bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Derivation and Validation of a 10-Year Risk Score for Symptomatic Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Cohort Study of Nearly 500 000 Individuals
Authors: Welsh Paul , Welsh Claire E. , Jhund Pardeep S. , Woodward Mark , Brown Rosemary , Lewsey Jim , Celis-Morales Carlos A. , Ho Frederick K. , MacKay Daniel F. , Gill Jason M.R. , Gray Stuart R. , Katikireddi S. Vittal , Pell Jill P. , Forbes John , Sattar Naveed
Published: June 2021

Background:

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) can occur in patients who are ineligible for routine ultrasound screening. A simple AAA risk score was derived and compared with current guidelines used for ultrasound screening of AAA.

Methods:

United Kingdom Biobank participants without previous AAA were split into a derivation cohort (n=401 820, 54.6% women, mean age 56.4 years, 95.5% White race) and validation cohort (n=83 816). Incident AAA was defined as first hospital inpatient diagnosis of AAA, death from AAA, or an AAA-related surgical procedure. A multivariable Cox model was developed in the derivation cohort into an AAA risk score that did not require blood biomarkers. To illustrate the sensitivity and specificity of the risk score for AAA, a theoretical threshold to refer patients for ultrasound at 0.25% 10-year risk was modeled. Discrimination of the risk score was compared with a model of US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) AAA screening guidelines.

Results:

In the derivation cohort, there were 1570 (0.40%) cases of AAA over a median 11.3 years of follow-up. Components of the AAA risk score were age (stratified by smoking status), weight (stratified by smoking status), antihypertensive and cholesterol-lowering medication use, height, diastolic blood pressure, baseline cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. In the validation cohort, over 10 years of follow-up, the C-index for the model of the USPSTF guidelines was 0.705 (95% CI, 0.678–0.733). The C-index of the risk score as a continuous variable was 0.856 (95% CI, 0.837–0.878). In the validation cohort, the USPSTF model yielded sensitivity 63.9% and specificity 71.3%. At the 0.25% 10-year risk threshold, the risk score yielded sensitivity 82.1% and specificity 70.7% while also improving the net reclassification index compared with the USPSTF model +0.176 (95% CI, 0.120–0.232). A combined model, whereby risk scoring was combined with the USPSTF model, also improved prediction compared with USPSTF alone (net reclassification index +0.101 [95% CI, 0.055–0.147]).

Conclusions:

In an asymptomatic general population, a risk score based on patient age, height, weight, and medical history may improve identification of asymptomatic patients at risk for clinical events from AAA. Further development and validation of risk scores to detect asymptomatic AAA are needed.
Tailored Versus Standard Hydration to Prevent Acute Kidney Injury After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Network Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Moroni Francesco , Baldetti Luca , Kabali Conrad , Briguori Carlo , Maioli Mauro , Toso Anna , Brilakis Emmanouil S. , Gurm Hitinder S. , Bagur Rodrigo , Azzalini Lorenzo
Published: June 2021

Background

Contrast‐induced acute kidney injury (CI‐AKI) is a serious complication after percutaneous coronary intervention. The mainstay of CI‐AKI prevention is represented by intravenous hydration. Tailoring infusion rate to patient volume status has emerged as advantageous over fixed infusion‐rate hydration strategies.

Methods and Results

A systematic review and network meta‐analysis with a frequentist approach were conducted. A total of 8 randomized controlled trials comprising 2312 patients comparing fixed versus tailored hydration strategies to prevent CI‐AKI after percutaneous coronary intervention were included in the final analysis. Tailored hydration strategies included urine flow rate–guided, central venous pressure–guided, left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure–guided, and bioimpedance vector analysis–guided hydration. Primary endpoint was CI‐AKI incidence. Safety endpoint was incidence of pulmonary edema. Urine flow rate–guided and central venous pressure–guided hydration were associated with a lower incidence of CI‐AKI compared with fixed‐rate hydration (odds ratio [OR], 0.32 [95% CI, 0.19–0.54] and OR, 0.45 [95% CI, 0.21–0.97]). No significant difference in pulmonary edema incidence was observed between the different hydration strategies.
P
score analysis showed that urine flow rate–guided hydration is advantageous in terms of both CI‐AKI prevention and pulmonary edema incidence when compared with other approaches.

Conclusions

Currently available hydration strategies tailored on patients' volume status appear to offer an advantage over guideline‐supported fixed‐rate hydration for CI‐AKI prevention after percutaneous coronary intervention. Current evidence suggests that urine flow rate–guided hydration as the most convenient strategy in terms of effectiveness and safety.
INSTRuCT
Authors: Pandian Jeyaraj Durai , Verma Shweta Jain , Arora Deepti , Sharma Meenakshi , Dhaliwal Rupinder , Khatter Himani , Huilgol Rahul , Sylaja P.N. , Dhasan Aneesh , Renjith Vishnu , Pathak Abhishek , Pai Aparna , Sharma Arvind , Vaishnav Anand , Ray Biman , Khurana Dheeraj , Mittal Gaurav , Kulkarni Girish , Sebastian Ivy , Roy Jayanta , Kumaravelu Somasundaram , John Lydia , Kate Mahesh , Srivastava M.V. , Kempegowda Madhusudhan Byadarahalli , Borah Nomal , Ramrakhiani Neetu , Rai Nirendra , Ojha Pawan , Bhatia Rohit , Das Rupjyoti , Sureshbabu Sachin , Jabeen Shaikh Afshan , Bhoi Sanjeev , Aaron Sanjith , Sarma Prabhakaran , Saroja Aralikatte Onkarappa , Abraham Sherly , Sharma Sudhir , Sulena Sulena , Gorthi Sankar , Nagarjunakonda Sundarachary , Narayan Sunil , Mathew Thomas , George Tina , Vijaya Pamidimukkala , Huded Vikram , Nambiar Vivek , Reddy Y. Muralidhar
Published: June 2021

Background and Purpose:

Very few large scale multicentric stroke clinical trials have been done in India. The Indian Council of Medical Research funded INSTRuCT (Indian Stroke Clinical Trial Network) as a task force project with the objectives to establish a state-of-the-art stroke clinical trial network and to conduct pharmacological and nonpharmacological stroke clinical trials relevant to the nation and globally. The purpose of the article is to enumerate the structure of multicentric stroke network, with emphasis on its scope, challenges and expectations in India.

Methods:

Multiple expert group meetings were conducted by Indian Council of Medical Research to understand the scope of network to perform stroke clinical trials in the country. Established stroke centers with annual volume of 200 patients with stroke with prior experience of conducting clinical trials were included. Central coordinating center, standard operating procedures, data and safety monitoring board were formed.

Discussion:

In first phase, 2 trials were initiated namely, SPRINT (Secondary Prevention by Structured Semi-Interactive Stroke Prevention Package in India) and Ayurveda treatment in the rehabilitation of patients with ischemic stroke in India (RESTORE [Rehabilitation of Ischemic stroke Patients in India: A Randomized controlled trial]). In second phase, 4 trials have been approved. SPRINT trial was the first to be initiated. SPRINT trial randomized first patient on April 28, 2018; recruited 3048 patients with an average of 128.5 per month so far. The first follow-up was completed on May 27, 2019. RESTORE trial randomized first patient on May 22, 2019; recruited 49 patients with an average of 3.7 per month so far. The first follow-up was completed on August 30, 2019.

Conclusions:

In next 5 years, INSTRuCT will be able to complete high-quality large scale stroke trials which are relevant globally.

REGISTRATION:

URL:http://www.ctri.nic.in/; Unique Identifier: CTRI/2017/05/008507.
Milestones in the Evolution of the Administrative
State
Authors: Dudley Susan E.
Published: June 2021

The modern administrative state, as measured by the number of agencies, their budgets and staffing, and the number of regulations they issue, has grown significantly over the last hundred years. This essay reviews the origins of the administrative state and identifies four milestone efforts to hold it accountable to the American people: passage of the Administrative Procedure Act in 1946, the economic deregulation of the 1970s and 1980s, requirements for ex ante regulatory impact analysis, and the establishment of White House review. These milestones reflect bipartisan consensus on appropriate constraints on executive rulemaking, but they have not succeeded in stemming the debate over the proper role for administrative agencies and the regulations they issue. New milestones may include judicial interpretations, legislative actions, and extensions to executive oversight.
Introduction: The Pasts & Futures of the Administrative
State
Authors: Tushnet Mark
Published: June 2021

To understand contemporary arguments about deconstructing and reconstructing the modern administrative state, we have to understand where that state came from, and what its futures might be. This introductory essay describes the traditional account of the modern administrative state's origins in the Progressive era and more recent revisionist accounts that give it a longer history. The competing accounts have different implications for our thinking about the administrative state's constitutional status, the former raising some questions about constitutionality, the latter alleviating such concerns. This introduction then draws upon the essays in this issue to describe three options for the future. Deconstructing the administrative state without adopting a program of across-the-board deregulation would entail more regulation by the legislature itself and would insist that Congress give clear instructions to administrative agencies. Tweaking would modify existing doctrine around the edges without making large changes. Reconstruction might involve adopting ever more flexible modes of regulation, including direct citizen participation in making and enforcing regulation.
Hashtagging Justice: Digital Diplomacy and the International Criminal Court on Twitter
Authors: Eichert David
Published: June 2021

This article uses qualitative content analysis to understand how the International Criminal Court (ICC) uses Twitter by building on digital diplomacy literature to assess the different narratives promoted by the ICC online. I find that the ICC is actively creating narratives that position it as part of a unified global fight for justice with wide political support from states and other international organisations. This kind of public diplomacy is unique among criminal courts, with tweets aimed at bolstering political support from both elite diplomats and non-elite lay publics. At the same time, however, this rebranding effort often oversteps the ICC’s limited jurisdiction, reducing complex legal topics to short, emotionally resonant phrases that fit within Twitter’s restricted format. While the Court still attempts to portray its work as politically neutral and objective, the diplomatic messaging of its Twitter account sends a different message about the Court’s social media agenda.
Deng Xiaoping’s Views on Science and Technology: Origins of the Sino-U.S. Science and Technology Cooperation, 1977–1979
Authors: Xiong Chenxi
Published: June 2021

In the late 1970s, after the tumultuous period of the Cultural Revolution, the policy of the government of the People’s Republic of China (prc) in terms of scientific and technological exchanges and cooperation with the United States changed from rejection and exclusion to active participation and promotion. In this process, ideas and views played an important role. The outlook of the Chinese leadership and particularly Deng Xiaoping on science redefined China’s national interests, turning the promotion of Sino-U.S. science and technology cooperation into an active policy of the Chinese government. During the 1970s, the two countries conducted large-scale intergovernmental cooperation in the field of civil science and technology, signed the agreement on scientific and technological cooperation and dozens of memorandums of understanding and protocols, and finally, in 1979, established a long-term scientific and technological cooperation system. The article explores Sino-American relations through the prism of scientific and technological cooperation, showing how this contributed to creating long-term friendly relations beyond other high politics issues.
In the Eye of the Beholder
Authors: Bocchese Marco
Published: June 2021

This article investigates the stark variation in elite appraisals of the performance of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Based on an online survey of diplomats posted to the UN headquarters, this article determines which country situations under ICC scrutiny respondents regard as successes or failures and, in turn, what parameters underpin their views. It also asks about negative cases; that is, country situations that never made it to The Hague due to political considerations. This article makes a two-fold contribution to the study of international law and politics. First, it shows that diplomats conceptualize international justice in terms of ongoing prosecutions and convictions obtained. Thus, they downplay indirect effects such as positive complementarity. Interestingly, scholars and diplomats agree on the court’s fiascos, yet dissent on successes. Finally, diplomats have proved tired of political considerations obstructing international justice. Survey data reveals that they want the court to investigate situations involving major powers.
Governors, Regents, and Rituals: an Exploration of Colonial Diplomacy in Ambon at the Turn of the Nineteenth Century
Authors: Post Philip
Published: June 2021

This article analyses how the Dutch colonial state in Ambon in the early nineteenth century tried to reestablish relations with local regents, making use of already existing protocols that were produced during the period of the Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie (1602–1799). Engaging in colonial diplomacy was very important because the demise of the voc (1796) and two short periods of British rule in Ambon (1796–1803 and 1810–17) had shaken Dutch rule to its foundations. To reestablish its legitimacy with these local rulers, the colonial state made use of diplomatic protocols, documents and rituals which had been drawn up and negotiated by the voc. This article will focus on comparing the so-called “Instruction for the Regents,” which was drawn up in 1771 by a voc administrator, with one that was reissued in 1818 by the colonial state and will analyze a number of rituals and protocols which played an important role in defining the relationship between the governor and the regents.
Crafting the “Image of America”: The usia/University of Pennsylvania Certificate in American Studies (1960–68)
Authors: Cohn Deborah
Published: June 2021

This essay examines the history of an academic certificate in American studies that was developed and implemented by Robert Spiller (University of Pennsylvania) at the behest of the US Information Agency, and targeted at non-US citizens outside of the US. The certificate’s genesis and trajectory were rooted in and inflected by contemporary interest in the field of American studies as offering a means of conducting cultural diplomacy by disseminating information about the US, its way of life, and the benefits offered by the democratic system. The history of the program, like that of the field as a whole, thus reveals how American studies assumed an ambassadorial role abroad for the nation in its new capacity as a world power. At the same time, it also shows the fault lines between the images of the nation that scholars and US officials sought to project, and what audiences abroad were most interested in knowing.
Towards a Conceptual Framework for City Diplomacy: a Practitioner’s Perspective
Authors: Santos Niedja de Andrade e Silva Forte dos
Published: June 2021

As a rising star on the international stage, city diplomacy has been examined by practitioners and pioneer scholars. Therefore, structured insights from practice, history, and academic works have boosted theory development. Similarly, new diplomatic history can explore new paths based on contemporary perspectives on city diplomacy. Based on a practitioner’s perspective, this essay brings academically contextualized observations together for the construction of a conceptual framework for the historical study of city diplomacy.
“Ma coustume ne soit de m’addresser aux villes”: Early Modern Amsterdam’s Dealings in City Diplomacy
Authors: de Boer Tessa
Published: June 2021

The historical dimensions of city diplomacy have faced neglect in diplomatic studies and diplomatic history. Historicizing the concept of city diplomacy, however, can benefit both disciplines. Through a case study on early modern Amsterdam’s considerable diplomatic ambitions, I argue that a historical case contextualizes current-day discourses in city diplomacy, and that cities must be assessed as diplomatic actors in order to further complete narratives on traditional state-driven diplomacy.
Typification of the names Asarum chungbuensis and A. maculatum (Aristolochiaceae)
Authors: JANG HYUN-DO , NAM GI-HEUM , OH HYUN-KYUNG , LEEM HYOSUN
Published: June 2021

N/A
Berberine-Albumin Nanoparticles: Preparation, Thermodynamic Study and Evaluation Their Protective Effects Against Oxidative Stress in Primary Neuronal Cells as a Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Zhang Yaohui , Wang Lixiang , Li Guichen , Gao Jianyuan
Published: June 2021

Berberine has shown an outstanding antioxidant activity, however the low bioavailability limits its applications in pharmaceutical platforms. Therefore, in this paper, after fabrication of the berberine-HSA nanoparticles by desolvation method, they were well characterized by TEM, SEM,
DLS, and FTIR techniques. Afterwards the interaction of HSA and the berberine was evaluated by molecular docking analysis. Finally, the antioxidant activity of the berberine-HSA nanoparticles against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in cultured neurons as a model of AD was
evaluated by cellular assays. The results showed that the prepared berberine-HSA nanoparticles have a spherical-shaped morphology with a size of around 100 nm and zeta potential value of −31.84 mV. The solubility value of nanoparticles was calculated to be 40.27%, with a berberine loading
of 19.37%, berberine entrapment efficiency of 70.34%, and nanoparticles yield of 88.91%. Also, it was shown that the berberine is not significantly released from HSA nanoparticles within 24 hours. Afterwards, molecular docking investigation revealed that berberine spontaneously interacts with
HSA through electrostatic interaction. Finally, cellular assays disclosed that the pretreatment of neuronal cultures with berberine-HSA nanoparticles decreased the H2O2-stimulated cytotoxicity and relevant morphological changes and enhanced the CAT activity. In conclusion,
it can be indicated that the nanoformulation of the berberine can be used as a promising platform for inhibition of oxidative damage-induced Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
In VivoTissue Implantation Model ofIn VivoTissue Implantation Model of Lidocaine (LCH)-Encapsulated Dextran (DEX)/Glycol (GLY) Nanoparticles Delivery for Pain Management
Authors: Yang Shuqin , Sun Xiaoyan , Wang Yanmei , Bie Xiaoyan , Fan Tianren
Published: June 2021

Lidocaine-loaded nanoparticles are versatile nanomaterials that may be used in pain treatment due to their wound healing properties. The current study describes a wound dressing formulation focused on lidocaine-loaded dextran/ethylene glycol nanoparticles (an anesthetic drug). The lidocaine-loaded dextran/ethylene glycol membranes were fabricated using lidocaine solutions inside the dextran/ethylene glycol medium. The influence of various experimental conditions on dextran/ethylene glycol nanoparticle formations were examined. The sizes of dextran/ethylene glycol and lidocaine-loaded dextran/glycol nanoparticles were examined through the HR-SEM. Moreover, the efficacy antibacterial activity of dextran/glycol and lidocaine-loaded dextran/ethylene glycol nanoparticles was evaluated against the microorganisms grampositive and negative. Furthermore, we observed theIn Vivowound healing of wounds in skin using a mice model over a 16 days period. In this difference to the wounds of untreated mouse, quick healing was observed in the lidocaine-loaded dextran/glycol nanoparticles-treated wounds with fewer injury. These results specify that lidocaine-loaded dextran/ethylene glycol nanoparticles-based dressing material could be a ground-breaking nanomaterial having wound repair and implantations potential required for wound injury in pain management, which was proven using an animal model.
Applications of 3D Bio-Printing in Tissue Engineering and Biomedicine
Authors: Jiang Wei , Mei Haiying , Zhao Shuyan
Published: June 2021

In recent years, 3D bio-printing technology has developed rapidly and become an advanced bio-manufacturing technology. At present, 3D bio-printing technology has been explored in the fields of tissue engineering, drug testing and screening, regenerative medicine and clinical disease research and has achieved many research results. Among them, the application of 3D bio-printing technology in tissue engineering has been widely concerned by researchers, and it contributing many breakthroughs in the preparation of tissue engineering scaffolds. In the future, it is possible to print fully functional tissues or organs by using 3D bio-printing technology which exhibiting great potential development prospects in th applications of organ transplantation and human body implants. It is expected to solve thebiomedical problems of organ shortage and repair of damaged tissues and organs. Besides,3Dbio-printing technology will benefit human beings in more fields. Therefore, this paper reviews the current applications, research progresses and limitations of 3D bio-printing technology in biomedical and life sciences, and discusses the main printing strategies of 3D bio-printing technology. And, the research emphases, possible development trends and suggestions of the application of 3D bio-printing are summarized to provide references for the application research of 3D bio-printing.
Pulsed Focal Ultrasound as a Non-Invasive Method to Deliver Exosomes in the Brain/Stroke
Authors: Alptekin Ahmet , Khan Mohammad B. , Ara Roxan , Rashid Mohammad H. , Kong Fengchong , Parvin Mahrima , Frank Joseph A. , Chopra Rajiv , Dhandapani Krishnan , Arbab Ali S.
Published: June 2021

Exosomes, a component of extracellular vesicles, are shown to carry important small RNAs, mRNAs, protein, and bioactive lipid from parent cells and are found in most biological fluids. Investigators have demonstrated the importance of mesenchymal stem cells derived exosomes in repairing
stroke lesions. However, exosomes from endothelial progenitor cells have not been tested in any stroke model, nor has there been an evaluation of whether these exosomes target/home to areas of pathology. Targeted delivery of intravenous administered exosomes has been a great challenge, and
a targeted delivery system is lacking to deliver naïve (unmodified) exosomes from endothelial progenitor cells to the site of interest. Pulsed focused ultrasound is being used for therapeutic and experimental purposes. There has not been any report showing the use of low-intensity
pulsed focused ultrasound to deliver exosomes to the site of interest in stroke models. In this proof of principle study, we have shown different parameters of pulsed focused ultrasound to deliver exosomes in the intact and stroke brain with or without intravenous administration of nanobubbles.
The study results showed that administration of nanobubbles is detrimental to the brain structures (micro bleeding and white matter destruction) at peak negative pressure of >0.25 megapascal, despite enhanced delivery of intravenous administered exosomes. However, without nanobubbles, pulsed
focused ultrasound enhances the delivery of exosomes in the stroke area without altering the brain structures.
Highly Sensitive Detection of miRNA-155 Using Molecular Beacon-Functionalized Monolayer MoS2 Nanosheet Probes with Duplex-Specific Nuclease-Mediated Signal Amplification
Authors: Liu Ying , Ding Zhou , Zhang Jingjing , Song Chunyuan , Zhang Le , Liu Ying
Published: June 2021

MicroRNA-155 (miRNA-155) as a characteristic myeloma-associated biomarker exhibits significant potential application in the diagnosis of multiple myeloma (MM). In this paper, a novel type of molecular beacon (MB)-functionalized monolayer MoS2 nanosheet probe was proposed
as fluorescent probe for high-sensitive assays of miRNA-155that uses a duplexspecificnuclease (DSN) enzyme to amplify the fluorescence signal. The preparation and detection conditions of the fluorescent probes were optimized in some aspects, such as the concentration of MoS2 (0.80
μM) and DSN (0.2 U), and the incubation time of DSN (30 min). The probesexhibited a sensitive fluorescence response to miRNA-155 and the fluorescence signal of the assay was significantly amplified by the cleavage of DSN. The relationship between F/F0 and logC miRNA
follows a linear calibration curve, and the limit of detection (LOD) of miRNA-155 in 10% human serum is calculated to be 10.96 fM based on this relationship. The good performance and fluorescence amplification effect of the fluorescent probe were confirmed by studying the recovery of miRNA-155
in 10% human serum, which was ranged from 98.32% to 106.3% with a relative standard deviation of less than 4.14%. Besides, the high expression of miRNA-155 in clinic blood of MM patients was sensitively distinguished from healthy peoples by using the proposed probes. The proposed novel fluorescent
probe based on the DSN can be used to detect miRNA-155 in human serum and provide a potential, convenient and reliable tool for diagnosis of MM.
Application of Molecular Nanoprobes in the Analysis of Differentially Expressed Genes and Prognostic Models of Primary Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Luo Shuang , Gan Lu , Luo Yiqun , Zhang Zhikun , Li Lan , Wang Huixue , Li Tong , Chen Qiaoying , Huang Yong , He Jian , Zhong Liping , Liu Xiuli , Wu Pan , Wang Yong , Zhao Yongxiang , Zhang Zhenghan
Published: June 2021

Analyzing hub genes related to tumorigenesis based on biological big data has recently become a hotspot in biomedicine. Nanoprobes, nanobodies and theranostic molecules targeting hub genes delivered by nanocarriers have been widely applied in tumor theranostics. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers, with a poor prognosis and high mortality. Identifying hub genes according to the gene expression levels and constructing prognostic signatures related to the onset and outcome of HCC will be of great significance. In this study, the expression profiles of HCC and normal tissue were obtained from the GEO database and analyzed by GEO2R to identify DEGs. GO terms and KEGG pathways were enriched in DAVID software. The STRING database was consulted to find protein–protein interactions between proteins encoded by the DEGs, which were visualized by Cytoscape. Then, overall survival associated with the hub genes was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier plotter online tool, and verification of the results was carried out on TCGA samples and their corresponding clinical information. A total of 603 DEGs were obtained, of which 479 were upregulated and 124 were downregulated. PPI networks including 603 DEGs and 18 clusters were constructed, of which 7 clusters with MCODE score ≥3 and nodes ≥5 were selected. The 5 genes with the highest degrees of connectivity were identified as hub genes, and a prognostic model was constructed. The expression and prognostic potential of this model was validated on TCGA clinical data. In conclusion, a five-gene signature (TOP2A, PCNA, AURKA, CDC20, CCNB2) overexpressed inHCC was identified, and a prognostic model was constructed. This gene signature may act as a prognostic model for HCC and provide potential targets of nanotechnology.
Nano-Aromatic Drugs Based on Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles and Bergamot Essential Oil for Anti-Depression
Authors: Yang Xiao-Hong , Peng Huan , Hao Qiu-Lian , Wang Jian-Ze , Lu Zhi-Guo , Niu Yun-Wei , Xiao Zuo-Bing , Zhang Xin
Published: June 2021

Depression is a mental disorder characterized by low mood as the main pathological feature. Current medications for depression have long treatment cycles and serious side effects. Aromatherapy can alleviate depression in a “moistening things silently” way, but the fast evaporation
rate of aromatic drugs weakens the effect of aromatherapy. In this study, we designed and prepared nano-aromatic drugs with slow release for anti-depressant application. We first synthesized rod-shaped mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) and encapsulated bergamot essential oil. These nanoaromatic
drugs were named BEO@MSNs. Subsequently, we analyzed the pore properties of MSNs and BEO@MSNs. Further, we explored the thermal stability, encapsulation efficiency, and slow-release properties of bergamot essential oil in BEO@MSNs. Finally, we used BEO@MSNs to alleviate depression in mice
while constructing depression model mice via corticosterone. The results showed that BEO@MSNs had excellent anti-depressant effects and biosafety
Magnetohydrodynamics Williamson Fluid Comprising Gyrotactic Microorganisms Flows Through a Permeable Stretching Layer with Variable Fluid Properties
Authors: Parmar Amit , Choudhary Rakesh , Agarwal Krishna
Published: June 2021

The present study shows the impacts of Williamson fluid with magnetohydrodynamics flow containing gyrotactic microorganisms under the variable fluid property past permeable stretching sheet. Variable Prandtl number, mass Schmidt number, and gyrotactic microorganisms Schmidt number were
all considered. The momentum, energy, mass, and microorganism equations’ governing PDEs are converted into nonlinear coupled ODEs and numerically solved with the bvp4c solver using suitable transformations. The main outcome of this study is that Williamson fluid parameter constantly
decreases in velocity profile, however reverse effects can be shown in temperature profile. Also, M parameter and Kp parameter enhance the heat transfer rate, concentration rate and microorganisms boundary layer thickness but declines in momentum boundary layer thickness
and velocity profile. The aim of this research is to see how velocity slide, temperature jump, concentration slip, and microorganism slip affect MHD Williamson fluid flow with gyrotactic microorganisms over a leaky surface embedded in spongy medium, with non-linear radiation and non-linear
chemical reaction.
Waves to Weather: Exploring the Limits of Predictability of Weather
Authors: Craig George C. , Fink Andreas H. , Hoose Corinna , Janjić Tijana , Knippertz Peter , Laurian Audine , Lerch Sebastian , Mayer Bernhard , Miltenberger Annette , Redl Robert , Riemer Michael , Tempest Kirsten I. , Wirth Volkmar
Published: June 2021

Prediction of weather is a main goal of atmospheric science. Its importance to society is growing continuously due to factors such as vulnerability to natural disasters, the move to renewable energy sources, and the risks of climate change. But prediction is also a major scientific challenge due to the inherently limited predictability of a chaotic atmosphere, and has led to a revolution in forecasting methods as we have moved to probabilistic prediction. These changes provide the motivation for Waves to Weather (W2W), a major national research program in Germany with three main university partners in Munich, Mainz, and Karlsruhe. We are currently in the second 4-yr phase of our planned duration of 12 years and employ 36 doctoral and postdoctoral scientists. In the context of this large program, we address what we have identified to be the most important and challenging scientific questions in predictability of weather, namely, upscale error growth, errors associated with cloud processes, and probabilistic prediction of high-impact weather. This paper presents some key results of the first phase of W2W and discusses how they have influenced our understanding of predictability. The key role of interdisciplinary research linking atmospheric scientists with experts in visualization, statistics, numerical analysis, and inverse methods will be highlighted. To ensure a lasting impact on research in our field in Germany and internationally, we have instituted innovative programs for training and support of early-career scientists, and to support education, equal opportunities, and outreach, which are also described here.
Ingratitude is not an option: gratitude as imago Dei
Authors: Bohache Thomas
Published: June 2021

The thesis of this paper is that gratitude is “hard-wired” into the very fiber of our being. Humans were created in the image and likeness of God, and God was thankful for what God had created. Thus, if we are the imago Dei, we must feel gratitude as God did. The author suggests that one of the key components of the imago Dei is the Erotic, explaining that the Erotic is more than what we do sexually; on the contrary, it adds texture and fiber to every area of our lives, resulting in passion, com/passion, and mutuality. It inspires us to reach beyond ourselves to others, as Jesus directed his disciples to do when he said, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” and as he demonstrated with his inclusive, healing touch. Using feminist and queer theology and biblical interpretation, Bohache demonstrates that the Other is our neighbor and that our gratitude must extend to those who are unlike ourselves. Often, marginalized or oppressed people have the ability to express gratitude in extraordinary ways, simply by virtue of what they have experienced as the Other. The author describes some paradigms that have been proposed for accessing gratitude and thus tapping into our imago Dei, concluding with how we might still empower gratitude, com/passion, and mutuality in the midst of a pandemic.
History, memory, space and power: the controversy over memorial plaques—Cathedral of St. Michael and St. George, Grahamstown, 1992 to 1996
Authors: Mbaya Henry
Published: June 2021

This study highlights the controversy that occurred in 1992 in Grahamstown between some Black students of the then St. Paul’s Theological College, and some ordinary Black members, and some White members of the Anglican Cathedral of St. Michael and St. George. It centered on the five nineteenth-century English colonial memorial plaques that were situated in the Cathedral. The controversy centered on the derogative term “kaffir” that was applied to the Xhosa people in stark contrast to the English depicted as heroes in the context of the English Wars of subjugation of the amaXhosa.
‘In the night kitchen’: A scoping review on the night eating syndrome
Authors: Muscatello Maria Rosaria Anna , Torre Giovanna , Celebre Laura , Dell’Osso Bernardo , Mento Carmela , Zoccali Rocco Antonio , Bruno Antonio
Published: June 2021

Background:

First described in 1955, night eating syndrome refers to an abnormal eating behavior clinically defined by the presence of evening hyperphagia (>25% of daily caloric intake) and/or nocturnal awaking with food ingestion occurring ⩾ 2 times per week.

Aims:

Although the syndrome is frequently comorbid with obesity, metabolic and psychiatric disorders, its etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, assessment and treatment still remain not fully understood.

Methods:

This review was conducted according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines; PubMed database was searched until 31 October 2020, using the key terms: ‘Night Eating Syndrome’ AND ‘complications’ OR ‘diagnosis’ OR ‘drug therapy’ OR ‘epidemiology’ OR ‘etiology’ OR ‘physiology’ OR ‘physiopathology’ OR ‘psychology’ OR ‘therapy’.

Results:

From a total of 239 citations, 120 studies assessing night eating syndrome met the inclusion criteria to be included in the review.

Conclusion:

The inclusion of night eating syndrome into the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 ‘Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders’ category should drive the attention of clinician and researchers toward this syndrome that is still defined by evolving diagnostic criteria. The correct identification and assessment of NES could facilitate the detection and the diagnosis of this disorder, whose bio-psycho-social roots support its multifactorial nature. The significant rates of comorbid illnesses associated with NES and the overlapping symptoms with other eating disorders require a focused clinical attention. Treatment options for night eating syndrome include both pharmacological (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, topiramate and melatonergic drugs) and non-pharmachological approaches; the combination of such strategies within a multidisciplinary approach should be addressed in future, well-sized and long-term studies.
International emotional resonance: Explaining transatlantic economic sanctions against Russia
Authors: Beauregard Philippe
Published: June 2021

Why did transatlantic policymakers target Russia with economic sanctions in response to its actions during the Ukraine conflict? Commentators perceived these sanctions as highly unlikely because they would have high costs for several European countries, and were surprised when they were finally adopted. Constructivist scholars employed explanations based on common norms and trust to explain the European Union’s agreement on economic sanctions in this case. I argue that the mechanism of international emotional resonance played a decisive role in altering the course of the United States and core European Union powers’ cooperation. A framework that combines resonance with emotional influence mechanisms of persuasion and contagion explains the precise timing of the policy shift, why European policymakers accepted sanctions at a substantial cost to their economy and how norms affected policy when they were empowered by intense emotions.
Keeping Up with the (Zh)oneses: Language Immersion and School Choice
Authors: Watson Edward
Published: June 2021

Dual language immersion programs are growing in popularity across America. This article examines the explanations middle-class parents of various racial/ethnic backgrounds give for enrolling their children in Mandarin Immersion Programs. The author addresses the following questions: Why do American parents enroll their children in Mandarin Immersion Programs? How do parents from different racial groups frame the benefits of immersion? The analysis relies on a mixed-method approach using survey data ( N = 500) to highlight motivations of parents without an ethnic background related to the language, supplemented with 15 semi-structured interviews with Black and White parents of children enrolled in schools with Mandarin Immersion Programs. The study finds that parents frame the benefits of an educational investment differently by race. White parents take a pragmatic stance of greater future returns while Black parents hope immersion will help construct a stronger self-identity. These findings show the influence a burgeoning global society has on parental educational choices.
Sustainability Education for Ontological Re/Configuration: COVID-19 as a Pointer to the Ailing World Asili
Authors: Mokuku Tšepo
Published: June 2021

This paper argues that the COVID-19 has illuminated epistemological and ontological limitations underpinning the established modernity order, and the associated capitalist system. The pandemic has in particular uncovered economic disparities and institutional failures, race, anti-Black racism and exploitation, conspiracy conceptions, mistrust, and aggressive competition; all of which point to the imperative to subvert the dominant Euro-exclusive claim of modernity. Drawing on global examples, it is contended that there is a need for a much deeper reflection on the asili that drives modernity and the established education systems. The paper further points to some key tenets that should characterize education in order to promote a more sustainable world with potency to develop a new consciousness, underpinned by a re-configured ontology or asili. To achieve this, the paper uses as its framework of analysis the critique of the dominant modernity and Eurocentricism, as well as decoloniality and Afrocentricity theories.
Science Diplomacy in the Twentieth Century: Introduction
Authors: Kunkel Söenke
Published: June 2021

Setting the stage for the special forum, this introduction points to the centrality of science diplomacy activities within many current foreign policy concepts around the world. It also points to the lack of historical perspective within many current academic debates about science diplomacy. Suggesting the value of such a perspective, the introduction then draws attention to a number of fruitful contributions that histories of science diplomacy may make to contemporary history. These include: a better understanding of how entanglements between science, foreign policy, and international relations evolved over the twentieth century; a refined understanding of the workings of foreign relations and diplomacy that sheds light on the role of science as an arena of foreign relations; new insights into the Cold War; a globalizing of perspectives in the writing of contemporary history; a new international focus on widely under-researched actors like universities, science movements, science organizations, and science academies; a focus on new themes that range from global environmental problems to issues like cultural heritage. The remainder of the introduction then delineates some of the shared assumptions and findings of the essays and then briefly introduces each contribution to the special section.
Examining Why and When Market Share Drives Firm Profit
Authors: Bhattacharya Abhi , Morgan Neil A. , Rego Lopo L.
Published: June 2021

Many firms use market share to set marketing goals and monitor performance. Recent meta-analytic research reveals the average economic impact of market share performance and identifies some factors affecting its value. However, empirical understanding of why any market share–profit relationship exists and varies is limited. The authors simultaneously examine the three primary theoretical mechanisms linking firm market share with profit. On average, they find that most of the variance in market share’s positive effect on firm profit is explained by market power and quality signaling, with little support for operating efficiency as a mechanism. They find a similar explanatory role of the three mechanisms in conditions where market share negatively predicts profit (for niche firms and those “buying” market share). Using these mechanism insights, the authors show that the value of market share differs in predictable ways between firms and across industries, providing new understanding of when managers may usefully set market share goals. The authors also provide new insights into how market share should be measured for goal setting and performance monitoring. They show that revenue market share is a predictor of firm profit while unit market share is not, and that relative measures of revenue market share can provide greater predictive power.
Do We Live in a ‘Post-Truth’ Era?
Authors: Ahlstrom-Vij Kristoffer
Published: June 2021

Have we entered a ‘post-truth’ era? This article is an attempt to answer this question by (a) offering an explication of the notion of ‘post-truth’ from recent discussions, (b) deriving a testable implication from that explication, to the effect that we should expect to see decreasing information effects – that is, differences between actual preferences and estimated, fully informed preferences – on central political issues over time and then (c) putting the relevant narrative to the test by way of counterfactual modelling, using election year data for the period of 2004–2016 from the American National Election Studies’ Times Series Study. The implication in question turns out to be consistent with the data: at least in a US context, we do see evidence of a decrease in information effects on key, political issues – immigration, same-sex adoption and gun laws, in particular – in the period 2004–2016. This offers some novel, empirical evidence for the ‘post-truth’ narrative.
Effectiveness of Travel Social Media Influencers: A Case of Eco-Friendly Hotels
Authors: Kapoor Payal S. , Balaji M. S. , Jiang Yangyang , Jebarajakirthy Charles
Published: June 2021

With social media becoming the primary channel for travelers to acquire travel-related information, tourism service providers are increasingly partnering with social media influencers (SMIs) as part of their digital marketing strategy. The present study investigates the effectiveness of SMIs by examining the role that two message factors—argument quality and sponsorship status—have on travelers’ perceptions of a hotel’s commitment to sustainability and their intention to stay at the hotel. Results from four studies show that when eco-friendly hotels sponsor SMIs, an attribute-value message is more effective than a simple recommendation message in influencing travelers’ perceptions and intentions. Given the latest Federal Trade Commission regulations regarding sponsorship disclosure practices, the findings offer valuable insights for tourism providers using SMIs. The study findings suggest that SMIs should create sponsored messages that provide rational and objective information about the hotel’s sustainability practices to stimulate travelers’ related cognitions and persuade them to patronize the hotel.
Thick corpus callosum: An underrecognised but important diagnostic clue
Authors: Jogu Suchit S , Singanamalla Bhanudeep , Madaan Priyanka , Ahuja Chirag K , Saini Lokesh
Published: June 2021

Neurofibromatoses are inherited tumour-suppressive disorders that are characterised by multiple neoplastic and non-neoplastic tumours. Neurofibromatosis type 1 is a common disorder with multiple neurofibromas with widespread complications. We here report a seven-year old boy presenting with first episode of seizure and multiple café-au-lait macules but neuroimaging revealed corpus callosal changes without any focal areas of signal intensities.
Paul’s Defense: Masculinity and Authority in 2 Corinthians 10–13
Authors: Kim Kyung Min
Published: June 2021

In 2 Cor. 10–13, Paul tries to prove his authority as a reliable leader by using two different masculinity standards. Paul manifests his power and control over the Corinthian church members by using an image of paterfamilias (11.2-3; 12.14). Paternal control of others was an essential element of hegemonic masculinity in the Greco-Roman world. Moreover, Paul proves his manliness by revealing his endurance and submission to divine authority (11.21b–12.10) according to the Hellenistic Jewish masculinity. I argue that Paul is embedded in these different cultural assumptions regarding masculinity and that he refers to these assumptions to persuade Gentile and Jewish groups in the Corinthian church.