bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Islamophobia Index: Exploring the Challenges in Establishing Reliability for a Content Analysis Instrument Evaluating Islamophobia in Media Texts
Authors: Anderson Leticia , Shahbazi Shima , Abid Mujib
Published: September 2021

In a wide variety of studies over the past two decades, the media has consistently been identified as a significant social institution implicated in normalizing and disseminating anti-Muslim prejudice. Identifying and combating Islamophobic discourses has been a challenging proposition, however, due to difficulties in systematically identifying and evaluating “Islamophobia” within texts. Islamophobia is a complex and contested phenomenon that defies easy classification within the boundaries of terminology which would normally be employed to describe hostility or prejudice based on, for example, race or religion. This article outlines some of the challenges involved in defining and categorizing Islamophobic discourses through an exploration of the process of constructing, evaluating, and applying a unique content analysis instrument, the “Islamophobia Index,” to media texts, using data sets drawn from the Australian news media. We critically reflect upon the methodological limitations of systematic quantitative studies, the importance of qualitative and interpretive approaches that take into account researcher subjectivities, and ultimately reposition and repurpose this project as a mixed-method study. In conclusion, potential applications for the Index, including non-media textual analysis, are considered.
Design of a passively mode-locking whispering-gallery-mode microlaser
Authors: Suzuki Tomoki S. L. Prugger , Nakashima Ayata , Nagashima Keigo , Ishida Rammaru , Imamura Riku , Fujii Shun , Set Sze Yun , Yamashita Shinji , Tanabe Takasumi
Published: September 2021

Ultrahigh-repetition-rate lasers will become vital light sources for many future technologies; however, their realization is challenging because the cavity size must be minimized. Whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) microresonators are attractive for this purpose since they allow the strong light–matter interaction usually needed to enable mode locking. However, the optimum parameter ranges are entirely unknown since no experiments have yet been conducted. Here, we numerically investigate pulsed operation in a toroidal WGM microresonator with gain and saturable absorption (SA) to study the experimental feasibility. We show that dispersion is the key parameter for achieving passive mode locking in this system. Moreover, the design guideline provided in this work can apply to any small resonators with gain and SA and is not limited to a specific cavity system.
Modelling of fibre laser cutting via deep learning
Authors: Courtier Alexander F. , McDonnell Michael , Praeger Matt , Grant-Jacob James A. , Codemard Christophe , Harrison Paul , Mills Ben , Zervas Michalis
Published: September 2021

Laser cutting is a materials processing technique used throughout academia and industry. However, defects such as striations can be formed while cutting, which can negatively affect the final quality of the cut. As the light-matter interactions that occur during laser machining are highly non-linear and difficult to model mathematically, there is interest in developing novel simulation methods for studying these interactions. Deep learning enables a data-driven approach to the modelling of complex systems. Here, we show that deep learning can be used to determine the scanning speed used for laser cutting, directly from microscope images of the cut surface. Furthermore, we demonstrate that a trained neural network can generate realistic predictions of the visual appearance of the laser cut surface, and hence can be used as a predictive visualisation tool.
High-precision photonic crystal fiber-based pressure sensor with low-temperature sensitivity
Authors: Zhao YanJin , Song NingFang , Gao Fuyu , Xu XiaoBin , Liu JiaQi , Liu Chenchen
Published: September 2021

A novel high-precision photonic crystal fiber-based pressure sensor with low-temperature sensitivity is proposed. The sensor is fabricated by fusion splicing a photonic crystal fiber with a hollow core fiber immersed in polydimethylsiloxane. Owing to the special structure of the photonic crystal fiber, the temperature cross-coupling effect can be minimized and the membrane shape can be controlled. Experimental results indicate that the pressure sensitivity of the FP pressure sensor is 2.47 nm/kPa, 5.37 times the temperature sensitivity of 0.46 nm/°C. The proposed FP pressure sensor has broad application prospects in chemical and biological detection for monitoring pressure in real time.
Polarized imaging interpreter for simultaneous clocking metrology of multiple objects
Authors: Jeong Hyo Bin , Park Jong-Kyu , Kim Daewook , Joo Ki-Nam
Published: September 2021

A polarized imaging interpreter to simultaneously measure rotational angles of multiple objects is proposed and experimentally verified. Based on the multiplexed optical configuration using a polarization pixelated camera, the proposed sensor has the unique feature to precisely monitor the standard and the non-standard clocking motions in static or dynamic applications at once.
In vitro glucose concentration measurement by a reusable enzymatic glucose sensor and a highly stable circular heterodyne polarimeter
Authors: Hsu Cheng-Chih , Hung Shih-Han , Lin Yu-Hsuan , Wu Min-Rui
Published: September 2021

A reliable glucose concentration measurement system was proposed that consisted of a circular heterodyne polarimeter and a reusable enzymatic sensor. The circular heterodyne polarimeter was constructed using a highly stable circular heterodyne light source and a compact alignment-free apparatus that provided phase stability of less than 1° within 20 min. The reusable enzymatic glucose sensor can be reused more than 100 times and retain 90% of its initial performance under optimum storage conditions within a month. The proposed method can be used to determine glucose concentrations in aqueous solutions and human serum. The optimum resolution of the proposed method was approximately 0.88 mg/dl for the glucose solution and 0.68 mg/dl for the serum-based sample.
Microwave frequency measurement with high accuracy and wide bandwidth based on whispering-gallery mode barcode
Authors: Wan Yangyang , Fan Xinyu , Xu Bingxin , He Zuyuan
Published: September 2021

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a novel method for photonic-assisted microwave frequency measurement based on whispering-gallery mode (WGM) barcode, which is a dense spectrum generated by a micro-resonator that supports a large number of optical modes. The measurement relies on the relation between the microwave frequency and its unique barcode. The proposed system has the advantages of wide bandwidth, high accuracy, and multiple-frequency measurement capability. Microwave frequency measurement from 1 to 20 GHz is experimentally demonstrated with a measurement error of 40 kHz. For multi-tone signals, the frequency resolution is demonstrated to be less than 20 MHz. A dynamic multi-tone microwave signal consists of a 16–20 GHz linear frequency-modulated (LFM) signal, and a 10 GHz signal is measured to show the capability of multiple-frequency measurement. The system stability is also evaluated, and a self-reference method is proposed to maintain a long-term high-accuracy measurement.
Multilevel selection favors fragmentation modes that maintain cooperative interactions in multispecies communities
Authors: Henriques Gil J. B. , van Vliet Simon , Doebeli Michael
Published: September 2021

Reproduction is one of the requirements for evolution and a defining feature of life. Yet, across the tree of life, organisms reproduce in many different ways. Groups of cells (e.g., multicellular organisms, colonial microbes, or multispecies biofilms) divide by releasing propagules that can be single-celled or multicellular. What conditions determine the number and size of reproductive propagules? In multicellular organisms, existing theory suggests that single-cell propagules prevent the accumulation of deleterious mutations (e.g., cheaters). However, groups of cells, such as biofilms, sometimes contain multiple metabolically interdependent species. This creates a reproductive dilemma: small daughter groups, which prevent the accumulation of cheaters, are also unlikely to contain the species diversity that is required for ecological success. Here, we developed an individual-based, multilevel selection model to investigate how such multi-species groups can resolve this dilemma. By tracking the dynamics of groups of cells that reproduce by fragmenting into smaller groups, we identified fragmentation modes that can maintain cooperative interactions. We systematically varied the fragmentation mode and calculated the maximum mutation rate that communities can withstand before being driven to extinction by the accumulation of cheaters. We find that for groups consisting of a single species, the optimal fragmentation mode consists of releasing single-cell propagules. For multi-species groups we find various optimal strategies. With migration between groups, single-cell propagules are favored. Without migration, larger propagules sizes are optimal; in this case, group-size dependent fissioning rates can prevent the accumulation of cheaters. Our work shows that multi-species groups can evolve reproductive strategies that allow them to maintain cooperative interactions.
Rare variants in the endocytic pathway are associated with Alzheimer’s disease, its related phenotypes, and functional consequences
Authors: Zhan Lingyu , Li Jiajin , Jew Brandon , Sul Jae Hoon
Published: September 2021

Late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD) is the most common type of dementia causing irreversible brain damage to the elderly and presents a major public health challenge. Clinical research and genome-wide association studies have suggested a potential contribution of the endocytic pathway to AD, with an emphasis on common loci. However, the contribution of rare variants in this pathway to AD has not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we focused on the effect of rare variants on AD by first applying a rare-variant gene-set burden analysis using genes in the endocytic pathway on over 3,000 individuals with European ancestry from three large whole-genome sequencing (WGS) studies. We identified significant associations of rare-variant burden within the endocytic pathway with AD, which were successfully replicated in independent datasets. We further demonstrated that this endocytic rare-variant enrichment is associated with neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and age-related phenotypes, increasing the risk of obtaining severer brain damage, earlier age-at-onset, and earlier age-of-death. Next, by aggregating rare variants within each gene, we sought to identify single endocytic genes associated with AD and NFTs. Careful examination using NFTs revealed one significantly associated gene, ANKRD13D. To identify functional associations, we integrated bulk RNA-Seq data from over 600 brain tissues and found two endocytic expression genes (eGenes), HLA-A and SLC26A7, that displayed significant influences on their gene expressions. Differential expressions between AD patients and controls of these three identified genes were further examined by incorporating scRNA-Seq data from 48 post-mortem brain samples and demonstrated distinct expression patterns across cell types. Taken together, our results demonstrated strong rare-variant effect in the endocytic pathway on AD risk and progression and functional effect of gene expression alteration in both bulk and single-cell resolution, which may bring more insight and serve as valuable resources for future AD genetic studies, clinical research, and therapeutic targeting.
Deletion of lrrk2 causes early developmental abnormalities and age-dependent increase of monoamine catabolism in the zebrafish brain
Authors: Suzzi Stefano , Ahrendt Reiner , Hans Stefan , Semenova Svetlana A. , Chekuru Avinash , Wirsching Paul , Kroehne Volker , Bilican Saygın , Sayed Shady , Winkler Sylke , Spieß Sandra , Machate Anja , Kaslin Jan , Panula Pertti , Brand Michael
Published: September 2021

LRRK2 gain-of-function is considered a major cause of Parkinson’s disease (PD) in humans. However, pathogenicity of LRRK2 loss-of-function in animal models is controversial. Here we show that deletion of the entire zebrafishlrrk2locus elicits a pleomorphic transient brain phenotype in maternal-zygotic mutant embryos (mzLrrk2). In contrast tolrrk2, the paralog genelrrk1is virtually not expressed in the brain of both wild-type and mzLrrk2 fish at different developmental stages. Notably, we found reduced catecholaminergic neurons, the main target of PD, in specific cell populations in the brains of mzLrrk2 larvae, but not adult fish. Strikingly, age-dependent accumulation of monoamine oxidase (MAO)-dependent catabolic signatures within mzLrrk2 brains revealed a previously undescribed interaction between LRRK2 and MAO biological activities. Our results highlight mzLrrk2 zebrafish as a tractable tool to study LRRK2 loss-of-functionin vivo, and suggest a link between LRRK2 and MAO, potentially of relevance in the prodromic stages of PD.
Effect of provincial competitiveness index on enterprise attraction in the Central Highlands, Vietnam
Authors: Le Nguyen Phuong , Duy Luu Van
Published: September 2021

This study aims to make a critical review of provincial competitiveness index (PCI) in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. In this regard, the research examines relationships between PCI and the possible attraction of enterprises operating in the region, thereafter, proposes some policy recommendations to improve business environment in the region. The secondary dataset of PCI and enterprise were incorporate with primary data collected from qualitative methods to explore the effect of PCI on enterprise attraction. The results show that the enterprises which have been operating in the Central Highlands accounted for 2.2% of the total with invested capital and accounted for 1.1% of whole country in 2018. PCI highly correlates with the number of enterprises, the employees and the capital of enterprises. Consequently, in order to attract enterprises, local governments in the region need to improve sub-indexes thereby improving general PCI scores.
Marketable value estimation of patents using ensemble learning methodology: Focusing on U.S. patents for the electricity sector
Authors: Eom Haneul , Choi Sungyun , Choi Sang Ok
Published: September 2021

Patent valuation is required to revitalize patent transactions, but calculating a reasonable value that consumers and suppliers could satisfy is difficult. When machine learning is used, a quantitative evaluation based on a large volume of data is possible, and evaluation can be conducted quickly and inexpensively, contributing to the activation of patent transactions. However, due to patent characteristics, securing the necessary training data is challenging because most patents are traded privately to prevent technical information leaks. In this study, the derived marketable value of a patent through event study is used for patent value evaluation, matching it with the semantic information from the patent calculated using latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA)-based topic modeling. In addition, an ensemble learning methodology that combines the predicted values of multiple predictive models was used to determine the prediction stability. Base learners with high predictive power for each fold were different, but the ensemble model that was trained on the base learners’ predicted values exceeded the predictive power of the individual models. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test indicated that the superiority of the accuracy of the ensemble model was statistically significant at the 95% significance level.
Maternal health and health-related behaviours and their associations with child health: Evidence from an Australian birth cohort
Authors: Ahmad Kabir , Kabir Enamul , Keramat Syed Afroz , Khanam Rasheda
Published: September 2021

Objective

This study investigates the associations between maternal health and health-related behaviours (nutrition, physical activity, alcohol consumption and smoking) both during pregnancy and up to 15 months from childbirth and children’s health outcomes during infancy and adolescence (general health, presence of a chronic illness, and physical health outcome index).

Methods

This study used Wave 1 (2004) and Wave 7 (2016) data from the Longitudinal Survey of Australian Children (LSAC). We measured mothers’ general health, presence of a medical condition during pregnancy and mental health during pregnancy or in the year after childbirth. We subsequently measured the children’s general health, presence of a medical condition, and physical health outcome index at ages 0–1 (infancy) and 12–13 (adolescence). Binary logistic and linear regression analyses were performed to examine the association between the mothers’ health-related variables and their children’s health.

Results

Our results showed that poor general health of the mother in the year after childbirth was associated with higher odds of poor health in infants and adolescents in all three dimensions: poor general health (OR: 3.13, 95% CI: 2.16–4.52 for infants; OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 0.95–2.04 for adolescents), presence of a chronic condition (OR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.19–1.81 for adolescents) and lower physical health score (b = −0.94, p-value <0.05 for adolescents). Our study also revealed that the presence of a chronic condition in mothers during pregnancy significantly increased the likelihood of the presence of a chronic condition in their offspring during infancy (OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.12–1.54) and during adolescence (OR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.20–1.75). The study found that stressful life events faced by mothers increase the odds of poor general health or any chronic illness during adolescence, while stress, anxiety or depression during pregnancy and psychological distress in the year after childbirth increase the odds of any chronic illness during infancy.

Conclusions

The present study found evidence that poor maternal physical and mental health during pregnancy or up to 15 months from childbirth has adverse health consequences for their offspring as measured by general health, presence of chronic health conditions, and physical health index scores. This suggests that initiatives to improve maternal physical and mental health would not only improve child health but would also reduce the national health burden.
Otolith “spawning zones” across multiple Atlantic cod populations: Do they accurately record maturity and spawning?
Authors: Denechaud Côme , Geffen Audrey J. , Smoliński Szymon , Godiksen Jane A.
Published: September 2021

Specific changes identified in the otolith macrostructure of Northeast Arctic cod as “spawning zones” are presumed to represent spawning events, but recent experimental studies have challenged this relationship. Because these zones are not routinely recorded outside of Norway, otoliths from multiple Atlantic cod populations with different life history and environmental traits were first examined to see if spawning zones could be identified as a general characteristic of cod. Then, a large archival collection of cod otoliths was used to investigate temporal changes in the occurrence of spawning zones and test for correlations between maturity at age derived from otolith spawning zones and gonad maturity stages. This study shows that spawning zones likely are a universal trait of Atlantic cod and not limited to certain environments or migratory behaviors as previously proposed. Maturity at age derived from spawning zone data showed trends consistent with those from gonad examinations. However, spawning zones appear to form with a one- or two-year lag with sexual maturity, which is suspected to reflect a stabilizing of energy partitioning after the first spawning events. Our results illustrate the potential for use of spawning zones, for example in species or populations with limited available maturity data, and highlights the need for addressing the physiological processes behind their formation.
Ultra short time to Echo (UTE) MRI for cephalometric analysis–Potential of an x-ray free fast cephalometric projection technique
Authors: Abkai Ciamak , Hourfar Jan , Glockengießer Jörg , Ulrici Johannes , Hell Erich , Rasche Volker , Ludwig Björn
Published: September 2021

Objectives

A novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan protocol is presented on the basis of ultra-short time to echo (UTE). By this MRI cephalometric projections (MCPs) can be acquired without the need of post processing in one shot. Different technical parameterizations of the protocol are performed. Their impact on the performance of MCPs is evaluated in comparison to the gold standard–the lateral cephalometric radiography (LCR) for cephalometric analysis (CA) in orthodontics.

Methods

Seven MCPs with various scan parameters influencing the scan duration and one LCR are used from one subject. 40 expert assessors performed CA for 14 predefined cephalometric landmarks. Relative metric distances and absolute angular measurements were calculated. Statistical analysis is presented and the deviations are highlighted to demonstrate the potential of the method for further analysis.

Results

The MCPs are acquired in 5–154 seconds, depending on resolution and contrast. Mean relative distances were 2.4–2.7 mm in MCPs and 1.6 mm in LCR, which demonstrate the accuracy and level of agreement of the expert assessors in identifying anatomical landmarks. In comparison to other studies, the presented MCP performed similar in angular analysis and demonstrated on average deviation of 1.2° ±1.1° in comparison to LCR. Despite the point articulare (Ar) and the related gonial angle the calculate distances and angles show outcomes in the range of ±2°/2mm.

Conclusions

MCPs can be acquired much faster in comparison to other techniques known from literature for CA. This study demonstrated the potential of the new method and showed first feasible results. Further research is needed to analyze the performance on a broad range of patients.
Effects of full-body mirror exposure on eating pathology, body image and emotional states: Comparison between positive and negative verbalization
Authors: Tanck Julia A. , Hartmann Andrea S. , Svaldi Jennifer , Vocks Silja
Published: September 2021

Mirror exposure (ME) is an effective technique to improve body image. However, evidence on the underlying mechanisms and the optimal verbalization instruction during ME is lacking. Therefore, this experimental study analyzed mechanisms of ME and therapeutic outcomes by comparing positive (PV) and negative (NV) full-body verbalization. N = 73 healthy females were randomized to a PV or an NV condition. PV participants verbalized positively while NV participants verbalized negatively about their whole body. Each participant underwent three standardized ME sessions. Before and after each ME session, positive affect, negative affect and body satisfaction were assessed. Before the first and after the third ME, participants completed questionnaires on cognitive-affective and behavioral aspects of body image, eating pathology and self-esteem. Regarding within-ME changes, the results indicate that positive affect and body satisfaction decreased while negative affect increased in the NV group but not in the PV group. In contrast, regarding between-ME changes, decreased negative affect as well as positive affect and increased body satisfaction were observed in both groups. However, eating pathology remained stable, whereas body-checking behavior increased and the PV condition was followed by higher levels of self-esteem compared to the NV condition. These findings suggest that both PV and NV improve negative affect and body satisfaction between-ME, and thus seem to be effective ME instructions. Given that NV led to increased negative affect within-ME and did not influence self-esteem, PV might represent the favorable instruction during ME for body-satisfied women.
Effective inhibition of Clostridioides difficile by the novel peptide CM-A
Authors: Arthithanyaroj Sirirak , Chankhamhaengdecha Surang , Chaisri Urai , Aunpad Ratchaneewan , Aroonnual Amornrat
Published: September 2021

Clostridioides difficile infection is the most common cause of nosocomial and antibiotic-associated diarrhea. C. difficile treatment is increasingly likely to fail, and the recurrence rate is high. Antimicrobial peptides are considered an alternative treatment for many infectious diseases, including those caused by antibiotic resistant bacteria. In the present study, we identified a CM peptide, a hybrid of cecropin A and melittin, and its derivative which possesses potent antimicrobial activity against C. difficile strain 630. CM peptide exhibited antibacterial activity with minimum inhibitory concentration of 3.906 μg/ml (2.21 μM). A modified derivative of CM, CM-A, exhibited even greater activity with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 1.953 μg/ml (1.06 μM) and a minimum bactericidal concentration of 7.8125 μg/ml (4.24 μM), which indicates that CM-A peptide is more efficient than its parent peptide. A fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis revealed that the membrane of C. difficile 630 could be an important target for CM-A. This peptide induced high levels of cell depolarization and cell permeability on C. difficile cell membrane. Moreover, electron microscopy imaging showed that CM-A interferes with the C. difficile cell membrane. Hence, the antimicrobial peptide CM-A may represent a promising novel approach for the treatment of C. difficile infections.
TRIM25 inhibits infectious bursal disease virus replication by targeting VP3 for ubiquitination and degradation
Authors: Wang Suyan , Yu Mengmeng , Liu Aijing , Bao Yuanling , Qi Xiaole , Gao Li , Chen Yuntong , Liu Peng , Wang Yulong , Xing Lixiao , Meng Lingzhai , Zhang Yu , Fan Linjin , Li Xinyi , Pan Qing , Zhang Yanping , Cui Hongyu , Li Kai , Liu Changjun , He Xijun , Gao Yulong , Wang Xiaomei
Published: September 2021

Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), a double-stranded RNA virus, causes immunosuppression and high mortality in 3–6-week-old chickens. Innate immune defense is a physical barrier to restrict viral replication. After viral infection, the host shows crucial defense responses, such as stimulation of antiviral effectors to restrict viral replication. Here, we conducted RNA-seq in avian cells infected by IBDV and identified TRIM25 as a host restriction factor. Specifically, TRIM25 deficiency dramatically increased viral yields, whereas overexpression of TRIM25 significantly inhibited IBDV replication. Immunoprecipitation assays indicated that TRIM25 only interacted with VP3 among all viral proteins, mediating its K27-linked polyubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation. Moreover, the Lys854 residue of VP3 was identified as the key target site for the ubiquitination catalyzed by TRIM25. The ubiquitination site destroyed enhanced the replication ability of IBDV in vitro and in vivo. These findings demonstrated that TRIM25 inhibited IBDV replication by specifically ubiquitinating and degrading the structural protein VP3.
Host phospholipid peroxidation fuels ExoU-dependent cell necrosis and supports Pseudomonas aeruginosa-driven pathology
Authors: Bagayoko Salimata , Leon-Icaza Stephen Adonai , Pinilla Miriam , Hessel Audrey , Santoni Karin , Péricat David , Bordignon Pierre-Jean , Moreau Flavie , Eren Elif , Boyancé Aurélien , Naser Emmanuelle , Lefèvre Lise , Berrone Céline , Iakobachvili Nino , Metais Arnaud , Rombouts Yoann , Lugo-Villarino Geanncarlo , Coste Agnès , Attrée Ina , Frank Dara W. , Clevers Hans , Peters Peter J. , Cougoule Céline , Planès Rémi , Meunier Etienne
Published: September 2021

Regulated cell necrosis supports immune and anti-infectious strategies of the body; however, dysregulation of these processes drives pathological organ damage. Pseudomonas aeruginosa expresses a phospholipase, ExoU that triggers pathological host cell necrosis through a poorly characterized pathway. Here, we investigated the molecular and cellular mechanisms of ExoU-mediated necrosis. We show that cellular peroxidised phospholipids enhance ExoU phospholipase activity, which drives necrosis of immune and non-immune cells. Conversely, both the endogenous lipid peroxidation regulator GPX4 and the pharmacological inhibition of lipid peroxidation delay ExoU-dependent cell necrosis and improve bacterial elimination in vitro and in vivo. Our findings also pertain to the ExoU-related phospholipase from the bacterial pathogen Burkholderia thailandensis, suggesting that exploitation of peroxidised phospholipids might be a conserved virulence mechanism among various microbial phospholipases. Overall, our results identify an original lipid peroxidation-based virulence mechanism as a strong contributor of microbial phospholipase-driven pathology.
Validity of Secretin Stimulation Testing on Proton Pump Inhibitor Therapy for Diagnosis of Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
Authors: Bhattacharya Sumona , Blau Jenny E. , Cochran Craig , Auh Sungyoung , Weinstein Lee S. , Jensen Robert T. , Wank Stephen
Published: September 2021

INTRODUCTION:

Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES) is characterized by gastrinoma-induced hypergastrinemia causing excessive gastric acid secretion. Secretin stimulation tests (SSTs) are required for diagnosis in the majority of patients. Two case reports suggest that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) cause false SST results. Consequently, PPIs are discontinued to allow hyperchlorhydria to recur; however, uncontrolled acidity can cause life-threatening complications in those with underlying undiagnosed ZES. The aim of this study was to determine whether PPIs influence the validity of SSTs for the diagnosis of ZES.

METHODS:

A retrospective chart review was performed. Charts of patients who underwent SSTs were reviewed to determine whether they were performed on or off PPI and the test's accuracy by comparing the results with gold standard tests (diagnostic laboratory testing performed off PPI or surgical pathology consistent with gastrinoma). Sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) of SST on PPI were calculated and results compared with SST off PPI using noninferiority analyses.

RESULTS:

Twenty-eight patients corresponding to 29 SSTs were performed on PPI, and 70 patients corresponding to 107 SSTs were performed off PPI. Most of them were female and white and had multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1. We found no false-positive or false-negative SSTs on PPI. Sensitivity, specificity, and PPV of SSTs on PPI were determined to be noninferior to SSTs off PPI (P ≤ 0.05 for all).

DISCUSSION:

In our cohort, SSTs on PPI compared with SSTs off PPI were noninferior for sensitivity, specificity, and PPV. These results suggest that PPI withdrawal before SSTs may not be necessary.
A Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial of an Endoscopist Audit and Feedback Report for Colonoscopy
Authors: Tinmouth Jill , Sutradhar Rinku , Li Qing , Patel Jigisha , Baxter Nancy N. , Llovet Diego , Paszat Lawrence F. , Rabeneck Linda
Published: September 2021

INTRODUCTION:

Variation in endoscopist performance contributes to poor-quality colonoscopy. Audit and feedback (A/F) can be used to improve physician performance, particularly among lower performing physicians. In this large pragmatic randomized controlled trial, we compared A/F to improve endoscopists' colonoscopy performance to usual practice.

METHODS:

Endoscopists practicing in Ontario, Canada, in 2014 were randomly assigned in October 2015 (index date) to receive (intervention group, n = 417) or not receive (control group, n = 416) an A/F report generated centrally using health administrative data. Colonoscopy performance was measured in both groups over two 12-month periods: prereport and postreport (relative to the index date). The primary outcome was polypectomy rate (PR). Secondary outcomes were cecal intubation rate, bowel preparation, and premature repeat after normal colonoscopy. A post hoc analysis used adenoma detection rate as the outcome. Outcomes were compared between groups for all endoscopists and for lower performing endoscopists using Poisson regression analyses under a difference-in-difference framework.

RESULTS:

Among all endoscopists, PR did not significantly improve from prereport to postreport periods for those receiving the intervention (relative rate [RR], intervention vs control: 1.07 vs 1.05, P = 0.09). Among lower performing endoscopists, PR improved significantly (RR, intervention vs control 1.34 vs 1.11, P = 0.02) in the intervention group compared with controls. In this subgroup, adenoma detection rate also improved but not significantly (RR, intervention vs control 1.12 vs 1.04, P = 0.12). There was no significant improvement in secondary outcomes between the intervention and control groups.

DISCUSSION:

A/F reports for colonoscopy improve performance in lower performing endoscopists (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02595775).
Is Proactive Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Ready for the Spotlight in Inflammatory Bowel Disease? Follow the Data
Authors: Battat Robert , Long Millie D.
Published: September 2021

As a plethora of data emerges on therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of biologics in inflammatory bowel disease, guidance on its application is needed. In this literature review and consensus statement, the authors recommend reactive TDM for all biologics, summarize concentration targets, and provide guidance on TDM in various scenarios. Proactive TDM with tumor necrosis factor-antagonist monotherapy is recommended as an alternative to the combination of tumor necrosis factor-antagonists with immunomodulators. Although observational data support this approach, randomized controlled trials do not. We argue that there is considerable work left to be performed before embracing proactive TDM as an equivalent alternative to combination therapy in inflammatory bowel disease.
Methods of Improving EMC for Ticket Validator According to UNECE Regulation No. 10.06
Authors: Pawłowicz Grzegorz
Published: September 2021

The article presents the results of measurements and design changes to the certain electronic device, the purpose of which was to meet the requirements for the levels of electromagnetic disturbance emission from the device in accordance with the UNECE Regulation No. 10.06. The successive stages of the research are described. The subsequent modifications of the device in accordance to the research findings are also described. The subject of the research was the validator of paper and electronic tickets, enabling the purchase of tickets with the use of a contactless payment card and a city card. In the course of the research, the effectiveness of selected methods of ensuring the electromagnetic compatibility of the device was presented.
Improvement of Sheet Metal Properties by Inducing Residual Stresses into Sheet Metal Components by Embossing and Reforming
Authors: Walzer Stefan , Liewald Mathias , Simon Nicola , Gibmeier Jens , Erdle Hannes , Böhlke Thomas
Published: September 2021

In sheet metal forming, combination of embossing and reforming allows the mechanical properties of sheet metal materials to be specifically improved. Here, local property modification is achieved by the residual stresses induced as a result of the one-sided embossing process followed by a reforming step. The residual stresses induced in this specific way can lead to a significantly increase in the fatigue strength of processed sheet metal components. However, in order to ensure this kind of component optimization in continuous operation, the induced stresses have to be homogeneous. In this respect, the main objective of the study reported about in this paper was to identify a forming strategy, consisting of the process steps embossing and reforming, that generates preferably homogeneous residual stress distributions into sheet metal blanks. For this, numerical and experimental investigations were carried out with samples of the stainless steel (X6Cr17) having a thickness of 1.5 mm. It was found that embossing and reforming, integrated into a conventional forming process, is a novel approach to specifically induce very localized homogeneous compressive residual stresses in sheet metal materials. This eliminates the need for costly post-processing by means of surface treatment.
Leveraging Course Quality Checklist to Improve Online Courses
Authors: Kathuria Hitesh , Becker David Wayne
Published: September 2021

Designing high quality, interactive online courses in a technologically rich environment can be a daunting task even for experienced faculty. This process becomes more difficult when faculty are teaching multiple classes, juggling service and research/creative scholarship. In order to help faculty focus on key aspects of online teaching and course design, we developed a checklist with links to institutional resources which help faculty meet several best practices for online teaching. Use of checklists and rubrics to meet quality assurance standards is common (e.g. - OLC OSCQR Course Design Review Scorecard, 2018; Quality Matters Higher Education Rubric, 2018), however they vary significantly with the time required to review a course (Baldwin, Ching, & Hsu, 2018). Our goal was to create a checklist that helps faculty design basic elements of the course and expedite the self-review process. 

Given the current COVID-19 situation, when instructors were suddenly asked to teach remotely, this Course Quality Checklist will help faculty self-review their existing or new online course via multiple lenses such as course orientation, policies, organization, alignment, as well as Universal Design for Learning and interaction. Faculty may use this checklist to create a clear and consistent structure within their course. The checklist also links to several online, just-in-time resources (e.g. course templates, design and pedagogy training, and standards for interaction and accessibility). This will ensure they meet essential standards, save time, reduce cognitive load, and meet specific compliance requirements.
Soudní ochrana člena společenství vlastníků jednotek
Authors: Dvořák Tomáš
Published: September 2021

This scientific study deals with the issue of judicial protection of a member of the community of unit owners after the amendment of Act No. 89/2012 Sb., The Civil Code, as amended by Act No. 163/2020 Sb. (with effect from 1 July 2020). Judicial protection of a member of a community of unit owners covers three basic issues. The first is the issue of judicial protection against invalid and void resolutions of the Assembly. The second is the issue of a substantive review of valid assembly resolutions by the court. Finally, the issue of replacing pending resolutions of the assembly by court decisions. The study deals with both substantive and procedural issues. The author formulates the conclusion that the legal regulation is very complicated from a theoretical point of view and from a practical point of view will cause considerable difficulties in application.
Polemika s expertním názorem na regulaci náhradního mateřství v České republice
Authors: Burešová Kateřina
Published: September 2021

As a key result of the three-year research project is labelled the expert opinion published in the Journal of Medical Law and Bioethics. The aim of the project was to identify and analyse problems related to surrogacy in Czech legislation. The key result does not take into account many aspects of surrogacy. Some stated opinions seem very problematic and most of them need to be explained or, at least, put to the ray of extensive consideration. This article shows other, polemic opinions with hopes to be noticed as an academic discussion on such an important topic.
Lawyers’ ethics before a civil court
Authors: Sedláček Miroslav
Published: September 2021

Principles of legal ethics, whether written or unwritten, not only regulate the conduct of legal practice but also reflect the basic assumptions, premises, and methods of the legal system within which the lawyer operates. They also reflect the profession’s conception of its own role in the administration of justice. The objective of this paper is to analyse the ethical rules, to define the relationship of a lawyer to the court and his duties in proceedings, competent representation, confidentiality, and personality of the lawyer, and further deal with the legislation contained in the Czech Act on Advocacy and the Code of Conduct.
Francie jako laický stát, vývoj a aktuální stav
Authors: Karola Petr
Published: September 2021

This article is part of my dissertation on The Czech Republic as a Secular State. Its purpose is to explain what a secular state is, how it originated, how it has developed, and how it can be defined. Since the model of the laic state was primarily created in the gradually developing process of secularization in France and is linked to the local constitutional principle of laïcité, the article focuses primarily on this country. The article is divided into three interrelated parts. The first part discusses the constitutional principle of laïcité, unique to France, and its development up to 1958; the second part examines the process of the separation of the state from the church and the process of the formation of the secular state, taking into account the legal and constitutional aspects of this process; and the third, the most extensive part, examines the development of both legal secularism and laïcité from 1958 to the present. Moreover, it puts the whole development in the context of the state’s, gradually escalating, reaction to the growing influence of the “new” religions, especially Islam.
Mimosmluvní závazkové poměry s mezinárodním prvkem z pohledu české autonomní úpravy
Authors: Holečková Kateřina
Published: September 2021

Private International Law is nowadays, to a large extent, regulated by European and international law and the scope of the application of autonomous national law is therefore limited. However, in case of non-contractual obligations with cross-border elements, this scope is still relatively broad, as certain matters are excluded from the regulation on the European and international level. The aim of this article is to analyze the regulation of non-contractual obligations with cross-border elements under the Czech Act on Private International law, namely its regulation of international jurisdiction, applicable law, and the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgements.
K postavení menšin na území státu izrael v kontextu mezinárodního práva a zákona o národním státě
Authors: d'Evereux Veronika
Published: September 2021

The New Israeli Basic Law that was adopted in 2018 called “Israel – the Nation State of the Jewish People” divided the Israeli society. Part of the inhabitants accepted this law with enthusiasm because of its emphasis on the reasons why the State of Israel was established. On the contrary, the more secular part of Israeli society, as well as the minority citizens, strongly objected to this law and described it as an unjust disregard of the non-Jewish citizens, an act of racial discrimination or even an apartheid. The aim of this paper is mainly to examine selected provisions of this law, i.e., the provisions related to the Israeli citizens, under public international law and find out to what extent these legal provisions are in accordance with or in contrary to international law.
Právní režim přírodních zdrojů na nebeských tělesech
Authors: Pepřík Šimon
Published: September 2021

The aim of this article is to describe the legal regime of the natural resources of celestial bodies. In recent months and years, there has been an increase in debates regarding mining on the moon and asteroids. This article is dedicated to the analysis of the legal regime of such activities. In particular, whether such activities are possible from the point of view of international law, how they are regulated and what are the potential future developments in this area. The article offers an analysis and comparison of the legal regime governing the natural resources of celestial bodies based on the Outer Space Treaty and the Moon Agreement, respectively. The Moon Agreement is given special attention despite its limited international significance, and arguments are presented in favour of its possible recognition by more states in the future. In both cases, arguments are presented that the non-appropriation principle regarding the outer space and celestial bodies, as expressed in both international treaties, does not apply to the natural resources.
Pavel Ondřejek. Koncepce práva jako systému
Authors: Maršálek Pavel
Published: September 2021

Book review on Pavel Ondřejek. Koncepce práva jako systému. Praha: Wolters Kluwer, 2020, 261 s.
A simplified approach to bias estimation for correlations
Authors: Liu Xiaofeng Steven
Published: September 2021

Objectives

We introduce a simple and unified methodology to estimate the bias of Pearson correlation coefficients, partial correlation coefficients, and semi-partial correlation coefficients.

Methods

Our methodology features non-parametric bootstrapping and can accommodate small sample data without making any distributional assumptions.

Results

Two examples with R code are provided to illustrate the computation.

Conclusions

The computation strategy is easy to implement and remains the same, be it Pearson correlation or partial or semi-partial correlation.
Study on the thermal properties and insulation resistance of epoxy resin modified by hexagonal boron nitride
Authors: Guo Lei , Ding Shilin , Yuan Shuai , Gou Xiaofeng , Cai Fenglin , Wang Dongyang , Zhao Haiquan
Published: September 2021

To study the effect of doping hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) on the thermal properties and insulation resistance of epoxy resin (EP) and the mechanism of this effect, h-BN/epoxy composites with h-BN content of 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 phr were prepared. Meanwhile, the corresponding molecular dynamics model of h-BN/epoxy composites was established, and the thermal conductivity, volume resistivity, glass transition temperature, and microstructure parameters of h-BN/epoxy composites were obtained. When the h-BN content is 40 phr, the thermal conductivity of h-BN/epoxy composite is increased by 138% compared to pure EP, and the glass transition temperature is increased by 76 K. At the same time, doping h-BN will reduce the insulation performance of EP. However, the lowest volume resistivity of h-BN/epoxy composite is still 1.43 × 1015 Ω·cm, and the EP composite still has good insulation performance. The fraction free volume and mean square displacement of EP decrease with the doping of h-BN, which indicates that h-BN can hinder the movement of molecular segments of EP, which is the reason for the increase in glass transition temperature.
COVID-19 triggered encephalopathic crisis in a patient with glutaric aciduria type 1
Authors: Zubarioglu Tanyel , Ahmadzada Saffa , Yalcinkaya Cengiz , Kiykim Ertugrul , Aktuglu-Zeybek Cigdem
Published: September 2021

Objectives

The impact of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) on metabolic outcome in patients with inborn errors of metabolism has rarely been discussed. Herein, we report a case with an acute encephalopathic crisis at the course of COVID-19 disease as the first sign of glutaric aciduria type 1 (GA-1).

Case presentation

A 9-month-old patient was admitted with encephalopathy and acute loss of acquired motor skills during the course of COVID-19 disease. She had lethargy, hypotonia, and choreoathetoid movements. In terms of COVID-19 encephalopathy, the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay test for COVID-19 was negative in cerebral spinal fluid. Brain imaging showed frontotemporal atrophy, bilateral subcortical and periventricular white matter, basal ganglia, and thalamic involvement. Elevated glutarylcarnitine in plasma and urinary excretion of glutaric and 3-OH-glutaric acids was noted. A homozygote mutation in the glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase gene led to the diagnosis of GA-1.

Conclusions

With this report, neurological damage associated with COVID-19 has been reported in GA-1 patients for the first time in literature.