bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Political Openings: Class Struggle During and After the Pandemic
Authors: Gindin Sam
Published: December 2020

Capitalism’s sustained failures to address popular needs, hopes, and fears have led to a delegitimation of state institutions and mainstream political parties. The crisis is consequently not primarily economic but social and political. The pandemic further exposed capitalism’s social irrationalities, intimated how unprepared we were for the much larger environmental pandemic to come, and generated a new level of empathy for the value of frontline workers and the workplace health risks they are exposed to. Building on these openings requires identifying a few key demands around which to unify fragmented social movements; acquiring new understandings; placing larger issues of property rights and democracy on the agenda; and creating workplace, local, and national organizations with the capacity to realize substantive change. The strategic demands the article suggests and elaborates are an emergency wealth tax, conversion of industrial capacity for environmental reconstruction, and the strengthening of unions as a social force.
Predictive Factors of Death on Hospitalization in Patients With Advanced Cancer in Palliative Care
Authors: Rosa Karla Santos da Costa , Cypriano Raphael de Paiva , Albuquerque Nathália Masiero , de Oliveira Livia Costa
Published: December 2020

Background:

Prognostic assessment is essential to plan the care of patients with advanced cancer in palliative care.

Objective:

Thus, this study aims to assess the predictors of death in inpatients with advanced cancer in palliative care.

Methods:

This is a clinical, observational cohort study with patients aged >20 years, of both genders, evaluated within 48 hours of the first hospitalization. The independent variables were tumor location, nutritional risk [through the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) short form], laboratory tests [C-reactive protein and albumin] and Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS). Logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results:

Eighty-two patients were evaluated, whose mean age was 61.8 (± 13.2) years. Forty-nine (59.8%) patients died during hospitalization, among which the majority had KPS of 30-40% (p-value = 0.043), higher means of the total score of the PG-SGA (p-value = 0.050) and lower serum albumin concentrations (p-value = 0.011). According to the multivariate model, tumor location in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract (OR: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.57-1.94), 30-40% KPS (OR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.07-1.63) and albumin concentrations <3.5 g/dL (OR: 4.65; 95% CI: 1.22-17.7) were independent factors associated with an increased chance of death from hospitalization.

Conclusion:

Presenting an advanced tumor with localization in the GI tract, KPS ≤40% and serum albumin concentration <3.5 g/dL at admission were predictors of death in inpatients under palliative care.
Substance Use and Sports- or Physical Activity-Related Concussions Among High School Students
Authors: DePadilla Lara , Miller Gabrielle F. , Jones Sherry Everett , Breiding Matthew J.
Published: December 2020

History of concussion is associated with substance use. Data from the 2017 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey ( N = 14,765) were used in this study to examine associations between sports- or physical activity–related concussions and current cigarette, alcohol, and marijuana use among high school students, and whether other factors moderate those associations. In addition to having played on a sports team, potential moderators examined included persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, hours of sleep, and serious difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions. The association between sports- or physical activity-related concussions and current cigarette, alcohol, and marijuana use was significant when controlling for sex, grade, and race/ethnicity and the potential moderators with the exception of cigarette smoking while controlling for hours of sleep. Those involved in the care of high school students after a concussion may consider assessing current cigarette, alcohol, and marijuana use.
Optimization of flaxseed milk fermentation for the production of functional peptides and estimation of their bioactivities
Authors: Sharma Poorva , Sharma Deepansh , Kaur Sawinder , Borah Anjan
Published: December 2020

Bioactive peptides are protein fragments which have a positive impact on the functions and conditions of living organisms. Apart from other animal and plant sources flaxseed is an excellent source of bioactive peptides. In recent years, fermentation has been explored as effective way for bioactive peptides generation. Hence, the present study has been carried out to evaluate an indigenous Lactobacillus plantarum strain NCDC 374 for fermentation and peptides generation in flaxseed milk. Optimization of fermentation condition to obtain maximum functional properties (Proteolytic activity, Antioxidant activity and ACE inhibition %) was investigated using response surface methodology. Optimal condition to produce the functional peptides were found to be 4.20% inoculum size with 126 hours of fermentation time. The fermented milk resulted in 67.38% inhibition in DPPH, 41.35% inhibition in ACE and 30.38 micro gram leucine/ml proteolytic activity. Molecular weight cut off membrane (Viva spin) were used to fractionate the peptides. 10 kDa peptides showed optimal results for % DPPH inhibition, ACE inhibition, Antimicrobial activity and DPP-IV inhibition as compared to 5 kDa.
Highly parallel boundary element method for solving extremely large, wide-area power-line models
Authors: Adelman Ross
Published: December 2020

The electric and magnetic fields around power lines carry an immense amount of information about the power grid and can be used to improve stability, balance loads, conserve power, and reduce outages. To study this, an extremely large model of transmission lines over a 70-km2 tract of land near Washington, DC, has been built. The terrain was modeled accurately using 1-m-resolution LIDAR data. The 140-million-element power-line model was solved using the boundary element method, and the solvers were parallelized across DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory’s Centennial supercomputer using a modified version of the domain decomposition method. The code on each node was accelerated using the fast multipole method and, when available, GPUs. Additionally, larger test models were used to characterize the scalability of the code. The largest test model had 10,010,944,000 elements, and was solved on 1,024 nodes in 4.3 hours.
Symptom Science: Omics and Response to Non-Pharmacological Interventions
Authors: Wagner Monica A. , Wesmiller Susan W. , Maydick Meaghan , Gawron Lisa M. , Peterson-Burch Frances M. , Conley Yvette P.
Published: December 2020

Incorporating omics into non-pharmacological intervention research design could provide a better understanding of the variability in response to these interventions. It would also provide evidence for precision-based non-pharmacological interventions, including interventions focused on symptoms. The purpose of this manuscript was to present examples of studies that have used omics to examine response to non-pharmacological intervention. Using the interventions of exercise, diet (related to obesity), cognitive based therapy, and alternative mind-body practices (meditation, yoga, and tai chi), PubMed was searched to identify studies that incorporated genomic or other omic approaches as part of a non-pharmacological intervention. The review identified genes associated with the effectiveness of each of the interventions. Although there were no genes that were associated with all four interventions, there were nine genes that were the focus of more than one intervention ( ACE, BDNF, COMT, CXCL8, IL6, SL6A4, TNF, GSTM1, PTGER3). All nine of these genes were either directly or indirectly biologically related to one another, suggesting that this cadre of genes could serve as an initiation point for investigations using omic approaches to better understand response to non-pharmacological interventions.
Social Resilience in the Labour Market: Learning from Young Adults with Visual Impairments in Oslo and Delhi
Authors: Chhabra Gagan
Published: December 2020

Globally, young adults with visual impairments (YAVI) encounter multiple employment barriers. However, many circumscribe the risk of labour market exclusion and secure gainful employment. This article surfaces protective factors that enable some qualified YAVI from Oslo and Delhi to participate in the labour market. It answers what similar individual and structural protective factors enable YAVI to overcome employment barriers in Oslo and Delhi. The article is theoretically couched in the three dimensions of social resilience linked to the individual’s coping, adaptive and transformative capacities, which are mediated by formal institutions, that is, disability organizations and public employment agencies. This comparative article is based on a qualitative case study wherein 29 YAVI were interviewed. It sparks a much-needed cross-national dialogue within youth studies and disability research to view YAVI as resourceful agents and not passive actors.
Severe persistent placoid maculopathy: Atypical presentation in a young male
Authors: da Fonsêca Maria Luisa Gois , Afonso Vivian , Bordon Arnaldo Furman , Vianna Raul Nunes Galvarro
Published: December 2020

Introduction:

Persistent placoid maculopathy (PPM) is a rare entity that preferably affects males in the age range between 50 and 60 years, but cases at a young age have already been reported. In the latter, the initial symptoms are usually unilateral, without severely decreased visual acuity and anterior segment inflammation.

Case report:

We report a case of PPM with anterior segment inflammation in a young male.

Discussion:

Considering the rarity of this illness, the report of an unusual presentation in a young male can aid in the recognition of future cases of PPM.
The effect of varus stem placement on joint offset during total hip arthroplasty: a virtual study
Authors: Xu Joshua , Pierrepont Jim , Madurawe Chameka , Shimmin Andrew , Bruce Warwick
Published: December 2020

Introduction and aims:

With total hip replacement (THR), varus alignment of an uncemented stem will increase offset which can have significant detrimental effects on muscular balance, leg length and overall satisfaction. Thus, we used 3D planning software to determine the change in joint offset with increasing varus stem placement.

Methods:

Eight patients undergoing THR had routine computed tomography (CT) scans to allow for 3D hip planning. Each set of CTs was templated with a straight stem and an uncemented acetabular cup. Initial templating was performed to reproduce native leg length and offset. The templated stem was then rotated into varus at 1° intervals, up to 6° varus while offset changes for all varus positions were noted. This was repeated for each of 3 neck angles, 125°, 135° and 135° lateral and for each stem sizes 1, 3, 5 and 7.

Results:

Overall, there was a mean 1.5 mm increase in offset for every 1° of varus. The stems with a 125° neck angle had the greatest increase in mean offset at 1.6 mm for every 1° of varus. The stem neck angles of 135° lateral offset and 135° standard offset, had a mean increase in offset of 1.5 mm and 1.4 mm respectively for every 1° of varus. A greater mean increase in offset for every 1° of varus was observed with increasing stem size.

Conclusions:

We have quantified the relationship between alignment and offset with every 1° of varus placement increasing hip offset for straight stems by 1.5 mm. This can be used as a guide for surgeons during THR so that they have a better quantitative understanding of how varus placement of the stem affects the hip offset.
Situation report on indigeneity and education in India: retelling the Sabar story
Authors: Sinha Pallawi
Published: December 2020

This situation report centres on the inequalities confronted by Indigenous communities of India before centring on one “particularly-vulnerable tribal group” to show how this influences their participation in, and negotiation of, formal systems of education. Adivasis (literally, First Inhabitants, or Indigenous peoples) constitute over 8.6 million people of India’s population but remain invisibilised from conversations that concern them. The report thus seeks to emphasise the marginalised voice of the Hill Sabar peoples of Jharkhand, India, with a particular focus on their ways of “being,” “knowing” and “doing.” The situation report outlines insights into Sabar communities’ concepts, practices, perspectives and priorities of education underscored by their educational realities, ways of teaching and learning, and everyday accomplishments of Sabar education. Discussions then briefly centre on the significance of acknowledging “difference” in education and research; the ecology of education, engendering “new” ecologies of learning; and how Sabar knowledges may shape postcolonial, posthuman pedagogies.
Effects of wedge curvature on performances of foil thrust bearing and the profile design in compressor system
Authors: Li Hao , Geng Haipeng , Qi Lei , Gan Lu
Published: December 2020

Foil thrust bearings have attracted considerable attention in small-sized turbo machines with its excellent stability, high compliance, temperature durability. Geometric structure play an important role on the performance of foil thrust bearings. However, the current research on the structure mainly focuses on the underlying foil type, such as bump foil, protuberant bump. In fact, the foil profile, especially in the convergent region has significant influence. In this paper, foil thrust bearings were classified into convex, slope and concave types according to the profile curvature. A numerical model of six pads foil thrust bearing was established by combining the shell model and Reynolds equation. The static and dynamic performance of thrust bearings with different curvature was calculated. The results showed that the convex convergent possessed higher capacity and was not sensitive to displacement disturbance. A stiffness testing system for thrust foil bearing was set up, and the results verified that the foil with convex wedge had higher stiffness. The experiment also indicated that all the thrust foil bearings had typical damping hysteresis. The axial force of a 10 kW on-board compressor was calculated. Based on the conclusion of this paper, the design scheme of curvature value β = 0.6 and gas thickness h2=15 µm was given in consideration of bearing capacity and machining robustness.
Support for insider parties: The role of political trust in a longitudinal-comparative perspective
Authors: Petrarca Constanza Sanhueza , Giebler Heiko , Weßels Bernhard
Published: December 2020

European democracies have experienced drastic changes in electoral competition. Voter support for insider parties that have traditionally governed has declined while support for radical and populist parties has increased. Simultaneously, citizens’ declining political trust has become a concern, as confidence in political institutions and actors is low across numerous countries. Interestingly, the linkage between political trust and support for insider parties has not been empirically established but deduced from the fact that outsider parties are often supported by dissatisfied citizens. We address this gap adopting both an institutional- and an actor-centered approach by investigating whether trust in parliaments and in parties is associated with the electoral performance of insider parties on the aggregate level. Combining different data sources in a novel way, we apply time-series cross-section models to a dataset containing 30 countries and 137 elections from 1998 to 2018. Our results show that when political trust is low, particularly institutional trust, insider parties receive less electoral support. Hence, we provide empirical evidence that decreasing levels of political trust are the downfall of insider parties, thereby opening a window of opportunity for challenging outsider parties.
How to normalize reflexive evaluation? Navigating between legitimacy and integrity
Authors: Verwoerd Lisa , Klaassen Pim , Regeer Barbara J.
Published: December 2020

While hybrid evaluation practices are increasingly common, many Western countries continue to favor modernist evaluation logics focused on performance management—hampering the normalization of reflexive logics revolving around system change. We use Normalization Process Theory to analyze the work evaluators from a policy assessment agency undertook to accomplish the alignment between the prevailing and proposed logics guiding evaluation practice, while implementing a reflexive evaluation approach. Ad hoc alignment strategies and insufficient investment in mutual sense-making regarding reflexive evaluation hindered normalization. We conclude that alignment requires developing reflexive evaluation legitimacy in the context of application and guarding reflexive evaluation integrity, while contextual structures and cultures and reflexive evaluation components are being negotiated. Elasticity (of contextual structures and cultures) and plasticity (of reflexive evaluation components) are introduced as helpful concepts to further understand how reflexive evaluation practices can become normalized. We reflect on the use of Normalization Process Theory for studying the normalization of reflexive evaluation.
‘I’m black, a woman, disabled and lesbian’: LGBT ageing and care services at the intersections in South Africa
Authors: Reygan Finn , Henderson Neil , Khan Jamil
Published: December 2020

Experiences of ageing and care are closely tied to structural location in terms of race, class, gender and sexuality among others. In South Africa, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people’s experiences of ageing and care are profoundly influenced by the patriarchal, postapartheid context. This study, the first of its kind in South Africa, was an exploratory study of the experiences of ageing and care among LGBT elders in two provinces in South Africa. Findings indicate that LGBT elders’ experiences of ageing and care are influenced by intersectionality and lack of access to care. In particular, the ageing and care experiences of black and Coloured LGBT elders, especially lesbian, bisexual and transgender women, are disproportionately impacted. Implications of these exploratory findings are that national ageing and care policies need to specifically name LGBT elders as a key group and that services be rolled out for LGBT elders.
Lessons learned in adapting an online intervention program for posttraumatic stress for use in Egypt
Authors: Ellis Kate , Miller-Graff Laura E.
Published: December 2020

Cultural adaptation of evidence-based treatments is a pressing priority for global health, and previous research has informed recommendations for guiding the process of translation and adaptation. As research in the domain of cultural adaptation and evaluation of evidence-based treatments progresses, it is critical that researchers communicate key lessons learned, so that models of adaptation can be continuously refined and reconsidered. The work described in this article aimed to translate and culturally adapt an online intervention to address symptoms of posttraumatic stress—the PTSD Coach Online—for use with young adults in Egypt. The cultural adaptation framework proposed by Bernal and colleagues (1995) was used, and focus groups and interviews with members of the target population, mental health professionals, and service users were conducted. The authors encountered a number of challenges in treatment adaptation that generated important insights for future work. Specifically, this case study highlights the importance of translation teams with diverse backgrounds and experiences, the critical nature of iterative feedback throughout the adaptation process, and the importance of a long time-horizon for optimal adaptation.
The role of Muslim identity in predicting violent behavioural intentions to defend Muslims
Authors: Obaidi Milan , Anjum Gulnaz , Lindström Joanna , Bergh Robin , Celebi Elif , Baykal Merve
Published: December 2020

A sense of shared Muslim suffering seems to play a key role in uniting Muslims around the world. Therefore, in the current paper we hypothesized that the social psychological underpinnings of Islamist extremism would be similar for Muslims living in the West and Muslims living in countries with prolonged and ongoing exposure to Western-led military interventions. Across 4 studies among Muslims in Pakistan and Afghanistan ( Ns = 425, 402, and 127) and Muslims living in 20 Western countries ( N = 366), we examined a path model in which group-based anger mediated the link between Muslim identification, perceived injustice of Western military and foreign policy, and violent behaviour intentions. Our results indicate that regardless of whether Muslims live in places with prolonged and ongoing experience of Western military interventions or not, the social psychological factors predicting violent Islamist extremism appear to be similar. We discuss implications for future theory and research.
Perceived normalization of radical ideologies and its effect on political tolerance and support for freedom of speech
Authors: Orazani Seyed Nima , Wohl Michael J. A. , Leidner Bernhard
Published: December 2020

Two studies tested the idea that perceived normalization of radical political ideologies (right and left) reduces support for freedom of speech of the opponents and political tolerance. In Study 1 ( N = 633), Americans were primed with the normalization of the radical right or left. Primed with the normalization of radical outgroup ideologies, both liberals and conservatives were more willing to restrict their opponents’ freedom of speech and were more politically intolerant – effects that were mediated by collective angst. Study 2 ( N = 632) replicated the results of Study 1 and extended them by showing that both conservatives and liberals worried about the image of their party not when they were exposed to the normalization of radical ingroup ideologies, but when they were exposed to the normalization of radical outgroup ideologies. These results suggest that perceived normalization of radical ideologies affects people’s attitudes towards freedom of speech and political (in)tolerance.
Seismic performance and shear bearing-capacity of truss SRC beam-column frame joints
Authors: Deng Zhiheng , Xu Changchun , Zeng Jian , Wang Huaping , Wu Xiaoping , Xiang Ping
Published: December 2020

The structural performance of a frame joint is particularly important, which can determine the safe state of the global structure. For this reason, the seismic performance of the truss steel reinforced concrete (SRC) beam-column frame joints is investigated by the experimental study and the nonlinear finite element modeling. The main design parameters include the section size of the web rods, the axial compression ratio and the section size of I-steel. The failure mechanism, load-displacement skeleton curve, the ductility and energy dissipation capacity, and shear deformation in the core zone of the truss SRC beam-column joints are studied. A formula is put forward to describe the shear bearing-capacity of the joints. The results indicate that the truss SRC beam-column frame joints generally have good seismic performance. The size of steel and web members have impact on the seismic performance of the truss SRC beam-column joints, and the axial compression ratio is an important factor that impacts the hysteresis behavior and energy dissipation. The proposed shear bearing-capacity formula can objectively reflect the performance of the joints.
Optimizing the performance parameters of injection-molded polymer spur gears
Authors: Singh Prashant Kumar , Singh Akant Kumar , Siddhartha  , Sarkar Prabir
Published: December 2020

This research focuses on the optimization of the performance parameters namely, surface temperature, wear rate, and transmission efficiency of polymer gears. Three different polymers namely, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, high-density polyethylene, and polyoxymethylene are selected for manufacturing the gears. A total of 27 experiments are carried out to test these gears at different torque and speed conditions. The torque values are taken as 0.8, 1.2, and 1.6 Nm, whereas the speeds of 600, 900, and 1200 r/min are chosen for the study. The optimal setting of operating parameters (gear material, speed, and torque) is obtained by using a hybrid multi-criteria decision-making approach that includes the analytical hierarchy process and technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution. The optimal setting of performance parameters is obtained with polyoxymethylene gear running at the torque and speed conditions of 0.8 Nm and 900 r/min, respectively.
Journalism Education in the 21st century: A thematic analysis of the research literature
Authors: Solkin Laurence
Published: December 2020

In reviewing the academic literature of the past 20 years on Journalism Education, this paper seeks to develop a thematic analysis of key debates and discourses. Based on a sample of over 300 separate published contributions (books, book chapters, journal articles and conference papers) this article explores more traditional debates, theory vs practice and profession vs craft, together with their development into the 21st century. This article also focuses on newer additions to the literature including proposals for new topics, such as entrepreneurship, new models or metaphors such as the idea of the teaching hospital, as well as issues which are emerging from the diversity of Journalism Education practices across the globe. The article concludes with some general recommendations regarding future research activity in this domain.
Life Course and Socioecological Influences on Gender-Equitable Attitudes Among Men: A Scoping Review
Authors: Casey Erin A. , Ihrig Anna , Roman Melinda , Hoxmeier Jill C. , Carlson Juliana , Greer Kelsey
Published: December 2020

Emerging research suggests that holding gender-equitable attitudes (GEA) is associated with decreased risk of gender-based violence perpetration and increased willingness to engage in violence preventative actions among men. GEA, defined here as support for political, economic, and social equity across gender in both public and private spheres, may therefore constitute a protective factor against perpetration and a promotive factor in fostering healthy relationships and communities. Forces that shape GEA throughout boys’ and young men’s lives are less well articulated. The purpose of this exploratory, scoping review was to synthesize cross-disciplinary research to distill life-course influences on the development of GEA among men. Three databases and Google Scholar were searched to locate peer-reviewed studies that empirically examined GEA as an outcome of childhood, adolescent, or young adulthood factors. Sixty-nine articles were located that, collectively, used data from 97 different countries and identified 22 potential life-course influences on men’s GEA. Across studies, facilitators of equitable attitudes included higher levels of education, exposure to gender transformative prevention programming, and having parents who held, modeled, and communicated gender-equitable beliefs. Hindrances to equitable attitudes included but were not limited to religiosity, the transition to fatherhood, and having mostly male peer groups. Findings suggest that opportunities to foster equitable attitudes exist across the life course and both inside and outside of formal prevention or education interventions.
Race, Racial Negativity, and Competing Conceptions of American National Identity
Authors: Graeber John , Setzler Mark
Published: December 2020

This study explores differences among African Americans, Latinos, and whites regarding which attributes are most important to being truly American and how these competing conceptions relate to an individual’s level of racial animus toward African Americans. Using nationally representative survey data, we first find that Americans of different races vary across six different components of national identity and do so in ways consistent with theorizing on symbolic racism and inter-group conflict. Specifically, Americans place more importance on those components shared with indivduals of the same race. We then analyze how these differing beliefs about national identity influence racial animus. Here, we find robust evidence that individuals who prioritize the ascriptive, exclusive elements of national identity are more racist, while individuals who embrace its most inclusive element are less so. Finally, we reveal that the relationship between conceptions of national identity and racism is moderated substantially by race, and this robust relationship for whites and Latinos is virtually identical.
Overexpression of Ubiquitin-Specific Protease15 (USP15) Promotes Tumor Growth and Inhibits Apoptosis and Correlated With Poor Disease-Free Survival in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Yao Xue-Qing , Li Ling , Piao Long-Zhen , Zhang Guang-Jian , Huang Xue-Zhu , Wang Ying , Liang Zhe-Long
Published: December 2020

USP15 is a member of ubiquitin-specific proteases (USPs, the largest subfamily of deubiquitinases) and functions as a stabilize factor of target proteins in reversible ubiquitiantion progression. Dysregulated expression of USP15 has been observed in various cancers. However the expression profile and regulatory mechanism of USP15 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains largely elusive. To exam the USP15 expression changes in the progression of HCC, we performed IHC analysis to test USP15 expression in a series of cancer-prone diseases including 2 normal liver tissues, 6 liver cirrhosis, 16 primary liver lesions and 15 metastases of hepatocellular carcinoma. The expression of USP15 was upregulated in various liver diseases in compared with normal tissue significantly (p < 0.05). Although no significant different of USP15 expression were discovered between cirrhotic tissue and primary tissue, its expression in HCC metastatic tissue was upregulated. Subsequently, we test the USP15 expression profile in a cohort of 66 HCC patients. USP15 expression was positively correlated with the recurrence of HCC significantly (p = 0.004). HCC patients with high USP15 expression had shorter disease free survival time in compare with those with low USP15 expression (56.9% VS 26.7%, P = 0.012). Subsequently, Cox multivariate analyses of clinical factors associated with disease free survival were performed and USP15 expression (p = 0.008) together with tumor size (p = 0.034) were proved to be independent predict factors in HCC. Then, we silenced USP15 expression in HCC cells and the results showed that downregulated USP15 expression resulting proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction. In conclusion, our results suppose USP15 to be a potential target in HCC.
Resurrecting Images from the Morgue: A Case Study of the London Free Press Collection of Photographic Negatives
Authors: Belton Tom
Published: December 2020

This paper is a case study of the ongoing transformation of the London Free Press Collection of Photographic Negatives from a physical archive to a digital one. This Collection is a typical medium-sized newspaper photographic negative morgue dating between 1938 and 1992. These morgues possess enormous value as visual evidence of the development of communities, and society in general. The London Free Press serves a market of around a million people in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. The Collection’s current custodian, the University of Western Ontario Archives and Special Collections, is in the process of transforming it from a purely physical entity to a digital resource of great research potential. To place the case study in a broader context, the author reviews some of the recent literature on the topic of newspaper photograph morgues. He then delves into a detailed description of the custodial history of the Collection as well as details about current collection management issues, including metadata and digitization. The author concludes that the digitized body of tens of thousands of unique images will be more than enough to satisfy many visual researchers and could form part of a North American digital photojournalism archive of immense historical value.
Lost Property and the Materiality of Absence
Authors: Holmes Helen , Ehgartner Ulrike
Published: December 2020

This article explores material loss and develops a new conceptual agenda. Synthesising and developing debates on the sociology of consumption and material culture in combination with those of the sociology of nothing, it argues that material loss is crucial to understanding people’s everyday relationships to the material world and to practices of consumption. Abstract notions of absence, nothingness and loss are becoming increasingly intriguing phenomena for sociologists interested in the everyday. However, whilst their theoretical connotations are being discussed more and more, empirical investigation into these phenomena remains somewhat (ironically) absent. This article draws on a recent project exploring lost property, based on qualitative interviews with lost property offices, households and museums. Developing previous work on material affinities and material culture, the authors argue that lost property reveals the enduring relationships people have with objects which are no longer in their possession. These relationships disrupt and develop contemporary debates on the sociology of consumption regarding how objects are devalued, divested and disposed of, as well as how they are acquired, appropriated and appreciated. In turn, we contend that the transformative potential of material loss and absence offers a way of thinking about alternative, non-material practices of accumulation.
Comparison between photoplethysmographic heart rate monitor from Polar Vantage M and Polar V800 with H10 chest strap while running on a treadmill: Validation of the Polar Precision PrimeTM photoplestimographic system
Authors: Ruiz-Malagón Emilio J , Ruiz-Alias Santiago A , García-Pinillos Felipe , Delgado-García Gabriel , Soto-Hermoso Victor M
Published: December 2020

Chest bands have been the most used device to monitor heart rate during running. However, some runners feel uncomfortable with the use of bands due to the friction and pressure exerted on the chest. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine if the photoplethysmography (PPG) system Polar Precision Prime used in the Polar Vantage M watch could replace chest bands (Polar V800-H10) to monitor heart rate with the same precision. A group of 37 people, middle-distance and long-distance professional runners, participated in this study. The submaximal speed was determined using 50% of the participants’ maximum speed in the height of their season. The Polar Vantage M reported high correlation ( r > 0.84) and high ICC (ICC > 0.86) when comparing its heart rate monitor with the Polar V800 synchronised with H10 chest strap during recording intervals of more than 2 min. The systematic bias and random error were very small (<1 bpm), especially for the 600 s recording interval (0.26 ± 5.10 bpm). Nevertheless, the error increased for 10 s (−5.13 ± 9.20 bpm), 20 s (−8.65 ± 12.60 bpm) and 30 s (−10.71 ± 14.99 bpm) time intervals. In conclusion, the PPG Polar Precision Prime included in the Polar Vantage M demonstrates that it could be a valid alternative to chest bands for monitoring heart rate while running, taking into account some usage considerations, good strap adjustment and an initial calibration time during the first 2–3 min.
What model for extradition between Hong Kong and mainland China? A comparison between the 2019 (withdrawn) amendment to Hong Kong extradition law and the European Arrest Warrant
Authors: Yin Yanhong , Wieczorek Irene
Published: December 2020

This article provides an analysis of the bill proposed in 2019 to amend Hong Kong Fugitive Offenders Ordinance (FOO), Hong Kong domestic legislation on extradition. The FOO Amendment Bill introduced the possibility of, and detailed the conditions for, surrendering fugitives from Hong Kong to other regions of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), among which, controversially, mainland China. After multiple protests, the proposal was withdrawn. It nonetheless represents the first attempt of introducing a legal basis for extradition between Hong Kong and mainland China, and it is thus deserving of close scrutiny. The article describes the unique constitutional setting in which this amendment was proposed, Hong Kong and mainland China being two regions of the same sovereign country which have two radically different legal systems under the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ principle. It compares the proposed system for extradition between these two regions with the rules regulating extradition between Hong Kong and third states, and with international systems for surrender, including the European Arrest Warrant and the UN Model Extradition Treaty. It shows that the FOO Amendment Bill would have put in place a surrender system in some respects less advanced and subject to more obstacles than standard international extradition Treaties and than the system regulating extradition between Hong Kong and third countries. This is the case, for instance, for the rules on penalty thresholds and on double criminality. Conversely, in other respects, it would have been even more advanced (and with fewer obstacles) than the European Arrest Warrant, one of the most advanced systems of international surrender. This is notably the case for the rules regulating extradition of Hong Kong residents to other parts of the PRC. These latter were, however, among the more controversial aspects of the proposal. The article also discusses the challenges that reintroducing a similar proposal would face in the future, including in light of current political and legal developments – notably the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress’s July 2020 adoption of the ‘Hong Kong National Security Law’. It suggests that one avenue to smoothen surrender proceedings between Hong Kong and mainland China would be taking a procedural rather than a substantive approach, namely by increasing the role of courts and decreasing the role of executive bodies in the extradition procedures.
Somatostatin analogues for the treatment of hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia
Authors: Haris Basma , Saraswathi Saras , Hussain Khalid
Published: December 2020

Hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia (HH) is a biochemical finding of low blood glucose levels due to the dysregulation of insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells. Under normal physiological conditions, glucose metabolism is coupled to β-cell insulin secretion so that blood glucose levels are maintained within the physiological range of 3.5–5.5 mmol/L. However, in HH this coupling of glucose metabolism to insulin secretion is perturbed so that insulin secretion becomes unregulated. HH typically occurs in the neonatal, infancy and childhood periods and can be due to many different causes. Adults can also present with HH but the causes in adults tend to be different. Somatostatin (SST) is a peptide hormone that is released by the delta cells (δ-cells) in the pancreas. It binds to G protein-coupled SST receptors to regulate a variety of location-specific and selective functions such as hormone inhibition, neurotransmission and cell proliferation. SST plays a potent role in the regulation of both insulin and glucagon secretion in response to changes in glucose levels by negative feedback mechanism. The half-life of SST is only 1–3 min due to quick degradation by peptidases in plasma and tissues. Thus, a direct continuous intravenous or subcutaneous infusion is required to achieve the therapeutic effect. These limitations prompted the discovery of SST analogues such as octreotide and lanreotide, which have longer half-lives and therefore can be administered as injections. SST analogues are used to treat different forms of HH in children and adults and therapeutic effect is achieved by suppressing insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells by complex mechanisms. These treatments are associated with several side effects, especially in the newborn period, with necrotizing enterocolitis being the most serious side effect and hence SS analogues should be used with extreme caution in this age group.
Tokenism in Criminology and Criminal Justice Departments: Problems and Solutions
Authors: Mitchell Ojmarrh
Published: December 2020

In this article, I argue that criminology and criminal justice programs exhibit racial “tokenism,” in that the majority of such programs employ no more than one Black tenured/tenure track professor. This tokenism creates a plethora of problems that undermine the contributions of Black faculty and prevent them from achieving their full potential. I use my own experiences to illustrate these issues. I conclude with potential solutions to the problems identified.
Fabrication of pH-sensitive graphene oxide–Benazepril carrier as biosafety controlled release systems
Authors: Liu Tianxiong , Li Yujiao , Chen Xianzhe , Zhao Xiaoming , Wang Jianfang , Zhang Dongyi
Published: December 2020

A novel graphene oxide (GO)-based carrier was fabricated for the controlled release of Benazepril (BENA). Freeze dried samples of GO–BENA carrier were prepared for controlled drug release at different pHs (pH = 2, 7, and 10) and release kinetics indicate BENA desorption from GO is by Fickian diffusion. The BENA yield from the carrier amounted to ~55% of the adsorbed material in a strongly acidic medium after 50 h. Binding fractions of BENA to 10 mg/L GO was determined for different solution concentrations of the drug. In vitro assays of cell proliferation (WST-1 kit), cell structural integrity (LDH kit) and flow cytometric indicators of necrosis in three different cell lines (CACO-2, SGC-7901, and primary mouse hepatic fibroblast) all demonstrated that the GO carrier had a good biocompatibility. The pH-dependent release sensitivity of the GO-based carrier suggests that it is a potential candidate for use in the controlled release of drugs in the acidic environment of the stomach.
Outpatient treatment of pulmonary embolism
Authors: Bellou Elena , Keramida Elli , Karampinis Ioannis , Dimakakos Evaggelos , Misthos Panagiotis , Demertzis Panagiotis , Hardavella Georgia
Published: December 2020

Over the past decade there has been an increasing trend to manage many conditions traditionally treated during a hospital admission as outpatients. Evidence is increasing to support this approach in patients with pulmonary embolism (PE). In this article, we review the current status of outpatient management of confirmed PE and present a pragmatic approach for clinical healthcare settings.
Vibration Reduction Performance of Damping-Enhanced Water-Lubricated Bearing Using Fluid-Saturated Perforated Slabs
Authors: Jin Yong , Lu Jianjun , Ouyang Wu , Liu Zhenglin , Lao Kunsheng
Published: December 2020

As the first link element for the transmission of shaft vibration to the pedestal and even to the hull, water-lubricated bearing plays a key role in suppressing vibration. Although the porous structure is considered as one of the main methods for improving the wideband vibration and noise reduction performance of materials in many industrial fields, the studies in the field of water-lubricated bearing remain insufficient. To enhance vibration reduction performance, a fluid-saturated perforated slab is designed in this study, and via the establishment of a fluid-solid coupled vibration model, the influence law and impact levels were analyzed and verified by simulation and experiments. The results obtained verified that the total vibration amplitude of damping-enhanced stern bearing in the vertical direction was smaller than that of the normal stern bearing, and the reduction amplitude of the characteristic frequency agreed with the optimal value at approximately 0.1 of the volume fraction of the liquid phase when the solid-fluid phase was rubber–water. Additionally, the increase in fluid fraction did not enhance the damping effect, instead, it unexpectedly reduced the natural frequency of the raw material significantly. This research indicates that the design of the fluid-saturated perforated slab is effective in reducing the transmission of the vibration amplitude from the shaft, and presents the best volume fraction of the liquid phase.
Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the kidney: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Brits Nicholas F. , Bulane Seipati , Wadee Reubina
Published: December 2020

Background

Primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the kidney is a rare entity which tends to be associated with nephrolithiasis, chronic irritation, and infection. Due to its rarity and the non-specific clinical signs and symptoms as well as radiological findings, it is often not suspected preoperatively. Patients with SCC of the renal pelvis typically present with advanced stage disease and have a poor outcome. Most of our current knowledge of SCC of the renal pelvis has been derived from case reports or limited case series, and there are no standard treatment guidelines. The clinical, radiological, and histopathological findings of this unusual neoplasm are described herein.

Case presentation

A 61-year-old female presented with left flank pain and sepsis. A computerized tomography (CT) scan showed renal calculi and hydronephrosis, and a mercapto-acetyl triglycine (MAG-3) scan showed a left-sided non-functioning kidney. She underwent a nephrectomy for an infected, non-functioning kidney. Histopathological examination revealed an invasive, moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma.

Conclusion

The significance of this case is highlighted by the unusual location of such a tumour, and while rare, it is an important consideration in the differential diagnoses of renal tumours. The present case report may assist patient management of this rare tumour by highlighting and documenting treatment and clinical outcome of our patient.
Development of predicitve models to distinguish metals from non-metal toxicants, and individual metal from one another
Authors: Yu Zongtao , Fu Yuanyuan , Ai Junmei , Zhang Jicai , Huang Gang , Deng Youping
Published: December 2020

Background

Evaluating the toxicity of chemical mixture and their possible mechanism of action is still a challenge for humans and other organisms. Microarray classifier analysis has shown promise in the toxicogenomic area by identifying biomarkers to predict unknown samples. Our study focuses on identifying gene markers with better sensitivity and specificity, building predictive models to distinguish metals from non-metal toxicants, and individual metal from one another, and furthermore helping understand underlying toxic mechanisms.

Results

Based on an independent dataset test, using only 15 gene markers, we were able to distinguish metals from non-metal toxicants with 100% accuracy. Of these, 6 and 9 genes were commonly down- and up-regulated respectively by most of the metals. 8 out of 15 genes belong to membrane protein coding genes. Function well annotated genes in the list include ADORA2B, ARNT, S100G, and DIO3. Also, a 10-gene marker list was identified that can discriminate an individual metal from one another with 100% accuracy. We could find a specific gene marker for each metal in the 10-gene marker list. Function well annotated genes in this list include GSTM2, HSD11B, AREG, and C8B.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that using a microarray classifier analysis, not only can we create diagnostic classifiers for predicting an exact metal contaminant from a large scale of contaminant pool with high prediction accuracy, but we can also identify valuable biomarkers to help understand the common and underlying toxic mechanisms induced by metals.