bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of Pilose Antler in Treatment of Osteoporosis Based on Network Pharmacology
Authors: Liu Baoshan , Wang Aifei , Cao Zihou , Li Junjie , Zheng Miao , Xu Youjia
Published: March 2022

Background. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the pharmacodynamic material basis and molecular mechanism of pilose antler (PA) in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis (OP) by the method of network pharmacology. Methods. First, the active components of PA were screened by BATMAN-TCM database, and the component targets were obtained from the SwissTargetPrediction online tool. Moreover, the relevant target genes of OP were obtained by searching the DisGeNET database. Second, the Venn diagram was drawn to obtain the PA-OP common targets, and the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and drug-component-target (D-C-T) network were constructed by Cytoscape software. Finally, the GO functional annotation and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of common targets were performed using the Metascape online tool. Results. 82 common targets were identified by generating a Venn diagram. The PPI network of 82 common targets indicated that the top 5 nodal targets, including PIK3CA, MAPK1, ESR1, AKT1, and SRC, were strongly associated with other proteins. The D-C-T network suggested that the active components with high degree of connectivity include Prostaglandin E1, 17-Beta-Estradiol, Alpha-Estradiol, and Estrone. Furthermore, the GO enrichment analysis revealed that the biological process categories were dominated by response to peptide, cellular response to lipid, regulation of MAPK cascade, and so on. Additionally, the KEGG pathway analysis indicated the estrogen signaling pathway, osteoclast differentiation, and HIF-1 signaling pathway might have critical effects on the development of OP. Conclusion. The study shows that PA has the characteristics of multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway in treating osteoporosis.
Self‐Organization in Network Sociotechnical Systems
Authors: Maltseva Svetlana , Kornilov Vasily , Barakhnin Vladimir , Gorbunov Alexander
Published: March 2022

We can observe self‐organization properties in various systems. However, modern networked dynamical sociotechnical systems have some features that allow for realizing the benefits of self‐organization in a wide range of systems in economic and social areas. The review examines the general principles of self‐organized systems, as well as the features of the implementation of self‐organization in sociotechnical systems. We also delve into the production systems, in which the technical component is decisive, and social networks, in which the social component dominates; we analyze models used for modeling self‐organizing networked dynamical systems. It is shown that discrete models prevail at the micro level. Furthermore, the review deals with the features of using continuous models for modeling at the macro level.
Drug‐Related Hospital Admissions and Associated Factors among Adults Admitted to Felege Hiwot Comprehensive and Specialized Hospital, North West Ethiopia
Authors: Kemal Leila Kenzu , Shewaga Tigist Goshu , Sema Faisel Dula
Published: March 2022

Background. A drug‐related problem (DRP) is an event involving drug therapy that actually or potentially interferes with the desired therapeutic outcome. Drug‐related hospital admission (DRHA) is hospitalization due to one or more DRPs. Objective. This study was aimed at assessing the prevalence of DRHA and factors associated with it among adults admitted to the internal medicine wards of Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Methods. A prospective cross‐sectional study was conducted using a previously validated tool, AT‐HARM 10. Data were collected by two clinical pharmacists from July 1 to September 15, 2020. The data were entered into EpiData software (version 4.2.0.0) and then transported to Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS®) software (version 24) (IBM Corporation) for analysis. Descriptive statistics were presented using frequency and proportion. Binary logistic regression was applied to identify factors associated with DRHAs with a 95% confidence level, and significance was declared at a p value <0.05. Results. The prevalence of DRHAs was 31.9% (95% CI = 27.7%–36.4%). From this, noncompliance (37.8%) (95% CI = 29.6–45.9), untreated indication (31.9%) (95% CI = 23.7–40), and adverse drug reaction (15.6%) (95% CI = 9.6–21.5) cause the majority of DRHAs. More than a quarter (28.8%) of all admissions were preventable. Most DRHAs were moderate (76.3) and preventable (80.7%). Lower to medium Charlson comorbidity index scores, longer duration of therapy, and not having health insurance were significantly associated with DRHAs. Conclusion. The prevalence of DRHAs was considerably high. Noncompliance, untreated indications, and adverse drug reactions were the commonest DRPs that caused DRHAs. Lower to medium Charlson comorbidity index scores, longer duration of therapy, and not having health insurance were significantly contributing factors of DRHAs. Therefore, all healthcare providers should prevent, identify, and resolve DRPs to decrease DRHAs in the hospital.
Study of Trunk Morphological Imbalance and Rehabilitation Outcome of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis with Intelligent Medicine
Authors: Zhao Qin , Huang Yiming , Wu Maodong , Shen Longying , Lu Yu , Fan Xingyue , Su Qinglun
Published: March 2022

In recent years, artificial intelligence technology has been widely used in various medical fields to effectively assist physicians in patient treatment operations. In this paper, we design and implement a deep biblical network model-based orthotic design for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis to quickly and effectively assist physicians in designing orthotics for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. A fuzzy set is used to express the knowledge of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis orthosis design, and a fuzzy reasoning based on the confidence level is implemented. Finally, the efficiency of the design of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis orthoses was improved by 50% through two cases of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients, and the deviation rate between the inference value and the actual operation value of the domain experts was less than 10%.
α-Lipoic Acid Strengthens the Antioxidant Barrier and Reduces Oxidative, Nitrosative, and Glycative Damage, as well as Inhibits Inflammation and Apoptosis in the Hypothalamus but Not in the Cerebral Cortex of Insulin-Resistant Rats
Authors: Maciejczyk Mateusz , Żebrowska Ewa , Nesterowicz Miłosz , Żendzian-Piotrowska Małgorzata , Zalewska Anna
Published: March 2022

The research determined the role of α-lipoic acid (ALA) in reducing the brain manifestations of insulin resistance. The mechanism of ALA action is mainly based on its ability to “scavenge” oxygen free radicals and stimulate biosynthesis of reduced glutathione (GSH), considered the most critical brain antioxidant. Although the protective effect of ALA is widely documented in various diseases, there are still no studies assessing the influence of ALA on brain metabolism in the context of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. The experiment was conducted on male Wistar rats fed a high-fat diet for ten weeks with intragastric administration of ALA for four weeks. We are the first to demonstrate that ALA improves the function of enzymatic and nonenzymatic brain antioxidant systems, but the protective effects of ALA were mainly observed in the hypothalamus of insulin-resistant rats. Indeed, ALA caused a significant increase in superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, and glutathione reductase activities, as well as GSH concentration and redox potential (GSH2/GSSG) in the hypothalamus of HFD-fed rats. A consequence of antioxidant barrier enhancement by ALA is the reduction of oxidation, glycation, and nitration of brain proteins, lipids, and DNA. The protective effects of ALA result from hypothalamic activation of the transcription factor Nrf2 and inhibition of NF-κB. In the hypothalamus of insulin-resistant rats, we demonstrated reduced levels of oxidation (AOPP) and glycation (AGE) protein products, 4-hydroxynoneal, 8-isoprostanes, and 3-nitrotyrosine and, in the cerebral cortex, lower levels of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine and peroxynitrite. In addition, we demonstrated that ALA decreases levels of proinflammatory TNF-α but also increases the synthesis of anti-inflammatory IL-10 in the hypothalamus of insulin-resistant rats. ALA also prevents neuronal apoptosis, confirming its multidirectional effects within the brain. Interestingly, we have shown no correlation between brain and serum/plasma oxidative stress biomarkers, indicating the different nature of redox imbalance at the central and systemic levels. To summarize, ALA improves antioxidant balance and diminishes oxidative/glycative stress, protein nitrosative damage, inflammation, and apoptosis, mainly in the hypothalamus of insulin-resistant rats. Further studies are needed to determine the molecular mechanism of ALA action within the brain.
An Intelligent Clinical Psychological Assessment Method Based on AHP-LSSVR Model
Authors: Su Junli , Wang Dongyang
Published: March 2022

Clinical psychology is a branch of applied psychology. Clinical psychology has a clear understanding of individual behavior ability and behavior characteristics through psychological measurement analysis, observation, and other methods and combines the situation learned from individual psychosomatic diagnosis and life history with the observation and analysis of individual living conditions. Psychological quality and its evaluation methods have been widely used in many fields, which has greatly promoted the development of this field. However, the current assessment methods are mainly based on a simple statistical analysis, and the results are not accurate. To this end, this article proposes the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and least-squares support vector regression algorithm (LSSVR). Specifically, through the construction of the specific object’s psychological quality evaluation index system, the design and implementation of the psychological quality evaluation model based on AHP-LSSVR and the proposed method were discussed in the experiment.
Intelligent Obstacle Avoidance Algorithm for Mobile Robots in Uncertain Environment
Authors: Guan Liwei , Lu Yu , He Zhijie , Chen Xi
Published: March 2022

The application of mobile robots and artificial intelligence technology has shown great application prospects in many fields. The ability of intelligent obstacle avoidance is the basis for the deep application of mobile robots. However, there are often more or less uncertain factors in the actual operating environment of the robot, such as people or objects that are not updated in time or temporarily appear. Therefore, it is an important step to complete the automatic learning of obstacle avoidance for mobile robots. In a nondeterministic environment, a mobile robot intelligent obstacle avoidance algorithm based on an improved fuzzy neural network with self-learning is firstly proposed. The mobile robot intelligent obstacle avoidance system is constructed through the reaction layer, the deliberation layer, and the supervision layer. Through the analysis of sensor performance, model accuracy, path obstacle avoidance optimization, and obstacle avoidance simulation, the following conclusions are drawn. First, through network training, the accuracy rate of the test set is stable at 98%, and the loss of the function value has also been reduced from the original 0.79 to 0.08, which is 10 times smaller. Second, the traditional single sensor cannot meet the obstacle avoidance requirements of robots, and mobile robots must combine multipurpose technology. Third, the algorithm in this paper encounters the following. When there are obstacles, the path is dominated by straight lines, obstacle avoidance planning is optimal, and the distance is shorter. Fourth, the larger N : M, the larger the solution space, indicating that this algorithm gradually improves the search efficiency to the greatest extent and can handle any form of medium and large scale task allocation problem.
High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein and Ischemic Stroke in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Prospective Study
Authors: Jia Meng , Shi Yingxin , Wang Yuemeng , Wang Mei , Zhang Liang , He Qingjuan , Yuan Tao
Published: March 2022

Background and Aims. Inflammation is involved in the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the association of hs-CRP with incident ischemic stroke in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods. A sample of 318 participants without previous strokes was included in this study. Hs-CRP levels and other potential confounding factors were measured at baseline. NAFLD was performed by abdominal ultrasound after excluding secondary causes for fat accumulation. According to baseline hs-CRP concentrations, participants were categorized into 3 groups: level 1 (<1.0 mg/L), level 2 (1.0 to <3.0 mg/L), and level 3 (≥3.0 mg/L). The outcome of interest was the first occurrence of an ischemic stroke. Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyze hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of incident ischemic stroke, after adjusting for potential confounders. Results. The mean age of 318 participants with NAFLD was 71.1 ± 6.7 years, and 55.3% of them were male. Among 318 individuals with NAFLD, 115 (36.2%) of them had an hs-CRP value <1 mg/L (level 1), 105 (33.0%) had an hs-CRP value between 1 and 3 mg/L (level 2), and 98 (30.8%) belonged to level 3 (hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L). Over a median of 5.60 years of follow-up, 47 incident ischemic stroke events were documented in 318 patients with NAFLD. After full adjustment for confounding factors, compared with participants in the level 1 group (hs-CRP<1.0 mg/L), the HRs of those in the level 2 group (1.0 to <3.0 mg/L) and the level 3 group (≥3.0 mg/L) were 1.77 (95% CI: 0.94–2.98) and 2.45 (95% CI: 1.37–5.77) for developing ischemic stroke, respectively. Conclusions. Elevated hs-CRP levels were associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke among patients with NAFLD.
Radioanatomical Study of the Skull Base and Septum in Chinese: Implications for Using the HBF for Endoscopic Skull Base Reconstruction
Authors: Gu Dongsheng
Published: March 2022

Objective. Radioanatomy provides surgeons with different choices to prevent the failure of reconstruction caused by improper flap selection and the occurrence of CSF leakage or other severe complications. To establish a radioanatomical model, this study radioanatomically investigated the use of the Hadad–Bassagasteguy nasoseptal flap (HBF) in skull base reconstruction performed via the transethmoidal, transsphenoidal, and transclival approaches to provide preoperative guidance for the selection of approaches for skull base reconstruction and preparation of the HBF. Methods. The computed tomography images of 40 Chinese adults were selected for the radioanatomical measurement of data related to the HBF and skull base reconstruction via the transethmoidal, transsphenoidal, and transclival approaches. The results were analyzed using radioanatomy combined with SPSS-based analysis. Results. In the 40 patients, the area of the HBF exceeded that of skull base defects reconstructed via the transethmoidal approach by10.21±1.97 cm2, and the anterior margin width, posterior margin width, upper margin length, and lower margin lengths of the HBF all exceeded the corresponding values of skull base defects requiring reconstruction by at least 8.4 mm. The area of the HBF exceeded that of reconstructed skull base defects by an average of10.72±2.04 cm2. The area of the HBF exceeded that of skull base defects reconstructed via the transclival approach by9.01±2.87 cm2. The difference between the anterior margin width of the HBF and the middle width of skull base defects reconstructed via the transclival approach did not exceed 6 mm in only one case (5.4 mm). Conclusion. In Chinese adults, the HBF can cover skull base defects reconstructed via the transethmoidal, transsphenoidal, and transclival approaches, permitting its use in skull base reconstruction performed via all three approaches. Radioanatomy can be used for preoperative guidance to plan surgery via the transethmoidal, transsphenoidal, and transclival approaches.
Validation of the Problematic Khat Use Screening Test: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Mihretu Awoke , Fekadu Abebaw , Norton Sam , Habtamu Kassahun , Teferra Solomon
Published: March 2022

Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Problematic Khat Use Screening Test (PKUST-17) in Ethiopia. Methods: A validation study of PKUST-17 was carried out among 510 khat users, using a house-to-house survey. Confirmatory factor analysis and 2-parametric item response theory (IRT) were used to evaluate the construct validity of PKUST-17. We also used Spearman’s rank-order correlation coefficient and other test statistics to assess the convergent validity of PKUST-17 with depression symptoms, functional impairment, and other characteristics of participants. We generated latent classes of problematic khat use using latent profile analysis (LPA) and validated the classes using multinomial logistic regression. Results: The data confirm the unidimensional model of the PKUST-17. The internal consistency of PKUST-17 was excellent (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.93). IRT discrimination parameters indicated that each item had a strong ability to distinguish participants across the spectrum of problematic khat use (α thresholds range from 1.02 to 2.9). The items were fairly or moderately severe to be endorsed by participants (β thresholds vary from 1.43 to 5.57). The LPA identified three latent classes which have severity differences: mild (34%), moderate (34%), and severe (32%) problematic khat use. Depression symptoms, functional impairment, and other khat use patterns were also associated with moderate and severe problematic khat use class membership compared to mild problematic khat use class. Conclusion: We found that the PKUST-17 is a culturally appropriate, brief, easy to use, and psychometrically sound screening test. PKUST-17 can be used to screen khat users with different levels of risk for providing stepped care at different healthcare levels, including integration of services in primary care. Future studies need to test the predictive capacity of the PKUST-17 for khat-related harms.
Clinicopathologic and Molecular Characteristics of and Diagnostic Dilemmas in Invasive Breast Carcinoma with Choriocarcinomatous Pattern apropos a New Case: A Literature Review with New Findings
Authors: Jun Sun-Young , Yoon Nara , An Soyeon , Kang Young-Joon , Park Chang Suk
Published: March 2022

Background: Invasive breast carcinoma with a choriocarcinomatous pattern (IBC-CP) is extremely rare, and its molecular basis is yet unclear. The choriocarcinomatous pattern is characterized by the biphasic arrangement of multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast-like cells around clusters of monotypic tumor cells in a hemorrhagic background, along with β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) expression. The differentiation of IBC-CP from metastatic choriocarcinoma of the breast (MC-B) is difficult due to the histologic similarity. Methods: Based on a literature review and our own case, the clinicopathologic differences between IBC-CP patients (n = 17) and MC-B patients (n = 8) were analyzed. Moreover, in our case of IBC-CP, next-generation sequencing (NGS) comparative analysis was conducted for both choriocarcinomatous and invasive breast carcinoma (IBC) components. Results: Compared to the MC-B patients, the IBC-CP patients were older (p < 0.001) and less frequently had past histories of gestational trophoblastic disease/pregnancy/abortion (p = 0.001) and distant metastases (p = 0.005). Our case, a 49-year-old female patient, presented with masses in the right breast and axilla. Following neoadjuvant chemotherapy, a radical mastectomy found an 8.5-cm-sized tumor. Microscopically, multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast-like cells were observed around mononuclear tumor cells with hemorrhage and necrosis. Some tumor cells showed β-hCG immunopositivity, which was compatible with IBC-CP. NGS results showed a missense mutation in exon 5 of the TP53 gene in both the choriocarcinomatous and IBC components. Meanwhile, copy number loss in the PTEN gene was only identified in the choriocarcinomatous components. Conclusion: The present IBC-CP case is triple-negative breast cancer with TP53 mutation. The PTEN gene may be associated with choriocarcinomatous differentiation. Obtaining a medical history is mandatory to exclude metastatic lesions.
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Literacy and Self-Efficacy of Junior High School Students: Basis for an ICT Enhancement Program
Authors: Hero Jesson L.
Published: March 2022

The proliferation of science and technology in society allows learners to be more informed about the changes and developments in society and education. Moreover, literacy evolved from the conventional way of reading and writing to applying and accessing information from a digital environment. Hence, this paper aims to look into a way to extrapolate the correlation of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) literacy and self-efficacy of Junior High School students in one private school in the district of Obando, Bulacan, Philippines. Using a descriptive-correlation research design, the researcher believes a significant correlation between and among variables. The chosen respondents for the study consisted of one hundred and thirty-five (135). The findings of the study revealed that Junior High School students had moderate literacy towards ICT. Also, this study found out that the Junior High School students described their ICT self-efficacy as moderately agreeing. Furthermore, results of the correlational analysis using Pearson r revealed that the ICT literacy of Junior High School students was significantly correlated to their ICT self-efficacy. It is recommended that the schools include this area in their annual improvement plan under the students’ services affairs. Schools should pay attention to this since majority of the private schools now at the height of integrating ICT in the school system and further uplift the ICT literacy and self-efficacy of Junior High School students toward ICT integration through an enhancement program.
Assessing the Victim-Offender Overlap Among Adolescents in Rural China
Authors: Cheung Nicole W.T. , Zhong Hua
Published: March 2022

Grounded in criminological theories (routine activity, social bonding, social disorganization, control balance, differential association, and general strain), this study extended the victim-offender overlap research by considering the specificity of rurality. We collected data from 2,839 adolescents in rural China and applied multilevel item response theory modeling. Both victim-offender overlap and differentiation were evident among rural adolescents. The victimization-offending overlap was associated with unstructured socializing, family and neighborhood control, moral beliefs, peer delinquency, and certain forms of social strain (loss of positively valued stimuli and exposure to negative stimuli). The differential tendency toward victimization over offending was a function of non-deviant solitary routines, failure to achieve positively valued goals, and strain-specific depression. The insignificance of control imbalance may need clarification of its conceptual relevance to rurality.
Composite sandwich panel closeout analysis and test
Authors: Liao Lin , Ward Stephen H , Aryafar Novin
Published: March 2022

This paper presents an analysis methodology for composite sandwich panel 90° closeout with multi-layered non-uniform facesheets and core. A detailed 2D finite element model was constructed to model honeycomb core through the thickness as well as simulate top and bottom facesheets and the transition region. 2D equivalent material properties of the facesheets are calculated based on classical lamination theory. Elemental stresses of core are used to calculate failure index and margin of safety for various loading conditions based on tension/compression and shear interaction theory. Facesheet strength is checked by interlaminar shear and tension interaction equation with the utilization of failure index. Theoretical failure modes and critical locations obtained from this approach are compared with structural testing of specimens. The predicted failure loads, deflection, facesheet load ratio, and strains are in good agreement with test data. The methodology is verified to be a simple, efficient, and reliable method for the analysis of composite sandwich closeout structures.
FEM analysis of unit cell using single I-Fiber stitching process
Authors: Tapullima Jonathan , An Woo Jin , Yoon Dong Hwan , Choi Jin-Ho
Published: March 2022

The development and use of composite materials for several manufacturing industries require reliable adhesives and joints. However, the use of composite joints decreases the strength in the z-direction where composite laminates have lower strength. In this way, several methods have been proposed to reinforce CFRP laminates in the z-direction. Based on previous studies, a new technology in the through-thickness reinforcement for composite laminates called I-Fiber stitching process has been introduced, and the development continues under investigation. In the present research, the experimental results obtained from a unit-cell specimen under pull-out load with three different thicknesses and stitched with a single yarn using the I-Fiber stitching process were analyzed using the finite element method. Microscope image analysis was performed to obtain the best approach of the numerical model. Stress distribution of the I-Fiber and interface analysis using cohesive elements were achieved to understand the performance of the single stitch for each unit-cell case. Finally, a failure load comparison was performed between the experiments and the numerical analysis. The results showed the complexity of the I-Fiber shape under different laminate thicknesses and how the fiber volume of the reinforcement can vary along the thickness using the same stitching yarn for all cases.
The aporetic humanism of early Derrida
Authors: Williams Michael
Published: March 2022

This article focuses on the French philosopher Jacques Derrida’s thought in the 1960s. Though the discourse of the ‘death of man’ was regnant among French avant-garde intellectuals, this article argues that Derrida himself has to be described as a humanist at this stage in his career, even if a reluctant one. The case is made through close textual analysis of three of Derrida’s early and seminal works: ‘Cogito and the History of Madness’ (1963), ‘Violence and Metaphysics: An Essay on the Thought of Emmanuel Levinas’ (1964) and ‘The Ends of Man’ (1968). In these texts, Derrida grapples with issues of the subject and the other. They collectively reveal that the Derrida of the 1960s held fast to the view that philosophical thought could neither dispense with the subject nor escape the horizon of humanism. However, Derrida reconceived the human subject with reference to his core concepts of différance and arche-writing, making for an aporetic humanism that deconstructs the binary of humanism–antihumanism.
CEO Overconfidence and Capital Structure Decisions: Evidence from India
Authors: Mundi Hardeep Singh , Kaur Parmjit
Published: March 2022

Executive Summary

Capital structure decisions are vital for firms. Existing theories on capital structure partially explain the difference in capital structure decisions of identical firms. Researchers have integrated psychology with finance in recent years to explain the difference in capital structure decisions better. To help practitioners and academicians understand the role of psychology in capital structure decisions, this article focuses on CEO overconfidence and its influence on equity versus debt financing, short-term versus long-term debt financing, and level of debt financing concerning tax shields. Indian CEOs are unique in their leadership style, values and beliefs. Overconfidence among CEOs of S&P BSE 200 firms is measured using the press coverage of CEOs, and this proxy depicts how the press portrays CEOs. An extensive search on CEOs in relevant search engines helped measure overconfidence among CEOs. The results from regression models document that overconfident CEOs prefer debt over equity and short-term debt over long-term debt. In addition, overconfident CEOs are found to not avail the full benefits of tax shield and follow a conservative debt policy. The presence of bias of overconfidence among CEOs distorts optimal decision-making and deviates capital structure decisions from trade-off theory and pecking order theory of capital structure. The evidence on external versus internal financing helps explain the biased preference of overconfident CEOs for debt and short-term financing. The biased beliefs lead CEOs to form high expectations of cash flows. Overconfidence among CEOs is found to significantly influence capital structure decisions. The robustness of the results corroborates existing findings and documents the influence of behavioural biases on corporate decision-making.
Close TIES in relationships: A dynamic systems approach for modeling physiological linkage
Authors: Kuelz Ashley , Boyd Savannah , Butler Emily
Published: March 2022

We explore complex dynamic patterns of autonomic physiological linkage (i.e., statistical interdependence of partner’s physiology; PL), within the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems (SNS and PNS), as potential correlates of emotional and regulatory dynamics in close relationships. We include electrodermal activity (EDA) as an indicator of SNS activation and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) as an indicator of regulatory and/or homeostatic processes within the PNS. Measures of EDA and RSA were collected in 10-second increments from 53 heterosexual couples during a mixed-emotion conversation in the laboratory. We used the R statistical package, rties (Butler & Barnard, 2019), to model the dynamics of EDA and RSA with a coupled oscillator model and then categorized couples into qualitatively distinct profiles based on the set of parameters that emerged. We identified two patterns for EDA and three patterns for RSA. We then investigated associations between the PL patterns and self-report measures of relationship and conversation quality and emotional valence using Bayesian multilevel and logistic regression models. Overall, we found robust results indicating that PL profiles were credibly predicted by valence and relationship quality reported prior to the conversations. In contrast, we found very little evidence suggesting that PL patterns predict self-reported conversation quality or valence following the conversation. Together, these results suggest that PL across autonomic subsystems may reflect different processes and therefore have different implications when considering interpersonal dynamics.
Living at the Margins of Repression: Everyday Life and Hidden Challenges in the Azores’ Central Group, 1954–1960
Authors: Valverde Contreras Beatriz , Keese Alexander
Published: March 2022

At the periphery of Portuguese right-wing authoritarian rule, in the Atlantic archipelago of the Azores and its Central Group, political repression remained part of local life in the period after the Second World War. However, in spite of the Portuguese political police being installed in Terceira (in the Central Group) in 1954, this repression remained porous, and many Azoreans used the loopholes for their own advantage. The everyday life history approach allows us to understand these strategies and challenges: it shows how individuals used the internal conflicts amongst the agents of the Portuguese state or the presence of one of the principal US American military bases of the Cold War in Terceira Island. Medical doctors played out their social prestige to defend themselves of accusations, and elites of small towns used the political police to further their own goals. In some extreme cases, profiting from the internal contradictions of the regime even meant committing some small acts of democratic choice on the local level, or mobilizing against an unpopular bishop.
Altered glymphatic enhancement of cerebrospinal fluid tracer in individuals with chronic poor sleep quality
Authors: Eide Per Kristian , Pripp Are Hugo , Berge Benedikte , Hrubos-Strøm Harald , Ringstad Geir , Valnes Lars Magnus
Published: March 2022

Chronic sleep disturbance is a risk factor for dementia disease, possibly due to impaired sleep-dependent clearance of toxic metabolic by-products. We compared enrichment of a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tracer within brain of patients reporting good or poor sleep quality, assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. Tracer enrichment in a selection of brain regions was assessed using multiphase magnetic resonance imaging up to 48 hours after intrathecal administration of the contrast agent gadobutrol (0.5 ml of 1 mmol/ml) serving as tracer. Tracer enrichment differed between patients with good (PSQI ≤5) and poor (PSQI >5) sleep quality in a cohort of non-dementia individuals (n = 44; age 42.3 ± 14.5 years), and in patients with the dementia subtype idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (n = 24; age 71.0 ± 4.9 years). Sleep impairment was associated with increased CSF tracer enrichment in several brain regions. Cortical brain volume as well as entorhinal cortex thickness was reduced in the oldest cohort and was correlated with the severity of sleep disturbance and the degree of cortical tracer enrichment. We suggest chronic sleep disturbance is accompanied by altered glymphatic function along enlarged perivascular spaces.
Decreased rates of cerebral protein synthesis in conscious young adults with fragile X syndrome demonstrated by L-[1-11C]leucine PET
Authors: Schmidt Kathleen C , Loutaev Inna , Burlin Thomas V , Thurm Audrey , Sheeler Carrie , Smith Carolyn Beebe
Published: March 2022

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability. Fragile X mental retardation protein, a putative translation suppressor, is significantly reduced in FXS. The prevailing hypothesis is that rates of cerebral protein synthesis (rCPS) are increased by the absence of this regulatory protein. We have previously reported increased rCPS in the Fmr1 knockout mouse model of FXS. To address the hypothesis in human subjects, we measured rCPS in young men with FXS with L-[1-11C]leucine PET. In previous studies we had used sedation during imaging, and we did not find increases in rCPS as had been seen in the mouse model. Since mouse measurements were conducted in awake animals, we considered the possibility that sedation may have confounded our results. In the present study we used a modified and validated PET protocol that made it easier for participants with FXS to undergo the study awake. We compared rCPS in 10 fragile X participants and 16 healthy controls all studied while awake. Contrary to the prevailing hypothesis and findings in Fmr1 knockout mice, results indicate that rCPS in awake participants with FXS are decreased in whole brain and most brain regions by 13–21% compared to healthy controls.
Combining transcranial direct current stimulation and peripheral electrical stimulation to improve upper limb function in a patient with acute central cord syndrome: a case report
Authors: Matsuo Hideaki , Kubota Masafumi , Hori Yasue , Izubuchi Yuya , Takahashi Ai , Watanabe Shuji , Nakajima Hideaki , Matsumine Akihiko
Published: March 2022

We report the immediate improvement of weakened muscles after combined treatment with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and peripheral electrical stimulation (PES) in a patient with acute central cord syndrome (CCS) who presented with severe upper limb motor dysfunction. A 70-year-old man sustained CCS with severe motor deficits in the left upper limb, which did not improve with conventional training until 6 days after injury. On the seventh day after the injury, the left upper limb was targeted with combined tDCS (1 mA for 20 minutes/day, anode on the right, cathode on the left) and PES (deltoid and wrist extensors, 20 minutes/day at the motor threshold), and his performance score immediately improved from 0 to 6 on the Box and Block test. After four sessions, the left upper limb function improved to 32 on the Box and Block test, and manual muscle test scores of the stimulated deltoid and wrist extensors improved from 1 to 2. This improvement of the left upper limb led to improved self-care activities such as eating and changing clothes. Exercise combined with tDCS and PES may be a novel treatment for upper limb movement deficits after acute CCS.
Study of Yielding Zone on Reinforced Concrete Bridge Parapet Design for Vehicular Impact
Authors: Chuong Bao , Malla Ramesh B.
Published: March 2022

Reinforced concrete bridge parapets have important safety roles in the highway system. Currently AASHTO and FHWA require all new permanent installation of bridge rails on the National Highway System to be compliant with Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH) requirements. Therefore, there is an immediate need to update Section 13: Railings of the AASHTO LRFD [Load and Resistance Factor Design] Bridge Design Specifications to incorporate the MASH requirements. However, the current provisions for designing and analyzing concrete parapets in AASHTO using yield-line theory have been found to possess many inherent limitations, including an inaccurate yield-line pattern for computing nominal resistance to transverse load. This paper presents an evaluation of AASHTO’s yield-line pattern using both dynamic finite element analysis (FEA) and an analytical investigation based on theory of plates. In the dynamic FEA, a three-dimensional numerical model of a parapet section was created and analyzed using non-linear material properties. In the analytical approach, MATLAB was used to compute the stresses throughout a plate having properties equivalent to those of a reinforced concrete parapet. Computed stress values on the plate were graphically displayed to locate areas of highest stress concentration or yielding zones, where yielding of rebars has a high chance of occurring during impacts. The outcomes of the two independent analyses were found to be in very good agreement. The goal of this study is to predict reliable boundaries of the yielding zones, which will provide a strong foundation for developing a more precise yield-line pattern.
Potential toxicity of nickel nano and microparticles on the reproductive system of female rats: A comparative time-dependent study
Authors: Singh Meenu , Verma Yeshvandra , Rana Suresh VS
Published: March 2022

Increased application of engineered nanoparticles in different sectors viz. agriculture, commerce, industry, and medicine has raised serious public health issues. Nanoparticles of nickel have been increasingly used as catalysts, conductive pastes, adhesives, nanowires, and nanofilters. Human and animal exposure to these particles may cause toxicity in different organs/systems. Studies made in the past had demonstrated their toxicity in liver, kidney, and lungs. However, their reproductive effects remain poorly understood. Therefore, the present study on reproductive toxicity of nickel nanoparticles (<30 nm) was executed in female Wistar rats. A comparison of results obtained in nickel microparticle-treated rats was also made. Rats were administered nano and microparticles through gavage at a dosage of 5 mg/kg body weight each for two exposure periods; that is, 15 and 30 days. Ovaries removed from these rats were analyzed to study the effects of nickel bioaccumulation on synthesis of steroid hormones, lipid peroxidation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. Structural changes were monitored through histopathological and ultrastructural observations. The present study showed exposure time-dependent differences in the toxicity of nickel nano and microparticles in the ovary of rats. Nano nickel was cumulative in the ovaries. It affected steroidogenesis. Further, increased generation of reactive oxygen species and enhanced oxidative stress may have contributed to cytotoxicity. It was concluded that exposure to nano nickel might induce irreversible damage in the ovaries of rat.
Solasonine relieves sevoflurane-induced neurotoxicity via activating the AMP-activated protein kinase/FoxO3a pathway
Authors: Zhang Huifang , Yan Lei
Published: March 2022

Background

Solasonine (SS), the main active ingredient of Solanumnigrum L, has been reported to boast extensive anti-tumor, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This study is committed to exploring whether solasonine can alleviate neurotoxicity resulting from sevoflurane.

Materials and methods

The mouse hippocampal neuron cell line HT22 was treated with sevoflurane and/or solasonine of different doses. The proliferation, inflammation, oxidative stress response, and apoptosis of HT22 cells were examined. The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/FoxO3a signaling pathway was ascertained through Western blot and cellular immunofluorescence. In in-vivo experiments, Morris water maze figured out the changes in learning and memory abilities of mice treated with 8 mg/kg solasonine and exposed to SEV.

Results

Sevoflurane induced apoptosis and hampered proliferation in HT22 cells. It also aggravated the release of inflammatory factors and oxidative stress mediators. Solasonine weakened neuron damage mediated by sevoflurane in a concentration-dependent pattern. Mechanically, sevoflurane clogged AMPK/FoxO3a signaling pathway activation, which was strengthened by solasonine. AMPK inhibition greatly influenced solasonine’s protective effect on HT22 cells. Invivo, solasonine prominently ameliorated learning and memory disorders and nerve damage in mice exposed to sevoflurane.

Conclusions

Solasonine alleviates sevoflurane-induced neurotoxicity through activating the AMPK/FoxO3a signaling pathway.
Plantamajoside promotes metformin-induced apoptosis, autophagy and proliferation arrest of liver cancer cells via suppressing Akt/GSK3β signaling
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Zuo Jieliang , Zhang Linlin , Zhang Zhenghua , Wei Yongpeng
Published: March 2022

Metformin, a well-known antidiabetic drug, exhibits anticancer effect in a variety of cancers, including liver cancer. Plantamajoside (PMS), a phenylethanoid glycoside compound isolated from Plantago asiatica, is proved to possess anticancer effects, too. In our study, we hypothesized that PMS might promote metformin mediated anticancer effects on liver cancer. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of metformin was evaluated by cell viability assay. The influence of PMS on proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis of metformin-treated cells was evaluated by BrdU incorporation assay, flow cytometry, western blot, wound scratch healing assay, transwell cell migration assay and immunofluorescence. A fasting/feeding mouse model was built to evaluate the influence of PMS on metformin sensitivity in vivo. PMS (2.5, 10 or 40 μg/mL) treatment reduced the IC50 of metformin under different glucose concentrations. PMS (10 μg/mL) promoted metformin (5 mm) induced apoptosis and autophagy, and inhibition on proliferation, migration and invasion of HepG2 and HuH-7 cells. In the fasting/feeding mouse model, PMS (50 mg/kg) promoted metformin (200 mg/kg) induced proliferation arrest and apoptosis in vivo. Meanwhile, PMS reduced the level of pAkt(ser473) and GSK3β(ser9) in HepG2 and HuH-7 cells. Restoration of Akt/GSK3β signaling by a constitutively activated myr-Akt1 abrogated the effects of PMS on metformin-treated liver cancer cells. Our results demonstrated that PMS promoted the anticancer effects of metformin on liver cancer in vitro and in vivo.
What Role Has Structural Change Played in Growth Accelerations for the Indian States? An Analysis for Pre- and Post-liberalization Periods
Authors: Kathuria Vinish , Natarajan Rajesh Raj
Published: March 2022

This article analyses the role of structural change in explaining growth accelerations and decelerations in Indian states over the 30 years from 1980–1981 to 2010–2011. We employ conventional shift-share analysis to measure the sectoral contribution to productivity growth. We apply this methodology to an eight-sector data set for 15 major states. Our results show that productivity changes ‘within’ sectors explain the considerable improvement in productivity in Indian states rather than the reallocation of labour to more productive sectors. At the aggregate level and for several states, significant contribution to productivity improvements has emanated from agriculture, trade and manufacturing sectors. In all these sectors, the main contribution emerged from within sector productivity improvements, not from structural changes. However, the reallocation effect has appeared to deliver marginal gains to overall productivity in recent periods, which is evident for construction, manufacturing, trade and services sectors.

JEL Classification: O10, O40, O47, R11
Enhancement of mechanical and dynamic mechanical thermal characteristics of woven glass fabric–reinforced multi-nanoparticle–filled toughened epoxy composites
Authors: Maloth Balu , Srinivasulu N V , Rajendra R
Published: March 2022

In recent years, high-performance nanocomposite materials emerge as an alternative to traditional materials owing to their impressive mechanical properties and lightweight characteristics. However, enhancements on various characteristics of this type of material were still under investigation for numerous novel structural applications. The current research study has highlighted the effect of various nanofillers incorporation in glass fabric–reinforced toughened epoxy composite on the enhancement of mechanical and dynamic mechanical characteristics. Two different nanosized filler particles (Al2O3 and TiO2) were selected for applications of higher strength. The composite laminates were fabricated by using the vacuum bagging method, and curing processes were performed at room temperature. The test outcomes revealed that better tensile strength and maximum flexural strength were perceived with the S4 composite sample (Al2O3 + TiO2 nanofillers). It has been observed that the existence of both Al2O3 and TiO2 nanofillers enhances the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS). The overall result of dynamic mechanical thermal analysis indicated that the inclusion of multi-nanoparticle fillers in the toughened epoxy composite showed better results than the traditional composite. The maximum tensile strength, flexural strength, shear strength, and micro-hardness of Al2O3 and TiO2 nanofiller-infused epoxy composites (S4) were 101 MPa, 5.68 MPa, 19.7 Mpa, and 46 Hv.
Divisions in the Big Tent: Group Sentiments and Candidate Preferences within the Democratic Party
Authors: King Jonah B.
Published: March 2022

Work in political psychology has found that the two major political parties are sorted based on individual’s group attachments. This sorting has resulted in the Democratic Party’s electorate and elites being made up of members from various racial, religious, and social groups. Given this heterogeneity, how do social group identities impact voter preferences in the Democratic primary? Based on social identity theory, I hypothesize that an individual’s feelings toward racial or gender groups should be associated with their candidate preference in the primary election, but only when a candidate’s group identities are known. Using the 2018 American National Elections Studies (ANES) pilot and a nationally diverse survey of 2020 Democratic primary voters, I find that the strength of sentiments toward racial or gender identities is associated with candidate preference and this association is conditioned by the ability to link the candidates to racial or gender groups. This paper shows that the effects of group identity extend beyond simply sorting individuals into one of the two major parties and have the potential to create group-based divisions within the “big tent” of the Democratic Party.