bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increasing the Efficiency of Detailed Soil Resource Mapping on Transitional Volcanic Landforms Using a Geomorphometric Approach
Authors: Sambodo Ahmad Priyo , Arpornthip Tanwa
Published: June 2021

For developing countries, detailed soil resource data and maps are essential in land-use planning. Unfortunately, obtaining detailed soil data for mapping is expensive. Detailed soil studies and mapping in developing countries often use the grid method. In addition to being time-consuming, the grid method needs a lot of sample points and surveyors. Geomorphometry can be a less expensive alternative for detailed soil mapping. Geomorphometry uses computationally measured terrain characteristics to describe other hard-to-measure terrain and soil properties. In our study, landform arrangements and slopes were analyzed together to create a map of soil pH. Bompon watershed, Indonesia, was used as a case study. Soil mapping units with potentially similar soil pH were created based on a classification system of the two geomorphometric parameters. Soil samples were taken from each of the units. The samples' soil pH was measured and compared to the geomorphometric predicted result. Regression tests were performed to see the significance of geomorphometric parameters on soil pH conditions. Regression tests show that the results ofpvalue of the four soil layers are 0.046, 0.019, 0.037, and 0.047, respectively, on a 5% confidence level. According to the test result, landform arrangements and slopes can indicate soil pH conditions in Bompon. Our estimate suggests that our geomorphometric method is cheaper than the grid method by a factor of seven. The ability to use geomorphometric parameters to describe other soil properties could enable a cheap and fast production of detailed soil maps for developing countries.
Statistical Behavior of Lepton Pair Spectrum in the Drell-Yan Process and Signal from Quark-Gluon Plasma in High-Energy Collisions
Authors: Zhang Xu-Hong , Liu Fu-Hu
Published: June 2021

We analyze the transverse momentum (

p

T

) spectra of lepton pairs (

ℓ

ℓ
¯

) generated in the Drell-Yan process, as detected in proton-nucleus (pion-nucleus) and proton-(anti)proton collisions by ten collaborations over a center-of-mass energy

s

N
N

or

s

if in a simplified form) range from

~
20

 GeV to above 10 TeV. Three types of probability density functions (the convolution of two Lévy-Tsallis functions, the two-component Erlang distribution, and the convolution of two Hagedorn functions) are utilized to fit and analyze the

p

T

spectra. The fit results are approximately in agreement with the collected experimental data. Consecutively, we obtained the variation law of related parameters as a function of

s

and invariant mass

Q

. In the fit procedure, a given Lévy-Tsallis (or Hagedorn) function can be regarded as the probability density function of transverse momenta contributed by a single quark (

q

) or anti-quark (

q
¯

). The Drell-Yan process is then described by the statistical method.
Acute and Subchronic Toxicological Evaluation of the Herbal Product HAD-B1 in Rats
Authors: Park So-Jung , Kim Soo-Dam , Kwag Eun-Bin , Park Ji Hye , Yoo Hwa-Seung
Published: June 2021

This study evaluates acute and subchronic toxicity of a Korean herbal formula HAD-B1 in rat to investigate whether HAD-B1 has potential toxicity to humans. First, the study to assess the acute oral toxicity at dose levels of 0, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg body weight (BW) was performed in male and female SD rats (Crl: CD, specific pathogen-free) (n = 5/group). Based on the result of the acute oral study, 4 weeks’ dose range finding study and 13 weeks’ subchronic study were performed (dose range finding study, DRF; n = 5/group) and 13 weeks (subchronic study; n = 10/group) in male and female SD rats. The control group was administered with distilled water (DW). Clinical signs, body weight, food consumption, ophthalmic examination, urinalysis, hematological/biochemical parameters, gross finding at necropsy, and histopathological examination were investigated and recorded. In the oral acute toxicity study of SD rats, no clinical signs, mortality, body weight changes, and gross findings were observed. Also, there were no treatment-related changes in the 4-week DRF study. Based on these results, a 13-week repeated-dose toxicity study (subchronic) in SD rats was performed. HAD-B1 showed temporal hypersalivation in clinical signs and an increased tendency in body weight at 2000 mg/kg BW. However, there were no treatment-related changes in mortality, food consumption, ophthalmology, urinalysis, hematology, biochemistry, gross finding at necropsy, organ weights, and histopathology in either sex of any group. Based on this toxicological evaluation of HAD-B1, we concluded that no target organ was determined, and the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of HAD-B1 was determined to be > 2000 mg/kg B W. Therefore, we decided that consuming HAD-B1 is relatively nontoxic.
Biomedical Image Classification in a Big Data Architecture Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Tchito Tchapga Christian , Mih Thomas Attia , Tchagna Kouanou Aurelle , Fozin Fonzin Theophile , Kuetche Fogang Platini , Mezatio Brice Anicet , Tchiotsop Daniel
Published: June 2021

In modern-day medicine, medical imaging has undergone immense advancements and can capture several biomedical images from patients. In the wake of this, to assist medical specialists, these images can be used and trained in an intelligent system in order to aid the determination of the different diseases that can be identified from analyzing these images. Classification plays an important role in this regard; it enhances the grouping of these images into categories of diseases and optimizes the next step of a computer-aided diagnosis system. The concept of classification in machine learning deals with the problem of identifying to which set of categories a new population belongs. When category membership is known, the classification is done on the basis of a training set of data containing observations. The goal of this paper is to perform a survey of classification algorithms for biomedical images. The paper then describes how these algorithms can be applied to a big data architecture by using the Spark framework. This paper further proposes the classification workflow based on the observed optimal algorithms, Support Vector Machine and Deep Learning as drawn from the literature. The algorithm for the feature extraction step during the classification process is presented and can be customized in all other steps of the proposed classification workflow.
Long-Term Risk of Autoimmune Diseases other than Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus-Alone Patients: A 10-Year Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Lin Teng-Li , Wu Chun-Ying , Juan Chao-Kuei , Chang Yun-Ting , Chen Yi-Ju
Published: June 2021

Background: Up to 25% of patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) can develop systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the risk of autoimmune diseases other than SLE in CLE patients who have only skin manifestations (CLE-alone) has rarely been explored. Objective: To investigate the long-term risk and independent factors of non-SLE autoimmune diseases among CLE-alone patients. Method: A nationwide cohort study using the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database 1997–2013. CLE patients and matched subjects were included. Cumulative incidences of autoimmune diseases after 1 year of CLE-alone diagnosis were compared. Cox proportional hazard model was also performed. Results: A total of 971 CLE-alone patients and 5,175 reference subjects were identified. The 10-year cumulative incidence of autoimmune diseases other than SLE was significantly elevated in the CLE-alone cohort (9.00%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 6.72–11.29) than in the reference cohort (4.20%, 95% CI 3.53–4.87%) (p < 0.001). CLE-alone was independently associated with non-SLE autoimmune diseases (adjusted hazard ratio 1.55, 95% CI 1.10–2.18). Among CLE-alone patients, females and those taking long-term systemic corticosteroids (a proxy for extensive disease) were associated with non-SLE autoimmune diseases after adjusting for the number of repeated autoimmune laboratory tests. Conclusion: CLE-alone is independently associated with future non-SLE autoimmune diseases.
The Association between Pathologic Complete Response after Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy and Postoperative Complications
Authors: Hsu Shawn , Rosen Katherine J. , Temple Larissa , Fleming Fergal J.
Published: June 2021

Introduction: With growing interest in the watch-and-wait strategy, the benefits of avoiding surgery and its complications must be weighed against possible recurrence and need for salvage surgery. However, the relationship between pathologic complete response (pCR) and postoperative complications has not been well established. Methods: This is a retrospective study using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Proctectomy and Colectomy Procedure-Targeted databases from 2016 to 2018. The association between pCR and major complications, sepsis, anastomotic leak or organ space infection, return to the operating room, or septic shock was analyzed. Results: A total of 3,878 rectal cancer patients who received chemotherapy or radiation therapy within 90 days of surgery were included in this study. The pCR rate was 12.8%. There was no statistically significant association between pCR and major complications (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.48, p = 0.12) after risk adjustment. Those with pCR had no statistically significant association with anastomotic leak or organ space infection, return to the operating room, or septic shock but had significantly lower odds of sepsis (adjusted OR = 0.42, p = 0.03). Conclusions: It is reassuring that pCR is not associated with postoperative complications and that those with pCR are less likely to have postoperative sepsis after risk adjustment since postoperative sepsis after rectal surgery has been associated with poorer oncologic outcomes.
Prediction of Postoperative Visual Outcome in Patients with Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane
Authors: Chatzistergiou Vasileia , Papasavvas Ioannis , Ambresin Aude , Pournaras Jean-Antoine C.
Published: June 2021

Purpose: The aim of this study was to estimate the association between preoperative characteristics in subjects with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) and visual acuity improvement after vitrectomy and create an algorithm for predicting postoperative visual outcome. Methods: In a retrospective, cross-sectional study, we included adults with idiopathic ERM and excluded subjects with low-quality scans, other ocular conditions, and previous surgery except cataract surgery. Baseline characteristics were extracted from medical files, spectral-domain OCT, and OCT angiography. Visual improvement was expressed as a binary variable. Results: Fifty-four subjects were included in the study. Three months postoperatively, 30 subjects improved, 10 remained stable, and 14 deteriorated. Spearman correlation showed no correlation between variables and visual acuity improvement (<0.39). Reduced dimensionality showed that baseline visual acuity, lens status, foveal aspect, spherical equivalent, and 2 interactive variables including foveal aspect and lens status have the strongest effect on improvement. Five-fold logistic regression based on these variables provided a model with AUC 0.9 ± 0.06. Conclusion: No variable has a direct predictive role on visual acuity improvement; however, baseline visual acuity, lens status, foveal aspect and spherical equivalent, when combined, provide a predictive model that could serve as a tool for more informed decisions.
(hiper)leitura digital e o livro didático: um olhar filológico para a leitura literária na Educação Básica
Authors: Almeida Elizabeth Mota Nazareth de , Barreiros Patrício Nunes
Published: May 2021

Este artigo objetiva apresentar as características dos textos literários referenciados pelo livro didático, a partir dos suportes impressos e digitais e suas implicações filológicas no contexto da (hiper)leitura nas aulas de Língua Portuguesa, na Educação Básica. Para isso, analisou-se os textos literários presentes no livro de Cereja, Vianna e Codenhoto (2016), Português Contemporâneo: Diálogo, reflexão e uso, do 1º ano do Ensino Médio, traçando um paralelo entre suas características em diferentes suportes (papel e tela) e a leitura filológica. Como aporte teórico, foram utilizados os estudos de Chartier (1999, 2001), Lévy (1999), Dionísio (2006), Coscarelli (2009), e Rojo (2012) para análise das características dos textos presentes no meio digital e Santaella (2004), que aborda questões sobre o perfil do hiperleitor. Em relação às potencialidades da leitura filológica para a formação leitora na Escola Básica, foram tomados como base Petrucci (1992), Chartier (2002), Said (2007) e Borges e Souza (2012). Como resultado, observou-se que, ao se desenvolver práticas leitoras na Escola Básica, faz-se necessário explorar as potencialidades oferecidas pelo ambiente digital, levando em consideração um olhar humanista e filológico de leitura, com foco na formação de leitores críticos e inseridos em uma sociedade tecnológica digital.
Você confia nas edições que lê?
Authors: Moraes Carlos Eduardo Mendes de
Published: May 2021

Na pesquisa de textos impressos ou manuscritos produzidos nos primeiros registros da escrita no Brasil, uma questão importante é como tratar essas fontes na preparação de um corpus. O problema atinge o pesquisador da área dos estudos filológicos em virtude do seu objeto, o texto escrito. Estas reflexões vão além do conhecimento da língua, pois lidam também com a necessidade de conhecimento das diversas versões que um texto pode apresentar em sua tradição impressa, na qual há a particularidade do universo dos textos de impressão antiga e, por outro lado,  abrange a totalidade das obras que se mantêm em estado de manuscrito. Não se trata simplesmente de estabelecer critério de qualificação do suporte ou da forma. Não se trata, também, somente de acirrar preconceitos que levam à preferência por esta por aquela edição, versão ou manuscrito. Trata-se, principalmente, de entender que os processos de edição, publicação e divulgação dos textos são extremamente complexos e que o seu conhecimento se torna tanto ou mais necessário à medida que se adotam determinadas posições metodológicas para o desenvolvimento de pesquisas dos corpora.
Com a voz enrouquecida ou considerações sobre a presença de Camões no último capítulo de O crime do padre Amaro de Eça de Queirós
Authors: Ferreira Ceila Maria
Published: May 2021

Esta é uma versão, com poucas modificações, da palestra que foi apresentada durante o Colóquio Um Dia de Camões 8, no Instituto de Letras da UFF. Trata-se de um trabalho sobre a atualidade de Os Lusíadas. Também fizemos considerações sobre a presença de Camões no último capítulo de O crime do padre Amaro, obra que teve três versões, duas delas autorais, e que trouxe e traz ao público leitor o nome e um relato da Comuna de Paris, num exercício do que mais tarde Walter Benjamin chamou de “escovar a história a contrapelo”. Tal trabalho também versa sobre a importância da Crítica Textual para a preservação e divulgação do patrimônio cultural em forma de textos escritos, assim como sobre a importância dessa disciplina para os Estudos de Língua e de Literatura.
Reservoir-Excess Pressure Parameters Independently Predict Cardiovascular Events in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Aizawa Kunihiko , Casanova Francesco , Gates Phillip E. , Mawson David M. , Gooding Kim M. , Strain W. David , Östling Gerd , Nilsson Jan , Khan Faisel , Colhoun Helen M. , Palombo Carlo , Parker Kim H. , Shore Angela C. , Hughes Alun D.
Published: June 2021

The parameters derived from reservoir-excess pressure analysis have prognostic utility in several populations. However, evidence in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) remains scarce. We determined if these parameters were associated with T2DM and whether they would predict cardiovascular events in individuals with T2DM. We studied 306 people with T2DM with cardiovascular disease (CVD; DMCVD, 70.4±7.8 years), 348 people with T2DM but without CVD (diabetes mellitus, 67.7±8.4 years), and 178 people without T2DM or CVD (control group [CTRL], 67.2±8.9 years). Reservoir-excess pressure analysis–derived parameters, including reservoir pressure integral, peak reservoir pressure, excess pressure integral, systolic rate constant, and diastolic rate constant, were obtained by radial artery tonometry. Reservoir pressure integral was lower in DMCVD and diabetes mellitus than CTRL. Peak reservoir pressure was lower, and excess pressure integral was greater in DMCVD than diabetes mellitus and CTRL. Systolic rate constant was lower in a stepwise manner among groups (DMCVD< diabetes mellitus <CTRL). Diastolic rate constant was greater in DMCVD than CTRL. In the subgroup of individuals with T2DM (n=642), 14 deaths (6 cardiovascular and 9 noncardiovascular causes), and 108 cardiovascular events occurred during a 3-year follow-up period. Logistic regression analysis revealed that reservoir pressure integral (odds ratio, 0.59 [95% CI, 0.45–0.79]) and diastolic rate constant (odds ratio, 1.60 [95% CI, 1.25–2.06]) were independent predictors of cardiovascular events during follow-up after adjusting for conventional risk factors (both
P
<0.001). Further adjustments for potential confounders had no influence on associations. These findings demonstrate that altered reservoir-excess pressure analysis–derived parameters are associated with T2DM. Furthermore, baseline values of reservoir pressure integral and diastolic rate constant independently predict cardiovascular events in individuals with T2DM, indicating the potential clinical utility of these parameters for risk stratification in T2DM.
Supine Hypertension Is Associated With an Impaired Cerebral Oxygenation Response to Orthostasis: Finding From The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing
Authors: Newman Louise , O’Connor John D. , Romero-Ortuno Roman , Reilly Richard B. , Kenny Rose Anne
Published: June 2021

The cerebrovascular effects of supine hypertension (SH) are still poorly understood. With aging and atherosclerosis of the vascular system, it is not uncommon for SH and non-neurogenic orthostatic hypotension to co-occur. Given evidence for end organ damage and more extreme cerebral dysfunction in those with SH-orthostatic hypotension, we hypothesized that SH would be associated with impaired cerebral autoregulation. The aim of this study was to characterize the cerebrovascular response to orthostasis. Near-infrared spectroscopy was used to quantify the cerebrovascular response. We analyzed data from Wave 3 of TILDA (The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing; n=2750). Cerebral oxygenation and blood pressure (BP) were monitored continuously during an active stand. Responses were modeled using multilevel mixed-effects models and adjusted for important covariates such as age, sex, education, antihypertensive medications, and comorbidities. Forty-nine percent of the sample had SH. Those with SH demonstrated an impaired BP response and a slower recovery of BP after standing, graded by severity of SH. The cerebral oxygenation response was similar for both groups, but when standardized to mean arterial BP, the response was impaired in those with SH. A deficit of −0.83% (95% CI, −0.93 to −0.74) remained after 3 minutes of standing. Our study determined that cerebral oxygenation and cerebral autoregulation are impaired in those with SH. In older patients, consideration should be given to measuring SH and screening for orthostatic hypotension. Therapeutic studies are needed to better understand the relationship between cerebral oxygenation, medications, supine BP, and orthostatic hypotension.
Activation of Rac1-Mineralocorticoid Receptor Pathway Contributes to Renal Injury in Salt-Loaded
db/db
Mice
Authors: Hirohama Daigoro , Nishimoto Mitsuhiro , Ayuzawa Nobuhiro , Kawarazaki Wakako , Fujii Wataru , Oba Shigeyoshi , Shibata Shigeru , Marumo Takeshi , Fujita Toshiro
Published: June 2021

The progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD), a leading cause of end-stage kidney disease, involves mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activation. We previously identified crosstalk between the small guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) RAS-related C3 botulinus toxin substrate 1 (Rac1) and MR, but the role of Rac1-MR pathway activation in the progression of DKD is not clear. We performed uninephrectomy on type 2 diabetic mouse models,
db/db
(UNx-high salt [HS]
db/db
), and their lean control,
db/m
(UNx-HS
db/m
), at 4-week postpartum, and fed them a high-salt diet for 10 weeks. To evaluate the involvement of the Rac1-MR pathway in the DKD progression, we investigated the effects of the nonsteroidal MR antagonist, finerenone, and the Rac1 inhibitor, NSC23766, on blood pressure and glomerular injury in UNx-HS
db/db
mice. UNx-HS
db/db
mice with hyperaldosteronism showed hypertension and hypokalemia with increased cleaved α-epithelial sodium channel expressions and massive albuminuria, accompanied by glomerular injury with nodular lesions, which is a characteristic finding in human diabetic nephropathy. Expressions of active Rac1 and serum-and glucocorticoid-induced protein kinase 1 (Sgk1), a downstream molecule of MR signaling, in the renal cortex and isolated glomeruli, significantly elevated in UNx-HS
db/db
mice, associated with intense staining of active Rac1 in glomerular podocytes, but both hypertension and renal injury were ameliorated by NSC23766 and finerenone, associated with Sgk1 inhibition, suggesting that Rac1-MR activation contributes to hypertension and podocyte injury. In conclusion, salt-induced activation of Rac1-MR pathway in distal tubules and glomeruli is involved in DKD progression through hypertension and glomerular injury, respectively. This finding highlights MR antagonism along with Rac1 inhibition as a novel strategy for DKD treatment.
Review of the status of the genus Phelene stat. resurr. (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae: Lophotettiginae) and description of a new species
Authors: CADENA-CASTAÑEDA OSCAR J. , DÍAZ CARLOS JULIO ARANGO , SILVA DANIELA SANTOS MARTINS , BUITRAGO OSCAR , GARCÍA ALEXANDER GARCÍA , TUMBRINCK JOSEF
Published: June 2021

The status of the genus Phelene stat. resurr., previously synonymized under Chiriquia is revalidated. The genus is redescribed and Phelene turgida stat. rev. a lectotype and paralectotypes are designated for this species. Tetrix laticeps is proposed as nomen dubium and its described a new additional species Phelene maroon n. sp. The diagnosis of the subfamily is adjusted with the characters of the new taxa included and an updated key of genera and species is provided.
Optimization of Antihypertensive Peptide Preparation by Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation of Soy Whey
Authors: Yin Lebin , Liu Yali , He Ping , Li Lele , Wu Jing , Hu Mengmeng
Published: June 2021

To optimize the process conditions of preparation of antihypertensive peptides from the soybean whey fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum, based on the single factor, the response surface method was used and its antihypertensive activity in vitro was studied. The results
of variance analysis showed that the order affecting the polypeptide yield was: the initial pH > fermentation time > fermentation temperature > glucose addition. The model regression analysis showed that the optimal conditions for the production of antihypertensive peptides by Lactobacillus
plantarum were as follows: fermentation temperature was 37 °C, fermentation time was 17 h, the initial pH of fermentation was 6.4, the amount of glucose addition was 1.50%, the polypeptide yield was 62.53% and the predicted value was 61.61%, with no significant difference (P
> 0.05). In vitro, antihypertensive activity results showed that the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition rate of fermented soy whey peptides was 85.77%. The results provided the theoretical basis for the high-value development and utilization of soy whey.
High Strain Rate Effect on Tensile and Compressive Property of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Composites
Authors: Weng Fei , Fang Yingying , Ren Mingfa , Sun Jing , Feng Lina
Published: June 2021

With high strength and stiffness-to-weight ratios, Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) composite has been applied to the separation device of the rocket by shaped charge jet. But dynamic tensile and compressive properties of CFRP under high rate strain are still unclear. In the article,
tensile testing along transverse direction are conducted. The quasi-static tests (10-3 s-1) use a universal testing machine and high dynamic loadings of 800 s-1 and 1600 s-1 tests adopt a high-speed tensile testing machine. Meanwhile, dynamic compressive
tests of unidirectional and cross-ply laminated specimen under the thickness direction loading are implemented by a Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) from dynamic loading 500 s-1 to 2500 s-1. Test results show that compared with static tests data, both transverse tensile
modulus and strength of CFRP composites materials at dynamic loadings are sensitive to tensile tests. The compressive peak stress and stiffness of specimens also have an increasing tendency with the increases of the strain rate. Furthermore, for failure mode of tensile specimens, the crack
propagation of the specimen fracture is along the interface of the fiber/matrix under all loading conditions. The failure modes of compressive specimens are different as the strain rate changes. The higher the strain rate, the more severe the crushing.
Smart Antibody-Conjugated Gold Nanoparticles for Bioengineered Polymers
Authors: Torres-Lopez Ernesto , Elizondo Nora , Verastegui Luz H. , Quijano Jose J. , Estrada-Martinez Rosa María , Mendiburu Celia , Castaño Víctor M.
Published: June 2021

Au and Ag nanoparticles (NP) were synthesized using a green method that allows control of both particle size and surface chemistry. The gold and silver nanoparticles were coated with a fluorescent goat anti-body IgG that chemically incorporated the nanoparticles and the internalization
behavior was studied by phagocytosis in murine peritoneal macrophages. Despite that, in principle, the presence of a simple metal induces a greater degree of cell death following the particle uptake, our results suggest that a large part of the silver and gold nanoparticles enter cells by
means other than endocytosis and phagocytosis, as truly intelligent nanoparticles. This represents a potential for immunotherapy and studies to modulate the innate immune response as truly smart nanoparticles.
Preparation of Neuropeptide Nanoparticle and Its Mechanism in Corneal Nerve Regeneration in Substance P-Neurokinin 1 Receptor Signaling Pathway
Authors: Liu Juan , Li Ming
Published: June 2021

The multiple emulsion method was applied to prepare the 1.5 mL solution of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), and dichloromethane solution with 2.5% polylactic acid (PLA) was added into the CNTF solution during the colostrum process, and then, polyethylene glycol solution was added
into the mixed solution under ultrasonic conditions to form multiple emulsion; finally, it was stirred magnetically and centrifuged to obtain CNTF nanoparticles. The transmission electron microscope (TEM) was applied to characterize the prepared nanoparticles that detected their drug loading
rate, encapsulation rate, and their drug release in vitro and in vivo. In the demonstration of neuropeptide nanoparticles participating in corneal nerve regeneration in the substance p-neurokinin 1 receptor (SP-NK-1R) signaling pathway, it was to detect the gene expression in
the trigeminal ganglion cells based on the different groups like normal group, advanced glycation end products (AGE)/Stattic group, and AGE + CNTF/Stattic + CNTF group. In the characterization experiment of CNTF nanoparticles, their surfaces were smooth, they evenly distributed, and the average
drug loading rate reached 1.27% ± 0.032%; the nanoparticles were able to continuously release CNTF molecules within 30 hours; what’s more, CNTF group (low concentration to high concentration) and CNTF nanoparticles group (low concentration to high concentration) could both enhance
the expression of mouse optic nerve cells. Compared to AGE group, the expressions of substance p-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3) in trigeminal ganglion cells increased after adding CNTF and CNTF nanoparticles, respectively (P < 0.05); and the expression
of p-STAT3 increased remarkably after the addition of CNTF nanoparticles (P < 0.05), with an obvious increase on the growth of nerve axon. On the other hand, it had the same results as the above, compared with Stattic group.
Impact of Urinary Catheterization on Postoperative Outcomes After Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery in Propensity-Matched Cohorts
Authors: Berglund Derek D. , Parker David M. , Fluck Marcus , Dove James , Falvo Alexandra , Horsley Ryan D. , Gabrielsen Jon , Petrick Anthony T. , Daouadi Mustapha
Published: June 2021

Background

The impact of urinary catheter avoidance in bariatric enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols is yet to be established. The purpose of the current study is to determine whether urinary catheter use in patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) procedures has an effect on postoperative outcomes.

Methods

An institutional database was utilized to identify adult patients undergoing primary minimally invasive RYGB surgery. Outcomes included incidence of urinary tract infection (UTI) within 30 days postoperatively, 30-day readmission rates, proportion of patients discharged after postoperative day 1 (delayed discharge), length of stay (LOS), and operating room time. These were compared between propensity-matched groups with and without urinary catheter placement.

Results

There were no significant differences in postoperative UTI’s (2.2% for both cohorts, P = .593) or 30-day readmission rates for patients with and without urinary catheters (6.6% and 4.4%, respectively, P = .260). Mean LOS (1.7 vs. 1.5 days, P = .001) and the proportion of patients having a delayed discharge (47.3% vs. 33.7%, P = .001) was greater in patients with a catheter. Operating room time was longer in the urinary catheter group (221.8 vs. 207.9 minutes, P = .002).

Discussion

Avoidance of indwelling urinary catheters in RYGB surgical patients decreased delayed discharges and LOS without affecting readmission or reoperation rates. Therefore, we recommend that avoidance of urinary catheters in routine RYGB surgery be considered for inclusion into standardized ERAS protocols. Urinary catheters should continue to be utilized in select cases, however, as these were not shown to affect rate of UTIs.
Platonic metaphysics and the ontology of international relations: A sketch
Authors: Leung King-Ho
Published: June 2021

This article offers a reading of Plato in light of the recent debates concerning the unique ‘ontology’ of International Relations (IR) as an academic discipline. In particular, this article suggests that Plato’s metaphysical account of the integral connection between human individual, the domestic state and world order can offer IR an alternative outlook to the ‘political scientific’ schema of ‘levels of analysis’. This article argues that Plato’s metaphysical conception of world order can not only provide IR theory with a way to re-imagine the relation between the human, the state and world order, but also Plato’s outlook can highlight or even call into question the post-metaphysical presuppositions of contemporary IR theory in its ‘borrowed ontology’ from modern social science, which can in turn facilitate IR’s re-interpretation of its own ‘ontology’ as well as its distinct contributions to the understanding of the various aspects of the social world and human life.
‘Evolution from the inside out’: Revisiting the impact of (re)productive resistance among ultra-orthodox female entrepreneurs
Authors: Baikovich Avital , Wasserman Varda , Pfefferman Talia
Published: June 2021

How can resistance produce substantial social changes without becoming detrimental to those resisting? Drawing on qualitative study of diverse social and business Jewish-ultraorthodox female entrepreneurs (JUFE) in Israel, we demonstrate how JUFE’s resistance turned productive by advancing different issues related to women’s status and rights, leading to greater gender equality in their community. In struggling against their community’s patriarchal power, women’s resistance acts resulted in multilevel gendered social changes related to embodiment, home equality, economic well-being and women’s rights. JUFE’s resistance was intermingled with compliance, thus allowing them to engender change processes in an ultra-religious social environment while maintaining their community membership and belonging.

Our contribution is threefold: first, by uncovering resistance forms in social contexts subjected to authoritarian power regimes, we argue that religiosity serves as a resource for women not only in resisting gender power relations, but also in promoting broad, gendered social changes without becoming victimized as social outcasts. Second, we uncover the complex dynamics between diverse aspects of domination, the resistant acts invoked in response, the respective compliant practices intermingled with these acts and the perceived risks involved. Third, by demonstrating how JUFE’s resistance led to significant, evolutionary modifications in different aspects of an extant social order, while reproducing the hegemonic power relations and social circumstances it aims to modify, we highlight that resistance may become productive because it is reproductive of the social order it seeks to change, not despite it.
Association Between Food Allergy, Psychological Stress, and Allostatic Load
Authors: Ersig Anne L. , Brown Roger L. , Malecki Kristen
Published: June 2021

Allostatic load (AL), the cumulative biological burden of persistently high stress exposure, influences adult health and well-being across the lifespan, and can be measured with clinical indicators, such as BMI, blood pressure (BP), and waist–hip ratio. Adverse childhood events and other stressors contribute to AL, but stress from other sources, such as previously diagnosed chronic health conditions, has been overlooked. We hypothesized that adults with these conditions would have more stress exposures, higher perceived stress, worse mental health, and higher AL, compared to controls. A secondary analysis of deidentified data from cases with self-reported food allergies and controls found that individuals with chronic health conditions reported more stress exposures, higher levels of perceived stress, and had higher AL, compared to controls. However, other results did not support the study hypotheses. Future studies should examine additional AL measures, such as biomarkers of stress response, in individuals with existing chronic health conditions.
Validation of Immunohistochemistry for Canine Proteins Involved in Thyroid Iodine Uptake and Their Expression in Canine Follicular Cell Thyroid Carcinomas (FTCs) and FTC-Derived Organoids
Authors: Jankovic Jana , Dettwiler Martina , Fernández Martin González , Tièche Eve , Hahn Kerstin , April-Monn Simon , Dettmer Matthias S. , Kessler Martin , Rottenberg Sven , Campos Miguel
Published: May 2021

Thyrotropin receptor (TSHR), sodium iodide symporter (NIS), pendrin, and thyroid peroxidase (TPO) are essential for the uptake of iodine by follicular thyroid cells. The aim of this study was to establish immunohistochemistry (IHC) protocols for TSHR, NIS, pendrin, and TPO in canine tissues and characterize their expression in organoids derived from canine follicular cell thyroid carcinoma (FTC) and in the respective primary tumors. This constitutes a fundamental step to establish organoids as a model to study the uptake of iodine in canine FTC. Commercially available antibodies directed against human proteins were selected. Antibody specificity was confirmed by western blot using lysates of the HTori-3 human thyroid cell line and healthy canine thyroid gland. IHC was validated using HTori-3 cells and a set of canine normal tissues including healthy thyroid gland. The expression of TSHR, NIS, pendrin, and TPO was evaluated in 3 organoid lines derived from FTC and respective primary tumors. All 4 antibodies produced specific bands by western blot and cytoplasmic labeling in follicular cells by IHC in both human HTori-3 cells and canine thyroid gland. NIS also showed basolateral membrane immunolabeling in follicular cells. All 4 proteins were highly expressed in organoids derived from FTC. The expression was similar or higher compared to the primary tumors. The results of this study characterize organoids derived from canine FTC as a suitable in vitro model to investigate iodine uptake, opening new research possibilities in the field of canine thyroid cancer therapy.
The Resilience of the Captive Girl Child in 2 Kings 5
Authors: De Andrado Paba Nidhani
Published: June 2021

2 Kings 5 contains a brief reference to an unnamed Israelite girl, a war captive in the household of leprosy-afflicted Naaman, the commander of the Syrian army. She instigates her master’s healing by recommending that he seek out the prophet (Elisha). Although the girl utters only a single statement (2 Kgs 5.3), her words have been subject to divergent critical interpretations. Some scholars valorize her utterance as evidence of her faith, compassion, and courage. A contrasting view maintains that as a trauma victim whose sufferings have been glossed over, the girl’s words express her adaptation to an abusive environment. This study posits an alternative interpretation, by drawing upon research on the concept of resilience with regard to war-affected children. While acknowledging the girl’s trauma, this article argues that her words reflect a resilience-building process by affirming her cultural identity, values, and beliefs.
Random vibration analysis of thin-walled elastic rings under multiple moving loads
Authors: Taheri Kahnamouei Jalal , Yang Jianming
Published: June 2021

This paper investigates the random vibration of a thin-walled ring subjected to multiple moving loads from the inside of the ring. A ring gear in a planetary gear train with three equally-spaced planets is taken as an example. The ring is discretized with the finite element method of curved beam elements. The supports of the ring gear are treated as three linear springs to mimic a general bolt connection. The stochastic Newmark algorithm is used to solve the equations and obtain the response's mean and variance. Monte Carlo simulations are also conducted to verify the results from the stochastic Newmark scheme. A parametric study is conducted to examine the effect of design parameters on the responses.
Synthesis method for planetary gear trains without using rotation graphs
Authors: Cui Rongjiang , Ye Zhizheng , Sun Liang , Zheng Guanghui , Wu Chuanyu
Published: June 2021

The displacement graphs (d-graphs) are the final form of planetary gear trains (PGTs) synthesis. The existing configuration synthesis methods for the d-graphs of PGTs need rotation graphs (r-graphs) as the intermediate step and produce a large amount of isomorphic KCs. This paper proposes a method to obtain d-graphs directly from the geared graph. Meanwhile, a uniform isomorphism identification method suitable for parent graphs, geared graphs, and d-graphs is presented. Finally, a fully automatic method based on parent graphs is tested on synthesizing 1-DOF PGTs with up to nine links. Our synthesis results and those in the literature are comparatively analyzed, and the reasons for contradictory synthesis results are analyzed.
Public sensemaking of active packaging technologies: A feature-based perspective
Authors: Festila Alexandra , Chrysochou Polymeros , Hieke Sophie , Massri Camila
Published: May 2021

Taking a point of departure in the idea that technology features can act as cues for sensemaking, we explore how the public makes sense of new active packaging technologies; technologies that absorb or release substances from or into the packaging atmosphere, preserving the freshness and safety of food products. Based on data from ten focus groups across five countries (Ireland, Denmark, Italy, Spain and China), we show that sensemaking occurs at two feature-proximity levels. At the first level, we observe the production of proximal representations, where salient technology features drive the sensemaking process and how the individuals come to understand the essence of the technology. At the second level, we observe the production of distal representations, where distinct technology features become less salient, and the holistic understanding of the technology takes over in how individuals come to understand the locus of the technology in broader contexts. Our insights contribute to theory regarding public sensemaking of novel technologies and have practical implications for stakeholders who aim to increase their adoption prospects.
Electroacupuncture improves cardiac function and reduces infarct size by modulating cardiac autonomic remodeling in a mouse model of myocardial ischemia
Authors: Lu Sheng-Feng , Wang Jun-Meng , Yuan Jing , Yang Wen-Xiu , Chen Li-Yao , Zhang Tao , Jing Xin-Yue , Zhuang Yi , Zhang Cheng-Shun , Fu Shu-Ping , Yu Mei-Ling
Published: May 2021

Background:

Sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve remodeling play an important role in cardiac function after myocardial ischemia (MI) injury. Increasing evidence indicates that electroacupuncture (EA) can regulate cardiac function by modulating the autonomic nervous system (ANS), but little is known about its effectiveness on neural remodeling post-MI.

Objectives:

To investigate the role of EA in ANS remodeling post-MI.

Methods:

Adult male C57/BL6 mice were equally divided into the Control (Ctrl), MI and EA groups after generating the MI model by ligating the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery. Echocardiography and 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium (TTC) staining were employed to evaluate cardiac function and infarct size after EA treatment for five consecutive days. Serum norepinephrine (NE) levels were measured by ELISA to quantify sympathetic activation. Then, ANS remodeling was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC), RT-qPCR, and Western blotting.

Results:

Our preliminary findings showed that EA increased ejection fraction and fractional shortening and reduced infarct area after MI injury. Serum NE levels in the EA group were significantly decreased compared with those in the MI group. IHC staining results demonstrated that the density of growth associated protein (GAP)43 and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) positive nerve fibers in the EA group were decreased with increased choline acetyltransferase (CHAT) and vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VACHT). Meanwhile, the results verified that mRNA and protein expression of GAP43 and TH were significantly inhibited by EA treatment in the MI mice, accompanied by elevated CHAT and VACHT.

Conclusions:

EA treatment could improve cardiac function and reduce infarct size by modulating sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve remodeling post-MI, thus helping the cardiac ANS reach a new balance to try to protect the heart from further possible injury.
Barriers and Enablers to Women’s Participation in the Workforce: A Case Study from India
Authors: Wadhwa Soma , Retnakaran Devutty
Published: June 2021

Less than one-fourth of women in the working-age group are in India’s workforce. This article draws from multiple studies of a 5-year-long programme that intervened to connect a million underprivileged women to employment opportunities across five Indian states. The article’s objective is twofold. One, identification of the barriers that keep women from joining and continuing in the workforce. Two, documentation of the enablers that the programme devised for women to overcome these barriers. The studies employ qualitative research methodologies to service these objectives, deriving their sampling typologies from the programme’s quantitative monitoring data. We find that severe impediments keep women from the workforce, especially so in the case of underprivileged women. These include curtailed mobility; mismatch in aspirations, education, training and work; first-generation-employee disadvantage; and traditionally gendered work division reinforced by male preference in the new urban economy’s emerging jobs. We schematise the programme’s services as a continual provision of information, counselling and mentorship to enable women to surmount these barriers—from girlhood to their adult lives. The programme design could provide insights for policymaking towards improving women’s participation in India’s workforce.
International Online Collaboration Competencies in Higher Education Students: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kolm Alexandra , de Nooijer Jascha , Vanherle Koen , Werkman Andrea , Wewerka-Kreimel Daniela , Rachman-Elbaum Shelly , van Merriënboer Jeroen J. G.
Published: May 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has been forcing people to work remotely in virtual teams around the globe. Global virtual teamwork will continue, and people are not sufficiently prepared for this, resulting in reduced team commitment and lower performance. Higher education institutions need to equip their graduates with International Online Collaboration Competencies (IOCCs), but research into these is fragmented, lacking even a definition of these competencies. This study was systematically reviewing empirical studies on IOCCs. 516 studies were reviewed, and data from 14 full texts were analyzed. Six competence domains emerged from the literature. Most studies focused on single domains of IOCCs, and none of the studies covered all domains. Results indicate that this preliminary framework for higher education students provides a first overview of the fragmented literature on IOCCs. Methods to teach and evaluate IOCCs acquisition are underdeveloped but urgently needed to equip professionals for global virtual teamwork.
Cleft Lip and/or Palate and Associated Risks in Lower-Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kruppa Kayla , Krüger Esedra , Vorster Carlien , der Linde Jeannie van
Published: May 2021

Objective:

To identify and review published data on the risks associated with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) in lower-middle-income countries (LMICs).

Design:

A systematic review of literature was performed on electronic databases using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols. Literature on risks associated with CL/P in LMICs, from 2010 to 2020, were included.

Results:

Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. All studies adopted an observational study design. Biological and environmental risks were identified. Maternal and paternal age (n = 7) and low socioeconomic status (n = 5) were the most prominently associated environmental risk factors. A strong association was identified between family history of cleft (n = 7) and CL/P occurrence.

Conclusion:

Environmental risk factors are now being investigated more than biological risk factors in LMICs, aiding health care workers in the early identification of possible cumulative effects of risks in CL/P. Contextually relevant tools are recommended to promote early identification of at-risk infants.
Young Adults’ Perspectives of Childhood Food Allergies: Implications for School Nurses
Authors: Anderson Abigail , Combs Elizabeth M. , Hurst Sheila , Corbett Cynthia F.
Published: June 2021

The primary goal of this study was to examine young adults’ perspectives about the effects of their food allergies (FAs) on their social lives from school-age to young adulthood. Young adults aged 18–21 ( n = 10) at the University of South Carolina were interviewed. A qualitative descriptive method to find themes and commonalities from transcribed interviews was used for data analysis. Identified themes were (1) feeling different and being isolated, (2) strategies for managing feeling different and being isolated, (3) strategies for managing safety, and (4) acceptance of myself and by others. School-age children attributed the school lunch allergy table as contributing to social isolation. Additionally, participants described feeling different and concerns about safety. Strategies to mitigate those experiences were identified by participants. Implications for children with FAs, their parents, school nurses, and other education and health professionals who work with children are presented.