bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atomic-type photonic crystals with adjustable band gaps
Authors: He Suirong , He Qing , Wei L. F.
Published: November 2021

If the electromagnetic waves are scattered by the periodic structure of media with different refractive indexes, a band gap in the transmitted spectrum can be generated. This is the photonic crystal whose band gap is usually uncontrollable as its structure parameters are fixed after the fabrication. Alternatively, based on the quantum theory in real space for single photons transporting along a one-dimensional waveguide embed by a series of two-level atoms, we propose here a quantum mechanical configuration to implement the photonic crystal with adjustable band gap. It is shown that if the scattering two-level atoms are arranged as a periodic array, the desirable band gap in the photonic transmission spectrum can be formed. This is the atomic-type photonic crystal, in which the center frequency of the gap can be controlled by adjusting the eigenfrequencies of the atoms. The possible physical implementations of our proposal with the voltage-biased superconducting qubits for the centimeter waves and the voltage-biased electrons on liquid helium for the millimeter waves are also discussed.
Molecular identification of two newly identified human pathogens causing leishmaniasis using PCR-based methods on the 3′ untranslated region of the heat shock protein 70 (type I) gene
Authors: Jariyapan Narissara , Bates Michelle D. , Bates Paul A.
Published: November 2021

PCR-based methods to amplify the 3′ untranslated region (3′-UTR) of the heat shock protein 70 (type I) gene (HSP70-I) have previously been used for typing of Leishmania but not with Leishmania (Mundinia) martiniquensis and L. (Mundinia) orientalis, newly identified human pathogens. Here, the 3′-UTRs of HSP70-I of L. martiniquensis, L. orientalis, and 10 other species were sequenced and analyzed. PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) analysis targeting the 3′-UTR of HSP70-I was developed. Also, the detection limit of HSP70-I-3′-UTR PCR methods was compared with two other commonly used targets: the 18S small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU-rRNA) gene and the internal transcribed spacer 1 region of the rRNA (ITS1-rRNA) gene. Results showed that HSP70-I-3′-UTR PCR methods could be used to identify and differentiate between L. martiniquensis (480–2 bp) and L. orientalis (674 bp) and distinguished them from parasites of the subgenus Viannia and of the subgenus Leishmania. PCR-RFLP patterns of the 3′-UTR of HSP70-I fragments digested with BsuRI restriction enzyme successfully differentiated L. martiniquensis, L. orientalis, L. braziliensis, L. guyanensis = L. panamensis, L. mexicana = L. aethiopica = L. tropica, L. amazonensis, L. major, and L. donovani = L. infantum. For the detection limit, the HSP70-I-3′-UTR PCR method could detect the DNA of L. martiniquensis and L. orientalis at the same concentration, 1 pg/μL, at a similar level to the SSU-rRNA PCR. The PCR that amplified ITS1-rRNA was more sensitive (0.01 pg/μL) than that of the HSP70-I-3′-UTR PCR. However, the sizes of both SSU-rRNA and ITS1-rRNA PCR amplicons could not differentiate between L. martiniquensis and L. orientalis. This is the first report of using HSP70-I-3′-UTR PCR based methods to identify the parasites causing leishmaniasis in Thailand. Also, the BsuRI-PCR-RFLP method can be used for differentiating some species within other subgenera.
Machine learning analysis of volatolomic profiles in breath can identify non-invasive biomarkers of liver disease: A pilot study
Authors: Thomas Jonathan N. , Roopkumar Joanna , Patel Tushar
Published: November 2021

Disease-related effects on hepatic metabolism can alter the composition of chemicals in the circulation and subsequently in breath. The presence of disease related alterations in exhaled volatile organic compounds could therefore provide a basis for non-invasive biomarkers of hepatic disease. This study examined the feasibility of using global volatolomic profiles from breath analysis in combination with supervised machine learning to develop signature pattern-based biomarkers for cirrhosis. Breath samples were analyzed using thermal desorption-gas chromatography-field asymmetric ion mobility spectroscopy to generate breathomic profiles. A standardized collection protocol and analysis pipeline was used to collect samples from 35 persons with cirrhosis, 4 with non-cirrhotic portal hypertension, and 11 healthy participants. Molecular features of interest were identified to determine their ability to classify cirrhosis or portal hypertension. A molecular feature score was derived that increased with the stage of cirrhosis and had an AUC of 0.78 for detection. Chromatographic breath profiles were utilized to generate machine learning-based classifiers. Algorithmic models could discriminate presence or stage of cirrhosis with a sensitivity of 88–92% and specificity of 75%. These results demonstrate the feasibility of volatolomic profiling to classify clinical phenotypes using global breath output. These studies will pave the way for the development of non-invasive biomarkers of liver disease based on volatolomic signatures found in breath.
Impact of excluding nursing home COVID-19 cases when assessing the relationship between county-level social distancing behavior and COVID-19 cases across the US during the early phase of the pandemic, February 2020-May 2020
Authors: Tran Phoebe , Tran Lam , Tran Liem
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To conduct a cross-sectional nationwide study examining how exclusion of nursing home COVID-19 cases influences the association between county level social distancing behavior and COVID-19 cases throughout the US during the early phase of the pandemic (February 2020-May 2020).

Methods

Using county-level COVID-19 data and social distancing metrics from tracked mobile devices, we investigated the impact social distancing had on a county’s total COVID-19 cases (cases/100,000 people) between when the first COVID-19 case was confirmed in a county and May 31st, 2020 when most statewide social distancing measures were lifted, representing the pandemic’s exponential growth phase. We created a mixed-effects negative binomial model to assess how implementation of social distancing measures when they were most stringent (March 2020-May 2020) influenced total COVID-19 cases while controlling for social distancing and COVID-19 related covariates in two scenarios: (1) when COVID-19 nursing home cases are not excluded from total COVID-19 cases and (2) when these cases are excluded. Model findings were compared to those from February 2020, a baseline when social distancing measures were not in place.

Marginal effects at the means were generated to further isolate the influence of social distancing on COVID-19 from other factors and determine total COVID-19 cases during March 2020-May 2020 for the two scenarios.

Results

Regardless of whether nursing home COVID-19 cases were excluded from total COVID-19 cases, a 1% increase in average % of mobile devices leaving home was significantly associated with a 5% increase in a county’s total COVID-19 cases between March 2020-May 2020 and about a 2.5% decrease in February 2020. When the influence of social distancing was separated from other factors, the estimated total COVID-19 cases/100,000 people was comparable throughout the range of social distancing values (25%-45% of mobile phone devices leaving home between March 2020-May 2020) when nursing home COVID-19 cases were not excluded (25% of mobile phones leaving home: 163.84 cases/100,000 people (95% CI: 121.81, 205.86), 45% of mobile phones leaving home: 432.79 cases/100,000 people (95% CI: 256.91, 608.66)) and when they were excluded (25% of mobile phones leaving home: 149.58 cases/100,000 people (95% CI: 111.90, 187.26), 45% of mobile phones leaving home: 405.38 cases/100,000 people (95% CI: 243.14, 567.62)).

Conclusions

Exclusion of nursing home COVID-19 cases from total COVID-19 case counts has little impact when estimating the relationship between county-level social distancing and preventing COVID-19 cases with additional research needed to see whether this finding is also observed for COVID-19 growth rates and mortality.
Stability evaluation of compounded clonidine hydrochloride oral liquids based on a solid-phase extraction HPLC-UV method
Authors: Coache Daphné , Friciu Mihaela , Roullin V. Gaëlle , Boulé Marianne , Forest Jean-Marc , Leclair Grégoire
Published: November 2021

The present study aimed to assess the stability of clonidine hydrochloride oral liquids (20-μg/mL) prepared from two different generic tablets in Ora-Blend and stored in amber plastic bottles. Physical and chemical stabilities were evaluated over a period of 90 days at 25°C. Analytical challenges were overcome with the development of a new extraction procedure based on solid phase extraction to ensure efficient clonidine hydrochloride quantification. The absence of physical instabilities, evaluated by qualitative and quantitative measurements (static multiple light scattering), as well as the absence of chemical instabilities, evidenced by a stability-indicating HPLC-UV method, confirmed that a beyond-use date of 90 days was appropriate for these compounded oral liquids.
Screening for undiagnosed non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH): A population-based risk factor assessment using vibration controlled transient elastography (VCTE)
Authors: Eskridge Wayne , Vierling John M. , Gosbee Wayne , Wan Gabriella A. , Hyunh May-Linh , Chang Henry E.
Published: November 2021

The screening for undiagnosed non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (SUNN) study was a population-based screening study that aimed to provide proof of concept to encourage community-level screening and detection for this non-communicable disease. Current screening guidelines do not recommend the routine screening of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) for asymptomatic populations, so providers are not encouraged to actively seek disease, even in high-risk patients. This study sought to determine whether a self-selecting cohort of asymptomatic individuals would have scores based on vibration controlled transient elastography (VCTE) and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) significantly correlated to risk factors to suggest that routine screening for high-risk patients should be recommended. The study recruited 1,070 self-selected participants in Houston and Galveston County, Texas, 940 of which were included in final analysis. A pre-screening survey was used to determine eligibility. VCTE-based scores analyzed steatosis and fibrosis levels. Fifty-seven percent of the study population demonstrated steatosis without fibrosis, suggesting NAFLD, while 16% demonstrated both steatosis and fibrosis, suggesting NASH. Statistically significant risk factors included factors related to metabolic syndrome, race, and age, while statistically significant protective factors included consumption of certain foods and exercise. The findings of this study suggest that high-risk individuals should be screened for NAFLD even in the absence of symptoms and that community-based screenings are an effective tool, particularly in the absence of proactive guidelines for providers.
Alien woody plants are more versatile than native, but both share similar therapeutic redundancy in South Africa
Authors: Yessoufou Kowiyou , Ambani Annie Estelle , Elansary Hosam O. , Gaoue Orou G.
Published: November 2021

Understanding why alien plant species are incorporated into the medicinal flora in several local communities is central to invasion biology and ethnobiology. Theories suggest that alien plants are incorporated in local pharmacopoeias because they are more versatile or contribute unique secondary chemistry which make them less therapeutically redundant, or simply because they are locally more abundant than native species. However, a lack of a comprehensive test of these hypotheses limits our understanding of the dynamics of plants knowledge, use and potential implications for invasion. Here, we tested the predictions of several of these hypotheses using a unique dataset on the woody medicinal flora of southern Africa. We found that the size of a plant family predicts the number of medicinal plants in that family, a support for the non-random hypothesis of medicinal plant selection. However, we found no support for the diversification hypothesis: i) both alien and native plants were used in the treatment of similar diseases; ii) significantly more native species than alien contribute to disease treatments particularly of parasitic infections and obstetric-gynecological diseases, and iii) alien and native species share similar therapeutic redundancy. However, we found support for the versatility hypothesis, i.e., alien plants were more versatile than natives. These findings imply that, although alien plant species are not therapeutically unique, they do provide more uses than native plants (versatility), thus suggesting that they may not have been introduced primarily for therapeutic reasons. We call for similar studies to be carried out on alien herbaceous plants for a broader understanding of the integration of alien plants into the pharmacopoeias of the receiving communities.
Detecting fabrication in large-scale molecular omics data
Authors: Bradshaw Michael S. , Payne Samuel H.
Published: November 2021

Fraud is a pervasive problem and can occur as fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, or theft. The scientific community is not exempt from this universal problem and several studies have recently been caught manipulating or fabricating data. Current measures to prevent and deter scientific misconduct come in the form of the peer-review process and on-site clinical trial auditors. As recent advances in high-throughput omics technologies have moved biology into the realm of big-data, fraud detection methods must be updated for sophisticated computational fraud. In the financial sector, machine learning and digit-frequencies are successfully used to detect fraud. Drawing from these sources, we develop methods of fabrication detection in biomedical research and show that machine learning can be used to detect fraud in large-scale omic experiments. Using the gene copy-number data as input, machine learning models correctly predicted fraud with 58–100% accuracy. With digit frequency as input features, the models detected fraud with 82%-100% accuracy. All of the data and analysis scripts used in this project are available at https://github.com/MSBradshaw/FakeData.
Intranasal oxygen reverses hypoxaemia in immobilised free-ranging capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)
Authors: Cordeiro Jefferson F. , Sanches Mariana C. , Rusch Elidiane , Xavier Nathalia V. , Cassoli Ana Angélica , Fahlman Åsa , Carregaro Adriano B.
Published: November 2021

Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is the main host of tick-borne pathogens causing Brazilian spotted fever; therefore, controlling its population is essential, and this may require chemical restraint. We assessed the impact of chemical restraint protocols on the partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) and other blood variables in 36 capybaras and the effect of different flows of nasal oxygen (O2) supplementation. The capybaras were hand-injected with dexmedetomidine (5 μg/kg) and midazolam (0.1 mg/kg) and butorphanol (0.2 mg/kg) (DMB, n = 18) or methadone (0.1 mg/kg) (DMM, n = 18). One-third of the animals were maintained in ambient air throughout the procedure, and one-third were administered intranasal 2 L/min O2after 30 min whereas the other third were administered 5 L/min O2. Arterial blood gases, acid-base status, and electrolytes were assessed 30 and 60 min after drug injection. The DMB and DMM groups did not vary based on any of the evaluated variables. All animals developed hypoxaemia (PaO244 [30; 73] mmHg, SaO281 [62; 93] %) 30 min before O2supplementation. Intranasal O2at 2 L/min improved PaO2(63 [49; 97] mmHg and SaO2[92 [85; 98] %), but 9 of 12 capybaras remained hypoxaemic. A higher O2flow of 5 L/min was efficient in treating hypoxaemia (PaO2188 [146; 414] mmHg, SaO2100 [99; 100] %) in all the 12 animals that received it. Both drug protocols induced hypoxaemia, which could be treated with intranasal oxygen supplementation.
Relationship between impact characteristics and launch direction in softball hitting: A study involving elite players
Authors: Kidokoro Shuji , Morishita Yoshitaka
Published: November 2021

In the game of softball, the batter should possess the necessary skills to hit the ball toward various directions with high initial speed. However, because various factors influence each other, there are limitations to the range that can be controlled by the batter’s skill. This study was aimed at extracting the impact characteristics associated with the launch speed/direction and batted ball spin and clarifying the important skills required to improve the batter’s hitting performance. In our experiments, 20 female softball players, who are members of the Japan women’s national softball team, hit balls launched from a pitching machine. The movements of the ball and bat before, during, or after the impact were recorded using a motion capture system. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed to extract factors relating the side spin rate. The undercut angle (elevation angle between the bat’s trajectory and the common normal between the ball and bat: ΔR2 = 0.560) and the horizontal bat angle (azimuth of bat’s long axis at ball impact: ΔR2 = 0.299) were strongly associated with the side spin rate (total R2 = 0.893, p < 0.001). The undercut angle in opposite-field hitting was significantly larger than that in pull-side hitting (p < 0.001). The side spin rate was associated with the undercut angle because the bat’s distal (barrel) side inclined downward (–29.6 ± 8.7°) at impact. The ball exit velocity was higher when it was hit at a smaller undercut angle (R2 = 0.523, p < 0.001). Therefore, it is deemed desirable to focus on maximizing the ball exit velocity rather than ball spin because the ball–bat impact characteristics vary inevitably depending on the launch direction. Meanwhile, the use of the ball delivery machine and the slower pitched ball are the limiting factors in the generalization of the findings.
Differences in the organisation of early pregnancy units and the effect of senior clinician presence, volume of patients and weekend opening on emergency hospital admissions: Findings from the VESPA Study
Authors: Memtsa Maria , Goodhart Venetia , Ambler Gareth , Brocklehurst Peter , Keeney Edna , Silverio Sergio A. , Anastasiou Zacharias , Round Jeff , Khan Nazim , Hall Jennifer , Barrett Geraldine , Bender-Atik Ruth , Stephenson Judith , Jurkovic Davor
Published: November 2021

Objective

To determine whether the participation of consultant gynaecologists in delivering early pregnancy care results in a lower rate of acute hospital admissions.

Design

Prospective cohort study and emergency hospital care audit; data were collected as part of the national prospective mixed-methods VESPA study on the “Variations in the organization of EPAUs in the UK and their effects on clinical, Service and PAtient-centred outcomes”.

Setting

44 Early Pregnancy Assessment Units (EPAUs) across the UK randomly selected in balanced numbers from eight pre-defined mutually exclusive strata.

Participants

6606 pregnant women (≥16 years old) with suspected first trimester pregnancy complications attending the participating EPAUs or Emergency Departments (ED) from December 2016 to July 2017.

Exposures

Planned and actual senior clinician presence, unit size, and weekend opening.

Main outcome measures

Unplanned admissions to hospital following any visit for investigations or treatment for first trimester complications as a proportion of women attending EPAUs.

Results

205/6397 (3.2%; 95% CI 2.8–3.7) women were admitted following their EPAU attendance. The admission rate among 44 units ranged from 0% to 13.7% (median 2.8). Neither planned senior clinician presence (p = 0.874) nor unit volume (p = 0.247) were associated with lower admission rates from EPAU, whilst EPAU opening over the weekend resulted in lower admission rates (p = 0.027). 1445/5464 (26.4%; 95%CI 25.3 to 27.6) women were admitted from ED. There was little evidence of an association with planned senior clinician time (p = 0.280) or unit volume (p = 0.647). Keeping an EPAU open over the weekend for an additional hour was associated with 2.4% (95% CI 0.1% to 4.7%) lower odds of an emergency admission from ED.

Conclusions

Involvement of senior clinicians in delivering early pregnancy care has no significant impact on emergency hospital admissions for early pregnancy complications. Weekend opening, however, may be an effective way of reducing emergency admissions from ED.
Oxytocin increases perceived competence and social-emotional engagement with brands
Authors: Barraza Jorge A. , Hu Xinbo , Terris Elizabeth T. , Wang Chuan , Zak Paul J.
Published: November 2021

Humans express loyalty to consumer brands much like they do in human relationships. The neuroactive chemical oxytocin is an important biological substrate of human attachment and this study tested whether consumer-brand relationships can be influenced by oxytocin administration. We present a mathematical model of brand attachment that generates empirically-testable hypotheses. The model is tested by administering synthetic oxytocin or placebo to male and female participants (N = 77) who received information about brands and had an opportunity to purchase branded products. We focused on two brand personality dimensions: warmth and competence. Oxytocin increased perceptions of brand competence but not brand warmth relative to placebo. We also found that participants were willing to pay more for branded products through its effect on brand competence. When writing about one’s favorite brands, oxytocin enhanced the use of positive emotional language as well as words related to family and friends. These findings provide preliminary evidence that consumers build relationships with brands using the biological mechanisms that evolved to form human attachments.
Teaming-up nurses with ophthalmologists to expand the reach of eye care in a middle-income country: Validation of health data acquisition by nursing staff in a telemedicine strategy
Authors: Garcia Moraes Pagano Cassia , de Campos Moreira Tais , Sganzerla Daniel , Matzenbacher Ana Maria Frölich , Faria Amanda Gomes , Matturro Lucas , Cabral Felipe Cezar , Rucks Varvaki Rados Dimitris , Decavata Szortyka Anelise , Falavigna Maicon , Vinadé Chagas Maria Eulalia , Harzheim Erno , Gonçalves Marcelo , Umpierre Roberto , Lutz de Araujo Aline
Published: November 2021

Telemedicine can be used to conduct ophthalmological assessment of patients, facilitating patient access to specialist care. Since the teleophthalmology models require data collection support from other health professionals, the purpose of our study was to assess agreement between the nursing technician and the ophthalmologist in acquisition of health parameters that can be used for remote analysis as part of a telemedicine strategy. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 140 patients referred to an ophthalmological telediagnosis center by primary healthcare doctors. The health parameters evaluated were visual acuity (VA), objective ophthalmic measures acquired by autorefraction, keratometry, and intraocular pressure (IOP). Bland-Altman plots were used to analyze agreement between the nursing technician and the ophthalmologist. The Bland-Altman analysis showed a mean bias equal to zero for the VA measurements [95%-LoA: -0.25–0.25], 0.01 [95%-LoA: -0.86–0.88] for spherical equivalent (M), -0.08 [95%-LoA: -1.1–0.95] for keratometry (K) and -0.23 [95%-LoA: -4.4–4.00] for IOP. The measures had a high linear correlation (R [95%CI]: 0.87 [0.82–0.91]; 0.97 [0.96–0.98]; 0.96 [0.95–0.97] and 0.88 [0.84–0.91] respectively). The results observed demonstrate that remote ophthalmological data collection by adequately trained health professionals is viable. This confirms the utility and safety of these solutions for scenarios in which access to ophthalmologists is limited.
Predictors of acculturation attitude of international students in China
Authors: Luo Man , Zhang Xiaofang , Peng Fang , Zhao Jing , Deng Haijun
Published: November 2021

This study investigates international students’ acculturation attitude preference and the influence factors (i.e., gender, duration in China, host and English proficiency, adult attachment style and social ties) on each acculturation attitude (i.e, integration, assimilation, separation and marginalization attitude) in China. A group of 229 international students within China responded online. Results from cluster analysis based on process model of acculturation revealed that, integration was the most prevalent acculturation attitude of international students in China. Additionally, logistic regressions analysis indicated that duration in China was negatively associated with adoption of separation and marginalization attitude also higher level of English proficiency predicted the preference of marginalization attitude. However, Chinese proficiency was positively associated with integration attitude adoption, host ties were positively and significantly associated with adoption of assimilation and integration attitude, but negatively associated with the usage of marginalization attitude. Lastly, avoidance attachment was found negatively associating with the integration attitude. This study provides valuable insights for international student education policymakers to assist international students in order to adapt to a new environment quickly and effectively.
Neuroprotective effects of some epigenetic modifying drugs’ on Chlamydia pneumoniae-induced neuroinflammation: A novel model
Authors: Kaya-Tilki Elif , Dikmen Miriş
Published: November 2021

Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cpn)is a gram-negative intracellular pathogen that causes a variety of pulmonary diseases, and there is growing evidence that it may play a role in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis. Cpn can interact functionally with host histones, altering the host’s epigenetic regulatory system by introducing bacterial products into the host tissue and inducing a persistent inflammatory response. Because Cpn is difficult to propagate, isolate, and detect, a modified LPS-like neuroinflammation model was established using lyophilized cell free supernatant (CFS) obtained from infected cell cultures, and the effects of CFS were compared to LPS. The neuroprotective effects of Trichostatin A (TSA), givinostat, and RG108, which are effective on epigenetic mechanisms, and the antibiotic rifampin, were studied in this newly introduced model and in the presence of amyloid beta (Aβ) 1–42. The neuroprotective effects of the drugs, as well as the effects of CFS and LPS, were evaluated in Aβ-induced neurotoxicity using a real-time cell analysis system, total ROS, and apoptotic impact. TSA, RG108, givinostat, and rifampin all demonstrated neuroprotective effects in both this novel model and Aβ-induced neurotoxicity. The findings are expected to provide early evidence on neuroprotective actions against Cpn-induced neuroinflammation and Aβ-induced neurotoxicity, which could represent a new treatment option for AD, for which there are currently few treatment options.
Optimizing ECG to detect echocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy with computer-based ECG data and machine learning
Authors: De la Garza Salazar Fernando , Romero Ibarguengoitia Maria Elena , Azpiri López José Ramón , González Cantú Arnulfo
Published: November 2021

Background

Left ventricular hypertrophy detected by echocardiography (Echo-LVH) is an independent predictor of mortality. Integration of the Philips DXL-16 algorithm into the electrocardiogram (ECG) extensively analyses the electricity of the heart. Machine learning techniques such as the C5.0 could lead to a new decision tree criterion to detect Echo-LVH.

Objectives

To search for a new combination of ECG parameters predictive of Echo-LVH. The final model is called the Cardiac Hypertrophy Computer-based model (CHCM).

Methods

We extracted the 458 ECG parameters provided by the Philips DXL-16 algorithm in patients with Echo-LVH and controls. We used the C5.0 ML algorithm to train, test, and validate the CHCM. We compared its diagnostic performance to validate state-of-the-art criteria in our patient cohort.

Results

We included 439 patients and considered an alpha value of 0.05 and a power of 99%. The CHCM includes T voltage in I (≤0.055 mV), peak-to-peak QRS distance in aVL (>1.235 mV), and peak-to-peak QRS distance in aVF (>0.178 mV). The CHCM had an accuracy of 70.5% (CI95%, 65.2–75.5), a sensitivity of 74.3%, and a specificity of 68.7%. In the external validation cohort (n = 156), the CHCM had an accuracy of 63.5% (CI95%, 55.4–71), a sensitivity of 42%, and a specificity of 82.9%. The accuracies of the most relevant state-of-the-art criteria were: Romhilt-Estes (57.4%, CI95% 49–65.5), VDP Cornell (55.7%, CI95%47.6–63.7), Cornell (59%, CI95%50.8–66.8), Dalfó (62.9%, CI95%54.7–70.6), Sokolow Lyon (53.9%, CI95%45.7–61.9), and Philips DXL-16 algorithm (54.5%, CI95%46.3–62.5).

Conclusion

ECG computer-based data and the C5.0 determined a new set of ECG parameters to predict Echo-LVH. The CHCM classifies patients as Echo-LVH with repolarization abnormalities or LVH with increased voltage. The CHCM has a similar accuracy, and is slightly more sensitive than the state-of-the-art criteria.
An improved African vultures optimization algorithm based on tent chaotic mapping and time-varying mechanism
Authors: Fan Jiahao , Li Ying , Wang Tan
Published: November 2021

Metaheuristic optimization algorithms are one of the most effective methods for solving complex engineering problems. However, the performance of a metaheuristic algorithm is related to its exploration ability and exploitation ability. Therefore, to further improve the African vultures optimization algorithm (AVOA), a new metaheuristic algorithm, an improved African vultures optimization algorithm based on tent chaotic mapping and time-varying mechanism (TAVOA), is proposed. First, a tent chaotic map is introduced for population initialization. Second, the individual’s historical optimal position is recorded and applied to individual location updating. Third, a time-varying mechanism is designed to balance the exploration ability and exploitation ability. To verify the effectiveness and efficiency of TAVOA, TAVOA is tested on 23 basic benchmark functions, 28 CEC 2013 benchmark functions and 3 common real-world engineering design problems, and compared with AVOA and 5 other state-of-the-art metaheuristic optimization algorithms. According to the results of the Wilcoxon rank-sum test with 5%, among the 23 basic benchmark functions, the performance of TAVOA has significantly better than that of AVOA on 13 functions. Among the 28 CEC 2013 benchmark functions, the performance of TAVOA on 9 functions is significantly better than AVOA, and on 17 functions is similar to AVOA. Besides, compared with the six metaheuristic optimization algorithms, TAVOA also shows good performance in real-world engineering design problems.
Evidence-based teaching practices correlate with increased exam performance in biology
Authors: Moon Sungmin , Jackson Mallory A. , Doherty Jennifer H. , Wenderoth Mary Pat
Published: November 2021

Evidence-based teaching practices are associated with improved student academic performance. However, these practices encompass a wide range of activities and determining which type, intensity or duration of activity is effective at improving student exam performance has been elusive. To address this shortcoming, we used a previously validated classroom observation tool, Practical Observation Rubric to Assess Active Learning (PORTAAL) to measure the presence, intensity, and duration of evidence-based teaching practices in a retrospective study of upper and lower division biology courses. We determined the cognitive challenge of exams by categorizing all exam questions obtained from the courses using Bloom’s Taxonomy of Cognitive Domains. We used structural equation modeling to correlate the PORTAAL practices with exam performance while controlling for cognitive challenge of exams, students’ GPA at start of the term, and students’ demographic factors. Small group activities, randomly calling on students or groups to answer questions, explaining alternative answers, and total time students were thinking, working with others or answering questions had positive correlations with exam performance. On exams at higher Bloom’s levels, students explaining the reasoning underlying their answers, students working alone, and receiving positive feedback from the instructor also correlated with increased exam performance. Our study is the first to demonstrate a correlation between the intensity or duration of evidence-based PORTAAL practices and student exam performance while controlling for Bloom’s level of exams, as well as looking more specifically at which practices correlate with performance on exams at low and high Bloom’s levels. This level of detail will provide valuable insights for faculty as they prioritize changes to their teaching. As we found that multiple PORTAAL practices had a positive association with exam performance, it may be encouraging for instructors to realize that there are many ways to benefit students’ learning by incorporating these evidence-based teaching practices.
An understanding of Nigerian television mobile news applications and associate news locations
Authors: Oyewole John Ayodele
Published: November 2021

Mobile applications are already part of the contemporary news experience, which increasingly includes the convergent mobile application news content of conventional media, such as television stations. Impressively, the experience of such convergences has spread to include developing nations, including Nigeria. However, despite the enormous digital device and media penetrations in the country, little research has been done in order to understand the nature of such television stations’ mobile application news. With regards to the foregoing, and the importance of associated news locations, this content analysis research has been conducted and has found serious correlation between ownership type and television application news content. While Africa is the dominant proximate news locations of the prominent Nigerian television mobile application news studied, the news spread categories are largely similar across all mobile application news content.
Why Reagan was not impeached
Authors: Ling Peter J.
Published: November 2021

In the aftermath of Watergate and Vietnam, Congressional investigations uncovered the largely unknown activities of the CIA and other agencies, which included arming and interfering in the domestic politics of regimes in both Central America and Iran. These programmes had also involved supporting reactionary regimes in ways that some saw as drawing the United States into conflicts, like Vietnam, without public knowledge or consent. In 1987, it was revealed that the Reagan administration had operated a clandestine policy in Nicaragua that evaded the restrictions placed upon the executive by the Boland Amendment in terms of aid given to the Nicaraguan Contras and that National Security Council (NSC) staff had lied to Congress and concealed these illegal actions. They had solicited funds from foreign allies and smuggled arms to the Contra insurgents in support of their efforts to topple the Sandinista regime. Contrary to the Arms Export Control Act and to its own publicly stated policy, the administration had also sold arms, particularly missiles, to Iran, which had been branded a sponsor of international terrorism since the Iranian revolution, and which was currently at war with its neighbour, Iraq. Such deals had formed part of ‘arms for hostages’ negotiations that were also contrary to official policy. Finally, it was disclosed that profits from the arms sales had been diverted to fund the Contras and hence to evade Congressional restrictions on funding. This article explores why these illegal actions did not result in President Reagan’s impeachment. It considers the merits of the administration’s claims that this was a ‘rogue operation’ by zealots within the NSC, and the success of its efforts to present Reagan as eager to cooperate with efforts to discover the truth of what had happened. It reviews the interactions between the Tower Commission, Congressional investigations and Office of Independent Counsel probe (Lawrence Walsh) and shows how these contributed to Reagan’s ‘escape’ from impeachment. It reviews the argument that Reagan’s underlying health problems contributed to his lax management of NSC operations and it considers the importance of televised testimony, particularly that of Oliver North, in shaping public opinion in the administration’s favour. Finally, it considers how this significant episode in 1980s politics foreshadowed major trends in US politics that can be seen as culminating in the present, acute partisan divide, Donald Trump’s double impeachment, and a manifest decline in public trust and respect for American political institutions.
Fashioning masculine anxieties: Clothes and style in The Bonfire of the Vanities
Authors: Viswamohan Aysha Iqbal
Published: November 2021

This article is a broad-spectrum exploration of the reconciliations between fashion choices and masculine anxieties in Tom Wolfe’s The Bonfire of the Vanities. It traces the complex processes where the socially stratified worlds of the male characters are configured, especially through the tropes of clothes and lifestyle. The American 1980s, in times of Reaganomics, are understood as a period of excess, social mores and ‘bigness’. This is reflected in the operatic style of Bonfire, which offers a social critique of New York City in the 1980s. Wolfe’s dispassionate gaze takes in the excesses of the Reagan era, all the time exploring the relationship between men’s clothing and New York City. The central premise of the article pivots on performing masculinity through the 1980s menswear, where garments and lifestyle choices acquire specific meanings as indexes of class, vanity, individuality, identity and social mobility. The focus is on the three masculine protagonists at the forefront, but there are also glancing references to other secondary characters. Fashion, within the scope of this article, is based on the explorations of dress, clothes and style, rather than catwalk.
The Complexities of Exile, the Other, and the Postcolonial Predicament in Beau Travail (Claire Denis, 1999)
Authors: Murphy Cáit
Published: November 2021

Cáit Murphy argues that Beau Travail (Claire Denis, 1999) expresses an “accented style,” citing Hamid Naficy’s theorization of accented cinema in his 2001 study, An Accented Cinema: Exilic and Diasporic Filmmaking. Drawing on Denis’s own exilic background, Murphy analyzes the depiction of contradictory exile in Denis’s film. Working from Naficy’s criteria for accented cinema, such as epistolarity, cultural hybridity, and Bakhtinian chronotopes, Murphy argues that the film’s protagonist Galoup (Denis Lavant) and the French Foreign Legion in Djibouti are paradoxical representations of belonging and Otherness.
Seeing Triple: Identification and Gamic Vision in Film and FPS Games
Authors: Matthews Clare
Published: November 2021

The subjective shot as used in film and FPS video games is analyzed. In film, the subjective shot involves an alignment of two conflicting POVs (protagonist and spectator) and so is generally problematic. By providing game-enabled agency, the subjective shot is employed successfully in FPS games. Being John Malkovich and Peeping Tom both use a special case of the subjective shot, with the merging of three looks. This provides the spectator with a vicarious sense of agency comparable to that of an FPS game, rendering the subjective shot non-problematic in these films.
Exploring Internal and External Monstrosity: An Interview with Damon Lindelof on Confronting Visible and Invisible Monsters through Television
Authors: Freedman Hunter
Published: November 2021

Damon Lindelof gives an interview on how his writing tackles the human experience by shining a light on internal monsters we face as well as the broader concept of the unknown as monstrous. Including discussions on Lost (2004–2010), The Leftovers (2014–2017), and Watchmen (2019), Lindelof compares film to television in terms of effectiveness in storytelling as well as expanding on his focus on “sit forward” television and how he has seen his own characters reflecting some of his own struggles.
Transnationalism and Genre Hybridity in New British Horror, Lindsey Decker (2021)
Authors: Bradford Owen
Published: November 2021

Review of: Transnationalism and Genre Hybridity in New British Horror, Lindsey Decker (2021)

Cardiff: University of Wales Press, 270pp.,

ISBN: 9781786836984 (pbk), $57
Global TV Horror, Stacey Abbott and Lorna Jowett (2021)
Authors: Cloobeck Brandon
Published: November 2021

Review of: Global TV Horror, Stacey Abbott and Lorna Jowett (2021)

Cardiff: University of Wales Press, 272pp., ISBN: 9781786836946 (pbk), $57
Suburban Fantastic: Growing Up in the Late Twentieth Century, Angus McFadzean (2019)
Authors: Laxton Carleigh
Published: November 2021

Review of: Suburban Fantastic: Growing Up in the Late Twentieth Century, Angus McFadzean (2019)

London: Wallflower Press and Columbia University Press, 144pp., ISBN: 9780231189958 (pbk), $23.00, ISBN: 9780231548632 (hbk), $21.99
Axolotl Overkill (2017)
Authors: Ekaterina Anya
Published: November 2021

Germany

Director Helene Hegemann

Runtime 94 minutes
The Night of the Hunter (1955)
Authors: Meenan Devin
Published: November 2021

USA

Director Charles Laughton

Runtime 93 minutes

Blu-ray

USA, 2014

Distributed by The Criterion Collection (region A/1)
The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) in Four Frames
Authors: Adkins Tia M. , Lawler A. G. , Smith Grace
Published: November 2021

The Grand Budapest Hotel

USA

Director Wes Anderson

Runtime 100 minutes

Blu-ray

USA, 2020

Produced and Distributed by The Criterion Collection (region A/1)
Influência da geometria das ligações no comportamento hidro-mecânico de areias tratadas com cimento
Authors: Cardoso Rafaela
Published: November 2021

Da mistura de solos com ligantes hidráulicos resultam materiais cimentados artificialmente através de ligações físicas (minerais resultantes da hidratação do ligante). A geometria das ligações é controlada pela quantidade de água usada no processo construtivo que, por sua vez, depende de requisitos de trabalhabilidade e da adição ou não de adjuvantes. Na compactação a quantidade de água é baixa e as ligações tendem a concentrar-se nos contactos entre as partículas, onde a água fica retida num solo não saturado. Na injecção a quantidade de água é alta (assim como a dosagem) e as ligações são dispersas. Discute-se de que forma a geometria das ligações resultante do processo de mistura afecta o comportamento hidro-mecânico de solos arenosos tratados com cimento Portland. Usa-se como exemplo os resultados de ensaios realizados em amostras de uma areia tratada com diferentes dosagens de cimento e relações água/cimento, que permitiram a caracterização do seu comportamento mecânico e hidráulico, e ainda ensaios não destrutivos para caracterização dessas ligações. Observa-se porosidade dupla quando as ligações são concentradas, o que afecta essencialmente as características hidráulicas. As características mecânicas dependem essencialmente da dosagem de cimento, mas a quantidade de água usada também afecta as características da pasta de cimento endurecida.
NEUROPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF A VARIETY OF POMEGRANATE JUICE EXTRACTS (PJE) AGAINST THE EXCITOTOXIN QUINOLINIC ACID IN HUMAN PRIMARY NEURONS
Authors: Braidy N. , Subash S. , Essa M.M. , Vaishnav R. , Al-Adawi S. , Al-Asmi A. , Al-Senawi H. , Alobaidy A.A.R. , Lakhtakia R. , Guillemin G.J.
Published: November 2021

Background: Quinolinic acid (QUIN) excitotoxicity is mediated by elevated intracellular Ca2+ levels, and nitric oxide (NO•) mediated oxidative stress leading to DNA damage, and cell death due to energy restriction. Methods: We evaluated the effect of a series of pomegranate juice extracts (PJE), Helow, Malasi, Qusum, and Hamedh, with antioxidant properties on QUIN induced excitotoxicity on primary cultures of human neurons. Results: We showed that Helow and Malasi can attenuate QUIN-induced excitotoxicity to a greater extent than Qusum and Hamedh from Oman. Similarly, both Helow and Malasi were able to attenuate QUIN-induced Ca2+ influx and nNOS activity to a greater extent compared to Qusum, and Hamedh. All extracts reduced the oxidative effects of increased NO• production, and hence preventing NAD+ depletion and cell death. Conclusion: In addition to the well-known antioxidant properties of these natural phytochemicals, the inhibitory effect of some of these compounds on specific excitotoxic processes such as calcium influx provides additional evidence for the beneficial health effects of PJE in excitable tissue, particularly within the CNS.
HIPPOCAMPAL ASTROCYTES AND ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Authors: Young J.
Published: November 2021

Considerable progress has been made in elucidating the molecules involved in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, it is still uncertain why the hippocampus is the focus of this pathology, since these molecules (amyloid precursor protein, beta secretase, apolipoprotein E) are not more abundant within the hippocampus than in other, undamaged brain areas. Several unique features of the hippocampus may make it more vulnerable to this age-related pathology. These include 1) a specialized metabolism that enhances damaging effects of oxidative stress, 2) a capacity for neurogenesis, and 3) specializations in mitochondrial and metal homeostasis. The thesis of this paper is that an unusual subset of hippocampal astrocytes makes a fundamental contribution to all three of these hippocampal features and allows different and seemingly conflicting risk factors for AD to be viewed in a unified manner. These astrocytes participate in neurogenesis, produce fatty acid binding protein 7, unlike most astrocytes in the mature brain, and undergo an age-related mitochondrial degeneration. Degeneration of astrocyte mitochondria appears due to oxidative stress arising from fatty acid metabolism. This mitochondrial degeneration produces intracellular deposits of iron and copper, metals that have been shown to harmfully interact with cleavage products of amyloid precursor protein. Pharmacological and dietary manipulations that protect these astrocytes from age-related oxidative stress may prove to be useful strategies in combatting the progression of AD.