bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Broadband Coupler to Enhance Signal-to-Noise Ratio of Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Lu Yi-Ting , Widhianto Benedictus Yohanes Bagus , Hsu Shih-Hsiang
Published: February 2021

A tandem Mach-Zehnder directional coupler (MZDC) demonstrates maximally flat wavelength-insensitive optical power divider compared with directional coupler and MZDC. Its 100-nm wavelength response could enhance the signal-to-noise ratio of optical coherence tomography up to 24-dB.
Terahertz Sensing with Quantum-Cascade Lasers
Authors: Hubers Heinz-Wilhelm , Richter Heiko , Wienold Martin , Alam Tasmim , LU Xiang , Schrottke Lutz , Grahn Holger T.
Published: February 2021

Terahertz quantum-cascade lasers are well suited for many applications in terahertz sensing, because they are narrow-band, high-power, and frequency-agile sources. Two examples, which will be discussed, are high-resolution gas-phase spectroscopy and remote sensing, in particular in astronomy and atmospheric science.
Novel THz-wave Gas-sensing System Based on Frequency-tunable Source
Authors: Minamide Hiroaki
Published: February 2021

Terahertz-wave security screening system has been developed by using an injection-seeded terahertz-wave parametric generator with intense-power and narrowband emission. Methanol gas in atmosphere as a phantom was measured within one second without dismpting foot traffic.
Diffuse Optical Monitoring of Blood Flow and Oxygen Saturation in Deep Tissues
Authors: Li Zhe , Feng Jinchao , Sun Zhonghua , Liu Pengyu , Jia Kebin
Published: February 2021

A hybrid diffuse optical monitoring device was developed using multi-wavelength lasers for both diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS) and diffuse optical spectroscopy (DOS). Invivo experiments have validated the proposed method for monitoring blood flow and oxygen saturation in deep tissues.
D-shaped multicore fibre for distributed curvature sensing with BOTDR
Authors: Zafeiropoulou Angeliki , Masoudi Ali , Cooper Laurence , Brambilla Gilberto
Published: February 2021

A D-shaped 7-core fibre is used for curvature sensing with a BOTDR technique. Due to the asymmetry in its geometry, the D-shaped fibre bends along a preferred plane, self-correcting for any twist. This renders it a good candidate for field applications.
Integration of IR Fiber Optics and Microfluidics for Sensing Applications
Authors: Alimagham Farah , Hutter Tanya
Published: February 2021

The combination of IR spectroscopy and microfluidics is a powerful tool which provides unique chemical monitoring capabilities. In this work, integrated devices of different specifications were developed and tested for continuous monitoring in aqueous solutions.
A Cavity-Enhanced Sensor for Benzene Detection
Authors: Mhanna Mhanna , Zhang Guangle , Kunnummal Noushad , Farooq Aamir
Published: February 2021

A DFB-ICL near 3.3 pm was utilized to develop a laser sensor for trace detection of benzene. Cavity-enhanced absorption spectroscopy enabled a minimum detection limit of 2 ppb in 6 seconds integration at room conditions.
Genetic population subdivision of the blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus) across Indonesia inferred from mitochondrial DNA: Implication to sustainable fishery
Authors: Madduppa Hawis , Martaulina Rina , Zairion Zairion , Renjani Resha Mukti , Kawaroe Mujizat , Anggraini Nurlita Putri , Subhan Beginer , Verawati Indri , Sani Lalu M. Iqbal
Published: February 2021

The blue swimming crab (BSC),Portunus pelagicus(Linnaeus 1758), inhabits coastal areas of Southeast and East Asia, and is one of high fisheries commodities with an export value for Indonesia and an increasing global market demand, annually. However, the data of genetic diversity and their spatial connectivity of populations in Indonesia are not yet known, even when it is important to inform stock unit management and sustainable use. This study aimed to determine the genetic diversity and differentiation of blue swimming crabs across Indonesian populations in different Fishery Management Area (FMA), and their spatial genetic connectivity, as well as to deliver implications for sustainable fishery. A total of 297 individuals were collected and amplified using cytochrome oxidase I mitochondrial DNA. This study has showed the highest values for haplotype and nucleotide diversity in the eastern part of Indonesia, where exploitation is relatively low. Significant genetic differentiation between populations (FST= 0.954;p< 0.001) and the fisheries management areas (FST= 0.964;p< 0.001) were revealed. Low spatial connectivity was observed between populations in a distance of at least more than 60 kilometers. This study suggests that BSC populations in Indonesia, likely have several stock units, and preferably different fisheries management plans and actions across the region thoroughly and simultaneously. This would be effective for management and their sustainable conservation.
Latent Dirichlet allocation model for world trade analysis
Authors: Kozlowski Diego , Semeshenko Viktoriya , Molinari Andrea
Published: February 2021

International trade is one of the classic areas of study in economics. Its empirical analysis is a complex problem, given the amount of products, countries and years. Nowadays, given the availability of data, the tools used for the analysis can be complemented and enriched with new methodologies and techniques that go beyond the traditional approach. This new possibility opens a research gap, as new, data-driven, ways of understanding international trade, can help our understanding of the underlying phenomena. The present paper shows the application of the Latent Dirichlet allocation model, a well known technique in the area of Natural Language Processing, to search for latent dimensions in the product space of international trade, and their distribution across countries over time. We apply this technique to a dataset of countries’ exports of goods from 1962 to 2016. The results show that this technique can encode the main specialisation patterns of international trade. On the country-level analysis, the findings show the changes in the specialisation patterns of countries over time. As traditional international trade analysis demands expert knowledge on a multiplicity of indicators, the possibility of encoding multiple known phenomena under a unique indicator is a powerful complement for traditional tools, as it allows top-down data-driven studies.
Concordance of SVR12, SVR24 and SVR durability in Taiwanese chronic hepatitis C patients with direct-acting antivirals
Authors: Lin Chuan-Pin , Liang Po-Cheng , Huang Ching-I , Yeh Ming-Lun , Hsu Po-Yao , Hsu Cheng-Ting , Wei Yu-Ju , Liu Ta-Wei , Hsieh Ming-Yen , Hou Nai-Jen , Jang Tyng-Yuang , Lin Yi-Hung , Wang Chih-Wen , Lin Zu-Yau , Chen Shinn-Cherng , Huang Chung-Feng , Huang Jee-Fu , Dai Chia-Yen , Chuang Wan-Long , Yu Ming-Lung
Published: February 2021

Background/Aims

Undetectable HCV RNA 12 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR12) has been the valid efficacy endpoint in the era of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). Its concordance with SVR4 and SVR24 and long-term durability is unknown in Taiwanese chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients.

Methods

A total of 1080 CHC patients who received all-oral DAAs and an achieved end-of-treatment virological response (EOTVR), defined as undetectable HCV RNA at the end of therapy, were consecutively enrolled. HCV RNA was monitored 4, 12, and 24 weeks after EOT. Patients who achieved SVR24, defined as undetectable HCV RNA 24 weeks after EOT, were followed annually for assessing SVR durability.

Results

Eleven (1.02%) patients experienced HCV RNA reappearance after EOT. The most frequent timing of RNA reappearance was observed at SVR4 (n = 7), followed by SVR12 (n = 3) and SVR 24 (n = 1). The positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of SVR4 in predicting SVR12 were 99.7% and 100%, respectively, whereas the PPV and NPV of SVR12 in predicting SVR24 were 99.9% and 100%, respectively. Pyrosequencing confirmed delayed relapse rather than reinfection for the patient who had detectable HCV RNA at SVR24. Among 978 patients who achieved SVR24, after a median follow-up period of 17.3±8.2 months, the SVR durability is 100% up to a 4-year follow-up.

Conclusion

Achievement of SVR12 provides excellent durability of HCV seroclearance after DAA therapy. On-demand HCV RNA beyond SVR12 should be recommended for patients with unexplainable abnormal liver function or high-risk behaviors.
Development of sub-tropically adapted diverse provitamin-A rich maize inbreds through marker-assisted pedigree selection, their characterization and utilization in hybrid breeding
Authors: Duo Hriipulou , Hossain Firoz , Muthusamy Vignesh , Zunjare Rajkumar U. , Goswami Rajat , Chand Gulab , Mishra Subhra J. , Chhabra Rashmi , Gowda Munegowda M. , Pal Saikat , Baveja Aanchal , Bhat Jayant S. , Kamboj Mehar C. , Kumar Bhupender , Amalraj John J. , Khulbe Rajesh , Prakash Bhukya , Neeraja C. N. , Rakshit Sujay , Yadav Om P.
Published: February 2021

Malnutrition has emerged as one of the major health problems worldwide. Traditional yellow maize has low provitamin-A (proA) content and its genetic base in proA biofortification breeding program of subtropics is extremely narrow. To diversify the proA rich germplasm, 10 elite low proA inbreds were crossed with a proA rich donor (HP702-22) having mutantcrtRB1gene. The F2populations derived from these crosses were genotyped using InDel marker specific tocrtRB1. Severe marker segregation distortion was observed. SeventeencrtRB1inbreds developed through marker-assisted pedigree breeding and seven inbreds generated using marker-assisted backcross breeding were characterized using 77 SSRs. Wide variation in gene diversity (0.08 to 0.79) and dissimilarity coefficient (0.28 to 0.84) was observed. The inbreds were grouped into three major clusters depicting the existing genetic diversity. ThecrtRB1-based inbreds possessed high β-carotene (BC: 8.72μg/g), β-cryptoxanthin (BCX: 4.58μg/g) and proA (11.01μg/g), while it was 2.35μg/g, 1.24μg/g and 2.97μg/g in checks, respectively. Based on their genetic relationships, 15 newly developedcrtRB1-based inbreds were crossed with five testers (havingcrtRB1gene) using line × tester mating design. 75 experimental hybrids withcrtRB1gene were evaluated over three locations. These experimental hybrids possessed higher BC (8.02μg/g), BCX (4.69μg/g), proA (10.37μg/g) compared to traditional hybrids used as check (BC: 2.36 μg/g, BCX: 1.53μg/g, proA: 3.13μg/g). Environment and genotypes × environment interaction had minor effects on proA content. Both additive and dominance gene action were significant for proA. The mean proportion of proA to total carotenoids (TC) was 44% amongcrtRB1-based hybrids, while 11% in traditional hybrids. BC was found to be positively correlated with BCX (r = 0.68) and proA (r = 0.98). However, no correlation was observed between proA and grain yield. Several hybrids with >10.0 t/ha grain yield with proA content >10.0 μg/g were identified. This is the first comprehensive study on development of diverse proA rich maize hybrids through marker-assisted pedigree breeding approach. The findings provides sustainable and cost-effective solution to alleviate vitamin-A deficiency.
Short-term occupations at high elevation during the Middle Paleolithic at Kalavan 2 (Republic of Armenia)
Authors: Malinsky-Buller Ariel , Glauberman Philip , Ollivier Vincent , Lauer Tobias , Timms Rhys , Frahm Ellery , Brittingham Alexander , Triller Benno , Kindler Lutz , Knul Monika V. , Krakovsky Masha , Joannin Sebastian , Hren Michael T. , Bellier Olivier , Clark Alexander A. , Blockley Simon P. E. , Arakelyan Dimidry , Marreiros João , Paixaco Eduardo , Calandra Ivan , Ghukasyan Robert , Nora David , Nir Nadav , Adigyozalyan Ani , Haydosyan Hayk , Gasparyan Boris
Published: February 2021

The Armenian highlands encompasses rugged and environmentally diverse landscapes and is characterized by a mosaic of distinct ecological niches and large temperature gradients. Strong seasonal fluctuations in resource availability along topographic gradients likely prompted Pleistocene hominin groups to adapt by adjusting their mobility strategies. However, the role that elevated landscapes played in hunter-gatherer settlement systems during the Late Pleistocene (Middle Palaeolithic [MP]) remains poorly understood. At 1640 m above sea level, the MP site of Kalavan 2 (Armenia) is ideally positioned for testing hypotheses involving elevation-dependent seasonal mobility and subsistence strategies. Renewed excavations at Kalavan 2 exposed three main occupation horizons and ten additional low densities lithic and faunal assemblages. The results provide a new chronological, stratigraphical, and paleoenvironmental framework for hominin behaviors between ca. 60 to 45 ka. The evidence presented suggests that the stratified occupations at Kalavan 2 locale were repeated ephemerally most likely related to hunting in a high-elevation within the mountainous steppe landscape.
Heterogeneity of multiple sclerosis lesions in fast diffusional kurtosis imaging
Authors: Thaler Christian , Kyselyova Anna A. , Faizy Tobias D. , Nawka Marie T. , Jespersen Sune , Hansen Brian , Stellmann Jan-Patrick , Heesen Christoph , Stürner Klarissa H. , Stark Maria , Fiehler Jens , Bester Maxim , Gellißen Susanne
Published: February 2021

Background

Mean kurtosis (MK), one of the parameters derived from diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI), has shown increased sensitivity to tissue microstructure damage in several neurological disorders.

Methods

Thirty-seven patients with relapsing-remitting MS and eleven healthy controls (HC) received brain imaging on a 3T MR scanner, including a fast DKI sequence. MK and mean diffusivity (MD) were measured in the white matter of HC, normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) of MS patients, contrast-enhancing lesions (CE-L), FLAIR lesions (FLAIR-L) and black holes (BH).

Results

Overall 1529 lesions were analyzed, including 30 CE-L, 832 FLAIR-L and 667 BH. Highest MK values were obtained in the white matter of HC (0.814 ± 0.129), followed by NAWM (0.724 ± 0.137), CE-L (0.619 ± 0.096), FLAIR-L (0.565 ± 0.123) and BH (0.549 ± 0.12). Lowest MD values were obtained in the white matter of HC (0.747 ± 0.068 10−3mm2/sec), followed by NAWM (0.808 ± 0.163 10−3mm2/sec), CE-L (0.853 ± 0.211 10−3mm2/sec), BH (0.957 ± 0.304 10−3mm2/sec) and FLAIR-L (0.976 ± 0.35 10−3mm2/sec). While MK differed significantly between CE-L and non-enhancing lesions, MD did not.

Conclusion

MK adds predictive value to differentiate between MS lesions and might provide further information about diffuse white matter injury and lesion microstructure.
Knockdown of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin with antisense oligonucleotide does not exacerbate smoke induced lung injury
Authors: Stearns Kyle , Goldklang Monica , Xiao Rui , Zelonina Tina , Blomenkamp Keith , Teckman Jeffery , D’Armiento Jeanine M.
Published: February 2021

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT) is a serum protease inhibitor that regulates increased lung protease production induced by cigarette smoking. Mutations in the Serpina1 gene cause AAT to form hepatoxic polymers, which can lead to reduced availability for the protein’s primary function and severe liver disease. An AAT antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) was previously identified to be beneficial for the AATD liver disease by blocking the mutated AAT transcripts. Here we hypothesized that knockdown of AAT aggravates murine lung injury during smoke exposure and acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into 4 groups each for the smoking and smoke-flu injury models. The ASO and control (No-ASO) were injected subcutaneously starting with smoking or four days prior to influenza infection and then injected weekly at 50 mg/kg body weight. ASO treatment during a 3-month smoke exposure significantly decreased the serum and lung AAT expression, resulting in increased Cela1 expression and elastase activity. However, despite the decrease in AAT, neither the inflammatory cell counts in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) nor the lung structural changes were significantly worsened by ASO treatment. We observed significant differences in inflammation and emphysema due to smoke exposure, but did not observe an ASO treatment effect. Similarly, with the smoke-flu model, differences were only observed between smoke-flu and room air controls, but not as a result of ASO treatment. Off-target effects or compensatory mechanisms may account for this finding. Alternatively, the reduction of AAT with ASO treatment, while sufficient to protect from liver injury, may not be robust enough to lead to lung injury. The results also suggest that previously described AAT ASO treatment for AAT mutation related liver disease may attenuate hepatic injury without being detrimental to the lungs. These potential mechanisms need to be further investigated in order to fully understand the impact of AAT inhibition on protease-antiprotease imbalance in the murine smoke exposure model.
Higher plasma drug levels in elderly people living with HIV treated with darunavir
Authors: Tyrberg Erika , Edén Arvid , Eriksen Jaran , Nilsson Staffan , Treutiger Carl Johan , Thalme Anders , Mellgren Åsa , Gisslén Magnus , Andersson Lars-Magnus
Published: February 2021

Background

The proportion of elderly people living with HIV-1 (PLHIV) is rising. In older patients, comorbidities and concomitant medications are more frequent, increasing the risk of potential drug-drug interactions (PDDIs). Data on the pharmacokinetics of ART in individuals aged ≥ 65 years of age are scarce. We compared plasma drug levels of ART, PDDIs, and side-effects in PLHIV aged ≥ 65 years of age, with controls ≤ 49 years of age.

Methods

Patients ≥ 65 years of age and controls ≤ 49 years of age, all of whom were on stable treatment with atazanavir (ATV), darunavir (DRV), or efavirenz (EFV) were included cross-sectionally. Plasma drug levels of ART were analyzed, comorbidities, concomitant medication, adherence, and side-effects recorded, and PDDIs analyzed using drug interactions databases.

Results

Between 2013 and 2015, we included 100 individuals ≥ 65 years of age (study group) and 99 controls (≤ 49 years of age). Steady-state DRV concentrations were significantly higher in the study group than in the control group (p = 0.047). In the ATV group there was a trend towards a significant difference (p = 0.056). No significant differences were found in the EFV arm. The DRV arm had a higher frequency of reported side-effects than the ATV and EFV arms in the study group (36.7% vs. 0% and 23.8% respectively (p = 0.014), with significant differences between DRV vs. ATV, and EFV vs. ATV).

Conclusions

Higher steady-state plasma levels of DRV and ATV (but not EFV) were found in PLHIV aged ≥ 65 years of age, compared to controls ≤ 49 years of age.
Evaluating equality in prescribing Novel Oral Anticoagulants (NOACs) in England: The protocol of a Bayesian small area analysis
Authors: Rezaei-Darzi Ehsan , Mehdipour Parinaz , Di Cesare Mariachiara , Farzadfar Farshad , Rahimzadeh Shadi , Nissen Lisa , Ahmadvand Alireza
Published: February 2021

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, affecting about 1.6% of the population in England. Novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are approved AF treatments that reduce stroke risk. In this study, we estimate the equality in individual NOAC prescriptions with high spatial resolution in Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) across England from 2014 to 2019.

Methods

A Bayesian spatio-temporal model will be used to estimate and predict the individual NOAC prescription trend on ‘prescription data’ as an indicator of health services utilisation, using a small area analysis methodology. The main dataset in this study is the “Practice Level Prescribing in England,” which contains four individual NOACs prescribed by all registered GP practices in England. We will use the defined daily dose (DDD) equivalent methodology, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), to compare across space and time. Four licensed NOACs datasets will be summed per 1,000 patients at the CCG-level over time. We will also adjust for CCG-level covariates, such as demographic data, Multiple Deprivation Index, and rural-urban classification. We aim to employ the extended BYM2 model (space-time model) using the RStan package.

Discussion

This study suggests a new statistical modelling approach to link prescription and socioeconomic data to model pharmacoepidemiologic data. Quantifying space and time differences will allow for the evaluation of inequalities in the prescription of NOACs. The methodology will help develop geographically targeted public health interventions, campaigns, audits, or guidelines to improve areas of low prescription. This approach can be used for other medications, especially those used for chronic diseases that must be monitored over time.
Hypersensitivity reactions to multiple anti-tuberculosis drugs
Authors: Shin Hong-Joon , Chang Jin-Sun , Kim Min-Suk , Koh Bo-Gun , Park Ha-Young , Kim Tae-Ok , Park Chul-Kyu , Oh In-Jae , Kim Yu-Il , Lim Sung-Chul , Kim Young-Chul , Koh Young-Il , Kwon Yong-Soo
Published: February 2021

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate hypersensitivity reactions to anti-tuberculosis (TB) drugs.

Methods

We retrospectively compared the clinical manifestations and treatment outcomes of single and multiple drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs).

Results

Twenty-eight patients were diagnosed with anti-TB DHRs using oral drug provocation tests. Of these 28 patients, 17 patients (60.7%) had DHRs to a single drug and 11 (39.3%) had multiple DHRs. The median age of patients was 57.5 years (interquartile range [IQR], 39.2–73.2). Of the total patients, 18 patients (64.3%) were men. The median number of anti-TB drugs causing multiple DHRs was 2.0 (IQR 2.0–3.0). Rifampin was the most common drug that caused DHRs in both the single and multiple DHR groups (n = 8 [47.1%] and n = 9 [52.9%], respectively). The treatment success rate was lower in the multiple DHR group than in the single DHR group; however, the difference was not statistically significant (81.8% vs. 94.1%; P = 0.543).

Conclusions

Multiple anti-TB DHRs were common in all patients who experienced DHRs, and rifampin was the most common causative drug. The treatment outcomes appeared to be poorer in patients with multiple DHRs than in those with single DHRs.
Bivariate genome-wide association study (GWAS) of body mass index and blood pressure phenotypes in northern Chinese twins
Authors: Li Zhaoying , Wang Weijing , Tian Xiaocao , Duan Haiping , Xu Chunsheng , Zhang Dongfeng
Published: February 2021

Recently, new loci related to body mass index (BMI) or blood pressure (BP) have been identified respectively in genome-wide association studies (GWAS). However, limited studies focused on jointly associated genetic variance between systolic pressure (SBP), diastolic pressure (DBP) and BMI. Therefore, a bivariate twin study was performed to explore the genetic variants associated with BMI-SBP, BMI-DBP and SBP-DBP. A total of 380 twin pairs (137 dizygotic pairs and 243 monozygotic pairs) recruited from Qingdao Twin Registry system were used to access the genetic correlations (0.2108 for BMI-SBP, 0.2345 for BMI-DBP, and 0.6942 for SBP-DBP, respectively) by bivariate Cholesky decomposition model. Bivariate GWAS in 137 dizygotic pairs nominated 27 single identified 27 quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) for BMI and SBP, 27 QTNs for BMI and DBP, and 25 QTNs for SBP and DBP with the suggestiveP-value threshold of 1×10−5. After imputation, we found eight SNPs, one for both BMI-SBP and SBP-DBP, and eight for SBP-DBP, exceed significant statistic level. Expression quantitative trait loci analysis identified rs4794029 as new significant eQTL in tissues related to BMI and SBP. Also, we found 6 new significant eQTLs (rs4400367, rs10113750, rs11776003, rs3739327, rs55978930, and rs4794029) in tissues were related to SBP and DBP. Gene-based analysis identified nominally associated genes (P< 0.05) with BMI-SBP, BMI-DBP, and SBP-DBP, respectively, such asPHOSPHO1,GNGT2,KEAP1, andS1PR5. In the pathway analysis, we found some pathways associated with BMI-SBP, BMI-DBP and SBP-DBP, such as prion diseases, IL5 pathway, cyclin E associated events during G1/S transition, TGF beta signaling pathway, G βγ signaling through PI3Kγ, prolactin receptor signaling etc. These findings may enrich the results of genetic variants related to BMI and BP traits, and provide some evidences to future study the pathogenesis of hypertension and obesity in the northern Chinese population.
The regulation of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1 (HIF-1alpha) expression by Protein Disulfide Isomerase (PDI)
Authors: Kobayashi Yukino , Oguro Ami , Hirata Yuta , Imaoka Susumu
Published: February 2021

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha), a transcription factor, plays a critical role in adaption to hypoxia, which is a major feature of diseases, including cancer. Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) is up-regulated in numerous cancers and leads to cancer progression. PDI, a member of the TRX superfamily, regulates the transcriptional activities of several transcription factors. To investigate the mechanisms by which PDI affects the function of HIF-1alpha, the overexpression or knockdown of PDI was performed. The overexpression of PDI decreased HIF-1alpha expression in the human hepatocarcinoma cell line, Hep3B, whereas the knockdown of endogenous PDI increased its expression. NH4Cl inhibited the decrease in HIF-1alpha expression by PDI overexpression, suggesting that HIF-1alpha was degraded by the lysosomal pathway. HIF-1alpha is transferred to lysosomal membranes by heat shock cognate 70 kDa protein (HSC70). The knockdown of HSC70 abolished the decrease, and PDI facilitated the interaction between HIF-1alpha and HSC70. HIF-1alpha directly interacted with PDI. PDI exists not only in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), but also in the cytosol. Hypoxia increased cytosolic PDI. We also investigated changes in the redox state of HIF-1alpha using PEG-maleimide, which binds to thiols synthesized from disulfide bonds by reduction. An up-shift in the HIF-1alpha band by the overexpression of PDI was detected, suggesting that PDI formed disulfide bond in HIF-1alpha. HIF-1alpha oxidized by PDI was not degraded in HSC70-knockdown cells, indicating that the formation of disulfide bond in HIF-1alpha was important for decreases in HIF-1alpha expression. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to show the regulation of the expression and redox state of HIF-1alpha by PDI. We also demonstrated that PDI formed disulfide bonds in HIF-1alpha 1–245 aa and decreased its expression. In conclusion, the present results showed that PDI is a novel factor regulating HIF-1alpha through lysosome-dependent degradation by changes in its redox state.
Disciplinary practices among orphaned children in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Lee Mark , Boyle Elizabeth Heger
Published: February 2021

Objectives

This study considers whether orphans’ experiences with physically and psychologically violent discipline differ from non-orphans in sub-Saharan Africa, and to what extent national, community, household, caretaker, and child characteristics explain those differences.

Methods

We use cross-sectional Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) administered between 2010–2017 in 14 sub-Saharan African countries. The sample included 125,197 children, of which 2,937 were maternal orphans, 9,113 were paternal orphans, and 1,858 were double orphans. We estimate the difference between orphans and non-orphans experience of harsh discipline using multivariable logistic regressions with country fixed effects and clustered standard errors.

Results

Findings show that orphaned children experiencelessharsh discipline in the home. With the exception of double orphans’ experience with physically violent discipline, these differences persisted even after controlling for a rich set of child, household, and caretaker characteristics.

Conclusions

We propose two alternative explanations for our surprising findings and provide a supplementary analysis to help arbitrate between them. The evidence suggests that orphaned children (especially those with a deceased mother) are less likely to experience harsh discipline because of lower caretaker investment in their upbringing. We encourage future research to draw on in-depth interviews or household surveys with discipline data from multiple children in a home to further unpack why orphans tend to experience less harsh punishment than other children.
THEORETICAL AND LEGISLATIVE READING OF THE IDEA OF THE SOCIAL ACHE SOLIDARITY
Authors:   Candidate of Law, Associate Professor of the Department of Civil Law and Process, Federal Autonomous Institution for Higher Education «Sevastopol State University», Smorodina O. S.
Published: February 2021

The premise of writing the article is reflected that the process of development of the Russian State is based on the principles of social justice, mutual responsibility and universal solidarity. Solidarity is an indicator of the socio-economic, civilized and moral level of development of society. The terminology «economic, political and social solidarity» was proposed in the amendments to the Constitution in 2020 and firstly voiced. The purpose of the work is a theoretical analysis of this term with its historical retrospective, sociological, philosophical and legal thinking, as well as work with legislation, federal and regional, operating this concept even before it came as a proposal for reforming the Constitution of the Russian Federation.
BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY IN LAWMAKING: EXPERIENCE OF APPLICATION
Authors:   associate professor, department of constitutional and municipal law, Kutafin Moscow State Law University, Leading Researcher of the Department of theory of state and law,, Zenin S. S. , Kuteynikov D. L. ,   senior lecturer, department of constitutional and municipal law, Kutafin Moscow State Law University, Ph.D. of Juridical Sciences (, Izhaev O. A. ,   consultant of the legal department of the Moscow city election commission, Ph.D. of Juridical Sciences, Yapryntsev I. M. ,   consultant of Judge of the Constitutional Court, Ph.D. of Juridical Sciences (
Published: February 2021

Being a driving force behind the development of various social relations, the intensification of modern technologies forms new conditions for modernizing democratic institutions. Different innovations in the field of digital communications affect mechanisms for the realization of political rights and freedoms of a person and citizen, transform activities of public authorities and tools of their interaction with civil society institutions. In these conditions, innovations influence even traditional areas, including popular voting and lawmaking. The active introduction of distributed registry technologies affected the development of new methodological approaches and reformed the organization of elections. This technology has widespread use due to blockchain technology. Although it was initially considered as an element of development in the information and financial spheres, now blockchain is gradually entering other spheres of human activity, including political, due to the high degree of security and confidentiality. This paper analyzes the global practice of using this technology in popular voting and legislative procedures. The authors of the article consider technical solutions applied in the most rapidly growing projects aimed to develop their own software for conducting electronic election powered by a blockchain technology.
SOCIAL CONDITIONALITY AND PRIORITY AREAS OF FINANCIAL INVESTIGATIONS
Authors:   Professor, Department of Economic and Financial Investigations, Higher School of State Audit (Faculty), Moscow State University Lomonosova, Doctor of Law, Professor, Kostyuk M. F. , Khristenko A. A. ,   senior expert of the department for investigation of fraud and assistance in disputed situations - Forensics & Integrative services.
Published: February 2021

The author analyzes economic relations, their content, challenges, threats, contradictions and the role of financial investigations in their settlement. The social conditionality and the substantive part of financial investigations, priority areas of activity and functions are investigated.
ON THE CONCEPT OF “LEGAL MEANS” IN CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS
Authors:   associate professor of the Department of Criminal Procedure, Criminalistics and Forensic Science, South Ural State University, Darovskikh O. I.
Published: February 2021

The article discusses the approaches of scientists to the formulation of the concept of “legal means” as legal phenomena that provide the desired result of any activity. This concept has been studied both in general theoretical terms and in branch science. By analyzing the opinions of a number of scholars on the content of this term, the author comes to the conclusion that this concept covers both legal instruments and actions (activities). Formulating the author’s concept of “legal means”, the author proceeds from the fact that legal means providing exactly the effective criminal procedural activity must meet the requirements of legality, moral and moral standards, as well as scientific achievements admissible in criminal proceedings
Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) Shells Extract and Apis dorsata Honey Reduce Matrix Metalloproteinase-3 in Monosodium Iodoacetate-Induced Osteoarthritic Rats
Authors: Stevanny Bella , Umar Tungki Pratama , Ernanto Junoretta Haviva , Hidayat Rachmat
Published: February 2021

Background: Osteoarthritis is the most common degenerative joint disease worldwide but its treatment can cause serious adverse events. Ethanol extract of peanut shells contains luteolin functioned as its main anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective agent. Apis dorsata honey also contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent, especially from Tualang honey type. Both have the potential to reduce inflammation and prevent articular degradation in osteoarthritis.Objective: This study aims to determine the effect of peanut shells extract and Apis dorsata honey on matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) level in monosodium iodoacetate-induced (MIA) osteoarthritic rats.Methods: In this in vivo study, female Wistar rats (n=27) were randomly divided to nine groups containing three rats each. Treatment was given to group 1, 2, and 3: Tualang honey (TH) 25% + peanut shells extract (PSE) with 1%, 5%, and 10% concentration; group 4, 5, and 6: TH 50% + PSE with 1%, 5%, and 10% concentration; group 7: diclofenac sodium (positive control); group 8: aquadest (negative control); and group 9: aquadest (normal) for 10 days. We induced knee osteoarthritis by intraarticular injection of MIA in day 4. Anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective activities were evaluated with MMP-3 ELISA.Results: The mixture of peanut shells extract and Apis dorsata honey significantly reduced MMP-3 level in group 1 (331.12 pg/ml), group 2 (291.73 pg/ml), group 3 (266.58 pg/ml), group 4 (274.15 pg/ml), group 5 (251.12 pg/ml), and group 6 (220.52 pg/ml) after 10 days of treatment. MMP-3 level was also evaluated in group 7 (169.61 pg/ml), group 8 (413.55 pg/ml), and group 9 (39 pg/ml). Compared to the negative control group, treatment and diclofenac groups showed significant effect in reducing MMP-3 level in patello-femoral articular cartilage.Conclusion: Peanut shells extract and Apis dorsata honey showed antiinflammatory and chondroprotective effect by reducing MMP-3 level in MIA-induced osteoarthritic rats.
Radiotherapy for Recurrent Keloid: A Case Report
Authors: Prihharsanti Christina Hari Nawangsih , Setyarto Muhamad Rizqi , Bramantyo Dion Firli
Published: February 2021

Background: Keloid is a benign growth of connective tissue. There are several risk factors that play a role in keloid growth. Excision surgery is one of the modalities in the treatment of keloids. However, excision surgery alone has a recurrence rate of 45-100%.Case: Male, 37 years old, with complaints arising from a keloid lesions in the left earlobe since three years ago with a history of previous injuries. The lesions is then operated on but always grows back postoperatively. The number of surgeries that have been carried out three times with further treatment in the form of corticosteroid injection. However, keloid still recurrence. Finally it was decided to undergo treatment with surgery followed by radiotherapy within a period of no more than 24 hours postoperatively. Follow-up after six months gave good results without recurrence.Discussion: Keloid has a high recurrence rate after excision surgery. Surgery followed by radiotherapy has a low recurrence rate compared to surgery or surgery followed by administration of corticosteroid injections. Radiotherapy as adjuvant therapy for postoperative keloid excision has the role of sterilizing the connective tissue stem cell active fibroblasts and acute inflammatory cells that grow in the early postoperative period. A study states that administration of postoperative radiation with electrons in keloids in the earlobe at a dose of 15 Gy in three fractions gives a low recurrence rate and a low risk of side effects in the surrounding soft tissue.
Wybrane aspekty preferencji konsumentów w wyborze placówek gastronomicznych. Studium przypadku osiedla Jeżyce w Poznaniu
Authors: Kopacki Igor , Bogacka Emilia
Published: February 2021

Współczesna gastronomia pełni ważne funkcje gospodarcze i społeczne i jest jedną z najdynamiczniej rozwijających się działalności usługowych. Jest to spowodowane m.in. szybszym tempem życia, wyższymi zarobkami i wygodą konsumenta. Celem artykułu jest przedstawienie preferencji wyboru placówki gastronomicznej przez konsumentów, a jako studium przypadku wybrano osiedle Jeżyce w Poznaniu. Podjęto również próbę odpowiedzi na pytanie, czy w kontekście analizowanego obszaru można mówić o tzw. food district. W tym celu wykorzystano wyniki badań ankietowych (165 odpowiedzi) i inwentaryzacji w terenie.
Wybrane zagadnienia modelowania matematyczno-statystycznego struktur i procesów przestrzennych
Authors: Kossowski Tomasz M.
Published: February 2021

Niniejsze opracowanie jest przeglądem wybranych zagadnień z zakresu modelowania matematyczno-statystycznego struktur i procesów przestrzennych. Ogólny charakter tego artykułu obejmuje dyskusję nad podstawowymi pojęciami, takimi jak: układ przestrzenny, struktura przestrzenna, proces przestrzenny, i ich wzajemnymi relacjami. Następnie definiowany jest w sposób ogólny (stochastyczny) proces przestrzenny i jego składniki, ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem reprezentacji struktury przestrzennej. Artykuł omawia sposób budowy modelu stochastycznego procesu przestrzennego, analizując jednocześnie najważniejsze problemy pojawiające się na etapie jego specyfikacji, estymacji i weryfikacji. Uwypuklono również wkład poznańskich geografów w rozwiązywanie problemów teoretycznych związanych z modelowaniem struktur i procesów przestrzennych.
Long term pronostic value of suPAR in chronic heart failure: reclassification of patients with low MAGGIC score
Authors: Dupuy Anne Marie , Kuster Nils , Bargnoux Anne Sophie , Aguilhon Sylvain , Huet Fabien , Leclercq Florence , Pasquié Jean-Luc , Roubille François , Cristol Jean Paul
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Inflammation is a hallmark of heart failure (HF) and among inflammatory biomarkers, the most studied remains the C-reactive protein (CRP). In recent years several biomarkers have emerged, such as sST2 and soluble urokinase–type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR). This study set out to examine the relative importance of long-time prognostic strength of suPAR and the potential additive information on patient risk with chronic HF in comparison with pronostic value of CRP and sST2.

Methods

Demographics, clinical and biological variables were assessed in a total of 182 patients with chronic HF over median follow-up period of 80 months. Inflammatory biomarkers (i.e., CRP, sST2, and suPAR) were performed.

Results

In univariate Cox regression analysis age, NYHA class, MAGGIC score and the five biomarkers (N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide [NT-proBNP], high-sensitive cardiac troponin T [hs-cTnT], CRP, sST2, and suPAR) were associated with both all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. In the multivariate model, only NT-proBNP, suPAR, and MAGGIC score remained independent predictors of all-cause mortality as well as of cardiovascular mortality. Risk classification analysis was significantly improved with the addition of suPAR particularly for all-cause short- and long-term mortality. Using a classification tree approach, the same three variables could be considered as significant classifier variables to predict all-cause or cardiovascular mortality and an algorithm were reported. We demonstrated the favorable outcome associated with patients with a low MAGGIC score and a low suPAR level by comparison to patients with low MAGGIC score but high suPAR values.

Conclusions

The main findings of our study are (1) that among the three inflammatory biomarkers, only suPAR levels were independently associated with 96-month mortality for patients with chronic HF and (2) that an algorithm based on clinical score, a cardiomyocyte stress biomarker and an inflammatory biomarker could help to a more reliable long term risk stratification in heart failure.
Academic, cultural and social growth through the language of websites: A challenge for European University Language Centres
Authors: Argondizzo Carmen , De Bartolo Anna Maria , Fazio Alessandra , Jimenez Jean M. , Ruffolo Ida
Published: February 2021

At the start of 2000 a new scenario emerged in Europe thanks to the Council of Europe and the European Commission who, in support of the Bologna Process (1999), laid the foundations for disseminating the value of multilingualism and multiculturalism. The aim was to create a framework of actions to make citizens more aware of respecting diversity in languages and cultures and pave the way for integrating the varied geographical realities present in Europe. Language instruction was a priority identified as a tool for developing socio-cultural awareness and, within this scenario, universities played a key role. In particular, University Language Laboratories, previously regarded as language learning resources for small numbers of students, became University Language Centres, gaining status as fully-fledged academic places for the dissemination of multilingualism and multiculturalism, where intercultural communication, learning by doing, autonomous language learning, self-assessment and European Language Portfolios, communicative strategies and social inclusion, creativity and knowledge-sharing became key concepts to be internalised and implemented in academic communities. Indeed, the enhancement of cultural and democratic growth among young learners and citizens, in general, assumed paramount importance. The impact of the Lifelong Learning and Erasmus programs, strongly encouraged by the Bologna Accords, and later the internationalization process of European universities, further strengthened the need to promote linguistic, social and cultural growth in academic societies. Based on these premises, the purpose of this paper is twofold. First, it will discuss the importance of investigating how University Language Centres present the aforementioned concepts through their actions, focussing principally on the language used on their websites. Secondly, it will propose a potential project framework in which the CercleS community will be invited to share ideas and experiential knowledge in representing itself and its mission to potential users.
Elements of a sociolinguistic theory: The case of Breton
Authors: Manchec-German Gary
Published: February 2021

This article is a synthesis of the major elements of a sociolinguistic theory presented by Jean Le Dû and Yves Le Berre in their recent book,Métamorphoses, Trente ans de sociolinguistique à Brest (1984–2014). Given that both authors come from native Breton-speaking families in Western Brittany and have experienced the language shift to French first-hand, they provide a unique, inside view of the process as well as the reasons Breton speakers opted in favour of French. The sociolinguistic concepts they have imagined provide highly useful tools that highlight the inseparable bond between language and the social, political and economic forces that govern our choices. More specifically, they point out that the “Breton language” is splintered into as many varieties as there are social and geographic entities in western Brittany. For this reason, it should not be viewed as a monolithic entity. Far from “reviving” or “saving” the language, the authors argue that the recent creation of a phonologically, grammatically and lexically unified Breton norm is often so distant from the vernacular language that it has provoked a new form of diglossia which failed to reverse the break in the transmission of the natural language.

The book provides tremendous insight into the complex issues which lead people to shift to another language. Language planners and scholars working on similar endangered language situations and who want to understand the mechanisms at work (and thus hopefully have some success in their endeavours) would do well to take heed of their experience.
Measuring patient experience of diagnostic care and acceptability of testing
Authors: Forster Alice S. , Rubin Greg , Emery Jon D. , Thompson Matthew , Sutton Stephen , de Wit Niek , Walter Fiona M. , Lyratzopoulos Georgios
Published: February 2021

A positive patient experience has been long recognised as a key feature of a high-quality health service, however, often assessment of patient experience excludes diagnostic care. Experience of diagnostic services and the acceptability of diagnostic tests are often conflated, with lack of clarity about when and how either should be measured. These problems contrast with the growth in the development and marketing of new tests and investigation strategies. Building on the appraisal of current practice, we propose that the experience of diagnostic services and the acceptability of tests should be assessed separately, and describe distinct components of each. Such evaluations will enhance the delivery of patient-centred care, and facilitate patient choice.
Modeling of dense well block point bar architecture based on geological vector information: A case study of the third member of Quantou Formation in Songliao Basin
Authors: Luo Chao , Jia Ailin , Guo Jianlin , Liu Wei , Yin Nanxin , Chen Cen , Wang Junlei , Gao Xuanbo , Guo Zhiqiang
Published: February 2021

Although stochastic modeling methods can achieve multiple implementations of sedimentary microfacies model in dense well blocks, it is difficult to realize continuous convergence of well spacing. Taking the small high-sinuosity meandering river sediments of the third member of Quantou Formation in Songliao Basin as an example, a deterministic modeling method based on geological vector information was explored in this article. Quantitative geological characteristics of point bar sediments were analyzed by field outcrops, modern sediments, and dense well block anatomy. The lateral extension distance, length, and spacing parameters of the point bar were used to quantitatively characterize the thickness, dip angle, and frequency of the lateral layer. In addition, the three-dimensional architecture modeling of the point bar was carried out in the study. The established three-dimensional architecture model of well X24-1 had continuous convergence near all wells, which conformed to the geological knowledge of small high-sinuosity meandering river, and verified the reliability of this method in the process of geological modeling in dense well blocks.