bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Black K-Pop: Racial Surplus and Global Consumption
Authors: Kim Suk-Young
Published: May 2020

How can we account for the ideological stakes when the bodies of K-pop performers vicariously play out features of blackness? On the one hand, the performance of racial variants by K-pop idols and fans has functioned as a visual means of deconstructing racial purity in Koreans, but on the other hand, it has problematically internalized the view that divides races into an imagined order, which has plagued US society and politics.
When Neoliberalism and Patriarchy Conspire: Plastic Surgery in the South Korean Reality TV ShowLet Me In
Authors: Lee So-Rim
Published: May 2020

The South Korean reality TV show Let Me In uses visual storytelling conventions to situate its participants within heteronormative narrative tropes. Operating in an economy of shame that masks the gendered violence inflicted by patriarchy through a world-famous cosmetic surgery industry, Let Me In ironically proffers a possibility of reading cosmetic surgery as queer(ing).
A Mathematical Analysis of Memory Lifetime in a Simple Network Model of Memory
Authors: Helson Pascal
Published: May 2020

We study the learning of an external signal by a neural network and the time to forget it when this network is submitted to noise. The presentation of an external stimulus to the recurrent network of binary neurons may change the state of the synapses. Multiple presentations of a unique signal lead to its learning. Then, during the forgetting time, the presentation of other signals (noise) may also modify the synaptic weights. We construct an estimator of the initial signal using the synaptic currents and in this way define a probability of error. In our model, these synaptic currents evolve as Markov chains. We study the dynamics of these Markov chains and obtain a lower bound on the number of external stimuli that the network can receive before the initial signal is considered forgotten (probability of error above a given threshold). Our results are based on a finite-time analysis rather than large-time asymptotic. We finally present numerical illustrations of our results.
Heterogeneous Synaptic Weighting Improves Neural Coding in the Presence of Common Noise
Authors: Sachdeva Pratik S. , Livezey Jesse A. , DeWeese Michael R.
Published: May 2020

Simultaneous recordings from the cortex have revealed that neural activity is highly variable and that some variability is shared across neurons in a population. Further experimental work has demonstrated that the shared component of a neuronal population's variability is typically comparable to or larger than its private component. Meanwhile, an abundance of theoretical work has assessed the impact that shared variability has on a population code. For example, shared input noise is understood to have a detrimental impact on a neural population's coding fidelity. However, other contributions to variability, such as common noise, can also play a role in shaping correlated variability. We present a network of linear-nonlinear neurons in which we introduce a common noise input to model—for instance, variability resulting from upstream action potentials that are irrelevant to the task at hand. We show that by applying a heterogeneous set of synaptic weights to the neural inputs carrying the common noise, the network can improve its coding ability as measured by both Fisher information and Shannon mutual information, even in cases where this results in amplification of the common noise. With a broad and heterogeneous distribution of synaptic weights, a population of neurons can remove the harmful effects imposed by afferents that are uninformative about a stimulus. We demonstrate that some nonlinear networks benefit from weight diversification up to a certain population size, above which the drawbacks from amplified noise dominate over the benefits of diversification. We further characterize these benefits in terms of the relative strength of shared and private variability sources. Finally, we studied the asymptotic behavior of the mutual information and Fisher information analytically in our various networks as a function of population size. We find some surprising qualitative changes in the asymptotic behavior as we make seemingly minor changes in the synaptic weight distributions.
Minimal Spiking Neuron for Solving Multilabel Classification Tasks
Authors: Fil Jakub , Chu Dominique
Published: May 2020

The multispike tempotron (MST) is a powersul, single spiking neuron model that can solve complex supervised classification tasks. It is also internally complex, computationally expensive to evaluate, and unsuitable for neuromorphic hardware. Here we aim to understand whether it is possible to simplify the MST model while retaining its ability to learn and process information. To this end, we introduce a family of generalized neuron models (GNMs) that are a special case of the spike response model and much simpler and cheaper to simulate than the MST. We find that over a wide range of parameters, the GNM can learn at least as well as the MST does.

We identify the temporal autocorrelation of the membrane potential as the most important ingredient of the GNM that enables it to classify multiple spatiotemporal patterns. We also interpret the GNM as a chemical system, thus conceptually bridging computation by neural networks with molecular information processing. We conclude the letter by proposing alternative training approaches for the GNM, including error trace learning and error backpropagation.
Introducing Key Elements Regarding Access to Personal Data for Scientific Research in the Perspective of Developing Innovative Medicines
Authors: Herveg Jean , Altavilla Annagrazia
Published: May 2020

This article aims at opening discussions and promoting future research about key elements that should be taken into account when considering new ways to organise access to personal data for scientific research in the perspective of developing innovative medicines. It provides an overview of these key elements: the different ways of accessing data, the theory of the essential facilities, the Regulation on the Free Flow of Non-personal Data, the Directive on Open Data and the re-use of public sector information, and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) rules on accessing personal data for scientific research. In the perspective of fostering research, promoting innovative medicines, and having all the raw data centralised in big databases localised in Europe, we suggest to further investigate the possibility to find acceptable and balanced solutions with complete respect of fundamental rights, as well as for private life and data protection.
Participation in the World Health Organization
Authors: Solomon Steven A. , Nannini Claudia
Published: May 2020

Participation in the World Health Organization (WHO) is a multifaceted matter and should be understood as not only referring to the governance of WHO, but also to its scientific and technical work as well as its collaborative efforts towards advancing global public health more generally. The article is concerned, in particular, with the legal and political framework surrounding attendance and participation of states and various entities in the governing bodies of the Organization, at the global and regional level. It shows that participation in the governance of WHO is still today a domain reserved to the determination of its Member States. At the same time, solutions have been found and continued efforts are necessary to take into account geopolitical considerations and to ensure a meaningful and inclusive participation of all relevant actors in global health discussions.
Past and Future Work at the International Labour Organization
Authors: Novitz Tonia
Published: May 2020

This article analyses past and future work at the International Labour Organization (‘ILO’) with reference to the transformational analysis offered by Karl Polanyi, examining how constitutional statements made through ILO Declarations reflect countermovement to market dominance. These policy shifts at the ILO are also analysed in relation to the three pillars of sustainability (environmental, economic and social), which arguably map onto Polanyi’s three fictitious commodities (with a focus on labour as emblematic of social concerns). It is argued that the emphasis on social justice and sustainability in the 2019 ILO Global Commission Report, including the proposal for a Universal Labour Guarantee, provides significant resistance to the economic orthodoxy regarding the future of work promoted by the World Bank Group and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (‘OECD’). However, this narrative of ILO countermovement also exposes a lack of balanced regulation which requires more inclusive voice on the global stage.
Interactions between International Organizations
Authors: Gött Henner
Published: May 2020

Interactions between international organizations (‘IOs’) are a ubiquitous and multifaceted phenomenon in global governance, with labour governance being an important field of reference. Such inter-organizational interactions, defined as intended or accidental influence between IOs, can considerably affect the way in which the interacting IOs execute their respective mandates. Depending on the situation, inter-organizational interactions can increase IOs’ outreach and impact, but they can also dilute, divert or thwart their activities and their functioning.

Against this background, it is surprising that international legal scholarship has so far shown little interest in the legal dimensions of inter-organizational interactions. In consequence, many central aspects of the law governing such interactions still lay obscure. This article argues that there is a need for international lawyers to examine the phenomenon and the legal implications of inter-organizational interactions in a systematic manner. Using interactions between the International Labour Organization and the UN, the International Maritime Organization, the World Bank and the European Court of Human Rights as examples, this article explores the phenomenon of inter-organizational interactions, extrapolates these interactions’ variety, impact and normative ambivalence, and develops a legal scholarly perspective on them. In doing so, the article expounds the research agenda for a systematic legal analysis of inter-organizational interactions in labour governance and beyond.
A Public Law Perspective on Labour Governance by International Financial Institutions
Authors: Ebert Franz Christian
Published: May 2020

Over the last decades, international financial institutions (‘IFIs’) such as the International Monetary Fund (‘IMF’) or the World Bank have emerged as important actors in the area of labour governance. While the conditionality attached to IFI lending programmes is of particular importance in this regard, labour governance by IFIs transcends these well-known mechanisms. Through a variety of other governance instruments IFIs influence labour standards in their members’ territories far beyond the countries that are recipients of their financial support. This paper sheds light on the so far under-researched IMF Article IV Consultations by analysing how they impact labour standards at the domestic level. After providing an overview of the origins, scope, and the procedure of the Article IV Consultations, the paper shows that these have sometimes advocated far-reaching labour law reforms. The paper then employs the International Public Authority approach to better understand the legitimacy concerns created by these Consultations in terms of labour governance. With a view to addressing these concerns, the paper discusses avenues to strengthen the legal framework for the IMF’s Article IV Consultations in substantive and procedural terms.
A Second Century for What?
Authors: Maupain Francis
Published: May 2020

The question examined in this article is whether, as it engages in its second century, the ILO remarkable resilience will lead it to face the challenge of its “regulatory” raison d’être in a context where the uneven social impact of globalisation seems to make it more relevant than ever. The first part of the article deals with the ILO constitutional capacity to effectively discharge this regulatory function. The answer hinges on the dialectical interplay between the specific legitimacy arising of the ILO tripartite structure; its capacity to do so through persuasive ‘state centric’ means; and finally the tripartite willingness to discharge it. The second part discusses the likelihood of two possible regulatory ‘atrophy’ or ‘revival’ scenarios. The first may develop as a result of divergent motivations and interests among ILO constituents, and the trend towards its further integration into the UN through the 2030 SDG. The second may prevail as a result of the growing external pressure for a more equitable distribution of the benefits and constraints (including environmental) of global interdependence. This pressure needs to be met to spare disruptive consequences, and the ILO could help meet it—subject to a more imaginative and integrated use of its normative tools and of the ILC as a ‘real economy’ forum, to promote greater coherence in the pursuit of socio-economic-environmental commitments. It concludes by highlighting that the ILO offers a readily available regulatory potential which cannot be found elsewhere at the universal level; the centenary celebration could offers a unique opportunity to trigger the momentum necessary to optimise it—though it may not be the most likely outcome.
Life at Play
Authors: Qader Nasrin
Published: May 2020

Asef Soltanzadah is one of the most thought-provoking Afghan writers. His work, set exclusively during wartime, may be characterized by both seriousness and playfulness. To borrow Warren Motte’s words, “playing in earnest” is his literary signature. Yet, he occupies a marginal place within the institution of world literature not only because he writes in Persian but also because he is minimally translated and read. In this article, I turn to two of his short stories featuring a game of cards and kite flying, setting them into conversation with theories of play. I argue that by creating a space for play, Soltanzadah brings into visibility and reflects on the process, promise and risk of transforming mere life into life world within the time and space of war, challenging the theoretical framing of play in relation to the real world while questioning the possibility of worlding in the time of war.
Play and Learning?
Authors: WESTBROOK Fiona , HUNKIN Elise
Published: May 2020

The role of play in early childhood settings has become a global issue due to coordinated policy trends that privilege early learning, academic foci and formalised assessments amid a broader economic and investment agenda. This paper undertakes a critical discourse analysis of the Australian and New Zealand national early childhood curricula frameworks in order to examine the treatment of play and learning as they relate to one another. The analysis revealed that curriculum documents from both Australia and New Zealand drew on lifelong learning ideological frames to present a view of play as an activator of learning, where learning is interpreted as observable and recognisable academic processes. It was found that the agency attributed to the child in play and learning processes was central to how the role of the adult was interpreted, with implications for the play opportunities that children may encounter.
Visual Surplus of Seeing Play in ece: Beyond the Ontologic Trap?
Authors: WHITE E. Jayne
Published: May 2020

Play holds a precarious status in early childhood education curriculum and even more so in pedagogy. Misaligned with adult-ceatred discourses that seek to name and frame learning according to established curriculum ideals, the educators’ quest is to capture evidence of leaving in an ontologic trap that binds teachers in the service of the state and its priorities. Yet, an increasing body of dialogically inspired research seeks to suspend such authoritative strongholds by revealing the nuanced state of play that exceeds such framings. In this paper the dialogic notion of visual surplus is specifically exploited through the deployment of 360 degree footage filmed in an ece centre, and dialogues about what is seen, generated as part of a larger study. Through such excess playful encounters with and about young learners – often in spite of, not because of, well-meaning adult interventions – make a mockery of those claims that are made by adults through their play. Instead, a democratic agenda is set for play as a series of alteric as well as agentic events that lay bare the trap and attempt to escape it.
Zehneria monocarpa (Cucurbitaceae), a new species from the relicts of Kenya’s coastal forests

Authors: NGUMBAU VERONICAH MUTELE , NYANGE MWADIME , WEI NENG , MALOMBE ITAMBO , HU GUANG-WAN , WANG QING-FENG
Published: May 2020

Zehneria monocarpa (Cucurbitaceae), a new species from the fragmented lowland coastal forests of Kenya is described here and illustrated with photographs. It resembles Z. oligosperma and Z. longiflora, but can be distinguished by its solitary female flowers and fruits. Furthermore, the new species has 1–23 conspicuous dark green glands on the apex of the leaf and the inner part of its receptacle tube is entirely hairy.
Strobilanthes mcgregorii, a replacement name for S. medocris (Bremek.) Y.F. Deng (Acanthaceae)

Authors: DENG YUNFEI
Published: May 2020

When transferred Hemigraphis mediocris Bremekamp (1944: 107) to the genus Strobilanthes Blume (1826: 781, 796), I (Deng 2019) overlooked that the name Strobilanthes mediocris Benoist (1945: 8) has been used for another Malagasy species. According to the Art. 53.1 of International Code of Nomenclatural for Algae, Fungi and Plants (Shenzhen Code) (Turland et al. 2018), the name S. mediocris (Bremek.) Y.F. Deng is therefore a later illegitimate homonym and a replacement name is thus proposed below.
Effects of Different Hormone Concentrations on Callus Induction of Astragalus mongholicus Bunge
Authors: Zhao Ying , Zhao Ping , Luo Junjie , Tian Li , Tian Zhenji , Li Jingwen
Published: May 2020

A method of callus induction and subculture of Astragalus mongholicus was established. Different methods were used to sterilize seeds to induce sterile seedlings. The different parts of plants and Astragalus aseptic seedlings were used for the explants, different concentrations
of auxin NAA and Cytokinin BAP were used in MS medium to induce callus, and then the callus with better growth condition was selected for secondary culture. Results showed that the browning phenomenon in the secondary culture was inhibited and the best disinfectant was mercuric chloride. The
germination rate of seeds treated with 75% ethanol for 40 s, 1.5% NaCl for 20 minutes, and 0.1% HgCl2 for 3 minutes can reach up to 66.2%. The hypocotyls of sterile seedlings as explants were the best way to induce callus. The induction rate was close to 100% when 0.5 mg/L BAP and
0.15 mg/L of NAA and 0.01 mg/L of nano-TiO2 were added to MS medium. Besides, Nano-TiO2 can effectively prevent bacterial contamination of MS medium. Cotyledons, induced by cotyledon as explants, showed the most severe browning. Therefore, the best hormone combination
of Astragalus subculture was 1.0 mg/L BAP, 1.5 mg/L NAA and 0.01 mg/L nano-TiO2 .
Advances in Fully Automated Nucleic Acid Extraction System Based on Magnetic Nanobeads
Authors: Chen Zhu , Xiao Changhu , Tang Manling , Xu Yuyue , He Ziyu , Hou Yujing , Luo Xueming , Li Wen , Deng Yan , Li Song
Published: May 2020

Using magnetic nanobeads (MNBs) to extract nucleic acids is an efficient, inexpensive, easy automation, high throughput and good repeatability, instead of the traditional nucleic acid extraction (NAE) methods. Advances in fully automated MNBs-based nucleic acid extraction systems (MNAES)
can push the frontiers of point-of-care testing (POCT) devices towards low-cost, automation, and enhanced accuracy molecular-level diagnostics. So, this paper introduces the pipettingbased MNAES with position of magnetic separation kit or tip, and based on magnetic bar MNAES with blending
manner is shock or rotation. Further, advantages and disadvantages of various MNAES are compared. We envisage that the future trend in molecular diagnosis and monitoring will be facilitation, intelligent, miniaturization, and high throughput MNAES with sample-in-answer-out capability.
The Efficacy of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells (ADSCs) on Chronic Kidney Disease in Dogs
Authors: Zhu Mengling , Lai Xiaoyun , Wen Yixin , Zhang Haibin
Published: May 2020

To investigate the therapeutic effect of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) on chronic kidney disease (CKD) in dogs, blood routine examination, urine protein quantitative test, renal function test, urine sediment staining microscopy and B-ultrasonic test of kidney were used to compare
the treatment of chronic kidney disease in dogs treated with three different therapies (NT treatment group: traditional supportive therapy group; MT1 treatment group: ADSCs treatment group; MT2 treatment group: NT mixed MT1 treatment group). Results showed that the numbers of red blood cells
(RBC), hemoglobin (HGB) and hematocrit (HCT) in MT1 and MT2 treatment groups were higher than those in the NT group, and the urine protein excretion and the levels of serum urea and creatinine in MT1 and MT2 treatment groups were lower than those in the NT treatment group. Besides, there was
no further deterioration of kidney morphology in MT1 and MT2 treatment groups. However, a large number of renal tubular epithelial cells and epithelial casts were observed in NT treatment group, while only a small number of renal tubular epithelial cells were observed in MT1 and MT2 treatment
groups, indicating the intravenous injection of ADSCs can significantly improve the physical signs and renal function of dogs with CKD, and combined with the traditional therapy, ADSCs has a good prospect for the treatment of CKD in dogs.
Stromal Vascular Fraction and Platelet-Rich Plasma Upregulate Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression to Promote Hair Growth via the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Liu Yarui , Jiang Jindou , Ye Yuan , Li Zhehao , Tan Meijun , Zou Jingjiang , Hu Kuikui
Published: May 2020

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a hair loss disease. At present, use of the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are thought to be the novel, safe, and effective treatment options of AGA, but the mechanism by which SVF and PRP promote hair growth is unclear.
Here, we investigated the mechanism underlying the effects of SVF and PRP on hair growth by in vitro culture and in vivo modeling. SVF and PRP promoted hair growth, as was evident from the observation and counting of hair on the back skin of nude mice using ImageJ software. SVF
and PRP promoted hair growth, and SVF worked better. We performed nucleic acid extraction with nanomagnetic beads, and the protein levels were extracted with a bicinchoninic acid protein assay kit. The results of western blot analysis and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) showed
that both SVF and PRP promoted the expression of anti-apoptotic genes. The effect of SVF was better than that of PRP. The results of EdU and hematoxylin and eosin staining showed that SVF and PRP induced the proliferation of hair follicle cells. SVF exerted better effects on the proliferation
of hair follicle cells than PRP. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) results showed that the expression of the proteins associated with the Wnt/β-catenin process, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), alkaline phosphatase
(ALP), Wnt10b, and β-catenin, significantly increased in the SVF-treated and PRP-treated dermal/epidermal cells as compared with the control cells. Therefore, SVF and PRP increased the expression of VEGF and PDGF through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to promote
hair growth. The effect of SVF on dermal cells/epidermal cells was stronger than that of PRP, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).
Application of Serum Thymidine Kinase-1 in Cancer Risk Detection in Healthy Population
Authors: Xiao Jihong , Zhao Yufei , Zhang Chun
Published: May 2020

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the application of serum thymidine kinase 1 (STK1) in cancer risk detection in health general investigation. Using the method of dot-blot immunofluorescence enhancement, the data of STK1 of 12600 people were selected, and were carried out simultaneously
with routine physical examination items. The results showed that the positive rate of STK1 (STK1> 2 pmol/L) was 2.10% with 2 pmol/L as the threshold, and the positive rates of male and female were 2.01% and 2.19%, respectively. There was no significant difference between male and female
(χ2 = 0.46, P > 0.05). Compared with other age groups, both male and female between 40–59 years old had the highest detection rate in the age group of STK1 elevation, and twelve cases of malignant tumors were detected in the group of STK1 elevation, accounting
for 4.55%. Compared with the normal group, it has significant significance. In the cases of benign tumors/cell dysplasia, 2194 cases detected were in normal group (17.78%) and 120 cases were in elevated group (45.45%). There was significant difference between normal group and elevated group
(χ2 = 74.44, P < 0.01). There was no significant difference between the normal group and the elevated group in inflammatory, viral, fatty liver disease, other diseases and no special clinical conditions (P > 0.05). In the screening of cancer risk of
general health investigation, STK1 can be applied to truly evaluate the abnormal proliferation of cells in vivo, and to screen a variety of tumors. It is suitable for early cancer risk screening of physical examination population.
Coordination-Driven Self-Assembled Ag2S Quantum Dots/Polymer Composite Film and Fluorescence Sensing to Benzaldehyde
Authors: Liu Jing , Bai Zhuangwei , Wang Shan , Zhang Fang , Huan Ruirui , Zeng Xingguo , Liu Ting , Shen Lihua
Published: May 2020

A novel sensor based on Ag2S/chitosan films was prepared via a coordination-driven self-assembled method. Experiments demonstrated that Ag2S was inert to chitosan film. Structural, and sensing property studies were realized by FTIR, DSC, SEM, and fluorescence analysis.
DSC showed good crystallization after manipulation, showing that the Ag2S QDs were uniformly distributed in the film, leading to a good fluorescence property. The fluorescence of the films was selective to benzaldehyde. The linear detection on benzaldehyde concentration by the fluorescence
method can be established was from 0 to 108 mg/L. The films could be quenched because of the electron transfer between benzaldehyde and Ag2S QDs. It would therefore be developed as an optical sensor.
The Role of Adipokines in the Development of Arterial Stiffness and Hypertension
Authors: Bielecka-Dabrowa Agata , Bartlomiejczyk Marcin A. , Sakowicz Agata , Maciejewski Marek , Banach Maciej
Published: May 2020

The study aimed to assess the role and the relationship of adipokines as well as parameters of arterial stiffness in newly diagnosed hypertension. Forty-nine newly diagnosed hypertensive cases (median age 47 ± 6 years) and 48 normotensive patients (median age 47 ± 6 years) were enrolled to this study. Patients underwent echocardiography, noninvasive assessment of hemodynamic parameters using SphygmoCor tonometer (Atcor Med). The levels of the adipokines—leptin, adiponectin, and resistin—were investigated. The augmentation pressure, augmentation index, and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were higher in patients with hypertension compared with controls ( Ps < .05). Patients with hypertension had higher E/ E′ ratio, higher diameter of left atrium, and lower tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion compared with the control group ( Ps < .05). Patients with hypertension had significant higher levels of leptin (ng/mL) and lower levels of adiponectin (μg/mL) compared with normotensive patients. The multivariate analysis showed that PWV (odds ratio [OR] 1.95, 95% CI, 1.2-2.9; P = .002) and leptin level (OR 1.01, 95% CI, 1.004-1.031; P = .01) were significantly associated with hypertension. Arterial stiffness as determined by PWV and leptin are associated with newly diagnosed hypertension. Elevated serum leptin level may influence the potential mechanism leading to sympathetic activation.
Intraoral Microbial Metabolism and Association with Host Taste Perception
Authors: Gardner A. , So P.W. , Carpenter G.H.
Published: May 2020

Metabolomics has been identified as a means of functionally assessing the net biological activity of a particular microbial community. Considering the oral microbiome, such an approach remains largely underused. While the current knowledge of the oral microbiome is constantly expanding, there are several deficits in knowledge particularly relating to their interactions with their host. This work uses nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to investigate metabolic differences between oral microbial metabolism of endogenous (i.e., salivary protein) and exogenous (i.e., dietary carbohydrates) substrates. It also investigated whether microbial generation of different metabolites may be associated with host taste perception. This work found that in the absence of exogenous substrate, oral bacteria readily catabolize salivary protein and generate metabolic profiles similar to those seen in vivo. Important metabolites such as acetate, butyrate, and propionate are generated at relatively high concentrations. Higher concentrations of metabolites were generated by tongue biofilm compared to planktonic salivary bacteria. Thus, as has been postulated, metabolite production in proximity to taste receptors could reach relatively high concentrations. In the presence of 0.25 M exogenous sucrose, increased catabolism was observed with increased concentrations of a range of metabolites relating to glycolysis (lactate, pyruvate, succinate). Additional pyruvate-derived molecules such as acetoin and alanine were also increased. Furthermore, there was evidence that individual taste sensitivity to sucrose was related to differences in the metabolic fate of sucrose in the mouth. High-sensitivity perceivers appeared more inclined toward continual citric acid cycle activity postsucrose, whereas low-sensitivity perceivers had a more efficient conversion of pyruvate to lactate. This work collectively indicates that the oral microbiome exists in a complex balance with the host, with fluctuating metabolic activity depending on nutrient availability. There is preliminary evidence of an association between host behavior (sweet taste perception) and oral catabolism of sugar.
Comparing Compassionate Love and Empathy as Predictors of Transgression-General and Transgression-Specific Forgiveness
Authors: Kim Jichan Jay , Kaplan Hannah Marie , Oliver Mary Jo , Whitmoyer Nicole Shiree
Published: May 2020

For Christians, forgiveness is exhibiting Christlike love even when it seems impossible for the amount pain that the other has caused in the forgiver. However, empirical studies on the relationships between other-focused love and forgiveness are scarce. In this study, we explored the relationships between other-focused love, empathy, and forgiveness among Christian college students. Using the data from 263 students from a large private Christian university in Central Virginia, bivariate correlations between two types of forgiveness, compassionate love, and empathy were computed, and the contribution of demographic variables, compassionate love, and empathy to the prediction of transgression-general and transgression-specific forgiveness was examined using three-block multiple regression analyses. Compassionate love had significant positive associations with both transgression-general and transgression-specific forgiveness, and compassionate love predicted both types of forgiveness after controlling for age, gender, and empathy.
Epithelial Alteration Associated With Recovery From Laryngeal Squamous Metaplasia in Rats: Kinetics of Recovery From a Test Item-Related Change
Authors: Macri Nicholas P. , Keenan Charlotte M. , Hoffman Gary M. , Cracknell Stuart , Schofield Mike , Bond Andrew
Published: May 2020

Squamous metaplasia is a nonspecific adaptive response to chronic irritation in the larynx and is often diagnosed as a test item-related change in rat inhalation studies. Investigating scientists are frequently asked to assess the adversity of laryngeal squamous metaplasia and to interpret its relevance to human risk. One factor in predicting relevance to human risk is the kinetics (degree and speed) of recovery following the cessation of exposure to the test item. Most reports describing recovery from squamous metaplasia in the rat larynx discuss the more severe end of the spectrum of metaplastic change (moderate to severe) and include relatively long (6 weeks or more) recovery periods. We conducted 2 studies to evaluate the toxicity and recovery from any potential effects of 4-(Chloro-2-methylphenoxy) butyric (MCPB) acid, a herbicide, when administered by inhalation to young male Sprague Dawley rats for 3 to 4 weeks. The studies resulted in minimal to moderate laryngeal squamous metaplasia for which we describe the kinetics of recovery over 1 to 4 weeks. We found that the microscopic change epithelial alteration, which is normally considered to be a precursor in the development of squamous metaplasia, can occur as a transitional stage between squamous and normal epithelium during recovery.
The Quality of Reporting Raises Questions on the Experimental Validity of Animal Studies Conducted in India and Sri Lanka: Preliminary Analysis of a Systematic Survey
Authors: Singh Vijay Pal , Jain Ayushi , Gupta Shubhra , Vijayakumar Manudharshy , Pratap Kunal , Maheshwari Deepanshu , Thoradeniya Tharanga
Published: May 2020

The quality of animal experiments in terms of appropriate reporting is a concern, particularly with regard to their validity and the recording of the measures taken to reduce various types of bias. A systematic survey of 1371 and 236 publications from India and Sri Lanka, respectively, which were published between 1905 and 2017 and indexed in NCBI-PubMed, Cinhal, MEDLINE and Scopus, was carried out. The level of detail in the descriptions of animals used and the measures taken to reduce bias were analysed in each article. Selected parameters from the Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments (ARRIVE) guidelines, such as age, weight, sex, sample size calculation, blinding and randomisation were considered. The findings revealed poor reporting standards in animal experiments carried out in India and Sri Lanka, confirming the limited impact of the ARRIVE guidelines. These findings emphasise the urgent need for improvements in the peer review process, both prior to a study being set up and in the post-study reporting phase, and for more stringent adherence to the ARRIVE guidelines in the reporting of animal experiments.
Impermanence in relationships: Trait mindfulness attenuates the negative personal consequences of everyday dips in relationship satisfaction
Authors: Don Brian P. , Algoe Sara B.
Published: May 2020

Satisfying intimate relationships are crucial to human health and well-being. Yet even the best relationships include good days and bad ones, and when people experience bad days in terms of relationship satisfaction, it tends to undermine personal well-being. What can reduce the extent to which bad relational days spill over into personal well-being? Based on the Buddhist concept of impermanence, as well as modern theory and research examining mindfulness, we argue trait mindfulness renders people more aware and accepting of all forms of change, including to changes in their relationships. As such, we hypothesized that people with greater trait mindfulness would be less likely to experience decrements in personal well-being on days in which they experienced dips in relationship satisfaction. In a daily study of 80 couples across 14 days ( N = 1,798 observations), people experienced lower life satisfaction, greater negative emotions, and fewer positive emotions on days when they reported lower than their average relationship satisfaction, but this association was attenuated for people high in mindfulness. These results suggest trait mindfulness partially buffers the negative consequences of daily dips in relationship satisfaction.
Parental Status in Treatment Decision Making among Women with Nonmetastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Jewett Patricia I. , Vogel Rachel I. , Schroeder Mary C. , Neuner Joan M. , Blaes Anne H.
Published: May 2020

Background. Having dependent children may affect cancer treatment decisions. We sought to describe women’s surgery and chemotherapy decisions in nonmetastatic breast cancer by parental status. Methods. We conducted a secondary analysis of the 2015 cross-sectional Share Thoughts on Breast Cancer Study, conducted in 7 Midwestern states in the United States, restricted to women of prime parenting age (aged 20–50 years) who consented to the use of their medical records ( N = 225). We examined treatment decisions using data visualization and logistic regression (adjusted for age, stage, family history of breast cancer, income, education, race, health insurance, and partner status). Results. Women with dependent children received bilateral mastectomy more often than women without dependent children (adjusted odds ratio 3.09, 95% confidence interval 1.44–6.62).We found no differences in the receipt of chemotherapy by parental status. Women reported more active roles in surgery than in chemotherapy decision making. Conclusions. As a likely factor in cancer treatment decisions, parental status should be addressed in clinical practice and research. Future research should assess patients’ sense of ownership in treatment decision making by treatment type.
Emergence and Spread of Exchange Centres in Early Medieval Western India
Authors: Gupta Geetika
Published: May 2020

The present article basically seeks to look into the emergence and spread of exchange centres, popularly known as maṇḍapikās and haṭṭas, in western India during the early medieval period (c. 600–1300 ce). Large-scale land grants, introduction of better means of irrigational facilities such as araghaṭṭa and vāpī acted as catalyst for the growth of agrarian economy, leading to the availability of marketable surplus. All this altogether led to dynamic upsurge in trading activities, ultimately providing a favourable ground for the rise of exchange centres in different parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat. Political initiative by the rulers, rise of temple economy, organisation of fairs and festivals and the spatial context of an exchange centre were enabling factors. Merchants and merchant groups also in their capacity played a crucial role in the growth of exchange centres during this period.
Physico-mechanical, thermal, and tribological studies of polytetrafluoroethylene-filled polyoxymethylene/silicone composites
Authors: Gowda MR Shankare , Hemavathi AB , Srinivas S , Santhosh G , Siddaramaiah Hatna
Published: May 2020

Polyoxymethylene (POM)-based composites with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) filler and silicone gum have been prepared by melt extrusion to enhance the wear resistance and friction lubrication of POM without compromising the other desired properties such as modulus, toughness/impact strength, notch insensitivity, and thermal stability. The compounded material was injection molded to prepare test specimens, and their physico-mechanical properties were evaluated. In addition, thermal and tribological characteristics of the composites were also studied. The addition of silicone into POM/PTFE composites could enhance the formation of stable transfer film on the mating surface during sliding contact, thus improving the friction and wear performance, as silicone forms synergistic mixture with PTFE. It was found that the tensile, flexural, and notched impact strength remained almost constant for all the formulations. The use of PTFE improved the unnotched impact strength (from 35.5 to 42.9 kJ m−2). The toughening effect can be attributed to the dissipation of impact energy through soft PTFE and ductile silicone phase. Differential scanning calorimeter results revealed that there are no negative effects on POM crystallinity due to the presence of PTFE and silicone. The wear behavior of composites has been investigated under dry sliding conditions at different normal loads and sliding velocities at room temperature. The POM/PTFE/silicone (90/8/2 wt/wt%) formulation exhibits better wear-resistant behavior in the present study.
Low back pain in athletes can be controlled with acupuncture by a catecholaminergic pathway: clinical trial
Authors: Arriaga-Pizano Lourdes , Gómez-Jiménez Daniel Cuauhtémoc , Flores-Mejía Luis Angel , Pérez-Cervera Yobana , Solórzano-Mata Carlos Josué , López-Macías Constantino , Isibasi Armando , Torres-Rosas Rafael
Published: May 2020

Background:

Activation of the sympathetic nervous system attenuates inflammation via catecholamines. Recent evidence has shown that electroacupuncture (EA) activates neuronal networks involved in the release of dopamine and norepinephrine that control systemic inflammation. In muscle, catecholamines are related to cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). This signaling molecule has been implicated in recovery from sustained contractile activity, which may induce muscular pain, such as that which occurs during low back pain (LBP).

Objective:

Our aim was to evaluate the effects of EA used for the control of LBP on the activation of the sympathetic nervous system in a randomized controlled clinical trial in athletes.

Methods:

Two groups of athletes with acute or chronic low back pain were studied. EA, sham EA and pharmacological treatment (diclofenac sodium) were evaluated. The outcome measures included a pain score represented by a visual analogue scale (VAS) and serum levels of catecholamines quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In addition, blood was collected into chilled heparin tubes, placed in 96-well cell culture plates and incubated with an equal volume of Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI) medium, with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) alone or with catecholamines. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels in the supernatants were analyzed.

Results:

The results indicated that the initial pain ratings did not differ between the groups analyzed. EA induced epinephrine secretion but not norepinephrine or dopamine secretion. Although EA and pharmacological treatment did not differ in terms of pain relief, in vitro epinephrine and norepinephrine reduced TNF-α production in response to LPS stimuli.

Conclusion:

EA activates the sympathetic nervous system and induces the release of epinephrine, which could ameliorate inflammation and protect muscular tissue in addition to relieving pain.
Establishment and verification of theoretical model for forming design of balanced curved rubber hose
Authors: Hua Gao , Changgeng Shuai , Guomin Xu
Published: May 2020

This article focuses on the establishment of theoretical model for the formation of balanced curved rubber hose under pressure. According to the rotation angle of the cord along the axial direction in the curved rubber hose is the same as that in the straight hose before forming, the theoretical model of the straight hose length was established. Then based on the thin shell theory without considering bending moments and shear force, and considering the deformation characteristics of the rope structure and the mechanical equilibrium angle of the hose, the theoretical model of the balance performance was established. According to the theoretical model, the influence of structural parameters of curved hose on the length of the straight hose and the balance performance of hose was studied. Eventually, the finite element model was established to simulate the deformation process of the curved hose. Based on the calculation results of the theoretical and simulation model, the experiment of forming and balance performance of the curved hose was carried out. The experimental results are in good agreement with the theoretical and simulation model.
Innovation and Economic Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa: Why Institutions Matter? An Empirical Study Aross 37 Countries
Authors: Bekana Dejene Mamo
Published: May 2020

Based on empirical panel data for a sample of 37 sub-Saharan African economies for 1996–2016, this inquiry examines the extent to which institutional quality explains the existing cross-country difference in economic performance in sub-Saharan Africa. While most of the existing studies focus only on the direct effect of institutional quality, this article investigates the direct and indirect effects of institutions. It also reflects on impact of the interaction between institutional quality and innovation on economic growth in developing countries. The evidence provides very strong support for the direct effect of institutional quality development on economic performance as well as for its indirect effect via its impact on innovation. However, the results do not support theories that argue in favour of interaction between institutional quality such as democracy, governance quality and innovation, thereby pointing to the need for better calibration of the numerous existing theoretical postulations and related empirical measures.

JEL: D70, D72, O15, O30, O31, O55
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Pandemic: Information Sources Channels for the Public Health Awareness
Authors: Ali Muhammad Yousuf , Bhatti Rubina
Published: May 2020

The main purpose of this paper is to highlight the important information sources of the Public Health awareness used by the library and information sources in this Pandemic situation. Social distancing phase Information professional used a different medium to connect with their patron and try to serve the best manner. The role of the information professional in health information and health literacy is very vital. Information professional public health awareness information with the library patrons and the general public. In this paper, the researchers provide a brief introduction to different information channel support in information dissemination.
Hidden Carcinoma: Pitfalls in the Diagnosis of Lymphoepithelioma-Like Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Mostyka Maria , Birch Meaghan M. , Samstein Benjamin , Pittman Meredith E.
Published: May 2020

Lymphoepithelioma-like intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is a rare variant of cholangiocarcinoma that is associated with the Epstein-Barr virus. The intimate relationship between the malignant epithelial cells and the numerous lymphoid cells can make the diagnosis challenging on limited tissue samples. We present 2 cases in which the presence of a dense hematolymphoid infiltrate served to mask the diagnosis of carcinoma on initial frozen section and biopsy review, respectively. We bring awareness to this potential diagnostic pitfall and offer morphologic and immunohistochemical clues that may aid in recognition of this unusual and sometimes perplexing carcinoma.