bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stratigraphy of the Paleocene continental sedimentary succession of the northern Pyrenean basin (Corbières, southern France) using δ
13
C
org
isotopes
Authors: Maufrangeas A. , Leleu S. , Loisy C. , Roperch P. , Jolley D. , Vinciguerra C. , Nguyen-Thuyet O.
Published: February 2020

Continental-dominated successions are often poorly constrained stratigraphically due to a lack of robust biostratigraphic markers. This study provides the first dataset of δ
13
C
org
together with magnetostratigraphic and biostratigraphic data from a thick continental-dominated succession at Lairière (northern Pyrenees, France). This section encompasses the latest Cretaceous up to the Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum interval and is characterized by fluvial deposits, occasionally intercalated with continental carbonates, lacustrine deltaic deposits and shallow marine sediments. This work identifies δ
13
C
org
events and assigns them to global δ
13
C geochemical events defined in Pyrenean and Tethyan marine successions, in which the stage boundaries are well calibrated. As the isotopic measurements are performed on dispersed organic matter in sedimentary rocks with a low organic content, we propose that analyses of the signal should take into consideration the depositional environment because variations in the organic matter content might affect the signal. We establish a high-resolution chronostratigraphy in terrestrial Paleocene deposits in the NE Pyrenean zone, recognize a late Selandian interval and define the Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum event.

Supplementary material:
Palaeomagnetic results, geochemistry details and palynological analysis are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4871214
Identity Politics and Populism in Europe
Authors: Noury Abdul , Roland Gerard
Published: February 2020

We review the literature on the rise of identity politics and populism in Europe. Populist parties have gained large vote shares since the Great Recession of 2008. We observe in many countries, and even in the European Parliament, a transformation of the main dimension of politics from the left–right cleavage to a new cleavage opposing the mainstream parties to populist parties. We examine how this transformation relates to changes in voter attitudes and the adjustment of political parties to these changes. Two main types of causes for the rise of populism have emerged: economic and cultural. In reviewing the evidence, we find a complex interaction between economic and cultural factors. Economic anxiety among large groups of voters related to the Great Recession and austerity policies triggers a heightened receptivity to the messages of cultural backlash from populist parties.
The use of the “Endocrine Circuit” as an active learning methodology to aid in the understanding of the human endocrine system
Authors: Zangerolamo Lucas , Soares Gabriela Moreira , Rosa Lucas Rodolfo de Oliveira , Santos Karina Rodrigues , Bronczek Gabriela Alves , Marconato-Júnior Emílio , Carneiro Everardo Magalhães , Barbosa-Sampaio Helena Cristina de Lima
Published: February 2020

The search for more efficient teaching methodologies is a great challenge for Brazilian educators, since most classes are still traditional (theoretical) and have little student involvement during the learning process. Active learning methodologies, where students play a central role in the learning process, are proving to be more effective and interesting when it comes to acquiring knowledge. Thus we decided to develop an innovative technique for teaching Human Endocrine Physiology, called “Endocrine Circuit.” The circuit consisted of eight stations in which students were asked to organize a scheme with cards to answer a specific question about a gland or tissue with endocrine relevance. The effectiveness of the developed activity was validated through a pretest-posttest design, in which the students had to answer a 10-question test. We found out that, after the Endocrine Circuit application, students showed an improvement in the percentage of correct answers for 7 out of 10 questions contained in the questionnaire ( P ≤ 0.05). In addition, the activity showed positive outcomes regarding student’s engagement in this study, besides showing to be more efficient than the Brazilian traditional theoretical classes.
Integrating the basic sciences in medical curricula: focus on the basic scientists
Authors: Dominguez Isabel , Zumwalt Ann C.
Published: February 2020

Basic science educators are not trained as clinicians, yet are expected to adjust their content to mesh appropriately with its clinical application. While achievable, this is a challenge that requires intentional effort on the part of the basic science educators. A practical solution to facilitate curricular integration is to create experiential opportunities for basic scientists to observe the clinical application of their content and to pair these initiatives with training in effective medical education practices.
Prediction of Side Effects Using Comprehensive Similarity Measures
Authors: Seo Sukyung , Lee Taekeon , Kim Mi-hyun , Yoon Youngmi
Published: February 2020

Identifying the potential side effects of drugs is crucial in clinical trials in the pharmaceutical industry. The existing side effect prediction methods mainly focus on the chemical and biological properties of drugs. This study proposes a method that uses diverse information such as drug‐drug interactions from DrugBank, drug‐drug interactions from network, single nucleotide polymorphisms, and side effect anatomical hierarchy as well as chemical structures, indications, and targets. The proposed method is based on the assumption that properties used in drug repositioning studies could be utilized to predict side effects because the phenotypic expression of a side effect is similar to that of the disease. The prediction results using the proposed method showed a 3.5% improvement in the area under the curve (AUC) over that obtained when only chemical, indication, and target features were used. The random forest model delivered outstanding results for all combinations of feature types. Finally, after identifying candidate side effects of drugs using the proposed method, the following four popular drugs were discussed: (1) dasatinib, (2) sitagliptin, (3) vorinostat, and (4) clonidine.
1DCNN Fault Diagnosis Based on Cubic Spline Interpolation Pooling
Authors: Huang Shuzhan , Tang Jian , Dai Juying , Wang Yangyang , Dong Junjie
Published: February 2020

The conventional pooling method for processing one-dimensional vibration signals may lead to certain issues, such as weakening and loss of feature information. The present study proposes the cubic spline interpolation pooling method. The method is appropriate for processing one-dimensional signals. The proposed method can transform the pooling problem into a linear fitting problem, use the cubic spline interpolation method with outstanding fitting effects, and calculate the fitting function of the input signals. Moreover, the values of the interpolation points are sequentially taken as the feature value output. Furthermore, the network using the conventional pooling method and the pooling network model proposed in the present study are compared, tested, and analyzed on the constructed simulation signals and the measured bearing dataset. It is concluded that the proposed pooling method can reduce the data dimension while improving the network feature extraction capability and is more appropriate for pooling one-dimensional signals.
The Influence of Nutrients on Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Jarmakiewicz-Czaja Sara , Piątek Dominika , Filip Rafał
Published: February 2020

Inflammatory bowel diseases is a group of inflammatory diseases. The pathogenesis of diseases is multifactorial, which may include a Western-type diet. Diseases occur with periods of recurrence and remission. Many factors can have a beneficial effect on reducing the frequency of recurrence and prolonging the remission period. Such ingredients include dietary fibre, mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids, certain vitamins (D, C, and E), flavonoids, and minerals such as zinc and selenium. Properly selected nutrition might be an integral part of the treatment of patients with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
Tabu Search and Machine‐Learning Classification of Benign and Malignant Proliferative Breast Lesions
Authors: Dhahri Habib , Rahmany Ines , Mahmood Awais , Al Maghayreh Eslam , Elkilani Wail
Published: February 2020

Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among women around the world. The development of computer‐aided diagnosis tools is essential to help pathologists to accurately interpret and discriminate between malignant and benign tumors. This paper proposes the development of an automated proliferative breast lesion diagnosis based on machine‐learning algorithms. We used Tabu search to select the most significant features. The evaluation of the feature is based on the dependency degree of each attribute in the rough set. The categorization of reduced features was built using five machine‐learning algorithms. The proposed models were applied to the BIDMC‐MGH and Wisconsin Diagnostic Breast Cancer datasets. The performance measures of the used models were evaluated owing to five criteria. The top performing models were AdaBoost and logistic regression. Comparisons with others works prove the efficiency of the proposed method for superior diagnosis of breast cancer against the reviewed classification techniques.
Potential Effect of Hydroxychloroquine in Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review on Preclinical and Clinical Trial Studies
Authors: Wondafrash Dawit Zewdu , Desalegn Tsion Zewdu , Yimer Ebrahim M. , Tsige Arega Gashaw , Adamu Betelhem Anteneh , Zewdie Kaleab Alemayehu
Published: February 2020

Background.Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia. It affects millions of people globally. In spite of many antidiabetic drugs that are available, an adequate level of control remains challenging. Hydroxychloroquine is an immunomodulatory drug that has been used for the treatment of malaria and autoimmune diseases. There is an emerging evidence that suggests its beneficial effect against diabetes mellitus. Therefore, this systematic review is aimed at discoursing the role of hydroxychloroquine against diabetes mellitus and its potential mechanisms of actions.Methods.A systematic and manual searching was carried out to retrieve relevant articles (preclinical and clinical studies) published from January 2014 to July 2019. Electronic databases including PubMed and Scopus as well as clinicaltrials.gov have been searched using different searching terms: “hydroxychloroquine,” “diabetes mellitus,” “hyperglycemia,” and “insulin resistance.” The MeSH terms (PubMed) and text words were combined with “AND” or “OR.” In addition, manual searching of Google Engine and Google Scholar was conducted. Quality assessment of all the included studies was performed using CAMARADES (preclinical studies) and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Cochrane Collaboration’s tools (clinical studies).Results.A total of eighteen studies (three experimental and fifteen clinical studies) were found to be eligible for the present systematic review. Among the included clinical studies (six randomized control trials, five observational studies, and four cohort studies), about 55,776 study participants were involved. Most of these studies showed significant improvement of lipid profile and insulin levels and substantial diminution of hemoglobin A1c, fasting plasma glucose, and postprandial blood glucose levels. Reduction in lysosomal degradation of the internal insulin-insulin receptor complex and enhancement in insulin sensitivity and adiponectin levels are some of the hypothesized mechanisms for the antidiabetic effect of hydroxychloroquine.Conclusion.The current review provides preliminary evidence for potential antidiabetic properties of hydroxychloroquine. Though the provided available data were promising, further clinical trials and mechanistic studies are needed to determine its long-term effects.
Feature of Heart Rate Variability and Metabolic Mechanism in Female College Students with Depression
Authors: Zhao Shanguang , Chi Aiping , Yan Junhu , Yao Chong
Published: February 2020

Purpose. To explore the effects of depression on cardiac autonomic nerve function and related metabolic pathways, the heart rate variability (HRV) and urinary differential metabolites were detected on the college students with depression. Methods. 12 female freshmen with depression were filtered by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI‐II) and Self‐rating Depression Scale (SDS). By wearing an HRV monitoring system, time domain indexes and frequency domain indexes were measured over 24 hours. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) was used to detect their urinary differential metabolites. Differential metabolites were identified by principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis (OPLS‐DA). The metabolic pathways related to these differential metabolites were analyzed by the MetPA database. Results. Stress time was significantly increased, and recovery time was markedly decreased in the depression group compared with the control group (p < 0.001). Standard deviation of the normal‐to‐normal R interval (SDNN), root mean square of the beat‐to‐beat differences (RMSSD), high frequency (HF), and low frequency (LF) were decreased significantly (p < 0.01). Moreover, 15 differential metabolites (4↑, 11↓) were identified in the depression group. These differential metabolites were involved in the disruption of five metabolic pathways (coenzyme Q biosynthesis, glycine‐serine‐threonine metabolism, tyrosine metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, and steroid metabolism). Conclusion. Some autonomic nervous system disruption, high stress, and poor fatigue recovery were confirmed in college students with depression. The metabolic mechanism involved the disruption of coenzyme Q biosynthesis, glycine‐serine‐threonine metabolism, tyrosine metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, and steroid metabolism under daily stress.
Unusual Phenotype and Disease Trajectory in Kearns–Sayre Syndrome
Authors: Finsterer Josef , Winklehner Michael , Stöllberger Claudia , Hummel Thomas
Published: February 2020

Objective. To describe unusual course and unusual phenotypic features in an adult patient with Kearns–Sayre syndrome (KSS). Case Report. The patient is a 49-year-old male with KSS, diagnosed clinically upon the core features, namely, onset before the age 20 of years, pigmentary retinopathy, and ophthalmoparesis, and the complementary features, namely, elevated CSF protein, cardiac conduction defects, and cerebellar ataxia. The patient presented also with other previously described features, such as diabetes, short stature, white matter lesions, hypoacusis, migraine, hepatopathy, steatosis hepatis, hypocorticism (hyponatremia), and cataract. Unusual features the patient presented with were congenital anisocoria, severe caries, liver cysts, pituitary enlargement, desquamation of hands and feet, bone chondroma, aortic ectasia, dermoidal cyst, and sinusoidal polyposis. The course was untypical since most of the core phenotypic features developed not earlier than in adulthood. Conclusions. KSS is a multisystem disease, but the number of tissues affected is higher than so far anticipated. KSS should be considered even if core features develop not earlier than in adulthood and if unusual features accompany the presentation.
Correlation between Antioxidant Activity and the Garcinol Content Released from Fruit Rinds of Endemic Garcinia quaesita Pierre on Different Cooking Conditions
Authors: Liyanagamage Donisha Shani Niharika Keembiya , Jayasinghe Susanthi , Priyadarshani Attanayake Anoja , Karunaratne Veranja
Published: February 2020

The antioxidant activity of garcinol has been identified as the basis for various bioactivities in it, and the genus Garcinia is the main source for the garcinol. G. quaesita, which is endemic to Sri Lanka, is a representative member of genus Garcinia, and the dried fruit rind of G. quaesita is used practically in all curry preparations to impart a sour flavor. In our study, garcinol was isolated (yield: 3.67%) from the dried fruit rind of G. quaesita, for the first time. Further, how cooking conditions enable the ingestion of garcinol during the consumption of curries was also examined. The garcinol content released in different cooking conditions was positively correlated with the antioxidant activity in vitro. The results revealed that boiling virgin coconut oil extract of G. quaesita, simulating the common practice of oil frying during cooking, is the best method for obtaining the highest amount of garcinol into the curry medium.
Diagnostic and Management Pathways for Pulmonary Carcinoid Tumours in the United Kingdom: Results from the National Lung Neuroendocrine Tumour Pathway Project
Authors: Mansoor Wasat , Ferguson Stuart , Ross Victoria , Talbot Denis
Published: February 2020

There is inconsistency among published guidelines for the optimal diagnostic and management pathways for patients with typical (TC) or atypical (AC) pulmonary carcinoid tumours. We conducted a UK-wide clinician survey to assess current practice for the diagnosis, management, and follow-up of patients with TC/AC and descriptively compared management between European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (ENETS) accredited centres of excellence (CoE) and nonaccredited centres (non-CoE). Twenty-seven clinicians (10 CoE; 17 non-CoE) participated. Computed tomography of thorax, abdomen, and pelvis was the most commonly reported diagnostic tool (96% of respondents), and bone scans and gallium somatostatin receptor scintigraphy positron emission tomography (SRS PET) were the least commonly reported (30% and 37% of respondents, respectively). Adjuvant therapy is considered for resected TC/AC by <5% of respondents for patients with stage N0 M0 AC or TC, up to 48% of respondents for patients with AC with R1 disease. Somatostatin analogues were the most commonly reported first-line treatment (63% of respondents), and chemotherapy was the most commonly reported second-line therapy and third-line therapy (33% and 41%, respectively) for unresectable and metastatic disease. Reported frequency of initial follow-up after primary surgery ranged from every 2 months to annual, and total follow-up duration ranged from 2 years to indefinite depending on disease type (TC/AC) and stage. For most diagnostic investigations, the highest reported frequency of use was in CoE, most notably gallium SRS PET (70% CoE vs. 18% non-CoE respondents). 93% of respondents (100% CoE; 88% non-CoE) reported having neuroendocrine tumour- (NET-) specialist multidisciplinary team meetings at their centre; 59% (90% CoE; 41% non-CoE) had a NET Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) and 48% (80% CoE; 29% non-CoE) had a lung NET patient database. The survey results suggest variability between UK centres in diagnostic pathways and management of patients with TC/AC and suggest that CoE may be able to offer an improved service to patients.
Association of Paraoxonase 1 Gene Polymorphisms and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Susceptibility: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jiang Xuejuan , Ding Caifei , Wang Chenye , Yu Jia , Hua Zhoujia , Chen Xiaofei , Ma Jianxiong , Chen Wangqiang
Published: February 2020

Introduction: The goal of this study was to review relevant case-control trials in order to determine the association of paraoxonase 1 (PON1) gene polymorphisms (–108C/T, 55L/M, 192Q/R) and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) susceptibility. Methods: Using appropriate keywords, we identified relevant studies using PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, CNKI, VANFUN, and VIP. Key pertinent sources in the literature were also reviewed, and all articles published through April 2019 were considered for inclusion. Based on the qualified studies, we performed a meta-analysis of associations between –108C/T, 55L/M and 192Q/R polymorphisms in PON1 and risk of PCOS. Results: We included 13 case-control studies with 3,660 total patients in the PCOS group and 2,835 in the control group. These studies found that the population with –108C/T locus T were associated with lower PCOS susceptibility by heterozygote model (OR 0.442, 95% CI 0.259–0.754); the Caucasian population with –108C/T locus T were associated with higher PCOS susceptibility by regressive model (OR 2.087, 95% CI 1.242–3.504). The population with 55L/M locus M were associated with higher PCOS susceptibility by regressive model (OR 1.518, 95% CI 1.067–2.160); the Asian population with 55L/M locus M were associated with lower PCOS susceptibility by dominant model and heterozygote model. The population with 192Q/R locus R were associated with higher PCOS susceptibility by the 5 gene models. The Asian population with 192Q/R locus R were associated with higher PCOS susceptibility: allelic model (OR 1.271, 95% CI 1.139–1.417); homozygote model (OR 1.575, 95% CI 1.244–1.995); dominant model (OR 1.299, 95% CI 1.069–1.580); regressive model (OR 1.421, 95% CI 1.207–1.673). The Caucasian population with 192Q/R locus R were associated with higher PCOS susceptibility: heterozygote model (OR 2.113, 95% CI 1.266–3.526). Conclusion: Our meta-analysis suggested that 192Q/R locus R were associated with higher PCOS susceptibility in both the Asian and Caucasian population.
The Brain-Gut Team
Authors: Malagelada Juan R.
Published: February 2020

Background: Interactions between brain and gut have been suspected for centuries but our understanding of the neural centers and neurohormonal links that establish bidirectional regulatory communication between these 2 body systems has advanced significantly in the last decades. The label “brain-gut axis” designates a useful but deceivingly simple concept, since the mechanistic complexity of brain-gut interaction is enormous. Summary: The significance of the brain-gut axis is perhaps best conceived as “a team” since both systems are physiologically coordinated to ensure a healthy status. However, under pathophysiological conditions, the axis also contributes substantially to distort homeostasis. For instance, normal signals emanating from the gut may be inappropriately received and interpreted by the central nervous system that responds by inadequately recruiting other brain structures and generate both symptoms and commands that disturb normal gut activity. Key Messages: Thus, at each end and in the brain-gut connecting routes, there is the potential for altering perceived and unperceived sensations and further impinging on normal function.
Herpes Zoster and Subsequent Cancer Risk: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study in Korea
Authors: Kim Miri , Han Kyungdo , Yoo Seung Ah , Lee Ji Hyun
Published: February 2020

Background: It is well known that an immunosuppressed status such as cancer is a risk factor for herpes zoster (HZ), but little is known about whether HZ affects cancer development. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the association between HZ and subsequent cancer risk by cancer type. Methods: We conducted a nationwide retrospective cohort study using the Korean National Health Insurance claims database. The study enrolled 1,568,818 patients: 784,409 diagnosed with HZ between 2010 and 2015 were included in the HZ group, and 784,409 matched controls without HZ were included in the non-HZ group, with 1:1 exact matching for age, sex, and index year. Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated for the risk of cancers based on anatomical site according to the HZ status using the Cox proportional hazards regression models. Results: During a mean follow-up period of 6 years, 22,235 and 22,316 patients in the HZ group and the non-HZ group, respectively, developed cancer (incidence rate: 7.6 vs. 7.7 per 1,000 person-years). After adjusting for age, sex, and comorbidities, the overall risk of cancers was slightly decreased in the HZ group compared with the non-HZ group (HR, 0.999; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.98–1.02). In post hoc analyses on organ site, the HZ group had significantly increased risk of hematologic malignancies, including multiple myeloma (HR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.37–1.95), leukemia (HR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.03–1.39), and lymphoma (HR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.02–1.30) compared with the non-HZ group. Conversely, the risk of cancers in the liver (HR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.82–0.93) and larynx (HR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.58–0.92) were significantly decreased in the HZ group compared with the non-HZ group. Conclusions: Although the risk of developing some hematological cancers increased in patients with HZ, solid cancers including liver and laryngeal cancers showed a negative association with HZ.
Importance of Self and Other in Defining Personality Pathology
Authors: Pincus Aaron L. , Cain Nicole M. , Halberstadt Alexandra L.
Published: February 2020

Criteria A of the DSM-5 Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD) defines personality pathology in terms of impairments in “self” (identity, self-direction) and “interpersonal” (empathy, intimacy) functioning. Articulated as a set of dynamic regulatory and relational processes that are stratified in the Level of Personality Functioning Scale, these impairments involve how individuals think and feel about themselves and others and how they relate to others. Defining personality pathology in terms of regulatory and relational processes involving self and other, and distinguishing severity of personality pathology from individual differences in its expression (Criteria B), offers the AMPD several advantages. First, it distinguishes the nature and severity of personality pathology from other forms of psychopathology. Second, it allows the AMPD to integrate personality structure and personality processes. Third, it is highly suitable for synthesis with the Contemporary Integrative Interpersonal Theory of personality. Finally, beyond the interpersonal perspective, it facilitates even broader theoretical and treatment integration.
Percurso histórico-estético da ideia de formação
Authors: Cara Salete De Almeida
Published: February 2020

Este texto pretende examinar algumas linhas de força de Formação da Literatura Brasileira no percurso crítico de verificação do andamento da nossa formação histórico-social e análises do modo de estruturação estética dessa experiência, a partir do próprio tempo do crítico Antonio Candido. Nesse percurso, o golpe de 1964 é decisivo, como se pode observar a partir de textos dos anos de 1970 até sua reflexão sobre a acumulação da “tragédia moderna” (Raymond Williams), em O discurso e a cidade, chegando a um depoimento de 2008.
Does Incident Solar Ultraviolet Radiation Lower Blood Pressure?
Authors: Weller Richard B. , Wang Yuedong , He Jingyi , Maddux Franklin W. , Usvyat Len , Zhang Hanjie , Feelisch Martin , Kotanko Peter
Published: February 2020

Background

Hypertension remains a leading global cause for premature death and disease. Most treatment guidelines emphasize the importance of risk factors, but not all are known, modifiable, or easily avoided. Population blood pressure correlates with latitude and is lower in summer than winter. Seasonal variations in sunlight exposure account for these differences, with temperature believed to be the main contributor. Recent research indicates that
UV
light enhances nitric oxide availability by mobilizing storage forms in the skin, suggesting incident solar
UV
radiation may lower blood pressure. We tested this hypothesis by exploring the association between environmental
UV
exposure and systolic blood pressure (
SBP
) in a large cohort of chronic hemodialysis patients in whom
SBP
is determined regularly.

Methods and Results

We studied 342 457 patients (36% black, 64% white) at 2178 US dialysis centers over 3 years. Incident
UV
radiation and temperature data for each clinic location were retrieved from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration database. Linear mixed effects models with adjustment for ambient temperature, sex/age, body mass index, serum Na
+
/K
+
and other covariates were fitted to each location and combined estimates of associations calculated using the DerSimonian and Laird procedure. Pre‐dialysis
SBP
varied by season and was ≈4 mm Hg higher in black patients. Temperature,
UVA
and
UVB
were all linearly and inversely associated with
SBP
. This relationship remained statistically significant after correcting for temperature.

Conclusions

In hemodialysis patients, in addition to environmental temperature, incident solar
UV
radiation is associated with lower
SBP
. This raises the possibility that insufficient sunlight is a new risk factor for hypertension, perhaps even in the general population.
Risks of Bleeding and Stroke Based on CHA2DS2‐VASc Scores in Japanese Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Large‐Scale Observational Study Using Real‐World Data
Authors: Maeda Toshiki , Nishi Takumi , Funakoshi Shunsuke , Tada Kazuhiro , Tsuji Masayoshi , Satoh Atsushi , Kawazoe Miki , Yoshimura Chikara , Arima Hisatomi
Published: February 2020

Background

This large‐scale observational study on negative events in a real‐world setting investigated Japanese patients with atrial fibrillation who were not on anticoagulants. This study aims to evaluate the incidence of ischemic stroke and bleeding events (intracranial hemorrhage, gastrointestinal bleeding, others) based on
CHA
2
DS
2‐
VAS
c scores in Japanese patients with atrial fibrillation who were not anticoagulated.

Methods and Results

We used health checkups and insurance claim data from a Japanese insurance organization. Altogether, 9733 atrial fibrillation patients were not prescribed anticoagulation during their follow‐up periods. Patients’ risk levels were defined by their
CHA
2
DS
2‐
VAS
c scores (range 0–≥3): Men with scores of 0, 1, or ≥2 and women with scores of 1, 2, or ≥3 were considered at low, intermediate, or high risk, respectively. Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the association between the
CHA
2
DS
2‐
VAS
c‐determined risk and the incidence of ischemic stroke and intracranial, gastrointestinal, and other bleeding. The mean 2.5‐year follow‐up revealed 143 ischemic strokes and 332 bleeding events. Annual event rates were 0.58% for ischemic stroke and 1.17% for total bleeding events. Annual incidence of ischemic stroke increased with elevated predicted risks based on
CHA
2
DS
2‐
VAS
c scores: 0.18% for low‐risk, 0.44% intermediate‐risk, and 1.29% high‐risk groups (
P
<0.001 for trend). Annual incidences of total bleeding also increased with elevated predicted risks: 0.51% for low‐risk, 1.28% intermediate‐risk, and 2.02% high‐risk groups (
P
<0.001 for trend).

Conclusions

Risks of ischemic stroke and bleeding events were high, particularly among those with high
CHA
2
DS
2‐
VAS
c scores.
The Kosovo Specialist Chambers’ Rules of Procedure and Evidence: More of the Same Hybridity with Added Prosecutorial Transparency
Authors: Karnavas Michael G.
Published: February 2020

The Rules of Procedure and Evidence of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers incorporates procedural rules from Kosovo’s domestic legal system, innovative and useful modalities, procedural rules, practice directives, and lessons learned from the other international(ised) criminal tribunals. Based on a presentation given on 22 June 2018 at Leiden University’s Grotius Centre Supranational Criminal Law Lecture Series — The Kosovo Specialist Chambers: Comparative Legal Perspectives — this article provides a defence perspective on some of the modalities found in the Rules of Procedure and Evidence. In the author’s opinion, some of the provisions on disclosure provide greater protections of fair trial rights for suspects and accused during the confirmation and pre-trial stages than the rules of other international(ised) criminal tribunals, while also maintaining the schizophrenic features found in these international(ised) jurisdictions — placing the burden of proof on the prosecution while granting the trial judges discretionary authority to engage in truth-seeking activities.
Remembering Indian Ocean Slavery through Film
Authors: de Silva Jayasuriya Shihan
Published: February 2020

Due to assimilation, the diversity of the region, and the problems of identification, the presence of Asians with African ancestry in some parts of the Indian Ocean goes largely unnoticed. Whilst Ethiopians came to Sri Lanka voluntarily during the sixth century, the largest known Afro-Sri Lankan community’s history dates back to the island’s colonial era, which began in the sixteenth century. Oral traditions and archival records demonstrate that the Indian Ocean slave trade carried on even after abolition of the transatlantic slave trade. Although their numbers have dwindled due to out-marriage and assimilation, this community’s presence is marked out through its strong cultural memories. This article highlights the significance of film as a medium for making Sri Lankans of African ancestry visible and giving them a space to reflect about their ancestors, cultural traditions and sociolinguistic transformations.
Documenting the History of Slavery on Film in Kayes, Mali
Authors: Rodet Marie
Published: February 2020

In 2010 I filmed descendants of formerly enslaved populations in Kayes narrating the history of their ancestors and the realities of internal slavery in West Africa. The result was a 23-minute documentary film entitled “The Diambourou: Slavery and Emancipation in Kayes—Mali,” which was released in 2014. The film was as much responding to specific historiographical questions in the field as a tool of research action to raise awareness among younger generations and to fight legacies of social discrimination today. With the exactions perpetuated against descendants of formerly enslaved populations in the Kayes region since 2018, the film, via its access-free online version, has experienced a second life as an anti-slavery activist medium, helping to bridge the gap between endogenous historical fighting against slavery and contemporary anti-slavery activism in the Soninke diaspora.
Determination and correlation of refractive index of three binary and ternary systems containing hydroxyl ionic liquids/ water/methanol
Authors: Tian Gang , Yang Cong , Li Xiaoxia , He Guoxu , Zhao Xiaojun , Peng Xiaoming , Li Cuiqing , Chen Liang , Zhang Binbin
Published: February 2020

In this paper, the refractive index of methanol + water, [HOEMIm]Cl + methanol, [HOEMMIm]Cl + methanol, [OHEN1,1,1]Cl + methanol, [HOEMIm]Cl + water, [OHEN1,1,1]Cl + water, [HOEMMIm]Cl + water, [OHEN1,1]Cl + water, [HOEMIm]Cl + methanol + water, [HOEMMIm]Cl + methanol + water and [OHEN1,1,1]Cl+methanol+water
at different temperatures were determined by refractometer. The physical database of hydroxyl ionic liquids was enriched, and the excess refractive index of these systems was obtained by calculation. The relationship between the refractive index or the excess refractive index and the composition
mole fraction were established at 20 °C.
Lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) promotes ovarian cancer cell progression by Forkhead box O 3a (FOXO3a) inhibition
Authors: Liu Li , Hao Fuxing , Wang Anping , Chen Xiaolan , Zhang Bin , Wu Zhi , Wang Yongjuan , Wu Shuang , Liu Ting , Ma Songbo
Published: February 2020

Recently, LSD1 is considered as a possible therapeutic mark for ovarian epithelial cancer (OEC). Though, the underlying molecular mechanism by which LSD1 endorses the oncogenesis of OEC has not been fully understood. Here, we revealed that overexpression of LSD1 downregulated Forkhead
box O 3a (FOXO3a), while knockdown or pharmacological inhibition of LSD1 upregulated FOXO3a expression. Specifically, LSD1 interacted with demethylated FOXO3a. The LSD1-demethylated FOXO3a degraded via an ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Biologically, LSD1 destabilized FOXO3a to abrogate its
functions in the suppression of soft agar colony and cell proliferation formation in HO8910 ovarian cancer cells. Knockdown of FOXO3a rescued the restricted cell proliferation by LSD1 downregulation. As a whole, our study clarifies a way in ovarian cancer cell growth through the negative regulation
of FOXO3a by LSD1.
Educating Pediatric Residents About Parenting: A Survey of Residency Program Leaders
Authors: Martin Anne , Waksal Aliza , Lipton Lianna , Forman Joel , Quinn Carrie , Benjamin Mariel , Hammond Blair
Published: February 2020

The American Academic of Pediatrics guides pediatricians to counsel parents about how to promote their children’s cognitive, emotional, and self-regulatory development, but the extent to which pediatricians receive the training needed to do so is unknown. An online survey was distributed to members of the Association of Pediatric Program Directors. Although most respondents agreed that it was “very important” to educate residents about parenting skills, only 11% rated their program as doing so “very well.” The most frequently reported reason for not doing very well was lack of a curriculum. Residents currently learn about parenting most commonly in continuity clinic talks, are educated via lectures, and are taught most frequently by clinic preceptors. Nearly half of the respondents reported that their residents relied on self-learning about parenting behaviors. When asked which topics respondents would like covered by an evidence-based parenting curriculum, the most commonly endorsed topic was positive discipline.
Cognitive Flexibility, Relativistic Appreciation, and Ethnocultural Empathy Among Chinese International Students
Authors: Liu Shuyi , Wei Meifen
Published: February 2020

Based on Berry’s (1997) framework, we investigated the mediating effect of cognitive flexibility and the moderating effect of relativistic appreciation on the association between acculturative stress and ethnocultural empathy. A total of 199 Chinese international students from two Midwestern universities in the United States participated. Results indicated support for both hypotheses. First, cognitive flexibility significantly mediated the association between acculturative stress and ethnocultural empathy. Second, relativistic appreciation significantly moderated the effects of acculturative stress on ethnocultural empathy. Specifically, the effect of acculturative stress on ethnocultural empathy was significantly negative for those with relativistic appreciation levels below the 26th percentile. Conversely, this effect was not significant for those with relativistic appreciation levels above the 26th percentile. Our results offer a new perspective on acculturative stress, provides tools for clinicians working with Chinese international students who are coping with acculturative stress, and advocates for culturally appropriate coping strategies.
Canada’s top public servants meet agency theory in the Harper years (2006–2015)
Authors: Bourgault Jacques , Gow James Iain
Published: February 2020

A survey of Canada’s top public servants was used to test the effects on them of the agency version of the public service bargain held by the Conservative government of Stephen Harper (2006–2015). Most results were as expected: increasing politicization and prime ministerial influence added much complexity to the deputy minister’s job; and ministers’ political staffers acted as guardians of the agency bargain. However, the survey led to the observation of a decline in ministers’ powers and to the surprising increase of the parliamentary accountability of deputy ministers, as well as to some challenge to the concept of public service bargains.

Points for practitioners

It is a good idea to consider what the main components of the public service bargain are in any public workplace, that is, what expectations exist about duties, competencies, criteria of evaluation, rewards, and discipline for permanent employees and political staffers. Too strong an agency bargain creates confusion about responsibilities, accountability, and a culture of risk avoidance. Staffers should not disrupt the chain of command and should treat public servants with respect and courtesy.
The Discipline Gatekeeper: Assistant Principals’ Experiences With Managing School Discipline in Urban Middle Schools
Authors: Williams John A. , Lewis Chance , Starker Glass Tehia , Butler Bettie R. , Hoon Lim Jae
Published: February 2020

School discipline disparities for African American students in urban schools continue to be a topic of contention. While research has rightfully called into question the practices and preparation of teachers and principals, the role that assistant principals serve as disciplinary gatekeepers has gone relatively unnoticed in the literature. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of five assistant principals at two urban middle schools to ascertain how they addressed issues of race amid applying school discipline interventions for African American students. The findings are analyzed and discussed through a critical race theoretical framework.
History, Analytic Narratives, and the Rules-in-Equilibrium View of Institutions
Authors: Hédoin Cyril
Published: February 2020

Analytic narratives (ANs) are case studies of historical events and/or institutions that are formed by the combination of the narrative method characteristic of historical and historiographical works with analytic tools, especially game theory, traditionally used in economics and political science. The purpose of this article is to give a philosophy-of-science view of the relevance of analytical narratives for institutional analysis. The main claim is that the AN methodology is especially appealing in the context of a non-behaviorist and non-reductionist account of institutions. Such an account is fully compatible with the “rules-in-equilibrium” view of institutions. On this basis, two supporting claims are made: first, I argue that within analytical narrative, game-theoretic models play a key role in the identification of institutional mechanisms as the explanans for economic phenomena, the latter being irreducible to so-called “micro-foundations.” Second, I claim that the “rules-in-equilibrium” view of institutions provides justification for the importance given to non-observables in the institutional analysis. Hence, institutional analysis building on analytical narrative typically emphasizes the role of derived (i.e., nondirectly observed) intentional states (preferences, intentions, beliefs).
The Rohingya Refugee Crisis: A Time Bomb Waiting to Explode
Authors: Bari Shamsul
Published: February 2020

Nearly three years have passed since the influx of more than 700,000 Rohingya refugees from Myanmar into Bangladesh began in August 2017, but there is still no durable solution to their plight. Together with other Rohingya groups who came to Bangladesh at different periods, these million plus refugees now constitute the world's largest single refugee population. The latest influx comprises victims of what the UN and other international observers have termed 'genocide'. Bangladesh has so far managed to shelter the refugees with much difficulty and great sacrifice. However, serious tensions have continued to mount in the over-crowded camps, as have clashes with the local community. Unless Myanmar facilitates voluntary repatriation of the refugees soon, the situation is likely to get worse and engulf the whole region. Concerted international efforts are called for to ensure voluntary repatriation of the refugees which is the only viable solution for such large numbers.
Chinese adolescents’ belief in a just world and academic resilience: The mediating role of perceived academic competence
Authors: Liu Bingyu , Platow Michael J.
Published: February 2020

The current study examined the relationship between belief in a just world and self-reported academic resilience, and whether perceived academic competence mediated this relationship. Seven-hundred fifty-one students enrolled in a middle school and a high school (45.81% male, 15 to 16 years old) from two regions of China participated in this study. Structural equation modeling indicated that general belief in a just world was: (1) directly associated with academic resilience, and (2) indirectly associated with students’ academic resilience through perceived academic competence, after controlling for the effects of gender and socioeconomic status. This study provides insight into how broader social-ideological understandings of the world (e.g., belief in a just world) may guide individual self-construals (e.g., perceived academic competence) to affect individual persistence in the face of adversity (e.g., resilience). Implications and limitations of the current study are discussed.
Professionals on the road to contention: Social movement unionism in healthcare labour disputes across Europe
Authors: Szabó Imre G.
Published: February 2020

The recent upsurge in healthcare labour disputes across Europe signals a shift in the attitude of public service professionals towards contentious politics. However, the analysis of these events so far has neglected the specific dilemmas of contention among professionals. To fill this gap, the article builds on social movements theory and claims that to achieve success, professional organizations need to adjust the protest tactics of the labour movement along the three dimensions of targeting, framing and coordination. As an alternative to mass strikes, the targeted use of the protest repertoire minimizes the costs and maximizes the visibility of collective action. Framing around service quality links wage demands to wider justification themes that resonate with the public. Coordination across groups with different skill levels strengthens the effect of both targeting and framing. A comparative study of four healthcare campaigns in four countries (Denmark, Estonia, Hungary, Ireland) confirms the key role that these dimensions play.
Development Undone: Weber, Kafka and the Organisation of Supply-Side Vested Interests
Authors: Blunt Peter
Published: February 2020

Based on primary empirical evidence from six Asian countries at different stages of development, it is argued, first, that at the national point of delivery supply-side development assistance, organisations routinely behave in a manner that is antithetical to development, contradict their stated intentions and the principles of good governance that they claim to uphold (bureaucratic misrepresentation and anomie) and waste resources on technical ‘remedies’ that they know to be ineffective (bureaucratic misdirection); second, that these things are done to serve national and/or personal vested interests on the supply-side; third, that this can lead to internal conflict and alienation in supply-side organisations; fourth, that contrary to conventional wisdom, in many ways, supply-side behaviour mirrors the behaviour of vested interests on the demand-side and that they are mutually reinforcing; fifth, that Kafka’s notion of organisation explains such supply-side and demand-side behaviour much better than Weber’s does and sixth, that the dominance of neoliberal and Weberian thinking in our political and educational institutions and the Kafkaesque nature of development agencies at the national level make it likely that development in the interests of poor people by well-intentioned and well-informed technocrats will continue to be severely curtailed.

JEL: F35, F51, F54, F55 O19, O57, P48