bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When ENVER becomes NEVER: Memory Palimpsest in Berat, Albania
Authors: Kuligowski Waldemar
Published: March 2021

The article is a critical analysis of data collected during anthropological fieldwork in the Albanian city of Berat, where one of the world’s largest political slogans is located. The inscription “ENVER” on Shpirag mountain was created in 1968 as a birthday present for the leader of the Albanian regime Enver Hoxha. For almost thirty years, this inscription dominated the city, being visible from a distance of many kilometers. After the political transformation in 1991, the new Albanian government planned to destroy the slogan as a remnant of the cult of personality. However, despite the help of the army and the use of explosives, the inscription could not be removed. The giant slogan from Berat is a phenomenon on a global scale: its history, as well as its meanings, created a unique narrative about Albanian politics and culture. For over three decades, the inscription has become an element of the local aesthetic and social landscape. In 2012 the Albanian artist made a subversive act of capturing the old propaganda slogan: as a consequence, the original inscription “ENVER” was replaced with a new one: “NEVER.” Anthropological fieldwork and art-based research focused on the slogan, encouraged participants to express ideas, insights, views, and experiences. The data collected during the research are very varied. Many of them consist of superficial judgments, gossips, presumptions, and stereotypical clichés. They are also accompanied by much deeper expressions, articulating the palimpsest memory of women and men living in the shadow of ENVER/NEVER.
Comprehensive study of thermophoretic diffusion deposition velocity effect on heat and mass transfer of ferromagnetic fluid flow along a stretching cylinder
Authors: Naveen Kumar R , Punith Gowda RJ , Prasanna GD , Prasannakumara BC , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Jamshed Wasim
Published: March 2021

The aim of this current investigation is to discuss the flow of a ferromagnetic viscous liquid with thermophoretic particle deposition over a stretching cylinder on taking account of a uniform heat source/sink. The non-dimensional form of equations for described flow is attained by using appropriate similarity variables. The solution of the resultant governing system is obtained by Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg’s fourth-fifth order method by adopting the shooting technique. The outcomes of dimensionless quantities are discussed on velocity, temperature, and concentration fields by using suitable graphs. Result reveals that the upshot in values of ferromagnetic interaction parameter increases the thermal gradient but a converse trend is detected for inclined values of heat source/sink parameter. An increase in thermophoretic parameter and thermophoretic coefficient declines the thermophoretic particle deposition velocity. The imposing of magnetic dipole and particle deposition has a receding impact on the rate of heat and mass transfers respectively. Excellent comparison is established through a tabular description to validate the adopted numerical procedure.
Quantifying the vulnerability of Arctic water supply lakes through paleolimnological assessment: The case of Igloolik, Nunavut, Canada
Authors: Cincio Paige , Medeiros Andrew Scott , Wesche Sonia D , Gajewski Konrad
Published: March 2021

Anthropogenic stressors to freshwater environments have perpetuated water quality and quantity challenges for communities across Arctic Canada, making drinking water resources a primary concern for northern peoples. To understand the ecological trajectory of lakes used as freshwater supply, we conducted a paleolimnological assessment on two supplemental sources in Igloolik, Nunavut, Arctic Canada. A stratigraphic examination of biological indicators (Insecta: Diptera: Chironomidae) allowed for paleotemperature reconstructions with decadal and centennial resolution over the past 2000 years. Between 200 and 1900 CE, the sub-fossil chironomid community was comprised of cold-water taxa, such as Abiskomyia, Micropsectra radialis-type, and Paracladius. Reconstructed temperatures were consistent with known climate anomalies during this period. A rapid shift in the composition of the chironomid assemblages to those with higher temperature optima ( Chironomus anthracinus-type, Dicrotendipes, and Tanytarsus lugens-type) in the late 20th century was observed in both systems. Our results demonstrate that these ecosystems are undergoing marked transformations to warmer, more nutrient-rich environments, and suggest that water sustainability pressures will likely continue in tandem with ongoing climate change. To contextualize the influence of recent warming and elucidate the status of freshwater resources over the longer term, paleolimnological methods can be usefully applied as components of vulnerability assessments.
Fatherland or Livelihood: Value Orientations Among Tibetan Soldiers in the Indian Army
Authors: Coelho Joanna Pereira , Somayaji Ganesha
Published: March 2021

The recruitment to military in modern nation states, by and large, is voluntary. Although it is commonly assumed that a soldiers’ job in the army is to fight against the enemies of their motherland, the Indian Army has a regiment of Tibetan soldiers who are not Indians as per the law of the land. Known as Special Frontier Force (SFF), this regiment was until recently a secret wing of the Indian Army. Joining the Indian Army during the heydays of their diasporic dispersal due to the Chinese territorial aggrandizement and Sino-Indian war of 1962, with a hope of direct encounter with their enemies, Tibetans continue to be voluntarily recruited to the now non-secret SFF. As part of the Indian Army, they should be ready to fight the enemies of their host country. In fact, over the decades, they have been requested by India to take part in several military exercises. In the changed international geopolitics, Tibetans in exile may not get another opportunity to fight against their own enemies. The trajectory of the value orientations of the Tibetan soldiers in the Indian Army constitutes the axial concern of this article.
Creating Narrative Entertainment for Health Communication: Perspectives from Practice
Authors: Hursting Laurie M. , Comello Maria Leonora G.
Published: March 2021

This project aimed to explore the perspectives of entertainment industry and health communication practitioners in the United States on creating health storylines in entertainment programming. These dual perspectives are usually not studied in tandem but together offer insights into the creation of impactful health-related narratives. In-depth interviews were conducted with entertainment industry and health professionals ( N = 6) who are experienced in creating health storylines. Questions aimed to illuminate how practitioners define ‘success’ of a health storyline, what they perceive as key elements for impactful health storylines, how key story elements are created and the nature of collaboration between the entertainment industry and public health. Grounded theory analysis identified three core themes for the successful combination of narrative entertainment and health: choosing teams with complementary strengths (e.g., leveraging professional collaboration and trust), knowing your audience (e.g., conducting formative research to understand who the story is intended for and why) and integrating health content in authentic ways (e.g., telling dramatic stories with universal themes, without creating from the intent of relaying health information). Best-practice guidelines for narrative entertainment to communicate about health, informed by the core themes and persuasion theory, are offered for narrative development, pre-production, content creation and dissemination.
The Ontario Animal Health Network: enhancing disease surveillance and information sharing through integrative data sharing and management
Authors: Miltenburg Cynthia , Pasma Tim , Todd Kathleen , Barham Melanie , Moore Alison
Published: March 2021

The Ontario Animal Health Network (OAHN) is an innovative disease surveillance program created to enhance preparedness, early detection, and response to animal disease in Ontario. Laboratory data and, where available, abattoir condemnation data and clinical observations submitted by practicing veterinarians form the core of regular discussions of the species-sector networks. Each network is comprised of government veterinarians or specialists, epidemiologists, pathologists, university species specialists, industry stakeholders, and practicing veterinarians, as appropriate. Laboratorians provide data for diseases of interest as determined by the individual network, and network members provide analysis and context for the large volume of information. Networks assess data for disease trends and the emergence of new clinical syndromes, as well as generate information on the health and disease status for each sector in the province. Members assess data validity and quality, which may be limited by multiple factors. Interpretation of laboratory tests and antimicrobial resistance trends without available clinical histories can be challenging. Extrapolation of disease incidence or risk from laboratory submissions to broader species populations must be done with caution. Disease information is communicated in a variety of media to inform veterinary and agricultural sectors of regional disease risks. Through network engagement, information gaps have been addressed, such as educational initiatives to improve sample submissions and enhance diagnostic outcomes, and the development of applied network-driven research. These diverse network initiatives, developed after careful assessment of laboratory and other data, demonstrate that novel approaches to analysis and interpretation can result in a variety of disease risk mitigation actions.
Addition to the Toolbox of Surgical Techniques for Palatal Fistula Repair
Authors: de Blacam Catherine , Orr David
Published: March 2021

In response to the article by Rothermel and colleagues, the authors suggest the use of cancellous bone graft for repair of fistulae of the hard palate as an addition to the proposed toolbox.
Conflicts in Sporting Masculinity: The Beliefs and Behaviors of Canadian Male Athletes
Authors: Stick Max
Published: March 2021

Increasing pressure and activism for social equality and justice is challenging the primacy of heteronormativity. Masculinities signified by stereotypically feminine traits and men who embody them are argued to be accruing power. Considering these developments, this study investigates the extent to which male athletes support inclusive perceptions and expressions of masculinity and the concordance between beliefs and behaviors. Results from correspondence analysis of survey data indicate masculinity is conflicted amongst the 456 athletes in the sample, signified by a disparity between beliefs and behaviors. Using these findings, I argue that although progressive social developments are gaining traction, there is still much support for orthodox masculinity in sport.
Resilience Despite Complex Trauma: Family Environment and Family Cohesion as Protective Factors
Authors: Daniels Aubrey D. , Bryan Julia
Published: March 2021

The authors utilized hierarchical multiple regression to understand the relationships between complex trauma, family environment, family cohesion, and resilience in 485 young adults aged 18–35. The young adults varied regarding their educational background and experiences with trauma. Results demonstrated that youth with more experiences of complex trauma were associated with lower levels of resilience. However, when they reported strong family environments and family cohesion prior to adulthood, they were more likely to be resilient in young adulthood despite the complex trauma experienced. Hence, family environment and family cohesion appear to be protective factors despite complex trauma exposure. Implications for family counselors working with trauma and resilience building through a systemic lens are discussed.
Tightly combined triple-frequency GPS and BDS for rapid wide-lane RTK positioning with consideration of carrier-phase differential inter-system bias
Authors: Gao Wang , Pan Shuguo , Liu Liwei , Wen He
Published: March 2021

Multi-frequency signals have been accessible for most Global Navigation Satellite Systems . Existing studies have verified that using multi-frequency extra-wide-lane and wide-lane observations can realize decimeter, sub-decimeter and even centimeter rapid positioning. In this paper, a tightly combined wide-lane real-time kinematic positioning method using triple-frequency GPS and BDS is proposed. The differential inter-system bias is taken into consideration so that an inter-system differencing model is formed. Due to the influence of different frequencies between GPS and BDS, the double-difference wide-lane ambiguity between GPS and BDS reference satellites and the single-difference ambiguity of the BDS reference satellite are estimated jointly with the wide-lane differential inter-system bias. Thus, a full-rank model can be obtained without any external calibration. Using the stability of wide-lane differential inter-system bias in the estimation from epoch to epoch, redundant observations can be introduced, therefore the strength of the positioning model can be enhanced. Positioning performance under simulated obstructed environments is evaluated. The results show that the inter-system model can effectively improve the positioning compared with the conventional intra-system model for the severely obstructed situations.
Trends in Medial Ulnar Collateral Ligament Repair and Reconstruction From 2007 to 2016: A Population-Based Study of a Large Private Insurance Database
Authors: Baron Jacqueline E. , Westermann Robert W. , DeMik David E. , An Qiang , Wolf Brian R.
Published: March 2021

Background: Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction and UCL repair of the elbow are commonly performed procedures, resulting in high return-to-play rates. Whether the incidence rate of UCL reconstruction vs UCL repair has changed over time is not currently known. Purpose/Questions: We sought to assess temporal trends in the incidence rates of UCL repair and UCL reconstruction and to identify factors associated with UCL reconstruction. We hypothesized that UCL repair would demonstrate an increased incidence overall in recent years with an associated decline in UCL reconstruction rates. Methods: Using the PearlDiver Research Program to query the Humana administrative claims database, we identified patients who had undergone UCL repair and/or reconstruction from 2007 to 2016. Patients were stratified by age (15–19; 20–29; 30–49 years), sex, and year (2007–2011 vs 2012–2016). Poisson regression analysis (continuous variables) was used to calculate the incidence risk ratio (IRR); chi-square tests were performed for categorical variables, and odds ratios were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: The incidence rate of UCL repair was greater in 2012–2016 than in 2007–2011 (IRR: 1.86, 95% CI: 1.16–2.96). The incidence rate of UCL reconstruction vs UCL repair was greater for patients aged 15 to 19 years (IRR: 3.37, 95% CI: 1.97–5.77) but not patients aged 20 to 29 years (IRR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.49–1.59) as compared with patients aged 30 to 49. Males aged 19 years were more likely than females to undergo UCL reconstruction (IRR: 10.09, 95% CI: 1.37–3.45). Conclusion: While UCL procedures are becoming more popular, our retrospective analysis showed that young males are preferentially treated with UCL reconstruction, warranting further investigation into these trends.
“I never heard anything about it”: Knowledge and psychosocial needs of Latina breast cancer survivors with lymphedema
Authors: Buki Lydia P , Rivera-Ramos Zully A , Kanagui-Muñoz Marlen , Heppner Puncky P , Ojeda Lizette , Lehardy Emaan N , Weiterschan Kari A
Published: March 2021

Objective:

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death among Latina women in the United States. One aspect of recovery that has been underrepresented in the English-language literature is the recovery of Latina women who have developed lymphedema, a debilitating condition characterized by persistent swelling of the arm, hand, chest, and/or breast. To fill this research gap, a study was conducted to examine the lived experiences of Latina women with breast cancer-related lymphedema.

Methods:

Given the limited scholarship on this topic, qualitative methods were used to obtain a foundational and nuanced understanding of Latina women’s experiences. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of 10 Latina survivors with breast cancer-related lymphedema. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis and constant comparison methodology.

Results:

The data analysis yielded three major themes: knowledge of lymphedema, impact of lymphedema diagnosis, and coping with lymphedema. Participants had limited knowledge of lymphedema and its risk factors upon diagnosis, in addition to barriers accessing quality care. They also noted psychological distress related to a significant financial burden as well as social anxiety related to interacting with others while wearing compression gloves or sleeves. A major coping strategy was receiving social support from friends, family, peers in structured support groups, and spiritual/religious groups or practices.

Conclusions:

Our findings bring to light contextual factors that may place Latina breast cancer survivors at increased risk for lymphedema and for experiencing a high burden managing their condition. Recommendations are provided for primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention.
Holidaying with Late-Victorian Theatrical Celebrities: Rest, Wellbeing and Public Identity
Authors: Hindson Catherine
Published: March 2021

‘In the Theatrical World our talk is all of holidays.’ So opened one of Hearth and Home magazine’s gossip columns in July 1897. The holidays taken by London’s late-Victorian West End theatre stars attracted regular press coverage and formed a regular subject of letters between actresses, actors and their friends. The narratives of hard work and public service that had played a significant role in improvements in the theatre industry’s reputational and cultural status prompted a secondary narrative around rest: a widely shared understanding that rest was necessary to counter the impacts of the ongoing on- and off-stage labour undertaken by stage stars. Together newspaper accounts and correspondence capture both industry-focused concerns about the maintenance of the strong physical and mental health required to sustain a theatrical career and social disquiet around the changing world of work more widely and patterns of overwork and exhaustion. In this essay I consider a range of press accounts and correspondence to consider how evidence of stage stars’ holidays can extend our understandings of the professional culture of the late-Victorian theatre industry and theatre’s contribution to wider social and political ideas surrounding work and rest, and physical and mental health.
Human NK cells: From development to effector functions
Authors: Perera Molligoda Arachchige Arosh Shavinda
Published: March 2021

NK cells are the major lymphocyte subset of the innate immune system that mediates antiviral and anti-tumor responses. It is well established that they develop mechanisms to distinguish self from non-self during the process of NK cell education. Unlike T and B cells, natural killer cells lack clonotypic receptors and are activated after recognizing their target via germline-encoded receptors through natural cytotoxicity, cytokine stimulation, and Ab-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Subsequently, they utilize cytotoxic granules, death receptor ligands, and cytokines to perform their effector functions. In this review, we provide a general overview of human NK cells, as opposed to murine NK cells, discussing their ontogeny, maturation, receptor diversity, types of responses, and effector functions. Furthermore, we also describe recent advances in human NK cell biology, including tissue-resident NK cell populations, NK cell memory, and novel approaches used to target NK cells in cancer immunotherapy.
Finding its way in EU security and defence cooperation: A view from Sweden
Authors: Håkansson Calle
Published: March 2021

This article addresses Sweden’s more ambitious and forward-looking approach to EU security and defence cooperation. This approach represents, in part, an adaptation by Sweden to the post-Brexit political landscape. However, Stockholm is also reacting to the more ambitious policy initiatives coming out of Brussels. This article will look at some of the major developments and initiatives on the EU level and discuss how Sweden has reacted and tried to influence them. It argues that 2021 could be another watershed year for EU security and defence cooperation as the process of developing the Union’s new Strategic Compass is in a formative phase. It concludes that it is welcome news that Stockholm is raising its level of ambition and actively attempting to influence this process.
Is China’s Model of SEZ-Led Development Viable? A Call for Smart Replication
Authors: Knoerich Jan , Mouan Liliane Chantal , Goodburn Charlotte
Published: March 2021

While China’s experience of using special economic zones (SEZs) for advancing economic development is a model increasingly adopted in other developing countries, the processes involved in replicating this model elsewhere and the outcomes of such replication remain little understood. This review article’s nested examination of three relevant strands of literature and two case studies of India and Ethiopia indicates that successful replication of China’s SEZ-led development would involve deliberate processes of adaptation from the original model. Replication must be “smart,” by taking into account the temporal, systemic, and other discrepancies between the Chinese model and the replicating country; replicating the benefits of China’s approach whilst avoiding the drawbacks; and maximising the positive effects of direct Chinese involvement and investments while reducing negative repercussions.
Whose Vision Is It Anyway? The “Free Internet” in Chinese State Media
Authors: Brehm Stefan
Published: March 2021

This study seeks to explain how Chinese state media bolster the use of visions in global internet governance. The empirical data for the article consist of 1,158 internet-related articles published in the Global Times between 2009 and 2018. I develop a theoretical perspective that distinguishes between grand and strategic narratives. Based on a mixed-methods approach, I show that “internet sovereignty” has qualified as a grand narrative since the second half of 2013. State media facilitate this shift with strategic narratives that push the content and context of “internet sovereignty” from domestic political rationales towards a matter of global affairs. The article contributes to theoretical and methodological advancement in textual analysis.
Between Russia and China: Central Asia in Greater Eurasia
Authors: Kazantsev Andrei , Medvedeva Svetlana , Safranchuk Ivan
Published: March 2021

Central Asian states are usually considered as passive elements rather than active agents of integration in Greater Eurasia. This article considers the role of these states as active agents shaping integration processes according to their own interests and perspectives. All Central Asian states conduct so-called “multivector” foreign policies balancing relations with the key great powers (Russia, China, and “collective West”) as well as with Middle Eastern and South Asian nations. From their point of view, the ideal formula for Greater Eurasia should include the entire continent. However, the current geopolitical situation in the world turns integration of Central Asian nations with Russia and China into the only available option. Political and military integration with Russia within the CSTO as well as economic integration with Russia within the Eurasian Economic Union are key elements of this. The SCO is also very important as the key structure shaping regional security system. The general framework for the construction of Greater Eurasia including Russia, China, and Central Asian nations in the economic sphere is mostly connected to the Chinese “Belt and Road” initiative and to the agreement on cooperation between this initiative and the Eurasian Economic Union. However, between Central Asian nations, on one hand, and Moscow and Beijing, on the other hand, there are still many practical issues that must be solved to push integration forward, and currently there are no indicators that these issues would be solved in the near future.
Where translation impacts: The non-professional community on Chinese online social media – A descriptive case study on the user-generated translation activity of Bilibili content creators
Authors: Ding Ning , Yang Zhimiao , Li Sida , Zhang Ailing
Published: March 2021

This study explored the user-generated translation activity in the context of the Chinese online social media. It focused on Bilibili content creators dedicated to translating public comments on China-related videos posted on international social media platforms such as YouTube, and creating videos featuring Chinese translated comments. Viewing their translation actions as events in a collective activity system, the authors collected data from 30 participants through a questionnaire and follow-up interviews with two participants who have recently worked on videos about China’s fight against Covid-19. All the data were analysed by using Engeström’s activity theory model to create an activity model showing how their user-generated translation activity was conducted. In this study, we observed that the participants, as the non-professional translation community on the Chinese online social media, were breaking down linguistic borders for fans and viewers, and postulated the possible interaction between the user-generated translation work and their better understanding of how the world saw China through grassroots expression of opinions.
Patient on Immunomodulatory Therapy Experiencing Joint Pain and Skin Lesions: A Case Report
Authors: Greenwood Jason D. , Nielsen Nathaniel , Miller Nathaniel E.
Published: March 2021

A woman in her late fifties was admitted to the Family Medicine Inpatient Service directly from Rheumatology clinic for polyarticular pain and erythema with concern for infection. She was taking immunosuppressant medications for a history of multiple autoimmune diseases. Examination showed increasing erythema and tenderness on the upper and lower extremity joints. Histologic evaluation, surgical evaluation, and cultures were consistent with mycobacterium haemophilum infection. Mycobacterium haemophilum is an uncommon opportunistic infection that usually affects immunocompromised patients. The patient was treated with a multi-drug antibiotic regimen for several months due to drug resistance. Although this opportunistic infection is not common it should be considered in the differential of immunocompromised patients with skin and articular symptoms. Treatment outcomes are usually favorable if it caught earlier in the course.
Is Politics Going Casteless? A dialogue with Politically Untied Jatis in North India
Authors: Trivedi Prashant K. , Singh Shilp Shikha
Published: March 2021

Obituaries on the demise of caste politics in India have already been read. It is argued that religious identity has trumped caste as a tool of political mobilization. Underlining that changing terms of political discourse represents a major break from the past; this article finds the coexistence of ‘casteless’ politics and the ascendancy of dominant castes in electoral politics perplexing. The article argues that politics in India is going ‘beyond’ caste but not without caste. The article offers ‘post-caste politics’ as a prism through which emerging political situation could be studied.
Unusual Presentation of Kratom Overdose With Rhabdomyolysis, Transient Hearing Loss, and Heart Failure
Authors: Sangani Vikram , Sunnoqrot Naseem , Gargis Kurdistan , Ranabhotu Akshay , Mubasher Abbas , Pokal Mytri
Published: March 2021

Kratom mainly grows in Southeast Asia. It is widely used for pain management and opioid withdrawal, which is available online for cheaper prices. Alkaloids extracted from kratom such as mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine exhibit analgesic properties by acting through µ receptors. Commonly reported side effects of kratom include hypertension, tachycardia, agitation, dry mouth, hallucinations, cognitive and behavioral impairment, cardiotoxicity, renal failure, cholestasis, seizures, respiratory depression, coma, and sudden cardiac death from cardiac arrest. Rhabdomyolysis is a less commonly reported lethal effect of kratom. Limited information is available in the literature. In this article, we present a case of a 45-year-old female who is overdosed with kratom and presented with lethargy, confusion, transient hearing loss, and right lower extremity swelling and pain associated with weakness who was found to have elevated creatinine phosphokinase. She was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, compartment syndrome, multiorgan dysfunction including acute kidney injury, liver dysfunction, and cardiomyopathy. She underwent emergent fasciotomy and required hemodialysis. Her renal and liver function subsequently improved. We described the case and discussed pharmacology and adverse effects of kratom toxicity with a proposed mechanism and management. We conclude that it is essential for emergency physicians, internists, intensivists, cardiologists, and nephrologists to be aware of these rare manifestations of kratom and consider a multidisciplinary approach.
The Area of Impingement in the Throwing Versus Nonthrowing Shoulder of Collegiate Baseball Players: An MRI Study of the Simulated Late-Cocking Phase of Throwing
Authors: Takahashi Makoto , Iwamoto Koji , Monma Masahiko , Mutsuzaki Hirotaka , Mizukami Masafumi
Published: March 2021

Background:

During shoulder abduction and external rotation, internal impingement can occur when compressive forces between the greater tuberosity and the posterior glenoid rim pinch the undersurface of the rotator cuff. Previous studies on internal impingement have focused on qualitative results such as pathological findings; however, few studies have quantified the area of impingement (AOI) of the rotator cuff muscles between the greater tuberosity and the posterior glenoid rim.

Purpose:

To compare the AOI between the throwing and nonthrowing shoulders of baseball players.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 14 asymptomatic male collegiate baseball players participated in this study. The AOI in both the throwing and the nonthrowing shoulders was calculated using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. The MRI measurements were collected with the shoulder at 90° of abduction and at 90° and 100° of external rotation. The area, width, and depth of impingement as well as cystic changes in the greater tuberosity and degeneration in the posterior labrum were compared between the throwing and nonthrowing shoulders.

Results:

The AOI was significantly greater in the throwing shoulders than in the nonthrowing shoulders (90° of external rotation: 32.4 vs 19.1 mm2, respectively; 100° of external rotation, 28.0 vs 15.6 mm2, respectively; P < .001 for both). Compared with the nonthrowing shoulders, there were more positive findings in the throwing shoulders regarding greater tuberosity cystic changes (0 vs 7, respectively; P = .006) and posterior labral degeneration (3 vs 13, respectively; P < .001).

Conclusion:

The AOI and the number of lesions in the greater tuberosity and posterior labrum were greater in throwing shoulders than in nonthrowing shoulders. Therefore, damage to the insertion of the rotator cuff muscles may affect internal impingement.

Clinical Relevance:

Lesions in the greater tuberosity and posterior labrum in throwing shoulders may increase the AOI by expanding the joint gap behind the glenohumeral joint. Impingement of the greater tuberosity and the posterior glenoid rim may lead to rotator cuff tears.
The geography of online shopping in China and its key drivers
Authors: Song Zhouying
Published: March 2021

Many studies shed light on online shopping adoption and its determinants, most of which were conducted in developed countries and focused on sociodemographic factors. However, the influence of spatial attributes remains unclear or underestimated, especially in emerging economies. China is the largest e-commerce market in terms of the number of e-shoppers and the volume of online retail sales, with a distinctive geographical pattern of e-shopping usage. This study developed a conceptual model of China’s e-shopping adoption, examined the spatial characteristics of the e-shopping usage across 1918 counties, and explored its key drivers. The findings indicate a digital divide of e-shopping in China, with counties in metropolitan areas having a relatively high online shopping index (SI) value. The counties’ online shopping levels in China decrease from the eastern coastal regions to the rural-mountainous regions in west China. This study also found that the key drivers of e-shopping adoption are the rate of urbanization, local delivery systems, and the internet connection, which indicates that geographical attributes, rather than socioeconomic problems, have to be solved for improving online shopping adoption.
Stimulating urban walking environments – Can we measure the effect?
Authors: Hillnhütter Helge
Published: March 2021

Walking is an outdoor mobility. Understanding how urban environments influence the experience of walking enables walking to be supported through urban planning and design. This research demonstrates that the effect of a stimulating walking environment is a measurable factor. Psychological knowledge provides a background for quantifying the amount of visual stimulus that pedestrians receive unconsciously from the surrounding environment. While walking, people capture the visual environment through frequent head movements. By looking downwards to the walking surface, pedestrians turn away from what surrounds them. Socially active urban squares and pedestrian streets are highly stimulating. Head movements increase by 71% and looking down decreases by 54%, compared to environments designed for cars. Underpasses are the least stimulating. Head movements drop by 64% and time looked down increases by 164% in an underpass, compared to the busiest urban square in the study. A second analysis introduces a method to quantitatively represent the visual walking environment. Two multiple linear regression statistics uncover the environmental features that attract pedestrians’ visual attention. If not crossing streets, pedestrians do not look at cars; they look at other people, non-monotonous facades and green features. Shop windows receive prolonged viewings, to inspect what is going on behind transparent facades. Narrower streets are more stimulating, as more details are closer to the eyes. The distance at which human sense organs can collect sensory information from the environment is limited. Walking environments that do not fit with this human scale are less stimulating.
The effect of oil heat treatment on biological, mechanical and physical properties of bamboo
Authors: Hao Xiaomeng , Wang Qiuyi , Wang Yihua , Han Xin , Yuan Chenglong , Cao Yu , Lou Zhichao , Li Yanjun
Published: March 2021

Bamboo is now widely used in construction, papermaking, textile, furniture and other fields because of its renewable, fast-growing, high-strength, high-yield and easy processing. However, compared with wood, bamboo and bamboo products are more vulnerable to damage by fungi and pests. An effective and eco-friendly method is urgently needed to improve their physical and chemical properties, decay resistance and anti-mildew properties, and hydrophobic properties. Here, bamboo was heated with methyl silicone oil. The effect of different temperatures (140 °C–200 °C) and different times (2 h–6 h) on the properties of bamboo was studied systematically, including chemical composition, physical and mechanical properties, surface wettability, decay resistance and anti-mildew property. No starch granules were observed inside the parenchymal cell lumen of bamboo specimen heat treated at 200 °C for 6 h. And with the increase of heat treatment temperature and time, the content of cellulose and hemicellulose decreases gradually while relative content of lignin increases due to its better thermal stability. Accordingly, the surface wettability decreases due to the changes of the surface functional groups and micro-morphologies. Under the condition of oil heat treatment at 160 °C for 2 h, the compressive strength parallel to grain of bamboo samples reach the maximum of 109.52 MPa. With further increase of heating temperature, the corresponding compressive strength decreases. The resulted bending strength and MOE both display similar changing trend. However, the optimal parameter is at 180 °C for 2 h, with the highest bending strength and MOE values of 142.42 MPa and 12,373.00 MPa, respectively. Finally, the decay resistance and anti-mildew property are dramatically enhanced with increased heat treatment temperature and time. All the corresponding changing mechanisms are investigated in depth and in detail. Our results provide comprehensive process parameters and micro-mechanism for the performance of oil heat treatment of bamboo, which can be used to guide the actual production.
Improved two-stage model averaging for high-dimensional linear regression, with application to Riboflavin data analysis
Authors: Pan Juming
Published: March 2021

Background

Model averaging has attracted increasing attention in recent years for the analysis of high-dimensional data. By weighting several competing statistical models suitably, model averaging attempts to achieve stable and improved prediction. In this paper, we develop a two-stage model averaging procedure to enhance accuracy and stability in prediction for high-dimensional linear regression. First we employ a high-dimensional variable selection method such as LASSO to screen redundant predictors and construct a class of candidate models, then we apply the jackknife cross-validation to optimize model weights for averaging.

Results

In simulation studies, the proposed technique outperforms commonly used alternative methods under high-dimensional regression setting, in terms of minimizing the mean of the squared prediction error. We apply the proposed method to a riboflavin data, the result show that such method is quite efficient in forecasting the riboflavin production rate, when there are thousands of genes and only tens of subjects.

Conclusions

Compared with a recent high-dimensional model averaging procedure (Ando and Li in J Am Stat Assoc 109:254–65, 2014), the proposed approach enjoys three appealing features thus has better predictive performance: (1) More suitable methods are applied for model constructing and weighting. (2) Computational flexibility is retained since each candidate model and its corresponding weight are determined in the low-dimensional setting and the quadratic programming is utilized in the cross-validation. (3) Model selection and averaging are combined in the procedure thus it makes full use of the strengths of both techniques. As a consequence, the proposed method can achieve stable and accurate predictions in high-dimensional linear models, and can greatly help practical researchers analyze genetic data in medical research.
Strain-specific behavior of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in A549 lung cancer cell line
Authors: Hadifar Shima , Mostafaei Shayan , Behrouzi Ava , Fateh Abolfazl , Riahi Parisa , Siadat Seyed Davar , Vaziri Farzam
Published: March 2021

Background

A growing body of evidence has shown the association between tuberculosis (TB) infection and lung cancer. However, the possible effect of strain‐specific behavior ofMycobacterium tuberculosis(M.tb) population, the etiological agent of TB infection in this association has been neglected. In this context, this study was conducted to investigate this association with consideration of the genetic background of strains in theM.tbpopulation.

Results

We employed the elastic net penalized logistic regression model, as a statistical-learning algorithm for gene selection, to evaluate this association in 129 genes involved in TLRs and NF-κB signaling pathways in response to two differentM.tbsub-lineage strains (L3-CAS1and L 4.5). Of the 129 genes, 21 were found to be associated with the two studiedM.tbsub-lineages. In addition,MAPK8IP3gene was identified as a novel gene, which has not been reported in previous lung cancer studies and may have the potential to be recognized as a novel biomarker in lung cancer investigation.

Conclusions

This preliminary study provides new insights into the mechanistic association between TB infection and lung cancer. Further mechanistic investigations of this association with a large number ofM.tbstrains, encompassing the other mainM.tblineages and using the whole transcriptome of the host cell are inevitable.
The community-curated Pristionchus pacificus genome facilitates automated gene annotation improvement in related nematodes
Authors: Rödelsperger Christian
Published: March 2021

Background

The nematode Pristionchus pacificus is an established model organism for comparative studies with Caenorhabditis elegans. Over the past years, it developed into an independent animal model organism for elucidating the genetic basis of phenotypic plasticity. Community-based curations were employed recently to improve the quality of gene annotations of P. pacificus and to more easily facilitate reverse genetic studies using candidate genes from C. elegans.

Results

Here, I demonstrate that the reannotation of phylogenomic data from nine related nematode species using the community-curated P. pacificus gene set as homology data substantially improves the quality of gene annotations. Benchmarking of universal single copy orthologs (BUSCO) estimates a median completeness of 84% which corresponds to a 9% increase over previous annotations. Nevertheless, the ability to infer gene models based on homology already drops beyond the genus level reflecting the rapid evolution of nematode lineages. This also indicates that the highly curated C. elegans genome is not optimally suited for annotating non-Caenorhabditis genomes based on homology. Furthermore, comparative genomic analysis of apparently missing BUSCO genes indicates a failure of ortholog detection by the BUSCO pipeline due to the insufficient sample size and phylogenetic breadth of the underlying OrthoDB data set. As a consequence, the quality of multiple divergent nematode genomes might be underestimated.

Conclusions

This study highlights the need for optimizing gene annotation protocols and it demonstrates the benefit of a high quality genome for phylogenomic data of related species.
Population aging and trends of pulmonary tuberculosis incidence in the elderly
Authors: Li Shi-jin , Li Yi-fan , Song Wan-mei , Zhang Qian-yun , Liu Si-qi , Xu Ting-ting , An Qi-qi , Liu Jin-yue , Li Huai-chen
Published: March 2021

Background

To explore population aging and the epidemic trend of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in the elderly, and provide a basis for the prevention and control of pulmonary tuberculosis among the elderly.

Methods

We collected clinical information of 239,707 newly active PTB patients in Shandong Province from 2005 to 2017. We analyzed and compared the clinical characteristics, reported incidence and temporal trend of PTB among the elderly group (≥60 years) and the non-elderly group (< 60 years) through logistic model and Join-point regression model.

Results

Among the total PTB cases, 77,192(32.2%) were elderly. Compared with non-elderly patients, newly active elderly PTB patients account for a greater proportion of male cases (OR 1.688, 95% CI 1.656–1.722), rural population cases (OR 3.411, 95% CI 3.320–3.505) and bacteriologically confirmed PTB cases (OR 1.213, 95%CI 1.193–1.234). The annual reported incidence of total, elderly, pulmonary bacteriologically confirmed cases were 35.21, 68.84, 35.63 (per 100,000), respectively. The annual reported incidence of PTB in the whole population, the elderly group and the non-elderly group has shown a slow downward trend since 2008. The joinpoint regression model showed that the overall reported incidence of PTB in the elderly significantly decreased from 2007 to 2017 (APC = -5.3,P < 0.05). The reported incidence of bacteriologically confirmed PTB among elderly patients declined rapidly from 2005 to 2014(2005–2010 APC = -7.2%,P < 0.05; 2010–2014 APC = -22.6%,P < 0.05; 2014–2017 APC = -9.0%,P = 0.1). The reported incidence of clinically diagnosed PTB among elderly patients from 2005 to 2017 (11.48–38.42/100,000) increased by about 235%. It rose significantly from 2007 to 2014 (APC = 9.4,P<0.05).

Conclusions

Compared with the non-elderly population, the reported incidence of PTB in the elderly population is higher. The main burden of PTB will shift to the elderly, men, rural population, and clinically diagnosed patients. With the intensification of aging, more researches on elderly PTB prevention and treatment will facilitate the realization of the global tuberculosis (TB) control targets.
Improved detection of microbiological pathogens: role of partner and non-governmental organizations
Authors: Owusu Michael , Nkrumah Bernard , Acheampong Godfred , Mensah Ebenezer Kofi , Komei Abass Abdul-Karim , Sroda Festus Kofi , David Sambian , Emery Shannon , Robinson Lucy Maryogo , Asante Kwame , Opare David
Published: March 2021

Background

Proper detection of disease-causing organisms is very critical in controlling the course of outbreaks and avoiding large-scale epidemics. Nonetheless, availability of resources to address these gaps have been difficult due to limited funding. This report sought to highlight the importance of in-country partners and non-governmental organizations in improving detection of microbiological organisms in Ghanaian Public Health Laboratories (PHLs).

Methods/context

This study was conducted between June, 2018 to August, 2019. U. S CDC engaged the Centre for Health Systems Strengthening (CfHSS) through the Association of Public Health Laboratories to design and implement strategies for strengthening three PHLs in Ghana. An assessment of the three PHLs was done using the WHO/CDS/CSR/ISR/2001.2 assessment tool. Based on findings from the assessments, partner organizations (CfHSS/APHL/CDC) serviced and procured microbiological equipment, laboratory reagents and logistics. CfHSS provided in-house mentoring and consultants to assist with capacity building in detection of epidemic-prone infectious pathogens by performing microbiological cultures and antimicrobial susceptibility tests.

Results

A total of 3902 samples were tested: blood (1107), urine (1742), stool (249) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (804). All-inclusive, 593 pathogenic bacteria were isolated from blood cultures (70; 11.8%); urine cultures (356; 60%); stool cultures (19; 3.2%) and from CSF samples (148; 25%). The most predominant pathogens isolated from blood, urine and stool were Staphylococcus aureus (22/70; 31%), Escherichia coli (153/356; 43%) and Vibrio parahaemolyticus (5/19; 26.3%), respectively. In CSF samples, Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most frequent pathogen detected (80/148; 54.1%). New bacterial species such as Pastuerella pneumotropica, Klebsiella oxytoca, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and Halfnia alvei were also identified with the aid of Analytical Profile Index (API) kits that were introduced as part of this implementation. Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis detections in CSF were highest during the hot dry season. Antimicrobial susceptibility test revealed high rate of S. aureus, K. pneumoniae and E. coli resistance to gentamicin (35–55%). In urine, E. coli was highly resistant to ciprofloxacin (39.2%) and ampicillin (34%).

Conclusion

Detection of epidemic-prone pathogens can be greatly improved if laboratory capacity is strengthened. In-country partner organizations are encouraged to support this move to ensure accurate diagnosis of diseases and correct antimicrobial testing.