bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Big Archive‐Assisted Ensemble of Many‐Objective Evolutionary Algorithms
Authors: Zhong Wen , Xiong Jian , Lin Anping , Xing Lining , Chen Feilong , Chen Yingwu
Published: February 2021

Multiobjective evolutionary algorithms (MOEAs) have witnessed prosperity in solving many‐objective optimization problems (MaOPs) over the past three decades. Unfortunately, no one single MOEA equipped with given parameter settings, mating‐variation operator, and environmental selection mechanism is suitable for obtaining a set of solutions with excellent convergence and diversity for various types of MaOPs. The reality is that different MOEAs show great differences in handling certain types of MaOPs. Aiming at these characteristics, this paper proposes a flexible ensemble framework, namely, ASES, which is highly scalable for embedding any number of MOEAs to promote their advantages. To alleviate the undesirable phenomenon that some promising solutions are discarded during the evolution process, a big archive that number of contained solutions be far larger than population size is integrated into this ensemble framework to record large‐scale nondominated solutions, and also an efficient maintenance strategy is developed to update the archive. Furthermore, the knowledge coming from updating archive is exploited to guide the evolutionary process for different MOEAs, allocating limited computational resources for efficient algorithms. A large number of numerical experimental studies demonstrated superior performance of the proposed ASES. Among 52 test instances, the ASES performs better than all the six baseline algorithms on at least half of the test instances with respect to both metrics hypervolume and inverted generational distance.
Monitorization of Autonomic Stress Response of Nurse Students in Hospital Clinical Simulation
Authors: Beltrán-Velasco Ana Isabel , Sánchez-Conde Paula , Ramos-Campo Domingo Jesús , Clemente-Suárez Vicente Javier
Published: February 2021

The aims of this study were to analyze the autonomic stress response of nurse degree students during a hospital clinical simulation and to analyze differences in the autonomic stress response of nurse degree students during a hospital clinical simulation depending on their psychological profile. We analyzed in 45 nurse students their psychological profile (purpose in life, coping flexibility, perceived stress, Framingham Type A Behavior, and personality) and the autonomic modulation by the heart rate variability in a hospital clinical simulation. Students presented decreased heart rate variability and different autonomic stress responses depending on the different psychological parameters evaluated. We concluded that a hospital clinical simulation produced a large sympathetic modulation of nurse students that was maintained during the entire clinical simulation. The autonomic response was modulated by the psychological profile of students, showing higher purpose in life, perceived stress, and neuroticism, presenting higher parasympathetic modulation.
Pore‐Size Distribution Evolution of Intact, Compacted, and Saturated Loess from China during Consolidation and Shearing
Authors: Li Ping , Shao Shengjun , Xiao Tao , Zhu Dandan
Published: February 2021

To examine the pore‐size distribution (PSD) evolution of intact, compacted, and saturated loess during deformation associated with consolidation or shearing, nominally identical specimens were consolidated to different confining stresses or sheared to sequential axial strains under the same confining stress, and the PSD of each deformed specimen was characterized using the Mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) technique. The results show that the PSD evolution during consolidation is similar to that during shearing, suggesting that the PSD evolution depends mainly on whether the soil volume contracts or expands. The volumetric contraction results mainly from compression of interaggregate pores, and the intra‐aggregate PSD or intra‐aggregate pores are not affected. In compacted and saturated loess, interaggregate pores are compressed from the larger to the smaller, while in intact loess, the PSD evolution depends on whether the soil yields. This difference arises from different cementations that dominate particle associating in three soils. In intact loess, carbonate cementations that can be damaged by remolding and loading contribute greatly to particle associating. As a result, the stability of a pore is controlled not only by its size but also by carbonate cementations at surrounding particle contacts. Clay cementations that play the dominant role in particle aggregating in compacted loess are resistant to loading; thus, aggregates could not be destroyed by loading and the mechanical responses of compacted loess are in fact interactions among aggregates. Both carbonate and clay cementations can fail under the combined effect of loading and inundation, leading to disintegration of aggregates and turning of the loess structure from the double‐structured to the uniform type.
OCT on Anterior Segment Anomalies of the Eye in a Polish Paediatric Cohort: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges
Authors: Lepska Katarzyna , Dobrowolski Dariusz , Krysik Katarzyna , Lyssek-Boroń Anita , Wylęgała Edward
Published: February 2021

Purpose. To present applications of anterior segment optical coherent tomography (AS OCT) for anomalies of the eye in a Polish paediatric cohort. Materials and Methods. Seventy‐four eyes of infants and older children were examined. The majority of them underwent general anaesthesia to allow OCT to be performed in the operating room, but a few were examined in a routine way. We focused on corneal, anterior chamber, iris, and lens disorders. Measurements included corneal morphology, anatomy of the anterior chamber, and general involvement of surrounding tissues in pathologic lesions. Results. We divided the paediatric patients into several groups by considering the type of disease and involvement of particular tissues. The groups were selected based on OCT usefulness in describing their ocular disorders. Conclusion. The collected anterior segment disorders showed huge usefulness for paediatric diagnosis and treatment planning.
Low Distribution of TIM-3+ Cytotoxic Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes Predicts Poor Outcomes in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
Authors: Zhuang Chun , Ni Bo , Zhang Zi-Zhen , Zhao Wen-Yi , Tu Lin , Ma Xin-Li , Yang Lin-Xi , Cao Hui , Wang Ming
Published: February 2021

There are multiple tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and relevant immune checkpoints existing in gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), which provides opportunities and rationales for developing effective immunotherapies. Recent studies have suggested that checkpoint TIM-3/Gal-9 plays a pivotal role on immune response in multiple tumors, similar to the PD-1/PD-L1, emerging as a potential therapeutic target. However, their functions in GIST are unrevealed. Hence, the expression of immune checkpoints TIM-3 and Gal-9, as well as the infiltration of CD8+ T cells and NK cells, is described in 299 cases of GIST specimens. The results showed that TIM-3 and Gal-9 are mainly expressed in TILs, rarely in tumor cells. Expression levels of TIM-3 and Gal-9 significantly differ in varying risks of GIST and exert opposite distribution trends. Indicated by prognosis analysis, high TIM-3 expression of TILs was associated with improved outcome, while low expression levels of TIM-3 in combination with low amounts of CD8+ and CD56+ TILs predict extremely poor survival. The integrated analysis of TIM-3+, CD8+, and CD56+ TILs as one biomarker is a reliable independent predictor of prognosis. In conclusion, low densities of TIM-3+ TILs are associated with poor survival, and integrated immune biomarkers lead to superior predictors of GIST prognosis.
Analysis of the Structural Characteristics of the Online Social Network of Chinese Professional Athletes
Authors: Wang Yue , Huang Qian , Wang Qiurong , Xun Yang , Tan Yujiao , Cui Shuqin , Ma Linxiao , Huang Penglin , Cao Meijuan , Zhang Bin
Published: February 2021

In response to the lack of research on the online social network structure of athletes, elements of research on the online social network structure of athletes were constructed based on the whole network perspective and through the study of the characteristics of the whole online social network structure of athletes, in order to provide reference for the physical and mental health development of athletes from a new perspective. Data were collected through questionnaires, and several software programs were used to preprocess and analyse the collected data. Through the analysis of the online whole network structure, it was found that the network density of the online support network was generally greater than that of the online discussion network, and athletes still showed stronger practical support demands and behaved more rationally in the process of training and learning life, while from the perspective of the relationship structure, the athletes’ family and classmates’ online support is weaker than that in previous studies; in terms of the whole network, strong relationships still dominate in this population, while attention should be paid to the impact of weak relationships.
Candidate Genes Identified in Systemic Sclerosis-Related Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Were Associated with Immunity, Inflammation, and Cytokines
Authors: Xu Zhixiao , Ruan Jiaxing , Pan Lingyun , Chen Chengshui
Published: February 2021

Background. Pulmonary complications of systemic sclerosis (SSc), including pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), are the leading causes of patient death. However, the precise molecular mechanisms of its etiology are unclear. This study’s objective was to identify the candidate genes involved in the progression of SSc-PAH and investigate the genes' function. Methods. The gene expression profiles of GSE33463 were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. A free-scale gene coexpression network was constructed using the weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) to explore the association between gene sets and clinical features and identify candidate biomarkers. Then, gene ontology analysis was performed. A second dataset was used, GSE19617, to validate the hub genes. The verified hub genes’ potential function was further explored using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Results. Through average link-level clustering, a total of seven modules were classified. A total of 938 hub genes were identified in the key module, and the key module’s function mainly enriched was related to chemokine activities. Subsequently, four candidate genes, BTG3, CCR2, RAB10, and TMEM60, were filtered. The expression levels of these four hub genes were consistent in the GSE19617 and GSE33463 datasets. We plotted the ROC curve of the hub genes (all

AUC
>
0.70

). Furthermore, the results of the GSEA for hub genes were correlated with complement and inflammatory responses. Conclusions. The hub genes (BTG3, CCR2, RAB10, and TMEM60) performed well in distinguishing the SSc-PAH patients from controls, and some biological functions, related to immunity, inflammation, and cytokines, might pave the way for follow-up studies on the diagnosis and treatment of SSc-PAH.
A Novel Routing Control Technique for the Energy Hole in the Underwater Acoustic Distributed Network
Authors: Xiao Dong , Zhao Min , Jia Ning , Peng Tong-Rui , Chen Yan , Ma Li
Published: February 2021

The energy hole is a severe problem for underwater acoustic distributed networks in that it affects the normal operations of the network and shortens the network’s life span. To deal with this problem, a loop‐free routing control technique is proposed in this paper. The classical shortest‐path routing control method is used to generate multiple disjointed routing tables. The residual energy of the nodes and the changing information of the uplink/downlink matrix are added to the data frames for distribution. The source node specifies the routing path to transmit the data frames based on the changing information, and the relay nodes route the data frames strictly according to the routing path designated by the source node. Besides, the energy consumption of the relay node is saved by replying to the pseudo‐ACK frame. Simulation experiments are implemented in four typical scenarios, and the results reflect that the proposed technique could extend the network’s life span by approximately 10% when compared to other mature techniques. Besides, it has no other negative effects on the normal operations of the network.
Realization of Multimode OAM Beams with Almost the Same Divergence Angles
Authors: Zhang Yunfan , Liang Xianling , Qi Weihao , Wu Hongliang , Chen Qian , Geng Junping , Wang Wei
Published: February 2021

This paper proposes a new method of realizing multimode OAM beams with almost the same divergence angles. The theoretical relationship between the divergence angle of the OAM beam and its radiation source is presented, and the radiation source distributions for various mode OAM beams with the same divergence angle range are discussed. In order to verify this method, an eight-mode OAM antenna constructed by a bifocal parabolic reflector and dual OAM feeds is designed and simulated. The simulation results show that the divergence angle ranges of 3 dB beamwidth for OAM modesl=±1,±2,±3,±4are2.2°,4.6°,2.2°,5.0°,2.4°,4.4°, and 2.6°,4.8°, the divergence angles corresponding to the maximum beam directions are3.5°,3.6°,3.5°, and 3.8°, respectively, and the maximum difference is within0.3°.
Deformation Behavior of Mining beneath Flat and Sloping Terrains in Mountainous Areas
Authors: Jianjun Zhao , Xun Wan , Yanbing Shi , Jiangbo Wei , Lee Min Lee
Published: February 2021

Slope structures and surface terrains are two significant factors affecting the deformation behavior of mining slopes in mountainous areas. This research is aimed at investigating the deformation characteristics of a mining slope wielding Particle Flow Code (PFC), with 9 different mining configurations (i.e., horizontal distance from extracted panel center to slope shoulder, D = −200 m, −150 m, −100 m, −50 m, 0 m, 50 m, 100 m, 150 m, and 200 m). A representative slope in Faer Town, Liupanshui City, Guizhou Province, China, was selected, which was characterized by soft and hard interbedded rock strata. The results indicated that the overlying rock mass tended to move towards the sloping surface with mining beneath sloping terrain, which brought an asymmetrical subsidence funnel, and formed a wider relative disturbance range on the slope surface. With the vertical subsidence increasing additionally, the stability of the overall slope deteriorated. A safe mining range should be proposed based on evaluating the time-dependent deformation behavior at the slope shoulder and the overall slope stability.
The Formation Mechanism of Surface Landslide Disasters in the Mining Area under Different Slope Angles
Authors: Mu Chi , Yu Xueyi , Zhao Bingchao , Zhang Dongdong , Mao Xuwei , Zhu Jun
Published: February 2021

Slope stability analysis is important for the safe mining of mineral resources. The collapse of goafs in loess gullies can lead to natural disasters such as surface landslides. In this context, this study analyzes monitoring data obtained from surface observation in the Shendong mining area of the Hanjiawan coal mine based on the geological conditions therein. The monitoring results show that the working face experiences a starting period, an active period, and a declining period, from the start of mining to the end of the working face. At the initial mining stage, there is no evident surface movement or deformation in the mining area. When the advance distance of the 12106 working face is between 13 m and 109 m, the surface movement and deformation vary significantly, and the maximum subsidence reaches 1963 mm, which is enough to cause landslides. We select the physical and mechanical parameters of the rock and soil in the mine and then simulate the formation mechanism of surface landslides under different slope angles of the mining area using FLAC3D software. Because of the collapse of the mined‐out area, the overlying strata structure is destroyed, the subsidence basin is shifted to the center as a whole, and the slope mass is subjected to tensile and compression deformation, resulting in plastic damage, which develops downward along the crack and leads to a collapse because of the discontinuous movement and deformation of the surface; moreover, step‐type ground fissures are produced. The results also show that when the slope angle is greater than 60°, the displacement of the slope mass is not uniform, and the rock stratum in a position with large displacement loses its support, leading to landslides; when the slope angle is less than 30°, the bedrock surface forms a sliding surface and develops to the surface, thus decreasing the possibility of landslides. Based on the stability analysis of the collapsed slope in the goaf of the loess gully, a scientific basis is provided for the effective prevention and control of geological disasters in the Shendong mining area.
Efficacy of Longdan Xiegan Decoction on the Treatment of Eczema: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hu Ziteng , Gao Lidong , Li Chengxian , Cucco Alberto , Wang Shang , Yuan Weiling , Zhang Fan , Kang Shuai , Wang Min
Published: February 2021

Background. Longdan Xiegan decoction (LDXGD) has been widely used in the treatment of eczema. In recent years, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of LDXGD for the treatment of eczema have gradually increased. Most of the results show that LDXGD is effective in treating eczema. However, whether these conclusions are reliable or not requires meta-analysis. Objective. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy of LDXGD in the treatment of eczema. Materials and Methods. Seven electronic databases, including PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), Cochrane Library, Chinese Biomedical Literature on Disc (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang, and Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP) were systematically searched from their inception until January 2021. Risk of bias was assessed using criteria from the Cochrane Collaboration and meta-analysis was conducted on the screened literature data using Review Manage (RevMan 5.3). Then, to assess the quality of evidence, the GRADE criteria was adopted. Results. 14 RCTs with 1080 participants were identified. Meta-analysis indicated that compared with western medicine (WM), the cure rate and the total effective rate of LDXGD in treating eczema were higher. Meanwhile, the recurrence rate and the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) after treatment were lower. The adverse reaction was reported in 5 out of 14 studies without significant statistical difference. According to GRADE criteria, the quality of evidence was low for all outcomes except for the cure rate (moderate-quality evidence) and the total effective rate (moderate-quality evidence). Conclusion. The clinical efficacy of LDXGD in the treatment of eczema was more effective compared with the one of conventional WM alone. However, due to the limitation of the quality of the included studies, additional studies are required to further confirm these results.
Thirty Years of HER3: From Basic Biology to Therapeutic Interventions
Authors: Haikala Heidi M. , Jänne Pasi A.
Published: February 2021

HER3 is a pseudokinase member of the EGFR family having a role in both tumor progression and drug resistance. Although HER3 was discovered more than 30 years ago, no therapeutic interventions have reached clinical approval to date. Because the evidence of the importance of HER3 is accumulating, increased amounts of preclinical and clinical trials with HER3-targeting agents are emerging. In this review article, we discuss the most recent HER3 biology in tumorigenic events and drug resistance and provide an overview of the current and emerging strategies to target HER3.
Short-Chain Fatty Acids Outpace Ketone Oxidation in the Failing Heart
Authors: Carley Andrew N. , Maurya Santosh K. , Fasano Matthew , Wang Yang , Selzman Craig H. , Drakos Stavros G. , Lewandowski E. Douglas
Published: February 2021

Background:

The failing heart is energy starved with impaired oxidation of long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) at the level of reduced CPT1 (carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1) activity at the outer mitochondrial membrane. Recent work shows elevated ketone oxidation in failing hearts as an alternate carbon source for oxidative ATP generation. We hypothesized that another short-chain carbon source, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that bypass carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1, could similarly support energy production in failing hearts.

Methods:

Cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction were induced in rats by transverse-aortic constriction (TAC). Fourteen weeks after TAC or sham operation, isolated hearts were perfused with either the 4 carbon,
13
C-labeled ketone (D3-hydroxybutyrate) or the 4 carbon,
13
C-labeled SCFA butyrate in the presence of glucose and the LCFA palmitate. Oxidation of ketone and SCFA was compared by in vitro
13
C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, as was the capacity for short-chain carbon sources to compensate for impaired LCFA oxidation in the hypertrophic heart. Adaptive changes in enzyme expression and content for the distinct pathways of ketone and SCFA oxidation were examined in both failing rat and human hearts.

Results:

TAC produced pathological hypertrophy and increased the fractional contributions of ketone to acetyl coenzyme-A production in the tricarboxylic acid cycle (0.60±0.02 sham ketone versus 0.70±0.02 TAC ketone;
P
<0.05). However, butyrate oxidation in failing hearts was 15% greater (0.803±0.020 TAC SCFA) than ketone oxidation. SCFA was also more readily oxidized than ketone in sham hearts by 15% (0.693±0.020 sham SCFA). Despite greater SFCA oxidation, TAC did not change short-chain acyl coenzyme-A dehydrogenase content. However, failing hearts of humans and the rat model both contain significant increases in acyl coenzyme-A synthetase medium-chain 3 enzyme gene expression and protein content. The increased oxidation of SCFA and ketones occurred at the expense of LCFA oxidation, with LCFA contributing less to acetyl coenzyme-A production in failing hearts perfused with SCFA (0.190±0.012 TAC SCFA versus 0.3163±0.0360 TAC ketone).

Conclusions:

SCFAs are more readily oxidized than ketones in failing hearts, despite both bypassing reduced CPT1 activity and represent an unexplored carbon source for energy production in failing hearts.
Towards More Effective Environmental Risk Regulation
Authors: Gilissen Herman Kasper , de Jong Elbert , van Rijswick Helena F.M.W. , van Wezel Annemarie
Published: February 2021

The precautionary and prevention principles require that environmental risks should timely and adequately be regulated before potentially harmful activities are undertaken. The system of administrative environmental law provides ample instruments for such regulation. However, scientific uncertainties about environmental risks could complicate the formulation and implementation of effective environmental risk management strategies. This could lead to systemic imperfections and regulatory gaps which, in turn, undermine the system’s effectiveness and increase the need for regulatory ‘back-ups’. The system of private law is often seen as a potential back-up. In analyzing the complementary effects between both systems and using environmental risks of chemical mining activities in the (deep) subsoil as an example, this article concludes that the actual regulatory effect of tort law should not be overestimated. The complementary role of tort law in regulating environmental risks is mostly limited to the specification and on some occasions enforcement of environmental responsibilities.
Environmental Forensic Examinations in Poland: a Case Study
Authors: Zębek Elżbieta , Solodov Denis
Published: February 2021

In environmental criminal cases, forensic examinations are of particular relevance and create the basis for judicial decisions. In the article, four criminal cases concerning different types of environmental crimes were described to show current challenges and shortcomings in the area of environmental protection through criminal law in Poland, and the role of the experts in the process of proof. Special attention was paid to the forensic examinations of the plant and animal world within Nature 2000 sites, which are appeared to be the most challenging. The authors also addressed the issue of the compliance of domestic criminal law and its enforcement with the provisions of the Directive 2008/99/ec of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 on the protection of the environment through criminal law.
Snowfall in the Northern Great Lakes: Lessons Learned from a Multisensor Observatory
Authors: Kulie Mark S. , Pettersen Claire , Merrelli Aronne J. , Wagner Timothy J. , Wood Norman B. , Dutter Michael , Beachler David , Kluber Todd , Turner Robin , Mateling Marian , Lenters John , Blanken Peter , Maahn Maximilian , Spence Christopher , Kneifel Stefan , Kucera Paul A. , Tokay Ali , Bliven Larry F. , Wolff David B. , Petersen Walter A.
Published: February 2021

A multisensor snowfall observational suite has been deployed at the Marquette, Michigan, National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office (KMQT) since 2014. Micro Rain Radar (MRR; profiling radar), Precipitation Imaging Package (PIP; snow particle imager), and ancillary ground-based meteorological observations illustrate the unique capabilities of these combined instruments to document radar and concomitant microphysical properties associated with northern Great Lakes snowfall regimes. Lake-effect, lake-orographic, and transition event case studies are presented that illustrate the variety of snowfall events that occur at KMQT. Case studies and multiyear analyses reveal the ubiquity of snowfall produced by shallow events. These shallow snowfall features and their distinctive microphysical fingerprints are often difficult to discern with conventional remote sensing instruments, thus highlighting the scientific and potential operational value of MRR and PIP observations. The importance of near-surface lake-orographic snowfall enhancement processes in extreme snowfall events and regime-dependent snow particle microphysical variability controlled by regime and environmental factors are also highlighted.
A Study of Extrapolation Nowcasting Based on IVAP-Retrieved Wind
Authors: Luo Yi , Liang Xudong , Wang Gang , Cao Zheng
Published: February 2021

In this study, we propose a new way to obtain motion vectors using the integrating velocity–azimuth process (IVAP) method for extrapolation nowcasting. Traditional tracking methods rely on tracking radar echoes of a few time slices. In contrast, the IVAP method does not depend on the past variation of radar echoes; it only needs the radar echo and radial velocity observations at the latest time. To demonstrate it is practical to use IVAP-retrieved winds to extrapolate radar echoes, we carried out nowcasting experiments using the IVAP method, and compared these results with the results using a traditional method, namely, the tracking radar echoes by correlation (TREC) method. Comparison based on a series of large-scale mature rainfall cases showed that the IVAP method has similar accuracy to that of the TREC method. In addition, the IVAP method provides the vertical wind profile that can be used to anticipate storm type and motion deviations.
Robotic Resection of Giant Duodenal Hamartoma After 18Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography Magnetic Resonance Imaging (18FDG PET-MRI)
Authors: Urso Emanuele Damiano Luca , Crimì Filippo , Rivella Giorgio , Celotto Francesco , Zucchetta Pietro , Albertoni Laura , Pucciarelli Salvatore , Bao Quoc Riccardo
Published: February 2021

Brunner’s gland hamartoma is a rare duodenal lesion. Resection for benign neoplasms of the duodenum should be considered in case of malignant potential or in case of symptomatic lesions. An accurate preoperative staging is mandatory in order to allow minimally invasive surgical approach, and to avoid under- or overtreatment. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), Computed tomography (CT) scan, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and PET/CT are techniques widely used for gastrointestinal tumor staging. We report a case of a 41-year-old female presenting a giant lesion of the second portion of the duodenum. Pathological examination of multiple forceps biopsies was inconclusive for histological characterization of the lesion. After a clinical staging including Esophagusgastroduodenoscopy, EUS, and CT scan, a Hybrid 18FDG PET/MRI was performed to assess the malignant potential of the lesion and the relation between polyp base and Vater’s papilla. After multidisciplinary meeting, the patient underwent robotic transduodenal excision. The post-operative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on post-operative day 5. Final pathologic report consists in a histologically of Brunner’s Glands Hamartoma. This is the first report on the role of 18FDG PET/MRI in staging and planning treatment of bulky low malignant duodenal lesion. An accurate staging with 18FDG PET/MRI could be very useful in the planning the management of duodenal lesion with uncertain malignant potential in order to avoid under- and overtreatment.
Clinical and molecular findings in children and young adults with persistent low alkaline phosphatase concentrations
Authors: Araci Mehmet Bilal , Akgun Bilcag , Atik Tahir , Isik Esra , Ak Gunes , Barutcuoglu Burcu , Ozkinay Ferda
Published: February 2021

Background

Hypophosphatasia is a rare inherited metabolic disease resulted by ALPL gene mutations. It is characterized by defective bone and teeth mineralization. The phenotypic spectrum is highly variable ranging from lethal perinatal form to mild forms which are only diagnosed in adulthood or remain undiagnosed despite persistently low concentrations of ALP. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical phenotype and frequency of ALPL mutations in a group of patient with hypophosphatasaemia.

Methods

Thirty individuals with alkaline phosphatase values below 40 IU/L in at least two assessments and having no alternative explanation for their low ALP concentrations were included in the study. The clinical features and radiological data of the study group were re-investigated for hypophosphatasia-related findings. ALPL sequence analysis was performed using Sanger sequencing.

Results

No patient in the study group had severe symptoms, nor had they initially been diagnosed as having hypophosphatasia. Four different heterozygous ALPL mutations (c.542C>T, c.648 + 1G>A, c.657G>T and c.862 + 1G>C) were found in four patients. One splice site mutation (c.862 + 1G>C) was reported for the first time in this study.

Conclusion

ALPL sequence analysis may help to diagnosing genetic defects in individuals with persistently low ALP concentrations and provide to take preventive measures before symptoms appear. As in the other populations, HPP displays allelic heterogeneity in our population.
Unfitness to Plead, Insanity and the Law Commission: Do We Need a Diagnostic Threshold?
Authors: Mason James
Published: February 2021

This article examines one aspect of the new test of effective participation at trial proposed by the Law Commission of England and Wales. This proposal aims to replace the current criteria for fitness to plead originating from Pritchard and developed more recently in M (John). Specifically, this article offers a critical examination of the Commission’s refusal to incorporate a so-called ‘diagnostic threshold’ within their proposed test. After reviewing the arguments for and against this decision, attention is drawn to the clear presence of diagnostic thresholds within other areas of law, such as the mental condition defence of insanity. Overall, the Commission’s proposals are a vast improvement upon the archaic rules of present day, and, contrary to the views of some scholars, their decision to omit a diagnostic criterion is no exception to this. In fact, the implications of this decision reach far beyond the particular context of unfitness proceedings and ultimately cast doubt on the significance of diagnostic thresholds in all areas of law. By focusing exclusively on the relationship between unfitness to plead and the defence of insanity, this piece demonstrates how both tests can be reformulated so as to avoid any explicit reference to a diagnostic criterion.
Tarred with the Same Brush? Advertising Share of Voice and Stock Price Synchronicity
Authors: Cheong Chee S. , Hoffmann Arvid O.I. , Zurbruegg Ralf
Published: February 2021

Using the informative view of advertising as their theoretical lens, the authors propose that advertising provides information to investors in financial markets, analogous to its role for customers in product markets. The authors extend previous marketing–finance research, which has focused on how advertising affects firms’ risk and returns, and investigate a novel outcome variable, stock price synchronicity. Consistent with their proposed theory, the authors find that firms that advertise more relative to competitors have lower stock price synchronicity, implying that these firms’ stock price movements are driven more by information that is specific to the firm rather than general industry- and market-wide trends. The effect of advertising investments on stock price synchronicity is moderated by the information demand versus supply about firms in financial markets given firms’ product characteristics and ownership structure, and the likelihood of spillover effects between product and financial markets given firms’ marketing strategies. The authors illustrate the relevance of their findings for marketing managers through an event study in which they demonstrate that firms with high stock price synchronicity are “tarred with the same brush” and experience negative abnormal returns when competitors have a product recall, whereas firms with low stock price synchronicity are not affected.
Establishing an Epidemiologic Profile of Hepatitis C Virus Infection at the Los Angeles County Jail
Authors: Qureshi Nazia , Tadesse Martha , Tran NgocDung , Henderson Sean
Published: February 2021

Objective

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most common blood-borne infection in the United States. Although 2% to 3% of the global population is estimated to be infected with HCV, an estimated 18% of the US prison population may be infected. The objective of this study was to establish an epidemiologic profile of HCV infection in the largest urban jail system in the United States.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 20 years of data on demographic characteristics, risk factors, and HCV positivity among 80 681 individuals incarcerated at the Los Angeles County Jail who were tested for HCV infection from January 1, 2000, through December 31, 2019. We used multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine predictors of HCV positivity.

Results

Of the 80 681 individuals tested, 27 881 (34.6%) had positive test results for HCV infection. In the multivariate analysis, HCV positivity was most strongly associated with injection drug use (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 34.9; 95% CI, 24.6-49.5) and being born during 1946-1955 (aOR = 13.0; 95% CI, 11.9-14.2). Men were more likely than women to have HCV infection (aOR = 1.4; 95% CI, 1.3-1.5), and Hispanic (aOR = 4.2; 95% CI, 3.9-4.4) and non-Hispanic White (aOR = 3.8; 95% CI, 3.5-4.0) individuals were more likely than non-Hispanic African American individuals to have HCV infection. Noninjection drug use, homelessness, and mental health issues were also significantly associated with HCV positivity.

Conclusion

Even in the absence of resources for universal screening for HCV infection, the creation of a risk profile and its implementation into a screening program may be a beneficial first step toward improving HCV surveillance and establishing an accurate estimate of HCV infection in the incarcerated population.
The Predictive Validity of the IELTS Test and Contribution of IELTS Preparation Courses to International Students’ Subsequent Academic Study: Insights from Vietnamese International Students in the UK
Authors: Dang Chau Ngoc , Dang Thi Ngoc Yen
Published: February 2021

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores have been widely used as the language entry requirements for international students in many English-medium universities. However, research on the predictive validity of IELTS on subsequent academic performance has been inconclusive. Additionally, despite the proliferation of IELTS preparation courses, very few attempts have been made to explore the extent to which these courses support course takers’ development of knowledge and skills needed for their subsequent university study. This paper investigated (a) the predictive validity of IELTS results on the subsequent academic performance of Vietnamese international students at UK universities, and (b) the extent to which an IELTS preparation course in Vietnam supported its course takers in their subsequent academic study in the UK. Questionnaires with 80 Vietnamese international students from 31 universities across the UK showed that there was a positive significant correlation between these students’ IELTS scores and their academic results. Follow-up interviews with two undergraduates and two postgraduates who had previously studied in the same IELTS preparation course, but were studying different academic disciplines at different institutions in the UK, and analysis of the materials used in their IELTS preparation course and university courses revealed that the course positively supported these students’ subsequent academic study, but certain skills and knowledge needed in their academic study were not effectively covered in the IELTS preparation course.
Isolated abducens nerve palsy – A rare clinical presentation in dengue haemorrhagic fever
Authors: Thakur Sanjay KD , Dubey Surabhi , Gupta Somedeb
Published: February 2021

Dengue fever is the most prevalent flavivirus infection in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. It is transmitted by the haematophagous mosquito Aedes aegypti, and it manifests clinically as classical dengue fever, dengue haemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. Rarely, dengue can be associated with neurophthalmic manifestations. We present the case of a 21-year-old woman, suffering from dengue with an isolated abducens nerve palsy.
Feeling Guilty and Flattering God: The Mediating Role of Prayer
Authors: Zarzycka Beata , Tomaka Kamil , Zając Katarzyna , Marek Klaudia
Published: February 2021

Ingratiation refers to acts of flattery, typically given by a low-power person to a high-power one, performed to gain acceptance and approval. This study investigates ingratiation in the religious setting, asking whether people feeling high levels of guilt or shame tend to manifest such ingratiating behavior toward God. The study aimed to examine the mediating role of prayer in the relationship between guilt and shame and ingratiation toward God. A total of 148 respondents (80 women and 68 men) participated in the study. The Religious Ingratiation Scale, the Content of Prayer Scale, and the Guilt and Shame Proneness Scale were applied to the research. The results showed that feeling guilty increased the tendency to ingratiation toward God. Prayer was the significant mediator in this relationship. People high in guilt tend to flatter God by offering more adoration and fewer repine prayers.
Universal strategies for the improvement of expressive language skills in the primary classroom: A systematic review
Authors: Dobinson Keeley L. , Dockrell Julie E.
Published: February 2021

Oral language skills underpin children’s educational success and enhance positive life outcomes. Yet, significant numbers of children struggle to develop competence in speaking and listening, especially those from areas of high economic deprivation. A tiered intervention model, graduating the level of provision in line with levels of need, has been posited as most appropriate for supporting children’s language development. The first tier, or universal provision, is characterised by high-quality, evidence-informed language teaching for all. To date, our understanding of effective universal language delivery remains limited, particularly in the primary-school age range. This systematic review addresses this gap by identifying and evaluating existing evidence with the aim of informing practice and future research. Following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, a systematic search protocol was used to identify experimental and quasi-experimental studies evaluating universal approaches designed to support children’s oracy skills. Thirty-one studies were identified for inclusion and their characteristics and findings are reported and their reliability evaluated. Studies provide indicative evidence for the effectiveness of interactive book reading, structured vocabulary programmes, manualised curricula and approaches involving speech and language therapists. The strengths and weaknesses of our current knowledge are outlined and implications for practice and research are discussed.
#NotAllWhites: Liberal-Leaning White Americans Racially Disidentify and Increase Support for Racial Equity
Authors: Dai J. Doris , Eason Arianne E. , Brady Laura M. , Fryberg Stephanie A.
Published: February 2021

Donald Trump won the 2016 presidential election largely due to support from White Americans. This win created a new sociopolitical reality in which White Americans as a group became associated with Trump and his anti-egalitarianism. Four studies ( N = 3,245) explored how liberal-leaning White Americans negotiate their racial identity to contend with group-image threat arising from the association between their racial ingroup and Trump. Trump-related group-image threat (i.e., White Americans’ support for Trump’s anti-egalitarianism or his continuation in office) led liberal-leaning White Americans to disidentify from their racial ingroup. In turn, racial disidentification predicted greater signaling of egalitarian beliefs (i.e., expressing intentions to advocate for racial equity and supporting policies designed to benefit racially minoritized groups) and behaviors (i.e., donating money to racial equity-focused organizations). These results suggest that the process of negotiating Trump-related group-image threat has implications for both White Americans’ racial identities and ongoing efforts to achieve racial equity.
Global online platforms, COVID-19, and culture: The global pandemic, an accelerator towards which direction?
Authors: Vlassis Antonios
Published: February 2021

The article proposes to consider the COVID-19 global pandemic as new major development for cultural industries and policies and to highlight timely and crucial trends due to the lockdown measures. Thus, it attempts to stimulate the scholarship debate regarding the consequences of the pandemic to the action of global online platforms, as well as to policy and economic aspects of cultural sectors. Taking as case study the audio-visual sector, the article explores whether the US global streaming platforms are the winning players of the lockdown measures and emphasizes the multifaceted strategies developed by US-based platforms in order to strengthen their soft power. Focusing on China and the European Union, the article also argues that the overwhelming action of US-based online platforms triggers the potential emergence of media platform regionalization in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, it highlights the regulatory challenges and how the new empirical trends are expected to shape the current audio-visual policy framework. The analysis focuses on the period between the beginning of global pandemic in Asia-Pacific in January 2020 and the progressive easing of lockdown measures in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific in July 2020.
A Community Participation Initiative During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study From India
Authors: Jagannathan Aarti , Thekkumkara Sreekanth Nair , Thirthalli Jagadisha , Kasi Sekar
Published: February 2021

Background:

A community participation initiative of stitching personal protective equipment (PPE), masks, and face shields for healthcare professionals working in the hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic was conducted using a case study design.

Methods:

The hospital tailoring unit was used to cater to the in-house demand for stitching safety gear kits for healthcare professionals. A transect walk was conducted to survey hospitals for selecting material for stitching the safety gears and to draw up a plan to meet future demand. The psychiatric social worker induced a community participatory initiative using the method of social work of community organization. A flyer was prepared to invite participants with prior experience in tailoring for this initiative. All participants were trained by the master trainers of the tailoring unit. The participants were also interviewed about their views on this initiative in an informal interview.

Results:

A total of 83 participants, including 26 individuals (8 volunteers and 18 who received an honorarium), 2 boutiques ( n = 12), and 1 government organization, participated in the activity ( n = 45). A total of 1700 complete PPE kits and 13,000 masks were stitched during this period. The participants reported that the benefit of being a part of this initiative was reduced boredom, sense of purpose and satisfaction, and improved mental health due to structured activity.

Conclusions:

A community participation initiative using the principles of community organization, a method of social work, can help produce desired outputs and improve the well-being of the participants.