bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Model of Manufacturer’s Optimal Product Supply Strategy in the Context of Precision Marketing: Based on Real Demand Pattern
Authors: Zhuo Zhiyi , Chen Shuhong , Chau Ka Yin
Published: December 2020

Precision marketing has a crucial impact on whether a manufacturer can make the most profit. This paper conducts precision marketing based on customer demand and analyzes how developers should formulate the quantity and pricing of products to obtain optimal profit in the case of real demand of customers. First, the research status of the development of precision marketing and its demand for its theoretical influence is introduced. Secondly, an appropriate real demand function is constructed, according to the characteristics of the product and consumer positioning, combined with the expression of the demand function in economics. Thirdly, by using the constructed “real demand” function and combining the basic knowledge of optimization and probability theories, the profit function for manufacturers in “real demand” pattern is established. When the manufacturer wishes to obtain optimal profit from three different sales models, the product manufacturing quantity and pricing are analyzed. Finally, an example is given to verify the results of the previous analysis.
Antiaging Properties of Exosomes from Adipose‐Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Photoaged Rat Skin
Authors: Liang Jun-Xian , Liao Xuan , Li Sheng-Hong , Jiang Xiao , Li Ze-Hua , Wu Yin-Di , Xiao Li-Ling , Xie Guang-Hui , Song Jian-Xing , Liu Hong-Wei
Published: December 2020

Adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) have been documented as possible candidates for skin rejuvenation. However, the effects of ADSC‐derived exosomes on photoaged skin remain to be fully elucidated. This study was aimed at determining the antiaging effects of ADSC‐derived exosomes on photoaged skin. Human ADSCs were isolated from the adipose tissue of healthy women and cultured in vitro. Then, exosomes were extracted from the cultured ADSCs, purified by ultracentrifugation, and verified by examination of cell morphology using transmission electron microscopy and the identification of specific biomarkers. Meanwhile, the optimal exosome concentration and treatment time were selected. The photoaged skin model was created by subjecting Sprague‐Dawley rats to ultraviolet B radiation. Exosomes were injected into the photoaged skin in a single therapeutic dose. The thickness of the epidermis and dermis was observed by HE staining. The relative mRNA expression of type I collagen, type III collagen, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP‐1 and MMP‐3) was determined by real‐time PCR. In the rat model of photoaged skin, the injected exosomes markedly decreased the epidermal thickness and increased the dermal thickness of the photoaged skin 7 days after treatment. Moreover, the proportion of the stratum corneum of the epidermis was decreased. Furthermore, real‐time RT‐PCR showed that the mRNA expression of type I collagen was increased and that of type III collagen, MMP‐1, and MMP‐3 was decreased. Our results demonstrate that ADSC‐derived exosome treatment could significantly improve skin photodamage and that ADSC‐derived exosomes may be a potential agent for photoaged skin treatment.
Establishment of Trust in Internet of Things by Integrating Trusted Platform Module: To Counter Cybersecurity Challenges
Authors: Faisal Mohammad , Ali Ikram , Khan Muhammad Sajjad , Kim Su Min , Kim Junsu
Published: December 2020

With the increasing day-to-day acceptance of IOT computing, the issues related to it are also getting more attention. The current IOT computing infrastructure brings some security challenges concerned with the users/customers and CSP. The users can store their confidential data at IOT storage and can access them anytime when they need. Lack of trust exists among IOT users and between IOT users and CSP. The prevention of this risk is a big research issue and it needs to be solved. There is a need for trusted IOT computing in recent times to provide trusted services. Here, we propose the integration of TPM in IOT computing to performs cryptographic operations and provide hardware-based security. In this domain, different schemes and methods have been proposed to build trust in IOT computing, but the suitable solution has not been presented by these schemes because these schemes lack in terms of some security services. A comparative study based on trusted computing schemes has also been presented in this paper along with different implementations of critical analysis. Our study is based on an overview of the main issues and summarizing the literature along with their strengths and limitations. In the end, we integrated the trusted platform module in the IOT architecture to establish the trust in IOT computing and to enhance the cybersecurity challenges and evaluated it with the help of mathematical/algorithms/graph theory/matrices and logical diagrams.
MicroRNA-21 Contributes to Acute Liver Injury in LPS-Induced Sepsis Mice by Inhibiting PPARα Expression
Authors: Du Xianjin , Wu Miao , Tian Dan , Zhou Jianlin , Wang Lu , Zhan Liying
Published: December 2020

The severity of sepsis may be associated with excessive inflammation, thus leading to acute liver injury. MicroRNA-21 is highly expressed in the liver of a variety of inflammation-related diseases, and PPARα is also proved to participate in regulating inflammation. In the present study, the LPS-induced sepsis model was established. We found that microRNA-21 expression was upregulated in the liver of sepsis mice, and microRNA-21 inhibition significantly reduced the liver injury. The expression of liver injury markers, inflammation cytokines, and PPARα in the septic mice was higher than in antagomir-21 treated septic mice. In addition, we also found that PPARα is the target gene of microRNA-21; PPARα antagonist GW6471 could reverse the effect of antagomir-21. In conclusion, our study illustrated that microRNA-21 exacerbate acute liver injury in sepsis mice by inhibiting PPARα expression.
Model and Simulation of Maximum Entropy Phrase Reordering of English Text in Language Learning Machine
Authors: Wu Weifang
Published: December 2020

This paper proposes a feature extraction algorithm based on the maximum entropy phrase reordering model in statistical machine translation in language learning machines. The algorithm can extract more accurate phrase reordering information, especially the feature information of reversed phrases, which solves the problem of imbalance of feature data during maximum entropy training in the original algorithm, and improves the accuracy of phrase reordering in translation. In the experiment, they were combined with linguistic features such as parts of speech, words, and syntactic features extracted by using the syntax analyzer, and the maximum entropy classifier was used to predict translation errors, and the experimental verification was performed on the Chinese-English translation data set and compared. The experimental results show that different word posterior probabilities have a significant impact on the classification error rate, and the combination of linguistic features based on the word posterior probability can significantly reduce the classification error rate and improve the translation error prediction performance.
Investigation of the Effects of Freeze‐Thaw Cycles on Geomechanical and Acoustic Characteristics of Tuff Specimens under Different Stress Paths
Authors: Xiao Yong-gang , Li Chang-hong , Cao Jie , Wang Yu , Hou Zhi-qiang , Hu Nan
Published: December 2020

In the process of development and construction of open‐pit mine slope in the high altitude and cold area, freeze‐thaw (F‐T) cycles have an important impact on rock engineering structure. F‐T cycles lead to the decrease in physical and mechanical properties of rock, which is closely related to the stability of open‐pit slope. In this paper, the influence of F‐T cycles on geomechanical and acoustic emission (AE) characteristics of tuff specimens under different stress paths was studied by using F‐T cycle treatment, in situ AE monitoring, and uniaxial loading test. The results indicated that under the same stress path, the cumulative AE count/energy of rock samples subjected to F‐T cycles was less than that of rock samples not subjected to F‐T cycles. The peak frequency distribution of AE signal during the loading process of rock specimen presented the phenomenon of frequency bands. The width of the low‐frequency band of the rock samples subjected to F‐T cycles was larger than that of the rock samples under the natural state. The frequency and width of the high‐frequency band of the rock samples subjected to F‐T cycles were larger than those of the rock samples under the natural state. The rock samples subjected to F‐T cycles had higher plastic strain than those without F‐T cycles. According to the uniaxial compression test results of F‐T rock samples under different stress paths, the peak stress and peak strain have little change, but the AE characteristics were obviously different.
Numerical Simulation of Mutually Embedded Settlement in Miscellaneous Fill
Authors: Zhang Fuhai , Liu Zhengrong , Chen Yu , Chen Liang , Huang Xianwen , Bai Yanhui , Shi Chong , Zhou Tianbao
Published: December 2020

Embedding soft soil particles with high moisture content into miscellaneous fill with large pores under overlying loads is easy. It produces mutually embedded settlement, which is an important component of total foundation settlement during calculation. In this study, influences of interface friction on mutually embedded settlement, particle displacement, pore and contact characteristics, and mutually embedded development laws were analysed by using the particle flow method. Research results demonstrate that mutually embedded settlement decreases first and then stabilizes with the increase in contact friction factor and continuously attenuates with normal stiffness. Under the loads, particles at the contact surface move downward and squeeze surrounding particles laterally, thus causing particles to slide at the miscellaneous fill channel upward. Consequently, porosity of particles in miscellaneous fill channel increases. The force chain at the contact surface inclines around, while that at the miscellaneous fill channel presents approximately horizontal distribution. Compared with 35 and 45 mm particles, the mutually embedded settlement of 15 and 25 mm particles is slightly increased with loads. Particle size can relieve the influences of loads on mutual embedding. When particle size is larger than 25 mm, loads can significantly influence mutual embedding. Research conclusions can provide a reasonable theoretical foundation for calculating or predicting settlement of miscellaneous fill‐soft soil composite foundation.
Antibacterial, Anticandidal, Phytochemical, and Biological Evaluations of Pellitory Plant
Authors: Qadi Mohammad , Jaradat Nidal , Al-lahham Saad , Ali Iyad , Abualhasan Murad N. , Shraim Naser , Hussein Fatima , Issa Linda , Mousa Ahmed , Zarour Abdalraziq , Badrasawi Amani , Baarah Aseel M. , Al-Omari Reem
Published: December 2020

Pellitory plant (Parietaria judaica (PJ)) is one of the most widely used Arabian traditional medicinal plants due to its ability to cure several infectious diseases and other illnesses. The current study is aimed at assessing the phytoconstituents, antilipase, antiamylase, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic characters of the Pellitory plant (Parietaria judaica (PJ)). Phytochemical screening and procyanidin detection were conducted according to the standard phytochemical procedures. Porcine pancreatic lipase and α‐amylase inhibitory activities were carried out using p‐nitrophenyl butyrate and dinitrosalicylic acid assays, respectively. In addition, antimicrobial activity was determined utilizing a microdilution assay against several bacterial and fungal strains. Besides, the cytotoxic effect against HeLa cell line was tested employing 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐5‐(3‐carboxymethoxyphenyl)‐2‐(4‐sulfophenyl)‐2H‐tetrazolium (MTS) assay. The quantitative test results revealed that the methanol fraction of PJ contains 18.55 ± 0.55 mg of procyanidin and has a potential α‐amylase inhibitory activity compared with the antidiabetic drug Acarbose with IC50 values of 15.84 ± 2.25 and 28.18 ± 1.22 μg/ml, respectively. Also, it has a potential antilipase activity compared to the commercial antiobesity drug, Orlistat, with IC50 values of 38.9 ± 0.29 and 12.3 ± 0.35 μg/ml, respectively. The acetone, hexane, and methanol fractions have broad‐spectrum antibacterial activity against the screened bacterial strains, while the acetone fraction has shown anticandidal activity with a MIC value of 0.195 mg/ml. The PJ hexane and acetone fractions decreased HeLa cell viability significantly (p value < 0.0001) by approximately 90% at the concentration of 0.625 mg/ml. The revealed outcomes showed that the methanol fraction has strong α‐amylase and lipase inhibitory characters. Besides, acetone, hexane, and methanol fractions have broad‐spectrum antibacterial activity, while the acetone fraction revealed potent antifungal activity against Candida albicans. Moreover, at low concentrations, hexane and acetone fractions have potent cytotoxic and antiproliferative activity against HeLa cancer cells. Nevertheless, PJ acetone, hexane, and methanol fractions can serve as an effective source of natural products to develop new antiobesity, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and anticancer agents.
Neutrophil‐to‐Lymphocyte Ratio and Albumin: New Serum Biomarkers to Predict the Prognosis of Male Alcoholic Cirrhosis Patients
Authors: Zhang Mingyuan , Zhang Yu , Liu Lili , Prithweeraj Mozumder , Xu Hongqin , Wu Ruihong , Wen Xiaoyu , Niu Junqi
Published: December 2020

Background and Aims. Alcohol‐associated liver disease is exhibiting an increasing disease burden. In terms of pathogenesis, inflammation is closely related to alcohol‐induced liver injury. The neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a novel inflammatory biomarker. Here, we aim to evaluate the role of the NLR and other biomarkers in predicting short‐term mortality in alcoholic cirrhotic patients. Methods. This was a retrospective study that included 459 male alcoholic cirrhosis patients. Among them, 345 patients completed follow‐up. Based on their 30‐day mortality information, patients were separated into surviving and nonsurviving groups. Demographic, clinical, and biochemical features were collected for further analysis. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with short‐term mortality, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to establish the predictive value of these factors. Results. The prognostic scores were significantly higher in the nonsurviving group than in the surviving group: NLR: 5.5 vs. 3.2 (P < 0.001), model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD): 15.4 vs. 7.9 (P < 0.001), Maddrey’s discriminant function (MDF): 39.8 vs. 12.7 (P < 0.001), and the integrated MELD (i‐MELD): 37.9 vs. 28.4 (P < 0.001). Logistic regression demonstrated that albumin (ALB), NLR, and i‐MELD values were significantly correlated with patient death in 30 days. On ROC analysis, the diagnostic accuracy for 30‐day mortality of the NLR (area under the ROC curve (AUROC) of 0.72, P < 0.001) was similar to that of the MELD or i‐MELD (AUROCs of 0.71 and 0.74, respectively, P < 0.001). The new biomarker, NLA, calculated as 100 × NLR/ALB, had the best prognostic value. The cutoff values of the NLR and NLA for predicting 30‐day mortality were 4.2 and 19.6, respectively. Conclusions. The NLR and its related biomarker NLA are simple and robust predictors of 30‐day mortality in alcoholic cirrhosis patients.
A New Method for the Measurement of International Normalized Ratio in Hemodialysis Patients with Heparin-Locked Tunneled Dialysis Catheters
Authors: Seghers Céline B. , Ver Elst Kristien , Claessens Jolien , Weekx Steven , Vermeiren Sigrid , Henckes Manu
Published: December 2020

Background. To measure International Normalized Ratio (INR) in hemodialysis patients with tunneled dialysis catheters (TDCs), blood sampling is frequently obtained via the catheter at the start of the session. INR measurements via finger-prick point of care testing (POCT) and via blood sampling taken from the dialysis circuit are evaluated as alternatives. Methods. In 14 hemodialysis patients with TDCs, treated with vitamin K antagonists (VKA), INR measurements via POCT were compared with plasma INR samples taken via the catheter at the start of dialysis and via the dialysis circuit after 30 and 60 minutes during 3 nonconsecutive dialysis sessions. Results. Blood samples taken at the start of dialysis at the catheter site were frequently contaminated with heparin originating from the locking solution (unfractionated heparin concentration (UFH) >1.0 IU/ml in 13.2%). POCT INR at the start of dialysis was not different from plasma INR after 30 and 60 minutes (Wilcoxon test

p
=
0.113

, n = 37, and

p
=
0.631

, n = 36, respectively). Moreover, there was no difference between POCT INR at the start of dialysis and POCT INR after 30 and 60 minutes (Wilcoxon test

p
=
0.797

and p = 0.801, respectively; n = 36). Passing and Bablok regression equation was used, y = 0.460 + 0.733x; n = 105. Treatment decisions based on these 2 methods showed a very good overall agreement (kappa = 0.810; 95% CI: 0.732–0.889; n = 105). Conclusions. Measuring plasma INR via the TDC at the start of dialysis should be abandoned. Measuring POCT INR via a finger prick at the start or even after 30 to 60 minutes is an alternative. The most elegant alternative is to take plasma INR samples via the dialysis circuit 30 minutes or later after the start of the dialysis.
Delivering the Nutritional Needs by Food to Food Fortification of Staples Using Underutilized Plant Species in Africa
Authors: Teye Ernest , Deha Christabel Irene , Dadzie Rosemond , MacArthur Roseline Love
Published: December 2020

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is among the poorest region in the world, and undernourishment continues to be a great challenge although this region is endowed with a lot of underutilized plant species (UUPS), which are rich in nutrients, especially micronutrients that are unavailable in staple foods. The potential for fortifying major staple foods with UUPS could be the remedy. This study seeks to provide an overview of the fortification of staple foods with UUPS in Africa and suggest the way forward for effective nutritional and health benefits. The review revealed that fortification of major staple foods has been investigated: maize with grain amaranth, soybean, and moringa; sweet potato with cowpea, sorghum, bambara groundnut, peanut, and moringa; cassava with African yam bean, breadfruit, pigeon pea, bambara groundnut, moringa, and cowpea; and sorghum with pearl millet and green peas. The others were yam with cowpea, plantain, and moringa, while rice was also fortified with baobab pulp and locust pulp. All these studies were found to be acceptable with dense nutritional properties. Specifically, micronutrients such as magnesium, phosphorous, zinc, potassium, and iron were increased while others showed rise in fibre and protein levels. The fortification of staple foods with UUPS has been shown to be promising; however, more designed feeding trials are required to verify the impact on reducing undernutrition and hidden hunger. To do this, it is recommended that rice fortified with UUPS should be targeted as rice is increasingly becoming the leading and important staple food in Africa.
Path Planning of Continuum Robot Based on Path Fitting
Authors: Niu Guochen , Zhang Yunxiao , Li Wenshuai
Published: December 2020

The Continuum Robot has a multiredundant dof structure, which is extremely advantageous in the unstructured environment, and can complete such tasks as aircraft fuel tank inspection. However, due to its complex kinematics and coupling of joint motion, its motion path planning is also a challenging task. In this paper, a path planning method for Continuum Robot based on an equal curvature model in an aircraft fuel tank environment is proposed. Considering the complexity of calculation and the structural characteristics of Continuum Robot, a feasible obstacle avoidance discrete path is obtained by using the improved RRT algorithm. Then, joint fitting is performed on the existing discrete path according to the kinematic model of Continuum Robot, joint obstacle avoidance was conducted in the process of fitting, and finally, a motion path suitable for the Continuum Robot was selected. A reasonable experiment is designed based on MATLAB, and simulation and analysis results demonstrate excellent performance of this method and feasibility of path planning.
Deep Layer Kernel Sparse Representation Network for the Detection of Heart Valve Ailments from the Time‐Frequency Representation of PCG Recordings
Authors: Ghosh Samit Kumar , Ponnalagu R. N. , Tripathy R. K. , Acharya U. Rajendra
Published: December 2020

The heart valve ailments (HVAs) are due to the defects in the valves of the heart and if untreated may cause heart failure, clots, and even sudden cardiac death. Automated early detection of HVAs is necessary in the hospitals for proper diagnosis of pathological cases, to provide timely treatment, and to reduce the mortality rate. The heart valve abnormalities will alter the heart sound and murmurs which can be faithfully captured by phonocardiogram (PCG) recordings. In this paper, a time‐frequency based deep layer kernel sparse representation network (DLKSRN) is proposed for the detection of various HVAs using PCG signals. Spline kernel‐based Chirplet transform (SCT) is used to evaluate the time‐frequency representation of PCG recording, and the features like L1‐norm (LN), sample entropy (SEN), and permutation entropy (PEN) are extracted from the different frequency components of the time‐frequency representation of PCG recording. The DLKSRN formulated using the hidden layers of extreme learning machine‐ (ELM‐) autoencoders and kernel sparse representation (KSR) is used for the classification of PCG recordings as normal, and pathology cases such as mitral valve prolapse (MVP), mitral regurgitation (MR), aortic stenosis (AS), and mitral stenosis (MS). The proposed approach has been evaluated using PCG recordings from both public and private databases, and the results demonstrated that an average sensitivity of 100%, 97.51%, 99.00%, 98.72%, and 99.13% are obtained for normal, MVP, MR, AS, and MS cases using the hold‐out cross‐validation (CV) method. The proposed approach is applicable for the Internet of Things‐ (IoT‐) driven smart healthcare system for the accurate detection of HVAs.
Benign Mucosal Membrane Pemphigoid as a Differential Diagnosis of Necrotizing Periodontal Disease
Authors: Storrer Carmen Lucia Mueller , Rigo Junior Darlan , Teixeira Lucimari , Costa Eugênio Esteves , Endres Brayan Ruppenthal , dos Santos Diogo Vinícius Ferreira , Sebastiani Aline Monise
Published: December 2020

Desquamative gingivitis is an oral sign of systemic changes that may be symptomatic or asymptomatic. It is generally related to immunological changes. This report is aimed at describing the case of a 51-year-old female patient, who presented with clinical desquamative gingivitis and was initially diagnosed and treated as necrotizing periodontal disease, but no improvement. The cause was hypothesized to be an autoimmune disease. Drug therapy was initiated as a combination of prednisone and topical clobetasol propionate 0.5% cream twice a day. After this treatment, there was an improvement in pain and the blistering of the gingiva. However, the gingiva remained erythematous. A biopsy led to the diagnosis of benign mucous membrane pemphigoid (BMMP). The BMMP case reported in this article has been successfully treated with systemic and topical immunosuppressive therapy. The efficacy of systemic corticosteroids with dapsone and multidisciplinary follow-up has been highlighted and can lead to the stabilization and adequate control of the disease.
Combinatorial Normalization of Liver-Derived Cytokine Pathways Alleviates Hepatic Tumor-Associated Cachexia in Zebrafish
Authors: Fei Fei , Sun Shaoyang , Li Qiang , Pei Zhou , Wang Lei , Zhang Ranran , Luo Feihong , Yu Min , Wang Xu
Published: December 2020

The role and significance of liver-derived cytokines in cancer-associated cachexia syndrome remain elusive. Here we report that combinatorial counterbalances of the leptin and Igf1 signaling pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) models significantly relieves cachexia. Double transgenic zebrafish models of HCC that stably displayed focal lesions, anorexia, and wasting of adipose and muscle tissues were first generated. Knockout of lepr or mc4r from these zebrafish partially restored appetite and exerted moderate or no effect on tissue wasting. However, genetic replenishment of Igf1 in a lepr-mutant background effectively relieved the cachexia-like phenotype without affecting tumor growth. Similarly, administration of napabucasin, a Stat3/Socs3 inhibitor, on the zebrafish HCC model, mammalian cell lines with exogenous IGF1, and two mouse xenograft models restored insulin sensitivity and rescued the wasting of nontumor tissues. Together, these results describe the synergistic impact of leptin and Igf1 normalization in treating certain HCC-associated cachexia as a practical strategy.

Significance:

Disruption of leptin signaling with normalized Igf1 expression significantly rescues anorexia, muscle wasting, and adipose wasting in Ras- and Myc-driven zebrafish models of HCC.
Tarloxotinib Is a Hypoxia-Activated Pan-HER Kinase Inhibitor Active Against a Broad Range of HER-Family Oncogenes
Authors: Estrada-Bernal Adriana , Le Anh T. , Doak Andrea E. , Tirunagaru Vijaya G. , Silva Shevan , Bull Matthew R. , Smaill Jeff B. , Patterson Adam V. , Kim Chul , Liu Stephen V. , Doebele Robert C.
Published: December 2020

Purpose:

Approved therapies for EGFR exon 20, ERBB2 mutations, and NRG1 fusions are currently lacking for non–small cell lung cancer and other cancers. Tarloxotinib is a prodrug that harnesses tumor hypoxia to generate high levels of a potent, covalent pan-HER tyrosine kinase inhibitor, tarloxotinib-effector (tarloxotinib-E), within the tumor microenvironment. This tumor-selective delivery mechanism was designed to minimize the dose-limiting toxicities that are characteristic of systemic inhibition of wild-type EGFR.

Experimental Design:

Novel and existing patient-derived cell lines and xenografts harboring EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations, ERBB2 mutations and amplification, and NRG1 fusions were tested in vitro and in vivo with tarloxotinib to determine its impact on cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell signaling.

Results:

Tarloxotinib-E inhibited cell signaling and proliferation in patient-derived cancer models in vitro by directly inhibiting phosphorylation and activation of EGFR, HER2, and HER2/HER3 heterodimers. In vivo, tarloxotinib induced tumor regression or growth inhibition in multiple murine xenograft models. Pharmacokinetic analysis confirmed markedly higher levels of tarloxotinib-E in tumor tissue than plasma or skin. Finally, a patient with lung adenocarcinoma harboring an ERBB2 exon 20 p.A775_G776insYVMA mutation demonstrated a dramatic clinical response to tarloxotinib.

Conclusions:

Experimental data with tarloxotinib validate the novel mechanism of action of a hypoxia-activated prodrug in cancer models by concentrating active drug in the tumor versus normal tissue, and this activity can translate into clinical activity in patients.
Gender Differences in Factors Associated with Clinically Meaningful Weight Loss among Adults Who Were Overweight or Obese: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Li Ji-Bin , Qiu Zhi-Yu , Liu Zhen , Zhou Qian , Feng Li-Fen , Li Jun-Dong , Zhang Xi
Published: December 2020

Objectives: The impact of heterogeneity on gender difference for achieving clinically meaningful weight loss (cmWL) remains unclear. Here, we explored the potential gender differences in factors associated with cmWL. Methods: A total of 60,668 participants with body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2 at study entry and available BMI values at follow-up were included in this study. cmWL was defined as a weight loss of ≥5% from the study entry to follow-up. The associations of social-demographic factors, personal history of chronic diseases, lifestyle behaviors, and history of BMI with cmWL were evaluated using logistic regression models. Results: During a median follow-up of 9.13 years, 26.6% of the participants had a cmWL (30.8% for females vs. 23.1% in males; p < 0.001). Participants with older age, obesity at study entry, being more physical activity compared to 10 years ago, being relapsed smokers or consistent current smokers, having a history of chronic diseases (i.e., diabetes, osteoporosis, and stroke), cancer diagnosis during the study period, and more than 10-year follow-up were more likely to achieve cmWL in both males and females (all p < 0.05). The new smoking quitters and participants with less active in physical activity compared to 10 years ago were less likely to achieve cmWL in both males and females (all p < 0.05). Specifically, males with a history of emphysema were more likely to reach cmWL, and for females, those being overweight at 20 years old and current drinkers were more likely to reach cmWL (p < 0.05). Sensitivity analyses demonstrated similar results. Conclusion: Age, BMI status, physical activity, smoking status, family income, and health status were independent factors in males and females for weight management. However, further well-designed prospective studies are warranted to confirm our findings.
Weight Status and BMI-Related Traits in Adolescent Friendship Groups and Role of Sociodemographic Factors: The European IDEFICS/I.Family Cohort
Authors: Mehlig Kirsten , Holmberg Christopher , Bogl Leonie H. , Erhardt Eva , Hadjigeorgiou Charalambos , Hebestreit Antje , Kaprio Jaakko , Lauria Fabio , Michels Nathalie , Pigeot Iris , Reisch Lucia A. , Veidebaum Toomas , Lissner Lauren ,   On behalf of the IDEFICS and I.Family consortia
Published: December 2020

Background: During adolescence, health behaviors and weight status are increasingly influenced by friendship and peer networks. This paper examines resemblances in weight-related characteristics and how they differ by sociodemographic factors. Methods: Over 3,000 friendships were reported by 1,603 adolescents, aged 11–16 years, who participated in the school-based I.Family study in 6 European countries. Each “source child” named 1–10 friends for whom standardized weight-related traits were available in the same survey. The mean value of the friends’ traits weighted by time spent together was calculated, and related to the source child’s trait. Country, age and sex of the source child, parental education, and immigrant background were considered for confounding and moderation. Results: Source children’s z-scores of body fat percent and BMI were positively associated with their friends’ characteristics, in particular if they had highly educated parents. Positive associations were also found regarding the frequency of fast-food consumption, impulsivity, screen time, preference for sugar-sweetened foods, and hours spent in sports clubs, in increasing order of effect size. Additionally, correlations were observed between friends’ cognitive and school functioning and being bullied. No associations were seen for a preference for high-fat foods, weight concerns, and health-related quality of life. Finally, parental education and immigrant background were associated between friends in all countries except Sweden, where no associations were observed. Conclusion: Adolescent friends shared a number of weight-related characteristics. For weight measures per se, positive associations with friends’ characteristics were only observed in adolescents with high parental education. Associations regarding energy-balance behaviors and indicators of school-related well-being did not differ by parental education. Parental education and immigrant background correlated positively in friends in most countries showing that social aggregation is already occurring in adolescence. The wide spectrum of friendship associations in weight-related traits and behaviors suggests that health promotion initiatives in adolescents should be directed towards peer groups in both school-related and leisure-time environments. ISRCTN Registry: Pan-European IDEFICS/I.Family children cohort (ID ISRCTN62310987; https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN62310987).
Comprehensive Stroke Care and Outcomes
Authors: Duncan Pamela W. , Bushnell Cheryl , Sissine Mysha , Coleman Sylvia , Lutz Barbara J. , Johnson Anna M. , Radman Meghan , Pvru Bettger Janet , Zorowitz Richard D. , Stein Joel
Published: December 2020

Worldwide, stroke is prevalent, costly, and disabling in >80 million survivors. The burden of stroke is increasing despite incredible progress and advancements in evidence-based acute care therapies and despite the substantial changes being made in acute care stroke systems, processes, and quality metrics. Although there has been increased global emphasis on the importance of postacute stroke care, stroke system changes have not expanded to include postacute care and outcome follow-up. Our objectives are to describe the gaps and challenges in postacute stroke care and suboptimal stroke outcomes; to report on stroke survivors’ and caregivers’ perceptions of current postacute stroke care and their call for improvements in follow-up services for recovery and secondary prevention; and, ultimately, to make the case that a paradigm shift is needed in the definition of comprehensive stroke care and the designation of Comprehensive Stroke Center. Three recommendations are made for a paradigm shift in comprehensive stroke care: (1) criteria should be established for designation of rehabilitation readiness for Comprehensive Stroke Centers, (2) The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association implement an expanded Get With The Guidelines–Stroke program and criteria for comprehensive stroke centers to be inclusive of rehabilitation readiness and measure outcomes at 90 days, and (3) a public health campaign should be launched to offer hopeful and actionable messaging for secondary prevention and recovery of function and health. Now is the time to honor the patients’ and caregivers’ strongest ask: better access and improved secondary prevention, stroke rehabilitation, and personalized care.
Advances in Stroke
Authors: Richards Lorie G. , Cramer Steven C.
Published: December 2020

Stroke recovery therapies promote favorable neural plasticity, both during spontaneous recovery and the chronic phase. Activity-based therapies based on intense practice, some aided by integration of computers and telehealth, have shown promise. These studies emphasize key therapeutic variables such as dose, intensity, and timing. Preclinical drug studies have shown promise, but human translation has been challenged by identifying the target patient subgroup, requirements for concomitant training, and aligning biomarkers with preclinical evidence.
Evolving Plasticity for Autonomous Learning under Changing Environmental Conditions
Authors: Yaman Anil , Iacca Giovanni , Mocanu Decebal Constantin , Coler Matt , Fletcher George , Pechenizkiy Mykola
Published: December 2020

A fundamental aspect of learning in biological neural networks is the plasticity property which allows them to modify their configurations during their lifetime. Hebbian learning is a biologically plausible mechanism for modeling the plasticity property in artificial neural networks (ANNs), based on the local interactions of neurons. However, the emergence of a coherent global learning behavior from local Hebbian plasticity rules is not very well understood. The goal of this work is to discover interpretable local Hebbian learning rules that can provide autonomous global learning. To achieve this, we use a discrete representation to encode the learning rules in a finite search space. These rules are then used to perform synaptic changes, based on the local interactions of the neurons. We employ genetic algorithms to optimize these rules to allow learning on two separate tasks (a foraging and a prey–predator scenario) in online lifetime learning settings. The resulting evolved rules converged into a set of well-defined interpretable types, that are thoroughly discussed. Notably, the performance of these rules, while adapting the ANNs during the learning tasks, is comparable to that of offline learning methods such as hill climbing.
In Search of Due Diligence Obligations in UN Peacekeeping Operations
Authors: White Nigel D.
Published: December 2020

It is argued in this article that due diligence, grounded on positive duties under international human rights law, is a standard against which to measure the performance of UN peacekeeping forces. Its adoption by the UN will improve accountability, but in a controlled and principled way. A requirement that the UN act diligently to prevent human rights violations would not impose over-onerous obligations. For responsibility to be incurred an organisation must have clearly failed to take measures that were within its power to take. It is argued that the UN not only should be bound by norms of due diligence but is in fact bound by positive obligations derived from customary international human rights law. The development of some due diligence-type measures by the UN to prevent sexual abuse by peacekeepers and to protect civilians within areas of peacekeeper deployment, and the adoption of an explicit due diligence policy to delineate its relationship with non-UN security actors, are positive signs. However, the article demonstrates that the UN needs to further internalise and develop its due diligence obligations if it is to limit human rights violations committed under its watch. Furthermore, it needs to create accountability mechanisms to ensure that it develops the rather limited measures taken thus far, including provision for victims to be able to hold the organisation to account for failure to protect them from human rights violations. Only by accepting its responsibility and liability to such victims will be the UN be driven to improve its due diligence when mandating, preparing, training, deploying and directing peacekeeping operations.
Grotius and Late Medieval Ius Commune on Rebellion and Civil War
Authors: Fedele Dante
Published: December 2020

This paper explores the presence of late medieval ius commune in Grotius’s thought on the use of force in internal strife and war, based on De iure belli ac pacis (1625). To this end, it examines Grotius’s use of ius commune sources, and considers some similar sources, which he does not actually cite, but which relate to his discussion. By clarifying Grotius’s selection and use of ius commune sources, the paper intends to contribute to the achievement of a double aim: firstly, to determine the place of rebellion and civil war in De iure belli ac pacis, especially in relation to (external) war; and, secondly, to assess Grotius’s approach to the two former issues, particularly with regard to the criteria by which a distinction between rebellion and civil war can be drawn, and to the effects of this distinction.
Personal Data Transfers in International Trade and EU Law: A Tale of Two ‘Necessities’
Authors: Yakovleva Svetlana
Published: December 2020

Cross-border flows of personal data have become essential for international trade. European Union (EU) law restricts transfers of personal data to a degree that is arguably beyond what is permitted under the EU’s World Trade Organization commitments. These restrictions may be justified under trade law’s ‘necessity test.’ The article suggests that they may not pass this test. Yet, from an EU law perspective, the right to the protection of personal data is a fundamental right. An international transfer of personal data constitutes a derogation from this right and, therefore, must be consistent with another necessity test, the ‘strict necessity’ test of the derogation clause of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. This article shows how a simultaneous application of the trade law and EU Charter ‘necessities’ to EU restrictions on transfers of personal data creates a catch-22 situation and sketches the ways out of this compliance deadlock.
An “Echo in the Soul”: Worship Music in Evangelical Spanish-Language Latino Churches of Oregon
Authors: Berhó Deborah L.
Published: December 2020

While a majority of the fast-growing U.S. Latino population is Roman Catholic, a significant and growing percentage is Protestant – some calculate that they now number 10 million in the U.S. Despite this significant growth, Latino Protestant churches remain understudied, particularly the music in worship services. Several Latino theologians criticize the music as being of foreign extraction, a form of neocolonialism in the church, not an autochthonous expression of worship. However, these claims do not align with music actually being used in these congregations. This carefully documented study of 25 Spanish language Protestant churches in Oregon reveals that, while music used in worship at one time may have been created and imposed by non-Latinos, this is no longer the case, and bi-musicality is the norm, reflecting the diaspora and agency of the Latino Protestant church.
Identity Formation of Pre-service Science Teachers: Focusing on Those Who Changed Their Major to Earth Science Education in Korea
Authors: Yu Eun-Jeong , Kim Chan-Jong
Published: December 2020

This study is aimed at understanding the identity formation of pre-service science teachers (PST s) who are transitioning from students to teachers and from science/engineering majors to education majors. This was done using the conceptual lens of identity within a specific socio-cultural context. The participants were three undergraduate students in their mid- to late twenties who had transferred to science education from natural science or engineering majors. Collection of data included in-depth interviews, story timelines, e-mail surveys, and participant drawings. The study revealed that the PST s’ identity formation was not one common universal process; rather, each person’s experiences were individually affected positively or negatively by their life history. Although the three PST s came from very similar social backgrounds in Korea, their identity formation was categorized into three different types: determined effort, critical exploration, and continuous confusion. This research shows that the life history model of PST s’ identity formation can be based on the individual and practical support to reduce the gap between the actual self and future self within science education.
Between Humanitarianism and Imperialism
Authors: Epping Sarah
Published: December 2020

Between 1910 and 1917, the Students’ Christian Association of the University of Michigan sent out six alumni to go to Basra, Iraq, to do what they perceived to be humanitarian work. This study looks at the various fundraising mediums used by the organizers of this so-called “Michigan in Arabia” venture to convince potential donors to give the necessary funds. By analyzing these sources this study shows how a campus organization that ostensibly aimed to help the inhabitants of Basra instead functioned to cultivate Americans’ interests in the potential of this Persian Gulf city as a base for furthering U.S. power in the Middle East. It is important to study this short-lived U.S. engagement in Iraq because by cultivating incipient U.S. imperialism in the region, the Michigan venture provides a historical foundation for the emergence of U.S. economic, political, and strategic interests in Iraq in the long run.
Gender and Community Supervision: Examining Differences in Violations, Sanctions, and Recidivism Outcomes
Authors: Campbell Christopher M. , Labrecque Ryan M. , Mohler Megan E. , Christmann Molly J.
Published: December 2020

While correctional scholarship emphasizes the importance of addressing dynamic risk factors in changing behavior, a debate continues on the role of gendered effects relating to such factors and supervision strategies. This study advances the debate and approach to violators by examining factors that reduce recidivism among technical violators. Using a large purposive sample of people on supervision, this study assesses differences between men and women in violating behavior, the sanctions used, and subsequent responses. To isolate effects of gender, we employ propensity score modeling coupled with a doubly robust design. Findings suggest that while some gendered differences exist, effect sizes are generally small and suggest responses to violators may be best focused on dynamic factors generally, rather than gender specific.
Environmental migrants and social-movement participation
Authors: Koubi Vally , Nguyen Quynh , Spilker Gabriele , Böhmelt Tobias
Published: December 2020

The displacement of people due to climatic changes (environmental migration) presents major societal and governance challenges. This article examines whether and how climate-induced rural-to-urban migration contributes to social-movement participation. We argue that the mainly forceful nature of relocation makes environmental migrants more likely to join and participate in social movements that promote migrant rights in urban areas. Using original survey data from Kenya, we find that individuals who had experienced several different types of severe climatic events at their previous location are more likely to join and participate in social movements. This finding has important policy implications. National and local authorities should not only provide immediate assistance and basic social services to environmental migrants in urban settings, but also facilitate permanent solutions by fostering their socio-economic and political integration in order to prevent urban conflict.
Platelet/lymphocyte ratio is a significant prognostic factor for targeted therapy in patients with EGFR-mutated non-small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Liu Kejun , Jiang Guanming , Fang Nianxin , Cai Limin , Du Wei , Jia Jun
Published: December 2020

Objective

To analyze the prognostic significance of the pretreatment platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) for targeted therapy in patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of 96 patients with EGFR-mutated advanced NSCLC who were treated at Dongguan People’s Hospital, Southern Medical University from May 2014 to December 2017. All patients received EGFR-targeted therapy until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or other factors. Approximately 3 days before the initial treatment, data including a detailed clinical history, physical examination, radiographic results, pathological diagnosis, and laboratory parameters including complete blood cell counts and albumin levels were evaluated.

Results

Patients in the PLR ≥ 190 group had shorter progression-free survival (PFS) than those in the PLR < 190 group. Furthermore, the 1-year PFS rate was worse in the PLR ≥ 190 group than in the PLR< 190 group. Multivariate analysis indicated the possible role of PLR as a prognostic factor for patients with advanced NSCLC who received EGFR-targeted therapy.

Conclusions

Pretreatment PLR may be an independent prognostic factor for patients with NSCLC receiving EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment. Further studies are needed to identify the impact of PLR on EGFR-mutated NSCLC.