bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ОКИСНЮВАЛЬНОЇ МОДИФІКАЦІЇ ПРОТЕЇНІВ ПРИ КОМБІНОВАНІЙ ДІЇ ХАРЧОВИХ ДОБАВОК
Authors: Buchko P. I. , Marushchak M. I.
Published: February 2021

Вступ. Скорочення тривалості життя населення України, різке зниження якості життя та індексу здоров’я нації при значному порушенні харчового статусу зумовлюють необхідність порушення питань щодо якості харчової продукції, в тому числі й неконтрольованого використання харчових добавок, тому дане дослідження є актуальним.
Мета дослідження – оцінити показники окиснювальної модифікації протеїнів у тканинах організму щурів при застосуванні розчинів κ-карагінану, натрію глутамату та їх комбінованій дії.
Методи дослідження. Дослідження проведено на 48 білих нелінійних щурах-самцях, яких поділили на 4 групи: 1-ша – контроль (інтактні тварини); 2-га – тварини, яким внутрішньошлунково вводили κ-карагінан у дозі 40 мг/кг протягом 1 місяця; 3-тя – тварини, яким внутрішньошлунково вводили натрію глутамат у дозі 50 мг/кг; 4-та – тварини, яким внутрішньошлунково вводили κ-карагінан і натрію глутамат у вищевказаних дозах. Для оцінки спонтанної окиснювальної модифікації протеїнів (ОМП) спектрофотометрично в ультрафіолетовій частині спектра на довжині хвилі 370 нм визначали кетондинітрофенілгідразони нейтрального характеру (КДНФГ) та в ділянці видимого світла 430 нм – альдегіддинітрофеніл­­гідразони основного характеру (АДНФГ). З метою оцінки стимульованої ОМП попередньо додавали до до­слідної та контрольної проб по 0,1 мл приготовлених ex tempore 410-3 М FeSO4, 110-3 М ЕДТА, 310-4 М Н2О2.
Результати й обговорення. У сироватці крові частка первинних (АДНФГ) і вторинних (КДНФГ) маркерів дослідних груп практично не відрізнялася від співвідношення в контрольній групі. У тканинах легень при введенні експериментальним тваринам натрій глутамату змінювалося співвідношення ­АДНФГ до КДНФГ у бік збільшення частки вторинних маркерів оксидативного стресу, тоді як в інших дослідних групах їх співвідношення практично не відрізнялося від контролю. У тканинах печінки частка первинних і вторинних маркерів дослідних груп практично не відрізнялася від співвідношення в контрольній групі. Аналіз співвідношення первинних і вторинних маркерів ОМП вказує на збільшення частки маркерів пізньої деструкції в тканинах легень при застосуванні натрій глутамату. Менша частка вторинних маркерів у сироватці крові при введенні κ-карагінану, стосовно групи тварин, яким вводили натрій глутамат, може свідчити про швидшу утилізацію змінених протеїнів, так званий вторинний антиоксидантний ефект.
Висновок. За умови комбінованої дії розчинів κ-карагінану і натрій глутамату вірогідно підвищується спонтанна окиснювальна модифікація протеїнів стосовно контролю та окремої дії харчових добавок, що супроводжується виснаженням резервно-адаптаційного потенціалу в крові, легенях і печінці, відповідно, на 33,4, 32,9 та 24,0 %.
ВПЛИВ ПЕЧІНКОВОГО МЕТАБОЛІЗМУ В ДІВЧАТОК ПУБЕРТАТНОГО ВІКУ З НЕАЛКОГОЛЬНОЮ ЖИРОВОЮ ХВОРОБОЮ ПЕЧІНКИ Й ОЖИРІННЯМ НА БАЗАЛЬНИЙ АНДРОГЕННИЙ ПРОФІЛЬ
Authors: Chaikivska E. F.
Published: February 2021

Вступ. У літературі існують поодинокі дані відносно функціонального стану печінки у дівчаток пубертатного віку з неалкогольною жировою хворобою печінки й ожирінням і його впливу на статевий розвиток.

Мета дослідження – вивчити особливості функціонального стану печінки у дівчаток пубертатного віку з неалкогольною жировою хворобою печінки й ожирінням та оцінити взаємозв’язок з формуванням гіперандрогенних станів.

Методи дослідження. Під спостереженням перебували 120 дівчаток віком 12–17 років з неалкогольною жировою хворобою печінки й ожирінням, а також 180 дівчаток контрольної групи. Комплексне обстеження включало збір анамнезу, антропометрію, клінічні й біохімічні дослідження крові, ультразвукове дослідження і комп’ютерну томографію черевної порожнини, оцінку клінічного та біохімічного гіперандрогенізму, менструального здоров’я.

Результати й обговорення. У дівчаток з неалкогольною жировою хворобою печінки й ожирінням виявлено порушення вуглеводного, ліпідного, пуринового обміну на тлі збільшення трансфераз. Андрогенозалежні дерматопатії зареєстровано в 51,67 % дівчаток. Гірсутне число понад 12 балів за шкалою Феррімана – Галлвея виявлено в 37,50 % випадків, у межах від 8 до 11 балів – у 44,17 %, від 0 до 7 балів – у 18,33 %. Дівчаток пубертатного віку з неалкогольною жировою хворобою печінки й ожирінням відрізняв підвищений базальний профіль андрогенів периферичної крові. Наявність інсулінорезистентності та гіперандрогенізму призвела до розвитку в досліджуваній групі розладів менструальної функції в період пубертату: в 62,50 % випадків відзначали олігоменорею, у 27,50 % – аменорею, в 10,00 % – рясні менструа­ції, у 14,17 % – дисменорею.

Висновок. У дівчаток пубертатного віку з неалкогольною жировою хворобою печінки й ожирінням порушення печінкового метаболізму провокують розвиток клінічного і біохімічного гіперандрогенізму, який є основою для порушення статевого розвитку та формування аномальних змін менструального здоров’я у дівчаток пубертатного віку.
Effects of Sodium/Glucose Cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) Inhibitors on Cardiovascular and Metabolic Outcomes in Patients Without Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized‐Controlled Trials
Authors: Teo Yao Hao , Teo Yao Neng , Syn Nicholas L. , Kow Cheryl Shumin , Yoong Celine Shuen Yin , Tan Benjamin Y. Q. , Yeo Tiong‐Cheng , Lee Chi‐Hang , Lin Weiqin , Sia Ching‐Hui
Published: February 2021

Background

Recent studies have increasingly shown that sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors may have beneficial cardiovascular and metabolic effects in patients without diabetes mellitus. Hence, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to determine the effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes in patients without diabetes mellitus.

Methods and Results

Four electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and SCOPUS) were searched on August 30, 2020 for articles published from January 1, 2000 to August 30, 2020, for studies that examined the effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes in patients without diabetes mellitus. A random‐effects pairwise meta‐analysis model was used to summarize the studies. A total of 8 randomized‐controlled trials were included with a combined cohort of 5233 patients. In patients without diabetes mellitus, those with heart failure treated with SGLT2 inhibitors had a 20% relative risk reduction in cardiovascular deaths and heart failure hospitalizations, compared with those who were not treated (risk ratio, 0.78;
P
<0.001). We additionally found that treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors improved multiple metabolic indices. Patients on SGLT2 inhibitors had a reduction in body weight of −1.21 kg (
P
<0.001), body mass index of −0.47 kg/m
2
(
P
<0.001), systolic blood pressure of −1.90 mm Hg (
P
=0.04), and fasting plasma glucose of −0.38 mmol/L (
P
=0.05), compared with those without. There were no between‐group differences in NT‐proBNP (N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide) levels, waist circumference, diastolic blood pressure, glycated hemoglobin, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and estimated glomerular filtration rates. Across our combined cohort of 5233 patients, hypoglycemia was reported in 22 patients.

Conclusions

SGLT2 inhibitors improve cardiovascular outcomes in patients without diabetes mellitus with heart failure. In patients without diabetes mellitus, SGLT2 inhibitors showed positive metabolic outcomes in weight and blood pressure control.
Mixture, Generation and the First Aporia of Aristotle’s GC 1.10
Authors: Anagnostopoulos Andreas
Published: February 2021

This paper concerns the classification of the process of mixture, for Aristotle, and the related issue of the manner in which the ingredients remain present once mixed. I argue that mixture is best viewed as a kind of substantial generation in the context of the GC and, accordingly, that the ingredients do not enjoy the kind of strong presence within a mixture usually attributed to them. To do this, I critically examine the most promising versions of the standard view and offer a new interpretation of Aristotle’s treatment of a puzzle about mixture in GC 1.10.
On the Meaning of הֵעִיד in Biblical Hebrew: Between Summoning Witnesses and Imposing Oaths
Authors: Malka Orit
Published: February 2021

The verb הֵעִיד in Biblical Hebrew is understood by most scholars primarily within the semantic field of עֵד, “witness.” However, many of its biblical occurrences do not befit this reading. These were interpreted according to the context, as bearing the meaning of: “to warn,” “to assure,” “to command.” Explaining the connection between all aspects of the verb poses a challenge. The present paper argues that all these meaning are in fact interrelated: they all derive from the meaning of הֵעִיד (and the verbal phrase הֵעִיד בְּ) as implying the imposition of an oath.

Oaths are based on the summoning of divine witnesses as guarantors of the sworn undertakings. Convocation of witnesses thus became associated with oaths, and consequently הֵעִיד developed a secondary meaning of imposing an oath. Understanding the verb הֵעִיד as implying the imposition of an oath will reconcile the various meanings attributed to this verb, and unveil the internal links between them.
Countercurrents and Counterappropriations
Authors: Salguero C. Pierce
Published: February 2021

While modernization and globalization have been sweeping the Korean medical industry of late, a perhaps seemingly contradictory trend toward more personalized care has also been unfolding in certain circles. This is a brief case study of a traditional Korean medical doctor who integrates Western mindfulness protocols into traditional Korean psychology/psychiatry in order to provide that connection with his patients. This practice report shows that his adaptation of mindfulness represents a Korean counterappropriation of a Western clinical tool that was itself created by appropriating Buddhist techniques. It argues that the multivalent resonances with both science and Buddhist methods give mindfulness utility as a site for this doctor to hybridize different bodies of knowledge, to reinterpret traditional insights in modern idioms, and arrive at new therapeutic innovations for his patients.
Why Study Asian Medicine?
Authors: Alter Joseph S. , Farquhar Judith , Khan M.A. Mujeeb , McGrath William A. , Scheid Volker , Sivin Nathan , Zakaria Faizah , Zysk Kenneth
Published: February 2021

Asian Medicine is inaugurating a new type of article in this issue, the editorial forum. For our launch of this new format, an international range of scholars working on Asian medicine across different geographical, temporal, and disciplinary contexts were invited to respond to the question “Why study Asian medicine?” The perspectives they have expressed here reflect their diverse interests, motivations, and career trajectories across the spectrum of seniority.
Purposes, Politicisation and Pitfalls of Diplomatic Gift-giving to the United Nations
Authors: Sievers Loraine
Published: February 2021

Politicisation has characterised diplomatic gift-giving to the United Nations since its early years. Donations of decor and furnishings in some instances can be an equaliser, and in others can accentuate inequalities. Member States’ motives range from altruistic to self-seeking, but larger purposes are served, including increased cross-cultural understanding and community building.
A revision of the Hypodematium glabrum complex (Pteridophyta: Hypodematiaceae) with the description of four new species
Authors: FAN XUE-PING , ZHANG LIANG , GAO XIN-FEN , ZHANG LI-BING
Published: February 2021

A taxonomic study of the Hypodematium glabrum complex (Hypodematiaceae) is presented based on morphological evidence. Five species are recognized in this complex, four of which are described as new. The four new species are all from Yunnan, China and include H. brevipilosum sp. nov., H. parvisorum sp. nov, H. subglabrum sp. nov, and H. truncatum sp. nov. A key to the species and information on their distributions, habitats, and major distinguishing characters are provided.
Unraveling Interactions between Asymmetric Tidal Turbulence, Residual Circulation, and Salinity Dynamics in Short, Periodically Weakly Stratified Estuaries
Authors: Wei Xiaoyan , Schuttelaars Henk M. , Williams Megan E. , Brown Jennifer M. , Thorne Peter D. , Amoudry Laurent O.
Published: February 2021

Asymmetric tidal turbulence (ATT) strongly influences estuarine health and functioning. However, its impact on the three-dimensional estuarine dynamics and the feedback of water motion and salinity distribution on ATT remain poorly understood, especially for short estuaries (estuarine length ≪ tidal wavelength). This study systematically investigates the abovementioned interactions in a short estuary for the first time, considering periodically weakly stratified conditions. This is done by developing a three-dimensional semi-analytical model (combining perturbation method with finite element method) that allows a dissection of the contributions of different processes to ATT, estuarine circulation, and salt transport. The generation of ATT is dominated by (i) strain-induced periodic stratification and (ii) asymmetric bottom-shear-generated turbulence, and their contributions to ATT are different both in amplitude and phase. The magnitude of the residual circulation related to ATT and the eddy viscosity–shear covariance (ESCO) is about half of that of the gravitational circulation (GC) and shows a “reversed” pattern as compared to GC. ATT generated by strain-induced periodic stratification contributes to an ESCO circulation with a spatial structure similar to GC. This circulation reduces the longitudinal salinity gradients and thus weakens GC. Contrastingly, the ESCO circulation due to asymmetric bottom-shear-generated turbulence shows patterns opposite to GC and acts to enhance GC. Concerning the salinity dynamics at steady state, GC and tidal pumping are equally important to salt import, whereas ESCO circulation yields a significant seaward salt transport. These findings highlight the importance of identifying the sources of ATT to understand its impact on estuarine circulation and salt distribution.
A Simulated Radar Reflectivity Calculation Method in Numerical Weather Prediction Models
Authors: Chen Yuxiao , Chen Jing , Chen Dehui , Xu Zhizhen , Sheng Jie , Chen Fajing
Published: February 2021

The simulated radar reflectivity used by current mesoscale numerical weather prediction models can reflect the grid precipitation but cannot reflect the subgrid precipitation generated by a cumulus parameterization scheme. To solve this problem, this study developed a new simulated radar reflectivity calculation method to obtain the new radar reflectivity corresponding to the subgrid-scale and grid-scale precipitation based on the mesoscale Global/Regional Assimilation and Prediction System (GRAPES) model of the China Meteorological Administration. Based on this new method, two 15-day forecast experiments were carried out for two different time periods (11–25 April 2019 and 1–15 August 2019), and the radar reflectivity products obtained by the new method and previous method were compared. The results show that the radar reflectivity obtained by the new simulated radar reflectivity calculation method gives a clear indication of the subgrid-scale precipitation in the model. Verification results show that the threat scores of the improved experiments are better than those of the control experiments in general and that the reliability of the simulated radar reflectivity for the indication of precipitation is improved. It is concluded that the new simulated radar reflectivity calculation method is effective and significantly improves the reflectivity products. This method has good prospects for providing more information about forecasting precipitation and convective activity in operational models.
Is plasma concentration of coenzyme Q10 a predictive marker for left ventricular remodelling after revascularization for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction?
Authors: Fontaine Fanny , Legallois Damien , Créveuil Christian , Chtourou Mohamed , Coulbault Laurent , Milliez Paul , Hodzic Amir , Saloux Eric , Beygui Farzin , Allouche Stéphane
Published: February 2021

Background

Left ventricular remodelling that frequently occurs after acute myocardial infarction is associated with an increased risk of heart failure and cardiovascular death. Although several risk factors have been identified, there is still no marker in clinical use to predict left ventricular remodelling. Plasma concentration of coenzyme Q10, which plays a key role in mitochondrial energy production and as an antioxidant, seems to be negatively correlated with left ventricular function after acute myocardial infarction.

Objective

The goal of our study was to determine whether the plasma coenzyme Q10 baseline concentrations at time of the ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) could predict left ventricular remodelling at six months’ follow-up.

Methods

Sixty-eight patients who were admitted to hospital for STEMI and successfully revascularized with primary percutaneous coronary intervention were recruited. All patients underwent a 3D-echocardiography examination within the first four days after percutaneous coronary intervention and six months later then divided into two groups based on the presence or not of left ventricular remodelling. Plasma coenzyme Q10 concentration at the time of percutaneous coronary intervention was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

While we found similar plasma coenzyme Q10 concentrations compared with other studies, no association was evidenced between coenzyme Q10 concentrations and left ventricular remodelling ( P = 0.89).

Conclusion

We found no evidence for using plasma coenzyme Q10 concentration as an early prediction marker of left ventricular remodelling after STEMI.
Swedish exceptionalism, herd immunity and the welfare state: A media analysis of struggles over the nature and legitimacy of the COVID-19 pandemic strategy in Sweden
Authors: Giritli Nygren Katarina , Olofsson Anna
Published: February 2021

Compared to many other countries, Sweden has managed the COVID-19 pandemic with no lockdowns, less regulation and more voluntary action expected of citizens and organizations. In this article, the authors explore media representations of national preventative strategies and how they were anchored in broader discourses. The article aims to analyse the development of crisis narratives and struggles over legitimacy during the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden. Employing a critical discourse analysis, the authors investigate the editorials and opinion articles in Sweden’s largest morning newspaper, Dagens Nyheter, during the spring of 2020. The authors combine descriptive analyses of the development of the crisis narratives with discursive analyses of conflicting ideologies in the debate. The study indicates that three crisis narratives dominated the debates: health, the economy and democracy. Within and between these narratives, struggles over legitimacy in the handling of COVID-19 were captured in several conflicting perspectives or paradoxes: Swedish exceptionalism versus the world, centralization versus decentralization and herd immunity versus herd humanism.
Tackling COVID-19 risk in Hong Kong: Examining distrust, compliance and risk management
Authors: Chan Raymond KH
Published: February 2021

Proximity to mainland China places Hong Kong at the forefront of the COVID-19 threat, and it has survived the test most of the time. It appears that public compliance with government advice on preventive measures and social distancing, plus the availability of tests and medical facilities, contributed to the successful handling of the crisis. While it is generally believed that trust is crucial for successful compliance and collaboration, a critical review of the case of Hong Kong shows that it was distrust, due to a lack of confidence and skepticism with regard to the government’s values, that caused the public to take early self-protective measures and initiated societal-wide self-help campaigns. Their compliance was actually with measures that the public themselves had demanded and agreed. The government was criticized for doing too little, too late; as well as for failing to put local people’s interests first, and acting for political motives. Despite the success in combating the virus, the government did not enjoy a proportionate gain in trust. This article argues that distrust in government was very much shaped by the perceived dissimilarity in salient values between the government and the public. A lack of transparency and participation in the decision-making process, as well as a lack of emotional connection with the public, also contributed to the distrust.
Investigating the factors influencing the shear behaviour of 0/90∘ non-crimp fabrics to form a reference shear test
Authors: Krishnappa Likith , Ohlendorf Jan-Hendrik , Brink Michael , Thoben Klaus-Dieter
Published: February 2021

Technical textiles have the ability to deform under load by shearing, which distinguishes them from thin sheet materials such as paper. This particular property helps them to deform and take the shape of the complex part that they were intended to create. Draping, flexibility and handling of technical textiles are greatly affected by their shearing behaviour. In this paper, the influence that factors such as stitch (i.e., presence or absence of it), testing speed and the pre-tension force applied have on the shear behaviour of 0/90∘ technical textile is studied to form a reference test. To achieve this, 0/90∘ technical textile samples in two different forms are prepared and subjected to the Trellis picture frame test. It was observed that the presence of stitch greatly affected the critical shear angle and the maximum shear force experienced by the textile. Increase in testing speeds and pre-tension force also increased the shear force experienced by it. However, the critical shear angle decreased with the increase in testing speed, while the value of pre-tension force applied had no effect on the critical shear angle.
Association Between Design Elements of Concussion Laws and Reporting of Sports-Related Concussions Among US High School Athletes, 2009-2017
Authors: Yang Jingzhen , Harvey Hosea H. , Sullivan Lindsay , Huang Lihong , Dawn Comstock R.
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Studies that evaluate the effectiveness of concussion laws often use only a single variable (ie, presence of the law), failing to account for law complexity. We examined the association between multiple design elements of state concussion laws and rates of sports-related concussion reporting among US high school athletes.

Methods

We derived 3 design elements of concussion laws from the 2009-2017 LawAtlas database: (1) strength of law, (2) number of law revisions, and (3) speed of law adoption. We examined the association between these design elements and rates of new and recurrent sports-related concussion reporting from the 2009-2010 through 2016-2017 academic years in a nationally representative sample of high school athletes participating in High School Report Information Online, an online data collection tool.

Results

A total of 7064 sports-related concussions (6332 [89.6%] new and 732 [10.4%] recurrent concussions) were reported during the study period, with an overall rate of 39.7 sports-related concussions per 100 000 athletic exposures (eg, game or practice). Rates of new concussion reporting were higher among high schools in states with medium- or high-strength concussion laws than in states with low-strength concussion laws and in states with at least 1 concussion law revision than in states with no concussion law revisions. Rates of recurrent concussion reporting were lower among high schools in states with ≥2 concussion law revisions than in states with <2 concussion law revisions. Early law adoption was associated with higher rates of new and recurrent concussion reporting, and late law adoption was associated with lower rates of new and recurrent concussion reporting.

Conclusion

Our findings may help inform legislators of the public health effect of concussion laws.
Chemically reduced graphene oxide-coated knitted fabric imparted conductivity and outstanding hydrophobicity
Authors: Hou Min , Hong Xinghua , Tang Yanjun , Jin Zimin , Zhu Chengyan , Tao Chen , Wan Junmin , Dong Yubing
Published: February 2021

Functionalized knitted fabric, as a kind of flexible, wearable, and waterproof material capable of conductivity, sensitivity and outstanding hydrophobicity, is valuable for multi-field applications. Herein, the reduced graphene oxide (RGO)-coated knitted fabric (polyester/spandex blended) is prepared, which involves the use of graphite oxide (GO) by modified Hummers method and in-situ chemical reduction with hydrazine hydrate. The treated fabric exhibits a high electrical conductivity (202.09 S/cm) and an outstanding hydrophobicity (140°). The outstanding hydrophobicity is associated with the morphology of the fabric and fiber with reference to pseudo-infiltration. These properties can withstand repeated bending and washing without serious deterioration, maintaining good electrical conductivity (35.70 S/cm) and contact angle (119.39°) after eight standard washing cycles. The material, which has RGO architecture and continuous loop mesh structure, can find wide use in smart garment applications.
The Sufficiency of Scripture: A Critical and Constructive Account
Authors: Vanhoozer Kevin J.
Published: February 2021

One of the traditional perfections of Scripture according to historic Protestant orthodoxy, alongside inspiration, authority, and clarity, is sufficiency. Biblicists have taken this ball and run with it, insisting that everything we need to know, not only for salvation but for much else, is in the Bible. This essay attempts to clarify the concept of Scripture’s sufficiency by reviewing its history and by specifying how, and for what, it is “enough.” This involves distinguishing between formal and material sufficiency, and drawing distinctions between sources, resources, and norms. The paper argues that the sufficiency of Scripture must be understood alongside the principle of sola scriptura, and that the Bible alone is enough for ruling the church’s social imaginary, especially as this concerns the story of what God is doing in creation and redemption. Scripture is sufficient for understanding extra-biblical knowledge in the framework of biblical narrative and for perceiving reality as sustained and directed by the triune God. The essay concludes by offering recommendations for understanding the sufficiency of Scripture both in its proper domain (saving knowledge) and in areas outside its proper domain, such as the natural and social sciences, including psychology.
On Interim Cognitive Diagnostic Computerized Adaptive Testing in Learning Context
Authors: Wang Chun
Published: February 2021

Interim assessment occurs throughout instruction to provide feedback about what students know and have achieved. Different from the current available cognitive diagnostic computerized adaptive testing (CD-CAT) design that focuses on assessment at a single time point, the authors discuss several designs of interim CD-CAT that are suitable in the learning context. The interim CD-CAT differs from the current available CD-CAT designs primarily because students’ mastery profile (i.e., skills mastery) changes due to learning, and new attributes are added periodically. Moreover, hierarchies exist among attributes taught sequentially and such information could be used during item selection. Two specific designs are considered: The first one is when new attributes are taught in Stage II, but the student mastery status of the previously taught attributes stays the same. The second design is when both new attributes are taught, and previously taught attributes can be further learned or forgotten in Stage II. For both designs, the authors propose an individual prior, which considers a person’s learning history and population learning model, to start an interim CD-CAT. Simulation results show that the Stage II CD-CAT using individual prior outperforms the methods using population priors. The GDINA (generalized deterministic inputs, noisy, “and” gate) diagnostic index (GDI) is extended to accommodate item hierarchies, and analytic results are provided to further illustrate the types of items that are most popular during item selection. As the first study that focuses on the application of CD-CAT in a learning context, the methods and results present herein showed the great promise of using CD-CAT to monitor learning.
Biomarker-Based Classification and Localization of Renal Lesions Using Learned Representations of Histology—A Machine Learning Approach to Histopathology
Authors: Freyre Christophe A. C. , Spiegel Stephan , Gubser Keller Caroline , Vandemeulebroecke Marc , Hoefling Holger , Dubost Valerie , Cörek Emre , Moulin Pierre , Hossain Imtiaz
Published: February 2021

Several deep learning approaches have been proposed to address the challenges in computational pathology by learning structural details in an unbiased way. Transfer learning allows starting from a learned representation of a pretrained model to be directly used or fine-tuned for a new domain. However, in histopathology, the problem domain is tissue-specific and putting together a labelled data set is challenging. On the other hand, whole slide-level annotations, such as biomarker levels, are much easier to obtain. We compare two pretrained models, one histology-specific and one from ImageNet on various computational pathology tasks. We show that a domain-specific model (HistoNet) contains richer information for biomarker classification, localization of biomarker-relevant morphology within a slide, and the prediction of expert-graded features. We use a weakly supervised approach to discriminate slides based on biomarker level and simultaneously predict which regions contribute to that prediction. We employ multitask learning to show that learned representations correlate with morphological features graded by expert pathologists. All of these results are demonstrated in the context of renal toxicity in a mechanistic study of compound toxicity in rat models. Our results emphasize the importance of histology-specific models and their knowledge representations for solving a wide range of computational pathology tasks.
Closeness and other affiliative outcomes generated from the Fast Friends procedure: A comparison with a small-talk task and unstructured self-disclosure and the moderating role of mode of communication
Authors: Sprecher Susan
Published: February 2021

A Fast Friends procedure was created years ago as a method to generate closeness between people interacting for the first time and to provide an experimental procedure to test hypotheses about factors that may lead to initial closeness. In their original study, Aron et al. (1997) validated their closeness-generating task by comparing the degree of interpersonal closeness it generated versus that by a small-talk task. Few subsequent studies, however, have tested the validity of the closeness task by comparing the affiliative outcomes resulting from it with that from other activities. To further examine its validity, this study involved zero-history dyads randomly assigned to become acquainted through either Aron et al.’s closeness-inducing task, Aron et al.’s small-talk task, or an unstructured getting-acquainted task. The dyads were then compared on the closeness they experienced as well as on several other affiliative outcomes. In support of the validity of the closeness-inducing task, the task generated more closeness and other positive outcomes, relative especially to the small-talk task. A second manipulation in the study was the mode of communication (video-chat vs. face-to-face). No significant differences in outcomes (e.g., closeness, liking) were found based on mode of communication. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the closeness task (relative to the other tasks) for generating closeness and other affiliative outcomes was not moderated by the mode of communication.
Comparison of real-life data from patients with NGS panel negative and KRAS mutation positive metastatic lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Gökyer Ali , Küçükarda Ahmet , Köstek Osman , Gökmen İvo , Özcan Erkan , Sayın Sezin , Taştekin Ebru , Hacıoğlu Bekir , Erdoğan Bülent , Uzunoğlu Sernaz , Çiçin İrfan
Published: February 2021

Objective:

To evaluate clinical and demographic characteristics and the results of cytotoxic treatments of KRASG12C, KRASother, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel negative patients.

Methods:

NGS data of 1264 patients with non-small cell lung cancer were retrospectively evaluated. Among these patients, the mutation distributions of 1081 patients with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma were analyzed. A total of 150 patients with negative NGS panel or mutant KRAS followed up in our clinic were included. Clinical features, overall survival, first-line chemotherapy responses, and progression-free survival of NGS panel negative, KRASG12C, and KRASother groups were compared.

Results:

In 1081 patients who underwent NGS from tumor tissue with the diagnosis of metastatic lung adenocarcinoma, 296 (27%) NGS panel negative and 276 (26%) KRAS mutant patients were detected. Among these patients, 150 patients whose data were available were 71 (47.3%) NGS panel negative, 54 (36%) KRASother, and 25 (16.7%) KRASG12C. Clinical features, brain metastasis, and first-line chemotherapy response were similar among groups. Bone metastases were detected more often in the NGS panel negative group ( p = 0.03). The median follow-up was 8.4 months. Overall, 107 deaths had occurred at the time of analysis. There was no difference in overall survival ( p = 0.56) or progression-free survival ( p = 0.71) among NGS panel negative, KRASother, and KRASG12C patients.

Conclusion:

There is no difference in overall survival, first-line chemotherapy response, or progression-free survival among patients with NGS panel negative, KRASG12C, or KRASother metastatic lung adenocarcinoma. Bone metastases were observed more frequently in the NGS panel negative group.
Honor killing as a dark side of modernity: Prevalence, common discourses, and a critical view
Authors: Heydari Arash , Teymoori Ali , Trappes Rose
Published: February 2021

Honor killing is a serious social problem in some countries that is yet to be adequately explained and addressed. We start with an overview of the conceptualization of this phenomenon and review its global prevalence. We argue that honor killing cannot be fully explained by focusing only on religion and sexism. We present a feminist Durkheimian analysis of honor killing as a form of informal social control and argue that honor killing represents a ‘dark side of modernity’ in which the systematic marginalization and stigmatization of minorities and social groups have led them to rely more on traditional honor codes as a kind of informal social control, exacerbating honor crimes. We discuss how a more effective approach to combat honor killing requires not only addressing the issues of sexism and religious fundamentalism, but also the systematic exclusion and stigmatization of local groups and minorities.
Management of plastic waste: A bibliometric mapping and analysis
Authors: de Sousa Fabiula Danielli Bastos
Published: February 2021

This work aims to provide the first holistic and deep bibliometric mapping and analysis of the management of plastic waste. Data from the last five years were obtained from a Scopus database search. Relevant information on scientific production, contributions by country and institutions, sources, reference authors, and topic trends were obtained, being analysed using the VOSviewer and Bibliometrix R-package software programs. The results clearly have shown a significant increase in the number of publications over the years, depicting the great influence of the People’s Republic of China, since the most relevant authors, publications, and institutes are Chinese. Regarding the topic trends, there is a massive concern about plastic pollution, especially related to plastic in water bodies (mainly microplastics), and the socio-environmental problems which plastic may cause/aggravate, with recycling and the circular economy emerging as possible solutions.
Silver nanoparticles: Correlating particle size and ionic Ag release with cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and inflammatory responses in human cell lines
Authors: Sun Jiaojiao , Wan Jianmei , Zhai Xuedi , Wang Jianshu , Liu Zhiyong , Tian Hailin , Xin Lili
Published: February 2021

The widespread use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), their many sources for human exposure, and the ability of AgNPs to enter organisms and induce general toxicological responses have raised concerns regarding their public health and environmental safety. To elucidate the differential toxic effects of polyvinylpyrrolidone-capped AgNPs with different primary particle sizes (i.e. 5, 50, and 75 nm), we performed a battery of cytotoxicity and genotoxicity assays and examined the inflammatory responses in two human cell lines (i.e. HepG2 and A549). Concentration-dependent decreases in cell proliferation and mitochondrial membrane potential and increases in cytokine (i.e. interleukin-6 and interleukin-8) excretion indicated disruption of mitochondrial function and inflammation as the main mediating factors of AgNPs-induced cytotoxicity. An incremental increase in genotoxicity with decreasing AgNPs diameter was noted in HepG2 cells, which was associated with S and G2/M accumulation and transcriptional activation of the GADD45α promoter as reflected by luciferase activity. Dose-related genetic damage, as indicated by Olive tail moment and micronucleus formation, was also observed in A549 cells, but these effects as well as the AgNPs-induced cytotoxicity were more associated with ionic Ag release from nanoparticles (NPs). In summary, the present study addressed different toxicity mechanisms of AgNPs, depending on the cell model, toxicological endpoint, particle size, and degree of Ag+ release from NPs. The results suggest that the GADD45α promoter-driven luciferase reporter cell system provided a rapid screening tool for the identification of genotoxic properties of NPs across a range of different sizes and concentrations.
Tapentadol and Sleepwalking: A Case Report
Authors: Ko Elena (You Jung) , Tupper Michael W.
Published: February 2021

Objective:

This is a case report of a patient with sleepwalking likely caused by tapentadol ER secondary to higher than the recommended dose for the treatment of pain.

Methods:

This report presents the relevant patient history, laboratory data and literature review on possible causes of this patient’s sleepwalking.

Results:

A 39-year-old female reported sleepwalking as the dose of tapentadol increased above the recommended maximum provided in the package insert. The mechanism of action of tapentadol involving norepinephrine reuptake inhibition affecting the central nervous system, higher dosage and drug interactions with other home medications likely contributed to her sleepwalking.

Conclusion:

This case highlights the importance of adhering to the recommended dosage of a medication and if it is clinically warranted to exceed the maximum recommended dose, the importance of diligent monitoring for any adverse effects.
Evaluation of the Use of a Diabetes Risk Test to Identify Prediabetes in an Employee Wellness Screening
Authors: Ward Eileen D. , Hopkins Whitney A. , Shealy Kayce
Published: February 2021

Background:

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) Diabetes Risk Test (DRT) is a screening tool to identify people at risk for developing diabetes. Individuals with a DRT score of 5 or higher may have prediabetes or diabetes and should see a healthcare provider.

Objective:

To determine how many additional employees are identified as being at risk for developing diabetes during an employee wellness screening by using a more stringent DRT cutoff score of 4 instead of 5.

Methods:

During an annual employee wellness screening event, a hemoglobin A1C (A1c) was drawn for participants with a DRT score of > 4 or by request regardless of risk score. A1C values were classified as normal (<5.7%), prediabetes (>5.7 and <6.5%) or diabetes (>6.5%). Risk scores and A1C values were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Cost of additional laboratory testing was also reviewed.

Results:

An A1C was collected for 158 participants. Fourteen of 50 (28%) participants with a DRT of 4 had A1c values in the prediabetes range and no history of diabetes or prediabetes. Using the lower DRT score of 4 resulted in an additional expenditure of $305 with $85.40 resulting in the identification of an otherwise unaware person at risk for developing diabetes.

Conclusion:

Using a DRT cutoff score of 4 as part of an employee wellness screening program resulted in additional laboratory costs to identify persons at risk for developing diabetes but also allowed for earlier education to slow or stop the progression to diabetes which may reduce healthcare costs over time.
Increasing Older Adult Involvement in Geriatric Assessment: A Mixed-Methods Process Evaluation
Authors: Rietkerk Wanda , de Jonge-de Haan Jannet , Slaets Joris P. J. , Zuidema Sytse U. , Gerritsen Debby L.
Published: February 2021

Objectives: Goal setting and motivational interviewing (MI) may increase well-being by promoting healthy behavior. Since we failed to show improved well-being in a proactive assessment service for community-dwelling older adults applying these techniques, we studied whether implementation processes could explain this. Methods: Goals set during the comprehensive geriatric assessment were evaluated on their potential for behavior change. MI and goal setting adherence wasassessed by reviewing audiotaped interactions and interviewing care professionals. Results: Among the 280 goals set with 230 frail older adults (mean age 77 ± 6.9 years, 59% women), more than 90% had a low potential for behavior change. Quality thresholds for MI were reached in only one of the 11 interactions. Application was hindered by the context and the limited proficiency of care professionals. Discussion: Implementation was suboptimal for goal setting and MI. This decreased the potential for improved well-being in the participating older adults.
A hybrid predictive methodology for head checks in railway infrastructure
Authors: Meghoe Annemieke , Jamshidi Ali , Loendersloot Richard , Tinga Tiedo
Published: February 2021

This paper presents a hybrid method to assess the rail health with the focus on a specific type of rail surface defect called head check. The proposed method uses physics-based and data-driven models in order to model defect initiation and defect evolution on a rail for a given rail traffic tonnage. Ultrasonic (US) and Eddy Current (EC) defect detection measurements are used to provide Infrastructure Managers (IMs) with insight in the current rail condition. The defect initiation results obtained from the first part of the hybrid method which consists of the physics-based model is successfully validated with the EC measurements. Furthermore, the US and EC measurements are utilized to derive a data-driven model for defect evolution. Finally, a set of robust and predictive Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are proposed to quantify the future condition of the rail based on different characteristics of rail health resulting from the defect initiation and defect evolution analysis.
Distribution of IgG subclass anti-nuclear antibodies (ANAs) in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Zeng Yanli , Zhang Yan , Chen Qinggui , Huang Qinghe , Lin Yiqiang , Wang Xuelian , Wang Jia Jia , Jiang Longcan , Xiao Yun
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Our study purpose was to detect the distribution of anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) IgG subclasses in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to evaluate their influence on the inflammatory process in SLE.

Methods

We determined the serum levels of ANA IgG subclasses from 70 SLE patients, 25 patients with other autoimmune diseases (OAD), and 25 healthy controls using ELISA. The serum level of total ANA IgG and the avidity of ANA IgG, dsDNA IgG, and dsDNA IgG subclasses were analysed by ELISA.

Results

The results indicated that levels of four ANA IgG subclasses (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4) and total IgG were significantly higher in SLE patients than in OAD patients and healthy controls ( p < 0.001). Moreover, the level of each ANA IgG subclass and the prevalence of high-avidity IgG ANAs (HA IgG ANAs) were significantly higher in the active cases than in the inactive cases of SLE and LN. Furthermore, level of ANA IgG subclasses decreased as level of dsDNA IgG subclasses decreased in 30 patients with SLE. In comparison, ANA IgG3 was significantly effective in high-dose prednisone combined with hydroxychloroquine ( p = 0.025). Additionally, it revealed that level of dsDNA IgG had a significant influence on four ANA IgG subclasses, especially on ANA IgG3 (β coefficient = 0.649, p < 0.001). Level of ANA IgG3 was also positively related to the serum level of dsDNA IgG (r = 0.729, p < 0.001) and RAI of HA IgG ANAs (r = 0.504, p < 0.001). However, the level of ANA IgG4 was positively related to the serum level of albumin (r = 0.572, p < 0.001) and RAI of HA IgG ANAs (r = 0.549, p < 0.001). Moreover, the results revealed that cutaneous and renal involvement were mainly associated with the ANA IgG1 and IgG4 subclasses. Although, arthritic involvement was mainly associated with ANA IgG3.

Conclusions

First, we demonstrated that the ANA IgG subclasses were diagnostic tools in SLE patients. Furthermore, HA IgG ANAs might affect the distribution of ANA IgG3 and IgG4. Moreover, ANA IgG3 might play a particular role in the activity of SLE disease and therapy. Therefore, an altered ANA IgG subclass distribution might be a risk factor influencing the inflammatory process in SLE.
The Rise of Asian Aid Donors: Recipient-to-Donor Transition and Implications for International Aid Regime
Authors: Dole David , Lewis-Workman Steven , Trinidad Dennis D. , Yao Xianbin
Published: February 2021

The aims of this article are twofold. First, from a historical perspective, it examines the recipient-to-donor transition of five Asian aid donors, namely Japan, Korea, China, India, and Thailand. Specifically, it examines the evolution of their foreign aid programs and practices. Second, it analyzes the effects of Asian aid donors on the international aid regime. We argue that the mix of economic and security goals, which motivated Asian donors to develop their initial economic cooperation programs, have persisted over time. This explains why Asian aid donors have allotted a disproportionate share of their assistance to neighboring countries and their use of foreign aid as a key tool of their commercial and diplomatic policies. Moreover, we contend that the rise and experience of Asian aid donors have created a new dynamic to donor–recipient partnerships and development cooperation like new approaches and modalities. Key findings of this study add to the growing literature on emerging donors and aid effectiveness debate.