bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The application of risk models based on machine learning to predict endometriosis‐associated ovarian cancer in patients with endometriosis
Authors: Chao Xiaopei , Wang Shu , Lang Jinghe , Leng Jinhua , Fan Qingbo
Published: October 2022

Introduction

There is currently no satisfactory model for predicting malignant transformation of endometriosis. The aim of this study was to construct and evaluate a risk model incorporating noninvasive clinical parameters to predict endometriosis‐associated ovarian cancer (EAOC) in patients with endometriosis.

Material and Methods

We enrolled 6809 patients with endometriosis confirmed by pathology, and randomly allocated them to training (n = 4766) and testing cohorts (n = 2043). The proportion of patients with EAOC in each cohort was similar. We extracted a total of 94 demographic and clinicopathologic features from the medical records using natural language processing. We used a machine learning method – gradient‐boosting decision tree – to construct a predictive model for EAOC and to evaluate the accuracy of the model. We also constructed a multivariate logistic regression model inclusive of the EAOC‐associated risk factors using a back stepwise procedure. Then we compared the performance of the two risk‐predicting models using DeLong's test.

Results

The occurrence of EAOC was 1.84% in this study. The logistic regression model comprised 10 selected features and demonstrated good discrimination in the testing cohort, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.891 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.821–0.960), sensitivity of 88.9%, and specificity of 76.7%. The risk model based on machine learning had an AUC of 0.942 (95% CI 0.914–0.969), sensitivity of 86.8%, and specificity of 86.7%. The machine learning‐based risk model performed better than the logistic regression model in DeLong's test (p = 0.036). Furthermore, in a prospective dataset, the machine learning‐based risk model had an AUC of 0.8758, a sensitivity of 94.4%, and a specificity of 73.8%.

Conclusions

The machine learning‐based risk model was constructed to predict EAOC and had high sensitivity and specificity. This model could be of considerable use in helping reduce medical costs and designing follow‐up schedules.
Current practice in the diagnosis and management of fetal growth restriction: An international survey
Authors: Fantasia Ilaria , Zamagni Giulia , Lees Christoph , Mylrea‐Foley Bronacha , Monasta Lorenzo , Mullins Edward , Prefumo Federico , Stampalija Tamara
Published: October 2022

Introduction

The aim of this survey was to evaluate the current practice in respect of diagnosis and management of fetal growth restriction among obstetricians in different countries.

Material and methods

An e‐questionnaire was sent via REDCap with “click thru” links in emails and newsletters to obstetric practitioners in different countries and settings with different levels of expertise. Clinical scenarios in early and late fetal growth restriction were given, followed by structured questions/response pairings.

Results

A total of 275 participants replied to the survey with 87% of responses complete. Participants were obstetrician/gynecologists (54%; 148/275) and fetal medicine specialists (43%; 117/275), and the majority practiced in a tertiary teaching hospital (56%; 153/275). Delphi consensus criteria for fetal growth restriction diagnosis were used by 81% of participants (223/275) and 82% (225/274) included a drop in fetal growth velocity in their diagnostic criteria for late fetal growth restriction. For early fetal growth restriction, TRUFFLE criteria were used for fetal monitoring and delivery timing by 81% (223/275). For late fetal growth restriction, indices of cerebral blood flow redistribution were used by 99% (250/252), most commonly cerebroplacental ratio (54%, 134/250). Delivery timing was informed by cerebral blood flow redistribution in 72% (176/244), used from ≥32 weeks of gestation. Maternal biomarkers and hemodynamics, as additional tools in the context of early‐onset fetal growth restriction (≤32 weeks of gestation), were used by 22% (51/232) and 46% (106/230), respectively.

Conclusions

The diagnosis and management of fetal growth restriction are fairly homogeneous among different countries and levels of practice, particularly for early fetal growth restriction. Indices of cerebral flow distribution are widely used in the diagnosis and management of late fetal growth restriction, whereas maternal biomarkers and hemodynamics are less frequently assessed but more so in early rather than late fetal growth restriction. Further standardization is needed for the definition of cerebral blood flow redistribution.
The efficacy of online mindfulness‐based interventions in a university student sample: Videoconference‐ or podcast‐delivered intervention
Authors: Karing Constance
Published: October 2022

The increasing mental health issues among university students during the COVID‐19 pandemic and the challenges of delivering face‐to‐face interventions during lockdowns have increased the demand for online interventions. The report presents results from a randomized controlled trial investigating the benefits of online mindfulness interventions delivered by videoconference or podcast during the early phase of the pandemic in Germany. Fifty university students were randomized to a mindfulness intervention conducted by videoconference (n = 25) or to an unguided training provided by podcasts (n = 25). All students participated in a 7‐week mindfulness intervention. Outcome measures included mindfulness, depression, anxiety, and life satisfaction preintervention and postintervention. The study showed a larger reduction in depression in the videoconferencing group than in the podcast group across per protocol (PP) and intention‐to‐treat (ITT) analyses. There was a significant increase in mindfulness (PP and ITT samples) and life satisfaction (ITT sample) in both groups. The frequency of home practice was related to positive changes in outcomes but only for the videoconferencing group. The results suggest that mindfulness training delivered via videoconferencing can be a viable option to address depressive symptoms among students. However, both interventions were effective in increasing mindfulness and life satisfaction.
Effects of organic chemicals from diesel exhaust particles on adipocytes differentiated from human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Brinchmann Bendik C. , Holme Jørn A. , Frerker Nadine , Rambøl Mia H. , Karlsen Tommy , Brinchmann Jan E. , Kubátová Alena , Kukowski Klara , Skuland Tonje , Øvrevik Johan
Published: October 2022

Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from incomplete fossil fuel combustion (coal, oil, gas and diesel) has been linked to increased morbidity and mortality due to metabolic diseases. PM2.5 exaggerate adipose inflammation and insulin resistance in mice with diet‐induced obesity. Here, we elucidate the hypothesis that such systemic effects may be triggered by adhered particle components affecting adipose tissue directly. Studying adipocytes differentiated from primary human mesenchymal stem cells, we found that lipophilic organic chemicals (OC) from diesel exhaust particles induced inflammation‐associated genes and increased secretion of the chemokine CXLC8/interleukin‐8 as well as matrix metalloprotease 1. The oxidative stress response gene haem oxygenase‐1 and tumour necrosis factor alpha were seemingly not affected, while aryl hydrocarbon receptor‐regulated genes, cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) and CYP1B1 and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐2, were clearly up‐regulated. Finally, expression of β‐adrenergic receptor, known to regulate adipocyte homoeostasis, was down‐regulated by exposure to these lipophilic OC. Our results indicate that low concentrations of OC from combustion particles have the potential to modify expression of genes in adipocytes that may be linked to metabolic disease. Further studies on mechanisms linking PM exposure and metabolic diseases are warranted.
Mediators of negative content and voice‐related distress in a diverse sample of clinical and non‐clinical voice‐hearers
Authors: Silver Jessica Helen , Lewton Marcus , Lewis Heledd Wyn
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Negative content in hearing voices (i.e., auditory verbal hallucinations) has been associated with adverse clinical outcomes including voice‐related distress. Voice appraisals and responding mindfully to voices are theorized to reduce voice‐related distress. This study aimed in examine mediators of the negative content voice‐related distress relationship in clinical (those who recently received input from mental health services) and non‐clinical voice‐hearers.

Methods

One hundred and twenty‐one adults (71.9% female; 35.5% mixed or non‐white ethnic background) who hear voices were recruited online and completed self‐report measures of negative content of voices, voice‐related distress, mindfulness of voices, interpretation of loss of control, thought suppression and intrusion.

Results

Clinical voice‐hearers had significantly higher levels of negative content, voice‐related distress and interpretation of loss of control than non‐clinical voice‐hearers. A mindful approach to voices and interpretation of loss of control mediated the relationship between negative content and voice‐related distress across the whole sample. Thought suppression and intrusion did not mediate the relationship.

Conclusions

The results support the use of mindfulness‐based psychological intervention to reduce voice‐related distress. Further development of valid and reliable measures specifically relating to constructs of voice content, voice‐related distress and voice suppression will support further research in this area.
Treatment of inborn errors of immunity patients with inflammatory bowel disease phenotype by allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Moser Laura M. , Fekadu Julia , Willasch André , Rettinger Eva , Sörensen Jan , Jarisch Andrea , Kirwil Marta , Lieb Adrian , Holzinger Dirk , Calaminus Gabriele , Bader Peter , Bakhtiar Shahrzad
Published: October 2022

Patients with inborn errors of immunity (IEI) can suffer from treatment‐refractory inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) causing failure to thrive and consequences of long‐term multiple immunosuppressive treatments. Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) can serve as a curative treatment option. In this single‐centre retrospective cohort study we report on 11 paediatric and young adult IEI patients with IBD and failure to thrive, who had exhausted symptomatic treatment options and received alloHSCT. The cohort included chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), lipopolysaccharide‐responsive and beige‐like anchor protein (LRBA) deficiency, STAT3 gain‐of‐function (GOF), Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome (WAS), dedicator of cytokinesis 8 (DOCK8) deficiency and one patient without genetic diagnosis. All patients achieved stable engraftment and immune reconstitution, and gastrointestinal symptoms were resolved after alloHSCT. The overall survival was 11/11 over a median follow‐up of 34.7 months. Graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) was limited to grade I–II acute GVHD (n = 5), one case of grade IV acute GVHD and one case of limited chronic GVHD. Since treatment recommendations are limited, this work provides a centre‐specific approach to treatment prior to transplant as well as conditioning in IEI patients with severe IBD.
A review of visualisations of protein fold networks and their relationship with sequence and function
Authors: Sykes Janan , Holland Barbara R. , Charleston Michael A.
Published: October 2022

Proteins form arguably the most significant link between genotype and phenotype. Understanding the relationship between protein sequence and structure, and applying this knowledge to predict function, is difficult. One way to investigate these relationships is by considering the space of protein folds and how one might move from fold to fold through similarity, or potential evolutionary relationships. The many individual characterisations of fold space presented in the literature can tell us a lot about how well the current Protein Data Bank represents protein fold space, how convergence and divergence may affect protein evolution, how proteins affect the whole of which they are part, and how proteins themselves function. A synthesis of these different approaches and viewpoints seems the most likely way to further our knowledge of protein structure evolution and thus, facilitate improved protein structure design and prediction.
Behavioural problems of adolescents in secure residential youth care: Gender differences and risk factors
Authors: Gutterswijk Raymond V. , Kuiper Chris H. Z. , van der Horst Frank C. P. , Jongerling Joran , Harder Annemiek T. , Prinzie Peter
Published: October 2022

Adolescents in secure residential care mostly suffer from serious behavioural problems, often accompanied by trauma and adverse family circumstances. This paper presents findings of a comparison of behavioural problems and risk factors of 255 boys and girls (aged 12 to 18 years) in secure residential care in the Netherlands and their association with behavioural problems. A cross‐sectional design and standardized questionnaires were used to measure behavioural problems and individual and familial risk factors. By using independent‐sample t tests, the severity of these factors in boys and girls was compared, and by using structural equation modelling (SEM), associations between these factors and behavioural problems were investigated. The findings of the study show that post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, maladaptive emotion regulation, impaired perceived competence and internalizing behavioural problems were more severe in girls than in boys. Boys experienced more severe externalizing behavioural problems and more family problems than girls. Maladaptive emotion regulation, PTSD symptoms, perceived competence and parenting problems were related to behavioural problems. The results indicate that treatment for girls should address PTSD symptoms, perceived competence and maladaptive emotion regulation and that extra attention for family problems in the treatment of boys is warranted.
MendNet: Restoration of Fractured Shapes Using Learned Occupancy Functions
Authors: Lamb N. , Banerjee S. , Banerjee N. K.
Published: October 2022

We provide a novel approach to perform fully automated generation of restorations for fractured shapes using learned implicit shape representations in the form of occupancy functions. Our approach lays the groundwork to perform automated object repair via additive manufacturing. Existing approaches for restoration of fractured shapes either require prior knowledge of object structure such as symmetries between the restoration and the fractured object, or predict restorations as voxel outputs that are impractical for repair at current resolutions. By leveraging learned occupancy functions for restoration prediction, our approach overcomes the curse of dimensionality with voxel approaches, while providing plausible restorations. Given a fractured shape, we fit a function to occupancy samples from the shape to infer a latent code. We apply a learned transformation to the fractured shape code to predict a corresponding code for restoration generation. To ensure physical validity and well‐constrained shape estimation, we contribute a loss that models feasible occupancy values for fractured shapes, restorations, and complete shapes obtained by joining fractured and restoration shapes. Our work overcomes deficiencies of shape completion approaches adapted for repair, and enables consumer‐driven object repair and cultural heritage object restoration. We share our code and a synthetic dataset of fractured meshes from 8 ShapeNet classes at: https://github.com/Terascale‐All‐sensing‐Research‐Studio/MendNet.
Rational Bézier Guarding
Authors: Khanteimouri P. , Mandad M. , Campen M.
Published: October 2022

We present a reliable method to generate planar meshes of nonlinear rational triangular elements. The elements are guaranteed to be valid, i.e. defined by injective rational functions. The mesh is guaranteed to conform exactly, without geometric error, to arbitrary rational domain boundary and feature curves. The method generalizes the recent Bézier Guarding technique, which is applicable only to polynomial curves and elements. This generalization enables the accurate handling of practically important cases involving, for instance, circular or elliptic arcs and NURBS curves, which cannot be matched by polynomial elements. Furthermore, although many practical scenarios are concerned with rational functions of quadratic and cubic degree only, our method is fully general and supports arbitrary degree. We demonstrate the method on a variety of test cases.
Deterministic Linear Time for Maximal Poisson‐Disk Sampling using Chocks without Rejection or Approximation
Authors: Mitchell Scott A.
Published: October 2022

We show how to sample uniformly within the three‐sided region bounded by a circle, a radial ray, and a tangent, called a “chock.” By dividing a 2D planar rectangle into a background grid, and subtracting Poisson disks from grid squares, we are able to represent the available region for samples exactly using triangles and chocks. Uniform random samples are generated from chock areas precisely without rejection sampling. This provides the first implemented algorithm for precise maximal Poisson‐disk sampling in deterministic linear time. We prove O(n · M(b) log b), where n is the number of samples, b is the bits of numerical precision and M is the cost of multiplication. Prior methods have higher time complexity, take expected time, are non‐maximal, and/or are not Poisson‐disk distributions in the most precise mathematical sense. We fill this theoretical lacuna.
Constructing L∞ Voronoi Diagrams in 2D and 3D
Authors: Bukenberger D. R. , Buchin K. , Botsch M.
Published: October 2022

Voronoi diagrams and their computation are well known in the Euclidean L2 space. They are easy to sample and render in generalized Lp spaces but nontrivial to construct geometrically. Especially the limit of this norm with p → ∞ lends itself to many quad‐ and hex‐meshing related applications as the level‐set in this space is a hypercube. Many application scenarios circumvent the actual computation of L∞ diagrams altogether as known concepts for these diagrams are limited to 2D, uniformly weighted and axis‐aligned sites. Our novel algorithm allows for the construction of generalized L∞ Voronoi diagrams. Although parts of the developed concept theoretically extend to higher dimensions it is herein presented and evaluated for the 2D and 3D case. It further supports individually oriented sites and allows for generating weighted diagrams with anisotropic weight vectors for individual sites. The algorithm is designed around individual sites, and initializes their cells with a simple meshed representation of a site's level‐set. Hyperplanes between adjacent cells cut the initialization geometry into convex polyhedra. Non‐cell geometry is filtered out based on the L∞ Voronoi criterion, leaving only the non‐convex cell geometry. Eventually we conclude with discussions on the algorithms complexity, numerical precision and analyze the applicability of our generalized L∞ diagrams for the construction of Centroidal Voronoi Tessellations (CVT) using Lloyd's algorithm.
When child marriage and child welfare intersect: Understanding the barriers to education
Authors: Mbamba Crispin R. , Yeboaa Portia A. , Gyimah Clinton , Mccarthy Mary
Published: October 2022

In this study, we investigate the factors that contribute to the discontinuity of education when girls marry as children. Using semi‐structured qualitative interviews, we gathered the views of 11 girls with experience in child marriages in Ghana. Narratives were analysed thematically following reflexive thematic analysis procedures. The study identified: (1) Insistence of husbands for girls to stay at home (2) Stigmatization and ridicule (3) Stress as factors leading to educational discontinuity. The study suggests an intensification of sensitization campaigns in rural communities on the dangers of child marriage and ways to make schools welcome for those married.
An umbrella review and meta‐analysis of renin–angiotensin system drugs use and COVID‐19 outcomes
Authors: Kurdi Amanj , Mueller Tanja , Weir Natalie
Published: October 2022

Background

Despite the availability of extensive literature on the effect of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs)/angiotensin‐receptor blockers (ARBs) on COVID‐19 outcomes, the evidence is still controversial. We aimed to provide a comprehensive assessment of the effect of ACEIs/ARBs on COVID‐19‐related outcomes by summarising the currently available evidence.

Methods

An umbrella review was conducted using Medline (OVID), Embase, Scopus, Cochrane library and medRxiv from inception to 1 February 2021. Systematic reviews with meta‐analysis that evaluated the effect of ACEIs/ARBs on COVID‐19‐related clinical outcomes were eligible. Studies' quality was appraised using the AMSTAR 2 Critical Appraisal Tool. Data were analysed using the random‐effects modelling including several subgroup analyses. Heterogenicity was assessed using I2 statistic. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021233398) and reported using PRISMA guidelines.

Results

Overall, 47 reviews were eligible for inclusion. Out of the nine COVID‐19 outcomes evaluated, there was significant associations between ACEIs/ARBs use and each of death (OR = 0.80, 95%CI = 0.75–0.86; I2 = 51.9%), death/ICU admission as composite outcome (OR = 0.86, 95%CI = 0.80–0.92; I2 = 43.9%), severe COVID‐19 (OR = 0.86, 95%CI = 0.78–0.95; I2 = 68%) and hospitalisation (OR = 1.23, 95%CI = 1.04–1.46; I2 = 76.4%). The significant reduction in death/ICU admission, however, was higher among studies which presented adjusted measure of effects (OR = 0.63, 95%CI = 0.47–0.84) and were of moderate quality (OR = 0.74, 95%CI = 0.63–0.85).

Conclusions

Collective evidence from observational studies indicate a good quality evidence on the significant association between ACEIs/ARBs use and reduction in death and death/ICU admission, but poor‐quality evidence on both reducing severe COVID‐19 and increasing hospitalisation. Our findings further support the current recommendations of not discontinuing ACEIs/ARBs therapy in patients with COVID‐19.
Pharmacists and Mental Health First Aid training: A comparative analysis of confidence, mental health assistance behaviours and perceived barriers
Authors: Carpini Joseph A. , Sharma Aakanksha , Kubicki Evans Mikaela , Jumani Shaifuldeen , Boyne Emma , Clifford Rhonda , Ashoorian Deena
Published: October 2022

Background

Pharmacists are aptly positioned to provide first aid‐level assistance to patients experiencing a mental health problem or crisis, yet often lack confidence or perceive barriers to intervention. One potential solution is Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training—an evidence‐based psycho‐educational programme. This study evaluates MHFA training within pharmacy by (1) assessing pharmacists' perceptions of the prevalence of patients experiencing a mental health‐related problem or crisis, (2) investigating whether MHFA is associated with increased confidence, intervention and assistance quality and (3) examining perceived intervention barriers.

Methods

Pharmacists working in Australia were surveyed. The survey included validated measures and research objectives were assessed using descriptives and ANOVAs.

Results

One hundred sixty‐one pharmacists were included; 90 MHFA trained and 71 untrained. Overall, 86% of reported encountering at least one patient perceived to be experiencing a mental health problem or crisis in the last year. MHFA trained pharmacists reported being more confident, with notable differences in their confidence to recognize signs, approach and ask someone about suicide. Pharmacists did not intervene ~25% of the time in which a problem/ crisis was identified. When they did intervene, results suggest the assistance was similar in content. Intervention barriers were reported to impede MHFA trained pharmacists significantly less than untrained pharmacists.

Conclusion

Results suggest pharmacists frequently encounter patients experiencing a mental health problem or crisis and that MHFA training may support pharmacists in helping these patients. Future research can utilize experimental methods to provide causal evidence as to the utility of MHFA training for pharmacists and patients.
Are cryptocurrencies homogeneous?
Authors: Bengtsson Elias , Gustafsson Frida
Published: October 2022

This article investigates if cryptocurrencies returns' are similarly affected by a selection of demand‐ and supply‐side determinants. Homogeneity among cryptocurrencies is tested via a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) model where determinants of Bitcoin returns are applied to a sample of 12 cryptocurrencies. The analysis goes beyond existing research by simultaneously covering different periods and design choices of cryptocurrencies. The results show that cryptocurrencies are heterogeneous, apart from some similarities in the impact of technical determinants and cybercrime. The cryptocurrency market displays evidence of substitution effects, and design choices related explain the impact of the determinants of return.
Expert system and entropy‐ordered weighted average method in cold supply chain risk evaluation
Authors: Shen Yuyan , Qian Yan
Published: October 2022

If not well identified and controlled, risks in systematically engineered cold supply chains can lead directly to food safety incidents. In current approaches to cold supply chain risk evaluation, there is a lack of systematic classification and quantitative analysis of the influences of risk factors in the chain. To accurately evaluate unknown risks that can exert a fluctuating influence and result in great losses, this study builds a knowledge base of expert systems based on expertise and extensive experience and modifies the expert weights in conjunction with entropy weights to reduce subjective error. An ordered weighted average (OWA) operator is used to evaluate risk in a cold supply chain effectively. First, in combination with a case study of a typical fresh food e‐commerce enterprise, a typical fresh food e‐commerce enterprise, this paper identifies the risks in a food refrigeration supply chain. Second, relying on an expert group with professional knowledge and rich experience, an expert system knowledge base is constructed, risks are assigned, and the expert weight is modified in combination with the entropy weight method. Finally, based on the OWA operator, the modified risk assignment is effectively evaluated, and the risk value is obtained and sorted. Specific risk control measures are put forward according to the results of the calculation. The results show that an evaluation method combining an expert system knowledge base and the entropy‐OWA method can effectively depict and process the evaluation information needed for risk rankings and solve the problems of supply chain risks more rapidly and effectively.
Simultaneous enhancement of hardness and wear and corrosion resistance of high‐entropy transition‐metal nitride
Authors: Yuan Mengya , Gao Xinxin , Gu Xinlei , Dong Chuanyao , Wang Shan , Wen Mao , Zhang Kan
Published: October 2022

Binary transition‐metal nitrides (TMNs) are widely used as protective coating materials, and enhancing key performance characteristics are crucial to improving their robust and durable applications in harsh service environments. Compositional modulation via multiple elemental species offers an effective approach for optimizing physicochemical properties of TMNs, and establishing the composition–property relation is essential to the design of high‐performance TMNs. In this work, we report on a comparative study of our synthesized NbN, NbMoN, and (NbMoTaW)N films and examined their microstructure, mechanical properties, and tribological and corrosion behaviors. The high‐entropy (NbMoTaW)N film exhibits the highest hardness of 23.5 ± 1.35 GPa, which is ascribed to its high structural stability, increased elastic constant, and elastic modulus compared to the NbN and NbMoN films. The (NbMoTaW)N film also possesses the best wear resistance stemming from the highest H/E ratio and formation of self‐lubricating MoO3 and WO3 species; moreover, this film shows the best corrosion resistance attributed to the sluggish diffusion of Cl− due to lattice contraction and the structural stability caused by high‐entropy effect. This work demonstrates simultaneously enhanced hardness and wear and corrosion resistance in a high‐entropy TMN, opening a pathway for developing a new generation of advanced protective coating materials.
Turkey's Influence as a Third Country on the European Union: From Association to a Key Partner
Authors: Muftuler‐Bac Meltem
Published: October 2022

Turkey represents a unique case for the European Union (EU) as a third country. Turkey's long standing institutionalized association with the EU furnished Turkey with formal and informal access to the EU. These access points, together with its structural power and bilateral relations with Member States shape the modalities of its influence. This article proposes that Turkish influence as a third country evolved with the interplay of its access to EU institutions and structural power. Turkey has different modes of access to EU which range from formal institutions and EU Agencies to its bilateral relations and its membership in institutions such as NATO. The article's empirical discussions identify how Turkey's influence as a third country on the EU policies is driven by this interplay of access and power, uncovering its role in different policy areas. Finally, Turkey's influence is visible in setting precedents for the EU's relations with other third countries.
Efficacy and safety of silymarin containing antioxidant serum as an adjuvant treatment of mild‐to‐moderate acne vulgaris: A prospective, open‐label pilot study
Authors: Kim Jemin , Lee Yun Na , Lee Joohee , Lee Sang Gyu , Kim Hyun , Choi Ye Seul , Draelos Zoe Diana , Kim Jihee
Published: October 2022

Background

Silymarin is the active component of milk thistle, which has antioxidant properties by scavenging free radicals and potential comedolytic properties.

Aims

This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of 0.5% silymarin‐loaded antioxidant serum (SAS) used to treat mild‐to‐moderate acne.

Patients and Methods

A prospective, open‐label pilot study was conducted. We enrolled 22 Korean acne patients who applied the 0.5% SAS on the whole face twice daily while continuing the current anti‐acne medications. Grade of acne severity, individual lesion counts, sebum output levels, skin erythema, and melanin pigmentation were assessed.

Results

After a 4‐week application, the modified Global Acne Grading Score (mGAGS), Global Evaluation Acne (GEA) scale, and the acne lesion counts were significantly decreased. Sebum secretion, skin pigmentation, and erythema were also reduced during the study period, yet only the melanin pigmentation index reached statistical significance. Subgroup analysis revealed that the patients who took the low‐dose oral isotretinoin during the study period showed more noticeable improvements in skin sebum output and melanin pigmentation. Additionally, no adverse event was associated with using the 0.5% SAS.

Conclusion

The 0.5% silymarin‐containing antioxidant formulation improved acne's clinical severity and related skin biophysical parameters.
Take (Her) to the Limit: Term Limits do Not Diminish Women's Overperformance in Legislative Office
Authors: Holman Mirya R. , Mahoney Anna Mitchell
Published: October 2022

Women in political office outperform men in legislative activity and constituent services. Scholars have identified two potential explanations for this overperformance: women are higher quality candidates when they run for office and women face elevated voter expectations to win elections. We use the presence of term limits to examine how these two justifications for women's overperformance produce downstream effects. While designed to strike a blow to entrenched systems of power, term limits reduce the time that legislators spend on constituent service and legislative output, including bill sponsorship, votes, and committee work. We use the effects of term limits as a tool for understanding the two paths to women's overperformance, using data on over 6000 legislators serving in term‐limited states. We find more evidence for the quality candidate hypothesis than the voter expectations hypothesis. While term limits degrade men's performance in office, women officeholders continue to overperform even under this institutional constraint. Our findings that women's overperformance is more likely due to their higher quality have implications for efforts to increase the representativeness of political bodies, the quality of representation in state legislatures, and the gendered consequences of institutional reforms.
Applicant perceptions of selection methods for health professions education: Rationales and subgroup differences
Authors: Fikrat‐Wevers Suzanne , Stegers‐Jager Karen , Groenier Marleen , Koster Andries , Ravesloot Jan Hindrik , Van Gestel Renske , Wouters Anouk , van den Broek Walter , Woltman Andrea
Published: October 2022

Context

Applicant perceptions of selection methods can affect motivation, performance and withdrawal and may therefore be of relevance in the context of widening access. However, it is unknown how applicant subgroups perceive different selection methods.

Objectives

Using organisational justice theory, the present multi‐site study examined applicant perceptions of various selection methods, rationales behind perceptions and subgroup differences.

Methods

Applicants to five Dutch undergraduate health professions programmes (N = 704) completed an online survey including demographics and a questionnaire on applicant perceptions applied to 11 commonly used selection methods. Applicants rated general favourability and justice dimensions (7‐point Likert scale) and could add comments for each method.

Results

Descriptive statistics revealed a preference for selection methods on which applicants feel more ‘in control’: General favourability ratings were highest for curriculum‐sampling tests (mean [M] = 5.32) and skills tests (M = 5.13), while weighted lottery (M = 3.05) and unweighted lottery (M = 2.97) were perceived least favourable. Additionally, applicants preferred to distinguish themselves on methods that assess attributes beyond cognitive abilities. Qualitative content analysis of comments revealed several conflicting preferences, including a desire for multiple selection methods versus concerns of experiencing too much stress. Results from a linear mixed model of general favourability indicated some small subgroup differences in perceptions (based on gender, migration background, prior education and parental education), but practical meaning of these differences was negligible. Nevertheless, concerns were expressed that certain selection methods can hinder equitable admission due to inequal access to resources.

Conclusions

Our findings illustrate that applicants desire to demonstrate a variety of attributes on a combination of selection tools, but also observe that this can result in multiple drawbacks. The present study can help programmes in deciding which selection methods to include, which more negatively perceived methods should be better justified to applicants, and how to adapt methods to meet applicants' needs.
Building height calculation for an urban area based on street view images and deep learning
Authors: Xu Zhen , Zhang Furong , Wu Yingying , Yang Yajun , Wu Yuan
Published: October 2022

The building heights of an urban area are useful for space analysis, urban planning, and city management. To this end, a novel method for building height calculation for an urban area is proposed based on street view images and a deep learning model, that is, mask region‐based convolutional neural network (Mask R‐CNN). First, a spider of street view maps was developed, and an optimization model for observation locations was designed based on a genetic algorithm, by which the street view images of all buildings can be obtained with the minimum number of downloads. Subsequently, a deep learning workflow was designed based on the Mask R‐CNN to detect buildings from the panorama images. Finally, an accurate height calculation model considering repeated detection of buildings was developed by mapping between detected buildings and actual buildings. Case studies indicate that the mean error of height calculation is 0.78 m, which achieves high precision for calculating building heights in urban areas, while the average calculation time is 4.57 s per building, which indicates that the proposed method is efficient for the application in urban areas.
Nutritional intake and food sources in an adult urban Kenyan population
Authors: Vila‐Real Catarina Pereira de Melo , Pimenta‐Martins Ana Sofia , Kunyanga Catherine Nkirote , Mbugua Samuel Kuria , Katina Kati , Maina Ndegwa Henry , Gomes Ana Maria Pereira , Pinto Elisabete Cristina Bastos
Published: October 2022

Urbanisation is hastening the transition from traditional food habits to less healthy diets, which are becoming more common among Kenyans. No up‐to‐date studies on usual dietary intake and the main food sources of adult Kenyans are available. The aim of the present study was to identify the main food sources of nutrients in the diet of urban adult Kenyans and explore potential associations with demographic variables including age, sex, level of education, occupation and body mass index. The study adopted a cross‐sectional design. The dietary intake of 486 adult Kenyans from Nairobi was assessed using a validated, culture‐sensitive, semi‐quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Binary logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations between food sources and demographic variables. Macronutrient intakes as a proportion of total energy intake (TEI) were within international dietary guidelines. Cereals and grain products (34.0%), sugar, syrups, sweets and snacks (9.8%), fruits (9.7%) and meat and eggs (8.8%) were the major contributors to TEI. Cereals and grain products contributed 42.5% to carbohydrates, followed by fruits (12.4%) and sugar, syrups, sweets and snacks (10.6%). The most important sources of protein and total fat were cereals and grain products (23.3% and 19.7%, respectively) and meat and eggs (22.0% and 18.7%, respectively). Sex, age and level of education were associated with the choice of food groups. Although macronutrient intakes were within guidelines, the Kenyan diet was revealed to be high in sugars, salt and fibre, with differences in food sources according to demographic variables. These results can act as an incentive to national authorities to implement nutritional strategies aiming to raise awareness of healthier dietary patterns among Kenyans.
Spatial proteomics of vesicular trafficking: coupling mass spectrometry and imaging approaches in membrane biology
Authors: Zhang Liang , Liang Xinlin , Takáč Tomáš , Komis George , Li Xiaojuan , Zhang Yuan , Ovečka Miroslav , Chen Yanmei , Šamaj Jozef
Published: October 2022

In plants, membrane compartmentalization requires vesicle trafficking for communication among distinct organelles. Membrane proteins involved in vesicle trafficking are highly dynamic and can respond rapidly to changes in the environment and to cellular signals. Capturing their localization and dynamics is thus essential for understanding the mechanisms underlying vesicular trafficking pathways. Quantitative mass spectrometry and imaging approaches allow a system‐wide dissection of the vesicular proteome, the characterization of ligand‐receptor pairs and the determination of secretory, endocytic, recycling and vacuolar trafficking pathways. In this review, we highlight major proteomics and imaging methods employed to determine the location, distribution and abundance of proteins within given trafficking routes. We focus in particular on methodologies for the elucidation of vesicle protein dynamics and interactions and their connections to downstream signalling outputs. Finally, we assess their biological applications in exploring different cellular and subcellular processes.
Understanding Wittgenstein's positive philosophy through language‐games: Giving philosophy peace
Authors: Pukhaev Andrey
Published: October 2022

A significant discrepancy in Wittgenstein's studies is whether Philosophical Investigations contains any trace of positive philosophy, notwithstanding the author's apparent anti‐theoretic position. This study argues that the so‐called ‘Chapter on philosophy’ in the Investigations §§89–133 contains negative and positive vocabulary and the use of various voices through which Wittgenstein employs his primary method of language‐games, thus providing a surveyable understanding of several philosophical concepts, such as knowledge and time. His positive philosophy aims to reorient our attention from understanding the theories on these concepts to understanding the concepts themselves, regardless of any theorisation.
Rural development in the digital age: Does information and communication technology adoption contribute to credit access and income growth in rural China?
Authors: Ma Wanglin , Qiu Huanguang , Rahut Dil Bahadur
Published: October 2022

Information and communication technology (ICT) plays an important role in rural livelihoods and household well‐being. Therefore, this study examines the impact of ICT adoption on farmers' decisions to access credit and the joint effects of ICT adoption and access to credit on household income using 2016 China Labour‐force Dynamics Survey data. Both recursive bivariate probit model and a selectivity‐corrected ordinary least square regression model are employed for the analysis. The results show that ICT adoption increases the probability of access to credit by 12.8% in rural China and empowers rural women and farm households in relatively less‐developed regions to access credit. ICT adoption and access to credit affect household income differently. ICT adoption significantly increases household income, while access to credit significantly reduces it, primarily because farmers do not use the acquired credit to invest in income‐generating farm and off‐farm business activities. ICT adoption has the largest positive impact on household income at the highest 90th quantile. Our findings suggest that improving rural ICT infrastructure to enhance farmers' ICT adoption and developing ICT‐based financial products to enable households to access sufficient funds can improve rural household welfare.
Distributed inference for two‐sample U‐statistics in massive data analysis
Authors: Huang Bingyao , Liu Yanyan , Peng Liuhua
Published: October 2022

This paper considers distributed inference for two‐sample U‐statistics under the massive data setting. In order to reduce the computational complexity, this paper proposes distributed two‐sample U‐statistics and blockwise linear two‐sample U‐statistics. The blockwise linear two‐sample U‐statistic, which requires less communication cost, is more computationally efficient especially when the data are stored in different locations. The asymptotic properties of both types of distributed two‐sample U‐statistics are established. In addition, this paper proposes bootstrap algorithms to approximate the distributions of distributed two‐sample U‐statistics and blockwise linear two‐sample U‐statistics for both nondegenerate and degenerate cases. The distributed weighted bootstrap for the distributed two‐sample U‐statistic is new in the literature. The proposed bootstrap procedures are computationally efficient and are suitable for distributed computing platforms with theoretical guarantees. Extensive numerical studies illustrate that the proposed distributed approaches are feasible and effective.
Subnational policy innovation: The birth of social pensions in Mexico
Authors: Medrano Anahely
Published: October 2022

The re‐emergence of universalistic social policy in Latin America in the 2000s, led to the implementation of non‐contributory and unconditional old‐pensions programmes in the region. Unlike other Latin American countries, these programmes originated at the subnational level in Mexico. In 2001, Mexico City's government implemented the first universal programme of social pensions in the country. This work seeks to explain why and how this policy innovation emerged and became a social right in Mexico City, in spite of the dominance of a neoliberal policy paradigm at the national level. This analysis shows the decisive role of the struggle of key actors over policy ideas in the creation of social pensions in Mexico, as well as its interaction with other economic, political and institutional factors, in a federal context.
Validity of self‐reported skin color by using skin color evaluation scale
Authors: Nakashima Yuma , Wada Keiko , Yamakawa Michiyo , Nagata Chisato
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Although skin color has been suggested to be associated with the risk of some chronic disease, there has been no validated visual skin‐color scale, with which subjects can self‐report their skin color. Our objective was to develop a visual skin color evaluation scale for self‐reporting that would be useful in large‐scale epidemiological studies.

Materials and methods

Study participants were 99 university Japanese students aged 19–29. We developed a skin color evaluation scale consisting of six colors from light to dark. Participants were asked to choose one color that was the closest to their skin color. Their skin color was measured on the back of the hand and the inner upper arm by an examiner using a narrowband reflective spectrophotometer. Self‐reported skin color was compared with the melanin and erythema indices.

Results

Spearman's rank correlation coefficients of self‐reported color with the melanin index after adjusted for age, temperature, and humidity were moderate but significant at both sites for both men and women. The correlation coefficients with the erythema index were significant only on the back of the hand for men. The higher melanin index was significantly associated with the darker skin color in both sexes for both sites. The erythema index showed such a significant trend only in men and not in women.

Conclusions

The validity of the skin color chart was moderate of melanin among Japanese people. It may be useful for large population studies examining the relationships between skin color and health outcomes.
Chrysanthemum MAF2 regulates flowering by repressing gibberellin biosynthesis in response to low temperature
Authors: Lyu Jing , Aiwaili Palinuer , Gu Zhaoyu , Xu Yanjie , Zhang Yunhan , Wang Zhiling , Huang Hongfeng , Zeng Ruihong , Ma Chao , Gao Junping , Zhao Xin , Hong Bo
Published: October 2022

Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) is well known as a photoperiod‐sensitive flowering plant. However, it has also evolved into a temperature‐sensitive ecotype. Low temperature can promote the floral transition of the temperature‐sensitive ecotype, but little is known about the underlying molecular mechanisms. Here, we identified MADS AFFECTING FLOWERING 2 (CmMAF2), a putative MADS‐box gene, which induces floral transition in response to low temperatures independent of day length conditions in this ecotype. CmMAF2 was shown to bind to the promoter of the GA biosynthesis gene CmGA20ox1 and to directly regulate the biosynthesis of bioactive GA1 and GA4. The elevated bioactive GA levels activated LEAFY (CmLFY) expression, ultimately initiating floral transition. In addition, CmMAF2 expression in response to low temperatures was directly activated by CmC3H1, a CCCH‐type zinc‐finger protein upstream. In summary, our results reveal that the CmC3H1–CmMAF2 module regulates flowering time in response to low temperatures by regulating GA biosynthesis in the temperature‐sensitive chrysanthemum ecotype.