bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data architecture and model design for Industry 4.0 components integration in cyber-physical production systems
Authors: Havard Vincent , Sahnoun M’hammed , Bettayeb Belgacem , Duval Fabrice , Baudry David
Published: December 2020

In the context of Industry 4.0, Cyber-Physical Production Systems (CPPS) and digital twins are key technologies for the management of huge amount of data generated by Industrial Internet of things (IIoT) devices. However, the interoperability and flexibility of different components is still an important challenge so as to integrate them in the process and fit all industrial specific needs. Thus, the main contribution of this paper is to propose a database architecture and a data model associated allowing multiple agents to work collaboratively and synchronously to perform high-level tasks. Therefore, it fulfils requirements and needs of Industry 4.0: interoperability, scalability, flexibility and resilience. The proposed architecture and model are implemented on a cyber-physical production system (CPPS) which is used in order to show and discuss several use cases examples.
Compensatory model predictive control for post-impact trajectory tracking via active front steering and differential torque vectoring
Authors: Cao Mingcong , Hu Chuan , Wang Rongrong , Wang Jinxiang , Chen Nan
Published: December 2020

This paper investigates the trajectory tracking control of independently actuated autonomous vehicles after the first impact, aiming to mitigate the secondary collision probability. An integrated predictive control strategy is proposed to mitigate the deteriorated state propagation and facilitate safety objective achievement in critical conditions after a collision. Three highlights can be concluded in this work: (1) A compensatory model predictive control (MPC) strategy is proposed to incorporate a feedforward-feedback compensation control (FCC) method. Based on the definite physical analysis, it is verified that adequate reverse steering and differential torque vectoring render more potentials and flexibility for vehicle post-impact control; (2) With compensatory portions, the deteriorated states after a collision are far beyond the traditional stability envelope. Hence it can be further manipulated in MPC by constraint transformation, rather than introducing soft constraints and decreasing the control efforts on tracking error; (3) Considering time-varying saturation on input, input rate, and slip ratio, the proposed FCC-MPC controller is developed to improve faster deviation attenuation both in lateral and yaw motions. Finally two high-fidelity simulation cases implemented on CarSim-Simulink conjoint platform have demonstrated that the proposed controller has the advanced capabilities of vehicle safety improvement and better control performance achievement after severe impacts.
Transgender people living with HIV: characteristics and comparison to homosexual and heterosexual cisgender patients in two Italian teaching hospitals
Authors: Papalini Chiara , Lagi Filippo , Schiaroli Elisabetta , Sterrantino Gaetana , Francisci Daniela
Published: December 2020

Regarding people living with HIV (PLHIV), little is known about the epidemiological characteristics and management decisions for transgender individuals. This retrospective study compared transgender and cisgender (homosexual and heterosexual) PLHIV at both the S. Maria della Misericordia of Perugia and Careggi of Firenze Teaching Hospitals from 2000 to 2018. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to analyse possible relationships between viral suppression (dependent variable) and age, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and hepatitis diagnosis (independent variables). After analysing and comparing epidemiological and clinical data for 124 transgender, 180 homosexual cisgender and 188 heterosexual cisgender PLHIV, we found that transgender PLHIV, mostly Latin American sex workers, were more likely to have other STIs. Likewise, this subgroup, on average, was younger at the time of HIV diagnosis and more likely to be less adherent to care, consequently jeopardizing the achievement of viral suppression. Finally, the use of hormone therapy and gender confirmation surgery in transgender PLHIV contributed to specific management issues. To date, major attention has focused on studying the epidemiological characteristics of homosexual and heterosexual PLHIV. Our analysis found that transgender PLHIV were the least likely group to be adequately retained in the continuum of care and presented specific issues in part due to social and behavioural realities.
Probability intervals of toxicity and efficacy design for dose-finding clinical trials in oncology
Authors: Lin Xiaolei , Ji Yuan
Published: December 2020

Immunotherapy, gene therapy or adoptive cell therapies, such as the chimeric antigen receptor+ T-cell therapies, have demonstrated promising therapeutic effects in oncology patients. We consider statistical designs for dose-finding adoptive cell therapy trials, in which the monotonic dose–response relationship assumed in traditional oncology trials may not hold. Building upon a previous design called “TEPI”, we propose a new dose finding method – Probability Intervals of Toxicity and Efficacy (PRINTE), which utilizes toxicity and efficacy jointly in making dosing decisions, does not require a pre-elicited decision table and at the same time can handle Ockham’s razor properly in the statistical inference. We show that optimizing the joint posterior expected utility of toxicity and efficacy under a 0–1 loss is equivalent to maximizing the marginal model posterior probability in the two-dimensional probability space. An extensive simulation study under various scenarios are conducted and results show that PRINTE outperforms existing designs in the literature since it assigns more patients to optimal doses and less to toxic ones, and selects optimal doses with higher percentages. The simple and transparent features together with good operating characteristics make PRINTE an improved design for dose-finding trials in oncology trials.
Two-phase analysis and study design for survival models with error-prone exposures
Authors: Han Kyunghee , Lumley Thomas , Shepherd Bryan E , Shaw Pamela A
Published: December 2020

Increasingly, medical research is dependent on data collected for non-research purposes, such as electronic health records data. Health records data and other large databases can be prone to measurement error in key exposures, and unadjusted analyses of error-prone data can bias study results. Validating a subset of records is a cost-effective way of gaining information on the error structure, which in turn can be used to adjust analyses for this error and improve inference. We extend the mean score method for the two-phase analysis of discrete-time survival models, which uses the unvalidated covariates as auxiliary variables that act as surrogates for the unobserved true exposures. This method relies on a two-phase sampling design and an estimation approach that preserves the consistency of complete case regression parameter estimates in the validated subset, with increased precision leveraged from the auxiliary data. Furthermore, we develop optimal sampling strategies which minimize the variance of the mean score estimator for a target exposure under a fixed cost constraint. We consider the setting where an internal pilot is necessary for the optimal design so that the phase two sample is split into a pilot and an adaptive optimal sample. Through simulations and data example, we evaluate efficiency gains of the mean score estimator using the derived optimal validation design compared to balanced and simple random sampling for the phase two sample. We also empirically explore efficiency gains that the proposed discrete optimal design can provide for the Cox proportional hazards model in the setting of a continuous-time survival outcome.
Identification of Hub Genes of Mesio Temporal Lobe Epilepsy and Prognostic Biomarkers of Brain Low-grade Gliomas Based on Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Xu Jian , Sun Mingqiang , Wang Yuanyuan , Xie Anmu , Gao Jian
Published: December 2020

Mesio temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) syndrome is the most common form of intractable epilepsies. Meanwhile, seizures are common in patients with cancer as a consequence of brain tumors, including brain low-grade gliomas (LGG). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of MTLE remain poorly understood. Also, the relationship between MTLE and LGG needs our attention. In this study, we aimed to investigate the hub genes and potential mechanism in MTLE, and the relationship between MTLE and LGG, the gene expression profiles (GSE88992) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Difference analysis for MTLE versus control groups under the three time points was conducted to select the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Time series clustering analysis was used to select the trend genes. Then a series of bioinformatics analyses including functional enrichment analysis, protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and module analyses, and transcription factor (TF) and miRNA prediction were performed. Also, the overall survival analysis and expression of hub genes in LGG were performed using UALCAN from TCGA database. At 6 h, there were 351 upregulated and 80 downregulated DEGs. At 12 h, there were 499 upregulated and 231 downregulated DEGs. Additionally, 532 upregulated and 402 downregulated DEGs were obtained at 24 h. After time series clustering analysis of the DEGs, we obtained 323 uptrend and 248 downtrend genes. We identified 10 key genes with higher degrees, including C3, TIMP1, PENK, CKAP4, etc. Five PPI modules were identified by MCODE. TF analysis predicted four TFs: JUN, STAT3, NR4A2, and Myc. A total of 26,834 miRNA–mRNA pairs were predicted. Moreover, survival analysis of UALCAN suggested that C3, TIMP1, PENK, GNG2, CKAP4, TNC, JUN, STAT3, NR4A2, and Myc can be potential biomarkers for the prognosis of LGG. In summary, DEGs and hub genes were identified in the present study, which provides novel insight into the development of MTLE.
Characterization and in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation of fish scale and seashell derived nano-hydroxyapatite high-density polyethylene composite
Authors: Ayyanar C Balaji , Marimuthu K , Gayathri B , Sankarrajan
Published: December 2020

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) is the major inorganic component of natural bone which exhibits better biocompatibility with various kinds of cells and tissues, making it an ideal candidate for dental and orthopedic applications. The naturally extracted HAp (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) from fish scale and seashell is exactly matched with the chemical composition of bone minerals. Nowadays, soft chemistry is used for the synthesis of bioceramics such as HAp. This is a chemical route that yields more homogeneous solid-state materials. In this study, the extracted powder from fish scale and seashell was heated in the furnace and maintained at 700°C for 3 hours and the powder was naturally cooled. The derived CaO was used for preparing HAp by the microwave irradiation techniques. The HAp was filled with High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) in the ratio of 10:3 (Matrix 100 g: Filler 30 g) and composite was fabricated by the injection molding. The functional groups present in the HAp-HDPE specimen was identified using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis. The thermal stability of 30 wt. % HAp-HDPE composite was analyzed using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). In vitro cytotoxicity studies were carried out using MG63 cell line. In these studies, five different volumes of liquid extracts of the prepared HAp-HDPE specimen having different concentrations (10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 μl) were allowed to interact with fresh cell culture medium for 24 hours. The cell morphology, cell viability, and the levels of cytotoxicity of the composite specimen were studied as per 10993:12, and ISO 10993:5 test standards.
Stabbed, shot, left to die: Christy Martin and gender-based violence in boxing
Authors: van Ingen Cathy
Published: December 2020

This article presents a biographical narrative of Christy Martin, a former world champion boxer who survived being stabbed and shot by her trainer/husband. Rooted in a sociological imagination, this biographic research chronicles Martin’s boxing career and its entanglements with gender-based violence. The boxing industry has a widely acknowledged, yet under-reported, problem with men’s violence against women. This article aims to illustrate that women’s boxing should be critically examined for the ways in which it functions both as a site of and a sanctuary from gender-based violence. Within this paper, I draw from media coverage of Christy Martin’s boxing career, over 700 pages of transcripts from the subsequent criminal trial, an interview with Martin, as well as my own research in women’s boxing, including work with survivors of domestic violence.
Assessment of Pediatric Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Using a New Patient-Reported Outcome Measure: The P-CIN
Authors: Smith Ellen M. Lavoie , Kuisell Clare , Kanzawa-Lee Grace , Bridges Celia M. , Cho Youmin , Swets Jenna , Renbarger Jamie L. , Gilchrist Laura S.
Published: December 2020

Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is commonly experienced by children receiving neurotoxic chemotherapy. No validated pediatric CIPN patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures exist. Purpose: To test sensitivity, internal consistency reliability, content and convergent validity, and feasibility of the Pediatric Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy (P-CIN), an electronic PRO measure for assessing CIPN in children who received neurotoxic chemotherapy. Method: Five experts evaluated content validity of the 14-item P-CIN. Children 5 to 17 years old with CIPN ( N = 79) completed the P-CIN via tablet computer; a subset ( n = 26) also underwent neurological examinations using the Pediatric–Modified Total Neuropathy Score. Following preliminary analyses, one item was deleted and three others modified. The revised P-CIN was retested with patients ( n = 6) who also completed the Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency motor function assessment. Means, item response ranges, standard deviations, content validity indexes, Cronbach’s alphas, and correlation coefficients were calculated. Results: Mean participant age was 11.25 ( SD = 4.0) years. Most had acute leukemia (62.5%) and received vincristine (98.7%). Content validity index coefficients ranged from .80 to 1.0 ( p = .05). For 9 of 14 items, responses ranged from 0 to 4 or 5; response ranges for toe numbness, pick up a coin, and three of four pain items were 0 to 3. After deleting one item, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was .83. P-CIN scores were strongly associated with Pediatric-Modified Total Neuropathy Score ( r = .52, p < .01) and Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency ( r = −.83, p = .04) scores. Sixty-eight percent of children 6 to 17 years old completed P-CIN independently. Discussion: Preliminary evidence suggests that the 13-item P-CIN is internally consistent, is valid, and can be completed independently by children ≥ 6 years. However, we recommend additional testing.
Comparison of Vasopressor Duration in Septic Shock Patients With and Without Cirrhosis
Authors: Durst Melissa M. , Eitzen Elizabeth A. , Benken Scott T.
Published: December 2020

Background

Patients with cirrhosis have immune dysfunction, altered inflammatory response, and hemodynamic changes which increase risk of septic shock and potentially prolong management with fluids, vasopressors, and other therapies. Due to limited available guidance, this study aimed to characterize vasopressor use in patients with cirrhosis in relation to patients without cirrhosis in septic shock.

Methods

This was a retrospective matched cohort analysis of 122 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) at an academic medical center from January 2015 to November 2017. Patients were grouped based on the presence or absence of cirrhosis and matched based on severity of illness scoring. The primary outcome was vasopressor duration. Secondary comparisons included total vasopressor requirement, length of hospital and ICU stay, in-hospital mortality, change in organ function, and discharge disposition.

Results

The group with cirrhosis had significantly longer median (interquartile range [IQR]) durations of vasopressor therapy compared with the group without cirrhosis (86.0 [42.0-164.5] vs 39.0 [14.5-82.0] hours; P = 0.003) leading to increased median (IQR) vasopressor exposure (71.7 [15.5-239.5] vs 24.7 [5.3-77.9] mg norepinephrine [NE] equivalents; P = 0.003). No difference was found in in-hospital mortality between groups. However, regression analysis showed vasopressor exposure was associated with in-hospital mortality.

Conclusion and Relevance

Patients with cirrhosis in septic shock have increased vasopressor durations and overall requirements compared with patients without cirrhosis. Increased durations and requirements is associated with poorer outcomes independent of presence of cirrhosis. Future studies are needed to improve vasopressor treatment strategies and end points utilized in cirrhosis.
Effectiveness of Intensive Alternative Family Treatment on Reducing Re-Admissions to Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities
Authors: Rose Roderick A. , Chung Gerard , Lanier Paul J.
Published: December 2020

Children and youth with high behavioral health needs can receive care in a psychiatric residential treatment facility (PRTF). Overutilization of PRTFs is concerning because they are highly restrictive and costly residential care settings. Intensive Alternative Family Treatment (IAFT®) is an intensive therapeutic foster care program combined with service implementation strategies that is designed to reduce risk for entry to PRTF among youth with high behavioral health needs. This article presents findings from a quasi-experimental study examining the effectiveness of IAFT services in such a population of youth. In this study, we balanced treatment and comparison groups by first sampling youth with intensive care needs as indicated by having a prior PRTF spell. We then used propensity score weighting and covariate adjustment to estimate the effectiveness of IAFT in preventing PRTF re-entry. We found that receipt of IAFT was associated with a 24% lower risk of PRTF re-entry compared with youth who exited from a PRTF in the same state but did not receive IAFT. Sensitivity tests yielded mixed results regarding the effect of IAFT. Overall, results suggest that IAFT is an effective treatment approach for reducing risk for PRTF entry among youth with high behavioral health needs.
The Commissions Paid to Brokers for Fully Insured Health Insurance Plans
Authors: Bai Ge , Park Angela , Wang Yang , Overton Heidi N. , Bruhn William E. , Makary Martin A.
Published: December 2020

Insurance agents and brokers play an important role in facilitating the contracting of fully insured health insurance and pharmacy benefit plans for U.S. employers. They are primarily compensated with a commission charged back to the plan. Using a national sample that covered 11.7 million employees enrolled in 33,689 health plans in 2017, we found that a plan’s commission (median: $178) was positively associated with a plan’s premium (coefficient: 0.01 for the full sample and 0.03 for small plans, p < .001) after controlling for the number of enrollees. The commission-to-premium ratio was greater for smaller plans and plans offered by nonmajor insurance companies, and varied by geographic region. Policy makers should consider improving transparency of the commission to facilitate employers making efficient broker contracting and plan purchasing decisions. The fee-based brokerage model has the potential to help employers and workers contain health care spending.
Sexual Offending Pathways and Chat Conversations in an Online Environment
Authors: Kleijn Manon , Bogaerts Stefan
Published: December 2020

People from all over the world pay for live streaming video images of minors, also called webcam child sex tourism (WCST). Although there is an increase in research about online sexual offending, relatively few studies have investigated the approaches used by people who have committed WCST offenses (PWCST). In addition, these studies describe these approaches as active-orientated without mentioning an avoidant pathway. The aim of the study was to investigate whether PWCST use similar pathways as the four offending pathways identified by Ward and Hudson. Using qualitative thematic analysis, 195 cases of online chat conversations between PWCST and operators posing as a minor were analyzed. The Ward and Hudson pathways model was partially replicable. Evidence was found for an approach and avoidant pathway. The data also suggest three other sub-pathways and a mixed pathway. Most PWCST in this study used an approach pathway to immediately approach minors for sex, which provides important insight into the diverse nature of sexual grooming.
Development and Regulatory Challenges for Peptide Therapeutics
Authors: Zane Doris , Feldman Paul L. , Sawyer Tomi , Sobol Zhanna , Hawes Jessica
Published: December 2020

There has been an increased interest in and activity for the use of peptide therapeutics to treat a variety of human diseases. The number of peptide drugs entering clinical development and the market has increased significantly over the past decade despite inherent challenges of peptide therapeutic discovery, development, and patient-friendly delivery. Disparities in interpretation and application of existing regulatory guidances to innovative synthetic and conjugated peptide assets have resulted in challenges for both regulators and sponsors. The Symposium on Development and Regulatory Challenges for Peptide Therapeutics at the 40th Annual Meeting of the American College of Toxicology held in November of 2019 focused on the following specific topics: (1) peptide therapeutic progress and future directions, and approaches to discover, optimize, assess, and deliver combination peptide therapeutics for treatment of diseases; (2) toxicological considerations to advance peptide drug-device combination products for efficient development and optimal patient benefit and adherence; (3) industry and regulatory perspectives on the regulation of synthetic and conjugated peptide products, including exploration of regulatory classifications, interpretations, and application of the existing guidances International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) M3(R2) and ICH S6(R1) in determining nonclinical study recommendations; and (4) presentation of the 2016 Health and Environmental Sciences Institute’s Genetic Toxicology Technical Committee working group assessment of genotoxicity testing requirements. Perspectives were shared from industry and regulatory scientists working in the peptide therapeutics field followed by an open forum panel discussion to discuss questions drafted for the peptide therapeutics scientific community, which will be discussed in more detail.
Maternal diabetes and risk of multiple sclerosis in the offspring: A Danish nationwide register-based cohort study
Authors: Nielsen Nete Munk , Gørtz Sanne , Hjalgrim Henrik , Rostgaard Klaus , Munger Kassandra L , Ascherio Alberto , Magyari Melinda , Stenager Egon , Frisch Morten
Published: December 2020

Background:

Previous studies suggest a 3- to-10-fold increased risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) in offspring of mothers with diabetes mellitus (DM).

Objectives:

To examine MS risk in offspring of diabetic mothers, overall and according to type of maternal DM, that is, pregestational DM or gestational DM, as well as to examine MS risk among offspring of diabetic fathers.

Methods:

The study cohort included all 1,633,436 singletons born in Denmark between 1978 and 2008. MS diagnoses were identified in the Danish Multiple Sclerosis Registry, and parental DM diagnoses in the National Patient Register. We used Cox proportional hazards regression analyses to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association of parental DM with MS risk in the offspring.

Results:

MS risk among individuals whose mothers had pregestational DM was 2.3-fold increased compared with that among individuals with nondiabetic mothers (HR = 2.25; 95% CI: 1.35–3.75, n = 15). MS risk was statistically non-significant among offspring of mothers with gestational DM (HR = 1.03 (95% CI: 0.49–2.16), n = 7) and among offspring of diabetic fathers (HR = 1.40 (95% CI: 0.78–2.54), n = 11).

Conclusion:

Our nationwide cohort study utilizing high-quality register data in Denmark over several decades corroborates the view that offspring of diabetic mothers may be at an elevated risk of developing MS.
Fear of COVID-19 scale: Assessing fear of the coronavirus pandemic in Brazil
Authors: Giordani Rubia Carla Formighieri , Zanoni da Silva Milene , Muhl Camila , Giolo Suely Ruiz
Published: December 2020

This study aimed to assess the fear of COVID-19 in the Brazilian population, validate the FCV-19S and examine the association of its scores with sociodemographic and pandemic-related variables. A total of 7430 participants were recruited in an online survey. From the factor analysis results, FCV-19S proved to be suitable, indicating a higher level of fear for women and also for those aged 18–29 years. Besides, belonging to a high-risk group and having relatives diagnosed or deceased by COVID-19 showed a positive association with fear. These findings pointed out the most vulnerable groups, which can assist in planning mental health actions.
Autism screening and conditional cash transfers in Chile: Using the Quantitative Checklist (Q-CHAT) for early autism detection in a low resource setting
Authors: Roman-Urrestarazu Andres , Yáñez Carolina , López-Garí Claudia , Elgueta Constanza , Allison Carrie , Brayne Carol , Troncoso Mónica , Baron-Cohen Simon
Published: December 2020

Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) can be an extended procedure since ASC tend to both vary greatly across individual symptoms and diagnostic pathways with serious challenges to opportune access and diagnosis in low resource settings. We adapted the Q-CHAT-25 for use in a routine health check-ups programme at Chilean primary health clinics by developing a 10-item version of this questionnaire recruiting n = 287 (F: 112/M: 175) participants (Controls: n = 125, F: 58/M: 67; Developmental Delay: n = 149, F: 53/M: 96; Autism Spectrum Conditions: n = 13, F: 1/M: 12). Our findings show that the Q-CHAT-10 can be successfully applied in health-check programmes. The results for the Q-CHAT-10 show high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α: 0.85) and good overall performance, significantly correlating (r = 0.79, p < 0.0001) with the Q-CHAT-25. The Q-CHAT-10 had a sensitivity of 92.86% and a specificity of 76.86% in the Developmental Delay sample. The positive predictive value was 48% with a positive likelihood ratio of 4.01 and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.09 with a post-test probability of disease of 19%. This study provides evidence that the implementation of Autism Spectrum Condition screening programmes using the Q-CHAT-10 is a cost-effective measure that improves diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Conditions in those participating in conditional cash transfer programmes in low- and middle-income countries or low resource setting in high income countries.

Lay abstract

Getting a diagnosis of autism can take long, because autism is different across people, but also because it depends on the way it gets diagnosed. This is especially important in poorer countries or in the case of poor people living in wealthier countries that have significant groups of disadvantaged communities. We adapted a 10-item version of the Q-CHAT-25 questionnaire for use in routine health check-ups programme in Chile and recruited 287 participants under the age of three divided into three groups: Controls (125), Developmental Delay (149) and Autism Spectrum Condition (13). Our results show that a short questionnaire for autism screening can be successfully applied in a health-check programme in poor resource settings. Our results show that our questionnaire had good overall performance, not different to its longer version, the Q-CHAT-25. Our questionnaire was autism specific, with good sensitivity and reliability, and is suitable to be used in a screening setting. This study provides evidence that the implementation of Autism Spectrum Condition screening programmes using the Q-CHAT-10 provides value for money and improves diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Condition in those participating in routine health check-up programmes in developing countries or poor areas of wealthy countries.
When virtuous paedophiles meet online: A sociological study of a paedophile community
Authors: Nielsen Marie H , Aaskov Line , Larsen Jørgen E
Published: December 2020

On the online forum Virtuous Paedophiles, experiences of being sexually attracted to children are discussed based on the belief that ‘adult-child sex’ is wrong. Having explored the forum’s culture of support, advice, and negotiations, we find that the stigmatised paedophile character limits both the understanding of being a paedophile and the ability to remain virtuous. Additionally, ideas about the paedophile character allow the formation of a counter discourse: the virtuous paedophile character. We argue that the justifications used in the forum differ from those in pro-contact communities and that the forum can help paedophiles be offense-free.
Radical right populist entrepreneurs and the use of religious representations through popular culture: George Becali as the ‘Saviour of Romania’
Authors: Asavei Maria Alina
Published: December 2020

While there are a few significant studies on the varieties of populism in post-socialist Romania, little scholarly work on populists’ ethos of religious inspiration exists. This article addresses this lacuna from a cultural studies perspective, exploring popular culture’s productions of religious inspiration employed by the radical right populist entrepreneur George Becali, and it argues that the diversity of religiously encumbered cultural productions provide a significant insight into fleshing out the mechanisms of his messianic neo-populism. By employing a critical visual analysis and hermeneutics, this article aims to illuminate how a populist entrepreneur attracts potential supporters by using the rhetoric of nativism and ‘neo-traditional, autochthonous culture and religion’, purporting to reveal a mutual cultural ground between the messianic leader and ‘the people’. His political strategies are oftentimes packaged in cultural formats and discourses emphasising local religious symbolism that turns him into a ‘Saviour of the Nation’. Yet, at the same time, the article demonstrates that popular culture can also constitute a foundation for resisting the populist’s kit of religiously loaded visual rhetoric.
Critical shear crack theory-based punching shear model for FRP-reinforced concrete slabs
Authors: Fan Xing-lang , Gu Sheng-jie , Wu Xi , Jiang Jia-fei
Published: December 2020

Owing to their high strength-to-weight ratio, superior corrosion resistance, and convenience in manufacture, fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) bars can be used as a good alternative to steel bars to solve the durability issue in reinforced concrete (RC) structures, especially for seawater sea-sand concrete. In this paper, a theoretical model for predicting the punching shear strength of FRP-RC slabs is developed. In this model, the punching shear strength is determined by the intersection of capacity and demanding curve of FRP-RC slabs. The capacity curve is employed based on critical shear crack theory, while the demand curve is derived with the help of a simplified tri-linear moment-curvature relationship. After the validity of the proposed model is verified with experimental data collected from the literature, the effects of concrete strength, loading area, FRP reinforcement ratio, and effective depth of concrete slabs are evaluated quantitatively.
The management of LGBTQ+ identities on social media: A student perspective
Authors: Talbot Catherine V , Talbot Amelia , Roe Danielle J , Briggs Pam
Published: December 2020

Social media can be used to both enhance and diminish students’ experiences of university and its influence is strong for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and other non-heterosexual and gender-diverse (LGBTQ+) people facing stigma and discrimination. Students may feel exposed when identifying as LGBTQ+, particularly while transitioning to university life. In this study, we used theories of performance and digital personhood to explore how LGBTQ+ students use social media for identity management. We report a thematic analysis of 16 interviews. Four themes were generated from the data, showing that students use social media to explore, conceal, protect and express their identities. We found that different social media provide stages where LGBTQ+ identities are constrained by different and distinctive social factors. Thus, LGBTQ+ students’ online identities are multiple, situated and bound to specific platforms, with some alternatives to Facebook offering a space where students may feel more comfortable performing their authentic selves.
Formability prediction of tailor-welded blanks in hydraulic bulging using flow curves from biaxial tensile tests
Authors: Kumar Amit , Digavalli Ravi Kumar
Published: December 2020

In this work, the formability of laser-welded tailored blanks of low carbon steel of two different thickness combinations in hydraulic bulging has been studied by numerical simulation. For material modeling, flow curves of the parent sheets were obtained in biaxial stress condition by conducting hydraulic bulge tests. These curves were used to extrapolate the uniaxial tensile curves up to large strains using the work equivalence principle. The limiting dome height in conventional forming and hydraulic bulging of tailor-welded blanks has been predicted in finite element simulations using the flow curves obtained directly from the hydraulic bulge tests and the extrapolated uniaxial tensile curves. Hydraulic bulging and conventional forming experiments on tailor-welded blanks have also been conducted to validate the predicted results. It has been found out that the predicted limiting dome height of the tailor-welded blanks in conventional forming and hydraulic bulging using extrapolated uniaxial tensile curves is closer to the experimental values when compared to the results obtained by using stress–strain curves obtained from hydraulic bulge tests. It has also been found that using an extrapolated uniaxial tensile curve it is also possible to predict strain distribution and percentage thinning more accurately. It has been observed that with an increase in thickness ratio, the peak pressure increased but the predicted values of peak pressure using flow curves obtained directly from hydraulic bulge tests are closer to the experimental values.
Considering a new platform for academic campus interviews: Entering the virtual world
Authors: Clary Kelly Lynn
Published: December 2020

As a May 2020 Social Work PhD Graduate, I spent the spring semester interviewing for academic tenure track positions. When COVID-19 reached the United States, the interview process quickly changed course. My in-person campus visits became 8-hour long virtual interview days, which were quite exhausting. Since I completed five in-person campus visits and two virtual interviews, I compiled my lived experiences. As a “now” normal emerges and institutions must be more financially aware and uphold social distancing guidelines, in the reflexive essay I provide suggestions for improving virtual campus interviews—for both the candidate and the search committee. Some suggestions for the search committee include not using an 8-hour interview day, offering a delivered lunch for the candidate, and assembling the virtual visit to incorporate the school and University environment. For the candidate, I propose to dress as if one is on-site, integrate self-care throughout the day, and request a meeting with only students. I hope my experiences will motivate others who faced similar situations to consider their virtual interview experiences and further produce suggestions for their institutions.
miR-146b Functions as an Oncogene in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Targeting HBP1
Authors: Li Kui , Zhou Zheng , Li Ju , Xiang Rui
Published: December 2020

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) represents more than 90% of all oral cancer and is the most common oral threat around the world. In this study, we examined the roles of miR-146b in OSCC cells. The miR-146b expression in OSCC tissues and cell lines was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). MTT assay was used to investigate the impact of miR-146b on the growth of OSCC cells in vitro. Transwell assay was utilized to analyze the effect of miR-146b on the migration and invasion of OSCC cells. Target prediction and luciferase assay were employed to demonstrate the interaction between miR-146b and HMG-Box Transcription Factor 1 (HBP1). Western blot was carried out to investigate the protein expressions of HBP1 related genes. miR-146b expression was significantly higher in OSCC tissues and cells compared with paired normal tissues and normal oral keratinocyte cells. Inhibition of miR-146b decreased cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of OSCC cells. Further studies found that HBP1 was a direct target of miR-146b. Co-inhibition of HBP1 reversed the suppressive impact of miR-146b inhibition on OSCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In conclusion-ourresults reveal that miR-146b potentially regulates the proliferation, migration, and invasion of OSCC cells through binding and downregulating HBP1 expression in OSCC cells.
Downregulation of miR-199a-3p in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Its Relevant Molecular Mechanism via GEO, TCGA Database and In Silico Analyses
Authors: Liu An-gui , Pang Yu-yan , Chen Gang , Wu Hua-Yu , He Rong-Quan , Dang Yi-wu , Huang Zhi-guang , Zhang Rui , Ma Jie , Yang Li-hua
Published: December 2020

Existing reports have demonstrated that miR-199a-3p plays a role as a tumor suppressor in a variety of human cancers. This study aims to further validate the expression of miR-199a-3p in HCC and to explore its underlying mechanisms by using multiple data sets. Chip data or sequencing data and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were integrated to assess the expression of miR-199a-3p in HCC. The potential targets and transcription factor regulatory network of miR-199a-3p in HCC were determined and possible biological mechanism of miR-199a-3p was analyzed with bioinformatics methods. In the results, miR-199a-3p expression was significantly lower in HCC tissues compared to normal tissues according to chip data or sequencing data and qRT-PCR. Moreover, 455 targets of miR-199a-3p were confirmed, and these genes were involved in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, pathways in cancer, and focal adhesions. LAMA4 was considered a key target of miR-199a-3p. In CMTCN, 11 co-regulatory pairs, 3 TF-FFLs, and 2 composite-FFLs were constructed. In conclusion, miR-199a-3p was down regulated in HCC and LAMA4 may be a potential target of miR-199a-3p in HCC.
Long Non-Coding RNA PVT1 Regulates the Resistance of the Breast Cancer Cell Line MDA-MB-231 to Doxorubicin via Nrf2
Authors: Luo Ying , Zhang Wei , Xu Liang , Chen Yajun , Xu Yao , Yuan Lin
Published: December 2020

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most common malignant tumor types in females and its drug resistance is a major clinical issue. An increasing number of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported as key regulators of drug resistance in TNBC. Plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1) has been proved to promote the development of various cancer types. The present study suggested that PVT1 enhances the resistance of the TNBC cell line MDA-MB-231 to doxorubicin and uncovered the molecular mechanism. PVT1 function assays and its target gene analyses were performed. We revealed that PVT1 promoted the protein stability of nuclear factor erythroid 2 like 2 (Nrf2) by inhibiting the binding of kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) to Nrf2, which is beneficial to the resistance of MDA-MB-231 cells to doxorubicin. These novel results enhance the current knowledge regarding the versatile roles of PVT1 and lay a foundation for future developments of clinical applications.
Sirtuin 2 in Endometrial Cancer: A Potential Regulator for Cell Proliferation, Apoptosis and RAS/ERK Pathway
Authors: Guo Yanjuan , Zhao Nannan , Zhou Jianli , Dong Jianxin , Wang Xing
Published: December 2020

Objective:

The present study aimed to explore the function of sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) on cell proliferation, apoptosis, rat sarcoma virus (RAS)/ extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway in endometrial cancer (EC).

Methods:

SIRT2 expression in human EC cell lines and human endometrial (uterine) epithelial cell (HEEC) line was assessed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot. SIRT2 knock-down and control knock-down plasmids were transfected into HEC1A cells, respectively; SIRT2 overexpression and control overexpression plasmids were transfected into Ishikawa cells, respectively. After transfection, SIRT2, HRas proto-oncogene, GTPase (HRAS) expressions were evaluated by RT-qPCR and western blot. ERK and phosphorylated ERK (pERK) expressions were evaluated by western blot. Meanwhile, cell proliferation and cell apoptosis were measured.

Results:

Compared to normal HEEC cell line, SIRT2 mRNA and protein expressions were increased in most human EC cell lines (including HEC1A, RL952 and AN3CA), while were similar in Ishikawa cell line. In HEC1A cells, SIRT2 knock-down decreased cell proliferation but increased apoptosis. In Ishikawa cells, SIRT2 overexpression induced cell proliferation but inhibited apoptosis. For RAS/ERK pathway, SIRT2 knock-down reduced HRAS and inactivated pERK in HEC1A cells, whereas SIRT2 overexpression increased HRAS and activated pERK in Ishikawa cells, suggesting that SIRT2 was implicated in the regulation of RAS/ERK pathway in EC cells.

Conclusion:

SIRT2 contributes to the EC tumorigenesis, which appears as a potential therapeutic target.
Genetic Polymorphisms and the Risk of Diabetic Foot: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses
Authors: Zhao Jun , Zhang Le-Xuan , Wang Yu-Ting , Li Yang , Chen, MD Hong-Lin
Published: December 2020

Background

Diabetic foot (DF) is a dangerous complication of diabetes. The aim of the study was to synthesize all the published single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of DF to objectively evaluate the relationship of SNPs and DF risks.

Methods

The HuGE database and CNKI were searched for eligible publications on genetic polymorphisms and the risk of DF systematically. The quality of literatures was evaluated by the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Pooled odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval for SNPs were evaluated through 3 genetic models.

Results

Citing 29 different polymorphisms from 24 articles and the study met our selection criteria. There were 24 polymorphisms summarized systematically, and 5 merged polymorphisms for a meta-analysis: 9 positively associated with DF: HIF-1α rs11549465, TNF-α rs1800629, TLR-9 rs5743836, FIB rs6056, HSP70-2437C/T, VDR rs2228570, LOX rs1800449, ITLN1 rs2274907, and OPG rs2073617, but OPG rs3134069 was not a risk factor in DF; 6 negatively associated with DF: VEGF rs833061 and rs2010963, MCP-1 rs1024611, SDF-1 rs1801157, SIRT1 rs12778366, and OPG rs2073617. In addition, 13 polymorphisms were not associated with DF: MMP-9 rs3918242, eNOS rs1799983, VEGF rs3025039, -7C/T, rs1570360, rs13207351, and rs699947, IL-6 rs1800795, HIF-1α rs11549467, TNF-α rs361525, TLR-2 rs3804100, SIRT1 rs3758391, and TIMP-1 rs2070584.

Conclusions

The study provided some evidence for SNPs to the development of diabetic foot. The meta-analysis showed that rs1024611 of MCP-1 may be regarded as a protective factor, especially in Asian populations. Other loci indicated inconsistent results.
Analyses of short-chain fatty acids and exhaled breath volatiles in dietary intervention trials for metabolic diseases
Authors: Lee Jisun HJ , Zhu Jiangjiang
Published: December 2020

As an alternative to pharmacological treatment to diseases, lifestyle interventions, such as dietary changes and physical activities, can help maintain healthy metabolic conditions. Recently, the emerging analyses of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from breath and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) from plasma/feces have been considered as useful tools for the diagnosis and mechanistic understanding of metabolic diseases. Furthermore, diet-induced changes of SCFAs in individuals with diagnosed metabolic abnormalities have been correlated with the composition changes of the gut microbiome. More interestingly, the analysis of exhaled breath (breathomics) has gained attention as a useful technique to measure the human VOC profile altered as a result of dietary interventions. In this mini-review, we examined recent clinical trials that performed promising dietary interventions, SCFAs analysis in plasma/feces, and VOC profile analysis in exhaling breath to understand the relationship between dietary intervention and metabolic health.
Super K for Super-R(efractory) Status Epilepticus: Bringing Down Seizures While Keeping Up Blood Pressure With Ketamine
Authors: Gaspard Nicolas
Published: December 2020

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Bildung and Transformative Learning Theory: Two Peas in a Pod?
Authors: Buttigieg Karen , Calleja Colin
Published: December 2020

Both Bildung and transformative learning theory focus on the transformative nature of education. Even though they have been developed in different continents and fairly independently of each other, they intersect, and at face value, they might appear to be very similar to each other. Both notions, though are perceived differently by diverse individuals, and even though these numerous perceptions do overlap at times, they also contrast on various points. This article gives a critical review of literature to help understand the similarities and differences between these two notions and outlines their importance in discourses surrounding education.
Comprehensive Comparison of Right and Left Recurrent Laryngeal Nerves in the Tracheoesophageal Groove
Authors: Herr Michael J. , Macy Cottrell J. , Kahl Madison , Weiman Darryl S.
Published: December 2020

Objective

A left-sided cervical approach to esophageal mobilization is considered safer given the perceived oblique path and more lateral orientation of the right recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) in the tracheoesophageal groove. Given the risk of recurrent laryngeal nerve, the current study investigated if there are differences in right and left RLN location in the tracheoesophageal groove.

Methods

Right and left RLNs were carefully exposed in human cadavers. Comparison of location was determined at tracheal rings 2, 4, and 6 using 3 parameters: depth of the RLN from the anterior margin of the tracheal ring, lateral distance of the RLN from the posterior margin of the tracheal ring, and distance of the RLN to the anterior midline trachea following the curvature of the trachea. Statistical analysis was used to determine differences between the right and left sides.

Results

Compared with the right RLN, the left RLN was slightly over 1 mm deeper at the second tracheal ring. Despite this trend, there was no significant difference in RLN location between individual sides or as an aggregate for any of the 3 parameters at tracheal rings 2, 4, or 6.

Conclusions

Careful characterization of RLN location precludes avoiding hoarseness, aphonia, and vocal cord paralysis. Counter to common surgical perception and educational beliefs, this study demonstrated that right and left RLN anatomical courses do not significantly differ along the trachea. Therefore, ensnarement on either side during a blind mobilization of the cervical esophagus is equally likely to occur.