hugo Grotius’s crucial impact on the theory of contract law – also in Scandinavia – may be maintained or even positively confirmed. Although few direct references to the works of Grotius can be found in Scandinavian legal literature of the seventeenth and eighteenth century, it would be premature to draw a negative conclusion. An impact of Grotius’s thoughts may rather be demonstrated by thoroughly analysing patterns of argumentation concerning specific contractual topics both in legal literature and case law. The article provides the reader with necessary information on the institutional and intellectual preconditions for the reception of Grotius in the Scandinavian legal orders before discussing the impact of the ‘will-theory’ on the requirements of a legally binding contractual agreement in the works of selected influential legal scholars and in case law in more detail. The analysis confirms that Grotius’s work contributed substantially to shaping the intellectual framework in which the first contract law doctrines in Scandinavia evolved.
Grotius’s Contract Theory in the Works of His German Commentators: First Explorations
Authors: Astorri Paolo
Published: July 2020

Due to its enormous importance, Grotius’s contract doctrine has been extensively investigated by legal historians. This paper seeks to enhance scholarly understanding of this topic by looking at commentaries on De jure belli ac pacis written by German theologians and jurists in the second half of the seventeenth century. The paper focuses on comments concerning promises: the criteria for promises that are binding under natural law; the foundations of the obligation to keep promises; error and duress; and immoral promises. Grotius’s contract doctrine rested on a mélange of sources, both theological and juridical, which were not always consistent. Commentators sought to harmonise them by looking at them from different perspectives: some comments were mainly based on interpretations of ius commune texts, whereas others reflected a moral theological approach. The results drew distinctions (directly or indirectly) between law and moral theology that contributed to the fragmentation of Grotius’s synthesis.
The covid-19 Infodemic and Online Platforms as Intermediary Fiduciaries under International Law
Authors: Sander Barrie , Tsagourias Nicholas
Published: July 2020

Reflecting on the covid-19 infodemic, this paper identifies different dimensions of information disorder associated with the pandemic, examines how online platform governance has been evolving in response, and reflects on what the crisis reveals about the relationship between online platforms, international law, and the prospect of regulation. The paper argues that online platforms are intermediary fiduciaries of the international public good, and for this reason regulation should be informed by relevant standards that apply to fiduciary relationships.
The Suez Canal and Its Role in Formation of New International Political and Economic Relations in The XX Century
Authors: Turekulova Zhuldyz , Baitureyeva Klara
Published: July 2020

The construction and commissioning of the Suez Canal demonstrated that waterway — is not only a source of water for irrigated agriculture, what was for thousands of years the Nile, but also an important geopolitical and commercial resource which can be used in internal and foreign policy. Consideration of Suez Canal’s history, in the context of inter-state and inter-regional relations involves, first of all, the study of the events that are directly related to its functioning and development as a communication hub (node) of global significance. The demand of historical and political analysis of the evolution of geo-strategic position of Egypt in the context of the implementation of the project of the Suez Canal due to the need to clarify the role and place of Egypt in the global changes that have occurred all over the world due to the geopolitical space of fundamental change of transport ways.
Their Most Valuable and Most Vulnerable Asset
Authors: Voss Karsten , Weber Klaus
Published: July 2020

From 1698, colonial officers and investors from France forged a conglomerate of companies for transforming Saint-Domingue into a sugar colony, thus augmenting incomes of tax farmers and of the crown. Capital was also captured from enemy colonies and generated through trade with Spanish possessions. The most important capital were slaves, both as laborers and mortgageable property—crucial during the War of Spanish Succession, which brought price volatility and speculation in land and sugar. In order to secure the colony’s development, authorities restricted rights of owners over their slaves, preventing their sale or abuse. Only around 1715 was such protection of slaves suppressed.
Marine Protected Areas and Area-Based Management in New Zealand
Authors: Mossop Joanna
Published: July 2020

New Zealand’s maritime zones cover a very large area. This article explores the extent to which these maritime zones are protected through marine protected areas and area-based management. There are several different types of protection in New Zealand waters, from marine reserves that prohibit fishing to marine mammal sanctuaries and benthic protection zones. Māori play an important role in the establishment and management of many of these areas. However, in general the legislation that addresses marine protection is disjointed and there are important gaps in coverage. Attempts to reform the legislation have not yet succeeded.