bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Legislature Speakers of Subjects of the Russian Federation: Recruitment Paths and Career
Authors: Tev Denis
Published: March 2021

This article analyzes the channels for recruiting speakers for the legislatures of subjects of the Russian Federation, as well as the specifics of their career, both before election and after resignation. The empirical basis of the study is a biographical database of chairmen of regional legislative assemblies of all convocations from the time when the last councils of people’s deputies were disbanded and until February of 2019. It is shown that speakers tended to be strongly rooted in the political power structures of Soviet society, but over time the share of nomenklatura among them – primarily party cadres – saw a significant decline. The most important channel for recruiting speakers – which was also their place of work after resignation – was representative bodies, primarily regional legislatures. Electing relatively experienced professional deputies as speakers might indicate a certain autonomization and institutionalization of legislative bodies, but this tendency is rather limited: close ties with influential external forces that control the legislature often serve as a powerful driving factor for a legislative career, freeing speakers from the need to first go through “political apprenticeship” in parliament. One of the main channels for recruiting speakers is administrative bodies, primarily regional and local, which, in many respects, reflects the dependence of the formation and functioning of legislatures on governors, who strive to appoint persons from their clientele to run said legislatures. Less often speakers work in administrations after resigning, primarily as governors. A significant source for recruiting speakers is business, but there’s a relatively small number of people who came directly from that environment (most often from large firms by regional standards), which may reflect both the importance of preliminary political professionalization in order to attain the post, and control over legislatures by governors, for whom private businessmen may seem too independent of figures to be speakers. Speakers are much less likely to end up in business after resignation, and their return to the enterprises where they previously worked is common.
Age Differences of SES Inequalities in Health: The Role of Social State
Authors: Rusinova Nina , Safronov Viacheslav
Published: March 2021

This article is devoted to such an issue as the changing socio-economic inequalities in health that come with age. According to one theoretical explanation, these inequalities increase when people get older: in the lower strata, the negative effects of life’s hardships on health accumulate, and in the well-off ones, conversely, an accumulated positive effect occurs. This explanation is opposed by theories that predict a reduction in inequality. In older cohorts, as one of them notes, inequalities decrease as the physiological mechanisms of aging begin to play an increasingly important role, reducing the importance of social factors. Selective mortality can also help equalize structural distinction — reducing the number of low-status individuals with poor health leads to social differences smoothening out. Proponents of another theory emphasize the importance of social policy — state support and protection, including special social security programs for the elderly, in helping to maintain the health of vulnerable groups. The empirical results contradict the hypotheses and do not provide convincing evidence for any of the assumptions. Two-level modeling with survey data from the European Social Survey (ESS 2012) for 27 countries and statistical data on these countries, as well as regression analysis carried out on arrays of two groups of countries — with low and high government expenditure on health – showed that, as the transition to older age cohorts occurs, there is a gradual expansion of status inequalities, especially noticeable in countries with low budget spending on health. In the most developed social democracies, this trend did not persist — a slight increase in inequality continues until pre-retirement age, and then — in the category of older people — they smoothen out. The findings support arguments about the positive role of the social state in improving national health and reducing health inequalities after retirement.
Discovering Max Scheler. [Rev.] Malinkin A.N. Kontseptsiya Fenomenologii Maksa Shelera. Sheler vs Gusserl’. [The Concept of Phenomenology by Max Scheler. Scheler vs Husserl.] Moscow: Russkaya Shkola publ., 2019
Authors: Dorofeev Daniil
Published: March 2021

This is a review of a book by Russian philosopher and sociologist A.N. Malinkin about Max Scheler, whose creative heritage he has been studying and translating for many years. The study presents an analysis of Scheler’s phenomenological concept, examined through comparison with the attitudes of the founder of phenomenology Husserl regarding the understanding of such important concepts as scientific knowledge, lack of premise, reduction, intuition. The monograph on a large material, consisting mainly of little-known texts and those not translated to Russian, shows Scheler’s original and fundamental understanding of philosophy, ontology, knowledge, love, man, sociology, society, history. The book by A.N. Malinkin makes it possible to significantly expand one’s understanding of Max Scheler’s philosophy, serving to compensate this philosopher being undeservedly underestimated and revealing its relevance for modern philosophical and socio-humanitarian thought.
Global Security Safeguarding: Collapse of Power or Law?
Authors: Kuklina I.
Published: March 2021

Fundamental changes that took place after disintegration of the USSR triggered the emergence of a number of new threats and challenges in the sphere of international security. A central place in the attempts to determine the strategic directions of the new world order’s development should be given to the issue of state’s role in providing global security. The article deals with the roles of armed force and international law for achieving this vital goal.
Asymmetry of Information or «Symmetry of Delusions»?
Authors: Milovidov V.
Published: March 2021

Sustainable state of information asymmetry at the financial market pushes its players to impetuous race for knowledge and awareness, to overcoming the risks and uncertainties of investment transactions. One has to run in order to just remain at the same place. In other words, asymmetry of information keeps the financial market in good fit. The stronger is this state the less is the market actors’ confidence that information component of their motivations is sufficient for taking decisions. Thus, steadily growing aspiration for finding the necessary means capable to level off the asymmetry of information and to secure reduction of risks.
Concepts of Innovative Personnel Management
Authors: Kasymova N.
Published: March 2021

The article is devoted to analysis of formation of the theory of “scientific management” (end of XIX – beginning of XX century). The focus is made on the evolution of innovative concepts of personnel management that fully developed in XX century. Also, the author deals with the differences between American and Japanese schools of management.
Kazakhstan and Ukraine: Political Systems in Context of Macroeconomic Situation
Authors: Raneta L. , Kozhabaeva A.
Published: March 2021

The authors insist that a high concentration of political and administrative competencies proved to be more efficient model of state under the conditions of transitional economy when large-scale and unpopular transformations are on the agenda. In spite of “less democratic” administrative model Kazakhstan gained much more impressive economic outcome that formally more democratic Ukraine. Taking into account the most recent developments in both countries one can suppose that the described trends will remain in the future. Namely, the rupture between levels of economic development of Ukraine and Kazakhstan will further broaden.
Fractal Economy of Arctic
Authors: Slipenchuk M.
Published: March 2021

In recent decades Arctic attracts the attention of a growing number of states. For effective international cooperation it is necessary to undertake several important steps, including legal work and adoption of documents regulating the statuses and activities of state in Arctic region. It is also needed to undertake a delimitation of sea spaces in the Arctic Ocean, to determine the measures for providing environmental safety in the regions, to reach international agreement on the status of the Northern Sea Route and Northwest Passage, to establish an innovation hub clusters and several others.
Social Advertising as Factor of Economic Development
Authors: Nifaeva O. , Nehamkin A.
Published: March 2021

The concept of social advertisement relates to formulation and solution of socially important problems, to changing of behavioral stereotypes, to formation of moral values. In Russia social advertising is still at the initial stage of its development. The establishment of a nation-wide system of such advertising is on the agenda. The basic task is to raise the physical and moral potential of the society.
Perceptions of Modern Russia in France
Authors: Lapina N.
Published: March 2021

The article examines factors affecting the perceptions of Russian Federation by the French society. The author traces the role of Atlantic elites in forming of the Russian image.
On Contradictoriness of Russian-Uzbek Relationships in Military and Political Sphere
Authors: Evseev V.
Published: March 2021

The author analyzes the dynamics of Russian-Uzbek cooperation in military and political sphere in the last 20 years. The article emphasizes Tashkent’s striving for the regional leadership, which in context of close cooperation between Moscow and Astana makes bilateral relationship with Uzbekistan more complicated. Having undertaken a study, the author argues that every new step of rapprochement between Tashkent and Washington inevitably worsens Russian-Uzbek relations. The process may also be evaluated by the degree of Uzbekistan’s involvement in CSTO activities.
The Principle of Continuous Biological Information Flow as the Fundamental Foundation for the Biological Sciences. Implications for Ageing Research
Authors: Marsellach Xavi
Published: March 2021

The current state of biological knowledge contains an unresolved paradox: life as a continuity in the face of the phenomena of ageing. In this manuscript I propose a theoretical framework that offers a solution for this apparent contradiction. The framework proposed is based on a rethinking of what ageing is at a molecular level, as well as on a rethinking of the mechanisms in charge of the flow of information from one generation to the following ones. I propose an information-based conception of ageing instead of the widely accepted damage-based conception of ageing and propose a full recovery of the chromosome theory of inheritance to describe the intergenerational flow of information. Altogether the proposed framework allows a precise and unique definition of what life is: a continuous flow of biological information. The proposed framework also implies that ageing is merely a consequence of the way in which epigenetically-coded phenotypic characteristics are passed from one generation to the next ones.
On the Elimination of Cancers Related to Oncogenic Human Papillomavirus: an Approach using a Computational Network Model
Authors: Muñoz-Quiles Cintia , Diez-Domingo Javier , Acedo Luis , Sánchez-Alonso Víctor , Villanueva Rafael J.
Published: March 2021

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common malignancy in women worldwide, although it is preventable with prophylactic HPV vaccination. HPV transmission-dynamic models can predict the potential for global elimination of cervical cancer. The random network model is a new approach that allows individuals to be followed, and to implement a given vaccination policy according to their clinical records. We developed an HPV transmission dynamics model on a lifetime sexual partners network based on individual contacts, also accounting for the sexual behavior of men who have sex with men (MSM). We analyzed the decline in the prevalence of HPV infection in a scenario of 75% and 90% coverage for both sexes. An important herd immunity effect for men and women was observed in the heterosexual network, even with 75% coverage. However, HPV in-fections are persistent in the MSM population, with sustained circulation of the virus among un-vaccinated individuals. Coverage around 75% of both sexes would be necessary to eradicate HPV-related conditions in women within five decades. Nevertheless, the variation in the decline in infection in the long term between vaccination coverage of 75% and 90% is relatively small, suggesting that reaching coverage of around 70-75% in the heterosexual network may be enough to confer high protection. Nevertheless, HPV eradication maybe achieved if men’s coverage is strictly controlled. This accurate representation of HPV transmission demonstrates the need to maintain high HPV vaccination coverage, especially in men, for whom the cost-effectiveness of vaccination is questioned.
Mitigation of Odor and Gaseous Emissions from Swine Barn with UV-A and UV-C Photocatalysis
Authors: Lee Myeongseong , Koziel Jacek A. , Murphy Wyatt , Jenks William S. , Chen Baitong , Li Peiyang , Banik Chumki
Published: March 2021

UV-A (ca. 365 nm wavelength, a.k.a. 'black light') photocatalysis has been investigated to comprehensively mitigate odor and selected air pollutants in the livestock environment. This study was conducted to confirm the performance of UV-A photocatalysis on the swine farm. The objectives of this research were to (1) scale-up of the UV-A photocatalysis treatment, (2) evaluate the mitigation of odorous gases from swine slurry pit, and (3) test different UV sources, (4) evaluate the effect of suspended particulate matter (PM), and (5) conduct preliminary economic analyses. We tested UV-A photocatalysis at a mobile laboratory-scale capable of treating ~0.2 - 0.8 m3·s-1 of barn exhaust air. The targeted gaseous emissions of barn exhaust air were significantly mitigated (p < 0.05) up to 40% reduction of measured odor; 63%, 44%, 32%, 40%, 66%, and 49% reduction of dimethyl disulfide, isobutyric acid, butanoic acid, p-cresol, indole, and skatole, respectively; 40% reduction of H2S; 100% reduction of O3; and 13% reduction of N2O. The PM mitigation effect was not significant. Formaldehyde levels did not change, and a 21% generation of CO2 was observed. The percent reduction of targeted gases decreased as the airborne PM increased. Simultaneous chemical and sensory analysis confirmed that UV-A treatment changed the overall nuisance odor character of swine barn emissions into weaker manure odor with 'toothpaste and 'mint' notes. The smell of benzoic acid generated in UV-A treatment was likely one of the compounds responsible for the less-offensive overall odor character of the UV-treated emissions. Results are needed to inform the design of a farm-scale trial, where the interior barn walls can be treated with the photocatalyst, and foul air will be passively treated as it moves through the barn.
Leukocyte Telomere Length Is Not Shortened in Methamphetamine Dependence or Methamphetamine-Induced Psychosis but Is Increased Following Traumatic Events.
Authors: Teerayuth Rungnirundorn Teerayuth Rungnirundorn , Krusong Kuakarun , Kalayasiri Rasmon , Maes Michael
Published: March 2021

Background: Methamphetamine (MA) is one of the most common drugs of abuse in Thailand. MA use may cause neurotoxicity, immune-inflammatory and oxidative stress responses and, consequently, MA-induced psychosis (MIP).Aims: This study aims to examine the effects of MA use and dependence and MA withdrawal symptoms on the telomere to single copy gene (T/S) ratio and whether shortening of the latter is associated with MIP.Methods: This study included 185 MA-abuse, 118 MA-dependent, and 67 MIP patients, diagnosed using DSM-IV-TR criteria. The Semi-structured Assessment for Drug Dependence and Alcoholism (SSADDA) questionnaire was employed to collect clinical and MA-related data. MIP was confirmed using the Methamphetamine Experience Questionnaire (MEQ). The leukocyte telomere length was measured in all participants using real-time polymerase chain reaction measuring the Telomere/Single gene ratio (T/S ratio). Results: There were no significant associations between the T/S ratio and severity of MA-use, MIP, MA withdrawal symptoms including depression and psychomotor retardation. MIP was significantly predicted by alcohol dependence, antisocial personality disorder, and MA-use severity. There were significant and positive associations between the T/S ratio and previous traumatic events and life-threatening accidents. The T/S ratio was not affected by comorbid alcohol and nicotine dependence. Alcohol and nicotine dependence, antisocial personality, and severity of MA use increased risk of MA withdrawal symptoms. Conclusion: MIP and MA-use severity do not affect leukocyte telomere length, but telomere length may be affected by previous traumatic events and life-threatening accidents.
GEM-Based Detectors for Direct Detection of Low-Mass WIMP, Solar Axions and Narrow Resonances (Quarks)
Authors: Parusov Victor , Ovchinnikov Boris
Published: March 2021

Gas electron multipliers (GEMs) with wire (WGEMs) or metal electrodes (MGEMs), which don’t use any plastic insulators between electrodes are created. The chambers containing MGEMs (WGEMs) with pin-anodes are proposed as detectors for searching of spin-dependent interactions between Dark Matter (DM) particles and gases with nonzero-spin nuclei (H2, D2, 3He, 21Ne, CF4, CH4, etc.). In this paper, we present a review of such chambers. For investigation of the gas mixtures Ne+10%H2, H2 (D2) +3ppmTMAE, the chamber containing WGEM with pin-anode detection system was constructed. In this paper we present the results of an experimental study of these gaseous mixtures exited by an α - source. Mixture of Ar + 40 ppm C2H4 and mixture 50% Xe + 50%CF4 have been investigated. The spatial distributions of photoelectron clouds produced by primary scintillations on α- and β-particle tracks, as well as the distributions of photoelectron clouds due to photons from avalanches at the pin-anode, have been measured for the first time. In our experiments as another filling of the chambers for search of low-mas WIMP (<10 GeV/c2), solar neutrino and solar axions with spin-dependent interaction we propose to use the mixtures: D2 + 3ppmTMAE, 3He + 3%CH4, 21Ne + 10%H2, at pressure 10-17 bar. And in our experiment with liquid gases is used the mixtures with 19F (LAr + CF4, LXe + CF4) and mixture LCH4 + 40ppm TMAE. The time projection chamber (TPC) with the mixture D2 + 3ppmTMAE filling allow to search of spin-dependent interactions of solar axions and deuterium. As well as we present the detecting systems for search of narrow pp-resonances (quarks) in accelerators experiments.
Malaysian Health Literacy: Scorecard Performance from a National Survey
Authors: Jaafar Norrafizah , Perialathan Komathi , Krishnan Manimaran , Juatan Nurashma , Ahmad Masitah , Mien Teresa Yong Sui , Salleh Kamarul Zaman , Isa Affendi , Mohamed Suraiya Syed , Hanit Nor Hanizah Abu , Hasani Wan Shakira Rodzlan , Mohamad Emma Mirza Wati , Johari Mohammad Zabri
Published: March 2021

Health literacy is an indicator of a society’s ability to make better health judgement for themselves and the people around them. This study investigates the prevalence of health literacy among Malaysian adults and provides an overall picture of the current health literacy state of the society. The study also highlights socio-demographics markers of communities with limited health literacy which may warrant future intervention. A population based self-administered survey using the Health Literacy Survey Malaysian Questionnaire18 (HLS-M-Q18) instrument was conducted as part of the National Health Morbidity Survey 2019 in Malaysia. The nationwide survey utilized two-staged stratified random sampling method. A sample of 9478 individuals aged 18 and above participated in the study. The health literacy score was divided into three levels; limited, sufficient and excellent. Findings showed that majority Malaysian population has sufficient health literacy level, albeit leaning towards the lower end of the category with an average score of 35.5. The limited health literacy groups are associated with respondents with older age, lower education level and lower household income. Overall health literacy state for Malaysia is categorized at a lower sufficient level. Health literacy improvements should focus on communities with limited health literacy level.
Persistence of SARS-CoV-2 Viral RNA in Nasopharyngeal Swabs after Death: An Observational Study
Authors: Servadei Francesca , Mauriello Silvestro , Scimeca Manuel , Caggiano Bartolo , Ciotti Marco , Anemona Lucia , Montanaro Manuela , Giacobbi Erica , Treglia Michele , Bernardini Sergio , Marsella Luigi Tonino , Urbano Nicoletta , Schillaci Orazio , Mauriello Alessandro
Published: March 2021

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 in post-mortem swabs of subjects who died from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: The presence of the virus was evaluated post-mortem from airways of 27 SARS-CoV-2 positive patients at three different time points (T1 2 hours; T2 12 hours – T3 24 hours) by real-time PCR. Detection of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 was performed by Maglumi 2019-nCoV IgM/IgG chemiluminescence assay. Results: SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA was still detectable in 70,3% of cases within 2 hours after death and in 66,6% of cases up to 24 hours after death. Our data showed an increase of the viral load in 78,6% of positive individuals 24 hours post-mortem (T3) in comparison to that evaluated 2 hours after death (T1). Noteworthy, we detected a positive T3 post-mortem swab (24 hours after death) from 4 subjects who were negative at T1 (2 hours after death). Conclusion: The results of our study may have an important value in the management of deceased subjects not only with a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2, but also for unspecified causes and in the absence of clinical documentation or medical assistance.
Can a single trial of a thoracolumbar myofascial release technique reduce pain and disability in chronic low back pain? Randomized balanced cross-over study
Authors: Paulo Luana Rocha , Lacerda Ana Cristina Rodrigues , Martins Fábio Luiz Mendonça , Fernandes José Sebastião Cunha , Vieira Leonardo Sette , Guimarães Cristiano Queiroz , Ballesteros Sílvia de Simoni Guedes , dos Anjos Marco Túlio Saldanha , Tavares Patrícia Aparecida , da Fonseca Sueli Ferreira , Oliveira Murilo Xavier , Bernardo-Filho Mário , de Sá-Caputo Danúbia da Cunha , Mendonça Vanessa Amaral , Taiar Redha
Published: March 2021

(1) Background: Although manual therapy for pain relief has been used as an adjunct in treatments for chronic low back pain (CLBP), there is still the belief that a single session of myofascial release would be effective. This study aimed to investigate whether a single session of a specific technique reduces pain and disability. (2) Methods: This was a crossover clinical trial in which 41 participants over 18 years old with CLBP were randomly enrolled into 3 situations - experimental, placebo, control, in a balanced and cross-over manner. The subjects underwent a single session of myofascial release on thoracolumbar fascia and compare it with the control and placebo. Outcome were pain and functionality, evaluated using the numerical pain rating scale (NPRS), pressure pain threshold (PPT) and Oswestry (ODI). (3) Results: There was no effects between-, within-tests, and interaction for all the outcomes, i.e., NPRS (η 2 = 0.32, F = 0.48, p = 0.61), PPT (η2 = 0.73, F = 2.80, p = 0.06), ODI (η 2 = 0.02, F = 0.02, p = 0.97). (4) Conclusion: A single trial of thoracolumbar myofascial release technique was not enough to reduce pain and disability in subjects with CLBP.
Source-Sink Manipulation Affects Accumulation of Zinc and Other Nutrient Elements in Wheat Grains
Authors: Wang Lan , Xia Haiyong , Li Xiaojing , Qiao Yuetong , Xue Yanhui , Jiang Xilong , Yan Wei , Liu Yumin , Xue Yanfang , Kong Lingan
Published: March 2021

In order to better understand the source-sink flow and relationships of Zinc (Zn) and other nutrients in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants for biofortification and improving grain nutritional quality, effects of reducing photoassimilate source (through the flag leaf removal and spike shading) or sink (through 50% spikelets removal) in the field on accumulation of Zn and other nutrients in wheat grains of two cultivars (Jimai 22 and Jimai 44) were investigated under two soil Zn application levels. The single panicle weight (SPW), kernel number per spike (KNPS), thousand kernel weight (TKW), total grain weight (TGW), concentrations and yields of various nutrient elements (Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu, N, P, K, Ca and Mg), phytate phosphorus (phytate-P), phytic acid (PA) and phytohormones (ABA: abscisic acid, and the ethylene precursor ACC: 1-aminocylopropane-1-carboxylic acid), and C/N ratios were determined. Soil Zn application significantly increased concentrations of grain Zn, N and K. Cultivars showing higher grain yields had lower grain protein and micronutrient nutritional quality. SPW, KNPS, TKW (with an exception of TKW in half spikelets removal), TGW, and nutrient yields in wheat grains were most severely reduced by half spiklets removal, secondly by spike shading, and slightly by flag leaf removal. Grain concentrations of Zn, N and Mg consistently showed negative correlations with SPW, KNPS and TGW, but positively with TKW. There were general positive correlations among grain concentrations of Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu, N and Mg, and bioavailability of Zn and Fe (estimated by molar ratios of PA/Zn, PA × Ca/Zn, PA/Fe, or PA × Ca/Fe). Although concentrations of Zn and Fe were increased and Ca was decreased in treatments of half spikelets removal and spike shading, the simultaneously increased PA limited the increase in bioavailability of Zn and Fe. In general, different nutrient elements interact with each other and are affected to different degrees by source-sink manipulations. Elevated endogenous ABA levels and ABA/ACC ratios were associated with increased TKW and grain-filling of Zn, Mn, Ca and Mg, and inhibited K in wheat grains. However, effects of ACC were diametrically opposite. These results provide basis for wheat grain biofortification to alleviate human malnutrition.
Complexity Management Patterns and Generative Software Development
Authors: Besharati Mohammad Reza , Mostafazadeh Mahdi , Izadi Mohammad
Published: March 2021

According to many researchers, Abstraction is the basis of mathematics, computing, counting devices, and computer science and engineering. What is more, all of the above deal with complexity management in some way, and abstraction is the most basic mechanism of complexity management.Generative software development - whether in the sense of empowering humans by machine to create software or in the sense of reusing products - has been and is one of the serious concerns and goals of software engineering. The interesting thing is that in both views of generativity, the main issue is still, in a way, complexity management: whether this complexity management is to achieve diversity and reuse management (Czarnecki’s approach) or to Structuring from existing structures (the approach of Alexander and his followers in an object-oriented society).In this article, we will first look at complexity and its various definitions. The definitions that show, despite the different perspectives on complexity in different disciplines and domains, all point in one direction. We will conclude that complexity is rooted in multiplicity. In the following, we will formally define complexity. In the following discussion, we will look at the generative patterns of software development, and then we will look at the complexity management patterns at seven levels.In this article, the author has tried to maintain a comprehensive approach to complexity and to consider the approaches of different domains to complexity.
Functional Outcomes of Patients with Schizophrenia After Hip Fracture Surgery
Authors: Ng Julia Poh Hwee , Ho Sean Wei Loong , Yam Michael Gui Jie , Tan Tong Leng
Published: March 2021

Background:

Schizophrenia impairs a patient’s self-care abilities, which are crucial after a hip fracture. Studies on the outcomes of patients with schizophrenia after a hip fracture are dated. This study aims to investigate the complication rates, 1-year mortality, and functional outcomes of surgically managed hip fractures in elderly patients with schizophrenia.

Methods:

This is a retrospective, single-institution cohort study based on a prospectively maintained registry of patients with hip fracture. In this study, 3,056 patients who were ≥60 years of age were treated under a geriatric-orthopaedic hip fracture pathway from January 2014 to December 2018. Baseline demographic characteristics and the Modified Barthel Index (MBI) scores were obtained at admission and at 6 months and 1 year after the fracture. Complications from the fracture and the surgical procedure were recorded during a minimum follow-up period of 2 years. A matching process (based on age, sex, and the MBI at admission) of up to 6 patients without schizophrenia per 1 patient with schizophrenia was utilized to increase power. Differences in perioperative, 6-month, and 1-year outcomes were compared for significance among surgically managed patients with schizophrenia and patients without schizophrenia.

Results:

Thirty-eight patients with schizophrenia were compared with 170 geriatric patients without schizophrenia who underwent a surgical procedure for a hip fracture. Patients with schizophrenia were more likely to be institutionalized postoperatively (26.3% compared with 4.7%; p < 0.001). Patients with schizophrenia had poorer MBI scores at 12 months (76 compared with 90 points; p = 0.006). The 1-year mortality rate was comparable (p = 0.29) between patients with schizophrenia (5.7%) and those without schizophrenia (2.4%). Similar trends in MBI were observed in the conservatively managed group of patients.

Conclusions:

There was no increase in postoperative complications after a surgical procedure for a hip fracture in elderly patients with schizophrenia. The 1-year mortality after a surgical procedure for hip fracture is similar in both patients with schizophrenia and those without schizophrenia. Patients with schizophrenia and hip fracture who were surgically managed had poorer 1-year functional outcomes compared with patients without schizophrenia matched for age, sex, and MBI at admission. This information will be useful in shared decision-making discussions with patients and families.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Inorganic silicification of ancient carbonate rocks
Authors: Banerjee Amlan , Patranabis-Deb Sarbani , Saha Dilip , Santosh M.
Published: March 2021

Mechanisms of inorganic silicification of early Precambrian (older than 750 Ma) carbonate rocks remain equivocal. A quantitative model is presented here that captures the essence of ancient inorganic silicification of the carbonate rocks and is based on the hypotheses that carbonate silicification, a volume-conservative replacive process, is driven by crystallization stress induced by the growth of the guest mineral. Results of the quantitative model for silicification of calcitic limestone and dolostone are compared and validated against available independent observations and are found to be geologically reasonable. The quantitative model suggests that silicification of carbonate rocks is dependent on the host-rock composition and that calcitic limestones will be readily silicified compared to dolostone and/or aragonitic limestone. Results also show that silicification rate of carbonate rocks—irrespective of their composition—increases with increase in silica supersaturation and reactive surface area. Porosity and permeability of the host rock also increases the silicification rate of the carbonate rocks. Results also predict that substantial volume of silica-saturated fluids is required for inorganic silicification of a one-meter cube of carbonate rock. The quantitative model presented here has its limitations and should not be viewed as a unique and truly realistic representation of the carbonate silicification mechanism. The quantitative model presented here is unable to explain the formation of porosity and subsequent volume reduction of the parent material during the replacement process as observed in replacement experiments. Also, the effect of pH on silicification of carbonate rocks cannot be quantitatively estimated in this study. The quantitative model presented here should be viewed as one of the possible mechanisms of carbonate silicification that has to be tested further with experimental data and by model refinement.
Absence of evidence of climate-driven cycles in Carboniferous deposits of Joggins, Nova Scotia, Canada: influence of salt withdrawal tectonics on deposition and pedogenesis
Authors: Letourmy Yohan , Driese Steven G. , Sims Justin R.
Published: March 2021

During the Late Paleozoic Ice Age, the fault-bounded equatorial Cumberland Basin of Nova Scotia experienced rapid subsidence, accumulating kilometer-thick fluvial sedimentary units derived from two highlands to the northwest and southeast. Major variations are recorded in the paleosols exposed at the Joggins Fossil Cliffs, ranging from oxidized and well-drained paleosols with recognizable vertic features to highly reduced organic-rich paleosols. These different soil lithologies suggest alternating conditions between well-drained floodplain environments and water saturation associated with overall poor soil development. Although halokinetic subsidence of the Cumberland Basin is known to have been operative during deposition of these units, previous research favored glacio-eustatic processes as the primary forcing mechanism of sedimentation. A total of 474 fluvial aggradational cycles were identified within a kilometer-thick interval and show a fluctuating accommodation history with a very abrupt nature. The series of fluvial aggradational cycles was used to develop threshold autoregressive models based on 1) their thickness, 2) their paleosol thickness, 3) their sandstone content, and 4) their paleosol-to-sandstone ratio. For each model, results suggest no evidence of statistically significant cyclicity, contradicting the hypothesis that fluvial sedimentation was mainly driven by glacio-eustatic cyclothems. Additionally, a total of 7 lithologies were recognized through 1,655 beds. Evaluation of 8 spherical semivariograms suggests no evidence for cyclicity in the frequency, order, or distribution of the data based on lithologies, although some covariance was found at distances between 550 and 750 m suggesting similar processes controlling sedimentation in the lower and upper Joggins Formation. The Cumberland Basin is known to have been rapidly subsiding, mainly because of ductile deformation of salt deposits in the deeper basinal units. Our results suggest that Joggins records tectonically induced ponding of a part of the sedimentary basin, allowing more extensive preservation of abundant coal and organic-rich units, as well as still-standing fossil forests exposed along the cliffs. These new results suggest that tectonic subsidence of the Cumberland Basin during the Late Paleozoic Ice Age was a more important driver of fluvial sedimentation than previously thought. This novel application of the TAR methodology provides a mathematical description of the sediment accumulation history of terrestrial basins when applied to conformable sedimentary successions, along with the means of linking paleosol development to climatic processes.
Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial properties of two derivatives of pyrrolidine-2,5-dione fused at positions-3,4 to a dibenzobarrelene backbone
Authors: Fondjo Emmanuel Sopbué , Njoya Abdou Salamou , Tamokou Jean-de-Dieu , Doungmo Giscard , Djakou Bruno Lenta , Simon Peter F. W. , Tsopmo Appolinaire , Kuiate Jules-Roger
Published: March 2021

Background : The present study describes for the first time, the synthesis of two pyrrolidine-2,5-dione derivatives that belong to N-arylsuccinimid (compound 5) and of azo (compound 8) class of molecules. The initial step of the reaction involved the preparation of the intermediate compound (9R, 10R, 11S)-9, 10-dihydro-9, 10-[3, 4] furanoanthracene-12, 14-dione (3) through [4 + 2]-cycloaddition between anthracene and maleic anhydride in xylene which was then condensed with para-hydroxyaniline to give compound 5. Subsequent coupling of 5 with the aryldiazonium ion of aniline gave compound 8.Results: These compounds were characterized by their physical, elemental, and spectroscopic data. 2D-NMR (COSY, HSQC, and HMBC) techniques were used to complete the elucidation of their structures. Compounds 5 (MIC = 32–128µg/mL) and 8 (MIC = 16–256µg/mL) along with the precursor 3 (MIC = 64–128µg/mL) displayed moderate antimicrobial activities against selected bacterial and fungal species when compared with those of nystatin (MIC = 0.50–2µg/mL) and ciprofloxacin (MIC = 0.50–16µg/mL) used as reference drugs.Conclusion: The results of biological tests showed that compounds 3, 5, 8 possess antimicrobial activities. Although being less active than the compound taken as a reference, the azo compound has better antibacterial activity than the other two compounds especially on Staphylococcus aureus, V. choleraeSG24 and, V. choleraeCO6 strains. These results show that the azo function (N = N) is indeed a pharmacophore and would be responsible for the biological activity in the azo molecules.
Molecular Identification and Phylogenetic relationship of Corvus splendens (Common House Crow) by Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene
Authors: Mansha Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Arbab , Hussain Tanveer
Published: March 2021

The traditional taxonomic approach for identification of species and their phylogenetic relationship is handicapped due to its limitations. The present study is carried out to evaluate the genetic identification and phylogenetic status of Corvus splendens (Common house crow) using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COX1). We amplified 690bp region of COX I from crow specimens collected from seven cities of Punjab. The PCR product was got sequenced and submitted to NCBI. Multiple sequence alignment was done among 10 Pakistani specimens and 18 species of common crow belonging to different families obtained from GenBank database using Gyps indicus as an outgroup. Phylogenetic tree was constructed among various Crow species by Neighbor Joining method (NJ) in MEGA X. It shows that KAS2 & NAR2 were very similar and shared evolutionary relationship with Common house crow from India. While KAS3 and LHR5 showed very close resemblance and shared common ancestry with the NAR3. The relative time tree shows the SKT2 evolved earlier than BHR1, PKT2, BHR2 & GUJ3 while the later were evolved at the same time. Further, the entire crow species irrespective of regions evolved almost at the same time with very little time difference. The genetic distance among the Common house crow from different localities showed very low degree of sequence divergence despite long physical distances among them. Overall, our analysed Corvus splendens were closely related to each other and evolved at same time. Moreover, these crows were closely related to other crow species dispersed all over the world.
CTRP4 binds to the interleukin-6 Receptor and ameliorates autoimmune encephalomyelitis by suppressing Th17 cell differentiation
Authors: Cao Lulu , Chen Wei , Na Daxiang , Huang He , Li Qi , Zhu Xiaoxin , Wang Lu
Published: March 2021

CTRP4, a secreted protein, plays an important role in protecting against sepsis and energy metabolism; however, its physiological functions in autoimmune disease remain unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that Th17 cell-associated experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis was greatly exacerbated in Ctrp4−/− mice because of increased Th17 cell infiltration. In vitro, Ctrp4 deficiency enhanced the ability of naïve CD4+ T cells to differentiate into Th17 cells. Mechanistically, CTRP4 interfered with the binding of IL-6 to its receptor IL-6R by directly binding to IL-6R and suppressed the activation of STAT3-related pathways in response to IL-6. Furthermore, treatment of induced EAE mice with recombinant CTRP4 protein ameliorated the symptom. In conclusion, our results indicate that CTRP4, as an endogenous regulator of the IL-6 receptor signaling pathway, may be a potential therapeutic intervention for multiple sclerosis.
Metaheuristic Quantum Glowworm Swarm Optimization based Clustering With Secure Routing Protocol for Mobile Adhoc Networks
Authors: Maganti Srinivas , Patnaik M.Ramesh
Published: March 2021

Mobile adhoc network (MANETs) comprises a collection of independent, compact sized, and inexpensive sensor nodes, which are commonly used to sense the physical parameters in the geographical location and transmit it to the base station (BS). Since clustering and routing are considered as the commonly used energy efficient techniques, several metaheuristic algorithms have been employed to determine optimal cluster heads (CHs) and routes to destination. But most of the metaheuristic techniques have failed to achieve effective clustering and routing solutions in large search space and the chance of generating optimal solutions is also considerably reduced. To resolve these issues, this paper presents a new Metaheuristic Quantum Glowworm Swarm Optimization based Clustering with Secure Routing Protocol for MANET, named QGSOC-SRP. The presented QGSOC-SRP technique follows two stage processes, namely optimal CH selection and route selection. Firstly, the QGSO algorithm derives a fitness function using four variables such as energy, distance, node degree, and trust factor for optimal election of secure CHs. Secondly, the SRP using oppositional gravitational search algorithm (OGSA) is applied for the optimal selection of routes to BS. The traditional GSA is inspired by the law of gravity and interaction among masses. To improve the effectiveness of the GSA, OGSA is derived based on the oppositional based learning concept for population initialization and generation jumping. For validating the effective results of the presented OGSOC-SRP technique, a set of experiments were performed and the results are determined interms of distinct measures.
The Effect of Biometric Parameters on Spot Vision Screener Results
Authors: alıs meryem guler , alıs abdulkadir
Published: March 2021

objective: Our aim in this study is to investigate the relationship between biometric parameters and spot vision screener [SVS]Materyal-Metods: 250 eyes of 125 children between the age of 6,77±1,59 included the study. The results of cyloplegic [CSVS] and noncycloplegic [NSVS] spot vision screener [Plusoptix p12,Germany] measurements and autorefractometer with cycloplegia [CA] were compared. The spherical equivalent [SE] differences of between CA and NSVS measurements with CA and CSVS measurements were compared with AL, ACD, CR, Mean K and AL / CR values. The relationship between them was examined.Results: According to the amblyopia risk factors [ARFs] based on the criteria from AAPOS 2013 guidelines , 33 eyes [13%] in the NSVS results and 34 eyes [13.6%] in the CSVS results were detected as amblyopic. According to CA results, NSVS had 67.3% sensitivity, 94.5% specificity, CSVS 69.4% sensitivity and 89.1% specificity in detecting amblyopia. When the SE differences of between CA and NSVS values were comparaed with biometric parameters a negative correlation was observed with ACD , AL and especially AL/CR ratio .Conclussion: Both NSVS and CSVS showed moderate sensitivity and high specificity in detecting AFRs based on the criteria from AAPOS 2013 guidelines. CSVS has no additional clinical advantage. Biometric parameters effect the NSVS results.
WITHDRAWN: A biological indicator for measuring and communicating local sea level rise captured in historic photographs.
Authors: Rouja Philippe Max , Schneider Craig W , Petrovic Vid , Blasco Steve , Lo Eric , Lightbourne Mandellas A , Tucker Wendy , Kuester Falko
Published: March 2021

This paper explores a novel approach to collecting and communicating local site-specific data on recent sea level rise (SLR) using black zone biotic levels left on historic coastal stone structures by a stable community of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) at the Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda. Photographs taken at the Dockyard in 1870, 2007 and 2017 show an upward shift in this living cyanobacterial community. A spatio-temporal digital twin computed from historic and contemporary photo assets was created to test the viability of these black zone lines as a proxy for sea level rise (SLR) measurements in Bermuda. Shifts in these black zone lines when analyzed through the digital twin demonstrate an average upward shift of 2.2 mm per year between 1870 and 2007 and 2.7 mm per year between 1870 and 2017, somewhat lower than the Global estimates from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Assessment Report predictions. However, the digital twin showed a dramatic upward shift of 8.8 cm between 2007 and 2017, or 8.8 mm per year, which coincided with Bermuda's highest recorded tidal extent since 1932. Black zone cyanobacteria are highly SLR sensitive and over long time scales comparative imagery of black zones could present a proper indicator of average sea level rise. At timescales less than 10 years the black zone may be best indicative of episodic tidal extent. As SLR will continue to shift supralittoral cyanobacteria upwards in Bermuda and in warm rocky intertidal zones worldwide, tidal monitoring and black zone assessments may prove to be a useful combination in documenting and communicating the reality, extent and possible acceleration of local SLR.
A Shortcut Approach for Large-scale Mixed Model Associations with Binary Traits
Authors: Yang Runqing , Bao Jun , Yang Runqing , Song Yuxin , Hao Zhiyu , Bao Jun
Published: March 2021

Generalized linear mixed models exhibit computationally intensive and biasness in mapping quantitative trait nucleotides for binary diseases. In genomic logit regression, we consider genomic breeding values estimated in advance as a known predictor, and then correct the deflated association test statistics by using genomic control, thereby successfully extending GRAMMAR-Lambda to analyze binary diseases in a complex structured population. Because there is no need to estimate genomic heritability and genomic breeding values can be estimated by a small number of sampling markers, the generalized mixed-model association analysis has been extremely simplified to handle large-scale data. With almost perfect genomic control, joint analysis for the candidate quantitative trait nucleotides chosen by multiple testing offered a significant improvement in statistical power.
Postoperative EGFR-TKI treatment on residual multiple ground-glass nodules after resection for lung adenocarcinoma: a rare case report and literature review
Authors: Zhang Jianbin , Shi Xuefei , Min Weiwei , Yu Caihua , Li Hongwei
Published: March 2021

Background: Multiple ground-glass nodules (mGGNs) in the lung has been defined as synchronous multiple primary lung cancer (SMPLC), but it is very difficult to differentiat SMPLC from intrapulmonary metastases, and the treatment is still controversial. Target therapy on residual mGGNs after resection for the dominant lesion might be a selectable approach.Case presentation: We report a rare case of lung adenocarcinoma displaying primary EGFR-T790M mutation, in which the patient underwent radical resection of lesions in the left upper lung(LUL), and continued osimertinib treatment for the residual mGGNs in all lobes of the right lung. The mGGNs in the right lung displayed different responses to osimertinib.Conclusions: This case indicated that intropulmonary spread might be coexisted with multicentric origin for mGGNs.