bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Equivalent Faults under Launch-on-Shift (LOS) Tests with Equal Primary Input Vectors
Authors: Pomeranz Irith
Published: January 2021

A recent work showed that it is possible to transform a single-cycle test for stuck-at faults into a launch-on-shift (LOS) test that is guaranteed to detect the same stuck-at faults without any logic or fault simulation. The LOS test also detects transition faults. This was used for obtaining a compact LOS test set that detects both types of faults. In the scenario where LOS tests are used for both stuck-at and transition faults, this article observes that, under certain conditions, the detection of a stuck-at fault guarantees the detection of a corresponding transition fault. This implies that the two faults are equivalent under LOS tests. Equivalence can be used for reducing the set of target faults for test generation and test compaction. The article develops this notion of equivalence under LOS tests with equal primary input vectors and provides an efficient procedure for identifying it. It presents experimental results to demonstrate that such equivalences exist in benchmark circuits, and shows an unexpected effect on a test compaction procedure.
CaMKIIδ Met281/282 oxidation is not required for recovery of calcium transients during acidosis
Authors: Kreitmeier K. G. , Tarnowski D. , Nanadikar M. S. , Baier M. J. , Wagner S. , Katschinski D. M. , Maier L. S. , Sag C. M.
Published: January 2021

The current study shows that activation of CaMKIIδ through Met281/282 oxidation is neither required for CaMKII-dependent recovery of Ca2+ transients during acidosis nor relevant for the occurrence of postacidic cellular arrhythmias. Despite a usually prooxidant increase in cytosolic Na+, acidosis reduces the cytosolic glutathione redox state within cardiac myocytes. This novel finding suggests that oxidation of cytosolic proteins is less likely to occur during acidosis.
Application of Innovative Analytical Modeling for the Physicochemical Analysis of Adsorption Isotherms of Silver Nitrate on Helicenes: Phenomenological Study of the Complexation Process
Authors: Souissi Hanen , Ben Yahia Mohamed
Published: January 2021

The interaction between the silver ion and the cyclic aromatic molecules, namely, the helicenes, is the subject of this paper. In fact, a silver complexation system based on quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor with a functional film of helicenes has been designed and developed at four temperatures. The developed system, in which the sensor response reflects the adsorption of the hexahelicene and the heptahelicene, was able to control the complexed mass of silver for each concentration. Experimental outcomes indicated that the quartz crystal coated with heptahelicene is the adequate material for silver adsorption. Then, a theoretical study has been performed through two statistical physics models (SMPG and SMRG) in order to analyze the experimental adsorption isotherms of the two helicenes at the ionic scale. The SMRG model was developed using the real gas law and was satisfactorily applied for the microscopic investigation of the hexahelicene isotherms indicating that the lateral interactions between the adsorbates are responsible of the decrease of the adsorbed quantity at saturation. The interpretation of the two models’ parameters indicated that the adsorption of the two helicenes is an endothermic phenomenon. Interestingly, the heptahelicene is recommended for silver complexation because it shows the highest adsorption energies involving chemical bonds during the complexation process. The SMPG model and the SMRG model also allow prediction of three thermodynamic functions (configurational entropy, Gibbs free enthalpy, and internal energy) which govern the adsorption mechanism of silver on the two helicenes.
Constrained Multiobjective Equilibrium Optimizer Algorithm for Solving Combined Economic Emission Dispatch Problem
Authors: El-Shorbagy M. A. , Mousa A. A.
Published: January 2021

This research implements a recent evolutionary‐based algorithm of equilibrium optimizer to resolve the constrained combined economic emission dispatch problem. This problem has two objective functions that represent the minimizing of generation costs and minimizing the emission of environmental pollution caused by generators. The proposed algorithm integrates the dominant criteria for multiobjective functions that allow the decision‐maker to detect all the Pareto boundaries of constrained combined economic emission dispatch problem. In order to save the effort for the decision‐maker to select the best compromise alternative, a cluster study was carried out to minimize the size of the Pareto boundary to an acceptable size, representing all the characteristics of the main Pareto frontier. On the other hand, in order to deal with the infringement of constraints, a repair algorithm was used to preserve the viability of the particles. The proposed algorithm is applied to solve the standard 30‐bus IEEE system with 6 generators to validate its robustness and efficiency to produce a well‐distributed Pareto frontier for constrained combined economic emission dispatch problem. Compared with other studies, good results in solving constrained combined economic emission dispatch problem are obtained and a reasonable reduced Pareto set is found.
Variability Assessment of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) Genotypes Based on Their Qualitative Traits
Authors: Temam Nesru , Mohammed Wassu , Aklilu Shimelis
Published: January 2021

The present study was conducted on okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) genotypes collected from Benishangul Regional State of Western Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to assess the genetic diversity of okra within a regional state based on qualitative traits at Melkassa Research Center during the rainy season of 2019. The results showed that the okra genotypes collected from the regional state had a wide variation in growth habits, leaf, fruit, flower, and seed in their qualitative traits, namely, shape, color, and other quality factors like pubescence which is a determinant factor in consumer preference. Therefore, the result of this study is an indicator for the presence of a higher chance to develop okra varieties highly preferred by domestic and foreign markets through selection/crossing of okra genotype collected from Benishangul Gumuz regional state; as an example, accession 29622 had a smooth texture of fruit with green fruit color which is preferable by consumers. However, the genotypes showed greater variability for plant branching habits that has its effect mainly related to contamination of branches and fruits by soilborne microorganisms and the soil itself during irrigating fields. Finally, it is better if molecular characterization is to be followed by the current morphological characterization and evaluation work.
Response Rate and Impact on Lipid Profiles of Obeticholic Acid Treatment for Patients with Primary Biliary Cholangitis: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gao Yuan , Li Li , Li Bei , Zhan Yutao
Published: January 2021

Background. Up to 40% of patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) have an inadequate response to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). Obeticholic acid (OCA) is considered the addition of treatment, but the response rate based on commonly referenced biochemical response criteria and lipids’ impact was unclear. Previous studies reported inconsistency results partially due to small sample size. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis and aimed to explore OCA treatment’s response rate and effect on lipids’ profiles in PBC patients. Methods. We performed PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane controlled trials register (updated to JUN 2019) databases and manual bibliographical searches for randomized controlled trials reporting on OCA treatment in PBC patients. Two researchers independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of studies. We calculated risk ratio (RR) for the overall complete response rate, and the standardized mean difference (SMD) for the serum lipids changes after OCA treatment, all with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using fixed-effects models. We registered this meta-analysis with PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42020148550). Results. Three trials, with 265 patients, were selected for the analysis. OCA was superior to placebo in PBC patients (RR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.15–1.90). OCA’s pooled treatment response rate was 65% (95% CI, 56%–74%), corresponding to Paris I criteria. Besides, OCA significantly decreased total cholesterol (

P
=
0.02

) with no heterogeneity (

P
=
0.87

, I2 = 0%) and high-density lipoprotein levels (

P
<
0.05

) with no heterogeneity (

P
=
0.82

, I2 = 0%). Conclusions. This meta-analysis demonstrated that OCA was a promising additional treatment for PBC patients and might reduce serum cholesterol levels. The longer follow-up studies are needed to give more evidence.
Phloroglucinol Strengthens the Antioxidant Barrier and Reduces Oxidative/Nitrosative Stress in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
Authors: Drygalski Krzysztof , Siewko Katarzyna , Chomentowski Andrzej , Odrzygóźdź Cezary , Zalewska Anna , Krętowski Adam , Maciejczyk Mateusz
Published: January 2021

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most commonly occurring diseases within western dietary patterns. Usually untreated, it may lead to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), steatohepatitis (NASH), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Besides its severe aftermath, up to now, there is no known therapeutic approach to this disease in everyday clinical practice. Most NAFLD patients are encouraged to do physical activities or diet change and remain without pharmacological treatment. In this study, we present phloroglucinol (PHG) as a novel and promising compound in NAFLD treatment. PHG significantly increased the level of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants both in palmitate and hydrogen peroxide‐induced oxidative stress models. Strengthened antioxidative defense reduced the oxidative/nitrosative damage to cell proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. Furthermore, PHG treatment reduced hepatic steatosis; lowered inflammatory markers, such as NF‐κB or HIF‐1α; and inhibited cell apoptosis. Moreover, PHG had a more comprehensive effect than other commonly used antioxidants: N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) and α‐lipoic acid (ALA), suggesting its clinical usability. Therefore, our paper supports the benefits of natural compounds as a therapeutical approach to NAFLD.
A MET Targeting Antibody–Drug Conjugate Overcomes Gemcitabine Resistance in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Cazes Alex , Betancourt Oscar , Esparza Edgar , Mose Evangeline S. , Jaquish Dawn , Wong Eric , Wascher Alexis A. , Tiriac Hervé , Gymnopoulos Marco , Lowy Andrew M.
Published: January 2021

Purpose:

Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive disease associated with a poor 5-year overall survival. Most patients are ineligible for surgery due to late diagnosis and are treated primarily with chemotherapy with very limited success. Pancreatic cancer is relatively insensitive to chemotherapy due to multiple factors, including reduced bioavailability of drugs to tumor cells. One strategy to improve drug efficacy with reduced toxicity is the development of antibody–drug conjugates (ADC), which have now been used successfully to treat both solid and liquid tumors. Here, we evaluate the efficacy of TR1801-ADC, a newly developed ADC composed of a MET antibody conjugated to the highly potent pyrrolobenzodiazepine toxin-linker, tesirine.

Experimental Design:

We first evaluated MET expression and subcellular localization in pancreatic cancer cell lines, human tumors, and patient-derived xenografts (PDX). We then tested TR1801-ADC efficacy in vitro in pancreatic cancer cell lines. Preclinical evaluation of TR1801-ADC efficacy was conducted on PDXs selected on the basis of their MET expression level.

Results:

We show that MET is highly expressed and located at the plasma membrane of pancreatic cancer cells. We found that TR1801-ADC induces a specific cytotoxicity in pancreatic cancer cell lines and a profound tumor growth inhibition, even in a gemcitabine-resistant tumor. We also noted synergism between TR1801-ADC and gemcitabine in vitro and an improved response to the combination in vivo.

Conclusions:

Together, these results suggest the promise of agents such as TR1801-ADC as a novel approach to the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Low-Intensity Intradialytic Exercise Attenuates the Relative Blood Volume Drop Due to Intravascular Volume Loss during Hemodiafiltration
Authors: Rodríguez-Chagolla José , Cartas-Rosado Raúl , Lerma Claudia , Infante-Vázquez Oscar , Martínez-Memije Raúl , Becerra-Luna Brayans , Pérez-Grovas Hector
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Patients in hemodiafiltration (HDF) eliminate volume overload by ultrafiltration. Vascular volume loss is among the main mechanisms contributing to adverse events such as intradialytic hypotension. Here, we hypothesize that the intradialytic exercise (IDEX) is an intervention that could improve the acute response of physiological mechanisms involved during vascular volume loss. To test this hypothesis, we evaluated the hemodynamic response to mild aerobic exercise during HDF. Methods: Nineteen end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients (11 women: 40 ± 10.8 years old, and 8 men: 42 ± 21 years old) receiving HDF thrice a week, with 6 months of previous physical conditioning, participated in this study. Three HDF sessions were scheduled for each patient: 1 resting in supine position, 1 resting in sitting position, and 1 doing aerobic exercise. The first 2 sessions were taken as control. The ultrafiltration rate was set to 800 mL/h in each session. The hemodynamic response was monitored through the relative blood volume (RBV), and cardiovascular variables measured noninvasively by photoplethysmography. Adequacy variables such as Kt/V and percentage reduction of urate, urea, creatinine (Cr), and phosphate were also monitored. Findings: The decrease rate of the RBV was smaller in the session with IDEX compared to the sessions with no exercise. No differences were found neither in the cardiovascular variables nor in the adequacy variables among the 3 sessions. There were no hypotension events during the session with exercise, and 8 events during the sessions without exercise (p = 0.002). Discussion: Mild exercise during HDF decreased the RBV drop and was associated with less hypotension events. The lack of differences in the hemodynamic variables suggests an adequate acute response of cardiovascular compensation variables to intradialytic hypovolemia.
Role of Favorable Perfusion Imaging in Predicting the Outcome of Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke due to Large Vessel Occlusion Undergoing Effective Thrombectomy: A Single-Center Study
Authors: Di Iorio Riccardo , Pilato Fabio , Valente Iacopo , Laurienzo Andrea , Gaudino Simona , Frisullo Giovanni , Profice Paolo , Cottonaro Simone , Alexandre Andrea , Caliandro Pietro , Morosetti Roberta , Lozupone Emilio , D'Argento Francesco , Pedicelli Alessandro , Colosimo Cesare , Calabresi Paolo , Della Marca Giacomo , Broccolini Aldobrando
Published: January 2021

Introduction: We sought to verify the predicting role of a favorable profile on computed tomography perfusion (CTP) in the outcome of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large vessel occlusion (LVO) undergoing effective mechanical thrombectomy (MT). Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 25 patients with AIS due to LVO and with a CTP study showing the presence of ischemic penumbra who underwent effective MT, regardless of the time of onset. The controls were 25 AIS patients with overlapping demographics and clinical and computed tomography angiography features at admission who had undergone successful MT within 6 h from onset and without a previous CTP study. The outcome measure was the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 90 days. Results: Sixty-four percent of the study patients had an mRS score of 0–1 at 90 days versus 12% of the control patients (p < 0.001). Patients of the study group had a more favorable distribution of disability scores (median mRS [IQR] score of 0 [0–2] vs. 2 [2–3]). Multivariate analysis showed that the selection of patients based on a favorable CTP study was strongly associated (p < 0.001) with a better neurological outcome. Conclusions: In our small-sized and retrospective study, the presence of ischemic penumbra was associated with a better clinical outcome in patients with AIS due to LVO after MT. In the future, a larger and controlled study with similar criteria of enrollment is needed to further validate the role of CTP in patient selection for MT, regardless of the time from the onset of symptoms.
Retinal Vascular Fractal Dimensions and Their Association with Macrovascular Cardiac Disease
Authors: Dinesen Sebastian , Jensen Pia S. , Bloksgaard Maria , Blindbæk Søren Leer , De Mey Jo , Rasmussen Lars M. , Lindholt Jes S. , Grauslund Jakob
Published: January 2021

Introduction: As the only part of the human vasculature, the retina is available for direct, noninvasive inspection. Retinal vascular fractal dimension (DF) is a method to measure the structure of the retinal vascular tree, with higher noninteger values between 1 and 2 representing a more complex and dense retinal vasculature. Retinal vascular structure has been associated with a variety of systemic diseases, and this study examined the association of DF and macrovascular cardiac disease in a case-control design. Methods: Retinal fundus photos were captured with Topcon TRC-50X in 38 persons that had coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG, cases) and 37 cardiovascular healthy controls. The semiautomatic software VAMPIRE was used to measure retinal DF. Results: Patients with CABG had lower DF of the retinal main venular vessels compared to the control group (1.15 vs. 1.18, p = 0.01). In a multivariable regression model adjusted for gender and age, eyes in the fourth quartile with higher DF were less likely to have CABG compared to patients in the first (OR, 7.20; 95% confidence interval: 1.63–31.86; p = 0.009) and second (OR, 8.25; 95% confidence interval: 1.70–40.01; p = 0.009) quartiles. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that lower complexity of main venular vessels associates with higher risk of having CABG. The research supports the hypothesis that the retinal vascular structure can be used to assess nonocular macrovascular disease.
Effects of Life Events and Social Isolation on Stroke and Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Gronewold Janine , Engels Miriam , van de Velde Sarah , Cudjoe Thomas Kofi Mensah , Duman Ela-Emsal , Jokisch Martha , Kleinschnitz Christoph , Lauterbach Karl , Erbel Raimund , Jöckel Karl-Heinz , Hermann Dirk M.
Published: January 2021

The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic represents a severe, life-changing event for people across the world. Life changes may involve job loss, income reduction due to furlough, death of a beloved one, or social stress due to life habit changes. Many people suffer from social isolation due to lockdown or physical distancing, especially those living alone and without family. This article reviews the association of life events and social isolation with cardiovascular disease, assembling the current state of knowledge for stroke and coronary heart disease. Possible mechanisms underlying the links between life events, social isolation, and cardiovascular disease are outlined. Furthermore, groups with increased vulnerability for cardiovascular disease following life events and social isolation are identified, and clinical implications of results are presented.
More Dubious Dead Sea Scrolls
Authors: Justnes Årstein , Munch Rasmussen Josephine
Published: January 2021

In the course of the last eighteen years more than 75 new “Dead Sea Scrolls” fragments have surfaced on the antiquities market. These are commonly referred to as post-2002 Dead Sea Scrolls-like fragments. A growing number of scholars regard a substantial part of them as forgeries. In this article, we will discuss four more dubious fragments, but this time from the 20th Century—or at least from pre-2002. Two of the fragments have been known since the late nineties and are published in the DJD series. One was published in Revue de Qumran (2003), and one in Gleanings from the Caves (2016). All four are today accepted as part of the Dead Sea Scrolls dataset even though they are unprovenanced and have made-up—or at least very adaptable—lists of previous owners. In this article, we will critically review their provenance and discuss the lack of proper interest in provenance on the part of the collector who owns them and the scholars who published them.
Embryonic and larval development of the caridean shrimp Palaemon argentinus (Decapoda, Caridea): effects of salinity and diet
Authors: Tropea Carolina , Stumpf Liane , López Greco Laura S.
Published: January 2021

The caridean shrimp Palaemon argentinus is a species of commercial and ecological interest. Its numerous larval stages, the lack of knowledge on their nutritional requirements, and their ability to survive in a wide range of salinities raise questions on the optimum conditions for larval rearing in captivity. The present study was aimed at evaluating embryonic development under different salinities and larval development under different combinations of salinities and diet regimes, in order to define alternative, cheaper culture conditions. We tested salinities usually encountered by the species in natural habitats (0.1, 1 and 5 ppt) and a highly protein-inert diet (Tetracolor®) as a potential replacement for live food (nauplii of Artemia salina). The incubation period and fecundity were similar among salinity treatments. Overall, the number of survival days and percentage of zoeae that moulted two, three and four times were higher when embryogenesis occurred at 5 ppt and when larvae were exposed to 5 ppt. These results suggest that the conditions experienced by embryos affect the performance of the first larval stages, and probably reflect the lower energetic requirements of zoeae to osmoregulate as water and haemolymph osmolarity become closer. On the other hand, larval performance was better when fed A. salina nauplii than Tetracolor®. The latter may not cover the nutritional requirements of zoeae or may have low digestibility due to insufficient enzymes in the undeveloped larval digestive system. Based on the present results, we conclude that a salinity of 5 ppt combined with a diet consisting of Artemia sp. nauplii is optimal for larval culture at early stages.
Digital Waistlands: Pro-Ana Communities, Religion, and Embodiment
Authors: Rifai Emma
Published: January 2021

Pro-ana is an online community that shares resources that support the progression and maintenance of eating disorders. It simultaneously offers participants anonymity and visibility in virtual space as well as the chance to develop social connections with other like-minded individuals who support, rather than censure, their “deviant” behaviors. This paper attends to the intersection of religion, embodiment, and digital culture in the pro-ana movement by exploring how anas embody religious values through their performances of pro-ana culture. We see this both in terms of the more obvious mobilizations of religious rhetorics common with some of the pro-ana community, as well as in more subtle manifestations of Protestant values embedded in key pro-ana commitments and behaviors. By analyzing the popular pro-ana site “MyPancakeAddiction,” I explore how anas embody this digital culture through performances of a shared value system rooted in commitments to individualism, self-control, and mastery – themes often associated with Protestantism.
Time Hurries on but Does not Fly in Older Age — No Effect of Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Thönes Sven , Wascher Edmund , Gajewski Patrick D. , Getzmann Stephan
Published: January 2021

Research on the commonly known phenomenon of perceived accelerated time passage with increasing age has provided inconsistent results. This could be due to a mediating time-slowing effect of depressive symptoms as the prevalence of depression does also alter with age. Based on a large sample of 380 subjects covering a continuous range of age between 20 and 70 years, we tested whether the assumed age-related effect on time perception is being mediated by symptoms of depression. Cross-sectional differences indicate a weak, but significant nonlinear acceleration of the perceived passage of time especially during mid-adulthood, whereas no further alteration was observed above the age of 60. In contrast to our hypothesis, symptoms of depression did clearly not mediate the effects of age on perceived time passage. Moreover, neither time passage ratings nor age were significantly related to the severity of depressive symptoms. Our results are partly compatible with (and extend) several previous reports, indicating that subjective time passage changes over the life span in a nonlinear fashion; they do not provide evidence for a mediating time-slowing effect of depressive symptoms in nonclinical samples.
Synonymization of Begonia putaoensis (Begoniaceae) with Begonia dicressine
Authors: WAHLSTEEN ERIC
Published: January 2021

Begonia putaoensis is reduced to a synonym under Begonia dicressine based on morphological characters and geographical location. Characters of the two species are compared and no significant difference can be established. In addition, both species are collected along the same narrow path in Kachin, northern Myanmar.
Resveratrol Reduces Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis Induced by I-R Injury Through Upregulating DJ-1
Authors: Wu Xiaoyan , Wu Zengfan
Published: January 2021

The NF-E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) involves in anti-oxidative stress. DJ-1 is a multifunctional protein widely distributed in various tissues that plays a role in enhancing Nrf2 stability and promoting Nrf2 protein expression. Resveratrol (Res) is an important polyphenolic substance
with various pharmacological effects, such as anti-oxidation and protection of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular. Our study intends to assess Resveratrol?s role in regulating DJ-1/Nrf2 pathway activity and alleviating rat cardiomyocyte I-R injury. Rat cardiomyocyte I-R injury model was established
to detect DJ-1 and Nrf2 expressions, caspase-3 activity, malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The I-R rats were assigned into I-R group, I-R+Res 20 (20 mg/Kg) group, and I-R+Res 40 (20 mg/Kg) group. Rat H9C2 cells were assigned into control group, I-R group, and I-R+Res group
followed by analysis of cell apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) by flow cytometry. The MDA content and caspase-3 activity were significantly elevated, while the SOD activity was obviously reduced in the cardiomyocyte of the I-R model rats. DJ-1 and Nrf2 expressions were apparently
upregulated in I-R model. MDA content and caspase-3 activity were significantly decreased, whereas SOD activity, DJ-1, and Nrf2 expression levels were obviously elevated in Res treatment group with dose dependence. I-R treatment induced H9C2 cell apoptosis and intracellular ROS production,
and upregulated DJ-1 and Nrf2 expressions. Res treatment further enhanced DJ-1 and Nrf2 levels, attenuated ROS production, and reduced apoptotic rate in H9C2 cells under I-R treatment. Res attenuates brain cell apoptosis and neuronal damage after I-R by increasing DJ-1 level, enhancing DJ-1/Nrf2
pathway, and elevating the anti-oxidation level.
Effect of miR-210 on Proliferation and Migration of Pancreatic Cancer Cells Through Regulating Runx3 Level
Authors: Xu Wanggang , Kuang Yingmin , Wang Dan , Li Zhen , Xia Renpin
Published: January 2021

miR-210 is closely related to the occurrence of pancreatic cancer. In addition, Runx3 is a tumor suppressor gene and inhibits tumorigenesis. However, miR-210?s effect on Runx3 level is unclear. Therefore, Our study explored miR-210?s effect on the proliferation and migration of pancreatic
cancer cells. PANC-1 cell line was transfected with miR-210 Mimics or miR-210 Mimic+pFBD-Runx3 plasmids followed by analysis of miR-210 and Runx3 level by qRT-PCR, targeting relationship by the dual fluorescein reporter assay, Runx3 and Tubulin protein expression by Western blot, cell proliferation
by MTT assay and cell migration by Transwell assay. Compared with normal tissue, miR-210 was significantly upregulated in pancreatic cancer tissue (P < 0.01), while Runx3 mRNA was significantly downregulated (P < 0.01). Runx3 was a target protein of miR-210. miR-210 Mimics
transfection significantly reduced Runx3 level and increased cell proliferation, which was significantly reduced in the miR-210 Mimic+pFBD-Runx3 group. miR-210 Mimics significantly promote cell migration and the addition of Runx3 prevented miR-210 Mimics-induced cell migration. miR-210 binds
to the 3′-UTR region of Runx3 mRNA, reduces Runx3 expression, and promotes cell proliferation and migration. Increased Runx3 can inhibit miR-210?s effect on pancreatic cancer cells.
Calculated globulin as a screening tool for hypogammaglobulinaemia or paraproteins in hospitalized patients
Authors: Hoo Teng , Lim Ee Mun , John Mina , D’Orsogna Lloyd , McLean-Tooke Andrew
Published: January 2021

Background

Calculated globulin fraction is derived from the liver function tests by subtracting albumin from the total protein. Since immunoglobulins comprise the largest component of the serum globulin concentration, increased or decreased calculated globulins and may identify patients with hypogammaglobulinaemia or hypergammaglobulinaemia, respectively.

Methods

A retrospective study of laboratory data over 2.5 years from inpatients at three tertiary hospitals was performed. Patients with paired calculated globulins and immunoglobulin results were identified and clinical details reviewed. The results of serum electrophoresis testing were also assessed where available.

Results

A total of 4035 patients had paired laboratory data available. A calculated globulin ≤20 g/L (<2nd percentile) had a low sensitivity (5.8%) but good positive predictive value (82.5%) for hypogammaglobulinaemia (IgG ≤5.7 g/L), with a positive predictive value of 37.5% for severe hypogammaglobulinaemia (IgG ≤3 g/L). Paraproteins were identified in 123/291 (42.3%) of patients with increased calculated globulins (≥42 g/L) who also had a serum electrophoresis performed. Significantly elevated calculated globulin ≥50 g/L (>4th percentile) were seen in patients with either liver disease (37%), haematological malignancy (36%), autoimmune disease (13%) or infections (9%).

Conclusions

Calculated globulin is an inexpensive and easily available test that assists in the identification of hypogammaglobulinaemia or hypergammaglobulinaemia which may prompt further investigation and reduce diagnostic delays.
Examining Civic Outcomes Between 2- and 4-Year Colleges: A Case Study of Two Postsecondary Institutions
Authors: Punksungka Wonmai , Yamashita Takashi , Eckert J. Kevin
Published: January 2021

While postsecondary education appears to promote civic mindedness and engagement, relatively little is known about the association between civic outcomes and types of postsecondary education, as well as across different academic programs. Using a convenience sample from two postsecondary education institutions in the Mid-Atlantic U.S., this research examines the differences in civic mindedness and civic engagement between 2-year community college and 4-year university students, as well as students in different majors. Despite no significant difference between 2- and 4-year institutions, social science majors have greater civic outcomes in the specific areas compared to other majors.
Indian Railways Restructuring: Private Sector Involvement, A Beginning
Authors: Dhameja Nand L. , Dhameja Manish
Published: January 2021

Indian Railways (IRs), the world’s fourth-largest network by size, has a route length covering approximately 68,155 km. It operates over 22,669 trains a day, sixty per cent of which are the ones transporting about 844 crore passengers and 123 crore tonnes of freight; two-third of its total revenue is from freight and only 27.3 per cent are passenger receipts. It is the eighth employer in the world employing about 1.227 people. It suffers from chronic under-investment, low-capacity augmentation, congestion, and over-utilisation, safety problems and poor-quality service, leading to poor morale, reduced efficiency, sub-optimal freight and passenger traffic, fewer financial resources; and deteriorating operating ratio.

The government on the recommendations of a high-level committee suggested ways to mobilise resources and restructure the Railway Board; invited private sector companies to operate 151 trains over 100 routes by April 2023 bringing in an investment of ₹30,000 crore. The committee laid down a time frame of five years for implementation of its recommendations.

The present study spread over five sections discusses observations and recommendations of the committee and suggests the outsourcing of some of its non-core functions like repair and maintenance workshops, manicuring units, washing of trains, security, and employees’ facilities like medical and education.
COVID-19: Is this the end of globalization?
Authors: Hameiri Shahar
Published: January 2021

Lockdowns and border closures to manage the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have caused the greatest global economic shock since the Great Depression. Does this also signal the end of economic globalization, the most significant trend of the past forty years? And if so, what kind of global political economy is emerging from the wreckage? In this article, I argue that COVID-19 is mainly intensifying pre-existing trends, set in motion by the global financial crisis of 2008 and the People’s Republic of China (PRC)’s economic rise. The disruptions to global supply chains wrought by COVID-19 have combined with rising United States–PRC rivalry, growing disaffection with the distributional impacts of global value chains, and automation to catalyze the turn away from globalized production. Meanwhile, amid the economic doom and gloom, financial markets are booming, high on the central banks’ liquidity injections to which they have been addicted since the 2008 crisis. As in the decade since the 2008 crisis, booming markets will likely deepen inequality and resentment, fuelling economic nationalism and eroding support for globalization even more. The governments of relatively small and open economies, such as Australia and Canada, will need to guide their economies more purposefully or find themselves at the mercy of the increasingly confrontational, yet domestically fragile, United States and the PRC.
Optimal allocation of distributed energy storage in active distribution network via hybrid teaching learning and multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm
Authors: Liu Jijun , Bai Yuxin , He Yingfeng
Published: January 2021

This work aims at solving complex problems of the optimal scheduling model of active distribution network, teaching strategies are proposed to improve the global search ability of particle swarm optimization. Moreover, based on the improved Euclidean distance cyclic crowding sorting strategy, the convergence ability of Li Zhiquan algorithm is improved. With the cost and voltage indexes of the energy storage system of the distribution network as the goal, different optimized configuration schemes are constructed, and the improved HTL-MOPSO algorithm is adopted to find the solution. The results show that compared with the traditional TV-MOPSO algorithm, the proposed algorithm has better convergence performance and optimization ability, and has a lower economic cost. In short, the algorithm proposed can provide a basis for improving the optimization of active distribution network scheduling strategies.
Public governance, agility and pandemics: a case study of the UK response to COVID-19
Authors: Joyce Paul
Published: January 2021

The UK government’s leaders initially believed that it was among the best-prepared governments for a pandemic. By June 2020, the outcome of the collision between the government’s initial confidence, on the one hand, and the aggressiveness and virulence of COVID-19, on the other, was evident. The UK had one of the worst COVID-19 mortality rates in the world. This article explores the UK government’s response to COVID-19 from a public administration and governance perspective. Using factual information and statistical data, it considers the government’s preparedness and strategic decisions, the delivery of the government response, and public confidence in the government.

Points for practitioners

Possible lessons for testing through application include: Use the precautionary principle to set planning assumptions in government strategies to create the possibility of government agility during a pandemic. Use central government’s leadership role to facilitate and enable local initiative and operational responses, as well as to take advantage of local resources and assets. Choose smart government responses that address tensions between the goal of saving lives and other government goals, and beware choices that are unsatisfactory compromises.
India–West Asia Relations Under the ‘Nationalist’ Modi Government
Authors: Anas Omair
Published: January 2021

India’s West Asia policy discourse has traditionally revolved around its energy dependency, security and the welfare of the 7 million Indians living in the region. In recent years, particularly since the coming of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to power in 2014, the issues of counterterrorism, security, defence cooperation and non-oil trade have gained in importance. This qualitative shift is partially guided and supported by both pragmatism and the ideological differences that the BJP and its predecessor, the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS), had been maintaining against the West Asia policy of the earlier governments led by the Congress party. Through explaining the ideological perspectives of the Indian National Congress (INC) and the BJP, this article argues that the changing global and West Asian landscape, the consolidation of Chinese influence in and around India’s land and maritime boundaries, the instability in the energy market and the insecurity of the Arab uprising–hit West Asian monarchies have provided the BJP government an opportune time to rethink and reorient India’s relations with West Asia. While ideological determinants dominate the public discourse, as the BJP’s top leadership elaborates in the public domain, the policy choices made are not always in tune with these. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has often preferred the pragmatic to the ideological, and this he has done over the expectations of his party and supporters.
Too Old to Forget: The Dynamics of Political Trust among Immigrants
Authors: Superti Chiara , Gidron Noam
Published: January 2021

Scholars have argued that immigrants’ trust in institutions is the result of the exposure to host-country institutions but also shaped by past experiences in the country of origin. These experiences create a “home-country point of reference,” a political/institutional memory that becomes the relevant comparison for any political/institutional interaction in the host country. We develop further this concept and unpack its key determinants—the age at migration and the historical conditions of the home country at the specific time of migration. Only those immigrants who were too old to forget the historical and contextual features of the country-of-origin institutions at the time of migration will rely on this comparison when interacting with institutions in the host country. Across time, there is both a continuous positive/negative accumulation of trust for the host-country institutions among those with less/more democratic points of reference. We examine immigrants’ political trust using survey evidence from Israel.
Evaluation of the selection of proper metro and tram vehicle for urban transportation by using a novel integrated MCDM approach
Authors: Görçün Ömer Faruk
Published: January 2021

This paper presents a novel integrated multi-criteria decision-making model consists of the CRITIC (CRiteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation) technique and the EDAS (The Evaluation based on Distance from Average Solution) method to evaluate the selection of the urban rail vehicles operated in the public transport systems. In order to determine the selection criteria in a more realistic perspective, a board of experts consists of seven members, who perform as senior executives in the public transport institutions of the country, was constructed and many round tables meetings were organized with together the members of the board for determining the procedure to follow to reach meaningful and applicable results. At the beginning of the research, approximately fifty selection criteria were determined by the research team and some of them were eliminated during the preparation process of this study. Finally, 22 factors were determined as the selection criteria, which will be used in this research. These factors are the selection criteria directly or indirectly affecting the selection process and results. Also, rail tram types currently operated in the various cities of Turkey were determined as decision alternatives. These options were evaluated by using the proposed integrated MCDM approach. When the obtained results are evaluated, it can be seen that the proposed model has the potential to give very successful results for evaluating the selection process of the urban rail systems. Moreover, it can be implemented as a decision support system by decision-makers, who perform in the public transport authorities. Finally, it can also be applied for decision-making problems faced in the various fields.
Robust optimization approach to emergency mobile facility routing
Authors: Li Jianxun , Lai Kin Keung , Fu Yelin , Shen Hai
Published: January 2021

Emergency events such as natural disasters, environmental events, sudden illness, and social security events pose tremendous threats to people’s lives and property security. In order to meet emergency service demands by rationally allocating mobile facilities, an emergency mobile facility routing model is proposed to maximize the total served demand by the available mobile facilities. Based on the uninterruptible feature of emergency services, the model abstracts emergency events act as a combination of multiple uncertain variables. To overcome the computational difficulty, a robust optimization approach and genetic algorithm are employed to obtain solutions. Illustrative examples show that it provides an effective method for solving the emergency mobile facility routing problem, and that the risk factor and penalty factor of the model can further guide decision-making.
Engineering application and study on polyurethane-corrugated steel plate insulation lining of existing railway tunnel in seasonal frozen area
Authors: Cui Guangyao , Wang Xuelai
Published: January 2021

In order to solve the problem of freezing damage treatment and anti-freezing design for railway tunnels in operation in the seasonal frozen area, this paper proposes a polyurethane-corrugated steel plate insulation lining, and studies its thermal insulation effect, relying on a freezing damage treatment project of an existing passenger-dedicated tunnel for on-site application. In this paper, the insulation lining is applied to the actual project and the insulation effect is verified by the field monitoring. The temperature test section was set in the anti-freezing design section. The polyurethane-corrugated steel plate insulation lining proposed in this paper is mainly composed of corrugated steel plate, polyurethane insulation layer and waterproof layer. The polyurethane-corrugated steel insulation lining is applied by using self-made rail flat battery car, door-type scaffolding, arch slide and other construction equipments. The on-site temperature test shows that the insulation effect is obvious. The polyurethane-corrugated steel plate insulation lining has the advantages of fast construction speed, good thermal insulation effect, preventing concrete from peeling off blocks, easy removal and replacement. According to the field temperature test, under the natural temperature outside the tunnel from −18°C to −22°C in winter of 2018–2020, the temperature of the interface between surrounding rock and lining of the tunnel monitoring sections are all above 0°C so that the freezing damage is eliminated from the root. Research results can provide a theoretical basis for the anti-freezing projects of tunnels in seasonal frozen area.
Robust finite frequency H∞ control for Lipschitz nonlinear systems
Authors: Saad Wajdi , Sellami Anis
Published: January 2021

This paper is concerned with the [Formula: see text] control problem for Lipschitz nonlinear systems in the finite-frequency domain. Both parameter uncertainties and external disturbances are considered. In contrast to existing full-frequency methods, the proposed approach takes into account of the frequency information of disturbances during the design proceeding. Sufficient analysis conditions for the closed-loop system are firstly derived. Then, synthesis conditions are formulated in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). In fact, the control gain is designed to attenuate the influence of disturbances in different frequency ranges (low, middle and high). Finally, the model of the Chua circuit is used to validate the effectiveness of the proposed finite-frequency approach and to prove its superiority compared to the full-frequency counterpart.
A Behavioral-Analytic Model for Assessing Stress in Firefighters
Authors: Schuhmann Bailee B. , Henderson Sarah N. , Black Ryan A. , Van Hasselt Vincent B. , Klimley Margres Kristin , Masias Estefania V. , LeDuc Todd J.
Published: January 2021

Research has documented a number of acute and chronic stressors unique to the fire service. Due to the rise in mental health concerns in firefighters, there has been increased awareness of the negative effects of unmanaged stress. The present study employed a behavioral-analytic model to construct a brief screening measure of stress for this population: the Firefighter Assessment of Stress Test (FAST). Psychometric properties of the FAST were evaluated using data from active-duty firefighters throughout the United States. Results indicated the FAST has good internal reliability ( α = 0.89), as well as good convergent and discriminant validity. Also, the factor structure of the FAST revealed three significant subscales reflective of stress associated with responding to calls, administrative difficulties, and being overworked. Scoring and interpretation guidelines were established to suggest when further assessment is warranted. The FAST offers a brief and valid method of self-assessment of current stress levels in firefighters. Information obtained from the FAST (i.e., overall stress level and domains) has the potential to facilitate more immediate identification and recognition of stress in firefighters than what has been possible to date. Moreover, heightened awareness of stress and its effects will hopefully culminate in expanded efforts directed toward stress reduction and intervention for firefighters and their families.
“We Ask for More Than We Give Back”: Negotiating the Boundaries of Informal Childcare Arrangements
Authors: Cosson Barbara , Cook Kay , Brady Michelle
Published: January 2021

There is an assumption that childcare services and workplace flexibility policies enable a seamless shift between childcare and work. Similarly, there is an assumption that informal care arrangements will be relatively seamless as the norm of reciprocity is assumed to bind families together through the bonds of love and affection. Monetary exchange for this work is seen to demean the caring relationship, but this does not mean “costs” are absent. Drawing on the work of Viviana Zelizer, this article examines how parents negotiate informal care arrangements, identifying the “payments” that differentiate family from friend care. The analysis focuses on parents working nonstandard and variable hours who were part of a broader project examining childcare flexibility, which also involved childcare providers and policymakers. This article identifies the relational work involved in the maintenance of informal care relationships and how they are negotiated when parents “ask for more than they give.”